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Jitters
Harold was always a man with a plan. Out of the house after high school, and take the world by storm. But the storm fought back, and now Harold is right back where he started. All the way back to the room he'd occupied as a child.
But he's not alone in that room. Something resides there with him, and it's had a dozen years on its own. A dozen years to grow. A dozen years to multiply. And now that Harold is back, he'll have to face his worst nightmare.
And if he loses, it might just be his last night on earth.
But he's not alone in that room. Something resides there with him, and it's had a dozen years on its own. A dozen years to grow. A dozen years to multiply. And now that Harold is back, he'll have to face his worst nightmare.
And if he loses, it might just be his last night on earth.
- GenresHorror
57 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2017
6 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Ken Stark
14 books124 followersKEN STARK is the author of the multi-award winning, post-apocalyptic STAGE 3 Series, and the horror novels GAIA'S GAME and ARCADIA FALLS.
"If I can move a reader, I am honoured. If those words I string together resonate with the reader in some way, I am thrilled. But if one reader out of a thousand experiences an actual nightmare because of what I wrote, then I will know that I've done my job right, and you may consider me ecstatic."
"If I can move a reader, I am honoured. If those words I string together resonate with the reader in some way, I am thrilled. But if one reader out of a thousand experiences an actual nightmare because of what I wrote, then I will know that I've done my job right, and you may consider me ecstatic."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 7, 2020
The guy is trapped in his childhood room between cockroaches. This monodrama is a good shaped story about failures, self-pity, and struggle. The battle with cockroaches is not just attempted to clean space, this is proof of his values. He is fat, unsuccessful, without a partner and the bugs are a challenge. After he spent all his ideas, the challenge is bigger and bigger, and the good thing is, his survival instinct is awoken.
February 23, 2018
Jitters
By: Ken Stark
What is your most primal fear? What makes you cringe and squirm when you think about it? Does your heart pound and palms sweat? Does your fear follow you from your conscious state into terrifying nightmares as you enter the subconscious world of sleep? There is no doubt that we all have our own unique phobias. Things that cause genuine terror even when they merely cross our thoughts…let alone actually encounter them in real life. If yours are of the creepy, crawly kind, get ready to be terrified to the core with Jitters!
Essentially, Jitters follows a character by the name of Harold. He is truly a foul individual who is overweight, unemployed and living in his parents’ basement. In truth, those conditions would actually make many people feel some sympathy for this character who has found himself to be in such hard times. However, when Harold’s malicious, hateful and abusive personality traits are revealed, that sympathy disappears in a flash. He is a product of his very real and significant flaws. He loathes everyone around him and blames others for his own self-perpetuated failings. While there are many scenes which will enhance the reader’s loathing and dislike for Harold, his abusive thoughts about women truly tip the scales of disgust.
Is there anything which could significantly impact such a loathsome individual? After all, his character flaws are so deep that he does not seem capable of feeling or relating to anything other than pure hatred. Buckle up! Harold is soon to face his own intense phobia in the form of creepy, crawly cockroaches. What follows is an action packed fight to the finish. Will the experience change Harold for the better? Or will it end in a more sinister fashion?
Before I started this book, I had my doubts as to whether I would really be able to get into it. It is a short story and I personally tend to require longer novels in order to gain my full presence. This was simply not the case with this tale. I read it in one sitting and barely took my eyes off the pages. The author, Ken Stark, has a unique gift when it comes to engaging his reading audience. His descriptions are so vivid and realistic that the reader has little choice but to be totally engrossed in the story. And speaking of gross…Jitters undoubtedly falls under that description heading! For instance, take this passage which sees Harold busily cursing the world for his plight in life:
“He threw a silent curse at the world in general
And stood up, scratching an itch on his backside
And bringing his fingers up to his nose for a quick sniff.”
While this is just a very simple example, it does illustrate how capably Stark is able to vividly and graphically reveal the vulgar side of human nature.
