By KEVIN HOOVER
The delicate fibers of the human psyche are consecrated grounds for most. However, daring fiction fans willing to unlock their inner sanctum and invite in the torture, dread and trauma of psychological horror literature now have something new to keep them up at night. Filmmaker and author James M. Watjen’s debut novella THE VERMIN SLEEP (Nightmare Press) – now available for pre-order – creates a dark and unsettling story that delves into the seedy underbelly of Chicago during the 90s. In seeking inspiration for his first venture into the literary world, Watjen drew from the works of King, Romero, and Lustig. An innate ability to breathe life and infuse a heartbeat into syllabic prose has won him the acclaim of fellow writers and beta readers, and from the artist who clinched “Best First Time Director” at the 2024 Chicago Horror Film Festival, THE VERMIN SLEEP may just do for the page what his filmed work has done for the screen.
The book’s synopsis reads:
Alex, a set builder by day and a vigilante by night, has a secret mission: to protect the innocent from the predators lurking in the light. But when a sinister director sets his sights on a child actor, Alex’s twisted form of redemption becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse. Will he save her before it’s too late? Or will the shadows consume them both?
Says Watjen about his debut novella: “As an avid fan of horror and true crime, I wanted to create a story that smashed the two genres together. A concept that created a tension filled ride through the eyes of someone trying to reconcile their past with the current harsh realities of others. I think THE VERMIN SLEEP creates an atmosphere of dread that pays homage to the slashers of the 80s, while still honoring the dramatic crime fictions of the present day. I think fans of retro slashers and true crime are going to really enjoy what this book has hiding within its pages.”
THE VERMIN SLEEP, written by James M. Watjen and published by Nightmare Press, is now available for pre-order.
