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I Kill Cursed Creatures #1
I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation
What Chance Does A Child Have Against A Bloodthirsty Werewolf?
It’s 1989 and 10-year-old Allen DeShawn doesn’t have a care in the world… because he’s oblivious to the ravenous monster that stalks his Michigan town. One fateful night his best friend is slaughtered and the Werewolf soon seizes upon Allen’s scent.
What follows is a relentless season of blood and survival. Bodies turn up shredded and eviscerated while the townspeople grow ever more concerned. But one boy armed only with a love for horror movies is uniquely equipped to uncover the truth.
Can Allen unravel the mystery of what pursues him, or will he too fall prey to the insatiable hunger of the Werewolf?
I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation is a visceral and nostalgic thrill ride through one boy’s summer in the late 80s. If you like werewolves and 80’s horror, you’ll love I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation .
BUY I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation NOW and join the hunt.
It’s 1989 and 10-year-old Allen DeShawn doesn’t have a care in the world… because he’s oblivious to the ravenous monster that stalks his Michigan town. One fateful night his best friend is slaughtered and the Werewolf soon seizes upon Allen’s scent.
What follows is a relentless season of blood and survival. Bodies turn up shredded and eviscerated while the townspeople grow ever more concerned. But one boy armed only with a love for horror movies is uniquely equipped to uncover the truth.
Can Allen unravel the mystery of what pursues him, or will he too fall prey to the insatiable hunger of the Werewolf?
I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation is a visceral and nostalgic thrill ride through one boy’s summer in the late 80s. If you like werewolves and 80’s horror, you’ll love I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation .
BUY I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation NOW and join the hunt.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2024
193 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 4, 2025
3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️!
A fun and gory summer romp. If you like werewolves, you may enjoy this 80s based horror. Not the greatest read. But certainly entertaining!
A fun and gory summer romp. If you like werewolves, you may enjoy this 80s based horror. Not the greatest read. But certainly entertaining!
February 14, 2024
It is obvious I have a soft spot for werewolves, I think 😇. So I had to jump at the ocassion of picking up and read this one. And man, it was an awesome ride.
It is a story full of sadness and grief, and it left a scar on my heart, that will never fully heal.
The werewolf is brutal, gruesome and fierce and I absolutely loved the scenes involving it and the peaks inside the beast's mind.
I completely loved it from start to finish, I couldn't wait to be able to go back to reading it.
Please check triggers before reading it.
It is a story full of sadness and grief, and it left a scar on my heart, that will never fully heal.
The werewolf is brutal, gruesome and fierce and I absolutely loved the scenes involving it and the peaks inside the beast's mind.
I completely loved it from start to finish, I couldn't wait to be able to go back to reading it.
Please check triggers before reading it.
February 13, 2024
As a lover of 80s-style slashers and having a soft spot for horror movies involving monsters, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. It certainly did not disappoint. Just the description of the werewolf transformation alone made this book a winner for me. There's something about reading every detail that just hits different to watching it in a movie. This was a brilliant read sure to bring the nostalgia for those of you growing up in the 80s.
March 12, 2024
It was good, but again, not enough for 5 stars, as the kid (main character) got on my nerves about taking off a lot on his bike when he knew something terrible had killed his best friend and was killing others. Still, who was really the werewolf was a good one, and it was nice to go back to a time (80s) where kids didn't have phones, just a summer of hanging out and adventure (even though video games were happening.)
March 9, 2024
excellent read
A good werewolf story very reminiscent of “Silver Bullet” but with enough plot of its own to shine independently. Will follow along for further entertaining tales.
A good werewolf story very reminiscent of “Silver Bullet” but with enough plot of its own to shine independently. Will follow along for further entertaining tales.
March 21, 2024
"It started off so well"
Those are the opening lyrics to the song 'Save Me', by Queen, which is mentioned in the book so that in itself adds up half a bonus point, not that the book needs it. That line also applies quite well to the start of this book. It's summer vacation and 10 year old Allen DeShawn is living his best life: no school, a new bycicle and plenty of time to spend with his best friend, Brad. But after a trip to the woods one day, things take a turn for the worst when his idealic summer break is transformed into an absolute nightmare.