It is always a little tricky to outline a perfect audience or age group for any novel. That being said, I believe Young Adults and up would thoroughly enjoy this book. There are some particularly graphic scenes which would make the story not suitable for a younger crowd. Also, when reviewing books I typically like to discuss the main theme. However, I do not believe I can do that in this case without actually giving away the story. My steadfast “no spoiler” rule has to override theme discussion in this case.
If you are looking amazing writing which will virtually transport you right into the story, then Jitters is just what you have been looking for. Ken Stark is simply a fantastic writer!
5 eerie stars for this one! *****
By: Ken Stark
What is your most primal fear? What makes you cringe and squirm when you think about it? Does your heart pound and palms sweat? Does your fear follow you from your conscious state into terrifying nightmares as you enter the subconscious world of sleep? There is no doubt that we all have our own unique phobias. Things that cause genuine terror even when they merely cross our thoughts…let alone actually encounter them in real life. If yours are of the creepy, crawly kind, get ready to be terrified to the core with Jitters!
Essentially, Jitters follows a character by the name of Harold. He is truly a foul individual who is overweight, unemployed and living in his parents’ basement. In truth, those conditions would actually make many people feel some sympathy for this character who has found himself to be in such hard times. However, when Harold’s malicious, hateful and abusive personality traits are revealed, that sympathy disappears in a flash. He is a product of his very real and significant flaws. He loathes everyone around him and blames others for his own self-perpetuated failings. While there are many scenes which will enhance the reader’s loathing and dislike for Harold, his abusive thoughts about women truly tip the scales of disgust.
Is there anything which could significantly impact such a loathsome individual? After all, his character flaws are so deep that he does not seem capable of feeling or relating to anything other than pure hatred. Buckle up! Harold is soon to face his own intense phobia in the form of creepy, crawly cockroaches. What follows is an action packed fight to the finish. Will the experience change Harold for the better? Or will it end in a more sinister fashion?
Before I started this book, I had my doubts as to whether I would really be able to get into it. It is a short story and I personally tend to require longer novels in order to gain my full presence. This was simply not the case with this tale. I read it in one sitting and barely took my eyes off the pages. The author, Ken Stark, has a unique gift when it comes to engaging his reading audience. His descriptions are so vivid and realistic that the reader has little choice but to be totally engrossed in the story. And speaking of gross…Jitters undoubtedly falls under that description heading! For instance, take this passage which sees Harold busily cursing the world for his plight in life:
“He threw a silent curse at the world in general
And stood up, scratching an itch on his backside
And bringing his fingers up to his nose for a quick sniff.”
While this is just a very simple example, it does illustrate how capably Stark is able to vividly and graphically reveal the vulgar side of human nature.
It is always a little tricky to outline a perfect audience or age group for any novel. That being said, I believe Young Adults and up would thoroughly enjoy this book. There are some particularly graphic scenes which would make the story not suitable for a younger crowd. Also, when reviewing books I typically like to discuss the main theme. However, I do not believe I can do that in this case without actually giving away the story. My steadfast “no spoiler” rule has to override theme discussion in this case.
If you are looking amazing writing which will virtually transport you right into the story, then Jitters is just what you have been looking for. Ken Stark is simply a fantastic writer!
5 eerie stars for this one! *****
December 19, 2019
I have been pondering all day what to write as a review for Ken Stark's, Jitters. I'm not fond of creepy critters. I nearly jump out of my skin when one of those large bugs crosses my path, so you can only imagine how my heart raced when I started reading about cockroaches, increasing in size at a rapid rate... large as a child's fist I read at one point. And poor Harold, the main character, what he endured!
I am still struggling about how I should review this... I'm searching the corners of my room to make sure one of those critters didn't slide into my room! I have to admit, that the even though I seldom read horror books, this one captivated me, and I could hardly put it down.
Stark has written a brilliant book. It is creative, well written, chilling, and I may never look at a cockroach the same again. Stark has definitely earned five jittery stars for this one.
I am still struggling about how I should review this... I'm searching the corners of my room to make sure one of those critters didn't slide into my room! I have to admit, that the even though I seldom read horror books, this one captivated me, and I could hardly put it down.
Stark has written a brilliant book. It is creative, well written, chilling, and I may never look at a cockroach the same again. Stark has definitely earned five jittery stars for this one.
October 6, 2019
Wow!....I made a big mistake. I went to bed to read this and wished afterwards I hadn't. I'm a sensitive soul and Ken Stark's book scared the pants off me!
I'm not that fond of scuttling insects but the growing horror of morphing and cockroaches with a growth hormone condition gave me a nightmare whilst asleep.
Ken Stark achieved his objective, our nasty antihero gets his desserts...or he becomes one for a flock of the nasty black hard shelled wavy legged buggers.....BRILLIANT...The appeal of horror can be fascinating..this fulfils the bill wonderfully. Well done Ken.
I'm not that fond of scuttling insects but the growing horror of morphing and cockroaches with a growth hormone condition gave me a nightmare whilst asleep.
Ken Stark achieved his objective, our nasty antihero gets his desserts...or he becomes one for a flock of the nasty black hard shelled wavy legged buggers.....BRILLIANT...The appeal of horror can be fascinating..this fulfils the bill wonderfully. Well done Ken.
May 21, 2018
Harold is thirty unemployed on the heavy side source of revenue with his parents he stays in the cellar he was self-indulgent in the hardship of the nightmare of his life he was concerned all these horrifying plagued of insects multiplying he tried desperately to get rid of them he was getting frantic. This story was incredible and repulsive creatures everywhere I recommended this scary short story a gripping read.
July 6, 2018
In this 50-page story, Jitters by Ken Stark, the narrator, Harold, describes all the failures in his life from the time of the first remembrance to present. At approximately 31 years of age, Harold has failed at everything and has ended up living in the same basement accommodations where he had started out years before. His parents still lived upstairs although they had gotten considerably older. Harold’s mother was never slow to tell Harold “I told you so.” The parents had produced a child that took no responsibility for anything wrong in his life. It was always someone else’s fault. His mother had always promised Harold he would fail at whatever he tried and the dutiful Harold proceeded to fulfill her predictions. His father, providing the ideal example to Harold, never contradicted his wife.
Stark describes Harold’s hermetic lifestyle in a downstairs bedroom in disgusting detail. Harold enjoys his own body scents and the odors produced by dirty clothing in various degrees of fermentation. Harold keeps himself busy with self-studies of pornographic art and literature. He would take no notice of the world outside his bed except for occasional forays off the bed to eliminate monsters that were his greatest fear, cockroaches.
Until the cockroaches arrive at a point where they have had enough. And the battle begins. This story has one human character and a horde of cockroaches. True, there is Jimmy Stanton, the neighbor next door but Jimmy has little impact on this action story of an epic battle.
This short story deserves a five-star Amazon rating for description alone. Ten pages are devoted to the disgusting imagery of Harold. A full forty pages are devoted to description, lifestyle, and animus of cockroaches. This should have received a very high grade in a creative writing class.
Occasionally Amazon offers Kindle novels free. I got this for USD 0.00; it is currently on sale for USD 0.99. I think this would be a good story for aspiring writers as an example of excellent descriptive writing. Stark even leads the writer to anticipate two very interesting possible endings and then doesn’t use either one. Stark chose a third ending which I didn’t find as exciting as the two suggested but the story still deserves five stars.
Great description.
Stark describes Harold’s hermetic lifestyle in a downstairs bedroom in disgusting detail. Harold enjoys his own body scents and the odors produced by dirty clothing in various degrees of fermentation. Harold keeps himself busy with self-studies of pornographic art and literature. He would take no notice of the world outside his bed except for occasional forays off the bed to eliminate monsters that were his greatest fear, cockroaches.
Until the cockroaches arrive at a point where they have had enough. And the battle begins. This story has one human character and a horde of cockroaches. True, there is Jimmy Stanton, the neighbor next door but Jimmy has little impact on this action story of an epic battle.
This short story deserves a five-star Amazon rating for description alone. Ten pages are devoted to the disgusting imagery of Harold. A full forty pages are devoted to description, lifestyle, and animus of cockroaches. This should have received a very high grade in a creative writing class.
Occasionally Amazon offers Kindle novels free. I got this for USD 0.00; it is currently on sale for USD 0.99. I think this would be a good story for aspiring writers as an example of excellent descriptive writing. Stark even leads the writer to anticipate two very interesting possible endings and then doesn’t use either one. Stark chose a third ending which I didn’t find as exciting as the two suggested but the story still deserves five stars.
Great description.
July 12, 2018
This is definitely a horror story. Harold is a self-centered loser who blames everyone but himself for his current situation--unemployed, overweight, and living in the basement of his parents house. He is terrified of bugs and will do anything to avoid them. The author has written a tale of terror that multiplies as quickly and efficiently as the creatures of Harold's phobia. I can almost relate to Harold, and have expressed some of the same feelings about the bugs. A well written page turner.
October 30, 2017
This is a great story that grabs you and doesn't let go. And the reason is because the nuanced characterization and the brilliant minutiae of thought and action, combine to tell a short, but deeply absorbing story.
The visuals are beautifully described and the tension remains solid throughout. Ken Stark is a terrific writer. This is the first work of his I've read, and even though this isn't my genre, it doesn't matter. Great writing transcends genre any day. Glad I found this story! It was well worth my time. Excellent!
The visuals are beautifully described and the tension remains solid throughout. Ken Stark is a terrific writer. This is the first work of his I've read, and even though this isn't my genre, it doesn't matter. Great writing transcends genre any day. Glad I found this story! It was well worth my time. Excellent!
January 2, 2018
Cockroaches are just gross
Harold is an overweight 30 year old. He lives in his parents basements because he lost his job. Harold is a revolting human being with a child like fear of all bugs. This book is a little odd, but it's horror. Harold is an adult who is thankful for nothing. He degrades his parents for owning a house, because he doesn't. The way he talks about children is horrid. KARMA! I think Harold gets what he deserves.
Harold is an overweight 30 year old. He lives in his parents basements because he lost his job. Harold is a revolting human being with a child like fear of all bugs. This book is a little odd, but it's horror. Harold is an adult who is thankful for nothing. He degrades his parents for owning a house, because he doesn't. The way he talks about children is horrid. KARMA! I think Harold gets what he deserves.
September 14, 2018
I have always been a fan of horror ANYTHING so when I saw Ken Starks books on Twitter, I just had to start reading them. I am addicted. I found this book to be somewhat like entering the "Twilight Zone." I absolutely loved it from beginning to end! It what quite interesting, held my attention, although it didn't scare me, I did get some great laughs out of it. I love the way he describes the character in this book, and the way he battles the roaches!! The book wasn't what I expected it to be, it caught me off guard, and that is what I love about his books! I could definitely read this again! Looking forward to reading another Ken Stark book. The only thing is...which one should I pick next? Hard decision!
August 27, 2019
The eternal struggle...
This tightly written story details one man's struggle against... Evil? No, not Evil, just many-legged Creepy. Tense, visceral and readable in one sitting. Enjoy the shivers.
This tightly written story details one man's struggle against... Evil? No, not Evil, just many-legged Creepy. Tense, visceral and readable in one sitting. Enjoy the shivers.
December 28, 2017
At thirty, Harold is far from where he wants to be in life. Middle-aged, jobless, overweight, and living in his parents basement, Harold's life is already a nightmare. He spends his days and nights self-loathing, wallowing in self-pity and hatred for life, himself, and for all of those he deem responsible for his current life situation. The writing in this short horror was graphic and very much detailed. So much so, that I found myself feeling a little nauseous during multiple scenes. Stark definitely knows how to transport the reader right into the story with graphic imagery, and thoroughly descriptive language. I must say that I didn't like Harold's character, but then some of the best characters aren't likable. At times I actually found him to be more disgusting than the creepy crawlers that plagued him. Without question, Harold's character was far from appealing, however his life, and character were certainly believable. I highly recommend this short-story to all lovers of horror. I also recommend not reading this story on a full stomach. Good work!
