Ninety Eight Point Eight
A mother hides her dangerous son in a padded basement room.
Krista Candela writes Ninety Eight Point Eight, a psychological horror novel that examines the dark side of maternal protection. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, focusing on Oliver, a young man confined to a basement with padded walls. His mother keeps him locked away because she believes he has become too strong and dangerous for the outside world. She maintains this isolation by forging a death certificate, effectively erasing his official existence from society. The story shifts when Case Officer Kim arrives to investigate the discrepancy between Oliver’s disappearance and his mother’s claims. This intrusion forces the family into a desperate plan to keep Oliver hidden forever. The text explores how prolonged isolation and hunger alter behavior, turning a protective environment into a prison. Candela structures the plot to build tension slowly, leading readers toward a shocking revelation that challenges their understanding of the events described. This book suits readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers involving family secrets and confinement. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or supernatural monsters. The narrative relies on the psychological dynamics between the mother and her imprisoned son rather than external threats.
Published in 2025 by Independently Published, this work sits within the contemporary horror genre. It draws on traditions of domestic gothic fiction where the home becomes a site of terror. The narrative reflects modern anxieties about family dynamics and the fragility of legal identities.
📝 Description: Ninety Eight Point Eight
💎 Our verdict on Ninety Eight Point Eight
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers seeking a slow-burn psychological thriller will find this book deeply compelling. It offers an intense examination of the dark side of maternal love, where protection becomes a prison. The narrative structure, utilizing multiple perspectives, allows for a gradual unraveling of truth and deception. Those who appreciate tension built through confinement and family dynamics rather than external threats will engage with the psychological weight of Oliver’s isolation. The story challenges perceptions of reality and sanity, providing a thought-provoking experience for fans of literary horror that prioritizes character psychology over action.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Candela crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere through the confined setting of the padded basement. The novel excels in building tension via the psychological interplay between the mother and her imprisoned son, rather than relying on supernatural elements. By introducing Case Officer Kim, the narrative shifts from static isolation to active danger, forcing desperate measures. This approach suits fans of domestic noir who enjoy unraveling complex family secrets. While it lacks fast-paced action, its strength lies in the unsettling exploration of hunger, power, and control within a familial bond.
📖 Read on the blog
✍️ More books by this author Krista Candela
🏛 Books from this publisher Independently Published
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.
