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SIMON SAYS: A Psychological Horror
From the author of From Birth to Psychopath.
A new psychological horror.
The women wake to find themselves locked in a small basement. There are no windows and only one - locked - door. Just when they start to think they have been left to rot in there, the lock clicks and the door opens to reveal him standing there. Simon. Simon doesn’t know his victims. To him they aren’t real people but, rather, play-things instead; snatched from their lives so as to play a simple game of “Simon Says” with him. Each instruction given must be followed so long as he says “Simon says” first. If they play the game properly, they’re rewarded. If they get it wrong, they’re punished. It’s a simple game so - why do so many of them get it wrong?
A new psychological horror.
The women wake to find themselves locked in a small basement. There are no windows and only one - locked - door. Just when they start to think they have been left to rot in there, the lock clicks and the door opens to reveal him standing there. Simon. Simon doesn’t know his victims. To him they aren’t real people but, rather, play-things instead; snatched from their lives so as to play a simple game of “Simon Says” with him. Each instruction given must be followed so long as he says “Simon says” first. If they play the game properly, they’re rewarded. If they get it wrong, they’re punished. It’s a simple game so - why do so many of them get it wrong?
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
About the author
Matt Shaw
554 books2,279 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 8, 2025
This was so so, I enjoyed the idea of your life hanging in the balance over a game of Simon Says. I think it could have been a lot more gripping though, Simon could have really gone to town with that game. The ending was a bit disappointing, but at the same time you can't have it all in a short read so I wouldn't say this was a bad read overall.
November 26, 2025
the simon says aspect was great but the ending unfortunately felt shallow and rushed
December 23, 2025
The prologue was gripping. Chapters 1-3 were pretty boring. It was about Veronika and Becky going to a dinner and hating the wine and just kinda felt like filler and not enough world building and not ENOUGH character building either, they still felt 2D.
THEN, we started getting momentum in chapter 4 which is good considering there's 26 chapters to get through. It was a harsh read but that is my speed, so I didn't mind. May need some trigger warnings inside the book though if anyone missed a warning elsewhere.
I like the way the book is broken up: it gives us updates along with the main story as well in broken up sessions, kinda feels like a familiar movie I've seen. It isn't POV switches in the cliche way, kinda like little check ins and reminders the way the narration repeated itself to keep us in the correct context.
I also liked how Simon Saiz actually had a REASON for being the way he was and doing what he did, instead of just horror just for horror! I didn't care for him of course but I liked understanding that he wasn't just a cartoon villain for the sake of evil.
It was a much more realistic approach. You hear it all the time in the real world, MAJORITY of sick killers have a reason for being as brutal and awful as they are, and a minority actually have NO reason! A lot of people don't know this! So great job on making Simon a believable villain.
The main protagonist did not get a happy ending, which I love.
We literally just took a dive into the mind of a psychopath who murders women after torturing them in sick games of "Simon Says" because his mom ignored his pain when he was r*ped and mol*sted by his own dad as a child, and saying "Simon Says", as his mom said he should've said, would've made her help him? So cold and twisted.
I have never heard of this concept before among serial killers, so it was interesting to get a glimpse of it. Quick read; finished it the same day I got it.
Simon had way more depth than Veronika and Becky had, which is 0.5 points that I took off. Then, the other 0.5 points I took off was because again, the first three chapters were filled with a lot of shit that didn't matter, the world building felt flat and almost non-existent.
The prologue in the beginning was strong and terrifying. Three chapters of feeling suspended in the air was a bit hard to get through. So, I guess I will say I took away another 0.5 points for this. Because I HATE when authors give strong intros, then kill the momentum immediately. For such a short book, we could've expanded the horizon of the setting and the story and plot itself.
I was absolutely looking forward to reading this book as it was my first Matt Shaw piece; I was inspired to read this author after I'd read "Woom" by a complimentary author Duncan Ralston. I WILL consider reading another book by Shaw and compare the two experiences.
OTHERWISE....
+3.5 points = Terrifying concept, I kept imagining what I would do if it were me, gross at times, raw, unapologetic with no sugarcoating AT ALL, very intense, mature, and was a quick read.
