The Backstage of Existence

by Russell C. Connor

Cody Trumbull is a 22-year-old, dead-end pharmacy clerk with severe anxiety—which only gets worse when he discovers that his entire life is a lie, and that he may be nothing more than an NPC inside a simulated reality built around a single, ordinary man: David Harkin.

Fortunately, he's not alone.

After encountering a group of fellow 'Glitchers,' Cody learns the truth: they are all doomed to follow Harkin, trapped within the fragile bubble of reality that surrounds him. Stray too far, and they risk being swallowed by the endless white void beyond—a place where unseen, hostile forces exist.

When an attempt is made on Harkin's life, Cody and the other Glitchers begin to suspect that someone—or something—is hunting him within the simulation.

As paranoia spreads and trust begins to fracture, they are forced into a desperate mission: protect the most important man in their world.

Because if he dies...
what happens to them?

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2026

About the author

Russell C. Connor has been writing horror since the age of five, and is the author of two short story collections, four eNovellas, and ten novels. His books have won two Independent Publisher Awards and a Readers’ Favorite Award. He has been a member of the DFW Writers’ Workshop since 2006, and served as president for two years. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his rabid dogs, demented film collection, mistress of the dark, and demonspawn daughter.

His next novel, Predator, will be available in the fall of 2018.

Reviews

[Paul Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book but not as good as his previous book Good Neighbors. I got it free on kindle and even though it’s 323 pages long I read it in two days which honestly is the fastest I’ve ever read a book. The novel explores the idea of living in a simulation and needing to stay close to the real person to continue existence. The story is action packed but not one I’d read again unlike Bentley Little for example. Currently I’m unwell so I’ve been struggling with my health and it’s had an impact on my reading. Anyway I still recommend reading this as it’s free on kindle. It’s still worth recommending 4.5 stars. Enjoy

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Harkin is a man unburdened by conscious thought.
I enjoyed this. It’s a fun action adventure sci-fi. The world building around the “unrendered” space is a little wonky but the plot is fast paced and engaging so I didn’t really care if the physics make logical sense. If you’re stickler for science in science fictionit might bother you. If you’re just here for an enjoyable story, this is it. Besides Cody, the characters, especially the women are a little flat. Connor does a great job of describing anxiety and panic attacks. It felt realistic and not just a way to add tension or complexity. I really enjoyed this

[David Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. I read it in one day, and it usually takes me a month to read a book these days. I don't know if existential suspense is a genre, but it is now. Connor's trajectory seems to mirror Stephen King's in that he started in horror then moved to more epic, paranormal suspense. But please believe that Backstage of Existence is better than anything King's written since he got sober in 1988.

[D.H. Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me questioning reality in a good way. It’s a great concept and a riveting story that will keep you turning the pages.