This book has a lot going for it: it's 80s-themed (which was an excellent decade, seriously), focusses on one of my favourite topics and it really is written well. The characters are well fleshed out, the 80s vibe is present and the story keeps you coming back for more. As with most werewolf related stories, the question of 'who is it?' is present here as well and it is handled nicely. At a certain point, I had my suspicions, but it certainly wasn't clear from the start.
All in all it was a thorougly enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to more in this range.
Those are the opening lyrics to the song 'Save Me', by Queen, which is mentioned in the book so that in itself adds up half a bonus point, not that the book needs it. That line also applies quite well to the start of this book. It's summer vacation and 10 year old Allen DeShawn is living his best life: no school, a new bycicle and plenty of time to spend with his best friend, Brad. But after a trip to the woods one day, things take a turn for the worst when his idealic summer break is transformed into an absolute nightmare.
This book has a lot going for it: it's 80s-themed (which was an excellent decade, seriously), focusses on one of my favourite topics and it really is written well. The characters are well fleshed out, the 80s vibe is present and the story keeps you coming back for more. As with most werewolf related stories, the question of 'who is it?' is present here as well and it is handled nicely. At a certain point, I had my suspicions, but it certainly wasn't clear from the start.
All in all it was a thorougly enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to more in this range.
February 26, 2024
Wow what a ride! So many ups and downs, and so many brave people in this community!
A supposed “rogue bear” (a common trope) has emerged from the woods to track young Brad, snatch him from his second-floor bedroom, and drag him back into the forest to leisurely enjoy the adrenaline-spiced meat. More death and disappearances ensue, and then a mob takes action. As the story unfolds we spend a good deal of time inside the cryptids mind, gaining insight into how the beast chooses prey and hunts. The mystery that emerges is whom the beast is when in human form.
A few throwbacks to the 80’s, a couple of unnecessary deflections (cutting through the neighbors yard on his bike), and rife with typos, this story will keep you guessing.
A fun story to read—charming relationships between brothers (but not cousins), and a ten-year old boy with a new 10-speed bicycle, and summer break from school spent reading comics and building forts.
Can recommend for werewolf fans. But if imprecise grammar and typos distract you, this may not be the book for you.
A supposed “rogue bear” (a common trope) has emerged from the woods to track young Brad, snatch him from his second-floor bedroom, and drag him back into the forest to leisurely enjoy the adrenaline-spiced meat. More death and disappearances ensue, and then a mob takes action. As the story unfolds we spend a good deal of time inside the cryptids mind, gaining insight into how the beast chooses prey and hunts. The mystery that emerges is whom the beast is when in human form.
A few throwbacks to the 80’s, a couple of unnecessary deflections (cutting through the neighbors yard on his bike), and rife with typos, this story will keep you guessing.
A fun story to read—charming relationships between brothers (but not cousins), and a ten-year old boy with a new 10-speed bicycle, and summer break from school spent reading comics and building forts.
Can recommend for werewolf fans. But if imprecise grammar and typos distract you, this may not be the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2024
I have a soft spot for 80s horror and the cover caught my attention. I must say this doesn't disappoint at all. The book has that classic 80s vibe to it. The book starts off slow but Sam does a great job with the world-building and setting up the scene for what will be quite a fun read. I enjoyed Allen. For a ten-year-old kid, he was a character that was easy to root for.
The werewolf turned out to be someone I least expected. For obvious reasons, I can't spoil it, but I'm sure if you read you will probably guess wrong yourself. The ending is quite interesting as well as it sets up for book two of the series, which I'll be reading for sure.
Overall, this was a fun '80s werewolf horror story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The werewolf turned out to be someone I least expected. For obvious reasons, I can't spoil it, but I'm sure if you read you will probably guess wrong yourself. The ending is quite interesting as well as it sets up for book two of the series, which I'll be reading for sure.
Overall, this was a fun '80s werewolf horror story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 14, 2024
Summer
Allen and his best friend Brad are followed out of the woods by something one summer night.After that, Allen's world is forever changed. He must find out what happened and face a monster that is stalking his town. Unexpected twist. Best Werewolf book in a long time. Fast-paced read with characters you love.
