Flicker by Matthew J. McKee is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, inner turmoil, and the consequences of one's actions. Set against a backdrop of arson, mystery, and psychological depth, the story follows the protagonist, Heat Agaki, as she struggles with her inner demons and confronts the truth about herself. McKee's narrative style is both evocative and poetic, drawing readers into Heat's world of darkness and uncertainty. Through vivid imagery and intense dialogue, the author creates a tense atmosphere of foreboding, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the story.

The dynamic between Heat and her inner manifestation, Imp, augments the mystery, blurring the line between madness and sanity. At times, one feels pulled into the whirlpool of madness and darkness surging from the depths of Heat. The protagonist’s darker impulses are cleverly explored, her apparent surrender to a dark energy that pulls her away from the reality around her. But can she accept herself? Can she triumph over the piercing inner voice that drives her actions? The internal conflict between Heat's desire for destruction and her longing for redemption is portrayed with sensitivity. Her psychological climates are finely drawn. Readers encounter a protagonist whose thoughts are frightening: “I kneel and take the knife in my hands, and cut my mother’s heart from her body. Still beating, I turn it over and over in my hands—until I can’t stand it anymore and rip into its moist flesh.” They will wonder if she can save her from herself. Her unsettling musings also have a firm grip on the reader. Themes of guilt, identity, and the search for meaning permeate the story as Heat struggles with the consequences of her actions and the weight of the past. The novel explores Heat's psyche, her innermost thoughts and emotions, and her fight to accept the truth about her nature. Flicker is a riveting and reflective read that will leave readers questioning the nature of identity and the choices we make in life. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and thought-provoking themes, Matthew J. McKee's novel will undoubtedly captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. It is, in turn, psychologically disturbing and emotionally absorbing.