Static Screams

by Nico Bell

Carmen Franco’s untethered mind twists reality into a nightmare filled with relentless hallucinations.

Carmen’s greatest desire is a peaceful life, but despite countless doctors and swallowing a pharmacy’s worth of pills, Carmen can’t escape her disturbing delusions brought forth from a past tragedy.

Enter Dr. Barbara MacDonald, a brilliant psychologist proposing an innovative and experimental treatment program. Barbara ignites a flicker of hope, but Carmen quickly realizes the doctor’s motives aren’t exactly pure. Carmen holds the key to the one thing Barbara covets most in the world, and the determined psychologist intends to obtain it by any means necessary.

Now, Carmen races against the clock to save herself as madness and deception converge. Will she unravel Barbara’s menacing motives before time runs out or will Carmen fall prey to the dark abyss pulling her in?

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction

153 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2024

About the author

Nico Bell is the author of Beyond the Creek, Food Fright, Open House, and Static. She is the co-editor of Diet Riot: A Fatterpunk Anthology and Mine. When she isn't writing or reading, she's usually stress baking something gooey or playing with her dog, Egg.

Reviews

[Kerry]

Do you remember your physics? In particular, the first law of thermodynamics? Nico Bell hopes to remind you of its importance in her novella, Static Screams. Peopled with a likable but troubled lead character, a deranged villain, and a hulking dupe, this story is akin to Flatliners meets Carrie, with a unique, sci-fi approach to horror. It’s a quick read, at 150 action-packed pages.

[Steve Stred · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Normally, this is where I’d thank Netgalley and the author for sending me a digital ARC of this book, and while I did grab it off of Netgalley, I had also purchased this on release day! Recently, I saw it on Netgalley and grabbed it, wanting to help Nico boost the profile of the book, but it was also a subtle way for me to bump it way up my TBR, because I try my best to keep a 100% review ratio on Netgalley!*

Over the years, I’ve become a big fan of Nico Bell’s fiction. From ‘Food Fright’ to ‘Beyond the Creek’ to her anthology (that I did have a story in, full disclosure!) ‘Shiver,’ she has a keen eye on what makes the reader unsettled. I still have to read her book ‘Open House,’ which is on my Kindle, and seeing as ‘Static Screams’ was such a wild ride, I’m going to bump that one way up the pile as well.

I loved the new artwork that A.A. Medina from Fabled Beast has created for this edition and the synopsis had me hooked. Any time I get to read a story from a steady writer like Nico, (one who perfectly crafts the tale in wonderfully dark ways) that involves our MC dealing with hallucinations, I know I’m in for a fantastic time.

What I liked: The first quarter of this novella very well could’ve been the entirety of the story and I’d have loved it. We open with a young woman, Carmen, who is dealing with significant PTSD. After her mother took her own life, Carmen struggles with seeing ‘dots,’ these weird, undulating things that float and converge around her in the sky. Her meds control it, but the story picks up with the pharmacy denying her new prescribed medication because of the dosage and without her meds, the dots come at her with a hurricane-level fury.

This could’ve easily been the story. Bell could’ve focused on the appearance of these visions, how Carmen and her aunt have a solid bond and work together to get Carmen the help she desperately wants, and the reader would’ve been richly rewarded for going on that journey with Carmen. Instead, Bell catapults us a million miles further down the deranged train, by introducing Barbara. Barbara is a doctor who is working on a mysterious experiment, one that is so far out of the ethical world of medicine, that she does it on her own, hidden, private property. Once she meets Carmen, she knows she’s the one, and from there the story really ramps up.

Bell does a great job of giving us the ups and downs of Carmen’s struggles. How she desperately wants to reunite with her mom, but also how she knows what Barbara’s doing is wrong and with the introduction of the doctor’s assistant, Neema, we get another layer of potential betrayal.

The final quarter of this one is a frantic sprint, where Barbara’s deception is revealed and choices about what is right and wrong need to be made. We see Carmen harness this ‘power’ she has, something I won’t stray too far into to keep things spoiler-free, but it works really well for the narrative and Bell doesn’t overuse it and turn this into a parody of itself.

What I didn’t like: I don’t know if I fully buy Neema’s role and involvement. It works well for the deceptive aspects and for the battle between right and wrong, but every time she started to defend herself, it felt a bit lite and not effective. That could just be me though finding that!

Why you should buy this: I’m a huge fan of seeing a strong, female lead battle back and not take shit from anyone. Carmen is fierce, powerful and it was great seeing her realize and then utilize her full potential. Bell does a great job of walking us through the opening struggles of Carmen’s mind frame, but also effectively changing that ‘weakness’ into a strength in the latter half and showcasing why Carmen wasn’t weak, but could overcome anything, which metaphorically adds another layer.

