Reprieve

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A chilling and relevant literary novel of social horror centers on a brutal killing in a full-contact haunted escape room, exploring themes of capitalism, hate politics, racial fetishism, and our obsession with fear as entertainment. On April 27, 1997, four contestants reach the final cell of the infamous Quigley House in Lincoln, Nebraska, known for its monstrosities and ghoulish actors. If they can endure the horrors without saying the safe word, "reprieve," they'll win a substantial cash prize, a feat achieved by only one other group in the house's history. However, their challenge is interrupted when a man breaks in and kills one contestant. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Kendra Brown, a teenager uprooted after her father's death; Leonard Grandton, a desperate hotel manager caught in toxic relationships; and Jaidee Charoensuk, a gay international student searching for his former English teacher. As their stories intertwine, underlying deceits and prejudices emerge, forcing them to confront how their beliefs and actions contributed to a horrific event. This exploration of complicity and masquerade combines psychological tension with social criticism, weaving together trial transcripts, evidence descriptions, and layered narratives to present a chilling portrait of American life.