Author Leigh Bardugo Discusses “Ninth House” Trilogy Inspiration in New Haven
Author Leigh Bardugo discussed her "Ninth House" supernatural horror trilogy, which draws inspiration from Yale University and New Haven, during a book talk at Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven. The event, held around the release of the…
Hartford & New Haven, CT, September 18, 2026 — Author Leigh Bardugo recently spoke at Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven, focusing on the inspirations behind her popular “Ninth House” supernatural horror trilogy. The event took place around the release of the series’ final installment, titled “Dead Beat.”
During the book talk, Bardugo delved into her creative process for crafting the “Ninth House” world. A significant element of her discussion revolved around the influence of Yale University and the city of New Haven itself on the fictional universe she developed.
The author explained how real-world New Haven landmarks and the secretive nature of Yale’s undergraduate societies served as foundational elements for the narrative and setting of her supernatural horror series. These real-world inspirations were reportedly woven into the fabric of the fictional universe, contributing to its depth and atmosphere.
The “Ninth House” trilogy is set at Yale University, a fictional version of which is home to magical secret societies. The series follows Galaxy “Alex” Stern, a freshman with the ability to see ghosts, who is tasked with monitoring the nefarious activities of these societies.
The specific New Haven landmarks that informed the trilogy and the particular Yale secret societies that provided inspiration were not detailed in the summary of the event. Bardugo’s discussion aimed to provide attendees with insight into how her surroundings shaped her storytelling, particularly in the development of the intricate lore and complex characters that define the “Ninth House” series.
The release of “Dead Beat” marks the conclusion of the “Ninth House” trilogy. The event offered fans and interested parties an opportunity to learn more about the author’s methods and the unique blend of real-world inspiration and supernatural fiction that characterizes her work.
Story summarized from the original created by Janday Wilson on www.newhavenindependent.org, see more information here.
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