Allen and his best friend Brad are followed out of the woods by something one summer night.After that, Allen's world is forever changed. He must find out what happened and face a monster that is stalking his town. Unexpected twist. Best Werewolf book in a long time. Fast-paced read with characters you love.
August 20, 2024
4.50 stars
A book about a werewolf and set in the 80s?? I AM IN!!!!The story kept you engaged, and keeps you guessing who it is… (NO spoilers here!)
If I had to nitpick, and I will, I wish Allen was a little older, maybe 13-15 instead of 10.
Other than that I enjoyed it, and if you like werewolf stuff, you will enjoy this book.
A book about a werewolf and set in the 80s?? I AM IN!!!!The story kept you engaged, and keeps you guessing who it is… (NO spoilers here!)
If I had to nitpick, and I will, I wish Allen was a little older, maybe 13-15 instead of 10.
Other than that I enjoyed it, and if you like werewolf stuff, you will enjoy this book.
February 19, 2024
Loser club vibes! Was really shocked that some parts were written from the monster’s perspective. It was very cool. Anyone that loved the old time werewolf movies, American Werewolf in London, The Wolfman, and Teen Wolf would love this! Allan has to struggle until the very end!
July 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and I loved the characters but it should come with a trigger warning half the story is just pure grief I couldn’t stop crying it took me a long time to get through the first 200 pages
And the twist!! I didn’t see it coming
And the twist!! I didn’t see it coming
February 2, 2025
Overall, this was super cute. The story was great (definitely getting some Silver Bullet vibes from it), the writing was good, but the editing could have been better. Wanna get blitzed while you read? Take a shot every time you read the word "maw".
March 1, 2024
Great book!
This was one of the best stories I have read in a while. The people felt real and the plot was really good. I look forward to another one coming out.
This was one of the best stories I have read in a while. The people felt real and the plot was really good. I look forward to another one coming out.
October 24, 2024
Much Better Than I Expected
"I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation" was an absolutely fantastic read! I had actually been expecting something on the cheesey/campy side. Instead, the book went fairly hard - especially into graphic violence. It was a lot better than I was anticipating!
On the down side, I noticed a scattering of typos throughout the novel. The book could have benefited from a better editing job. But the plot, pacing, characters, and everything else are so good that I'm still giving this a 5-Star rating. I look forward to reading Book 2, and hope to do so soon!
If you want a good werewolf novel that doesn't hold back, I recommend reading "I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation"!
"I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation" was an absolutely fantastic read! I had actually been expecting something on the cheesey/campy side. Instead, the book went fairly hard - especially into graphic violence. It was a lot better than I was anticipating!
On the down side, I noticed a scattering of typos throughout the novel. The book could have benefited from a better editing job. But the plot, pacing, characters, and everything else are so good that I'm still giving this a 5-Star rating. I look forward to reading Book 2, and hope to do so soon!
If you want a good werewolf novel that doesn't hold back, I recommend reading "I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation"!
March 9, 2024
Wow! Can I just say I loved everything and I mean everything about this book!! It was gory, gruesome and full of humor at times. It held so many surprises!! Normally in these type books or even on tv the parents and adults never know what is going on but what a surprise when the family is smacked right in the face by the werewolf being in their home trying to kill both their sons!! I loved how much this father always stood by Allen. At times Allen seems so much wiser than ten but you just root for him at every turn.
The ending was such a surprise and sad but I can’t wait to see what is next for Allen!! Please hurry up and write the next adventure for him!!!
The ending was such a surprise and sad but I can’t wait to see what is next for Allen!! Please hurry up and write the next adventure for him!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
A great werewolf story
"I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation" by Sam Whittaker is a fun and fast-paced read that perfectly blends humor, adventure, and a bit of horror. The story follows a young protagonist who, instead of a typical summer, ends up hunting down a werewolf. Whittaker's writing is sharp and witty, making the wild plot feel surprisingly relatable. The book doesn't take itself too seriously, which is part of its charm. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking for a light, entertaining escape with a supernatural twist. If you’re into quirky adventures and a bit of monster-hunting, this one’s a blast!
