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The Visitant: A Tale of Lovecraftian Noir
As an exit counselor, Katherine Purnell has encountered her share of conspiracy theories. Whether it be chemtrails, QAnon, or Mass Formation Psychosis, she is adept at identifying disinformation and freeing her clients from their paranoid delusions.
Until her newest patient flips the script.
As an upper-tier member of GenUs, a trendy self-actualization movement, Iola Thorn possesses some disturbing knowledge about the powerful group. Not only do they claim to be in contact with a ‘highly evolved non-terrestrial entity,’ they believe this entity is colluding with cultural elites to condition us for a Great Awakening—the global unveiling of an alien savior. Purnell begins an investigation that seemingly confirms her client’s fears and sends the exit counselor spiraling down a rabbit hole of death and deception. But can she overcome her own skepticism in order to uncover the truth, or will she become a victim of the monsters she disbelieves in?
Maybe some conspiracies aren’t theories.
Until her newest patient flips the script.
As an upper-tier member of GenUs, a trendy self-actualization movement, Iola Thorn possesses some disturbing knowledge about the powerful group. Not only do they claim to be in contact with a ‘highly evolved non-terrestrial entity,’ they believe this entity is colluding with cultural elites to condition us for a Great Awakening—the global unveiling of an alien savior. Purnell begins an investigation that seemingly confirms her client’s fears and sends the exit counselor spiraling down a rabbit hole of death and deception. But can she overcome her own skepticism in order to uncover the truth, or will she become a victim of the monsters she disbelieves in?
Maybe some conspiracies aren’t theories.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
5 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Mike Duran
18 books197 followersMIKE DURAN is a novelist, artist, and freelance writer. Mike writes fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of THE GHOST BOX (Blue Crescent Press, 2014), which was selected by Publishers Weekly as one of the best indie novels of 2015 and first in a paranoir series that continues with SAINT DEATH (2016), and THE THIRD GOLEM (2020). He's also the author of several novellas, including KEEPER OF THE WOODS (2024), THE VISITANT (2022), and WICKERS BOG (2016). In addition, Mike has written several non-fiction titles including CHRISTIAN HORROR: ON THE COMPATABILITY OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW AND THE HORROR GENRE (2023) and CHRISTIANS & CONSPIRACY THEORIES (2023). Mike's short stories, essays, and commentary have appeared in Breakpoint, Relief Journal, Cemetery Gates Media, The Gospel Coalition, The Stream, Relevant Online, Bewildering Stories, Rue Morgue, Zombies magazine, and other print and digital outlets. Mike is interested in religion, science, conspiracism, media, books & monsters. You can learn more about Mike Duran, his writing projects, cultural commentary, philosophical musings, and arcane interests, at his website.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 20, 2024
Fun and Suspenseful Ride
This never novella was a quick, enjoyable read. It follows Katie Purnell who is an exit counselor for conspiracy theorists. When one of her clients tells her damning information about a self-help company with far-reaching power, Katie assumes her client just has inaccurate information.
But as Katie digs deeper, she finds the ideas may not be as far-fetched as she thought. This was a fast paced book with excellent setting descriptions and believable characters. A few of the words/terms were a bit confusing for those not well-versed in tech/New Age issues. Really enjoyed it though and I’m looking forward to more by this author.
This never novella was a quick, enjoyable read. It follows Katie Purnell who is an exit counselor for conspiracy theorists. When one of her clients tells her damning information about a self-help company with far-reaching power, Katie assumes her client just has inaccurate information.
But as Katie digs deeper, she finds the ideas may not be as far-fetched as she thought. This was a fast paced book with excellent setting descriptions and believable characters. A few of the words/terms were a bit confusing for those not well-versed in tech/New Age issues. Really enjoyed it though and I’m looking forward to more by this author.
November 1, 2022
Captivating!!
Katie is a counselor that deals with what is called "Exit Therapy". This type of therapy is to help people who wish to leave a cult or some other form of ideology that would make the person feel threatened.
Iola Thorn is Katie's most recent patient, however there seems to be something more unexplained that Science cannot measure and Katie, for once in her life, is becoming sucked into her patients' ideology.
Has Katie finally found the Truth or is she becoming just as crazy as her patient seems?
Great stuff!! Enjoyed tremendously!!
Katie is a counselor that deals with what is called "Exit Therapy". This type of therapy is to help people who wish to leave a cult or some other form of ideology that would make the person feel threatened.
Iola Thorn is Katie's most recent patient, however there seems to be something more unexplained that Science cannot measure and Katie, for once in her life, is becoming sucked into her patients' ideology.
Has Katie finally found the Truth or is she becoming just as crazy as her patient seems?
Great stuff!! Enjoyed tremendously!!
