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Alternate Tunings
When a chance news clipping passes the desk of Edwin Grey at the Psychic Research Institute in London on the eve of World War II, he feels compelled to go and investigate the strange reports of “wolf men” attacks in the remote Swiss village of Mt. Blanc. But the mysteries only deepen when he discovers in the idyllic, near utopian village, its pacifistic members are all young World War I war orphans now reaching young adulthood watched over by the mysterious figure of the Deacon.
But Edwin’s investigations only bring more questions as he is propelled into a struggle that has been going on in secret for decades. Who really is responsible for the murders? What dark secret does the Deacon keep about the radical upbringing of his charges? What malevolent forces seek to exploit these seeming innocents? And who is the Grey Wolf and what connection does he have to the barking diatribes of the mad man in Berlin? For Edwin and everyone involved, ultimately, the answers turn out to be even stranger than the questions.
But Edwin’s investigations only bring more questions as he is propelled into a struggle that has been going on in secret for decades. Who really is responsible for the murders? What dark secret does the Deacon keep about the radical upbringing of his charges? What malevolent forces seek to exploit these seeming innocents? And who is the Grey Wolf and what connection does he have to the barking diatribes of the mad man in Berlin? For Edwin and everyone involved, ultimately, the answers turn out to be even stranger than the questions.
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 16, 2025
This book is a very good read. I truly enjoyed the author writing style. They have a gift for storytelling, and I absolutely love the descriptions in the book as they allowed me to time travel.
This book is about a man named Edwin that is sent on a mission to investigate a high number of death along with Wolf sightings. It’s gonna be very hard to go further into detail with the Book without giving anything away, but I will say this book is a page turning mystery with a dash of horror.
Describe this book In three words: Engaging, Enchanting, and Intense.
Definitely give this book read if you love a good storytelling along with mystery and a World War II historical element.
Thank you Brian for providing me with the copy of this book.
This book is about a man named Edwin that is sent on a mission to investigate a high number of death along with Wolf sightings. It’s gonna be very hard to go further into detail with the Book without giving anything away, but I will say this book is a page turning mystery with a dash of horror.
Describe this book In three words: Engaging, Enchanting, and Intense.
Definitely give this book read if you love a good storytelling along with mystery and a World War II historical element.
Thank you Brian for providing me with the copy of this book.
March 31, 2024
In 1938, Edwin, a psychic detective, is sent to a remote village deep in the Swiss Alps to investigate a paranormal phenomenon. Reports of murder and an alleged Wolf Man.
Even before arriving at Mt. Clair, he is met by treacherous and violent sights which make him question exactly what he’s doing there.
Edwin soon starts to realise everything is not what it seems in the mountain town, and the deeper he digs, the stranger and more obscure things become.
This one hits hard! So many twists and turns I was left repeatedly wondering what the hell is going. I’m not going to say more for fear of divulging spoilers, but if you like wolf men, scientific experiments and underground lairs, do yourselves a favour and check out this book. You won’t be disappointed!
Even before arriving at Mt. Clair, he is met by treacherous and violent sights which make him question exactly what he’s doing there.
Edwin soon starts to realise everything is not what it seems in the mountain town, and the deeper he digs, the stranger and more obscure things become.
This one hits hard! So many twists and turns I was left repeatedly wondering what the hell is going. I’m not going to say more for fear of divulging spoilers, but if you like wolf men, scientific experiments and underground lairs, do yourselves a favour and check out this book. You won’t be disappointed!
August 26, 2024
It's going to be really difficult to write a review without spoiling the whole story. I will say this book is like quicksand, the more you read the deeper you get pulled into this world. Don't struggle against it, just let the story absorb you.
The more answers you get as you read, the more questions you'll have. For each secret that's revealed, there's many more to come. I don't think there's a single character I hated which is odd because there's usually one I just can't stand.
I hope that the story continues in a sequel.
