A Glitch in the Matrix: Tales of the Unexplainable Unreal

by Jessica Castro

A collection of frightening, weird, and wonderful stories meant to make readers question what they think they know about reality, with commentary by TikTok's favorite "glitch in the matrix" narrator. 

Some say there is a world beyond this one, and from time to time, reality parts and we see beyond the strange things happen, we question what is real, and our assumptions about the order of this universe are thrown aside. These are “glitch in the matrix” stories. Host and narrator Auntie Matrix has amassed a following of over 500K followers on TikTok, and over 100K on Instagram. Her spine-tingling, mind-bending, and utterly destabilizing accounts of happenings are too spooky to be coincidence, and too unsettling to be of the world we thought we knew. This is a collection of Matrix's greatest hits, with additional commentary from the internet's emcee of the unexplainable. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Paranormal, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not on TikTok, so I’ve never heard of this book’s author, “Auntie Matrix”. I do follow a couple of people on other sites that occasionally make “glitch in the matrix” videos or tell scary stories, but I always take them with a grain of salt, just as I did with this book. It’s not that I don’t believe in the other side, whatever that may be, but I don’t believe people are always honest about these kinds of encounters.

The author of the book could have written all of these stories herself, but given her large social media following, it’s very likely that actual people sent these stories in. Whether all of them are truthful is something we probably won’t ever know, but I imagine that at least some of the stories are true, as I’ve had some similar (though much less scary) experiences.

Regardless of your beliefs, this is definitely a creepy collection of stories that left me with literal goosebumps. I love thinking about “other sides”, alternate universes, parallel timelines, deja vu, etc., and reading people’s submissions was definitely interesting - it only took a couple hours to get through them all and I definitely could read more! The author did ask for more submissions at the end, so maybe there will be another book, but this one was highly entertaining and interesting. Four stars.

(Thank you to Sterling Ethos, Jessica Castro and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on September 10, 2024.)

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK. I mean, there were a few stories that I really did believe something had happened to the submitter. But too many of them just didn't sound like actual experiences, more like sensationalized stories. And if I had to read another "I swear I wasn't dreaming!" claim, I probably would have DNF'd the book.

Because too many of these read EXACTLY like extremely lucid dreaming. I know - I've had a few myself. And yes, they feel real in the moment, and even afterwards at times. But I still knew it was only a dream.

Also, the explanation of déjà vu wasn't one I'd ever heard/read before. In these stories, it seems almost instantaneous - thus people realizing "this has happened before". I've never had the feeling that quickly. It's always been a few weeks or months, sometimes even a year or so since the thing happened. And yet my brain will remind myself that I've done this exact same thing or had the exact same conversation. To me, that's much weirder than just having a few minutes elapse.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of “A Glitch in the Matrix: Tales of the Unexplainable Unreal”

By: Jessica Castro

Available September 10/2024

Check it Out on Goodreads!!

Disclaimer: Please note that I received an Audio ARC from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Glitch in the Matrix by Jessica Castro is a captivating collection that delivers a spine-chilling journey into the paranormal and unexplained. Narrated by TikTok’s beloved Auntie Matrix, the book presents a series of eerie, mind-bending stories that challenge our understanding of reality. Each tale is filled with unsettling moments that make you question whether the world we know is as stable as we believe. The book is not just a compilation of creepy stories but also offers intriguing commentary on how time and reality might operate beyond our perception. It’s a must-read for anyone fascinated by the weird, the wonderful, and the downright spooky. I found myself completely absorbed, savoring every tale and eager for more.

Get it at…

📗 - Hard Copy -📗

Your Local Canadian Book Seller

Indigo

Amazon Canada - (Not Available at Time of Review)

📱 - Digital - 📱

Kobo

Kindle

🎧 - Audio - 🎧

Audible

Libro.FM

[Paige- TheBookandtheBoston · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I’d never heard of this podcast before, but now I’m very curious about it and want to check it out. But I love hearing about people’s strange encounters with paranormal activity. So I was very excited to listen to this one. However, it was a little hard to listen to, because the stories all kind of blended together. So it was hard to know if a new story was starting if you missed that quick intro. Some kind of buffer between stories would have made that easier.

This book wasn’t quite something I wanted to binge read, and don’t necessarily recommend it that way either. A podcast definitely seems like it would be better to listen to, but having it in an accessible book form is nice, too. This would be one I’d love to have a physical copy of, too.

[Jesse · Rating 1 out of 5]

My issue with this book is not with the subject matter, but with the fact that it hardly seems to qualify as a book. The author has simply cut and pasted emails sent to her by people with their crazy stories. Even the categories that the book is divided into seem to be arbitrary, as they all contain the same types of stories (haunted house, paranormal experiences, possession, etc). I found it hard to remember that this was a book and not just the transcript of a late night spooky call-in show...

[Tara Sypien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading these stories ❤️

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long time follower of her tik tok. She’s amazing and her book was awesome

[Jen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 stars)

A Glitch in the Matrix by Jessica Castro (Auntie Matrix) is a spine-tingling anthology of real-life, user-submitted paranormal encounters. Drawn from thousands of stories sent in by her TikTok followers, Castro curates a diverse collection of creepy tales—ranging from haunted houses and demonic possessions to bizarre time loops and unexplained phenomena—organized into loosely themed sections such as “Weird Vibes” and “No One Was There.”

Rather than rewriting or embellishing each account, Castro largely presents them in the original submitter’s voice, with only minimal commentary. The structure mirrors her TikTok persona: each story is brief (most can be read in under ten minutes), grouped under chapter headings like “It Wasn’t a Dream,” but without extensive connective narration. This makes the pacing brisk—perfect for fans of short-form horror—but it can feel more like scrolling through a late-night call-in show transcript than a traditional book.

One of the collection’s greatest strengths is its sheer variety. You’ll find stories about shadowy figures standing at the foot of beds, inexplicable déjà vu that stretches into full-blown disorientation, and doors creaking open by themselves in abandoned buildings. A handful of tales really stand out: “Possessed by Myself,” submitted by Chrissy M., is both darkly hilarious and genuinely unsettling, while Andrea’s “Stuck in a Loop” transports you to Nashv­ille before plunging you into a classic glitch-in-the-matrix scenario.

On the downside, readers who crave a deeper authorial voice or analytical commentary may find the approach too hands-off. The matter-of-fact presentation means many stories start to blur together after a while, and there’s little in the way of follow-up context or psychological insight. If you’re hoping for scientific explanations, dramatic interludes, or emotional arcs, this isn’t it—these are raw, unfiltered tales, presented as they were written.

Overall, A Glitch in the Matrix is an engrossing read for anyone who loves bite-sized paranormal anecdotes and doesn’t mind a loose, podcast-like structure. While a bit more author involvement or thematic cohesion would’ve earned it the final half star, the sheer creep factor and breadth of submissions make it well worth picking up—especially if you’re looking for quick, spine-tingling horror to read (or listen to) on the go.

[Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Glitch in the Matrix is a collection of viewer-submitted stories of freaky and unexplained experiences collected and read by podcaster and social media star Jessica Castro. Think of it as Creepypasta for the Soul.

The stories are generally short, about 5-8 minutes long, and sorted loosely into eight sections with names like “Weird Vibes” and “It Wasn’t a Dream,” with maybe 5-8 stories in each group. (I only have the audio ARC, and at least in this galley version, the audio chapters are only divided into these large groupings, not each individual story. So it’s difficult to know how many there are total and how long each one is.)

It’s unclear how much editing has gone into the stories included, but it seems like Castro is reading them pretty much as they were submitted. That said, I would consider Castro the editor and performer of this collection, but not really the author (except for the introduction). That is how she amassed a TikTok following after all—reading these creepy bedtime stories to her viewers who have dubbed her Auntie Matrix. Admittedly, Castro’s voice is pretty easy on the ears, and she definitively captures the emotion and drama of the first-person stories.

Overall, though, I struggled to stay engaged from beginning to end. The “chapters” don’t really provide much structure or organization for the dozens of stories that are unrelated other than being kinda freaky. The tales themselves became quite repetitive and started feeling like listening to someone tell you about their dreams. (OMG, I might lose my mind if I hear the phrase “to this day” or “didn’t think anything of it” or “just brushed it off” again!) There is very little to keep the reader/listener reading/listening. I recognize that this is my own personal issue with collections, but I think there needs to be some sense of progression across collected stories.

I admit that I’m on the fence when it comes to the supernatural, paranormal, and “glitches in the matrix.” For the most part, these stories didn’t do much to convince me one way or the other.

Mostly I found the stories just mildly interesting with two notable exceptions: “Possessed by Myself” submitted by Chrissy M. comes close the the halfway point and is one of the longer stories in the collection. The story itself is absolutely bonkers, Chrissy M. wrote it in the most engaging and hilarious way, and Castro delivers it perfectly. This is one of the few stories that genuinely freaked me out, along with “Stuck in a Loop” submitted by Andrea, at 85% in the section “No One Was There.” This one got to me because I’m familiar with the Nashville area where it happened, and it’s one of the few stories that actually feels like a glitch in the matrix.

All this said, I am now following Jessica Castro on TikTok (@tessicavision). I’ll happily listen to her tell others’ horror stories on occasion, but not for six hours straight lol. This collection is best sampled, rather than binged.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC! A Glitch in the Matrix written and read by Auntie Matrix podcaster Jessica Castro comes out on September 10, 2024!

[Jesse Keljo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiktok star Jessica Castro (aka Auntie Matrix) takes readers on a journey through supernatural, paranormal, and inexplicable experiences that have been submitted by her followers to share with the world. The ability to share these encounters in a non-judgmental, supportive space where both the person submitting the story and those listening to the story feel seen and not dismissed is a key to the author's success, but it does make critique of this audiobook tricky. I have no reason to disbelieve what these folks experienced even though I cannot relate to any of it, but there is a sameness to the stories that may be successful when it comes across a Tiktok feed but gets wearying during an extended listening session. That being said, there are some real doozies in here that are worth the price of admission and will have you rethinking using a Ouija board or having a mirror facing your bed.

There is no way Jessica Castro couldn't be the narrator of the audiobook, and her exceedingly normal, everyday voice makes it feel safe to listen to these stories and helps to avoid the trap of sensationalizing what these folks have been through. However, that sameness of the stories is made heavier by her matter-of-fact approach to reading them. They start literally sounding the same by the last part of the book. However, if you threw in spooky musics and/or sound effects and had more of a "performer" narrating the stories, it would cheapen the experiences of those who trusted her to share them with the world.

This a great listen for anyone who wants to believe, does believe, or just wants to hear about paranormal encounters.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for providing a copy of the audiobook for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

(reposting) Our culture has a rating for everything, to advise or warn us of content - take movies, for example, NC13, R, X. What about content that, instead of strictly sex or physical violence, covers vivid and graphic occult, paranormal, "outer limits" or "twilight zone" type of actual experineces of peoplel that defy explanation, for most of us, living out our lives?!? If there was a rating for XP (extreme Paranormal) or (XSV Extreme Supernatural Violence), this book certainly earns this rating and at the very least, should have this rating displayed on the front cover of the book with a disclaimer page right after the title page. The introduction does NOT prepare the reader really for whats in store ahead, and even the chapter headings are vague and doesn't really accurately describle the organization of the actually recounting of people that submitted these recollections of events that occurred in their lives. If you are sensitive or like me, protective of what you choose to let into your head or sub-concious, an empath, light-worker or similar bent, proceed with caution. Read the titles of each, use you intuition, or inner heart/voice speak, to guide you in reading these individual accounts of terror, unexplainable encounters in the woods, horrific deaths, hountings, and other stories that will absolutely ruin your conceptions of the reality we live in. A word to the wise. There's a reason, I chose not to watch horror movies at a young age. There is already too much actual bad stuff going on today, I don't need to be filling my head with more things to disturb my inner peace. Likewise, if you have had something occur in your life that fits into this category, rest assured, that you are not alone and proceed cautiously!

[Pinque Noire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Glitch in the Matrix: Tales of the Unexplainable Unreal by Jessica Castro
Narrated by Jessica Castro

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had so much potential, but unfortunately, it fell a bit flat. As an avid podcast listener and lover of all things spooky, I was excited to dive into this.

What I was expecting: a collection of the TikToker’s most intriguing and unique cases, with in-depth commentary on each. I hoped for an intro and conclusion before and after each story, with insights like Castro’s personal reactions, maybe a spooky rating, or possible explanations for the events.

What I got: essentially, a back-to-back reading of audience-submitted stories, with little commentary and no real structure other than loosely themed chapters.

The stories themselves are interesting, but I wanted more involvement from the author. This book would be more accurately labeled as “compiled by” or “edited by” since Castro doesn’t add much beyond curating the collection.

Still, I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys spooky stories or unexplainable events—just know going in that it’s light on author interaction. I can see why Castro’s approach works so well on TikTok, where she can share a story within a short time frame before moving on to the next. Unfortunately, that style doesn’t translate as effectively into book format.

I’d definitely give her work another shot if she writes another book; next time, though, I’d love to see more of her in it.


Thank you to #MacmillanAudio & #NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Glitch in the Matrix reads similar to a podcast. Jessica Castro has put together a collection of creepy stories that cover a range of categories including ghosts, time warps, night-walkers, demons and other weird stories.

I have listened to creepy podcasts for years and haven’t come across Auntie Matrix before. I’m also not on TikTok, so that probably explains it. I am, however, a sucker for anything that falls into the spooky realm!

Castro has a great voice for audiobook and provides us with a wide range of stories. Quite of a few of them felt too short or ended abruptly, but I did enjoy the book as a whole! I will especially remember the “Dream Demon.” I would highly recommend this as a running companion. There is nothing better than a run in the woods with some creepy story-telling to pass the time! I plan to listen to her short stories in podcast form in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and the author and narrator Jessica Castro for an ALC of A Glitch in the Matrix!

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time hearing about Auntie Matrix, and with this audiobook she has found herself a new subscriber! This audiobook is a collection of stories that go from ghosts, demons, aliens, the unknown and unexplainable, just my cup of tea! She has an inviting and soothing voice that keeps you engaged. I enjoyed most of the stories, some straight down creepy and believable and others you can tell they were an attempt at a spooky reddit post. She kept me engaged and wondering what the next story was going to be. I enjoyed this audiobook that felt like a good podcast. And like I mentioned, she has found herself a new subscriber! This audiobook is wrongly put into the religious tab and is rightfully towards sci fi, occult  or horror/thriller. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook

[Christina's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. As someone who grew up in a haunted house, I love reading other people's haunting stories. It's not something you just talk about with anyone in general. I especially loved the glitches in the matrix stories as some of those things have happened to me as well, and it's just nice knowing I'm not alone lol. So glad she wrote this book and I look forward to more from this author.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of creepy and trippy glitch stories from the tiktok personality. it was fun to listen to all in one place, but it really is just a collection of the same type of short stories she was submitted and reading on her channel. I would have liked maybe some longer or detailed ones included in the book format, but that being said it was a good read

[Slaa!!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some fascinating stories! (And some pretty freaky). I really enjoyed this and would love for there to be more. I know the author has been successful on TikTok and the like, but I’m not big on the video format and so love that she’s compiled so many stories into a book as that’s more my speed.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

This book was amazing! I am one of Auntie Matrix's Glitches on Tik Tok and we love watching her lives and listening to her tell these stories. Loved listening to the audio book and following along!

[Chantel Coughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I was expecting a more curated collection of best submissions with more anecdotes and thoughts from the author (who I LOVE watching on tiktok!), but it was truly just a collection of submissions, sort of grouped by content. Still interesting stories, but nothing I couldn't find on reddit

[Courtney Rolfe]

this is hard to review and rate as it was a user-submitted compilation of stories. read more like a podcast to me? also a lot of the stories weren't glitch in the matrix-y, but supernatural or spiritual in a way so it didn't really match what I was expecting.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come. ARC received from NetGalley.

[NaTaya Hastings · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This book just didn't do it for me.

I read the description before requesting it, but I guess I didn't read it closely enough because what I got was not what I was expecting.

I suppose I was looking for a more scientific exploration of weird phenomena like the Mandela Effect, deja vu, and close encounters. This, though, was really just a compilation of submitted stories from people off the internet claiming to have had supernatural experiences.

To me, that's no different than campfire tales. You can choose to suspend disbelief and accept them as true, or you can enjoy them for what they most likely are -- interesting stories. (And in a few cases, these stories didn't even meet that criteria.)

I'm the kind of person who believes the supernatural COULD exist. But I have had no encounters of my own (beyond a few premonition-like dreams) and have never found credible proof that it does. So when I read books like this, I want some kind of science that gives me a reason to believe.

This just wasn't it.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Nichola · Rating 2 out of 5]

For real, I have no idea why I read this

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are more creepy stories than what I’d consider “glitches in the matrix”, but still entertaining.

[Kendra Hand · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, so underwhelming. Aside from 2 stories I thought … that’s it? This is what made the cut for the book? And no I don’t have an issue with the content.

[Ink Drunk Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little collection of "real life" spooky stories. i love this kind of stuff even though there were a few that were just slow.

[Mercedes Saldana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and scary book! I am a fan of Auntie Matrix on Instagram, so I knew some of the stories already but it was fun to hear them again.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love This Book!
If you love crazy, scary, creepy stories of haunted houses, creepy stairs, basements and attics, ghosts, posessions by spirits, and all that sorts of unexplainable stuff, then this book is for you! Like it is for me! Like I said, I love it! All the stories were sent in by regular people telling their true experiences to the author. The author's moto is "We Believe you!" I just finished reading it and I know I will read it many, many more times!
At the beginning of the book she explains some of the terms used throughout the book, which is a great addition! The book is weirdness and spookiness at it's best, in my opinion. I would give it many more stars, if I could! Buy this book! Auntie Matrix is my favorite Social Media influencer on the Internet. Look for her videos on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and many other platforms if you wish. She's great!