Please, Wake Up

by Nicholas Beardsley

Daniel “Boone” Harker has carried the weight of his childhood for as long as he can remember.

When two teens vanish from Picker’s Creek, Ohio, Boone’s reality begins to fracture, blurring the line between what is real and what exists only in his mind.

As buried trauma resurfaces, Boone becomes convinced that only he can help them. If he can keep them safe, everything will be okay.

If they’d only wake up.

Please, Wake Up is a psychological horror novella centered on trauma, grief, and mental illness.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2026

About the author

A Midwest Horror author focused on bleak, small town fiction.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This psychological horror novella dives deep into the darkest aspects of trauma and grief. The once happy family of 9 year old Boone is starting to fall apart and after a heart wrenching tragedy, which hit me right in the feels, everything is spiraling down even more. You see it happen, but you can’t do shit and a devastating sadness came over me.

I was very impressed by how the author build the characters in such a short story and how fast I could empathize with them. I’m a sucker for tragic and bleak stories and this was one big emotional rollercoaster! Also the coming of age trope and small town vibes were a huge yes for me. Loved it and eager for more of this!! 🤩🖤

[Thebatandthebook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short but mighty book packs a punch from start to finish. It takes you on a hard hitting road of grief and loss. While showing you that sometimes growing up too quickly due to harsh circumstances isn't growing up at all.

[Taylor Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, creepy, but really loved it. Quick and easy. If you don't have a strong stomach, I wouldn't recommend proceeding lol

[Mac Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive debut novella, the first chapter sits you firmly in place in order to read the tragic rest. Poor Boone, this kid has a rough life…

[TheBookLounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be talking about this on my YouTube page. This book hits you hard

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on my toes!!! Totally not how I expected the ending to be!! I also loved how mental health is played out in this book! Anxiously awaiting his next book!!

[Mari Vandenbroek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down man! Loved it. I can’t wait to read more from this author! Twisted and haunting and just messed up in all the good ways we like our thrillers to be!

[Bellows reads quietly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter one is as hard hitting as any Chapter one can be. I’d gone in blind to this Novella and boy, did that set the tone. What follows is a compelling study of sadness and loss. I was with the main character, Boone, every step of the way as his mind begins to unravel. Riveting, melancholic, disturbing. And the last chapter, as hard hitting as any last chapter can be.

[Joy Clees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I had high hopes for this debut and it was beyond those. An instant classic! A great mix of classic horror we don’t get much of these days. Quick read but highly recommended! Can’t wait for the next!

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible debut novella, I throughly enjoyed this book. Well written, easy to read and had an interesting plot to keep you invested! Can’t wait for more books to come!!! I do wish it was a longer story, but like I said I enjoyed it!

[Carley Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

dark but a easy quick read

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up, packed a punch and I didn’t want to put it down

[Reggie Virus · Rating 4 out of 5]

It shoulda been tacos man 😂 but this was a great novella

[Steve Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page Turner for sure. I had to get to bed for work, so I had to put it down. All day at work, I couldn't stop thinking about Boone and what was happening. I didn't take it to work, as I knew if I had, nothing would have gotten done that day, other than a write-up, lol.
when I did get home, it was all about Boone.... For me to finish in 2 evenings, for sure.... means.... Buy it !!!
It's worth every penny and your time.
( Yes, we had pizza delivered that night !!! )
Great Book, Nicholas Beardsley.
Can not wait for your next Book !!!

[Katlyn Hart]

I read the whole thing in one sitting and I loved it! Had me hooked from the beginning. For such a short novel, it had me emotionally invested. I look forward to the author writing more!

My only “complaint” was that I wish it was a bit longer and more drawn out, but it’s perfect for a novella and for an author’s first book. So happy to know the author is local and writing in the setting of NW Ohio. Definitely recommend to anyone who likes psychological thriller and crime stories.

[Lisa Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This is not what I usually read, but it was a riveting short mystery of the mind and what it can do. The author wrote it well. The story of a boy who faced death with a young mind unable to comprehend. Good story with twists and turns. Descriptive of both good and bad. Touching, sad, riveting and scary. Written to make you want to read on. I would not recommend it for overly impressionable under age children. After all, it is a thriller, but, I truly enjoyed it. Like watching an intense 2 hour movie.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic allegory of generational trauma, this book had me on the edge of my seat from the first page. A coming of age story, woven with horror and psychological damage, Nicholas Beardsley takes the reader on a thrilling journey through a shattered life.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Such a great book, had me hooked right away until the very end! I will definitely tell people they need to read this one.

[Sheila Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little short story

It is very Bates Motel coded. I loved it opening with a Psycho quote. Very well done to set the tone.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great debut novella! I was absolutely stunned and hooked from chapter one. Sat with it and read it all in a single sitting. Nicolas has a bright future ahead with hopefully many more stories to come. I will be reading them all, happy to add them to my bookshelf.

[mamah03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing.
Kept me wanting to read more hard to put down.