Nice!
THEN, we started getting momentum in chapter 4 which is good considering there's 26 chapters to get through. It was a harsh read but that is my speed, so I didn't mind. May need some trigger warnings inside the book though if anyone missed a warning elsewhere.
I like the way the book is broken up: it gives us updates along with the main story as well in broken up sessions, kinda feels like a familiar movie I've seen. It isn't POV switches in the cliche way, kinda like little check ins and reminders the way the narration repeated itself to keep us in the correct context.
I also liked how Simon Saiz actually had a REASON for being the way he was and doing what he did, instead of just horror just for horror! I didn't care for him of course but I liked understanding that he wasn't just a cartoon villain for the sake of evil.
It was a much more realistic approach. You hear it all the time in the real world, MAJORITY of sick killers have a reason for being as brutal and awful as they are, and a minority actually have NO reason! A lot of people don't know this! So great job on making Simon a believable villain.
The main protagonist did not get a happy ending, which I love.
We literally just took a dive into the mind of a psychopath who murders women after torturing them in sick games of "Simon Says" because his mom ignored his pain when he was r*ped and mol*sted by his own dad as a child, and saying "Simon Says", as his mom said he should've said, would've made her help him? So cold and twisted.
I have never heard of this concept before among serial killers, so it was interesting to get a glimpse of it. Quick read; finished it the same day I got it.
Simon had way more depth than Veronika and Becky had, which is 0.5 points that I took off. Then, the other 0.5 points I took off was because again, the first three chapters were filled with a lot of shit that didn't matter, the world building felt flat and almost non-existent.
The prologue in the beginning was strong and terrifying. Three chapters of feeling suspended in the air was a bit hard to get through. So, I guess I will say I took away another 0.5 points for this. Because I HATE when authors give strong intros, then kill the momentum immediately. For such a short book, we could've expanded the horizon of the setting and the story and plot itself.
I was absolutely looking forward to reading this book as it was my first Matt Shaw piece; I was inspired to read this author after I'd read "Woom" by a complimentary author Duncan Ralston. I WILL consider reading another book by Shaw and compare the two experiences.
OTHERWISE....
+3.5 points = Terrifying concept, I kept imagining what I would do if it were me, gross at times, raw, unapologetic with no sugarcoating AT ALL, very intense, mature, and was a quick read.
Nice!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2026
💀💀💀💀
Matt Shaw’s Simon Says left me feeling conflicted in a way that I think was intentional, though not always satisfying. The novel has an erratic, unsettling energy that keeps you moving forward, even when parts of it feel structurally disjointed or emotionally distant.
Becky and Veronika, for me, felt difficult to fully attach to emotionally. They came across initially as the familiar “popular girls stepping outside their comfort zone” trope, and at times their friendship felt oddly mismatched or unnatural. Whether that discomfort was deliberate or simply how I interpreted their dynamic, it created a sense of emotional detachment that stayed with me throughout much of the story.
The prologue immediately caught my attention, though not entirely in a positive way. Revealing elements of the ending so early felt strange and almost counterproductive at first, because instead of building suspense, it made me question whether I wanted to continue. Yet ironically, that same choice pushed me to read faster, hoping there would be a twist or deeper revelation waiting underneath it all. By the end, I found myself wondering whether that narrative decision was designed to create inevitability rather than mystery.
Simon himself embodies the classic abused-and-derailed serial killer archetype, though I kept hoping for additional layers to emerge beneath that surface. Despite this, Shaw succeeds in making him vividly unpleasant. I could clearly picture Simon’s spiralling expressions, manic energy, and sing-song delivery throughout the novel. Oddly enough, my own childhood dislike of the game “Simon Says” seemed to intensify how irritating and grating I found him as a character, which in itself speaks to how visually and emotionally tangible he felt while reading.
What impacted me most was not necessarily the brutality, but the emptiness surrounding it. Even approaching the ending already aware of where things were heading, I still hoped for something more emotionally devastating or psychologically revealing. Instead, the conclusion felt abrupt and unfinished, almost hollow. I didn’t feel sympathy for Simon, and with Veronika, my feelings never extended far beyond the general sadness one naturally feels toward a victim.
Structurally, the interludes, prologue placement, and chapter transitions often felt mismatched or disorientating. At times this added to the chaotic atmosphere, though occasionally it pulled me out of the immersion rather than deeper into it.
That said, one thing I’ve consistently found with Matt Shaw’s work is that I can never quite predict the pattern. His books don’t feel formulaic, even when they lean into familiar horror tropes, and perhaps that unpredictability is part of the appeal. Even when I feel conflicted or unsatisfied, I still find myself wanting to discuss the work afterward and compare interpretations with other readers — which, in itself, says something about the lasting impression his writing leaves behind.
Matt Shaw’s Simon Says left me feeling conflicted in a way that I think was intentional, though not always satisfying. The novel has an erratic, unsettling energy that keeps you moving forward, even when parts of it feel structurally disjointed or emotionally distant.
Becky and Veronika, for me, felt difficult to fully attach to emotionally. They came across initially as the familiar “popular girls stepping outside their comfort zone” trope, and at times their friendship felt oddly mismatched or unnatural. Whether that discomfort was deliberate or simply how I interpreted their dynamic, it created a sense of emotional detachment that stayed with me throughout much of the story.
The prologue immediately caught my attention, though not entirely in a positive way. Revealing elements of the ending so early felt strange and almost counterproductive at first, because instead of building suspense, it made me question whether I wanted to continue. Yet ironically, that same choice pushed me to read faster, hoping there would be a twist or deeper revelation waiting underneath it all. By the end, I found myself wondering whether that narrative decision was designed to create inevitability rather than mystery.
Simon himself embodies the classic abused-and-derailed serial killer archetype, though I kept hoping for additional layers to emerge beneath that surface. Despite this, Shaw succeeds in making him vividly unpleasant. I could clearly picture Simon’s spiralling expressions, manic energy, and sing-song delivery throughout the novel. Oddly enough, my own childhood dislike of the game “Simon Says” seemed to intensify how irritating and grating I found him as a character, which in itself speaks to how visually and emotionally tangible he felt while reading.
What impacted me most was not necessarily the brutality, but the emptiness surrounding it. Even approaching the ending already aware of where things were heading, I still hoped for something more emotionally devastating or psychologically revealing. Instead, the conclusion felt abrupt and unfinished, almost hollow. I didn’t feel sympathy for Simon, and with Veronika, my feelings never extended far beyond the general sadness one naturally feels toward a victim.
Structurally, the interludes, prologue placement, and chapter transitions often felt mismatched or disorientating. At times this added to the chaotic atmosphere, though occasionally it pulled me out of the immersion rather than deeper into it.
That said, one thing I’ve consistently found with Matt Shaw’s work is that I can never quite predict the pattern. His books don’t feel formulaic, even when they lean into familiar horror tropes, and perhaps that unpredictability is part of the appeal. Even when I feel conflicted or unsatisfied, I still find myself wanting to discuss the work afterward and compare interpretations with other readers — which, in itself, says something about the lasting impression his writing leaves behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2026
With a serial killer out on the loose, why would anyone risk being out alone? Unfortunately, Veronika doesn’t seem to think about that when she finds herself out alone one night.
What happens next is full of fear and twisted games.
I don’t think the How Much To? series by Matt Shaw will ever be topped for me. However, this book was still a decent read. It didn’t have quite as much gore as I usually like, but it was still an enjoyable psychological horror from a favorite author.
Overall, while it wasn’t my favorite of his, it was still a solid read and I’ll definitely keep picking up Matt Shaw’s books.
What happens next is full of fear and twisted games.
I don’t think the How Much To? series by Matt Shaw will ever be topped for me. However, this book was still a decent read. It didn’t have quite as much gore as I usually like, but it was still an enjoyable psychological horror from a favorite author.
Overall, while it wasn’t my favorite of his, it was still a solid read and I’ll definitely keep picking up Matt Shaw’s books.
August 1, 2025
Simon Saiz is a taxi driver…and a serial killer.
Everyone’s talking about him. Nine victims so far; they are found dismembered and discarded.
