Schism: A Psychological Thriller [Kindle Edition]

Andrew Biss (Author)

Book Description

A New Psychological Thriller from Award-Winning Author Andrew Biss

As a boy, Horatio Higgins was ignored by the other children, but that didn't stop him having lots of friends...friends only he could see and whom he'd regale with tales of his fantastical exploits. Eventually, though, his parents became concerned at the inordinate amount of time their son appeared to spend talking to himself and took him for treatment, which, in time, proved successful...almost. One friend remained. Unfortunately it was the spiteful one.

Years later, living alone in his tiny London flat, Horatio's loneliness is mitigated only by his acid-tongued friend and the company of what he affectionately refers to as "my wife". After losing his job, however, his life begins a rapid downward spiral...that is, until he meets a sweet, impressionable young woman named Nore. As their relationship lurches unsteadily forward, Horatio finds himself struggling against a riptide of conflicting realities he's ill-equipped to cope with. Can Nore save him from himself or will she, too, be dragged into a world where the line between fantasy and reality becomes increasingly and perilously blurred?

Weaving together dark humour with shocking, unsettling twists, Schism is sure to stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Please Note: This book contains adult subject matter, including scenes of violence and strong language.

Approximately 25,000 words (100pp.)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Terror, neglect, and mind-games are in great supply in this novel about a disturbed young man's struggle with reality and the new woman in his life...The author's reputation as a mechanic of innovative plots is a big draw for me with this book. Do yourself a favor and check it out!" --Kindle Fire Department

"My favourite movie of all times was The Silence of the Lambs because I love psychological thrillers. I also like to delve into the mind of others, so for me, this was a perfect read! It is not only dark, but it is quite humorous at times. Fantastic!" -Amazon Review

"A masterpiece...Gripping...Captivating...If you enjoy a good thriller book, this is it. Highly recommended." --Author R.J. Parker

"A very good psychological thriller. I'd recommend it!" --Amazon Review

"Both repelling and addictive; like a car accident you can't look away from... What a great find!" --Amazon Review

From the Author

If you're looking for something in the action/adventure thriller genre, I'd advise that Schism is most likely not for you. If, however, you're looking for a psychological thriller - i.e., one that lays emphasis on the exploration of character over plot - then this may be just what you're looking for. If you're prepared to take the ride, Schism will lead you into some of the darker recesses of the human mind and soul. You have been warned.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 247 KB
• Print Length: 95 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1468015419
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Vacancy Books (October 31, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0061VYT8G
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,559 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Humorous, disturbing, gruesome, but you won't be able to stop February 2, 2012

By J. Clark

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book, but I knew going in that it wasn't for the faint of heart. It's deeply disturbing, and will draw you in quickly.

The story is about Horatio, a very disturbed individual. He is so far removed from reality and is a social misfit, to say the least. Most of the conversation in this book is between Horatio and his imaginary "friend" and his "wife" (a blow up doll.) It's very well written and, in spite of its dark themes, is quite humorous. A very good psychological thriller. I'd recommend it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Favorite June 14, 2012

By J. Miller

Format:Kindle Edition

I have read a lot of this author's work, and I've pretty much liked everything, but this is by far my favorite! I know...I'm probably twisted or something. LOL

In my opinion no one I've read does dialog better than this writer...read A Mouthful of Ashes and you will know what I mean. But this surpasses even that. How he could get inside this guy's head and have so much inner dialog going on was astonishing. It really was as if you were experiencing what it is like to be insane. It was skillfully done.

People may say it isn't a thriller in the traditional sense. But I couldn't put it down. That sounds pretty thrilling to me.

And, like all of his work, it kept me thinking long after it was over. The ending was very satisfying to me. I didn't need blanks filled in. I knew exactly what went on and who was who.

There are also places that were laugh out loud funny, even though you wouldn't think you would find that in this type of book. But he pulled that off too. Very brilliant writer and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC! June 2, 2012

By Manuel Abascal

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A Thrilling adventure that slowly drags you into the mind of a troubled man. Humorous and dark. Great established relationships and full of discoveries. Here is a book that will keep your jaw open at the turn of every page. Worth every cent!

More About the Author

Andrew Biss is an award-winning author and playwright whose work has received critical acclaim in both the U.S. and the U.K. In 2011 he was named as a finalist for the prestigious Heideman Award. He is a graduate of the University of the Arts London and a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, Inc.

Please visit him at:

www.andrewbiss.blogspot.com
www.andrewbiss.com
On Twitter: @TarkaTheOrator