The Visitant

A Tale of Lovecraftian Noir

By: Mike Duran

Narrated by: Paige McKinney

Length: 2 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Mike Duran (P)2023 Mike Duran

A Horror story that stays with you for days after

I received a copy of this audiobook for a fair and truthful review.

Visitant is the type of story that seems so likely I could almost believe it happened. The story world seemed pulled from the headlines with talk of secret organizations and conspiracy groups that are found to be more truth than conspiracy. Religious undertones contributed to the story as the protagonist is a psychologist specializing in helping patients escape cults. Her latest patient relates a story so bizarre, so crazy, it can only be a deep delusion. Little by little the therapist is drawn into the lie that is shown true. This dark force is empowered by preying on society's fears and angers, and so many have been drawn in by false promises of peace that a greater question is who she can trust. Vistant was an interesting listen that really made me think.

Is it still a theory if it's true?

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.

Cosmic Horror Noir of the Best Variety

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.