Second Shooter

In this satirical thriller, Nick Mamatas explores the chaotic world of conspiracy theories and the "fake news" era. The story follows Mike Stringer, a journalist who makes a living documenting the subcultures of conspiracy theorists. Stringer's life takes a surreal turn when he begins to investigate a recurring phenomenon: at almost every mass shooting in America, witnesses report seeing a "second shooter" who never appears in official reports and is never caught. As Stringer digs deeper, he discovers that this second shooter might not be a figment of the imagination or a collective delusion, but a physical reality that defies conventional explanation. His investigation puts him in the crosshairs of various fringe groups, government agents, and the very entities he's trying to expose. The novel is a meta-commentary on how technology and social media have blurred the lines between truth and fiction, creating a world where the most outlandish theories can become dangerous realities. It is a dark, fast-paced critique of contemporary American culture and our obsession with narrative.