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Mind Terrors
Retard
"A mother and child, living alone, with the mother using physical means to discipline her child, would at least be heavily investigated and monitored today. Back then, it was par for the course, the situation attracting only gossip and disapproval, but of course everyone was too busy to intervene..."
December, 1987.
Single mother Christine Stephenson watches with envy as the Birthday boy opens his present. A Fabled Four action figure. Her special son is obsessed with The Fabled Four but how could she possibly afford such a gift?
Not that he deserved it. Wesley simply couldn't behave.
She'd find a way, being such a good parent.
December, 1987.
Single mother Christine Stephenson watches with envy as the Birthday boy opens his present. A Fabled Four action figure. Her special son is obsessed with The Fabled Four but how could she possibly afford such a gift?
Not that he deserved it. Wesley simply couldn't behave.
She'd find a way, being such a good parent.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2015
About the author
Daniel I. Russell
53 books151 followersAustralian Shadows Award finalist D.l I. Russell has been featured publications such as The Zombie Feed from Apex, Pseudopod and Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine #43. Author of Samhane, Come Into Darkness, Critique, Mother's Boys, The Collector and Tricks, Mischief and Mayhem, D. I. Russell is also the former vice-president of the Australian Horror Writers' Association and was a special guest editor of Midnight Echo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 24, 2019
There’s something to be said for books that pull off an Oscar worthy performance. This would be great for independent film, less the needless twist ending. It did stay the course and there was no filler that didn’t add to the story and characterize the relationship between the two MCs and the aunt. It probably could’ve used a better editor, but of course I’m only up to date on American style of writing and this may be the norm for Brits. But the switches between third-person and first-person narrative should have been in quotations or italics to convey a character's thoughts. That threw me off at times and so did the fantasy sequences, where I had to go back and reread.
But the takeaway from this was that it felt authentic and that’s important to a reader who becomes emotionally invested in a novel(la). That’s what earned all 5 stars in this review. Bravo on the story!
I wish more authors would use this style of authenticity and period writing. Perspective is everything in literature.
But the takeaway from this was that it felt authentic and that’s important to a reader who becomes emotionally invested in a novel(la). That’s what earned all 5 stars in this review. Bravo on the story!
I wish more authors would use this style of authenticity and period writing. Perspective is everything in literature.
November 10, 2015
I spend a lot of time searching ‘recommended’ reads from Amazon. Not just blind recommendations – the ones that say “we see you enjoyed the fucked up shit that you bought last month… try THIS!” (Thanks, Amazon. You’re awesome!)
I had gotten pretty deep into my search, so I cannot remember which authors, and books, led me to RETARD. It involved some Matt Shaw, Ian Woodhead’s newest titles, Sam West, and a couple of authors from Cut Corners, (Volumes 1 & 2)… just to name a few.
The synopses didn’t reveal much, so I’m not sure exactly what drew me to HAVE to read this title, or what I expected – but I didn’t expect this phenomenal story I just read by Daniel I. Russell. I admit, I’ve been jaded over the years, remember – it’s fiction, it’s horror… what if Edward Lee wrote David Pelzer’s story? (OK, that was wrong, even for me… sorry). Nothing that gruesome, but it is a story that rubs your brain with an S.O.S. pad – and will leave a permanent scar.
THE STEPHENSON CASE centers around an overwhelmed, young, single mother, Christine Stephenson, and her then ten year old son, Wesley.
Dr. Graham Burns wants to reveal the truth about what really happened inside the Stephenson house that led to the events on that Christmas day in 1987. BOTH sides of the story, the media falsehoods, and the eventual cover up. He has researched extensive reports from the case, and conducted his own interviews with people willing to talk about it.
See the full review & join the discussion HERE.
I had gotten pretty deep into my search, so I cannot remember which authors, and books, led me to RETARD. It involved some Matt Shaw, Ian Woodhead’s newest titles, Sam West, and a couple of authors from Cut Corners, (Volumes 1 & 2)… just to name a few.
The synopses didn’t reveal much, so I’m not sure exactly what drew me to HAVE to read this title, or what I expected – but I didn’t expect this phenomenal story I just read by Daniel I. Russell. I admit, I’ve been jaded over the years, remember – it’s fiction, it’s horror… what if Edward Lee wrote David Pelzer’s story? (OK, that was wrong, even for me… sorry). Nothing that gruesome, but it is a story that rubs your brain with an S.O.S. pad – and will leave a permanent scar.
THE STEPHENSON CASE centers around an overwhelmed, young, single mother, Christine Stephenson, and her then ten year old son, Wesley.
Dr. Graham Burns wants to reveal the truth about what really happened inside the Stephenson house that led to the events on that Christmas day in 1987. BOTH sides of the story, the media falsehoods, and the eventual cover up. He has researched extensive reports from the case, and conducted his own interviews with people willing to talk about it.
See the full review & join the discussion HERE.
December 29, 2015
Great read.
Story and writing kept you drawn. Didn't put it down till I finished reading it. The ending was a nice surprise.
Story and writing kept you drawn. Didn't put it down till I finished reading it. The ending was a nice surprise.
October 13, 2021
I am going to break my femur at 10:47 AM CST on 10/13/21.
October 13, 2021
oscar worthy
December 16, 2015
Sad
A story about child abuse from the point of view of both the perpetrator and the victim. Your heart breaks for the child, and at the same time there is pity for the abusive mother. She is a single mother, subsisting on government assistance, with almost no support, trying to raise a child that although rather intelligent, definitely has behavioural problems. The events take place in the eighties, and there really aren't the same programs and awareness as now. And even now children fall through the cracks. As the book progresses any pity for the mother disappears as the over-enthusiastic spankings escalate into the realm of torture. ***spoiler alert*** the ending is very satisfying though. I won't give the details away, but the mother definitely gets what's coming to her.
A story about child abuse from the point of view of both the perpetrator and the victim. Your heart breaks for the child, and at the same time there is pity for the abusive mother. She is a single mother, subsisting on government assistance, with almost no support, trying to raise a child that although rather intelligent, definitely has behavioural problems. The events take place in the eighties, and there really aren't the same programs and awareness as now. And even now children fall through the cracks. As the book progresses any pity for the mother disappears as the over-enthusiastic spankings escalate into the realm of torture. ***spoiler alert*** the ending is very satisfying though. I won't give the details away, but the mother definitely gets what's coming to her.
December 30, 2015
Fuck, this book was so dark. Really really tough to read and at some parts I found myself a little teary. It was an incredible read though, it honestly felt like I was reading true events being documented. I have just downloaded Critique and will definitely be reading more by this author.
I found myself a little confused by the ending, was Graham in fact Wesley living his life in secret? If so, why did he continue to call Sally and ask her questions about his mother when she was the one who found him in the first place?
I found myself a little confused by the ending, was Graham in fact Wesley living his life in secret? If so, why did he continue to call Sally and ask her questions about his mother when she was the one who found him in the first place?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2015
Very interesting
This was a very interesting story. The mother Christine couldn't have died a better way. She was truly a monster. Being the mother of an autistic son I can understand her frustration. However she was the one needing help for her personality disorder and or depression, it seems she suffered from both. No child deserves to be abused especially a child with disabilities, if the parent(s) can't handle a special needs child then they need to seek other arrangements not torture the poor kid.
This was a very interesting story. The mother Christine couldn't have died a better way. She was truly a monster. Being the mother of an autistic son I can understand her frustration. However she was the one needing help for her personality disorder and or depression, it seems she suffered from both. No child deserves to be abused especially a child with disabilities, if the parent(s) can't handle a special needs child then they need to seek other arrangements not torture the poor kid.
July 26, 2017
Dark as fuck, compellingly written, and brutally realistic. This is not an easy read, but it's never gratuitous. It explores the struggles of poverty, the powers of abuse, the lack of agency and power, all in the stark light of all too believable characterisation. A shame there are loads of serious editing issues, but that's the publisher's fault. Look past them and take in the story. But this is not for the sensitive.
February 14, 2016
A look into the mind and treatment of an autistic child by his mother. One can almost feel for the poor mother who is trapped without assistance (she refuses it anyway) and her ultimate treatment of the poor boy who is under her rule. I did not pick this because of the title and despite of what it might infer, the boy was not retarded and had a brilliant mind. A surprise ending to be sure.
May 26, 2016
Haunting
What an emotional story. I had to look away several times to calm down. The author did a magnificent job in telling the story from multiple perspectives. I was near tears throughout. My first, and certainly not last, story from Mr. Russell. Highest recommendation.
What an emotional story. I had to look away several times to calm down. The author did a magnificent job in telling the story from multiple perspectives. I was near tears throughout. My first, and certainly not last, story from Mr. Russell. Highest recommendation.
January 8, 2016
Was a quick read. Character development was lacking
March 7, 2020
VERY DISTURBING!
Started this book and couldn't put it down until I finished it! Having worked in an adolescent psychiatric facility for years, the behaviors of this child were all to familiar. I could feel the frustration of the mother as she dealt with her "different" son. Even with all the resources available to parents dealing with troubled children, now, the frustration is still the same. As I read this book, I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I felt sadness and compassion for the boy, but then wondered how I would have handled this situation with no family to help and a less than adequate social system to provide me with guidance and tools. Great read!
Started this book and couldn't put it down until I finished it! Having worked in an adolescent psychiatric facility for years, the behaviors of this child were all to familiar. I could feel the frustration of the mother as she dealt with her "different" son. Even with all the resources available to parents dealing with troubled children, now, the frustration is still the same. As I read this book, I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I felt sadness and compassion for the boy, but then wondered how I would have handled this situation with no family to help and a less than adequate social system to provide me with guidance and tools. Great read!
January 3, 2025
I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t this! I honestly started this book solely for the shocking title, but was pleasantly surprised at how gripping and well-written the story is. Would’ve been a 5-star review, but there are a few blatant typos which I just can’t look past (pulls me right out of the story unfortunately). Despite that, it’s a great read and I blew through it, always wanting to know what happened next! What a great way to kick off my 2025 reading challenge!
July 9, 2019
A wake-up call for teachers, to keep an eye on possible signs of abuse
#retard, very suspenseful story, well told, I could hardly put the book down. All educators and social workers should be encouraged to read it.
#retard, very suspenseful story, well told, I could hardly put the book down. All educators and social workers should be encouraged to read it.
October 13, 2021
Relatable
October 25, 2015
This is quite a book! RETARD focuses on the dysfunctional relationship between a mother and her son in the 1980s. It’s a clinical examination of what happens when neurosis meets parenting.
The book grabbed me from the beginning, as Dr. Graham Burns embarks on an investigation to find out what really happened in the household of Christine Stephenson and her ten year son, Wesley, back in 1987. The author, Daniel I Russell, craftily weaves the plot, pushing the story forward at a perfect pace, providing just enough information to keep the reader on edge. The clues are dribbled out slowly, keeping the suspense high. He captures some of the common threads of childhood in the 1980s brilliantly.
RETARD touches on many themes: motherdom, discipline vs. nurture, problem children vs. brilliant children, child abuse, mental illness, delinquency, and what happens when things go wrong. As far as Psychological Thrillers go, this one ranks right up there at the top. The novella has all the suspense of a Stephen King novel with true-to-life drama that can happen, and has happened, probably many times over the course of humanity.
Vivid characters, a realistic plot, crisp dialog, and impeccable writing make this book a must-read.
The book grabbed me from the beginning, as Dr. Graham Burns embarks on an investigation to find out what really happened in the household of Christine Stephenson and her ten year son, Wesley, back in 1987. The author, Daniel I Russell, craftily weaves the plot, pushing the story forward at a perfect pace, providing just enough information to keep the reader on edge. The clues are dribbled out slowly, keeping the suspense high. He captures some of the common threads of childhood in the 1980s brilliantly.
RETARD touches on many themes: motherdom, discipline vs. nurture, problem children vs. brilliant children, child abuse, mental illness, delinquency, and what happens when things go wrong. As far as Psychological Thrillers go, this one ranks right up there at the top. The novella has all the suspense of a Stephen King novel with true-to-life drama that can happen, and has happened, probably many times over the course of humanity.
Vivid characters, a realistic plot, crisp dialog, and impeccable writing make this book a must-read.
November 14, 2015
All were too busy to get involved and besides, the circumstances enticed hearsay, rumors and discontentment. In today’s society physical ways of punishing children may not go over well, and they may be cause for examination of the set of circumstances. This is a story of a mom using physical discipline on her youngster. Making up things to avoid the fact he was existing in a life of agony, 10 year old Wesley lives an isolated life with his contemptible mother, Christine. What was it that truly transpired at the Stephenson home back in 1987? Dr. Graham Burns takes on an exploration to discover what materialized in the home of this single mother and her son. This is definitely a dramatic and realistic novel. It's intense, unreformed and will stay with you for some time after you’ve read it. If you are looking for a melancholy, dark and suspenseful story than I recommend this one. Note: it is not for the faint of heart.
January 20, 2016
This is so heart breaking, and gut wrenchingly realistic that I actually had to go back and check to make sure that it was actually fiction. It is definitely not a read for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely a reality that children are unfortunately still living through today, the fortunate part is that a case that severe would likely not go unnoticed these days. The ending was INCREDIBLY satisfying, not just in the fact that it is the mother that died, but that Graham (unless I am very much mistaken) is poor Wesley from the article. Proving that in a world of horrible adversity you can overcome and be successful, with the added, slightly bonus that he was able to call all of the people from him past that should have been there to protect him all along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2016
I devoured this book within a couple of hours solid reading, which is quite a feat these days as I just don't find the time normally. However, I was immersed in this story instantly. I initially thought it was going to turn into something supernaturally explained, which would have disappointed me....so many writers turn to something fantastical when they can't explain their way out of the plot or tie up the ending. I was impressed with the delivery of what is a sensitive issue to broach. We aren't shown Christine in a favourable light but we understand how she has come to be the monster she is. Sadly, I believe there was probably a lot of Christines and Wesleys during that era.
Great writing. I will be looking out for more from Daniel I. Russell.
Great writing. I will be looking out for more from Daniel I. Russell.
December 26, 2015
Pure Horror
This story is one of absolute horror. Sadly it's a tale of terror and horror that is a reality for far too many children every day, all around the world. While the ending was not what I expected, and in fact caught me totally off guard it leaves one with much room for speculation. While not an easy read, or for the feint of heart (or stomach), it is a book that I would recommend reading for some potentially unique insights into a taboo and horrific topic.
This story is one of absolute horror. Sadly it's a tale of terror and horror that is a reality for far too many children every day, all around the world. While the ending was not what I expected, and in fact caught me totally off guard it leaves one with much room for speculation. While not an easy read, or for the feint of heart (or stomach), it is a book that I would recommend reading for some potentially unique insights into a taboo and horrific topic.
February 11, 2016
It could very well happen as the author wrote. I was an abused child but had people help protect me. Thanks Mama and Grandma for standing up for me.
I really don't like to remember it. It was over 45 years ago. And I thank God ( as I know him ) Every single day. But After my children have grown and have children of their own I can look in the mirror and see him God Forgive me, And watch over my Grandchildren. AMEN!!
I really don't like to remember it. It was over 45 years ago. And I thank God ( as I know him ) Every single day. But After my children have grown and have children of their own I can look in the mirror and see him God Forgive me, And watch over my Grandchildren. AMEN!!
February 22, 2016
Makes you really wonder what goes through people's minds
The book keeping you interested as it goes,kind of lost you when he was speaking in the third person,confusing.the author almost had you rooting for the mother because of his being "challenged" nothing against the author,it was nicely constructed,I would like to read some more work of his.just didn't care for the abuse part.
The book keeping you interested as it goes,kind of lost you when he was speaking in the third person,confusing.the author almost had you rooting for the mother because of his being "challenged" nothing against the author,it was nicely constructed,I would like to read some more work of his.just didn't care for the abuse part.
October 23, 2015
The Truth ...
Can you handle it? Don't let the title confuse you. Russell delivers a deep, hard-hitting story. Raw, edgy, and unapologetic ... The unraveling events of a boy and his mother will stay with you ... like that white spot on the fringe of your vision after you've been hit on the head with a steal pipe.
Can you handle it? Don't let the title confuse you. Russell delivers a deep, hard-hitting story. Raw, edgy, and unapologetic ... The unraveling events of a boy and his mother will stay with you ... like that white spot on the fringe of your vision after you've been hit on the head with a steal pipe.
January 26, 2016
A very strange book
This was a very strange book and the mother was just as strange. She had more of a problem than the son. She seemed to blame him for all that had gone wrong in her life and took all her frustration out on him through her abuse of him. However, I did like the very surprising ending. It had an Alfred Hitchcock feel to it.
This was a very strange book and the mother was just as strange. She had more of a problem than the son. She seemed to blame him for all that had gone wrong in her life and took all her frustration out on him through her abuse of him. However, I did like the very surprising ending. It had an Alfred Hitchcock feel to it.
January 1, 2016
Painful, yet can't put it down
Imagine someone fictionalized A Child Called It and made it more graphic and then added an interesting ending, you'd end up with Retard. I couldn't put the book down even though it made me feel sicker than the rat chapter in American Psycho.
Imagine someone fictionalized A Child Called It and made it more graphic and then added an interesting ending, you'd end up with Retard. I couldn't put the book down even though it made me feel sicker than the rat chapter in American Psycho.
January 18, 2016
Unsure
Of what to think. Some parts were long to read. Other pets were hard to read due to the fact it's somewhat realistic in how children are abused. The ending is confusing. Can't figure it out. Not a terrible read but not my favorite type of read.
Of what to think. Some parts were long to read. Other pets were hard to read due to the fact it's somewhat realistic in how children are abused. The ending is confusing. Can't figure it out. Not a terrible read but not my favorite type of read.
January 14, 2016
I felt so sorry for this child.Im glad his sick mother found his potion ..this is a very
Gripping Book.I was unable to put it down . well written and very
believable.This sort of thing was well hidden in this time period.
Gripping Book.I was unable to put it down . well written and very
believable.This sort of thing was well hidden in this time period.
February 6, 2016
Wow!!
The ending of this book was such a twist. All this little boy went through could have been stopped if someone had spoke up..but in the 80's child abuse wasn't talked about. Great book!!!
The ending of this book was such a twist. All this little boy went through could have been stopped if someone had spoke up..but in the 80's child abuse wasn't talked about. Great book!!!
February 20, 2016
I really didn't enjoy reading this book.
This book was poorly written and it was not always easy to understand what was actually happening. Too much skipping around. Story could have been told much better.
This book was poorly written and it was not always easy to understand what was actually happening. Too much skipping around. Story could have been told much better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews