Review of Stir of Echoes by Richard Matheson
A.E. Jackson Review Score: 3 / 5 Ravens
How was this review scored?
One of my first introductions to Richard Matheson came through Kevin Bacon and the film ‘Stir of Echoes.’ Set in a contemporary, close-knit, brownstone community the film was creepy, unsettling, and shocking. All the things I loved!
Little did I know that the original story was written by the man who would become one of my favorite authors of all time. When I started on the path to write uncanny fiction, and I researched some of the masters, his name kept popping up. He’d written many of the scripts for some of my favorite horror and science fiction films. Often it was his short story that the movie was based upon.
Richard Matheson, the award-winning author of Hell House and I Am Legend, delivers an eerie ghost story that inspired the 1999 film starring Kevin Bacon. Yes - that Kevin Bacon.
Everyman Tom Wallace led an ordinary life, until psychic abilities he never knew he possessed were awakened. Now Tom hears the private thoughts of the people around him - and he learns shocking secrets he never wanted to know.
Tom's existence becomes a waking nightmare! He soon becomes the unwilling recipient of a compelling message from beyond the grave!
The tale starts slow and boring, to be honest. But that prosaic introduction gives readers the feel of life - such as it is - for Tom Wallce. He is the everyman. Just like the reader holding the small book, Tom leads the work-a-day life, small house he owes big on, and a marriage that is just fine. Nothing to shout about, nothing to flee from.
Then, as is the case with the best uncanny fiction, things turn weird. Fast. Once the train is out of the station - and rattling along the roller coaster tracks set down by Matheson - the reader is locked in for a smooth, but terrifying ride.
If, like most, you came to the book after the film - things are going to be different. Not better, not worse. But noticeably different. Still, the sudden jump scares that jolted movie goers in theaters are present. They creep up on readers with building suspense until Matheson unleashes a torrent of action that leaves readers shaken. But wanting more!
Richard Matheson, born 1926 and deceased 2013, was the author of so many classic novels and short stories. He is the favorite writer many readers never heard of. Matheson covered a variety of genres including terror, fantasy, horror, paranormal, suspense, science fiction and even western.
He wrote for television (including The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Star Trek), numerous feature films, and of course a plethora of books. The best known of Matheson’s novels and stories to have been made into movies include I Am Legend, Somewhere in Time, and Shrinking Man.
Winner of the World Fantasy and Bram Stoker Awards for Lifetime Achievement, the Hugo Award, Edgar Award, Spur Award for Best Western Novel, Writer’s Guild awards, and a 2010 inductee into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.
Read more from Richard Matheson at https://us.macmillan.com/author/richardmatheson
You won’t find him on social media, but there is an excellent Facebook Group you should consider joining - He is Legend: Richard Matheson Fan Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2226871500)