Another really great story from Bell! This was awesome.

[Yvonne (the putrid Shelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Static Screams is set to be one of the best horror novella’s set for release in 2024! This is something really special!

Sometimes you are given the most sublime mashup that you didn’t know you needed. Horror and Sci-fi, although bled from the same wound, each leaves a different taste in the mouth. Nico Bell has mixed the two together and given us an almost sixth sense x Carrie type scenario. Open this book and time will cease to matter, the housework will become unimportant, the need for food – the only need you have to cater to is finding out where this story goes!

The title and gorgeous cover is what hooked me. I know I mentioned above about the protagonist, Carmen Franco seeing dead people, I mean I suppose she does but not in the hit movie ‘I see dead people’ kind of way, no, this is far more refined, way more intelligent than that. Static Screams takes the tragic event of Carmen’s mother passing away and turning it into a terrifying scenario of Carmen being used in illegal scientific experiments.

I took a liking to Carmen Franco, a nineteen-year-old girl, struggling in the aftermath of her mother’s death. She thinks she’s going insane. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees black dots in her vision. She can barely live with it anymore. When Carmen and her aunt are involved in a car crash, Carmen is introduced to the shady, Dr. Barbara MacDonald. A woman who is dealing with her own grief, in if I might be so bold, in a wholly unhealthy way. She believes that Carmen is the key to both her career advancement and her to her deceased daughter. Carmen Franco is one spunky young adult, and I couldn’t help but root for her!

The story unfolds in a skilfully crafted manner. The plot is carefully developed, with twists and turns that surprised me. I didn’t expect it to go the way it did but boy am I happy it did!

Nico Bell is an extremely strong voice in female led horror and I was delighted to get an opportunity to read this one early. There’s never a wasted word in her stories, every single one leading up to its crushing conclusion. I absolutely loved this story!

[ScarlettAnomalyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this as an ARC and I wish we had half ratings here because this is a solid 3. 5 for me.
I was really invested in Carmen, Alot which for me dosent always happen with characters, so I appreciated his ability to get you immersed.

This was my first book by Nico and I'll be picking up more in the future.

[H. Everend · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5
A mixture of paranormal and sci-fi, this was a fun [and as I've read Nico's work before, I knew I was in for a treat!] I loved the characters and the themes behind the short story [except for the grief that filled me with a couple scenes- no spoilers here!] Bell knows how to draw her readers in from beginning to end. I also want to tell her happy publication day with this gem.

[Joey Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take some elements of Flatliners, Talk To Me, and Firestarter, and you might end up with something like Static Screams, a dramatic horror thriller that dips its toe ever so slightly into science fiction.

I often find novellas to be a bit rushed, especially near the climax, but at around 100 pages, this book is a well-paced, well-plotted, and satisfying read at just the right length.

In Static Screams, we have Carmen, and young woman struggling with her unique static-filled episodes, Barbara, the untrustworthy scientist who pledges to “cure” her, and Neema, an assistant with some conflicting interests in the experimentation.

The character dynamics are great across the board as we’re treated to some entertaining verbal sparring matches between the characters. The climax is surprising and explosive, and the concept itself if thought provoking. As a quick read with thrills and heart, I’m not sure how anyone would come away unsatisfied.

[Nadia Masood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly fast-paced sci-fi horror novella featuring a female-driven cast. This is a new-to-me genre, and this book kept me captivated.

The premise centers on the possibility of bringing someone back from the dead. It explores the natural human desire to resurrect loved ones, despite knowing that doing so defies the laws of nature and the ethical boundaries of grief. This book offers a compelling exploration of human emotions wrapped in a thrilling narrative.

This was such a quick and captivating read! The story is both emotional and scary, and Nico Bell's writing kept me in suspense. I also thought the plot twist was brilliant.

I highly recommend it for fans of twisty endings and a mix of horror and sci-fi elements.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen has started to see things other people can't see after the death of her mother. She's gone to numerous doctors and tried multiple treatments and nothing has helped. Dr. Barbara MacDonald promises to help her, but ends up kidnapping her with the help of her assistant and protege Neema. Carmen must escape before she ends up like the other patients that Barbara conducted experiments on. I really enjoyed this scifi horror novella. There is an equal amount of gore, violence, and heart. It is about survival, grief, and revenge, as well as the cost of ambition and the pursuit of greatness. I really cared about Carmen and hoped she was able to escape from Barbara and Neema. The only thing I didn't like is that there were multiple typos and misspellings, but other than that this is a great story. I am definitely reading more by Nico Bell.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Static Screams was a fun fast-paced story. I really enjoyed the suspense and memorable characters!

[Matthew Gleason · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I wasn't such a picky motherfucker I'd be giving this book five stars. I had an extremely fun and intense time reading this novella. All of the characters are interesting and well fleshed out. They're all complicated women with unique and interconnected pain at the heart of their motivations. All of this adds depth to a story that could just as easily have gone full camp and completely detached itself from emotional realities. That said, there are some really fun bits of gore and ghoulishness that left me smiling ear to ear.

The only criticisms I have are minor. While the prose style is captivating, I noticed a few run-on sentences. It's a personal preference of mine to keep things more short and snappy. Much of this book fits into my preferred style, so this criticism didn't massively detract from my experience. There are also a few typos scattered throughout. Full disclosure, this author and I are reviewing each other's books, and I'm sure they'll find a typo or two in mine as well. As I said before, the actual writing of this book mostly works very well. The only other critique I would make is that some of the practical details of the story feel unclear. Mainly, I'm referring to the fact that the villain hasn't been caught prior to the events of this book. It feels like she's operating too in the open.

At the end of the day, this is a really fun read with several emotional gut punches. Carmen is an easy to love protagonist who goes on an extremely captivating and horrific journey. Honestly, even as I write this, I'm debating giving the book five stars instead of four. I highly recommend you read Static Screams. I look forward to delving deeper into Nico Bell's body of work.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Static Screams” by Nico Bell is a short novel that packs a big punch! Carmen is a young woman who began hallucinating shortly after her mother’s suicide. Because mental illness runs in her family, she and her aunt both assume that the hallucinations are merely delusions resulting from some unknown mental illness. She sees doctors, goes to therapy sessions, tries every remedy under the sun, and takes medications, but still, the hallucinations remain. They come in the form of dots that often transform into bizarre, terrifying creatures or random body parts like an arm or a face. Carmen is terrified of them and no matter how much she tries to control them, with her aunt coaching her to use grounding methods, these dots won’t go away.

It gets to a point where she and her aunt’s lives are endangered, and that’s when a so-called psychologist, Dr. Barbara MacDonald, who specializes in a mysterious form of treatment, comes into the picture. But is this yet another case of a miracle cure that is too good to be true? Or will the good doctor’s treatment actually cure Carmen of her hallucinations?

This was a story that gripped me from the very beginning. I felt for Carmen, who was struggling to live with these scary hallucinations she dealt with daily. While Carmen is practically at the end of her rope, she is not yet a person gripped in the form of some kind of hysteria. She can still be compassionate and kind towards others. She can still think sensibly and pay attention to her surroundings – when the dots aren’t harassing her, that is. She is a strong, capable person who has a firm understanding of what is real and what is not. Even so, her hallucinations threaten her grip on reality. The worse they get, the harder it is for her to be a part of the real world.

This story may be a little bit unbelievable for some readers, but sadly, I could actually see how this kind of thing with a doctor experimenting based on some kind of bizarre theory could happen in the real world. There’s a theory about death where we can bring someone back with us, and it would seem this story touches on that. I really liked how it played out, too. The whole plot is very well constructed and thought out. I mean, in Carmen’s situation, she thinks that what she agrees to is just another one of those clinical trials meant to help someone like her. She probably assumes it is a medically approved process. And when she finds out what it really is, she acts in a way that a reasonable person would. I liked how she retained her courage and her determination to survive even when the situation seemed hopeless.

I also wanted to know why Neema was even helping this “crazy doctor” on her quest to bring back the dead. (Necromancy much?) After reading about why Neema stayed on despite everything, it made perfect sense.

Even while she is trapped, Carmen still manages to think of ways to escape. She tries talking some sense into Neema, who is tasked with trying to get on Carmen’s good side in order to make her cooperate. Carmen holds on, even if it seems like she is going to die from the cruel experiments that Barbara does to her. She holds out hope that she can and will escape. Plus, she has the knowledge that her late mother is with her to help her hold onto hope. Seeing her mother once did something for her. It sort of shifted how she was feeling and alleviated her despair.

While this story touches on the natural feeling common to those dealing with grief, in which they wish they could bring back their loved one, on some level, we know it is wrong to do so. Didn’t Stephen King write a story about why it was wrong to bring back the dead? For one thing, it’s not natural. For another, bringing someone back from the dead does not guarantee that the person will be the same. Herein is the climax of the story. This was a huge and surprising plot twist for me. It was scary and emotional. One thing about the dead: they know all of your secrets. They know everything, even the things we try to keep hidden. I love how Nico Bell uses this ability.

Another thing I liked about this book is that the story is written so well. It’s written in a way that is just right to keep the reader (me!) in suspense and wanting to know more. It was an easy read and I could not stop reading it! I kept going through the chapters, wanting to read more and find out what would happen next.

“Static Screams” by Nico Bell is a brilliantly told and well-plotted horror story. It showcases what could happen when a mad scientist with the right tools at her disposal and no qualms about breaking the law tries to play God. By using people in her experiments for her purpose, even if it means some of them die, she is set on a path that will only lead to a showdown between the living and the dead. It is a frightening, surreal, and gripping story that held my interest. I recommend this story to horror fans interested in life after death and the potential dangers lurking in trying to control those on the other side.

[Dex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the first time I've ever read a novel much less a horror novel so populated with women and with so minimal a reference to men. I believe that the only men pointed out in the whole book are in chapter one - the father of a young girl - and a brief mention of the main character's father specifying his absence in her life. Everyone from the nameless side characters to the main character and her connections including the doctors to the villain and her henchwoman - all women or girls. On top of that, the main character is a lesbian who briefly daydreams of a normal future with a woman who will love her.
All this is done fluidly without commentary on women or men. Its natural and for that it is beautifully done. I applaud Nico Bell for this as well as the breakneck story that unfolds.

This book is a quick read. I would say that I read it in one sitting but I did get interrupted by my dogs in the middle. Its not just that the book is only 150 pages but the story itself only takes place over a couple of weeks, the majority in a handful of days. Once Carmen (and we the readers) enter Barbara's care, things start to go down hill so fast if you blink you'll miss it.

A delicious blend of scifi and paranormal horror, Static Screams is creeping tale that will make you question the things you see out of the corner of your eye as well as your next doctor visit.

Without getting into spoiler territory, I will say that this book's plot and what is really going on with Carmen and Dr. Barbara MacDonald was wholly unexpected but not so jarring that it felt like I got tricked unto reading one book instead of another. Then there was the twist at the end that was very dark and welcome. I enjoyed the ending a great deal and sat the book down satisfied with how this ride of a story came to a close. Good stuff.

My one and only complaint - it was over too soon. Sure the story is wrapped up. It makes sense. I'm not saying that the plot was wrapped up too early but I wanted more. I wanted more of Carmen and of this strange static-vision world that Nico Bell created. I can't wait to read more of her work.

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmen is suffering from debilitating hallucinations after her mother’s suicide. When a psychologist claims that she both understands and is able to treat them, Carmen jumps at the chance - and finds herself immediately out of her depth and unsure of even what’s real any more.

This book reminded me of several recent horror stories I’d encountered, while remaining very much its own creation. The protagonist is sympathetic, and I immediately found myself almost yelling at the pages: ‘Don’t get in the car!’ ‘Don’t go in there!’ and all that traditional trope-y goodness. What makes this book stand out is precisely how Carmen sees the world, and what it ultimately means. We don’t know who’s telling the truth, we doubt what we’re told by our senses… and that’s exactly the point. The reader is as trapped as she is. What would we do in this situation?

A engrossing, fast-paced horror with heart.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Sci-fi meets horror in this incredibly fast paced novella- I was hooked from the first page! I really loved Carmen and was wildly interested in these black dots she was seeing- I had to know more! What are they? Are they real? Is she crazy?! What's going on!? I literally couldn't put this one down and read it in one sitting.

I found the writing engaging and exciting, and despite the short length the characters were fully developed and with interesting back stories! Double points for an all woman cast! The only thing keeping this book from being 4 stars is that it felt a bit rushed. I think 25-50 more pages to further develop what was going on at the treatment facility would've been perfect. I felt like too much happened too quickly there. (wild for me to say because I think every thing is too slow! haha)

Other than that though I loved this story, I loved the writing I cannot wait to read more by this author!

[Sarah Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Static Screams. How to make to make the first law of thermodynamics into a horror story. I loved this!! I knew I would because the author became a favourite of mine ever since Food Fright. This was a very unique story, so I can't really compare it to anything I've read previously. The idea is really quite genius and original. It reminded me a little of the real life Gateway experience stuff, but only a little because the plot stands on its own. I loved Carmen and what she could see proper spooked me! I would hate that. Barbara was a great character too, and it was easy to understand what made her the way she was. Both women were very real and believable.
I started this last night and found myself really looking forward to finishing it and finding out what happens. I won't spoil that, but the ending was perfect IMO. I could easily see this as a Shudder channel movie.

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars!!!

This cover had me immediately intrigued and I was not disappointed. Fast paced but not rushed, a mixture of thriller and sci-fi, with powerful women characters that are relatable and realistic. Twists and turns are some of my new favorite aspects of stories and this one has its fair share. Beautifully and artfully written, Nico will keep you captivated until the very end.

FMC Carmen has the ability to see the spirits of those who have departed their mortal coil. At the age of nineteen, she is struggling to reconcile with the death of her mother, she is then forced to use her gift in an illegal science experiment.

A unique and fresh take on life after death, I wish they would make a movie from this!!! It would be unbelievable! Thank you so much Nico Bell for introducing this into my life.

[David Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a plot that puts a child into a situation that is ripe with ignorance and saturated in desperation this story is gripping.

Carmen is a young girl who is dealing with -issues- to say the least. Her mother has passed away and she is left with her aunt who isn't the best support system for the things Carmen is dealing with.

I don't want to say too much and risk spoiling anything but what I can say about this book is that Nico Bell crafted a very likable and lovable protagonist. The antagonist was a fantastic counterpunch to that, fitting the mold of a less flashy mad scientist.

This story did all of the right things in terms of pacing, character motivations, stakes for everyone, I loved this story. As a parent I could definitely see both sides of the story as well and I just thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is short and effective, right to the point.

[Alana K. Drex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmen is a young woman plagued with auditory hallucinations, her aunt is tired of being her caretaker, even though Carmen herself didn't ask for that. After an accident Carmen and her aunt meet an interesting doctor who takes interest in Carmen's issues. After deciding together it is worth the shot, Carmen decides to go upstate for treatment at Dr. McDonald's secluded estate. Soon, Carmen wonders if there is an alternative motive Dr. MacDonald has, things then go upside down fast, and the chills ramp up. Bell is an amazing storyteller, and this short read is one I blazed through in two days, only because I had to work 😝 My only complaint is, I wanted this drawn out more. But that might just be me. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nico has written such a special story with this one. It’s short and to the point but it has such a deep meaning to it. This is for anyone grieving a loved one. I was thinking about my dad the entire time I was reading it and about how there’s probably nothing I wouldn’t do to be able to see him just one more time. I think we’ve all had thoughts like that about a loved one who’s passed. Where are they now and what would you do if you had the chance to see them again?

Carmen was such a great character for this story, I really liked her and felt for her. This story balances this weight of horror and hope beautifully. Give this a read!

[RatedHforHorror · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting, I could not put it down.
The characters in this book all have their own stories, the good and the bad. Our main character, Carmen is dealing with a lot in her life and gets a lot still thrown at her. There is a lot of dread in this book and I was rooting for Carmen the whole way. This is a very fast paced book and I'm so grateful that I got to ARC read this.

[Larry Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go to bring back a loved one?

That’s just one of the moral questions readers are faced with in Static Screams, the newest novella from Nico Bell. Part paranormal, part sci-fi, with a smattering of cosmic horror for added spice, Static Screams is a fresh take on the afterlife. At just over 150 pages, you can finish it in one sitting, but it will linger long after that.

[HallowQueen 🎃👻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this novella in one sitting. The plot is extremely imaginative and keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can! The main character, Carmen, is wonderful and I couldn’t help not only relating to her but also rooting for her! If you’re looking for a fast paced and gripping story, give this one a read!

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the plot of this book. I instantly related to and empathized with Carmen and loved getting to know her. The middle seemed a bit rushed to get us to the final act, and it made it seem a bit unbelievable when Carmen has to make the other characters believe some fibs. Nico Bell is such an excellent writer and I always look forward to cracking open one of her books!!

[Christopher Mesloh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️. This was an incredible story that built intensity right to the very end. I did however have trouble falling into the story - my brain was fighting with the authors writing style. Mad scientists, seeing into other worlds & ghosts. What’s not to love? Looking forward to reading more of their work.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

I loved this book! Carmen captured my attention from the very beginning and had me rooting for her to find a happy ending. The sci-fi twist was unexpected and kept me guessing until the end.

[Sam Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella! Great characters, fast-paced, and plenty of mystery to keep those pages turning. The sci-fi/horror/supernatural blend was a great mix. The grief aspect of the story is relatable to likely everyone. Check it out!

[Sophie Ingley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was real good!
A very cool combo of sci-fi and horror, with a nice twisty plot.
I liked this very.
A short review, but one loaded with stars.
Defo need to read more from Nico Bell! X

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect short horror book with a bit of sci-fi and a lot of thrill, the kind of thing you’ll gobble up in a sitting or two. It was unpredictable but in a way that felt believable.

[Amanda Bartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story! Quick read and very well written!

[Jan Stinchcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely quick read about death, grief, family relationships, and the monstrosity of playing God.