👻 Ghost Stories

Numb

✍️ Yolanda Sfetsos
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$14.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A psychological horror about a girl fighting demonic possession from within her own mind.

This novel focuses on the internal terror of losing one's sanity while searching for a missing parent. Chester’s journey is defined by the struggle to distinguish between her own thoughts and an external demonic influence. The narrative emphasizes the instability of trust within a blended family, showing how fear erodes relationships with step-parents and siblings. By uncovering secrets in a journal, Chester confronts the possibility that she holds the key to both her mother’s disappearance and her own salvation. The story avoids conventional jump scares in favor of sustained psychological tension.

Key Themes
demons missing mother family bonds
Literary Context

Published by Anuci Press in 2024, this work sits within the contemporary young adult horror genre. It draws on traditions of psychological thriller and supernatural fiction to explore modern teenage anxiety. The narrative reflects current interests in mental health awareness and the complexities of blended family structures in American literature.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Richard Matheson · Shirley Jackson · Stephen King's The Shining · Poppy Z. Brite
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Anuci Press 📅 2024 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798990503359

📝 Description: Numb

Yolanda Sfetsos presents a psychological horror narrative centered on Chester, a teenager grappling with auditory hallucinations that intensify after her mother vanishes without a trace. The story examines the terrifying reality of demonic possession as an internal struggle rather than a supernatural event occurring in a haunted location. Chester must manage her deteriorating mental state while navigating complex family dynamics involving a stepmother attempting to protect her and a supportive stepbrother whose bond is fracturing under pressure. The plot progresses as Chester discovers her mother’s journal, seeking clues to locate the missing parent. This discovery leads her to an unexpected realization regarding the source of her torment. Sfetsos, known for portraying teenage angst and fear within supernatural contexts, structures the narrative to highlight the confusion young people face when caught in their parents' hidden battles. The book suits readers interested in character-driven horror and family secrets. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional ghost stories or external monster attacks.

💎 Our verdict on Numb

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Sfetsos delivers a tense, introspective horror experience that prioritizes the internal landscape of its protagonist over external scares. By framing demonic possession as an attack on Chester’s mind rather than her physical surroundings, the author creates a claustrophobic atmosphere where trust is the primary casualty. The book excels in depicting the fracturing bond between step-siblings and the struggle to distinguish reality from hallucination. It is best suited for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological dread and character studies within horror settings. Those expecting traditional hauntings or clear-cut supernatural resolutions may find the ambiguity frustrating, but fans of cerebral terror will recognize this as a strong contribution to the genre's exploration of mental health.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a deeply unsettling exploration of sanity will find this book compelling for its unique approach to the possession trope. It appeals to those who prefer sustained psychological tension over conventional jump scares or external monster attacks. Fans of character-driven horror and stories involving complex family dynamics, particularly within blended families, will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of fear eroding relationships. The narrative offers insight into the confusion young people face when navigating hidden parental battles, making it suitable for audiences interested in the intersection of teenage angst and supernatural dread without relying on traditional ghost story mechanics.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Sfetsos delivers a tense, introspective horror experience that prioritizes the internal landscape of its protagonist over external scares. By framing demonic possession as an attack on Chester’s mind rather than her physical surroundings, the author creates a claustrophobic atmosphere where trust is the primary casualty. The book excels in depicting the fracturing bond between step-siblings and the struggle to distinguish reality from hallucination. It is best suited for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological dread and character studies within horror settings. Those expecting traditional hauntings or clear-cut supernatural resolutions may find the ambiguity frustrating, but fans of cerebral terror will recognize this as a strong contribution to the genre's exploration of mental health.

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