No one likes the idea of being buried alive. Sweating, suffering, losing breath in a small, confined space. A terrifying prospect which is ripe for horror scribes everywhere. Surprisingly, I don't know any author who's attempted it. It works better as a visual plot (see Buried starring Ryan Reynolds or CSI) but in the right hands, it could work as a novel or novella too. Step forward Matt Shaw...we know this guy is diverse, maybe he can pull it off? And he does...sort of.
Todd is a rich kid. Turning twenty-one, he gets a car and is the envy of his little sister, Kayla. Then, he's kidnapped. Told in skewed flashback, where good memories and bad memories intermingle, it's not always clear what is going on. Was Kayla kidnapped before him? Who took him? Will he parents pay the ransom? Questions that dominate Todd as he becomes adjusted to his new, confined home.
The story, from the outset, is claustrophobic. As per the author notes, Matt Shaw intentionally created a jumbled story to give a sense of confinement, a brain going crazy at the prospect of death. Todd is a damaged kid, who feels his sister is the favourite. Naturally, he doubts his father will pay his ransom or even rescue him at all. This breeds doubt in Todd's head and confuses his mind, his memories not always as clear as crystal. The author does this excellently, always goading you with a red herring before relinquishing the truth. As the story rolls on, you're not entirely sure what is happening. Not to ruin the story, but I doubt you will see the ending coming. This is why I said sort of...this ending could have benefited from a little more build. The story was short, excellent too, but it could have been a little longer. I felt it came on suddenly...but then, that's just me.
5* - This was a four star effort for me. However, I had time to think about it and the more I did, the better the story became, hence a 5* review. Anyone trapped in a box would...well, we don't know how they would react. Unpredictable is the best bet and Shaw has produced that here; a story that's unflinching, edgy, terrifying and emotionally wrenching all at the same time. You don't always know what's happening, but stick with it until the end and you shall be rewarded. Buried is confining and short, brutal and sharp, but it doesn't let you down. Another great short from Matt Shaw.