SCHROEDER

Neal Cassidy’s Schroeder is a chilling, deep exploration of a serial killer’s psyche. Intense and disturbing, the novel, which spans a single, harrowing day, follows Schroeder, a seemingly innocent and intelligent young man who meticulously plans and carries out a series of brutal murders across an unnamed American city.

The day begins with Schroeder’s routine morning tasks—waking up, exercising, and getting ready—described in such detail that an undercurrent of unease quickly builds. These mundane activities are tinged with a sinister tone, hinting at the violence that will soon erupt. As Schroeder embarks on his deadly journey, Cassidy crafts a narrative that seamlessly blends the ordinary with the horrific, making the transition from normalcy to chaos feel both shocking and disturbingly natural at the same time.

Cassidy’s stream-of-consciousness narration creates an immersive experience, forcing readers to confront the protagonist’s twisted logic and unsettling actions head-on. As Schroeder moves through the city, targeting unsuspecting victims, the reader is given a front-row seat to the horror, experiencing the unfolding carnage through his eyes.

One of the novel’s most striking elements is how Cassidy merges the protagonist’s internal monologue with his external actions. There is no clear divide between Schroeder’s thoughts and his murderous deeds; instead, the narrative presents them as part of a single, continuous experience. This fusion amplifies the horror, making the violence feel more personal and, in a twisted way, logical within the context of Schroeder’s world.

As the story progresses, the city becomes a grim backdrop for Schroeder’s spree, with each location adding to the mounting sense of dread. The killings are calculated, and Schroeder is in control and almost calm during each killing. And just like all the other details in the book, the murders are meticulously described and handed to the reader on a silver platter.

It is not until the end that the reader is given insight into why and how Schroeder became a calculated, cold-blooded killer. With diary entries starting when he was ten years old, Schroeder’s character chronicles the horrific life he has endured, the events happening quickly in succession, torturing him and beating him down.

Schroeder is a commentary on how society can shape and destroy individuals. The graphic violence and the disorienting narrative style can make for a challenging read, and it’s a story that lingers, unsettlingly, long after the final page is turned. Schroeder is a powerful and memorable novel that will likely resonate with readers who appreciate psychological depth and are unafraid to explore the darker corners of the human mind.