🩸 Horror Fiction

The Hidden Lives of Dick & Mary: Two Novellas of Supernatural Suspense

✍️ Xavier Poe Kane
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$10.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Two novellas exploring mediumship and alien abduction through the lives of Dick and Mary.

Kane structures this volume as two distinct but thematically linked stories. The first part places a ghost hunting crew at Jefferson Barracks, using military history as a backdrop for supernatural events. The second part shifts focus to Mary Deacon, whose childhood dream of space travel evolves into a nightmare of extraterrestrial contact. The narrative does not rely on jump scares but rather on the psychological toll of these experiences. Dick’s team faces the unknown in a specific Missouri location, while Mary deals with personal isolation and fear. Both protagonists must confront entities that defy normal explanation. The book offers a look at how ordinary people react when their reality is challenged by the paranormal.

Key Themes
mediumship military history alien abduction
Literary Context

This work sits within the contemporary paranormal fiction genre, drawing on American ghost hunting culture and mid-twentieth-century military lore. It reflects a period where supernatural entertainment began merging with reality television formats, grounding the eerie in recognizable settings like St. Louis.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · H.P. Lovecraft · Stephen King
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 C2 Visionary Press 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781087945149

📝 Description: The Hidden Lives of Dick & Mary: Two Novellas of Supernatural Suspense

Debut author Xavier Poe Kane presents a dual narrative in The Hidden Lives of Dick & Mary. The first novella, Haunted Houses: Gateway to the West and the Beyond, centers on Dick Fischer, a medium working with a rookie reality show team. They investigate Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri, uncovering spirits among the military history. The story examines what terrified soldiers who claimed fearlessness, revealing both friendly and hostile entities. The second novella, The Tale of Mary Deacon, follows a young girl obsessed with space. Her desire for cosmic travel leads to invasive abductions as she ages. She must determine whom to trust while navigating these supernatural encounters. Kane blends paranormal suspense with emotional depth. This collection suits readers interested in ghost hunting narratives and personal stories of abduction. It may not appeal to those seeking historical accuracy over supernatural interpretation or readers who prefer traditional horror tropes without character-driven plots.

💎 Our verdict on The Hidden Lives of Dick & Mary: Two Novellas of Supernatural Suspense

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Xavier Poe Kane delivers a compelling dual narrative that explores the fragility of human perception against supernatural forces. By contrasting the historical hauntings of Jefferson Barracks with Mary Deacon’s invasive cosmic encounters, the author creates a rich tapestry of dread. The strength lies in its focus on psychological impact rather than cheap thrills, making the terror feel grounded and personal. This approach suits readers who enjoy ghost hunting narratives blended with abduction themes. However, those seeking strict historical accuracy or fast-paced action may find the pacing deliberate. Ultimately, it is a thoughtful exploration of fear, isolation, and the unknown, rendered with sufficient emotional weight to engage fans of literary horror.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who prefer atmospheric tension over visceral gore will find this collection rewarding. The book appeals to those interested in the psychological toll of supernatural encounters, offering a nuanced look at how ordinary individuals react when their reality is shattered. Fans of character-driven horror, particularly stories involving mediumship and extraterrestrial contact, will appreciate the emotional depth woven into the suspense. It is ideal for audiences seeking a slower burn that prioritizes internal fear and isolation over jump scares or traditional tropes.

⭐ 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

Xavier Poe Kane delivers a compelling dual narrative that explores the fragility of human perception against supernatural forces. By contrasting the historical hauntings of Jefferson Barracks with Mary Deacon’s invasive cosmic encounters, the author creates a rich tapestry of dread. The strength lies in its focus on psychological impact rather than cheap thrills, making the terror feel grounded and personal. This approach suits readers who enjoy ghost hunting narratives blended with abduction themes. However, those seeking strict historical accuracy or fast-paced action may find the pacing deliberate. Ultimately, it is a thoughtful exploration of fear, isolation, and the unknown, rendered with sufficient emotional weight to engage fans of literary horror.

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