October 26, 2017
Excellent Read
This was a real page turner. I would have never thought I could be so entertained by a story with one character. The author has written the scenes so vividly that sometimes I shrank back from my Kindle. Harold definitely kept my attention. Just one warning. Don't start reading this book while you are eating. I started it at lunch. I had to push my food aside, but I kept on reading. This is a great Halloween read. I highly recommend this one.
This was a real page turner. I would have never thought I could be so entertained by a story with one character. The author has written the scenes so vividly that sometimes I shrank back from my Kindle. Harold definitely kept my attention. Just one warning. Don't start reading this book while you are eating. I started it at lunch. I had to push my food aside, but I kept on reading. This is a great Halloween read. I highly recommend this one.
May 28, 2019
Creeeeepy!
And crawly, but it is a book about bugs.
Big bugs.
Lots of bugs.
Did I say big yet?
You gotta read it to believe..
And crawly, but it is a book about bugs.
Big bugs.
Lots of bugs.
Did I say big yet?
You gotta read it to believe..
March 17, 2020
Let me preface this by saying: I'm terrified of cockroaches. Not in a "break-down pile of quivering mass in a corner when I see one" terrified, but a "I'll kill it but my blood pressure will be so high I'll hear it singing in my head" sort of way. I fucking hate them. HATE them.
This book (novella?) did what it set out to do, in that it horrified me.
The beginning played out the at-times-absurd-characterization of the main character a little too heavily, but once the action began it seemed to settle down. The main character is a piece of shit failure at pretty much everything he touches. I like an antagonist to have some likable qualities, but this guy had nothing but stench hanging about him. Which maybe made him a little one-note, and perhaps a longer novel would have had space to round him out a bit, but you still love to hate him.
The cockroaches themselves were fantastically hideous and I found myself on edge waiting to see what else lay around each corner or lurked in every shadow. Stark does a great job of creeping the reader out and I couldn't wait for the parents to arrive and see the carnage, because you almost get a sense that it will all be cleaned up and no one will believe him.
This was a wonderful introduction to a new author for me, and I will definitely look up other books by Ken Stark.
This book (novella?) did what it set out to do, in that it horrified me.
The beginning played out the at-times-absurd-characterization of the main character a little too heavily, but once the action began it seemed to settle down. The main character is a piece of shit failure at pretty much everything he touches. I like an antagonist to have some likable qualities, but this guy had nothing but stench hanging about him. Which maybe made him a little one-note, and perhaps a longer novel would have had space to round him out a bit, but you still love to hate him.
The cockroaches themselves were fantastically hideous and I found myself on edge waiting to see what else lay around each corner or lurked in every shadow. Stark does a great job of creeping the reader out and I couldn't wait for the parents to arrive and see the carnage, because you almost get a sense that it will all be cleaned up and no one will believe him.
This was a wonderful introduction to a new author for me, and I will definitely look up other books by Ken Stark.
April 24, 2019
I pulled out Ken Stark's book Jitters before bed last night, which was a BIG mistake! After I'd read the novella from cover to cover and had turned off the lights, it awakened the little-girl fears of the dark in me that I'd buried long, long ago. On high alert, I got ready to smack the long, hairy, multi-jointed leg that would inevitably curl up and over the side of the bed, with the critter just below. And even if I managed to ward off one creature, there could be others. Tens! Hundreds! Thousands! I shuddered to think of how many were nesting with the dust bunnies under my bed.
Ken Stark is a master of the horror genre, his writing, dark, edgy, insightful. He has made me a fan.
Ken Stark is a master of the horror genre, his writing, dark, edgy, insightful. He has made me a fan.
May 5, 2018
A great short story that will make you think twice about turning the light off when you go to bed at night. Cockroaches aren't as stupid as they seem!
There is only one character, Harold, who is so obnoxious that you find yourself wishing something nasty would happen to him! But I must admit to feeling a tiny bit sorry for him by the end. A real page turner that keeps you gripped right up to its horrific conclusion!
There is only one character, Harold, who is so obnoxious that you find yourself wishing something nasty would happen to him! But I must admit to feeling a tiny bit sorry for him by the end. A real page turner that keeps you gripped right up to its horrific conclusion!
March 31, 2021
Whoa! Mr. Stark absolutely freaked me out with this book! I actually had to put it down at times just to relieve myself from the creepy.
The character, from the beginning, was firmly planted in my mind and made me shudder. His attitude, frame of mind and body build was painted perfectly without over doing it.
Let's talk story! From the beginning, the character's encounters felt genuine. I was absolutely freaked out the entire time and the ending, just about killed me!
The character, from the beginning, was firmly planted in my mind and made me shudder. His attitude, frame of mind and body build was painted perfectly without over doing it.
Let's talk story! From the beginning, the character's encounters felt genuine. I was absolutely freaked out the entire time and the ending, just about killed me!
May 23, 2018
A good read
The story could stand a proofreading, but it’s a good tale or horror. The author does a great job with his prose managing to bring the scenes to life without weighing them down.
The story could stand a proofreading, but it’s a good tale or horror. The author does a great job with his prose managing to bring the scenes to life without weighing them down.
September 21, 2019
Horror style Good Read.
January 10, 2020
Boring
Boring, silly, senseless and not scary.
A tale of a person afraid of cockroaches, and of killing them. And of them getting bigger, but not scarier.
Boring, silly, senseless and not scary.
A tale of a person afraid of cockroaches, and of killing them. And of them getting bigger, but not scarier.
January 13, 2020
Skin Crawling
I hope I never have to come across any kind of cockroach at any point in my life, but especially not those! Really good read and has your skin crawling, throughout.
I hope I never have to come across any kind of cockroach at any point in my life, but especially not those! Really good read and has your skin crawling, throughout.
September 10, 2021
Gave me the creepy crawlies and I'm only thankful I never read this book when I lived in the City in an apartment with serious roach problems. Love me a Ken Stark book.
February 29, 2020
Just a fun scary story-think campfire
I struggled between a 4 and 5. This is a story that would be the kind that my grandsons would have wanted around the campfire at night. No paranormal or gore-but retelling this story by Mr. Stark would have made me the all star "made you jump" victor. Good story, great suspense and justice for a character that was a - no spoilers. Bravo Mr. Stark.
I struggled between a 4 and 5. This is a story that would be the kind that my grandsons would have wanted around the campfire at night. No paranormal or gore-but retelling this story by Mr. Stark would have made me the all star "made you jump" victor. Good story, great suspense and justice for a character that was a - no spoilers. Bravo Mr. Stark.
March 29, 2018
Ken Stark’s book Jitters takes readers on an action-packed short story through the creepy, the crawly, and the nauseatingly detailed that does nothing to address most readers’ fears of insects and things that may, or may not, come out of hiding when the lights go out. It does, however, serve up a chance for his readers to test the limits of their own intestinal fortitude to continue to the end of this skin itch-inducing tale and you will love every minute of the trip.
Right from the start, Stark makes no claims that this is going to be a cute and blossoming flower adventure for kids of all ages. The cover alone allows all who venture to his creation a skittering and scurrying clue as to what lies and wait for the bravest of readers and it is within the span of five pages that readers will very well wish for unicorns and rainbows to save them. I considered myself brave, a man who can handle just about anything, I was wrong, so very wrong.
Jitters introduces us to the main character of Harold, a man that Stark clearly and expertly details with such finesse that we can automatically determine that he is, “that guy,” a perfect representation of someone all of us either work with, live with, or know in passing. Harold is presented in such a way as to be relatable, a character we can understand for the human aspect, but someone we wouldn’t normally want to deal with in our daily lives. A character you love to hate or hate to love, Harold is seen as struggling with so many variables while displaying a personality that borders on the offensive it seems inevitable that he would soon be joined by, dare I say, a cast of thousands, none needing a name. The human aspect of Stark’s work gets the job done and allows his tale to ruthlessly weave through to its fitting conclusion.
The details within Jitters displays Stark’s expert talent of detailing the action sequences in such a way that readers will instantly feel nauseated from the raw truth of his words while comparing it all to their own experiences when dealing with the insect world. Every crunch, skitter, squeak, and pop is expertly outlined with a brilliant flare that will most certainly elicit a “yuck” or “gross” from many a reader while the action will keep their hearts racing and eyes glued to the pages.
While Jitters is a shorter read, Stark manages to pack enough punch within the pages to keep readers pressing on through the carnage he has masterfully created. There were a few grammar errors that may draw a reader from the book, but when it came down to it, I personally was thankful for the brief escape if only to check my own surroundings for any creepy crawlers.
If you are looking for a shorter read with enough action to satisfy, you would do well to give Jitters a try. Beware, however, that it will stick with you for days afterward and will leave you more cognizant of the insects in your own little world. The thrills and chills of Jitters are all due to Stark, the odd rustling of hairs on your body and that strange itch that wakes you up at night, well, that may be something else entirely. 😉
Right from the start, Stark makes no claims that this is going to be a cute and blossoming flower adventure for kids of all ages. The cover alone allows all who venture to his creation a skittering and scurrying clue as to what lies and wait for the bravest of readers and it is within the span of five pages that readers will very well wish for unicorns and rainbows to save them. I considered myself brave, a man who can handle just about anything, I was wrong, so very wrong.
Jitters introduces us to the main character of Harold, a man that Stark clearly and expertly details with such finesse that we can automatically determine that he is, “that guy,” a perfect representation of someone all of us either work with, live with, or know in passing. Harold is presented in such a way as to be relatable, a character we can understand for the human aspect, but someone we wouldn’t normally want to deal with in our daily lives. A character you love to hate or hate to love, Harold is seen as struggling with so many variables while displaying a personality that borders on the offensive it seems inevitable that he would soon be joined by, dare I say, a cast of thousands, none needing a name. The human aspect of Stark’s work gets the job done and allows his tale to ruthlessly weave through to its fitting conclusion.
The details within Jitters displays Stark’s expert talent of detailing the action sequences in such a way that readers will instantly feel nauseated from the raw truth of his words while comparing it all to their own experiences when dealing with the insect world. Every crunch, skitter, squeak, and pop is expertly outlined with a brilliant flare that will most certainly elicit a “yuck” or “gross” from many a reader while the action will keep their hearts racing and eyes glued to the pages.
While Jitters is a shorter read, Stark manages to pack enough punch within the pages to keep readers pressing on through the carnage he has masterfully created. There were a few grammar errors that may draw a reader from the book, but when it came down to it, I personally was thankful for the brief escape if only to check my own surroundings for any creepy crawlers.
If you are looking for a shorter read with enough action to satisfy, you would do well to give Jitters a try. Beware, however, that it will stick with you for days afterward and will leave you more cognizant of the insects in your own little world. The thrills and chills of Jitters are all due to Stark, the odd rustling of hairs on your body and that strange itch that wakes you up at night, well, that may be something else entirely. 😉
October 4, 2017
Never underestimate a cockroach
Harold was a 30-year-old loser. Living in his parents' basement, unemployed and bored on a Friday evening, all he could do was complain about his pathetic life. But soon, his attention was diverted...at first he told himself that it was "a stupid, brainless bug," but the bugs seemed to have bigger brains than Harold's and that's when the games began.
What I loved about this short horror was the scary anticipation of what may be coming next and I found myself scratching at imagined scurrying bugs in my hair as I kept reading.
Imagine looking under your bed... "There, squatting motionless among the dust bunnies like a beast hiding in the tall grass, was the silhouette of a massive cockroach the size of a child's fist." Uhh .. Thanks, but no thanks, I'm never peeking under my bed again!
I recommend Jitters to anyone who enjoys reading short stories and for those who DO NOT live in dank basements!
Harold was a 30-year-old loser. Living in his parents' basement, unemployed and bored on a Friday evening, all he could do was complain about his pathetic life. But soon, his attention was diverted...at first he told himself that it was "a stupid, brainless bug," but the bugs seemed to have bigger brains than Harold's and that's when the games began.
What I loved about this short horror was the scary anticipation of what may be coming next and I found myself scratching at imagined scurrying bugs in my hair as I kept reading.
Imagine looking under your bed... "There, squatting motionless among the dust bunnies like a beast hiding in the tall grass, was the silhouette of a massive cockroach the size of a child's fist." Uhh .. Thanks, but no thanks, I'm never peeking under my bed again!
I recommend Jitters to anyone who enjoys reading short stories and for those who DO NOT live in dank basements!
September 17, 2024
So creepy!!!
This book is the epitome of my worst nightmares! I don't normally read this genre but this was one of those that you can't put down. I literally had to swallow back the bile more than once! Some may find the language harsh, but it lends credence to the character's demeanor, so be prepared. If cockroaches don't make your skin crawl then you may not react the way I did, but it was gross. It was very well written and I look forward to reading more by this talented author!
This book is the epitome of my worst nightmares! I don't normally read this genre but this was one of those that you can't put down. I literally had to swallow back the bile more than once! Some may find the language harsh, but it lends credence to the character's demeanor, so be prepared. If cockroaches don't make your skin crawl then you may not react the way I did, but it was gross. It was very well written and I look forward to reading more by this talented author!
November 9, 2017
This author repeatedly shows that he is worthy of the title of author. This story is no exception.
The details in the writing are vivid and, quite frankly disgusting. However, that is part of the charm—what makes it worth reading. I have to say the cockroach, one of the vile little creatures that I loathe the most, got to me.
This incredible, though creepy, short-story brought to mind the episode of Tales from the Darkside, Halloween Candy.
The details in the writing are vivid and, quite frankly disgusting. However, that is part of the charm—what makes it worth reading. I have to say the cockroach, one of the vile little creatures that I loathe the most, got to me.
This incredible, though creepy, short-story brought to mind the episode of Tales from the Darkside, Halloween Candy.
October 7, 2017
A nice (or nasty) little story sure to give you the creepy crawlies!
October 15, 2018
This one is not for the bug-fearing types, I’m warning you now!
I’m a country lass, born and bred, and over the years I’ve grown more tolerant of things that crawl and skitter about, but this book brought all my old phobias back. However, Harold is a somewhat disgusting creature himself, and I found it almost laughable that he imagined himself a higher being than the bugs he so hated.
Must admit, the story telling was not just highly descriptive, but also delightfully humorous. Harold’s thoughts throughout the entire ordeal had me chuckling in spite of how much my skin was crawling along with his.
Given everything that happened, I’d have to say that, in the style of a true Alfred Hitchcock Presents, the ending was fitting.
There were a number of typos that interfered with the flow of the text for me, and became more jarring as the story went on, which is why it lost a star. But that’s just my personal opinion and you should not let that put you off. This is an excellent read and certainly one to add to your Halloween list!
I’m a country lass, born and bred, and over the years I’ve grown more tolerant of things that crawl and skitter about, but this book brought all my old phobias back. However, Harold is a somewhat disgusting creature himself, and I found it almost laughable that he imagined himself a higher being than the bugs he so hated.
Must admit, the story telling was not just highly descriptive, but also delightfully humorous. Harold’s thoughts throughout the entire ordeal had me chuckling in spite of how much my skin was crawling along with his.
Given everything that happened, I’d have to say that, in the style of a true Alfred Hitchcock Presents, the ending was fitting.
There were a number of typos that interfered with the flow of the text for me, and became more jarring as the story went on, which is why it lost a star. But that’s just my personal opinion and you should not let that put you off. This is an excellent read and certainly one to add to your Halloween list!
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