The quiet Alaskan community of Wichita Pass is a beautiful place in the shadow of the mountains where people value privacy and freedom. But after a shiftless dealer goes missing under mysterious circumstances, one local begins to suspect that something terrible lurks in the frozen woods. What he finds is far worse than he believed was possible…
- Isolated small town ✅ - Feral Werewolf with a conscience ✅ - Fluffy hero dog ✅ - Perfect ending ✅
’Wichita Pass’ has a slow initial pace and the writing feels somewhat too descriptive or heavy to go through, but powering through was totally worth it, because the plot is so intricate and well-developed, that it feels truly rewarding in the end. I hope this book gets a sequel with Allen or maybe a prequel with Phillip.
The story starts with a seemingly unsolved disappearance of a young man, Garrett. After that, you’ll read nothing else about the unfortunate event. However, as the story progresses, chapter after chapter, the author spun a thread of events, seen from different angles and different characters, tightly connected to each other only to finally bring the story to a full circle.
Unlike many other werewolf novels, this story offers a refreshing change of scenery by revealing the werewolf's identity early on. Evidently, the most exciting and immersive chapters are those depicting his actions, because you actually get to see his struggle of living with the curse and the whole routine and contingency plans he had to religiously follow every full moon. As events take a dark turn, Phillip finds himself caught in a fight for survival after a man is killed. He grapples with conflicting emotions as his world spirals out of control.The human guilt and remorse is battling the beast’s primal instinct of thriving.
With such a large cast of characters, I found it difficult to care for all of them, though perhaps that wasn't the author's intention. I did care though for Phillip and Allen and his dog, Jasper.
Allen is what people would consider a loner, always keeps to himself, much like Phillip albeit for different reasons. However, his personality didn't make him a complete hermit or alienate him from the townsfolk. And the best part about him is his adorable German Shepard, Jasper, who suffers from anxiety but is the most courageous boy out there, a real hero.
The whole story I was dreading the moment this pupper would die. Many, many thanks to Mr. Dunpont for not going down that road, it would’ve been a cheap shot. And to further gush over this furry boy, yes, I could understand Allen’s guilt for thinking about his dog being left alone at home while a dangerous animal was breaking into buildings and he was in the hospital with his friend, but in his defense and all animal lovers’ out there, this is the normal attitude. You should care for your furry friend, they’re part of your family.
In the second part of the story, things pick up the pace and get really heated. Allen, accompanied by his dog Jasper and his friend Rickie, embarks on a mission to uncover the truth and track down the beast. Now, I’m not quite sure why he felt the need to be the hero when they had Police looking into this, but then again there are some people who need a goal in their lives, something to fight for and keep going and I guess this was Allen’s opportunity to shine. And he did shine bright like the full moon, alongside Jasper.
I can’t even describe how perfect the ending was. There’s so much left to interpret and yet nothing, the perfect final stroke on a masterpiece. I loved it. I just hope Jasper doesn’t die, haha.
Quite a thrilling story! If you're a bit bored through 2/3 of the book...it's well worth the wait for the last 3rd. I actually liked the character building. It gave this book character, and you get a real emotional connection to Allan and Jasper. And true to Nicks word, Jasper and Blueberry were not killed. I won't finish a book and give it an automatic 1 star when a pet is killed. It never adds to a story. And a big reason I don't read many werewolf books. For some reason, dogs are always slaughtered . I highly recommend this book!
This book is well done! The story progresses through a series of events. I really liked how the story considers the monsters perspective and viewpoint as well. No.spoilers here. Get this book . would.make a great.movie.
Wow what a ride! From the start we know the identity of the beast. Much time is spent with the monster and we grow sympathetic to its behaviors. Sorrow exists as we learn how the creature strives to remain hidden, the extraordinary efforts to mitigate harm to the remote Alaska town of Wichita Pass. The author deftly wove the perspective of each player to the same timeline. It was very exciting to experience the story from the perspective of the character. With each shift we learn a bit more about the events in sequence, each adding depth to the unfolding terror. Very impressed with how DuPont managed so many lenses in this book! DuPont masterfully brought the horror. I highlighted many passages, as when he described the creature carrying a dead body by the ribcage like a handle on luggage. The featured cryptid isn’t the typical man-wolf being, but rather something new. The townsfolk refer to it as a Bigfoot, or a were-bear. Larger, leaner, more powerful than other scary monsters. Other reviewers refer to the early chapters as sleepers. I didn’t find that to be the case, but the end chapters were a big bit more active, horror filled, and fast paced. My only issue in the early chapters was getting the characters and their names confused. If we had more descriptors early on it would have been easier to keep the cast in order. Highly recommend.
This is now one of my favorite werewolf/creature horror books
This has become one of my favorite werewolf/creature books. It was so great, I had trouble putting it down. The characters are so very real and well developed. I liked the depth of the storyline and the way the suspense built up into full-blown terror. The story takes place in a small Alaskan town. I have always wanted to move to Alaska, and this book, despite the horror of it all, only makes me want to move there more. Again, this is a must-read for any werewolf/creature fan.
Why four stars? 3 Stars. This book needs a serious proof reading, numerous simple errors not only misspelling but pronoun. There were times I had to stop and think what was the correct pronoun so not to confuse what or who is the intended character. 5 Stars. This book was a thrilling read. Characters were superbly developed, it felt like I was part of the community. Suspense! Yes! What is this creature? Is it an "animal" of some type, Bigfoot, rabid Bear was there a criminal element? This kept you turning page after page with great excitement. Despite the syntax and spelling errors this is a very good book. I strongly recommend it.
Wichita Pass needs a update in two areas. 1) is editing spelling errors-a must. 2) This story takes place in the 90s, so the technology in the storyline is obviously dated. That could be ok, if the author set the stage at the beginning. I can see one of the main characters telling his son or daughter this story ... son / sis let me tell you about my experience .... . Or a significantly update to recent tech, for example, several times "going to watch movies on VHS" tapes.
The potential is there for a revised Wichita Pass to run up the charts.
Wow...I breezed through this book lickety-split! One of the better werewolf/bear(?) tales I've read in a while. The type of were-animal is left to the reader's guess...I personally have always been freaked by werewolves...so that's how I envisioned the monster.
All the action takes place in late '90s Alaska during the beginning of winter when there is dark lasting a good bit of time. This makes for an extra intense atmosphere for this creepy story...snow , darkness, cold, woods and isolation. Nice! (or not so nice if you are one of the characters...yikes!)
There are a few typos & one section I had to go back to figure out the author was talking about a different character than was named but nothing too confusing.
I really enjoyed the pace, excitement & (of course) horror this author was able to deliver & will read more of his books.
Excellent original take on Bigfoot / Werewolf stories
Extremely well done. Character building is excellent. You get to believe these are real people. The author does a good job painting a scene, especially outdoors in the bitter cold of Alaska.
I will not get into plot points or anything because I may give something away. This would easily have earned 5 out of 5 stars except it desperately needs a quality proofreader to clean it up.
Perfect except for that if you are looking for a very original take on Bigfoot / Werewolf tales.
I want so much to talk about different aspects of the book but in doing so and singing the author's praises for conveying the experience so well, I will be giving away plot points and spoilers.
I absolutely enjoyed it and will get more from this author, and the hopes that his other works have benefited from the skills of a proofreader.
It really was a bit of a slow start, but really good character development. It was about the right dose of creature coverage as the story progressed. I’m a dog lover with two ornery goldens, so the protagonist’s best friend was a nice touch. I guess my only real critiques are the back story for the creature’s human half and how he came to be was left unanswered. It takes little away from the tragedy of his existence. And how abruptly climax and conclusion felt a little rushed. But all in all I found myself unable to put the book down until I finished it.
a fast paced old fashioned horror story that I could not put down
What kind of creature is terrorizing the townsfolk in Wichita Pass? Is it a rabid grizzly? Big Foot? Werewolf? Or simply bored kids out causing trouble and getting into mischief? When townspeople start disappearing, it’s time to toss the “just kids” theory and get busy figuring out what, exactly, is prowling through their little town at night snacking on unsuspecting neighbors. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it’s compelling characters and it’s fast paced but believable action. And don’t worry, neither the cat nor the dog die. No promises on anyone else.
I'll dispense with the storyline, as everyone can read the blurb, but what a pleasure it has been, reading this book. The characters are fascinating and you really feel like you know them. The scenery, the mystery, the tension, it's all there. It is a slow burn but that fits just perfectly. Nothing is rushed, but even the more mundane parts of everyday life in a small Alaskan town are never boring.
The characters were great. I loved the Alaska location and the ending did leave an opening for a sequel. The pace moved quick enough and kept my attention and wanting to keep reading. Will continue to look for more from this author. I appreciate “normal” werewolf horror stories instead of the 6 sequel romance ones.
This was a really good book I was impressed with it about a man whose name is Philip who was a recluse and was making money doing software programs he was the werewolf that was tormenting what should I pass and knowing that Allen could very well turn into werewolf he got the infected by he may have killed it but he could still be turned
The story was well written and captivating. The Characters developed and believable. Probably one of the best of these types of stories offered. The only flaw was a few grammatical errors.
I like reading the Bigfoot books, and thought at first this was another. Pleasantly surprised. I normally don’t read werewolf books, but this one is interesting and exciting. Hard to put it down. Enjoy!!
I liked the story a lot, however, a suggestion? Needs a good editor. SPOILER: One scene where Allen is talking with one guy about Dave, the missing guy, Dave starts answering! That kind of confusion can throw off a reader. Small mistake, big error.
A decent horror book. Typical things go bump in the night, everyone laughs until someone disappears. Things get weird. People have more questions than answers. Alaskan background. Worth a read.
The story is good and entertaining., doesn’t say much about the characters and the misspellings are awful. All in all it’s entertaining but honestly not the best I’ve read.
Great book. Hope to read more from Mr Dupont. Right up my alley. Liked the characters and the setting. Needed a few more chapters to really flesh some things out, but that's just my opinion. Excellent job
Liked it alot! A good way to get the perspective of the creature. More depth to the tale than just a werewolf story! Well done and very fun to read at night before bed....lol
This was a suspenseful tale that was an enjoyable read. I do believe a proofreader or editor could have been beneficial, as a character was called by the wrong name, and a few typos occurred.
Well 1st I love this characters and the way they interacted together. I love them being in Alaska and remote So they had to depend on each other It kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't wanna put it down.
Quiet, cold, non- hysterical creature horror. I really liked the atmosphere and settings. Frozen, isolated places are my fav for these types of tales, with refreshingly likeable characters. Scary and enjoyable.
The story was good and how it started.But when it got to the middle it just got boring With just how slow it was being with it the information of philip. But after that it picked up the pace just at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mr. DuPont did a great job resurrecting a traditional story injecting it with modern twists. He developed his characters in a very authentic way and paced the story arc superbly. Great job Nick.
A really good book! 📖 If you want a nice creature horror, this will be the one! I have read some good and some bad ones. This is among the good ones. I am considering owning the physical copy and adding it to my library.
I loved the story it was riveting. The only problem I had was that the proof reader could have done a better job of rewriting some wording and compound sentences. It made it hard to let the reading flow.
Besides the typo's & character confusion, it took nearly half of the book before something actually happened. I started speed reading after Allan began referring to Rickie as Dave even though Dave had been eaten 5 chapters earlier. Does anybody read & edit this books ?
So well written, I felt I knew each character personally. When you read a book as good as this you are pulled into it as if you were there. Would love to read more of his work. Thank you for entertaining me so well. Cyndi Kerber