What does one do when they can’t remember what’s real and what’s a fantasy?

Or a nightmare come to life?

In Edward Fleck’s psychological thriller, Stare, we get a glimpse into the life of Jack, who appears to be having bouts of insomnia upon first reading. Not only is he plagued by insomnia, but shadows seem to pester him as well. Living in solitude in a cabin in the woods (wink wink), he hardly ventures outside, afraid of what’s out in the world. An orphan as a child, Jack has no family that he can remember and not too many friends he can count on. Yet, he comes into contact with journalist Tommy, who interviews Jack, carrying a file with him that he allows Jack to read, which opens up his world to more questions and curiosities as it relates to his past that he can barely recall.

Jack believes that the file will help me understand some questions he needs answers to. Instead, Jack finds in that file Dr. Bill Anderson’s name, who Jack thinks will be able to help him with, at the very least, his insomnia, as the shadows now come with screams and cries just outside of his cabin. The doctor visit yields a prescription for medicine that is supposed to help Jack sleep, as the doctor tells Jack that insomnia can lead to hallucinations if it is not managed. But after he visits with the doctor, things start to take a turn for the insane. Murder follows, a possible cover-up, and further disturbing events that take Jack’s life from mundane to a downward spiral. Then an interesting twist takes place, leaving the reader wondering what’s real and what’s all in Jack’s head.

Fleck’s Stare is an interesting tale filled with loneliness that fuels a phobia, manifesting itself through dark thoughts and imagery. You’re reading this story, wondering if what the character is experiencing is real or all in his head. He becomes erratic in behavior but still keeps his kind nature, only seeking answers about his past and what happened to him after his parents’ demise. Although the character is quite wordy, the vocabulary isn’t so unrelatable that you won’t be able to understand it. The chapters are short, so it’s incredibly digestible, and you’re able to read quite a few chapters without realizing it. There are points in the story that can leave more questions than answers, but the later chapters do try to make up for those moments in the story.

Overall, Stare is a story that will leave you feeling disturbed. Perfect if you need something quick to rattle you and love psychological thrills. Stare is available on Amazon.