Author : Lauren Barnett
Book: Occam’s Dream
Described as “a less bleak Black Mirror episode” by Heather’s Bookshelf, Occam’s Dream by Lauren Jane Barnett is a gripping psychological science-fiction mystery that explores the deep emotional terrain of trauma, fear, and the fragile power of trust. The novella is available now through Collective Ink Press, Amazon, Waterstones, and Goodreads.
Set in a near-future London, Occam’s Dream follows Ursula, a dream analyst returning to work after a leave of absence—only to be tormented by disturbing visions of a desert that interrupt her waking life. As she seeks answers from her therapist Jill, she is drawn into a deeper mystery surrounding her work and a powerful tech company called SWAN, which has pioneered revolutionary carbon-to-oxygen conversion machines.
Told through the perspectives of Ursula, Jill, and SWAN’s enigmatic founder Mackenzie, the novella dives into questions of memory, trust, and identity—particularly through the lens of middle-aged female protagonists, a rare focus in science fiction.
“It’s an emotionally intense ride with sharp prose, unpredictable twists, and an ending that will leave you breathless,” says Infinity Magazine.
Barnett’s storytelling is deeply personal. At 18, she survived the traumatic loss of both parents, murdered by her younger brother. The emotional fallout of that tragedy echoes through Occam’s Dream, where characters wrestle with self-doubt, mental health, and the haunting weight of past trauma. “I gave Ursula my own fear,” Lauren explains. “That inability to trust your mind, your memories, your reality. I needed to write through it.”
While rooted in psychological depth, the novella also offers an accessible, binge-worthy format—just 135 pages packed with suspense, ideal for readers with busy lives or shorter attention spans. Think Philip K. Dick meets Shirley Jackson, with a distinctly feminist and contemporary edge.
As a member of the UK’s vibrant indie horror scene, Lauren is known for her punchy twist endings and female-driven narratives. She’s also co-host of the London Horror Movie Club podcast, and an active presence on the horror convention circuit, including upcoming appearances at HorrorCon UK and Shed of Hell.
With themes of environmental ethics, technology, and personal resilience, Occam’s Dream is more than a mystery—it’s a haunting, hopeful reflection on what it means to move forward when everything feels uncertain.
Buy the book:
Amazon
Waterstones
Collective Ink Press
Goodreads
Follow Lauren:
TikTok: Lauren Jane Barnett (@laurenjanebarnett) | TikTok
Instagram: @laurenjanebarnett
Facebook: Lauren Jane Barnett
Podcast: London Horror Movie Club