Horror stories are an important part of Tico folklore. Tormented ghosts like La Llorona and fearsome creatures of the night such as El Cadejo serve as cautionary tales for a traditionally Catholic and God-fearing culture. Ticos enjoy being spooked by a well-told story about the supernatural.

The resurgence of classic horror characters such as vampires and werewolves in the popular literature of the late 20th and early 21st centuries has not gone unnoticed in Costa Rica. Translations of novels by Anne Rice and the teen “Crepúsculo” (Twilight) series are very popular books among Tico readers, and now thanks to American author Clint Romag, Costa Rica has a werewolf to call her own.

Here’s Clint Romag writing from Los Angeles to tell us more about his new book, “Damnation of the Werewolf”, and why he chose Costa Rica as the stage for a showdown between werewolves:

– I’ve had the opportunity to visit Costa Rica twice. The first time was about 15 years ago and I immediately fell in love with the country. It is such a beautiful, lush place and the people are friendly and very welcoming. It is so green and it reminds me a little of Washington State, where I grew up, which is why it’s called the Evergreen State.

– After that first trip, I always wanted to go back and I got my chance about 4 years ago. At that time, I knew that the final book in the series would take place in Costa Rica, so while I was spending time visiting friends and sightseeing, I was also taking notes for the novel. I thought setting the story in Costa Rica would make for a unique novel. I’m hoping to be able to visit again sometime in 2012.

– “Damnation of the Werewolf” is the final book in the Chronicles of a Werewolf series that I have been writing. It is a 5-part horror/suspense series that deals with good and evil, the meaning of life, temptation, God, and the question: What are we supposed to do with the short time we are here on this planet?

– At the start of “Damnation of the Werewolf,” Cameron Rossin, the remorseful hero of the series, believes he is the last werewolf. Unfortunately, he is wrong. Cameron quickly learns that there is another werewolf still alive, an ancient, powerful being who has been living for centuries in Costa Rica. This ancient werewolf plans to spread the curse once again throughout the world. Cameron must travel to Costa Rica to confront this new adversary and learn the source of his power if he has any chance of defeating such a foe. But in finding the answer, Cameron is in danger of being consumed by the curse himself and forever be damned.

– While writing the novel and doing research, Orlando F. Monge -one of my friends in Costa Rica- helped answer all my questions. I wanted to showcase unique locations in Costa Rica and bring the country to life for readers who have never visited. Some of the locations in which the story takes place are: Plaza de la Cultura near the Teatro Nacional, downtown San José, Cartago, Tárcoles River Bridge, the beaches of Manuel Antonio, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora in the Orosí Valley, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, and the Irazú Volcano.

– Some of Costa Rica’s wildlife creatures also play a major part in the story: black vultures, alligators and the coatí.

The Chronicles of a Werewolf series of novels include:

The Werewolf Manuscript
Search For the Werewolf
The Werewolf King
Revenge of the Werewolves
Damnation of the Werewolf