Have you ever moved into what you thought would be a fresh start—only to find the house itself wants something from you? In Heinous Souls, Nicholas Selk turns that gut-tightening fear into a taut, intimate horror: a novel about the slow corrosion of love and sanity when a home refuses to stay ordinary.
Selk writes from a maker’s eye—precise, hands-on, and unflinching—so the house in Heinous Souls isn’t only a setting. It’s a character that remembers, whispers, and tests the limits of a marriage already frayed by control and past wounds. If you favor haunting fiction that leans hard on atmosphere and relationship drama rather than gore, this compact novel will burrow under your skin and stay there.
Quick Look
Author: Nicholas Selk
Title: Heinous Souls
Genre: Literary Fiction / Horror / Supernatural Thriller
Print length: 133 pages
Publication date: April 12, 2025
Buy: Amazon
Author site: www.NicholasSelk.net
Instagram: Link
Facebook: Link
Tone: claustrophobic, character-driven, slow-burn dread
Sebastian and April finally save enough to buy a house of their own—a chance to escape controlling family dynamics and start over. But the house they choose is a hollow victory. At first, the signs are small and peculiarly domestic: a TV that flips off by itself, dishes that rattle, a scream over a baby monitor. Then the cracks deepen.
Heinous memories and subtle violences seep from the walls. The home’s presence magnifies the couple’s faults and fears until reality and nightmare blur. Sebastian must confront whether the terror they face is rooted in something supernatural—or in the very human cruelty that follows people from one generation to the next. As secrets are revealed, the novel asks: how much of what destroys us comes from outside, and how much do we carry within?
Q&A with Nicholas Selk
Q: What is your book about and what inspired you to write this book?
A: The story begins by establishing a foreboding atmosphere, immediately immersing readers in the psychological and emotional turmoil that the protagonist, Sebastian, endures. He finds himself trapped in a seemingly inescapable situation, living with his wife, April, in the household of her parents.
This house is far from a sanctuary; instead, it is steeped in neglect, decay, and a pervasive sense of cruelty that seeps into every corner of their lives. The physical state of the house, with its crumbling walls and darkened hallways, serves as a haunting symbol of the deeper malaise at play. Then they finally save enough money to buy a house, and the story really begins.
I did have a personal experience. One night We were watching a movie, and we heard the most horrific sounding evil scream over the baby monitor. We ran in the room and got our son out of there. Also, we heard dishes rattling all the time and the T.V would turn off. We moved a few months later.
Q: When did you start writing, and what made you decide to publish this book?
A: I started writing about 25 years ago. I wrote a few horror novels and never did anything with them. Later I lost the floppy disc’s they were on and totally gave up. A couple years ago I started writing again and fell in love with it all over again! I plan to keep writing until I can’t anymore.
Q: Which character was the most fun—or most challenging—to write, and why?
A: The whole book was easy to write, and fun!
Q: What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your book?
A: Don’t be Heinous to others.
Q: Were there any real-life experiences that influenced your story or characters?
A: I did have a personal experience. One night We were watching a movie, and we heard the most horrific sounding evil scream over the baby monitor. We ran in the room and got our son out of there. Also, we heard dishes rattling all the time and the T.V would turn off. We moved a few months later.
Q: What question do you wish readers would ask you about the book?
A: If I had fun writing it?
The Answer is: Yes
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or moment from the book you’d like to share?
A: April burst with wrath. “You fuckin’ loser, Sebastian! I cannot believe you did that!”
In an instant, the night shifted from festive to disastrous. Not only had Sebastian lost, but they now owed Liam money they did not have. “We only have about $180,” April stated angrily, “We’re broke after paying our bills. How in the hell are we going to pay him?”
Q: What was the biggest challenge in writing or publishing it?
A: Writing and publishing. No problem. The biggest challenge is all the con artists that try to sell you some fake marketing plan. Just be careful and check out everyone!
Q: What’s next for you as a writer?
A: Heinous Souls: Dire Straits will be coming out in February.
Reviews & Early Reactions
Lindsay McCarty — 4.0 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Amazing debut novel! The characters feel so real and authentic. The story is enticing and entrancing. If you like books that destroy you and then put you back together, this book is for you.” — Oct 29, 2025
Tiffany — 5.0 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I truly appreciate the effort put into this book and eagerly anticipate what Nicholas will bring us next. If this is any indication, the future of their writing promises even more thought-provoking and rewarding experiences. Highly recommended for those who appreciate well-crafted narratives and meaningful storytelling.”
Jamie — 5.0 / 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Heinous Souls kept me hooked from the first page. It’s dark, eerie, and full of unsettling moments that really get under your skin. If you like horror that messes with your head, this one’s worth reading. Just don’t read it before bed!”
About the Author
Nicholas Selk is a machinist and machine rebuilder by trade, but at heart, he is a lifelong creator. From a young age, he was captivated by the power of bringing ideas to life—whether through carving, drawing, sculpting, machining, writing, or 3D printing. His passion for creation is woven into everything he does, making storytelling a natural extension of his artistic journey.
For Nicholas, writing is more than just words on a page—it’s an opportunity to craft worlds, spark emotions, and share unique perspectives. His love for hands-on artistry influences his storytelling, blending imagination with precision to create immersive narratives.
Buy: Amazon
Instagram: Link
Facebook: Link
We love to read and explore a wide range of genres, including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you’d like us to review your book, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to hear from you!