🩸 Horror Fiction

The Burning of Matthias Jase

✍️ Gary Budgen
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$10.00
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A loner joins an occult society and triggers supernatural chaos in his town.

This novel examines the intersection of personal obsession and communal horror. Matthias Jase’s descent into the afterworld parallels Detective Angela Morino’s rise into the mystery. The story highlights how isolated individuals can unravel the fabric of their community. Budgen uses the small town setting to amplify the sense of dread. The presence of the Order adds layers of political intrigue within the supernatural framework. Morino’s investigation provides a logical counterpoint to Jase’s irrational choices. The narrative does not resolve neatly, leaving readers with lingering questions about salvation and damnation.

Key Themes
occult secret society supernatural intrusion detective investigation
Literary Context

Published by Gravestone Press in 2023, this work sits within the contemporary American horror tradition. It draws on gothic fiction tropes to explore modern anxieties about isolation and secrecy. The small town setting reflects classic supernatural horror settings found in earlier periods of the genre.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · Thomas Ligotti · Robert Aickman · Silvia Moreno-Garcia
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Gravestone Press 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781786958501

📝 Description: The Burning of Matthias Jase

Gary Budgen’s The Burning of Matthias Jase follows a solitary man who joins an occult secret society. He becomes obsessed with creatures in the town's edgelands. This fascination leads him toward a sacrifice for their salvation. He enters an afterworld governed by a terrible and beautiful goddess. Meanwhile, his hometown suffers from strange intrusions. Rain gives way to fog. A mutilated dog appears near the morgue. The secret Order struggles as members fail to return. Detective Angela Morino investigates Jase’s disappearance. She uncovers the obsessions that drove him forward. As supernatural forces worsen, a deadly confrontation approaches. The stakes for the world remain high throughout this narrative. Budnen writes with precision about isolation and ritual. The story blends gothic atmosphere with supernatural thriller elements. It suits readers who enjoy slow-burn horror and mystery. Those seeking fast-paced action may find the pacing deliberate. The book examines how secret societies influence individual lives. It also explores the consequences of crossing into unknown realms. Budgen’s background in Gravestone Press adds to the grim tone. The narrative structure moves between Jase’s journey and Morino’s investigation. This dual perspective builds tension effectively. The setting remains grounded in a small town despite the supernatural events. Readers interested in occult fiction will appreciate the detailed world-building. The story does not shy away from dark themes. It offers a chilling look at power and sacrifice.

💎 Our verdict on The Burning of Matthias Jase

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Budgen crafts a precise narrative that blends gothic atmosphere with supernatural thriller elements effectively. The dual perspective between Jase’s descent and Morino’s investigation builds tension without relying on cheap scares. The small-town setting amplifies the dread, grounding the cosmic horror in everyday reality. While the deliberate pacing may deter those seeking rapid action, it serves the thematic depth well. The book examines how isolated choices can unravel community fabric, offering a grim yet compelling read. It stands as a strong entry for fans of psychological horror and occult mysteries who value atmospheric buildup over immediate resolution.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate slow-burn horror and atmospheric mystery will find this novel rewarding. It suits those interested in the psychological impact of isolation and the dangers of secret societies. The dual narrative structure offers a compelling contrast between irrational obsession and logical investigation. Fans of gothic fiction and cosmic horror will enjoy the grim tone and deliberate pacing. Those who prefer to ponder themes of salvation and damnation over immediate action will appreciate the lingering questions posed by the story. It is ideal for individuals seeking a thoughtful exploration of communal horror rather than fast-paced thrills.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

Budgen crafts a precise narrative that blends gothic atmosphere with supernatural thriller elements effectively. The dual perspective between Jase’s descent and Morino’s investigation builds tension without relying on cheap scares. The small-town setting amplifies the dread, grounding the cosmic horror in everyday reality. While the deliberate pacing may deter those seeking rapid action, it serves the thematic depth well. The book examines how isolated choices can unravel community fabric, offering a grim yet compelling read. It stands as a strong entry for fans of psychological horror and occult mysteries who value atmospheric buildup over immediate resolution.

🏛 Books from this publisher Gravestone Press

EYES (Paperback Edition)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Dorothy Davies
EYES (Paperback Edition)
$12.00
81
Read →
Keys To The Highway (Paperback Edition)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Dorothy Davies
Keys To The Highway (Paperback Edition)
$13.00
81
Read →
Variety
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Dorothy Davies
Variety
$11.00
78
Read →
Dark Tales - Volume 2
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Dorothy Davies
Dark Tales - Volume 2
$12.00
81
Read →
Once Upon A Scream (paperback edition)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Dorothy Davies
Once Upon A Scream (paperback edition)
$13.00
81
Read →
Ghost Games
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Brooke MacKenzie
Ghost Games
$14.00
78
Read →

You might also like

See more →
Sink Your Teeth Into Christmas
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Dorothy Davies
Sink Your Teeth Into Christmas
$10.00
86
Read →
Tales Told at Midnight
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Liam A Spinage
Tales Told at Midnight
$12.00
86
Read →
Night In Our Veins
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Paul Edwards
Night In Our Veins
$13.00
86
Read →
Monstrous Tales - Volume 3 (Paperback edition)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Dorothy Davies
Monstrous Tales - Volume 3 (Paperback edition)
$13.00
86
Read →
The Nightmare Collector
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
David Berardelli
The Nightmare Collector
$16.00
86
Read →
Hidden
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
David Berardelli
Hidden
$13.00
81
Read →

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.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist