Trapped

by Opal Chatam

Solomon is a man of facts, history, and schedules. As a professional tour guide, he’s spent his life leading others through the safe, curated stories of the past. But his latest trip isn’t on any map.

It begins with a mirror and a repeating symbol, the seal of the Ars Goetia. Solomon finds himself pulled from his orderly life into a fractured reality of grimoires and entities waiting in the dark. Guided by a shadow through a ritualistic nightmare, Solomon’s clinical anxiety and obsessive traumatic mind become his greatest liabilities—or perhaps his only tools for survival.

In this dark psychological thriller, the boundary between a collapsing mind and a literal hell blurs. Solomon must make a fateful choice before the path behind him vanishes forever.

Genres: Mental Health, Horror

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

About the author

Hey, thanks for landing on my page.
I figured life was too short not to try to put some words together and cause myself to cry in the process.
I guess that's what they call catharsis.

Reviews

[Colleen McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few thrillers manage to balance psychological depth and supernatural horror as effectively as this one. Solomon's carefully ordered world slowly unravels, drawing readers into a nightmare where reality and memory are impossible to separate. The eerie symbolism and relentless sense of dread make every chapter feel unpredictable. What stands out most is the emotional vulnerability at the center of the story, turning the horror into something deeply personal. Readers who enjoy dark, thought-provoking fiction will find plenty to admire here.

[Jarvis Farina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Between Memory and Madness
What starts as a mysterious journey quickly turns into an intense psychological descent that keeps the tension high from beginning to end. Solomon is a fascinating protagonist whose struggle with anxiety and trauma adds real emotional weight to the story. The blend of ancient symbols, dark rituals, and fractured memories creates an atmosphere that feels both unsettling and immersive. Rather than relying on simple scares, Trapped explores the terrifying possibility that our own minds can become prisons. It's a haunting thriller that lingers long after the final chapter.

[Mark Durr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than a supernatural thriller—it's an exploration of fear, trauma, and the memories we desperately try to leave behind. Solomon's journey through a world of grimoires and sinister entities is gripping, but the real tension comes from his battle with his own mind. The author creates a disturbing atmosphere filled with uncertainty and suspense, making it difficult to tell where reality ends and nightmare begins. Dark, emotional, and unforgettable, this story delivers a powerful reading experience for fans of psychological suspense.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy through Booksirens to read and review, this is an honest review.

Trapped is a breathtaking dark emotional journey for Solomon - a tour guide whose trip to France goes far beyond architecture and timeless history. Solomon bears deep within himself personal pain that has carved his soul for a long time; and as these traumatizing memories surface in supernatural ways; Trapped become a memorable story with philosophical layers.

Highly recommended.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and interesting book, I kept wanting to know what was going on until the end
Solomon is a really interesting character to read about, and I loved the horror element in this book.