Veronika is a small-time actress; she’s on her way to the premiere party for her first independent film. Her best friend, Becky, is in tow, but has to leave due to a family medical emergency.
Abducted.
Simon’s damage. 😳
Haunted by his own horrific past.
The twisted game of “Simon Says.”
There is one really disgusting scene. 💩
Simon’s slip-up.
Bizarre non-ending.
What even is the point?? Too existentialist.
Everyone’s talking about him. Nine victims so far; they are found dismembered and discarded.
Veronika is a small-time actress; she’s on her way to the premiere party for her first independent film. Her best friend, Becky, is in tow, but has to leave due to a family medical emergency.
Abducted.
Simon’s damage. 😳
Haunted by his own horrific past.
The twisted game of “Simon Says.”
There is one really disgusting scene. 💩
Simon’s slip-up.
Bizarre non-ending.
What even is the point?? Too existentialist.
July 9, 2025
wow what an absolutely fantastic book, got to be the best book I have read this year, a few gory kills, not much of the Simon says game play though and I think it ended wayyyyy to quick. never expected the ending I really thought she was going to survive :(
the serial killer being haunted by his childhood really broke my heart and made me feel really sorry for Simon and truly understand why he was doing it so I was struggling to hate the villain.
but wow what a book would definitely recommend
the serial killer being haunted by his childhood really broke my heart and made me feel really sorry for Simon and truly understand why he was doing it so I was struggling to hate the villain.
but wow what a book would definitely recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
Really been loving extreme horror lately 🤩
This was short enough to read in one sitting it’s only around 100 pages, will definitely pick up more of this authors books
I have to say it was pretty tame and you can tell where it’s going but something happened around 85 pages that made me feel sick to my stomach 😅 YUCK 🤮
This was short enough to read in one sitting it’s only around 100 pages, will definitely pick up more of this authors books
I have to say it was pretty tame and you can tell where it’s going but something happened around 85 pages that made me feel sick to my stomach 😅 YUCK 🤮
July 7, 2025
Classic and true Matt Shaw style would you expect anything different?
The premise of the book captured me and the intro alone I knew it was gonna be good. A very short read though and the ending left me a little deflated
The premise of the book captured me and the intro alone I knew it was gonna be good. A very short read though and the ending left me a little deflated
Read
January 10, 2026I was hooked on this one since the start. Such a fun concept and kept me excited to continue! The ending absolutely broke my heart when I was hopeful for an alternate ending however I do think that was the best way to end it! Matt Shaw never disappoints!!
June 29, 2025
Absolutly loved it.
July 6, 2025
Serial Killer named Simon who plays games with his victims, and doesn’t always play fair. Matt Shaw always bringing the good reads. 📖
August 20, 2025
SIMON SAYS
Can’t understand why your asking me to leave a review before the end of the book can’t be the end surely
Can’t understand why your asking me to leave a review before the end of the book can’t be the end surely
September 23, 2025
2.5..not his best but not total crap
November 12, 2025
I really liked the story concept of this one however I do wish that it had a little more at the end. Honestly this had potential to be a full length novel.
December 31, 2025
Was good enjoyed it but the ending was too quick
September 8, 2025
I think the premise of this book is a great idea, I just didn't love the outcome.
I prefer a horror with twists and turns but I fear this may have just been quite a predictable read, although there was quite a gross scene that did catch me off guard I will give the book that.
I think maybe short horror/thriller books aren't for me, not the books fault at all.
I prefer a horror with twists and turns but I fear this may have just been quite a predictable read, although there was quite a gross scene that did catch me off guard I will give the book that.
I think maybe short horror/thriller books aren't for me, not the books fault at all.
December 31, 2025
A brutal story with a different twist with the Simon Says aspect. I enjoyed the start of the book, this added to the unlucky predicament that befell the main character that enabled Simon to capture her. An insight into the reason behind the why of Simon was a nice addition that added a bit of depth. The choice to also include going back to the friend played with the 'will she be found in time?' popping into the reader's head.
Short and not so sweet 4*
Short and not so sweet 4*
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews