🧠 Psychological Horror

Kansas City Star

✍️ Matthew Gene
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$13.95
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A children's TV host becomes a vessel for dark forces in this psychological thriller.

This novel focuses on the gradual corruption of Jake Walker, a public figure trusted by his community. Abi, a producer who knows him well, detects the shift in his personality and discovers the source of his change. The narrative details her efforts to understand the mechanics of the possession and the scope of the threat. Chris joins her investigation, revealing layers of secrecy within their social circle. The plot emphasizes the tension between public image and private reality. It highlights the fear of losing control over one's own mind and actions. The story does not rely on jump scares but rather on creeping dread.

Key Themes
possession small town secrets betrayal
Literary Context

Published in late 2024 by Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, this work fits into the contemporary American horror genre. It utilizes the setting of Kansas City to ground its supernatural elements in a recognizable reality. The story appeals to readers interested in modern psychological thrillers that blend domestic settings with eerie occurrences.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Stephen King · Shirley Jackson · Dean Koontz · H.P. Lovecraft
🧠
Psychological Horror
🏛 Progressive Rising Phoenix Press 📅 2024 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781958640715

📝 Description: Kansas City Star

Matthew Gene’s Kansas City Star presents a psychological thriller centered in Evergreen, a quiet community near Kansas City. The narrative follows Jake Walker, a beloved children's television host whose demeanor shifts from warm to cold and unsettling. His friends and neighbors notice disturbing changes in his behavior, prompting local producer Abi to investigate. She uncovers a mysterious device hidden in his home that acts as a conduit for a dark force controlling him. This entity transforms Jake into a dangerous figure with sinister plans to dominate the town. Abi allies with her old friend Chris to expose the truth behind this transformation. They work against time to stop the malevolent influence before it consumes Evergreen completely. Gene, the author, explores how familiar faces can conceal unimaginable evil. The story draws on traditions of supernatural fiction and psychological horror. It examines themes of trust, betrayal, and hidden corruption within small-town settings. Readers who enjoy tense character-driven mysteries will find this compelling. Those seeking lighthearted entertainment or fast-paced action may prefer other genres. The book offers a gripping look at the erosion of identity and the threat of unseen powers.

💎 Our verdict on Kansas City Star

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Matthew Gene delivers a chilling exploration of hidden corruption through the gradual transformation of Jake Walker. The novel excels in building atmosphere rather than relying on shock tactics, creating a sense of creeping dread that permeates every scene. Gene effectively juxtaposes the warmth of a children's television host against the cold reality of his possession, making the betrayal feel personal and immediate. This approach suits readers who prefer psychological horror over visceral gore or supernatural spectacle. The investigation led by Abi provides a grounded perspective, allowing the audience to piece together the mechanics of the threat alongside the characters. It is a solid entry for fans of cosmic and psychological horror who value slow-burn tension.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a tense, character-driven mystery will find this compelling as it examines trust and betrayal within a seemingly safe community. The book offers a gripping look at the erosion of identity and the threat of unseen powers without relying on cheap jump scares. It suits those who appreciate creeping dread over fast-paced action or lighthearted entertainment. By focusing on the gradual corruption of a trusted public figure, it highlights the terrifying possibility that familiar faces can conceal unimaginable evil. The narrative emphasizes the tension between public image and private reality, appealing to fans of supernatural fiction who enjoy psychological depth and atmospheric storytelling.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Matthew Gene delivers a chilling exploration of hidden corruption through the gradual transformation of Jake Walker. The novel excels in building atmosphere rather than relying on shock tactics, creating a sense of creeping dread that permeates every scene. Gene effectively juxtaposes the warmth of a children's television host against the cold reality of his possession, making the betrayal feel personal and immediate. This approach suits readers who prefer psychological horror over visceral gore or supernatural spectacle. The investigation led by Abi provides a grounded perspective, allowing the audience to piece together the mechanics of the threat alongside the characters. It is a solid entry for fans of cosmic and psychological horror who value slow-burn tension.

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