Air Conditioned Nightmare

by David K. Slater

Daniel is alone
He is sick
He is tired
He hates his job

His apartment is haunted
He might be losing his mind
He lives in an air conditioned nightmare.

Air Conditioned Nightmare is a suffocating fever dream of grief horror from author David K. Slater.

This modern take on a haunted house collides head on with the real world horror of working a dead end job in a soulless call centre. Hell is other people.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wake up screaming.

Get ready... You are not ready.

Genres: Horror

420 pages, Paperback

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Chris Archeske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Air Conditioned Nightmare, the mundane life of an everyday office worker becomes steadily more concerning when he suspects something supernatural is plaguing his apartment. Is he really being haunted, or has his prosaic life finally plunged him into madness?

Like the demented lovechild of Chuck Palahniuk and Darren Aronofsky, author David K. Slater's bleak, brutal, and darkly comedic debut is all-around stellar—so beautifully told and careful with its words, you might forget you're reading something so ugly and horrific. Proceed with caution, genre fans. Like death (and especially life), this one's going to hurt.

[Robb Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Air Conditioned Nightmare is a harrowing, suffocating fever dream of grief, sorrow, and fear. This novella takes the reader from soul-crushing sadness, tangible misery, and even chilling horror that leaves you wondering if what you endure is real or imaginary (and sometimes, both implications are equally upsetting). This is grief horror done correctly and it sticks with you after you finish it. Can something be terrifying and traumatic at the same time? Yes, it can!

In this novella, we meet Daniel. He is a lonely bachelor who works for a call center, suffering verbal abuse day in and day out. His only companions are his cat, Vito, and his ailing, sick father (who lives at his own place). His apartment is in shambles and there is barely enough food for either Daniel or Vito. But, that isn't the worst part. His apartment may be harboring a dark presence that slowly creeps its way into his everyday life. Is he slowly going insane because of his waning mental health or is he being tormented by something outside of what we perceive to be reality?

This novella is distinctly British and that really helps hammer the stern, sardonic, and slate nature of the story. It's not quite monochrome, but it is saturated in browns and greys. Along with the dry wit, it features some understated creepiness and suspense that will make you think twice before blindly opening doors again. As you read and come to understand what is truly happening in Daniel's world, the grief and horror become their own characters, with tones and voices all their own.

Despite being a shorter read, it is a heavy read. It's caustic, brooding, miserable, and atmospheric. This is not one to read if you want something quick to fill monthly quota. This is one to immerse yourself into, especially if you are feeling desolate, lonely, dejected, or even just find yourself shuffling through various facets of the emotional spectrum. What you are granted, if you decide to read this one, is a story of grief, pain, sorrow, and terror that may just make you feel better about the rough time you are having.

I'm giving this one 🐱x5 (Vito the Cat)!

[Tyler Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Show me anything that’s not myself and I’ll be happy.”

Air Conditioned Nightmare feels like it was modified in a lab to suit my sensibilities. I think it’ll end up being one of my favorite indie reads of the year. David’s a fantastic writer. Every chapter had a few turns of phrase sprinkled in that warranted uncapping my highlighter. The story’s bleak, nihilistic, deeply introspective, and laced with dark observational humor that riffs on the absurd underbelly of humanity and relationships. It feels a bit like if Edward Norton’s character from Fight Club had a job answering customer service calls at the Overlook Hotel, then crashed in Room 237 each night.

Speaking of which, I’ll issue a trigger warning for anyone who’s spent time working in an office setting. This book captured those soul-crushing 9-to-5 vibes so viscerally that it dredged up some workplace PTSD that I didn’t realize was still rattling around in my subconscious. There was a brief point where the repetition of the MC’s daily routine started to make me wonder where things were heading. But the further I read, and as I worked through the highly satisfying ending, that tiny negative was quickly recontextualized into a glowing positive. I think that’s a sign of a great book.

Target audience: Anyone with a dark sense of humor who’s into psychological horror, existential dread, and mind-melting, creepy surrealism (or just anyone who digs quality writing). Definitely one worth checking out.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

David K. Slater's debut novel, "Air Conditioned Nightmare," is a claustrophobic, first-personal narrative of a young man, Daniel, feeling horribly overwhelmed, disconnected, and disoriented within his nightmarish daily urban life - plus it seems his apartment is haunted. Daniel's spiraling is dressed as job horror satire, though it's hard to miss the poor man's misery, grief, and depression: it's right there on every page, permeating his thoughts, his habits, his choices, expressing itself as constant self-doubt and suicidal ideation.

Workplace satire, under these circumstances, ends up occupying a space closer to Lost in Translation rather than The Office: the humor comes across as frustration, annoyance, even weariness. The horror itself, though supernatural in origin, when faced with the soul-destroying toxicity of the workplace, is just another occasion for more resignation, grief, and existential burnout. Indeed, if there were anyone deserving the term "burnout," it'd be Daniel.

Is Daniel mentally ill? I don't think so. Daniel's misery is concretely realized, his soul being crushed by too much reality rather than less; even the haunting itself is quietly absorbed into Daniel's everyday life, exarcebating his lack of motivation and poor engagement with those around him.

To be honest, I did not like Daniel. He's irresponsible towards his cat, his behavior towards his dad is way too timid, and his lack of ambition wore me out. But it's to Slater's advantage that his main character feelt so real, so tangible - even as the border separating reality and imagination is being slowly eroded (and ultimately may even be blurred by default; that's up to the reader to decide, especially confronted with the ending), Daniel remained recognizably real.

I recommend the book to people who enjoy their horror with lots of self-reflection. Slater's clean prose and his perfect grasp of situational dread, whether psychological or supernatural, makes this book a must-read for quiet horror fans!

[Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay… Air Conditioned Nightmare by David K. Slater absolutely wrecked me — in the best, most depressing way possible 😅

It’s about Daniel, a guy stuck in a dead-end job, exhausted, coughing up his lungs, and maybe… haunted? Or maybe just losing it. You’re never really sure, and that’s what makes it terrifying.

The horror here isn’t about monsters — it’s about burnout, grief, and that creeping dread of everyday life falling apart.
If you like slow-burn, psychological horror that feels too real, this one’s for you.

Uncomfortable? Yep. Brilliant? Absolutely.

[Tammy Riner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has spread like black mold and covered up all the other “favorite books” on my list, and now all I can think about is Air Conditioned Nightmare. I read this 3 weeks ago and my coughing fits aren’t showing any sign of letting up.

Seriously, if I could recommend any head for you to spend time in this year, it would be Daniel’s. I was captivated instantly.
The book is deliciously bleak and creepy with dark humor that tickles that weird part of my brain. Daniel feels real, relatable at times, and dreadfully pitiful at others, but always compelling. There were parts that upset me, and parts that had me laughing at the absurdity.

This was my kind of book, and I honestly can’t believe this is a debut novel.

[Amber Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lord. It took me awhile to write this review because I just couldn’t quite find the appropriate words for how it made me feel. I’m not sure if I devoured this book, or if it devoured me. I still can’t describe it adequately enough, but here’s my best shot.

Air Conditioned Nightmare is a downward spiral into the most profound existential dread imaginable. What makes it so inherently nihilistic is that it’s so damn relatable. The intrusive thoughts, the hopelessness, the misguided good intentions… a little bit of this lives in all of us.

Please don’t let the above paragraph sway you from reading this book. Only the best writers can make you feel these things so deeply and viscerally. There were also moments that made me laugh and moments that made me self reflect. Love hate relationship is an understatement. It’s so hard to believe that this is a debut novel. I will say that I am now a HUGE, forever fan.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent debut from DKS.

Slow burn psychological horror that, in places, feels all too real and close to home (especially as a cat parent)

Really looking forward to see what’s next.

[Sharron Joy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel has had enough, he has a permanent hacking cough, he is constantly exhausted, he hates his job and his flat is haunted. With only his cat, Vito for company he is slowly losing his mind.

A really unique take on the haunted house trope, this is an exceptional debut that oozes with creeping dread and despair. The very human horror of a soul destroying job, the harrowing loneliness and the slow rot of apathy pervade Daniel’s existence.

Grief, loneliness, despair and desperation play out as a shadowy figure and the noises from the wardrobe haunt him. The reveal of the reality of Daniel’s life is disturbing and the whole book is insidious in its malevolence.

Looking forward to seeing what comes out of David’s brain next as this is an excellent first book.

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you imagine a greater nightmare than spending every day dealing with complaints in a call centre?
After reading Air Conditioned Nightmare, I can’t. Here we follow Daniel: permanently exhausted, socially awkward, and on the edge of sanity.
When Daniel thinks his house is haunted, he tries to get help. But he always seems to end up back at the office.

Daniel is one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever come across. Funny, exhausted and desperate, he says what we are all thinking when it comes to our day jobs. The supporting characters are developed and realistic, but Daniel really is the star of the show with this story. There are twists, and some heartbreaking moments, including one that made me gasp as this complicated yet easy to follow story unfolds.
David K Slater has a really easy and natural writing style that flows very well. While some elements of the story I wanted to be rounded out more, I was not left feeling disappointed as the story came to an end. I’m really looking forward to seeing what else Slater has for us in the future, this is an excellent debut

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slater captures that familiar exhaustion and isolation with painful accuracy. It hurt, but it was so good. Maybe I’m biased, but that dry, unmistakably Boro humour made it feel personal and all the more brilliant. GIVE US MORE!

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, brooding and totally immersive.

Daniel lives a mundane life - lonely, confused and perpetually exhausted. His house is no longer a home; it whispers and threatens. The unseen voices follow him - no respite; no hope.

I love the unreliability of a first-person narrative and Slater uses this device to dynamic effect throughout. All at once - nothing seems to happen - but the build up of dread when reading is truly immersive. The imagery and internal monologue is magnificent - the prose is perfect without being purple.

With a book like this as a debut, I seriously cannot wait for more!

[Rayven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel has given up on life but it hasn't given up on him, following the creepiness or mundane routine! Where anyone would fade away and bore themselves into nothing. Nothing is what it seems and trust me your going to want to make it to the end although it's a long ride pay attention to every detail as you will not be ready for what's to come I loved this book! Anyone who loves blood, gore and physiological thrillers read it you will not regret it!

[C.S. S Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was a ven diagram with Jacobs Ladder & American Psycho, then David K Slater's Air Conditioned Nightmare would sit right in the middle! It's a bizarre, discomforting read & I loved every second of this dark descent into one man's isolated madness. David pulls no punches & with each stark revelation, there's an even more twisted question raised. It's a story soaked in mood, whether that be loneliness, boredom or irony, with a dark vein of humour laced throughout. Top marks to the Wombles shout out as well, amongst the driest of British wit that accompanies the MC's gradual spiral. It's so personal, I wonder just how much David has encountered first hand. This is a mood piece that I'm excited to see out in the world!

5 out of 5 ♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️ heat emoji thingy's as I've no idea how to show an air conditioner.

[Craig Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

Each of Daniel's days is the same as the last. A long shift at the call centre job he hates, getting abused by irate customer after irate customer. Visiting his unwell father. Home to feed the cat, his only company in his mouldy, run-down flat. Another coughing fit from a chest infection he just can't shake. As the cold February weather settles into his bones, his exhaustion catches up with him, and the days all feel like they are blurring into one. Daniel starts to feel a presence begin to seep into the cracks of his life—but he finds himself questioning whether it's him losing his grasp on sanity or if there truly are other forces at play.

There's a unique horror that can be found in mental illness. Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks—an alien sound in the dark of night might make you jump, but the all-encompassing weariness and despair those conditions inflict upon you are the kind of fear you can't shake off by turning on the light or by laughing off that visceral jolt of terror. Philip Fracassi's Don't Let Them Get You Down is perhaps the most devastatingly real depiction of that internal agony I've read in a horror book, but Air Conditioned Nightmare comes very close. Daniel's internal monologue, his actions, and the way he thinks others perceive him all feel far too true to life, and that made this a very uncomfortable read for me at times.

Does that mean you're in for a book where it's all in the main character's head, where the horror isn't "real"—that is, a ghost or a monster lurking in the dark? You'll have to read the book to find out. Rest assured, however, that the scares are very much present here. Whether it's footsteps outside the toilet door at work, the sensation of being touched while alone in bed, or even trying to pass a group of bike-riding teenagers on his walk home, the scares Daniel faces certainly feel real, both to him and to the reader. The ending recontextualises the earlier events in a way that has kept me thinking about the story long after the last page, and I think that a second read will be an immensely rewarding one.

I first read David K. Slater in Bloody Hell, the excellent UK horror collection edited by Sarah Jules, and his was the story that stood out most to me, one of my favourites amongst a strong group of authors. I have been long awaiting his debut book, and I'm pleased to say that Air Conditioned Nightmare is no disappointment. I'm a really big fan of the way he writes—prose that is evocative without being 'purple,' that creates chilling moments without falling into genre cliché—and this made the almost 200 pages here a pleasure to read. I'm excited to read what Slater has up his sleeve next; I highly recommend you give this book a go and, get excited for the next one along with me.

[Horror Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut horror novel is an atmospheric story about grief but it's set in a the familiar (to many) world of a job that is slowly eroding your mental state of mind.

Daniel works answering phones for a company. Every day is the same. Customer complaints, annoying clueless co-workers, and a seemingly never ending slog. His home life isn't better. He lives alone with his cat, Vito, and his apartment is haunted. Something knocks and scratches from the inside of his wardrobe, he hears voices and mocking laughter, his place is always a mess although he doesn't recall doing it. Plus he's had a horrible deep cough for months which the doctors can't help with.

Throughout this novel we're inside Daniel's head and it can get terrifying at times. Other times, he'll have thoughts which we would probably agree on. But overall, his life is falling apart. He loses track of time, he avoids other people, and a ghastly figure follows him around.

The author has done a great job of building the tension with various events which at first seem to be separate of one another but we'll find out differently when the true secret of Daniel's life is revealed and it's bone chilling when it does.

This is a fantastic well written horror novel, especially for a debut, and I highly recommend it for maximum creepy factor.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[Chris Heinicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

In David Slater’s debut novel, we are introduced to Daniel, a sick, sad, tired and mentally unwell man who lives a mundane life. Each day he gets up feeling tired, feeling bad about forgetting to buy food for his cat, Vito, and walking to work or catching the bus to the office where he works at to carry out a job he hates. He appears as though he has no friends, no outside interests, and is sure his apartment is haunted.
David does a masterful job in putting the reader in Daniel’s shoes, taking us on a self-destructive journey that seems to have only one logical conclusion. I found myself constantly feeling bad for him, other times frustrated for making stupid choices, but most of all reminded that we could all be Daniel
I found myself captivated from the first page all the way through. Quite often I also found myself thinking that there is a certain amount of Daniel inside us all, and how in our worst times, it can be easy to allow ourselves to be taken in by our inner demons. But does Daniel let them win, or is there something else going on? To be honest, I had theories toward the end of the book, but was instead presented with an ending that has stayed with me since finishing. I won’t give anything away, but if you want to be taken on a journey, strap yourself in, because this is one bumpy ride.
Thank you to the author for this chance to read the arc. I feel privileged, as well as excited, to see what David comes up with next.

[A.C. Hessenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew... Where do I start? I just finished this late last night, so I'm still processing it a bit, and I don't want to give too much away. So I'll just say this has been one of the most disturbing books I've read in a long time. It's one of those books where you're totally invested, and thoroughly creeped out, even though when you think about it, it doesn't feel like much has happened to explain that feeling. For me personally, that's the mark of a truly well written novel. I dare say this book actually *scared* me, which is difficult to do. If you're like me, and your fears are more difficult to name and point to, you'll probably feel the same.

The writing itself is excellent. Lots of one liners and turns of phrase to highlight. One that stuck in my head was, "The moment feels a little too pregnant, so I kick it down the stairs." It's also funny, definitely an underlying sense of dark humor. It's also just downright weird, in the best possible way.

The office scenes are a truly bleak but accurately stunning commentary on the American workplace. I was reminded a bit of Severance reading those portions.

All in all, a fantastic read. I highly recommend it. Hard to believe this is a debut novel. I'm looking forward to reading more from Slater. I give this one five dead pigeons (that's a good thing).

[Derek Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If bleak, depressing horror is your thing, Air Conditioned Nightmare is the book for you. David K. Slater’s brilliantly crafted tale of a monotonous life and mundane existence is so dismal it makes The Road look like a happy stroll through the park on a perfect day. The author expertly works in some humorous moments, that frankly, kept me from wanting to unalive myself. I joke though. I just want you to understand the depths of the darkness that is eating Daniel, the MC, alive.

With the combination of the cairn of dishes that are constantly in the sink, though Daniel rarely eats, and the ceaselessly wet, cold, blustery, English weather, and the dead-end drudgery of his job, and a chronic illness, Daniel has nothing to look forward to – at all. Slater’s words put you right in the crappy apartment with him; they put you right alongside him every time he coughs.

Then there’s the ghosts that haunt him. Are they real? Is he just insane? Does he even exist?

The fact that this is a debut novel is just crazy. It felt as if I was reading the words of a seasoned professional.

It’s psychological and grief horror wrapped into an intriguing story that enthralled me.

Available for pre-order now!

[Jamie Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that was (opens thesaurus) bleak, dismal, grim, and most certainly lugubrious...

"ACN" was not a pleasant read. There is no tidy plot or grand revelations. Instead, this is deeply affecting account a middle aged guy going through the motions of life (and possibly going insane... but who isn't these days?)

I personally felt bogged down & a little off put by the negative lens that the MC views his life through, but that is reality for many people. If you are a "misery loves company" reader, you will likely find a friend with this MC.

Despite this not being 100% my vibe, I believe Slater is an outstanding emerging author that has a bright future. Crisp prose, painfully real emotion, and a great sense of humor.

Pick this up if you enjoy quiet despair and spiraling sanity.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the please of reading this story before release, and I still haven't been able to properly compose my thoughts. Air Conditioned Nightmare is one of those rare novels that engages readers on an innate emotional level, leaving you equal parts terrified and bereft. Daniel's plight is simultaneously one old as time and uniquely horrifying. Having worked in a call cente rmyself, I could feel Daniel's monotone every time he answered the damn phone. I can't believe this is somehow a debut, when it reads like a novel lovingly crafted by a master of prose and emotional trauma. Sit down, have a drink, cuddle your cat close, and prepare to be destroyed.

[Sarah Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible, unique debut! Air Conditioned Nightmare is a tongue-in-cheek, bordering on satirical, mastermind of a horror novel.
Perhaps the strongest part of this novel, is the character depth. The story focuses around Daniel, whose life has gone to shit, he lives alone, he's 'quirky', and he has no 'life' to speak of. He's miserable. If that's not scary enough, his apartment is haunted. Daniel is the perfect mix of relatable and entertaining.
This book made me laugh, gag, and gave me the creeps. I can't wait to read more from David K. Slater.

[Cierra Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book! My second 5 star read of the year. David really feels like a real person that you really feel bad for. Also i can unfortunately relate to David's father as i have a family member like that. I totally didn't see the ending coming either. it kept me interested and wondering the whole time.

[Jenny Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing worse then feeling like you are in a rut, where everyday feels the same. David takes you on a ride of emotions on how miserable a life could get all the way down to their lowest point. Shows how you how Daniel maybe done with life, but life is not done with him.

[Erica Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply unsettling. Slater knows how to burrow beneath your skin and make you feel with his prose. Air Conditioned Nightmare is an eerie and disturbing novel of horror that I won't soon forget.