Summary
Nana is a gripping supernatural thriller by award-winning author Brandon Massey. Published in 2018, the novel explores themes of family, identity, and dark secrets as it follows pediatrician Monica Stephens and her unexpected reunion with Grace, her long-lost birth mother. Massey, known for his suspenseful tales blending horror and domestic drama, crafts a bone-chilling story that has captivated readers and earned widespread acclaim for its edge-of-your-seat tension and shocking twists.
Plot
Monica Stephens, a successful pediatrician with a family of her own, has always wondered about her biological mother. One day, a woman named Grace arrives at Monica’s home, claiming to be her birth mother. Grace quickly integrates herself into the Stephens’ household, cooking meals, helping with childcare, and comforting Monica when their family dog mysteriously dies.
As Grace becomes more involved in their lives, Monica falls ill with a strange sickness that makes her look and feel older each day. Meanwhile, Grace appears to be growing more youthful and vibrant. Monica's husband Troy becomes suspicious of Grace, who insists on being called “Nana,” and starts digging into her background.
Troy's investigation reveals a shocking truth about Grace that goes beyond anything they could have imagined. Nana has a sinister agenda, and she has preyed on other families before targeting theirs. Monica and her family find themselves in the midst of a supernatural thriller as they uncover Grace's true nature and motives.
Themes
Family secrets and hidden pasts
Supernatural elements in everyday life
Maternal relationships and their complexities
Adoption and its emotional complexities
Aging and the desire for youth
Trust and deception within families
The power of investigation and uncovering truth
The dark side of reuniting with long-lost relatives
Setting
Nana by Brandon Massey is set in contemporary times, likely the 2010s. The story takes place in a suburban community, presumably in or near Atlanta, Georgia, where many of Massey's works are situated. This setting reflects the author's familiarity with the Deep South and its unique cultural landscape.
The primary location appears to be the Stephens family’s home, which becomes the focal point of the supernatural events unfolding in the narrative. As Grace, the self-proclaimed “Nana,” integrates herself into the household, the once-comforting domestic space transforms into a battleground of sinister forces and family drama.
While specific landmarks or neighborhoods are not explicitly mentioned, the story's setting creates a stark contrast between the seemingly normal suburban life and the otherworldly elements that invade it. This juxtaposition of the mundane and the supernatural is a hallmark of Massey's work, effectively using familiar surroundings to heighten the sense of unease and terror as the plot unfolds.
Characters
Monica Stephens: The protagonist, a pediatrician who was adopted as a young child and has always wondered about her birth mother. She becomes mysteriously ill after Grace, who insists on being called Nana, arrives.
Grace ("Nana"): The antagonist who claims to be Monica's biological mother. She ingratiates herself into the family while harboring sinister intentions.
Troy Stephens: Monica's husband, who becomes suspicious of Grace and investigates her background.
Monica and Troy's children: The young kids in the Stephens’ family, who Grace helps look after.
Monica's adoptive parent: The person, described as strict but loving, who raised Monica.
Family dog: Pet that is mysteriously killed after Grace's arrival.
Quick facts
Nana was published in 2018 as one of Brandon Massey's standalone supernatural thrillers.
The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the dark side of maternal love.
Nana features a protagonist who is a successful pediatrician, reflecting Massey's interest in medical themes.
The story is set in Atlanta, Georgia, where Massey resides.
Nana combines elements of domestic drama with supernatural horror, creating a unique blend that explores family dynamics in a terrifying context.
The novel was self-published by Massey through his own company, Dark Corner Publishing.
Nana explores the rarely-touched, chilling subject of supernatural threats from within one's own family.
Many readers have compared Nana's atmosphere to that of the TV show American Horror Story.
Nana continues Massey's tradition of featuring African-American protagonists in thriller/horror stories.
About the Author
Brandon Massey is an accomplished and prolific author known for his contributions to the thriller and horror genres. His writing career began in 1996 when he sold his first short story to a speculative fiction magazine. This early success paved the way for his self-published debut novel, Thunderland, in 1999. After independently selling thousands of copies of Thunderland, Massey's talent caught the attention of Kensington Publishing Corp. The New York-based publisher offered him a two-book contract and released a revised edition of Thunderland in 2002.
Since his initial success, Massey has maintained an impressive publishing schedule, releasing up to three books annually. His work spans various subgenres, including thrillers like The Covenant; works of supernatural and domestic horror like The Other Brother and Nana; vampire fiction such as Dark Corner; and short story collections like Twisted Tales. Massey has also edited multiple anthologies in his Dark Dreams series, featuring works by renowned authors including Eric Jerome Dickey and Tananarive Due.
Born in 1973 in Waukegan, Illinois, Massey currently lives with his family near Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can stay updated on his latest book news by visiting his website at www.brandonmassey.com.
