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Morbid Thoughts
Aaron Walsh is a psychopath. For years he has kept that fact hidden, but one bad day is about to bring it all out into the open. When Jane Flannery walks into his computer repair store, he becomes obsessed. He wants to know every detail about her life. Unfortunately for Jane, Aaron already has everything he needs to accomplish that goal. Her computer. Jane is in great danger and she doesn't even know it yet.
SPR says, "It's strange to claim that a book about a guy who is this downtrodden as 'fun', but Walsh is a spirited narrator, no matter how spiritless he claims to be. Mind you, he's an extremely creepy narrator and person, even hateful at times. Profane and grotesque, he's still compelling; you're driven to keep reading to see just how downtrodden he can be. If you're in the mood to explore the dark depths of human behaviour, Morbid Thoughts is a riveting read."
Kirkus says, "Although this story is often somber and grotesque, McGovern injects enough nuance to prevent it from being a mere blood bath. A riveting character study even during its most appalling moments."
SPR says, "It's strange to claim that a book about a guy who is this downtrodden as 'fun', but Walsh is a spirited narrator, no matter how spiritless he claims to be. Mind you, he's an extremely creepy narrator and person, even hateful at times. Profane and grotesque, he's still compelling; you're driven to keep reading to see just how downtrodden he can be. If you're in the mood to explore the dark depths of human behaviour, Morbid Thoughts is a riveting read."
Kirkus says, "Although this story is often somber and grotesque, McGovern injects enough nuance to prevent it from being a mere blood bath. A riveting character study even during its most appalling moments."
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2017
182 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Michael McGovern
2 books38 followersWhen I was a child, I would never play with action figures much. I found them to be rigid and too set in the way they were. Instead, I played with pens. Two pens to be precise. I would hold one pen out in front of me and picture it as an arm. If I could picture that pen as an arm, then I could picture a torso, legs, a head – the works. By looking at that pen, a fully formed character would appear before me. With a second pen, I would repeat the process over and conjure a second character. With two characters standing in front of me, I could visualise their world and their surroundings. The real world would disappear, and I would inhabit the world I had just created. This is how my process usually begins. I started as a child, but now I am a man with two pens, a notepad, and a ceaseless urge to write.
I was born in Perth, Australia to Irish parents. I moved to Ireland when I was 8 years old. The first autograph I ever obtained was for the children’s author Paul Jennings. I queued for three hours in a shopping centre just to meet the man who had stimulated my imagination. Stories like the ones he wrote, made me want to write my own. I liked to write for an audience. I lived for the positive feedback a good story would get me. No matter where my life took me, or whatever was going on, I somehow always found the time to write.
In May 2017, I independently published my first novel, Morbid Thoughts. A transgressive, psychological thriller that dealt with the perspective of a psychopath. It was a challenging piece to write, but I was very appreciative of the experience and learned a lot from the process. Now, I plan to put what I learned to good use with the forthcoming publication of Killing Angels. Killing Angels and Morbid Thoughts are both available from Amazon.
I was born in Perth, Australia to Irish parents. I moved to Ireland when I was 8 years old. The first autograph I ever obtained was for the children’s author Paul Jennings. I queued for three hours in a shopping centre just to meet the man who had stimulated my imagination. Stories like the ones he wrote, made me want to write my own. I liked to write for an audience. I lived for the positive feedback a good story would get me. No matter where my life took me, or whatever was going on, I somehow always found the time to write.
In May 2017, I independently published my first novel, Morbid Thoughts. A transgressive, psychological thriller that dealt with the perspective of a psychopath. It was a challenging piece to write, but I was very appreciative of the experience and learned a lot from the process. Now, I plan to put what I learned to good use with the forthcoming publication of Killing Angels. Killing Angels and Morbid Thoughts are both available from Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 24, 2019
Not what I was expecting. I found it equal parts boring, creepy and interesting. Kind of like a stream of consciousness of a crazed lust-filled teenage boy with his dick constantly on his mind and in his hand. As well as a nutso adult who feels entitled for no apparent reason at all. I'm not sure I'd give this author another chance as this is not my kind of story at all. (By the cover, I was expecting a cannibal. Not what I found at all.)
October 16, 2017
Twisted and darkly comedic in places. Well put together and a solidly built protagonist. Recommended for those who are interested in the darker side of the inner workings of what any human mind is capable of., not for the faint of heart though.
December 2, 2022
"Sandro Botticelli, Lucio Fulci and Park Chan-wook enter a bar"
Morbid Thoughts, the debut novel by Michael McGovern, caught me off guard. I did not expect to be able to relate to such a psychopath, misogynist and oftentimes vulnerable character. And let me tell you this: as a school teacher who has seen a lot of abuse, bullying and the fall outs of a society who preys on the misfits, being a misfit myself, I took protecting the underdogs and tender as a calling, regardless of the context they may take part in. Empathy is a language I do my best to speak fluently. But Aaron Walsh is a tough cookie.
We embark on a dire journey through his sophisticated and corrupted mind, and at the same time I felt like putting the book down because I couldn't take his vivid fantasies (and actions) anymore, I could not let it be, since I feared for the fate of everyone on Aaron's way. He has a goal, pursuited relentlessly, and a very sharp aim.
McGovern weaves the story with talent, and knows when to offer his readers a break. Even some laughter. So rest assured, for even the faint of heart can finish this book, provided they find the courage to start it (and, I promise, it's worth it).
The reason for the title of this humble review is my honest appreciation for the references I found in those pages, and also some of the influences I dare guess might have crossed the author's path. Well, maybe they're just some of my favorites and I feel like creating a connection with the writer, since I felt some sort of bond with his main character. Yes, he is hateful, a prick and someone I didn't expect to be rewarded after all his deeds, but also someone I felt like I could've known from work, or the neighbor I had growing up. The quiet kid everybody made fun of at school. Part of me feels like going back in time and taking Aaron's hand when he was still green, offering my friendship and respect. And I believe anyone who can make you feel this kind of compassion for a killer is a hell of a good storyteller.
Morbid Thoughts, the debut novel by Michael McGovern, caught me off guard. I did not expect to be able to relate to such a psychopath, misogynist and oftentimes vulnerable character. And let me tell you this: as a school teacher who has seen a lot of abuse, bullying and the fall outs of a society who preys on the misfits, being a misfit myself, I took protecting the underdogs and tender as a calling, regardless of the context they may take part in. Empathy is a language I do my best to speak fluently. But Aaron Walsh is a tough cookie.
We embark on a dire journey through his sophisticated and corrupted mind, and at the same time I felt like putting the book down because I couldn't take his vivid fantasies (and actions) anymore, I could not let it be, since I feared for the fate of everyone on Aaron's way. He has a goal, pursuited relentlessly, and a very sharp aim.
McGovern weaves the story with talent, and knows when to offer his readers a break. Even some laughter. So rest assured, for even the faint of heart can finish this book, provided they find the courage to start it (and, I promise, it's worth it).
The reason for the title of this humble review is my honest appreciation for the references I found in those pages, and also some of the influences I dare guess might have crossed the author's path. Well, maybe they're just some of my favorites and I feel like creating a connection with the writer, since I felt some sort of bond with his main character. Yes, he is hateful, a prick and someone I didn't expect to be rewarded after all his deeds, but also someone I felt like I could've known from work, or the neighbor I had growing up. The quiet kid everybody made fun of at school. Part of me feels like going back in time and taking Aaron's hand when he was still green, offering my friendship and respect. And I believe anyone who can make you feel this kind of compassion for a killer is a hell of a good storyteller.
June 3, 2017
Oh wow! This book is incredible. While it is disgustingly crude and worryingly believable it is also such a great read. Scarily (for me anyway), the character Aaron Walsh is surprisingly easy to relate to at some points in the book. His view about people and how society works has crossed my mind several times! Should I be worried?! lol There are several places in this book where I have actually laughed out loud, which I don't find that I do with many books these days. Can't wait to read more from Michael McGovern!
October 8, 2020
Yes very morbid, but if you like knowing the intimate workings of the psychological, murderous mind, then very satisfying.
Not for the faint of heart. I loved the dialog from the perspective of the main character and thought the author conveyed the motivations of his twisted mind in a realistic and relatable way....If you can imagine killing loved ones. Who hasn't, but not conceivable in most of our realities. However it exists and this book makes it more possible than many would dare to comprehend.
Not for the faint of heart. I loved the dialog from the perspective of the main character and thought the author conveyed the motivations of his twisted mind in a realistic and relatable way....If you can imagine killing loved ones. Who hasn't, but not conceivable in most of our realities. However it exists and this book makes it more possible than many would dare to comprehend.
December 21, 2019
Aaron Walsh is a monster
As I was reading, I truly thought the author must be psychologically screwed up. The depths of evil he went to in Aarons thoughts were terrifying. I could not tell if I wanted to finish the book or not. On the one hand, it was gripping, on the other, it gripped my struggle with why people do evil. The one weak part of the book was the dialog he gave the women tended to be cliche
As I was reading, I truly thought the author must be psychologically screwed up. The depths of evil he went to in Aarons thoughts were terrifying. I could not tell if I wanted to finish the book or not. On the one hand, it was gripping, on the other, it gripped my struggle with why people do evil. The one weak part of the book was the dialog he gave the women tended to be cliche
June 24, 2021
This book has literally scared the s**t out of me. I kept looking around every time Aaron says "Reader" this or "Reader" that,it's so disturbing. I was totally psyched out while reading Aaron's story,the way he wanted to tell it. The author captured everything in this book from a uninformed feminist hypocrite,to a misogynistic psychopathic narcissistic murderer,to the mundane backstories of all the characters in the story who were unfortunate to come into or be apart of Aaron Walsh's world!
December 19, 2019
Wow...just wow
When I first picked up this book and started reading, I did not think I was going to like the book. It was a little more graphic than I typically care for. The problem was, the story was really good and I had to keep reading. The book is well written and really takes you into the mind of a killer. Again, WOW!
When I first picked up this book and started reading, I did not think I was going to like the book. It was a little more graphic than I typically care for. The problem was, the story was really good and I had to keep reading. The book is well written and really takes you into the mind of a killer. Again, WOW!
October 31, 2020
Reminds me of the Marquis de Sade. Full of dark hate and psychopathic writings. At least Sade had a form of sex with those he destroyed. Can’t recommend but see the creativity of the Marquis in the work
Hope you didn’t have to pay for this! If you like the style, go order a copy of “One hundred days of Sodom” by the Marquis de Sade.
Hope you didn’t have to pay for this! If you like the style, go order a copy of “One hundred days of Sodom” by the Marquis de Sade.
April 27, 2022
DNF. Couldn't get into it. The narrator is repellent (and I suppose that's at least partially the point) and has mentioned his penis or some form of "cock" at least a half dozen times in the short amount I was able to force myself through. *eye roll* This might be a good read for someone else, but it really wasn't enjoyable for me at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2022
A True Horror Gem
Inside the mind of a sociopath was an interesting perspective to read this book from! I loved how it was written, the playing of devil's advocate between the characters, and the chapters that were moments for the dead. These gave you a reprieve from the tension and some further insight into the characters before plunging you back into the madness.
Inside the mind of a sociopath was an interesting perspective to read this book from! I loved how it was written, the playing of devil's advocate between the characters, and the chapters that were moments for the dead. These gave you a reprieve from the tension and some further insight into the characters before plunging you back into the madness.
September 24, 2017
The title says it all
This was an awesome book. At first I assume sure I wanted to go on because I hated the main character but I couldn't seem to put the damn book down! I read the whole thing in record time.
This was an awesome book. At first I assume sure I wanted to go on because I hated the main character but I couldn't seem to put the damn book down! I read the whole thing in record time.
September 25, 2020
Strange Book
Never before have I ever read anything like this before. I've read about serial killers,but never read a book that in first person telling the story. Loved the end, and the afterword really makes one think.
Never before have I ever read anything like this before. I've read about serial killers,but never read a book that in first person telling the story. Loved the end, and the afterword really makes one think.
April 9, 2018
Great and interesting book. Makes your brain think harder
Good book. Kept me interested and wanting to read more and know more... an outside the box kind of book. I liked it.
Good book. Kept me interested and wanting to read more and know more... an outside the box kind of book. I liked it.
February 10, 2019
Very well written. I enjoyed the dark comedy, especially in the first half of the book.
July 18, 2019
Dark. Disturbing. Dreadful. Brilliant.
July 11, 2020
Homicidal nihilist goes on rampage.
A horrifying look into the mind of a homicidal nihilist. It was purposefully written to make the reader uncomfortable. And it did. I loved it.😈
A horrifying look into the mind of a homicidal nihilist. It was purposefully written to make the reader uncomfortable. And it did. I loved it.😈
October 13, 2020
Holy crap!
Definitely not for the faint of heart. Well written sick ,perverted story. A clear look into a very twisted mind.
Definitely not for the faint of heart. Well written sick ,perverted story. A clear look into a very twisted mind.
December 6, 2021
Completely weird
This was the weirdest book I have ever read. It started out in the mind of sociopath. The ending was completely bizarre.
This was the weirdest book I have ever read. It started out in the mind of sociopath. The ending was completely bizarre.
April 14, 2022
The book is well done from the prospective of a psychopath. A bit of violence included.
March 9, 2018
Egh... I got quite the shock with this one it wasn't quite what i was expecting. I appreciate what the author was trying to do with this, that being delving into the darkest crevices of human capabilites, in thought followed by action, and action without true thought, or care of. He succeeds brilliantly at this and i found it quite darkly comic at times, especially in terms of Aaron's thoughts on the absurd workings society and those within... I really don't understand lack of empathy and for that reason i find psychopathy horrifying yet fascinating, and love a good read that explores the topic, fiction or non. However, the reality of these particular 'morbid thoughts' was definitely much too concentrated on the horrifying and vulgar for me personally. I had to skim quite a bit haha. Not for the faint-hearted at all!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews