A gripping new psychological thriller by author Neal Cassidy, SCHROEDER, weaves together elements of the literary thriller/horror genre, stream-of-consciousness narration, and critical social commentary.
When an ordinary young man wakes up in his quiet neighborhood on a day seemingly like all the others, the city he’s lived in all his life has no idea what’s about to befall it once he sets out on a day-long bike ride carrying a purposefully packed backpack and a definitive plan.
Who is Schroeder, and what motivates his brutal killing spree? As he cycles from one victim’s home to the next, keeping pace with the rhythm of a city that burgeons to life under an increasingly dazzling sun exposing both its beauty and vivacity and its dark, dirty, underbelly, Schroeder lays bare his dreams, disappointments, delights, and dismays, establishing himself as a compelling contemporary antihero. The day rolls ominously towards its climax through hectic city streets, lush suburban gardens, stately mansions, and decrepit housing projects, punctuated by Schroeder’s reflections on a society in shambles and a deeply damaged, if not broken, humanity—but not without revealing life’s boundless wonder and infinite possibilities for joy and redemption through moments that are within—and yet tragically beyond—Schroeder’s grasp. A tell-all denouement brings Schroeder out of the shadows of his actions, the pathos of his questions about the kind of world we live in lingering long after.
The Sexy nerd's Review. . .
I often wonder when I hear about people who go on killing sprees, what in the world would make a person do such a thing? What kind of mind must you have to just suddenly wake up and decide, “hey, today I feel like killing a bunch of people.” Who does that? His name is Schroeder.
Yes, Schroeder woke up this morning and decided very methodically about how he would go about killing people. His routine was basic. He bathed himself, ate his breakfast, listened to his favorite tunes, and headed for the outdoors with bike in tow and while he pedaled and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the beautiful day that lay ahead, he had a sense of peace come over him. All was right with the world because Schroeder had a plan.
There’s something to be said with how we treat each other as human beings. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own little worlds that we forget there are other living and breathing creatures besides us. One would think it shouldn’t matter what color you are or where you’re from or how much money you have in the bank. At the end of the day, all any of us really want is to be noticed, acknowledged, loved, and respected. Why is that so hard?
Schroeder asked those very questions and when he measured up where his life was at this time compared to where he had once come from, it all boiled down to this exact moment in time. Schroeder had a mission, a map, and a plan on how to chronicle his life’s work. He was going to get noticed come hell or high water. Everybody was going to know Schroeder, especially his victims. What they couldn’t possibly know was just how close to death they really were coming in the wake of Schroeder’s wrath. Oh, but when fate would have them meet, all will be revealed.
Schroeder was a simple person. He didn’t ask for much and what he did ask for he never got. This story demonstrates what happens when you break the human spirit to the point of no return. Does this give any of us the right to do what Schroeder did? That’s not for me to say. Only you can make the determination after you read it.
I absolutely loved this story. I know, my fans think I’m crazy for reading books like this, but I do love my horror stories and especially one that has substance like this. I could relate to Schroeder, as crazy as it sounds. When you journey along with Schroeder, your jaw will hit the floor. I found myself grunting and grasping my invisible pearls. I must warn you, Nerds, this novel is not for the squeamish at heart. If you have a very weak stomach, you most definitely will not be able to handle the gore that you’re going to get. So, reader be warned! But, for my soldiers out there who like a bit of blood and guts and can handle it, you most definitely want to sink your eyes into this one. Hell yeah!
The Sexy Nerd gives Schroeder five additional days to ponder on a different outcome. Wow! This book was incredible. It is out now at your favorite book retailers or wherever books are sold. You can read this book in one setting. It’s not that long but the story is deep, and it will open your mind into places you might not want to go. Are we all just one step away from becoming Schroeder? Hmm…? Until next time, Nerds, you know how we do!
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