DOUBLE REVIEW: The works of WILLIAM R. PERRY
Written by Steph Cannon 08.24.2026
Earlier this month (August 2026), when #TeamInsym was in Shreveport, Louisiana for Geek'd Con 2026, we had the opportunity to go to a post convention dinner with several stuntmen and actors who were also guests of the show. We had a great time “talking shop” and just generally enjoying their company. At one point, William R. Perry (Nightmare on Elm Street, The Lost Boys, The People Under the Stairs) mentioned having written some horror novellas, and had also narrated the audiobook versions of a few. As most of you know, I (Steph) am an avid audiobook listener, so I was more than willing and eager to give his books a listen. Here’s my quick reviews of both By His Hand and the sequel, Out of His Mind.
(William R. Perry was at this gathering (we promise!) but he stayed just out of camera view for this picture of #TeamINSYM with four SCREAM Ghostface Stuntmen L to R: Allen Robinson III, Jeff Brockton, Lee Waddell, #TeamInsym's Steph, #TeamInsym's Matt, and Jeremy Conner)
By His Hand:
Horror storytelling can be a difficult genre to get right because it's such a visual medium. For many, what works to scare them the most is what plays out onscreen. There’s something to be said, however, with allowing one’s own mind own mind to go to those terrifying places, whether it be from the written words or listening to an audiobook reading (which was how I experienced it).
William Perry absolutely nails the tension, suspense, and emotions that make a great horror novel. Written in first person perspective, and with very little dialogue, the reader is given a much more personal relationship with the main character, Bill, as he endures an unimaginable attack over his body and psyche from a demonic force.
Part of what makes this story work so well is that Bill is a completely sympathetic and relatable character. He isn’t a crazed, psychotic killer - he’s an everyman, and someone who we all could see ourselves knowing in the real world. Reading about his slow descent towards losing all control over not just his mind, but also his actions, is equal parts emotional and horrifying. This is a fast paced, quick read that will make your jaw drop, break your heart, and leave you wanting to immediately pick up the next installment.
Out of His Mind:
If you think By His Hand was brutal...just wait until you delve into this one. Out of His Mind focuses on the aftermath of the shocking events from book one, and boy, does the tension, emotion, and brutality ramp up.
This novel jumps right in as we meet back up with Bill, and the resulting consequences of his actions, while also offering an immersive glimpse into the physical and emotional tribulations he is victim to. To say any more would give away far too much, but both of these stories are very well written (and Perry does an excellent job of reading the audiobooks) and will keep you engaged from start to finish.
CHECK OUT BY HIS HAND HERE on AMAZON
CHECK OUT OUT OF HIS MIND HERE on AMAZON
EXCLUSIVE REVIEW
EXCLUSIVE REVIEW