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Caleb Lambert #3
Caleb: Return to Noodle
Remember Noodle, Indiana?
So does Caleb. It ain’t Noodle anymore.
And it’s all Caleb’s fault.
At least that’s how he sees it. And why not? Caleb brought hell to Noodle during his last visit. Specifically, multiple assassins looking to collect on a sizable contract on his head, caring less than nothing about how they’d turn the town into a post-apocalyptic mess.
Only the very nastiest of characters now call Noodle home. Not just for the lawlessness the town is victim to, but for the insanity that takes place within the deeper confines of the town. A town now run by an insidious group of people who look to exploit the very essence of evil in mankind. Exploit it by hosting games of skill, chance, and of course exceptional violence.
And so Caleb has now returned to Noodle to try to make things right. Only this challenge is like nothing Caleb has ever tackled before. It will dig deep, very deep, into his traumatic past, and it just might turn that past into a lethal weapon that even a deadly force like Caleb has little defense against.
So does Caleb. It ain’t Noodle anymore.
And it’s all Caleb’s fault.
At least that’s how he sees it. And why not? Caleb brought hell to Noodle during his last visit. Specifically, multiple assassins looking to collect on a sizable contract on his head, caring less than nothing about how they’d turn the town into a post-apocalyptic mess.
Only the very nastiest of characters now call Noodle home. Not just for the lawlessness the town is victim to, but for the insanity that takes place within the deeper confines of the town. A town now run by an insidious group of people who look to exploit the very essence of evil in mankind. Exploit it by hosting games of skill, chance, and of course exceptional violence.
And so Caleb has now returned to Noodle to try to make things right. Only this challenge is like nothing Caleb has ever tackled before. It will dig deep, very deep, into his traumatic past, and it just might turn that past into a lethal weapon that even a deadly force like Caleb has little defense against.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
534 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Menapace
42 books708 followersA native of the Philadelphia area, Jeff has published multiple works in both fiction and non-fiction. In 2011 he was the recipient of the Red Adept Reviews Indie Award for Horror.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 16, 2023
you didn’t just leave that there!!!!!
Cant believe it ended on that cliffhanger!
Please say the next instalment is soon.
Love these books and genuinely can’t wait for the next part. If you haven’t started the journey with Calab make a start now you won’t regret it.
Come on Caleb you’ve got this.
Cant believe it ended on that cliffhanger!
Please say the next instalment is soon.
Love these books and genuinely can’t wait for the next part. If you haven’t started the journey with Calab make a start now you won’t regret it.
Come on Caleb you’ve got this.
August 2, 2025
awesome awesome author. love his books.
November 16, 2023
As far as lovable f-ed up characters go, Caleb is in a class all his own
This is the third book I have read in this series and they continue to get better. The main character is really well written, and his dialogue, both inner and outer, can be laugh out loud funny at times. The plot, not so much. There are giant holes, no resolution, and the rest of the cast are not well developed. But the book is fun. The book is quick. Just know that there is no ending or resolution, and it’s more like half of a novel.
This is the third book I have read in this series and they continue to get better. The main character is really well written, and his dialogue, both inner and outer, can be laugh out loud funny at times. The plot, not so much. There are giant holes, no resolution, and the rest of the cast are not well developed. But the book is fun. The book is quick. Just know that there is no ending or resolution, and it’s more like half of a novel.
January 31, 2024
I will start by stating that I did like this book, just not as much as the previous two books. Not to spoil anything but all the self dialogue (thinking or talking to himself) was used way too much. His internal dialogue seemed to take away from the action causing me to drop it a star. I will definitely read the next installment. I do recommend this book it is definitely a good addition to the series.
October 17, 2023
𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑰 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉...𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆.
He hasn't answered me yet, but shortly after finishing this book, I sent the author a message asking for his middle name because I wanted to use it in this context: "Jeffrey Alan Menapace! How could you do this to me?" I have no idea what his middle name is, so for the sake of this review, we're going with Alan.
Caleb is one of my favorite characters in all of horror. If you're not familiar with him, he makes his first appearance in the BAD GAMES series when his family is targeted by serial killers. A broken nine-year-old was forced to grow up far too soon, and the things he witnessed and did will leave him irrevocably scarred.
In this third installment, Caleb remains an enigma. He keeps the broken little boy hidden and displays the tough-as-nails man who peppers all of his sentences with black humor but is also the most kind-hearted dog dad you'll ever find.
Caleb returns to the desecrated town of Noodle, where crime has obliterated the once quaint small town. It's not just a lawless town; something much more insidious has taken hold...a group of people are exploiting the chaos by hosting "games" that rival the violence of gore of the ancient gladiator games.
Caleb feels some responsibility for the state of the town since his last visit changed the dynamic of the place. Caleb has a contract on his head and multiple assassins looking to take him home for the big prize, but his biggest problem will be confronting his dark, traumatic past. Will Caleb leave Noodle a changed man, or will he leave at all?
The ending had me screaming profanities at the author (sorry, Jeff) and I need the next installment pronto! If you haven't read this series, I implore you, if you love thrillers that have elements of horror in them, you will fall in love with his writing, his series, and his characters. This book is available now on KU and in paperback.
He hasn't answered me yet, but shortly after finishing this book, I sent the author a message asking for his middle name because I wanted to use it in this context: "Jeffrey Alan Menapace! How could you do this to me?" I have no idea what his middle name is, so for the sake of this review, we're going with Alan.
Caleb is one of my favorite characters in all of horror. If you're not familiar with him, he makes his first appearance in the BAD GAMES series when his family is targeted by serial killers. A broken nine-year-old was forced to grow up far too soon, and the things he witnessed and did will leave him irrevocably scarred.
In this third installment, Caleb remains an enigma. He keeps the broken little boy hidden and displays the tough-as-nails man who peppers all of his sentences with black humor but is also the most kind-hearted dog dad you'll ever find.
Caleb returns to the desecrated town of Noodle, where crime has obliterated the once quaint small town. It's not just a lawless town; something much more insidious has taken hold...a group of people are exploiting the chaos by hosting "games" that rival the violence of gore of the ancient gladiator games.
Caleb feels some responsibility for the state of the town since his last visit changed the dynamic of the place. Caleb has a contract on his head and multiple assassins looking to take him home for the big prize, but his biggest problem will be confronting his dark, traumatic past. Will Caleb leave Noodle a changed man, or will he leave at all?
The ending had me screaming profanities at the author (sorry, Jeff) and I need the next installment pronto! If you haven't read this series, I implore you, if you love thrillers that have elements of horror in them, you will fall in love with his writing, his series, and his characters. This book is available now on KU and in paperback.
October 11, 2023
Fully Entertained
Wow just Wow! Menapace has done it again. Caleb is more hilarious in this one than the other two combined. I have never lol so hard reading a thriller. Since the 1st book of the Bad Games series I've been hooked on the story of the Lambert family so when Caleb came along I was so excited and hoped it'd be just as good and boy did Menapace not let us down. I always knew ould've ended up with traumatic issues but man oh man, issues isn't even close to what Caleb has. Add to that his sometimes dry, sarcastic humor to his downright hilarious one liners, to his unique line of work, to his sweet cuddly side talking baby talk to his dog Roscoe, to his love of chaos and danger to his weird sexual needs with a unconventional psychiatrist and finally his outlandish but very unique ways of ending a life, blenders, super glue etc... Even though it's clear he's a broken damaged man trying to figure out himself and his past the best way he can, you can't help but fall in love with him and want to help that scared little boy that's still resides inside. And because he's NOT A PSYCHOPATH!!
Wow just Wow! Menapace has done it again. Caleb is more hilarious in this one than the other two combined. I have never lol so hard reading a thriller. Since the 1st book of the Bad Games series I've been hooked on the story of the Lambert family so when Caleb came along I was so excited and hoped it'd be just as good and boy did Menapace not let us down. I always knew ould've ended up with traumatic issues but man oh man, issues isn't even close to what Caleb has. Add to that his sometimes dry, sarcastic humor to his downright hilarious one liners, to his unique line of work, to his sweet cuddly side talking baby talk to his dog Roscoe, to his love of chaos and danger to his weird sexual needs with a unconventional psychiatrist and finally his outlandish but very unique ways of ending a life, blenders, super glue etc... Even though it's clear he's a broken damaged man trying to figure out himself and his past the best way he can, you can't help but fall in love with him and want to help that scared little boy that's still resides inside. And because he's NOT A PSYCHOPATH!!
February 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, and a big part of that was Cabel’s incredible character development. He’s not just a skilled and determined force—he’s deeply loyal to his team and has an unshakable bond with Parsons. His dedication to those around him makes him a truly compelling character.
But what really sealed the deal for me? Rosco. The way Cabel loves and cares for his dog speaks volumes about his heart. A man who shows that kind of devotion to his four-legged companion cannot be a psychopath—case closed! His connection with Rosco adds depth to his character, making him even more relatable and human.
This book had me hooked from start to finish, and Cabel’s relationships—especially with Rosco—made it an unforgettable read. Highly recommend!
But what really sealed the deal for me? Rosco. The way Cabel loves and cares for his dog speaks volumes about his heart. A man who shows that kind of devotion to his four-legged companion cannot be a psychopath—case closed! His connection with Rosco adds depth to his character, making him even more relatable and human.
This book had me hooked from start to finish, and Cabel’s relationships—especially with Rosco—made it an unforgettable read. Highly recommend!
August 12, 2024
I originally picked the first book in a whim. Just an audible roulette selection. I'm now 3 books in and I'm dying for the next. Follow Caleb has been fun. This is a fast-paced, action filled "joy-joy cannonball run" of a story. I never get bored or lost and I never get tired of Caleb and company.
Each book we get a little more of what has spawned our star killer. Deeper down the rabbit hole and trust me it gets muddy. There's also lots of trash talking and murder. I can't say enough about this book. Back to Noodle where it has gotten wild and Caleb is the good guy (yes relatively). This book ends on a cliffhanger so be warned and be impatiently waiting.
Each book we get a little more of what has spawned our star killer. Deeper down the rabbit hole and trust me it gets muddy. There's also lots of trash talking and murder. I can't say enough about this book. Back to Noodle where it has gotten wild and Caleb is the good guy (yes relatively). This book ends on a cliffhanger so be warned and be impatiently waiting.
February 22, 2024
Another excellent addition to the "Caleb" series. He's once again on top form- kicking a$$ and taking names (ok, maybe not taking names). Caleb is back in Noodle this time, where the place has gone way down hill. Kind of reminded me of a 2024 version of The Running Man (remember that Arnie film?). It works well.
Well written, with very short chapters (kudos!) which makes it a breeze to read quickly. The story and writing is also key to this.
Be interesting to see how Caleb deals with his latest predicament in the next book. This story is more a lead up to what comes next.
Well written, with very short chapters (kudos!) which makes it a breeze to read quickly. The story and writing is also key to this.
Be interesting to see how Caleb deals with his latest predicament in the next book. This story is more a lead up to what comes next.
February 24, 2024
I was hoping Caleb's return to Noodle would be as good as his first time there. Well, it didn't disappoint one bit. Even though it takes Caleb half the book to get to his friend Chip, Caleb does what he does best all along the book. Kicking ass. And doing it pretty well, as usual. And Caleb being Caleb, what makes him a great character is his constant arguments with himself, his swearing all the time, and what I love most, his sense of humor, subtle and bold. Can't wait to read book 4, as this one ends with a nice cliffhanger. Definitely a must read !
February 11, 2025
3.5 stars
Not sure what it is about Caleb and these macabre books, but I really like them.
This one took a minute to get interesting, but it did.
Caleb struggles here with his (sanity), (violent tendencies), (psychological make up)? Is he a psychopath, does he care?
He cares alright. About his dog. His work family. The sheriff in Noodle.
So he goes back to Noodle to help the sheriff rescue his grown son from psychological predators.
It’s a wild ride. Mia and Sampson, the sibling assassins are also back.
Goodness. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Not sure what it is about Caleb and these macabre books, but I really like them.
This one took a minute to get interesting, but it did.
Caleb struggles here with his (sanity), (violent tendencies), (psychological make up)? Is he a psychopath, does he care?
He cares alright. About his dog. His work family. The sheriff in Noodle.
So he goes back to Noodle to help the sheriff rescue his grown son from psychological predators.
It’s a wild ride. Mia and Sampson, the sibling assassins are also back.
Goodness. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
Wow
Again I am not disappointed this series is amazing it hits you in the gut and brings you up when caleb gets to do his thing I truly hope this gets a TV series on Netflix or Amazon prime just so people can get a sense of what the range of emotions this series has made me feel wow thanks to the author for the roller-coaster ride that's caleb I sit here waiting for the next installment
Again I am not disappointed this series is amazing it hits you in the gut and brings you up when caleb gets to do his thing I truly hope this gets a TV series on Netflix or Amazon prime just so people can get a sense of what the range of emotions this series has made me feel wow thanks to the author for the roller-coaster ride that's caleb I sit here waiting for the next installment
November 24, 2023
The Noodles Saga continues
I love these stories but I am rating this one a lower 4 stars in comparison with the rest of the series. It took a little while to get going, but when it did, it was a blast. I guess I just found this chapter in the saga a little less clever and thrilling as the rest. That said, I think Jeff Menapace is an awesome author and I always look forward to what he produces.
I love these stories but I am rating this one a lower 4 stars in comparison with the rest of the series. It took a little while to get going, but when it did, it was a blast. I guess I just found this chapter in the saga a little less clever and thrilling as the rest. That said, I think Jeff Menapace is an awesome author and I always look forward to what he produces.
October 10, 2023
Everything you need from a book
This book is sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It's for those of us whose idea of great music is violence and vengeance.
It's an edge of your seat page turner, nonstop thrill ride. Easily enjoyed as a stand-alone. Better enjoyed as part of an ever evolving psychosodrama that began in book one of Bad Games.
This book is sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It's for those of us whose idea of great music is violence and vengeance.
It's an edge of your seat page turner, nonstop thrill ride. Easily enjoyed as a stand-alone. Better enjoyed as part of an ever evolving psychosodrama that began in book one of Bad Games.
October 14, 2023
Caleb is a Menapace Masterpiece
I truly love your Caleb character. I’m a 73 year old female and most would wonder why I would read your novels instead of romance or fantasy novels. Why ? Because they are so totally ingenious and engrossing and thrilling. Please hurry up with your next f*cking novel lol!
I truly love your Caleb character. I’m a 73 year old female and most would wonder why I would read your novels instead of romance or fantasy novels. Why ? Because they are so totally ingenious and engrossing and thrilling. Please hurry up with your next f*cking novel lol!
October 18, 2023
Excellent Continuation!
The stakes keep raising with each entry in the Caleb Lambert Thriller series! This time, Caleb finds himself fighting for the lives of those rare few whom he calls family. The chaos is amplified through the colorful cast of supporting characters. This is a classic case of “Just one more chapter…”
The stakes keep raising with each entry in the Caleb Lambert Thriller series! This time, Caleb finds himself fighting for the lives of those rare few whom he calls family. The chaos is amplified through the colorful cast of supporting characters. This is a classic case of “Just one more chapter…”
November 5, 2023
I’m not used to surprises
I’m way too busy for my age. RN, endurance rider, horse trainer, mom, grandma, ad nauseum. I read to turn my mind off…quiet the voices. No, that’s not quite correct. I read to dim my voices and listen to the author’s voices.
These books have done that. Entertained my dark side and satisfied my sense of humor. Nice job, Jeff. Thank you.
I’m way too busy for my age. RN, endurance rider, horse trainer, mom, grandma, ad nauseum. I read to turn my mind off…quiet the voices. No, that’s not quite correct. I read to dim my voices and listen to the author’s voices.
These books have done that. Entertained my dark side and satisfied my sense of humor. Nice job, Jeff. Thank you.
November 19, 2023
I can always count on Jeff Menapace to bring unhinged violence with a side of humor. The Caleb books, while a bit implausible, are highly entertaining, like Dirty Hairy meets Bad Boys - and I'm not mad at that.
Okay, but I'm a little mad at that ending. BRO! Why? You already know I'm buying the next one 😛 Luv ya Jeff! 🫶
Okay, but I'm a little mad at that ending. BRO! Why? You already know I'm buying the next one 😛 Luv ya Jeff! 🫶
December 11, 2023
Return to Noodle is A Return to Another Great Jeff Menapace Book
This book seemed to fly by. I felt like I just started it when I was finishing it. Although Caleb's return to Noodle wasn't nearly as action packed as his first visit, this was still a great read that keeps you on the edge of your seat reading. The 4th Caleb book can't come quick enough!
This book seemed to fly by. I felt like I just started it when I was finishing it. Although Caleb's return to Noodle wasn't nearly as action packed as his first visit, this was still a great read that keeps you on the edge of your seat reading. The 4th Caleb book can't come quick enough!
May 13, 2024
A solid next book in this John Wick like series. It's fun, and Caleb is always a easy man to understand. Broken past makes him a lethal killer. I liked we go back to noodle, it's always a fun place to explore. Now we have basically death games set up and Caleb has to figure out what to do. This is a two parter, so only half the story fyi. But solid start. A 3.5 I'll bump it to a 4.
September 13, 2024
A slower read than the first two
It took me a lot more time to get into this book. But, as Caleb is trying to get a grip on a set back; he goes back to Noodle to help Chip save his son. The ending was not what I expected but good. Now, there has to be another book, when I thought this was the last.
It took me a lot more time to get into this book. But, as Caleb is trying to get a grip on a set back; he goes back to Noodle to help Chip save his son. The ending was not what I expected but good. Now, there has to be another book, when I thought this was the last.
September 15, 2025
Well, unfortunately I was not a fan of this one.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the other books I’ve read from him, but this book felt off. There wasn’t much going on until the very end, and it almost seemed like a filler book to set up the next installment.
That said, of course I’ll still read the next one. This one wasn’t great and definitely not the best, but the ending really delivered!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the other books I’ve read from him, but this book felt off. There wasn’t much going on until the very end, and it almost seemed like a filler book to set up the next installment.
That said, of course I’ll still read the next one. This one wasn’t great and definitely not the best, but the ending really delivered!
October 13, 2023
Solid Part 1 of 2
Caleb is back again with his great mix of humor and violence. The novel was great, but a little short since it had to be split in two. Overall I really liked it and can't wait for part 2 to come out!
Caleb is back again with his great mix of humor and violence. The novel was great, but a little short since it had to be split in two. Overall I really liked it and can't wait for part 2 to come out!
October 14, 2023
Ahh Caleb...
Welcome to Noodle... again, or as Caleb was told Noodle part 2 and man what a ride. Caleb is one of my favorite characters, he's glib, angry and a ball of fun. Oh and a protector of the four legged. Looking forward to the next adventure.
Welcome to Noodle... again, or as Caleb was told Noodle part 2 and man what a ride. Caleb is one of my favorite characters, he's glib, angry and a ball of fun. Oh and a protector of the four legged. Looking forward to the next adventure.
October 20, 2023
you left me hanging! WTF!
It was a great story but shame on you for leaving your readers stranded for God knows how long!
I would NOT RECOMMEND this book until you finish the series!
I’m pissed off!
It was a great story but shame on you for leaving your readers stranded for God knows how long!
I would NOT RECOMMEND this book until you finish the series!
I’m pissed off!
December 4, 2023
Harder than the first two, but in a good way!
This book has a much harder edge to it than the first two books in the series. But it needs it. Easy to read and quite enjoyable. Certainly worth the afternoon to further your journey with Caleb.
This book has a much harder edge to it than the first two books in the series. But it needs it. Easy to read and quite enjoyable. Certainly worth the afternoon to further your journey with Caleb.
January 13, 2024
Good read
Definitely a different type of book, but pretty dang good. Looking forward to the followup. A ton of action which I really enjoy every now and then. Would recommend for sure..
Definitely a different type of book, but pretty dang good. Looking forward to the followup. A ton of action which I really enjoy every now and then. Would recommend for sure..
February 11, 2024
Return
Excellent sequel in the Caleb series. Jeff's story telling pulls you right in , the characters come alive in the pages. It would make a great film ....or series of films. Can't wait for the next instalment
Excellent sequel in the Caleb series. Jeff's story telling pulls you right in , the characters come alive in the pages. It would make a great film ....or series of films. Can't wait for the next instalment
March 29, 2024
I was surprised.
I was ready to mark this book a 4 star (which was generous) but the last 10% of the book made it all worth it! You really should read the two prior books to really get this one.
I was ready to mark this book a 4 star (which was generous) but the last 10% of the book made it all worth it! You really should read the two prior books to really get this one.
August 18, 2024
No! No! No!
I need book 4! This series is absolutely one of my favorites. I couldn't put these books down until I'd read, ok, devoured, all three. I'll be ever so impatiently awaiting book 4!
I need book 4! This series is absolutely one of my favorites. I couldn't put these books down until I'd read, ok, devoured, all three. I'll be ever so impatiently awaiting book 4!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews