The Parasite: A Story

Name: The Parasite: A Story
Price: 12.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781973861454

✍️ Arthur Conan Doyle

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$12.00

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A skeptical student falls under the spell of a psychic woman in this early supernatural tale.

This narrative examines the vulnerability of the rational mind when confronted with unexplained phenomena. Gilroy’s journey from observer to victim highlights the terrifying potential of mental manipulation. The text does not rely on traditional ghosts but rather on the insidious nature of psychic control. Readers will find a study in how doubt can be weaponized against the self. The plot moves steadily toward a tragic conclusion driven by character interaction rather than external monsters.

Key Themes

psychic manipulation scientific skepticism mental domination

Literary Context

Published in 2017 by Createspace, this edition republishes Arthur Conan Doyle’s work. It sits within the tradition of gothic and supernatural fiction, reflecting late nineteenth-century interests in physiology and the occult as explored through the lens of a skeptical protagonist.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

M.R. James · Sheridan Le Fanu · H.P. Lovecraft · Edgar Allan Poe

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2017 📖 88 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781973861454

📝 Description: The Parasite: A Story

Arthur Conan Doyle presents a chilling tale in The Parasite, focusing on Austin Gilroy, a young physiology student with a skeptical mind. His fiancée Agatha becomes the catalyst for his descent into the occult when they visit Miss Penclosa, a woman with psychic abilities and a crippled leg. Introduced by a professor studying the supernatural, Gilroy initially attends these gatherings to observe the physical mechanics of her powers rather than believe in them. Miss Penclosa develops an obsessive attachment to Gilroy, using her mental influence to force him into affectionate gestures against his will. When he rejects her advances and loses his temper, she retaliates with cruel tricks that erode his sanity. The narrative follows his psychological unraveling as he struggles to maintain control over his actions and thoughts under her relentless pressure. The story culminates in a disturbing scene where Gilroy finds himself in Agatha’s room, carrying a bottle of sulfuric acid, driven by forces beyond his comprehension. This work appeals to readers interested in early supernatural fiction and the intersection of science and mysticism. It may not suit those seeking straightforward adventure or modern horror tropes. Doyle’s background as a creator of detective fiction adds a unique analytical lens to this exploration of mental domination and fear.

💎 Our verdict on The Parasite: A Story

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Doyle delivers a chilling tale that effectively examines the fragility of the skeptical mind against psychic influence. By focusing on Austin Gilroy’s psychological unraveling rather than relying on conventional scares, the book creates a sustained atmosphere of dread. The integration of physiological observation with occult horror offers a distinctive perspective rarely seen in standard ghost stories. This approach suits readers who prefer intellectual horror and character studies over action-driven plots. While it may disappoint those seeking straightforward adventure or modern tropes, it succeeds as a nuanced exploration of mental manipulation. The analytical tone derived from Doyle’s detective fiction background enhances the narrative’s tension, making it a valuable addition for connoisseurs of early psychological horror.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in the intersection of science and mysticism will find this text compelling, particularly those who appreciate early supernatural fiction that avoids traditional ghostly tropes in favor of psychological dread. It appeals to admirers of Arthur Conan Doyle’s lesser-known works, offering a unique analytical lens on mental domination and fear. Those fascinated by character-driven horror where the terror stems from internal unraveling rather than external monsters will gain significantly. The narrative provides a study in how doubt can be weaponized, making it ideal for audiences seeking a chilling exploration of the vulnerability of the rational mind when confronted with unexplained phenomena.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Doyle delivers a chilling tale that effectively examines the fragility of the skeptical mind against psychic influence. By focusing on Austin Gilroy’s psychological unraveling rather than relying on conventional scares, the book creates a sustained atmosphere of dread. The integration of physiological observation with occult horror offers a distinctive perspective rarely seen in standard ghost stories. This approach suits readers who prefer intellectual horror and character studies over action-driven plots. While it may disappoint those seeking straightforward adventure or modern tropes, it succeeds as a nuanced exploration of mental manipulation. The analytical tone derived from Doyle’s detective fiction background enhances the narrative’s tension, making it a valuable addition for connoisseurs of early psychological horror.