"I Killed a Werewolf for My Summer Vacation" by Sam Whittaker is a fun and fast-paced read that perfectly blends humor, adventure, and a bit of horror. The story follows a young protagonist who, instead of a typical summer, ends up hunting down a werewolf. Whittaker's writing is sharp and witty, making the wild plot feel surprisingly relatable. The book doesn't take itself too seriously, which is part of its charm. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking for a light, entertaining escape with a supernatural twist. If you’re into quirky adventures and a bit of monster-hunting, this one’s a blast!
August 19, 2024
I’m a major fan of werewolf horror and usually read several a year and this was overall a solid read. It’s not what you expect from the synopsis and has some other elements to the story I wasn’t anticipating. At first this kind of threw me off but once I realized this was the first book in a series it made more sense and I was ok with it.
From a werewolf horror standpoint it’s nothing groundbreaking but it’s enjoyable. The werewolf was well described and formidable. And it did have a few tense scenes.
The biggest issue with this book for me was the typos. It is in need of an editor. These can be overlooked but during a tense scene it kind of takes you out of the moment.
From a werewolf horror standpoint it’s nothing groundbreaking but it’s enjoyable. The werewolf was well described and formidable. And it did have a few tense scenes.
The biggest issue with this book for me was the typos. It is in need of an editor. These can be overlooked but during a tense scene it kind of takes you out of the moment.
October 28, 2024
I ran across this book in suggested books from some that I had listed as wanting to read. Oh man this is a great book and not just for teen readers. As a matter of fact the content is a bit strong and well bloody for too young of a reader. This author knows how to capture your attention and keep it till the very last page. I so loved this book I bought the next three books so as to keep reading from this author. The characters are richly described and the scenery is easily pictured in ones minds eye. It is a great story and I highly recommend this author if you haven't read him yet.
August 27, 2025
Bipedal werewolf.
I was concerned this would be a YA or children's novel akin to "Werewolves Don't Go to Summer Camp" by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Jones. (That book started my obsession).
Could not be further from.
Excellent werewolf novel. The 10 yo protagonist was slightly unbelievable due to level of mature inner dialogue.
However, it is the kind of werewolf that will do a home invasion. The kind that doesn't fret about its condition. It is a murderous, spiteful monster.
Story and lore are engaging, and the arc is well thought out.
Silver Bullet meets American Werewolf in London and then has a lovechild with IT.
Check it out.
I was concerned this would be a YA or children's novel akin to "Werewolves Don't Go to Summer Camp" by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Jones. (That book started my obsession).
Could not be further from.
Excellent werewolf novel. The 10 yo protagonist was slightly unbelievable due to level of mature inner dialogue.
However, it is the kind of werewolf that will do a home invasion. The kind that doesn't fret about its condition. It is a murderous, spiteful monster.
Story and lore are engaging, and the arc is well thought out.
Silver Bullet meets American Werewolf in London and then has a lovechild with IT.
Check it out.
July 20, 2024
Now THAT'S a werewolf tale, er tail?
This is easily one of the better wolf stories out there. Right up there with Bane County by JR Rice. I had to skip the descriptions of the first kills of a child and a forest animal. This does not diminish the book at all. Just skip it if you're squeamish and plow right on thru if you're not. Truly scary and I had to make myself go to bed (albeit a tad later) so I could go to work in the morning. I would have liked to have known why Gregory's family was so weird, bless Gregory's heart! I'm fixin to start book 2. Enjoy!!
This is easily one of the better wolf stories out there. Right up there with Bane County by JR Rice. I had to skip the descriptions of the first kills of a child and a forest animal. This does not diminish the book at all. Just skip it if you're squeamish and plow right on thru if you're not. Truly scary and I had to make myself go to bed (albeit a tad later) so I could go to work in the morning. I would have liked to have known why Gregory's family was so weird, bless Gregory's heart! I'm fixin to start book 2. Enjoy!!
October 25, 2025
I discovered this book via Kindle Unlimited. The title caught my eye, and I'm pleased I took the plunge to read it. As I dived into the story, I found out that the setting is in Michigan, which only adds to its appeal. (Go Blue!) I loved the nostalgia woven throughout the narrative. It was an exhilarating, nonstop adventure. I mean, werewolves in MICHIGAN! I was completely surprised by the identity of the werewolf's human form. This book is a must-read. I can't wait to dive into the next book by this author.
May 19, 2024
Well I guessed who it was….. after I guessed like 5 different people !! Hahaha. This was an excellent horror book. It did remind me a little bit like the movie Werewolf in London and Silver Bullet. Which both are great movies. Kept me guessing and re-guessing over and over. Great writing because I was creeped out by Brad. Definitely should make a movie out of this one, could be a great classic. Happy Reading :)
July 24, 2024
This book was quite a surprise!
The book is very cleverly written, and although the plot is not a huge surprise, the way it’s handled in the book was extremely well done. There’s a lot of Gore as you might expect, but there’s also some unexpected humor and you just have to root for Allen. He’s such a plucky boy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and to found in Sam Whitaker a new author that I will follow.
The book is very cleverly written, and although the plot is not a huge surprise, the way it’s handled in the book was extremely well done. There’s a lot of Gore as you might expect, but there’s also some unexpected humor and you just have to root for Allen. He’s such a plucky boy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and to found in Sam Whitaker a new author that I will follow.
August 5, 2024
Average
Nothing special here. Wasn’t some earth shattering twist on the werewolf legend. Nothing new. The writing and characters are all decent but again nothing spectacular. Didn’t really add anything to the thousands of other werewolf books. The story follows a kid named Allen after his buddy is killed. By the time the author starts to maybe hint that there is something special about Allen it is too late to care.
Nothing special here. Wasn’t some earth shattering twist on the werewolf legend. Nothing new. The writing and characters are all decent but again nothing spectacular. Didn’t really add anything to the thousands of other werewolf books. The story follows a kid named Allen after his buddy is killed. By the time the author starts to maybe hint that there is something special about Allen it is too late to care.
September 6, 2025
wonderful
What a great werewolf story! The werewolf was scary and ruthless and cruel and you really want to see it put to an end! Those poor bunnies. I loved that I couldn’t figure out who the werewolf was and that the story was believable (for a werewolf tale) and the characters were engaging and likable. No stupid adults not believing their kid. Absolutely great werewolf book. One of my new favorites for sure
What a great werewolf story! The werewolf was scary and ruthless and cruel and you really want to see it put to an end! Those poor bunnies. I loved that I couldn’t figure out who the werewolf was and that the story was believable (for a werewolf tale) and the characters were engaging and likable. No stupid adults not believing their kid. Absolutely great werewolf book. One of my new favorites for sure
March 25, 2024
Thank you, Sam Whittaker
Lovers of werewolf lure will want to read this new adventure. This book pays homage of the werewolf movies of cinema, especially the 1980s. It gave me strong vibes of Stephen King's Silver Bullet. The twist and turns are good. I enjoyed the transformation of the werewolf and some of the k..... were really gory.
Lovers of werewolf lure will want to read this new adventure. This book pays homage of the werewolf movies of cinema, especially the 1980s. It gave me strong vibes of Stephen King's Silver Bullet. The twist and turns are good. I enjoyed the transformation of the werewolf and some of the k..... were really gory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
Awesome
You know this story was really sad I really and truly thought that it was the pastor and then I had a feeling that it might have been jacked but to find out that it was Gregory that he was actually the werewolf going around killing people Brad his best friend to Alan was killed was the first victim a lot of people lost their laws had no idea it was a kid wondering when
You know this story was really sad I really and truly thought that it was the pastor and then I had a feeling that it might have been jacked but to find out that it was Gregory that he was actually the werewolf going around killing people Brad his best friend to Alan was killed was the first victim a lot of people lost their laws had no idea it was a kid wondering when
June 20, 2024
This was a good book! It was well written and loved that it was from the viewpoint of a 10 year old. I was wildly wrong about who the werewolf was! Never saw that coming! I also loved the werewolf's point of view. I gave it four stars because some parts could have used more detail and some could have been cut out. Good gore for sure!
September 2, 2024
Loved this! Wanted an audible I could listen to in the car on our family trip and this hit the spot. Enough description to set the scene but not too much that I couldn’t have it playing in front of preteens. Some parts even engrossed the kids and by the last hour had all put their phones down and were listening along. The kids definitely want to listen to the rest in the series as do I!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews