Another book review | Matt Shaw | Buried

Book reviews were not something I thought I'd ever branch into. I made an exception for The Nightmares Truth and Graveyard City partly because the author is an old friend, but also because I loved. However, I found that I really enjoyed writing about them, you guys seemed to like them, and it motivated to to start reading more which is something I've been trying to do.

It’s not really the time of year for horror - but I love all year round, so that’s what I ended up reading! Part of my monthly goals has been to read more, and my latest read was Buried, by a writer called Matt Shaw. Whilst there is a large element of horror  this is more on the side of suspense and mystery, and a little bit psychological too.

The day after his 21st birthday, the main protagonist, Todd wakes to find himself trapped in a box. With nothing but broken memories Todd tries desperately to piece together what happened, who buried him and why. All while trying to combat claustrophobia and increasing doubts that anyone is coming to rescue him.

Written totally from Todd's perspective multiple memories are thrown at you, some good, some bad, many are slightly jumbled, but all become clearer as you read on. The jumbled nature of the memories is clearly an intentional aspect, and helps to portray the panic and confusion that would clearly be present if anyone were in the same situation!

A million different thoughts and emotions pass through Todd's mind, his parents are rich, so will they pay the ransom? Is there even a ransom? He perceives himself as the least favorite child, falling second to his sister, so worries that they won't. There is a blurred line between his present situation and his memories and they intermingle quite a lot.

The story has a fast pace, and doesn't get stagnant - which I'd worried it might, as its literally set in a box! I won't spoil it, but the end absolutely blew me away. It wasn't something I'd even remotely seen coming, and yet with the build up and context behind it also made perfect sense.

I was totally sucked in with this book, and whilst I didn't read it in a single sitting, you certainly could if you had the time. If you are looking for a short psychological horror I'd recommend giving this one a read.

Do you have any suggestions for my next read?