December 21, 2023
This story is a great mix of modern day paranoia and Lovecraftian tales of cosmic horror. If a conspiracy theory is true, is it still a theory?
I admit that the writing (in the style of Lovecraft) was a bit stilted for my taste, but Katherine's descent into either enlightenment or madness was intriguing. All in all, it is a quick taste of horror in a environment that could be possible, right?
The narrator did a good job, but her over-emoting became a bit much at times. Thanks to the author/narrator/publisher for giving me the chance to listen to this one.
I admit that the writing (in the style of Lovecraft) was a bit stilted for my taste, but Katherine's descent into either enlightenment or madness was intriguing. All in all, it is a quick taste of horror in a environment that could be possible, right?
The narrator did a good job, but her over-emoting became a bit much at times. Thanks to the author/narrator/publisher for giving me the chance to listen to this one.
May 30, 2024
You know, I don’t know that I’ve ever actually read a novella, but I really enjoyed this one. It was short enough to move through it really quickly, but I feel like it told a whole story and wrapped up decently well. It’s really good cosmic horror with spiritual undertones, and it’s no surprise to me that Duran was able to pull that off. I feel like I need to read his other stories now, and maybe start digging into modern cosmic horror a bit more as well.
November 20, 2022
Fun read!
I’ve followed Mike Duran ever since he published his first book and have always enjoyed his style of writing. The Visitant was no exception. I found it to be a fun mixture of issues that could have been pulled straight from current newsfeeds. This was a quick read and a fun little bit of brain candy. Nicely done.
I’ve followed Mike Duran ever since he published his first book and have always enjoyed his style of writing. The Visitant was no exception. I found it to be a fun mixture of issues that could have been pulled straight from current newsfeeds. This was a quick read and a fun little bit of brain candy. Nicely done.
January 17, 2024
While being a relatively quick read, The Visitant captures the slow, creeping, and methodical atmosphere of classic noir. Mix in some shadowy conspiracy and ghoulish scares and you got yourself one heck of a story.
Mike Duran certainly seems to have his finger on the pulse of our modern (and ancient) ailments and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
Mike Duran certainly seems to have his finger on the pulse of our modern (and ancient) ailments and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
March 8, 2024
An Excellent Lovecraftian Tale
Mike Duran proves once again his strength in storytelling. The Visitant is blatantly Lovecraftian, but with an element of hope that parts ways from Lovecraft's characteristic despair. Moody description and a staggering climax help make this a memorable and relevant story.
Highly recommended.
Mike Duran proves once again his strength in storytelling. The Visitant is blatantly Lovecraftian, but with an element of hope that parts ways from Lovecraft's characteristic despair. Moody description and a staggering climax help make this a memorable and relevant story.
Highly recommended.
April 9, 2024
Amazing
Mike Duran has written a non-fiction book on Christian Horror and The Visitant clearly demonstrates all of its positive principles. Without preaching and without any of the eye-rolling tropes of religious fiction, in The Visitant, Duran has created a true tale of horror that takes place in a religious world.
Mike Duran has written a non-fiction book on Christian Horror and The Visitant clearly demonstrates all of its positive principles. Without preaching and without any of the eye-rolling tropes of religious fiction, in The Visitant, Duran has created a true tale of horror that takes place in a religious world.
November 23, 2022
Conspiracy Meets Lovecraft
"The Visitant" weaves together conspiracy theory and Lovecraftian horror to create an engaging thriller. Mike Duran does a great job of creating a story that the reader can't put down.
"The Visitant" weaves together conspiracy theory and Lovecraftian horror to create an engaging thriller. Mike Duran does a great job of creating a story that the reader can't put down.
July 13, 2023
Dark and eerie with enough elements of current cultural reality to make it scary. Just what one hopes for in a book like this. I was sucked in right from the beginning and couldn't stop reading. Well written. If you like this genre, don't miss this one.
November 12, 2023
Pick up this book!!
While I've always liked Lovecraft, his blatant nihilism always left a bad taste in my mouth.
Thankfully, you won't find that in this story.
I'm hoping that Duran has more of these types of stories up his sleeve!!
While I've always liked Lovecraft, his blatant nihilism always left a bad taste in my mouth.
Thankfully, you won't find that in this story.
I'm hoping that Duran has more of these types of stories up his sleeve!!
December 5, 2024
Very good read
The Visitant: A tale of Love craft Ian Noir was a good short story. Very descriptive. It draws you into the world Mike has created!
The Visitant: A tale of Love craft Ian Noir was a good short story. Very descriptive. It draws you into the world Mike has created!
August 31, 2025
Couldn't Put It Down
Great quick read pushing the little fears in the deep recesses of our mind! Mike Duron drew me in and kept me involved! Great job!
Great quick read pushing the little fears in the deep recesses of our mind! Mike Duron drew me in and kept me involved! Great job!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews