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The Demon Inside Me: An Occult Pandemic Horror Short Story: Fear More than the Virus
A deadly virus spreads across the world, changing the way humankind behaves.
Jackie Mendoza quarantines herself in her home for weeks, fearful of catching the disease.
But is it the virus or something more she should fear?
Bestselling author Scott W. Kimak takes you into the deepest depths of the human psyche and unlocks its inner demons in this scary page-turner.
Jackie Mendoza quarantines herself in her home for weeks, fearful of catching the disease.
But is it the virus or something more she should fear?
Bestselling author Scott W. Kimak takes you into the deepest depths of the human psyche and unlocks its inner demons in this scary page-turner.
- GenresShort Stories
Audible Audio
Published November 15, 2024
3 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Scott W. Kimak
8 books259 followersScott Kimak is the bestselling author of the "I call him HIM trilogy. He is also a history teacher and Kung Fu master. He came up with the story “I call him – HIM” when he was a teenager but failed miserably to put pen to paper. It took nearly forty years for him to make a second attempt. This time the words flowed unrestrained. Mr. Kimak lives in Harlingen Texas with the love of his life Diana and their six annoying pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 5, 2022
Maniacal
This short story is extremely creepy and loaded with violent imagery. Its bloodthirsty and twisted. It sounds terrible to say but it was really good!
This short story is extremely creepy and loaded with violent imagery. Its bloodthirsty and twisted. It sounds terrible to say but it was really good!
November 20, 2022
“..but no matter how hard she tried, the news drew her back. Addicted to their depressing tales, fear was replacing her own rational judgment.”
Eeek!
I’m Still feeling the shivers! And I’m still having daymares!
That voice!!
Gods! I shouldn’t have read this, it’s terribly good!
That fear and isolation can turn a person into a psychotic and catatonic stupor where what is real and what is fruit of your imagination interweaves in such a terrifying way you lose your sense of reality. Human psyche is so deceptive; we can never know when or how it will react to different situations and circumstances. Fear. The most terrifying feeling.
I don’t LIKE horror books or movies! I read it because Scott Kimak is one of my favourite authors and I said to myself, “Meenaz, it’s just a short story, what can go wrong?”😂😂😂
Love the cover!
A horrific,nightmarish short story, perfect for psychological horror thriller lovers. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Eeek!
I’m Still feeling the shivers! And I’m still having daymares!
That voice!!
Gods! I shouldn’t have read this, it’s terribly good!
That fear and isolation can turn a person into a psychotic and catatonic stupor where what is real and what is fruit of your imagination interweaves in such a terrifying way you lose your sense of reality. Human psyche is so deceptive; we can never know when or how it will react to different situations and circumstances. Fear. The most terrifying feeling.
I don’t LIKE horror books or movies! I read it because Scott Kimak is one of my favourite authors and I said to myself, “Meenaz, it’s just a short story, what can go wrong?”😂😂😂
Love the cover!
A horrific,nightmarish short story, perfect for psychological horror thriller lovers. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
June 29, 2022
What a thrill ride. From the first pages you get sucked in. Nonstop straight to the point action from the very first pages. Rich with descriptive details that made it so real. I must admit I was creeped out by it but totally loved it with its twist turns. I highly recommend it.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this entertaining story.
June 23, 2022
Oooh!!! This book is really creepy and pulls you in from the very first line. I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover. I've read this author's other books and so far everything he writes is incredible. Can't wait to see what's next!
July 21, 2022
Virus side affects
What a strange yet interesting novella. Just reading the book you would think she had schizophrenia instead of a virus. I wonder if this is the last stage of symptoms of our own pandemic.
What a strange yet interesting novella. Just reading the book you would think she had schizophrenia instead of a virus. I wonder if this is the last stage of symptoms of our own pandemic.
July 8, 2022
Killer
This was a good creepy little pandemic tale. First time reading this author and I'm sure it won't be the last.
This was a good creepy little pandemic tale. First time reading this author and I'm sure it won't be the last.
July 16, 2022
‘What the devil!’
A cracking little short horror story full of blood and gore, twists and turns.
And all set within the backdrop of a raging pandemic, when mental health is sure to be low.
Warning: Beware of sharp objects!
Rating: 4.3 blazing stars of enraged vulnerability - looking forward to reading more from this fine author.
A cracking little short horror story full of blood and gore, twists and turns.
And all set within the backdrop of a raging pandemic, when mental health is sure to be low.
Warning: Beware of sharp objects!
Rating: 4.3 blazing stars of enraged vulnerability - looking forward to reading more from this fine author.
June 23, 2022
I thought this was well-done, and liked it! The story has a good flow to it, and I appreciate the popular culture references. I'd love to check out more of his work!
July 25, 2023
Intense
Very intense demon possession . Gory to.How quickly do people lose rational thought when faced with adversity, no resilience in the world today
Very intense demon possession . Gory to.How quickly do people lose rational thought when faced with adversity, no resilience in the world today
September 21, 2022
*** NO SPOILERS ***
Let me add my voice to the "It was too short. I wanted MORE." chorus.
Having said that, a professor teaching an English class made the point that good short stories are a lot harder to do successfully than a novelette, or novel. Why? Because everything as to be established quickly and clearly without the luxury of adding in a paragraph here, a new chapter there to fill in the things you thought you covered but didn't. The size limit is somewhat analogous to a different art form where TIME is the constraint. Tough to excel when you are working against a limitation.
But excel he did. Weaving together a number of different factors to create a claustrophobic sense of doom threaded through with what might be a demon. Or not. Whichever, it is a key player in this nasty but enjoyable piece of prose. I hope it is an indicator of what we might expect in his longer work.
Solid recommendation to read this, and 4.5 stars rounded up. Well done!!!
*** NO SPOILERS ***
Let me add my voice to the "It was too short. I wanted MORE." chorus.
Having said that, a professor teaching an English class made the point that good short stories are a lot harder to do successfully than a novelette, or novel. Why? Because everything as to be established quickly and clearly without the luxury of adding in a paragraph here, a new chapter there to fill in the things you thought you covered but didn't. The size limit is somewhat analogous to a different art form where TIME is the constraint. Tough to excel when you are working against a limitation.
But excel he did. Weaving together a number of different factors to create a claustrophobic sense of doom threaded through with what might be a demon. Or not. Whichever, it is a key player in this nasty but enjoyable piece of prose. I hope it is an indicator of what we might expect in his longer work.
Solid recommendation to read this, and 4.5 stars rounded up. Well done!!!
*** NO SPOILERS ***
July 2, 2022
Yikes! This digital short story is horror -- and quite gruesome at that. But it's clearly inspired by 2020's pandemic lockdown. My imagination edited some dialogue, to more closely match the abbreviated way we talk -- that would be my main critique. The end twist somehow led me to recall Rod Serling's TV show "Night Gallery."
June 30, 2022
What rubbish!
June 29, 2023
We struggled through the Covid pandemic. What's to say we all were not affected psychologically by it? The Demon Inside Me, a novella/short story follows one woman who has been holed up during such times. There are voices. Are they in her head? Are they real? Should she listen to them?
This is a very good take on a woman spiraling down an abyss of indecision, uncertainty and violence. I don't read horror as much as I once did, but this book is quick paced and very hard to put down. It is a little graphic, but not off putting. For me, a good reintroduction to horror reading. I'll be delving into more of Scott W. Kimak's work.
Recommended!
This is a very good take on a woman spiraling down an abyss of indecision, uncertainty and violence. I don't read horror as much as I once did, but this book is quick paced and very hard to put down. It is a little graphic, but not off putting. For me, a good reintroduction to horror reading. I'll be delving into more of Scott W. Kimak's work.
Recommended!
June 4, 2023
The demon inside me
It is a short and entertaining story. I thought Jackie just became crazy from all the alone at home time, but it seems she really was possessed by that demon her whole life. I like the cover, too.
It is a short and entertaining story. I thought Jackie just became crazy from all the alone at home time, but it seems she really was possessed by that demon her whole life. I like the cover, too.
February 20, 2023
Horror and Gore!
Feeling like a creepy, gory bedtime story? This short story fits the bill! Read it and you’ll go to sleep with the lights still on!
Feeling like a creepy, gory bedtime story? This short story fits the bill! Read it and you’ll go to sleep with the lights still on!
December 20, 2022
As a deadly virus spreads across the world it is important for people to remain safe and the best way to do that is to remain indoors and away from other people but after Jackie Mendoza has done just this for many weeks it is time for her to welcome over her friend, can you really ever feel safe after you've closed yourself off from the world though and just what impact does the isolation have on you?
This is a creepy, well written and dark piece that really does deliver on showing the depths and darkness that isolation can draw us to, it is a great story and has interested me in checking out more work from this author...don't leave me as the only one though as that isolation isn't going to be good for anyone.
January 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this dark story about pandemic related mental illness, which gives a double meaning to the title ‘The demon inside me’. I’m a huge fan of psychological horror, and there is nothing more frightening than losing one’s mind, so this was the perfect read for me.
December 24, 2022
The Demon Inside Me
I love a good short horror story and the way Scott writes, he can put a lot of fear into a few pages!
I love a good short horror story and the way Scott writes, he can put a lot of fear into a few pages!
March 2, 2023
stir crazy
Just a quick jaunt into insanity. Nothing too deep. You’ll be back topside shortly. Why not just let the madness in?
Just a quick jaunt into insanity. Nothing too deep. You’ll be back topside shortly. Why not just let the madness in?
March 13, 2023
Terrible
April 3, 2023
A quick read, quite gory, and a twist I wasn't expecting. If horror is your thing, then give this a try. I think you'll enjoy it.
May 4, 2025
intriguing……
Loved how the “voice” was able to jump from one conscience to another. Want to read more of it. Going to look up the author.
Loved how the “voice” was able to jump from one conscience to another. Want to read more of it. Going to look up the author.
November 9, 2025
What did I just read and why do I want to read more? Strange, weird, and memorable.
June 6, 2023
Scary
"The Demon Inside Me" by Scott W. Kimak is a gripping and psychologically chilling tale that explores the terrifying descent into madness during the isolating backdrop of a pandemic. The author skillfully captures the inner turmoil of a young woman as her delusions take hold, pushing her to unimaginable actions. This quick read is a must for fans of psychological horror, delivering an unnerving experience that will leave readers questioning their own sanity long after the final page is turned.
"The Demon Inside Me" by Scott W. Kimak is a gripping and psychologically chilling tale that explores the terrifying descent into madness during the isolating backdrop of a pandemic. The author skillfully captures the inner turmoil of a young woman as her delusions take hold, pushing her to unimaginable actions. This quick read is a must for fans of psychological horror, delivering an unnerving experience that will leave readers questioning their own sanity long after the final page is turned.
August 2, 2022
Gory short story laced with black humour
A well-written horror short story that initially focused on pandemic neuroses, but it was never mentioned what the symptoms were specifically, so “the demon inside” of the MC could have been something else entirely. The internal conversations are filled with black humour. What happened was gory and captivating at the same time. I wished it was longer!
A well-written horror short story that initially focused on pandemic neuroses, but it was never mentioned what the symptoms were specifically, so “the demon inside” of the MC could have been something else entirely. The internal conversations are filled with black humour. What happened was gory and captivating at the same time. I wished it was longer!
February 2, 2023
brilliant… should’ve been longer
Great setup to a quick read. The author gets into the psyche of the character to some degree, but also leaves me wondering how Jackie got to this point. While the author intended this to be a short story, I think he may have sold himself short. The writing is brilliant and the ending has an excellent twist. Still, this only took me a half hour to read, if even that.
Great setup to a quick read. The author gets into the psyche of the character to some degree, but also leaves me wondering how Jackie got to this point. While the author intended this to be a short story, I think he may have sold himself short. The writing is brilliant and the ending has an excellent twist. Still, this only took me a half hour to read, if even that.
December 28, 2022
Psychologically Terrifying
The Demon Inside Me is a psychologically frightening story. It centers around a young woman who becomes delusional during the isolation of the pandemic and finds herself doing things she never imagined herself capable of. I recommend this quick read to any lover of psychological horror.
The Demon Inside Me is a psychologically frightening story. It centers around a young woman who becomes delusional during the isolation of the pandemic and finds herself doing things she never imagined herself capable of. I recommend this quick read to any lover of psychological horror.
October 23, 2022
creepy
Very interesting short story. I don’t read horror often, but I really liked this. Part gore, part psychological thriller, if horror is your go to genre, take a chance on this one.
Very interesting short story. I don’t read horror often, but I really liked this. Part gore, part psychological thriller, if horror is your go to genre, take a chance on this one.
November 6, 2022
Gory and fun reading
The words created a short horror film in my head. It was gory and yet funny. I love how it got to the point. No fluff.
Thanks for making me laugh tonight. I also like the book cover! Perfect.
The words created a short horror film in my head. It was gory and yet funny. I love how it got to the point. No fluff.
Thanks for making me laugh tonight. I also like the book cover! Perfect.
January 31, 2023
An awesome descent
“I was there when that little girl stole your Halloween candy in third grade.”
Enjoyed this story very much. I love a good descent into madness and this didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
“I was there when that little girl stole your Halloween candy in third grade.”
Enjoyed this story very much. I love a good descent into madness and this didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews