A Stir of Echoes – Richard Matheson

A Stir of Echoes “is a suspense thriller novel written by Richard Matheson, adapted into a 1999 film of the same name, telling the story of ordinary people being involved in supernatural events due to supernatural phenomena.
Background of the work
Original novel: Created by Richard Matheson, the screenwriter of “Onmyoji”, and released in print on demand in 2025 without the use of digital rights management technology. ‌
Movie adaptation: The 1999 film of the same name, directed by David Kemp and starring Kevin Bacon, focuses on ordinary families facing supernatural crises. ‌
Core plot
Protagonist setting: Tom, an ordinary circuit worker, gains precognitive abilities after being hypnotized and gradually becomes involved in supernatural events. He needs to help the vengeful soul fulfill his wishes. ‌
Theme element: Combining psychological suspense and supernatural horror, exploring the interweaving of human secrets and supernatural phenomena. ‌
Evaluation and Influence
Film response: Due to financial issues with the production team during its initial release, it did not receive widespread attention, but was considered an underestimated masterpiece by some film critics. ‌
Literary value: The novel continues Matheson’s consistent social fable style and explores the boundary between human nature and the supernatural.