The more answers you get as you read, the more questions you'll have. For each secret that's revealed, there's many more to come. I don't think there's a single character I hated which is odd because there's usually one I just can't stand.
I hope that the story continues in a sequel.
April 23, 2025
🔥 BRO vs. ALTERNATE TUNINGS 🔥
🥊 The Book:
A psychic investigator in pre-WWII Europe? Say less. Edwin Grey heads to a remote Alpine village to sniff out werewolf attacks—what he finds instead is a strange utopia of war orphans, an unsettlingly calm leader, and a whole mess of secrets buried under snow and silence. Monsters, mind games, and mounting fascism? Welcome to Switzerland, bro.
💪 The Bro: I came for spooky werewolves and Nazi-punching. I stayed for the weird mystery and eerie mountain vibes.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• The premise is fire: a psychic investigator versus a secretive commune on the brink of global war? Inject that.
• Setting hits hard—snowy Mt. Blanc is atmospheric, cold, and creepy.
• The tone blends gothic dread with pulp energy. You feel like you’re in Return to Castle Wolfenstein, just with more philosophy and fewer machine guns.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• Cutler mixes history and horror with style, and the supernatural elements stay just grounded enough to keep you believing.
• The pacing’s the biggest swing-and-miss. Some reveals hit too fast; some buildup drags longer than needed.
• Still, there are strong moments—especially scenes involving the Deacon and the orphans’ unsettling training.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• Great concept, solid execution, just a little uneven on the footwork.
• When it works, it really works—but it doesn’t always keep the rhythm.
• The themes about control, ideology, and manipulation land heavy, and that final reveal? Solid right hook to the gut.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Split Decision – Alternate Tunings doesn’t quite dominate the bout, but it shows up with enough guts and weird mystique to make it worth the read. It’s got brains, monsters, and a fresh angle on pre-war dread—just could’ve used a little more time in the gym tightening the pacing.
This review was posted of my own accord, and are my own views. I was not paid for this review.
🥊 The Book:
A psychic investigator in pre-WWII Europe? Say less. Edwin Grey heads to a remote Alpine village to sniff out werewolf attacks—what he finds instead is a strange utopia of war orphans, an unsettlingly calm leader, and a whole mess of secrets buried under snow and silence. Monsters, mind games, and mounting fascism? Welcome to Switzerland, bro.
💪 The Bro: I came for spooky werewolves and Nazi-punching. I stayed for the weird mystery and eerie mountain vibes.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• The premise is fire: a psychic investigator versus a secretive commune on the brink of global war? Inject that.
• Setting hits hard—snowy Mt. Blanc is atmospheric, cold, and creepy.
• The tone blends gothic dread with pulp energy. You feel like you’re in Return to Castle Wolfenstein, just with more philosophy and fewer machine guns.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• Cutler mixes history and horror with style, and the supernatural elements stay just grounded enough to keep you believing.
• The pacing’s the biggest swing-and-miss. Some reveals hit too fast; some buildup drags longer than needed.
• Still, there are strong moments—especially scenes involving the Deacon and the orphans’ unsettling training.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• Great concept, solid execution, just a little uneven on the footwork.
• When it works, it really works—but it doesn’t always keep the rhythm.
• The themes about control, ideology, and manipulation land heavy, and that final reveal? Solid right hook to the gut.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Split Decision – Alternate Tunings doesn’t quite dominate the bout, but it shows up with enough guts and weird mystique to make it worth the read. It’s got brains, monsters, and a fresh angle on pre-war dread—just could’ve used a little more time in the gym tightening the pacing.
This review was posted of my own accord, and are my own views. I was not paid for this review.
June 17, 2024
Just finished reading "Alternate Tunings" by Brian Cutler, and wow, you guys need to add this to your TBR list ASAP! Imagine a blend of historical fiction with a supernatural twist – it’s like nothing I’ve read before. The story kicks off with Edwin Grey from the Psychic Research Institute in London, who stumbles upon some seriously bizarre “wolf men” attacks in a Swiss village. And that’s just the beginning!
Cutler does an amazing job of pulling you into the eerie atmosphere of Mt. Blanc. This remote village is home to WWI orphans and the mysterious Deacon, who watches over them. The characters are so well-developed and intriguing, you’ll find yourself totally invested in their secrets and stories. And the suspense? It keeps building, making it impossible to put the book down.
What I loved most is how the book delves into heavy themes like innocence lost and the trauma of war, but it does so in a way that’s thought-provoking and totally gripping. The mystery around the Deacon and the Grey Wolf is full of twists and turns – just when you think you’ve figured it out, Cutler throws in another surprise.
The writing style is top-notch – it’s both poetic and relatable, making the 1940s setting come to life. The dialogue feels so real, and the pacing is just perfect. There’s a great balance between action-packed scenes and those quieter moments that let you really connect with the characters.
If you’re into historical fiction with a supernatural edge, "Alternate Tunings" is a must-read. Brian Cutler has crafted an unforgettable story that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. Trust me, you won’t regret picking this one up!
Cutler does an amazing job of pulling you into the eerie atmosphere of Mt. Blanc. This remote village is home to WWI orphans and the mysterious Deacon, who watches over them. The characters are so well-developed and intriguing, you’ll find yourself totally invested in their secrets and stories. And the suspense? It keeps building, making it impossible to put the book down.
What I loved most is how the book delves into heavy themes like innocence lost and the trauma of war, but it does so in a way that’s thought-provoking and totally gripping. The mystery around the Deacon and the Grey Wolf is full of twists and turns – just when you think you’ve figured it out, Cutler throws in another surprise.
The writing style is top-notch – it’s both poetic and relatable, making the 1940s setting come to life. The dialogue feels so real, and the pacing is just perfect. There’s a great balance between action-packed scenes and those quieter moments that let you really connect with the characters.
If you’re into historical fiction with a supernatural edge, "Alternate Tunings" is a must-read. Brian Cutler has crafted an unforgettable story that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. Trust me, you won’t regret picking this one up!
September 6, 2025
Edwin travels all the way from London to a remote village in Switzerland. He’s heard of the strange and vicious murders, so he decides he must go check it out himself. Or try, at least. Clearly, he’s stumbling upon something way more than he initially expected.
I honestly had no idea what I was in for, except the idea that it probably had to do with wolves or perhaps wolf men. While that in of itself tells me nothing, the story developed in an extremely fascinating and addicting way.
First off, I really liked the conflicts of human/animal nature. The way the reader kind of goes along on this journey of realization and self discovery was exciting, and there were many twists and turns I did not see coming. I found the location very picturesque, and the incorporation of history added a good layer to the story.
I feel like the book started off in a more serious tone but towards the end it became a bit more humorous almost. At least less serious. I also had to reread a few pages because the ending packed a lot of action. The pace was a bit of a shift so I had to change my mind set in order to absorb and understand what was going on.
I received a copy from the author and im extremely grateful for that.
I honestly had no idea what I was in for, except the idea that it probably had to do with wolves or perhaps wolf men. While that in of itself tells me nothing, the story developed in an extremely fascinating and addicting way.
First off, I really liked the conflicts of human/animal nature. The way the reader kind of goes along on this journey of realization and self discovery was exciting, and there were many twists and turns I did not see coming. I found the location very picturesque, and the incorporation of history added a good layer to the story.
I feel like the book started off in a more serious tone but towards the end it became a bit more humorous almost. At least less serious. I also had to reread a few pages because the ending packed a lot of action. The pace was a bit of a shift so I had to change my mind set in order to absorb and understand what was going on.
I received a copy from the author and im extremely grateful for that.
April 21, 2024
I just finished Alternate Tunings by Brian Cutler, and I've got to say, I'm impressed!
This indie book had such a unique take on the "werewolf" trope and the writing was beautifully done! This is definitely a hidden gem of a story and I'm so happy I had the chance to delve into it! 🤌🏻🖤
My only criticisms would be
1) Some spelling errors, mostly with the word "too" being spelt as "to", but I understand that these slights should be overlooked when self publishing and it really didn't take away from the plot for me.
2) ⚠️ SPOILER ⚠️ I wasn't the biggest fan of how Wilhemina's character ended up. I would've really loved for her to have been a bad bitch (literally), but her character felt extremely subdued by the time we reached the conclusion.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this, and Cutler gives us a load of twists and turns that leave you wondering what will happen next! 🦇✨️
Also as a bonus: It's free to read on Kindle Unlimited 💸
This indie book had such a unique take on the "werewolf" trope and the writing was beautifully done! This is definitely a hidden gem of a story and I'm so happy I had the chance to delve into it! 🤌🏻🖤
My only criticisms would be
1) Some spelling errors, mostly with the word "too" being spelt as "to", but I understand that these slights should be overlooked when self publishing and it really didn't take away from the plot for me.
2) ⚠️ SPOILER ⚠️ I wasn't the biggest fan of how Wilhemina's character ended up. I would've really loved for her to have been a bad bitch (literally), but her character felt extremely subdued by the time we reached the conclusion.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this, and Cutler gives us a load of twists and turns that leave you wondering what will happen next! 🦇✨️
Also as a bonus: It's free to read on Kindle Unlimited 💸
May 14, 2024
Okay, I was REALLY impressed with this one!
Alternate Tunings follow our MMC, Edwin, a psychic detective, into the Swiss Alps to investigate mysterious murders and a supposed "Wolf Man." This story takes place in 1938 and on the brink of World War II. The plot was beyond captivating and there were so many twists and just utterly creepy and confusing behavior along the way that had me scratching my head and at a loss for words. Brian did a fantastic job writing this story. I loved how creatively authentic it was! Malevolent forces in a remote Swiss Alps village exploring a creepy cult and Nazi's?! If that doesn't draw you in then I don't know what will because my god. Absolutely phenomenal story and it was executed perfectly! Plenty of action, suspense, horror and bloodshed with well-fleshed out characters and dialogue. This book needs more attention brought to it because this novel truly stands out and I have zilch to compare it to.
Alternate Tunings follow our MMC, Edwin, a psychic detective, into the Swiss Alps to investigate mysterious murders and a supposed "Wolf Man." This story takes place in 1938 and on the brink of World War II. The plot was beyond captivating and there were so many twists and just utterly creepy and confusing behavior along the way that had me scratching my head and at a loss for words. Brian did a fantastic job writing this story. I loved how creatively authentic it was! Malevolent forces in a remote Swiss Alps village exploring a creepy cult and Nazi's?! If that doesn't draw you in then I don't know what will because my god. Absolutely phenomenal story and it was executed perfectly! Plenty of action, suspense, horror and bloodshed with well-fleshed out characters and dialogue. This book needs more attention brought to it because this novel truly stands out and I have zilch to compare it to.
March 19, 2025
Alternate Tunings by Brian Cutler
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
This is a super fun and unique horror novel! I can’t even begin to categorize it. It was just so fun! You had gore, twists and turns, fully rounded characters, love, loss, creatures! It was just such a blast and I absolutely loved the third person POV and Brian’s style of writing!
I need more people to read this one we can discuss it!!
Thank you for the copy, Brian it was such an amazing read!!
August 22, 2024
I think the concept of this book is really unique, however, I just had a hard time staying engaged. The writing isn’t necessarily bad - I just think that the story is too slow and has very little intrigue. DNFing this book.
July 7, 2025
This is such a fun read! If you enjoy historical or folk(ish) horror, "wolf men", the supernatural, or mysteries....then you will enjoy this book! The writing is excellent, pacing of the story is just about perfect, and the twists are fun!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews