Day 24 of the 31 Days of Nerd Horror
Hello Nerd Horror fans. For the 24th day of our 31 Days of Nerd Horror, we’re diving into an absolute classic: The Shining. We also have our book of the day, and if you loved Stranger Things and The X Files then you have to read Whispering Pines by Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski. Then we have an exciting horror survival game, The Callisto Protocol, developed by Striking Distance Studios. And finally, our legend and lore of the day is one of our personal favorites, The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.
WHISPERING PINES BY HEIDI LANG AND KATI BARTKOWSKI (2021)
Whispering Pines, is a horror novel by Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski and trust me, this one’s perfect if you’re into supernatural mysteries with a side of small-town creepiness. The story follows Rae, who moves to the super weird town of Whispering Pines after her sister goes missing. Rae teams up with Caden, a local kid whose family has some serious ties to the town’s odd happenings. For us nerd horror fans, Whispering Pines hits all the right notes with its moody mix of paranormal and sci-fi vibes.
The story dives into themes like government experiments and alien abductions—think Stranger Things but with its own unique twist. The small-town horror infused with layers of conspiracy and strange creatures is a total win for anyone who loves dissecting complex mysteries. If you’re into Stranger Things or The X Files, you’ll feel right at home with this one. It’s got secret experiments, paranormal events, and a town that’s basically a character with its rich, dark history. Whispering Pines is a must-read for fans of supernatural mysteries and a modern nerd horror gem!
The Shining (1980)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, this iconic 1980s film is a psychological horror masterpiece that still resonates today. Now, if you’re one of us horror nerds, you know The Shining is a goldmine of hidden symbolism and mystery. Kubrick’s direction is like a treasure hunt for your brain, digging into deep themes like isolation, domestic abuse, and big existential stuff about fate and time. But let’s talk about the unsung hero: Shelley Duvall’s Wendy Torrance.
She doesn’t just face the hotel’s supernatural horrors, she endures her husband’s terrifying transformation. Her performance is all raw fear, resilience, and vulnerability, bringing a deeply human touch to the story. It’s this emotional depth that keeps fans hooked and gives the film its lasting impact. The unsettling atmosphere and open-mysteries offer endless layers to unravel. With Kubrick’s meticulous craft, psychological terror, and Shelley Duvall’s masterful performance, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves to dissect the deeper, darker elements of horror.
The Callisto Protocol
In The Callisto Protocol you play as Jacob Lee, trapped in the super creepy Black Iron Prison on Callisto. Picture mutated prisoners and dark experiments—yup, it’s as terrifying as it sounds. Inspired by classics like Dead Space, this game nails the sci-fi horror vibe with all the atmospheric tension, grotesque creatures, and claustrophobic environments you could ask for.
Nerd horror fans, get ready to geek out over the game’s insane world-building. It merges body horror with futuristic tech, diving deep into themes of bioengineering gone horribly wrong. The intense survival mechanics and eerie sci-fi setting make this game a must for horror nerds who love narrative driven challenges
So dive into The Callisto Protocol for a wild adventure through the darkest corners of space.
THE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE (SAN JOSE, CA)
Sarah Winchester, widow of the Winchester rifle magnate, built the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. According to legend, she believed the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles haunted her and that a medium instructed her to continuously construct the mansion in order to evade them.
The tale of Sarah Winchester remains shrouded in mystery and speculation. Rikki Rockett and the TAPS West Coast team investigated the house. You can watch that video below.
