A History of Fear
Currently unavailable
This book is sold out right now. Leave your email — we'll let you know if it comes back, and you'll get 10% off any book today.
In stock now — readers of this book also loved:
A ghostwriter fears his client is the Devil in this Edinburgh-set thriller.
The novel follows Hale, a recent graduate carrying on his father's legacy at the University of Edinburgh. His financial need leads him to ghostwrite for an unknown patron, a choice that awakens his deep-seated terror of Satan. As he writes, the boundary between his imagined fears and reality blurs. The plot hinges on his growing realization that his employer might be the Devil himself. Dumas uses this premise to explore themes of faith, fear, and identity. The story is not about historical analysis but rather a contemporary character study. It focuses on the psychological unraveling of a man who prides himself on atheism yet cannot escape his phobia. The tension builds through Hale's internal monologue and his interactions with the enigmatic stranger.
The story is set in Scotland, specifically at the University of Edinburgh. It draws on the tradition of Gothic fiction by placing a modern protagonist in a historic academic environment. The narrative reflects contemporary anxieties about faith and identity within a secular framework.
📝 Description: A History of Fear
💎 Our verdict on A History of Fear
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This book is ideal for readers who appreciate deep psychological unraveling over traditional jump scares or fast-paced action. It suits those interested in the intersection of academia and supernatural dread, offering a sharp, acerbic narrative voice that dissects the nature of evil through the lens of modern anxiety. Readers who enjoy first-person perspectives that blur the line between internal phobia and external reality will find this compelling. It is specifically tailored for fans of character-driven horror who want to explore themes of faith, fear, and identity without relying on conventional horror tropes or historical analysis.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Dumas crafts a tense, introspective narrative where the protagonist’s satanophobia serves as both plot device and thematic core. The strength lies in its psychological depth, exploring how deep-seated terror can distort perception of reality. The Edinburgh setting provides an appropriate gothic atmosphere for this contemporary character study. While it lacks traditional horror action, its sharp prose and exploration of religious terror make it a compelling read for those seeking substance over spectacle. It is best suited for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers that prioritize internal conflict and philosophical inquiry into the nature of evil.
📖 Read on the blog
📖 From the series “Sterling Mystery”
✍️ More books by this author Luke Dumas
🏛 Books from this publisher Center Point
You might also like
See more →
Have a question about this item?
Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.
