Scissors

Name: Scissors
Price: 21.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781497643383

✍️ Ray Garton

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$21.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A man faces his traumatic childhood doctor who returns to harm his son.

The narrative focuses on Stuart Mullond, a divorced and unemployed father whose life is upended by the reappearance of Dr. Ferguson. This physician, responsible for a deeply humiliating urological procedure during Stuart’s youth, now targets Stuart’s teenage son. The story explores the terrifying blurring of nightmares into reality, as the doctor retains his youthful appearance and sharp tools. Garton uses this premise to examine how early trauma can haunt an individual decades later, turning memory into a tangible threat. The plot does not rely on supernatural entities but on the very real fear of medical abuse and the helplessness of a parent watching their child face a familiar monster.

Key Themes

medical abuse childhood trauma father son conflict

Literary Context

Published by Open Road Media in 2014, this edition represents a revival of Ray Garton’s work for contemporary American readers. It fits within the modern landscape of horror fiction that revisits classic tropes of medical fear and psychological dread, appealing to audiences who appreciate character-focused narratives over pure gore.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Stephen King · Peter Straub · Clive Barker

👻

Ghost Stories

🏛 Open Road Media 📅 2014 📖 312 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781497643383

📝 Description: Scissors

Ray Garton delivers a psychological horror narrative centered on Stuart Mullond, whose childhood trauma stems from a humiliating medical procedure performed by Dr. Ferguson. The story follows Stuart as an adult struggling with unemployment and a strained relationship with his teenage son. His past resurfaces when the doctor reappears in reality rather than nightmares, bringing with him the same sharp scissors and intent to repeat the violation on Stuart’s child. The text draws upon traditions of body horror and psychological thriller genres, focusing on the lingering effects of medical abuse. Garton structures the plot around the tension between memory and present danger, illustrating how unresolved trauma can manifest as immediate physical threat. The narrative examines the dynamics of power between doctor and patient, emphasizing the violation of trust inherent in such relationships. This work suits readers interested in character-driven horror that explores the intersection of medical history and personal fear. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted supernatural tales or fast-paced action without emotional weight. The story remains grounded in the specific psychological landscape of its protagonist, offering a stark look at how past wounds can dictate present realities.

💎 Our verdict on Scissors

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Garton effectively blurs the line between nightmare and reality, creating a suspenseful atmosphere grounded in psychological truth rather than supernatural elements. The narrative excels in portraying the specific dynamics of power between doctor and patient, emphasizing the enduring impact of early humiliation. By focusing on Stuart’s internal landscape, the text illustrates how past wounds can manifest as immediate physical threats. This approach suits readers who appreciate slow-burn tension and emotional depth over gratuitous gore. It is a strong choice for those interested in the subgenre of medical horror, offering a chilling look at how trauma persists across decades without resorting to easy scares or plot conveniences.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who prefer character-driven horror over supernatural spectacle will find this narrative compelling. It offers a stark examination of how unresolved childhood trauma can dictate adult reality, transforming memory into tangible danger. Those interested in the psychology of medical abuse and the violation of trust within professional relationships will appreciate the tension between memory and present peril. The story provides an emotional weight often missing from fast-paced action thrillers, focusing instead on the helplessness of a parent facing a familiar monster. It is ideal for audiences seeking to understand the intersection of personal fear and historical wounds without relying on genre clichés.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Garton effectively blurs the line between nightmare and reality, creating a suspenseful atmosphere grounded in psychological truth rather than supernatural elements. The narrative excels in portraying the specific dynamics of power between doctor and patient, emphasizing the enduring impact of early humiliation. By focusing on Stuart’s internal landscape, the text illustrates how past wounds can manifest as immediate physical threats. This approach suits readers who appreciate slow-burn tension and emotional depth over gratuitous gore. It is a strong choice for those interested in the subgenre of medical horror, offering a chilling look at how trauma persists across decades without resorting to easy scares or plot conveniences.