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Dreadrick Town
Expert Craftsman, Steven Masterson, has just been hired by the newest mayor of Dreadrick Town, to restore the old buildings and bring some luster back to the dying town. In a last-ditch effort to save his family from financial ruin, Steven, his wife Elizabeth, and their son Jacob, pack up and move from Florida, to Dreadrick Town, Missouri.
However, shortly after they arrive, Jacob starts to notice disturbing things happening. Sensing something sinister is at play, Jacob begins to investigate his theories. What he finds is something beyond the imaginable and more dangerous than he suspected. Evil and the supernatural join forces and lurk in places you would never expect.
Join the Mastersons for a pulse-pounding thrill ride as they uncover Dreadrick Town’s horrifying past while trying to survive the evil residing there now.
However, shortly after they arrive, Jacob starts to notice disturbing things happening. Sensing something sinister is at play, Jacob begins to investigate his theories. What he finds is something beyond the imaginable and more dangerous than he suspected. Evil and the supernatural join forces and lurk in places you would never expect.
Join the Mastersons for a pulse-pounding thrill ride as they uncover Dreadrick Town’s horrifying past while trying to survive the evil residing there now.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2024
6 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Mike Minicky
10 books17 followersAuthor of suspense thrillers and so much more. Host of Nightwriter Myths and Legends LIVE on TikTok every Tuesday at 8 pm Eastern.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 15, 2024
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription and read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
I have read all four books by this author, and he always amazes me with how he is able to maintain his descriptive and action-packed writing style while writing such different stories with such great results. This time, we encounter an urban fantasy story with strokes of the noir style by the author. Jacob and his family moved from Florida to a small town in the middle of nowhere because his father has been hired by the mayor of the town to work on the restoration of the town. Soon, he and his mother realize that this town is far from normal and that the cats of the neighborhood act quite strange. This will lead to a story full of fantastic creatures, some people who are not what they are supposed to be, some gory scenes, and a last part of the book that will leave you speechless (you will feel the destruction of the battle scenes like watching a Hollywood movie).
I simply loved this book from page one, and for me, it could be the best piece written by this author so far, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I have read all four books by this author, and he always amazes me with how he is able to maintain his descriptive and action-packed writing style while writing such different stories with such great results. This time, we encounter an urban fantasy story with strokes of the noir style by the author. Jacob and his family moved from Florida to a small town in the middle of nowhere because his father has been hired by the mayor of the town to work on the restoration of the town. Soon, he and his mother realize that this town is far from normal and that the cats of the neighborhood act quite strange. This will lead to a story full of fantastic creatures, some people who are not what they are supposed to be, some gory scenes, and a last part of the book that will leave you speechless (you will feel the destruction of the battle scenes like watching a Hollywood movie).
I simply loved this book from page one, and for me, it could be the best piece written by this author so far, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
August 5, 2025
I really liked this book. It has some great twists and turns and keeps you guessing all the way to the end. It has creepy things that go bump in the night. It is a story about Jacob, whose family moves to Missouri because his dad got a job remodeling some old buildings in a dinky town. When they get there, Jacob starts noticing some really weird things going on, and he is bound and determined to find out what it is. If you are looking for a paranormal suspense book that you can't put down, then I highly recommend this one. Two things I've learned from this book are don't move to Missouri, and if you have cats, be sure to lock them out of your room when you go to bed. I gave this book a five-star because it was entertaining, it was well written, and it kept me guessing. It's definitely a great book worth reading.
November 23, 2025
This was my Halloween read of 2025!
Jacob and his family have recently moved from Florida to Missouri and Jacob isn't happy about it. His father, Steven, was offered the job of restoring old houses and mansions in Dreadrick Town, and Jacob soon discovers the family had to move for financial reasons.
They are not in the town twenty-four hours when Jacob and his mother Elizabeth, discover that Dreadrick Town and its inhabitants are strange. The animals are also acting weird. Mike writes very well the sense of threat and the paranoia of being constantly watched throughout the book. It is an eerie feeling that is carried throughout the story.
As the book delves deeper into the story, the reader discovers the supernatural element. It is well written, fast-paced and gives a nostalgic nod to horror and creepy books and movies of the 1980's. This is also set in that time period. There are other themes to the story as well, love, fated love, adventure, friendship and family connection. I loved the layers to this story. I loved the creepiness and heart pounding moments described so well.
And the ending . . . It leaves the story open to continue, but it also works as a stand alone to let the readers imagination do the work of what might happen afterwards.
A recommended read, especially during spooky season, as it will give you the the thrills and gore of a classic horror.
Jacob and his family have recently moved from Florida to Missouri and Jacob isn't happy about it. His father, Steven, was offered the job of restoring old houses and mansions in Dreadrick Town, and Jacob soon discovers the family had to move for financial reasons.
They are not in the town twenty-four hours when Jacob and his mother Elizabeth, discover that Dreadrick Town and its inhabitants are strange. The animals are also acting weird. Mike writes very well the sense of threat and the paranoia of being constantly watched throughout the book. It is an eerie feeling that is carried throughout the story.
As the book delves deeper into the story, the reader discovers the supernatural element. It is well written, fast-paced and gives a nostalgic nod to horror and creepy books and movies of the 1980's. This is also set in that time period. There are other themes to the story as well, love, fated love, adventure, friendship and family connection. I loved the layers to this story. I loved the creepiness and heart pounding moments described so well.
And the ending . . . It leaves the story open to continue, but it also works as a stand alone to let the readers imagination do the work of what might happen afterwards.
A recommended read, especially during spooky season, as it will give you the the thrills and gore of a classic horror.
June 1, 2024
When I delved into "Dreadrick Town" by Mike Minicky, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself transported back to the magical tales my grandma used to share with me during my childhood. The author's storytelling evoked that same sense of wonder and nostalgia, making me feel like a child again, caught up in a world of mystery and intrigue.
Much like the transformative moment in Ratatouille, where the food critic is whisked back to his childhood with a single taste, every page of this book had me reliving the innocence and joy of yesteryears. Despite the story's disconnect from my personal experiences, the author's smooth and light narrative style had me floating on clouds, eagerly turning pages until I reached the end.
The plot follows expert craftsman Steven Masterson and his family as they embark on a new chapter in Dreadrick Town. As Steven endeavors to revive the town's crumbling structures, eerie events unfold, drawing his son Jacob into a chilling investigation. What they uncover is a chilling blend of malevolence and the supernatural, lurking in the most unexpected corners.
It is a captivating blend of supernatural horror and fantasy, expertly narrated. It seamlessly weaves a tale that not only intrigues but also resonates on a deeply nostalgic level, making it a truly enjoyable and immersive reading experience.
So If you're looking for a book that will transport you to a world of wonder and suspense, then this is the perfect read for you. Get ready to be enchanted from the first page to the last!
Much like the transformative moment in Ratatouille, where the food critic is whisked back to his childhood with a single taste, every page of this book had me reliving the innocence and joy of yesteryears. Despite the story's disconnect from my personal experiences, the author's smooth and light narrative style had me floating on clouds, eagerly turning pages until I reached the end.
The plot follows expert craftsman Steven Masterson and his family as they embark on a new chapter in Dreadrick Town. As Steven endeavors to revive the town's crumbling structures, eerie events unfold, drawing his son Jacob into a chilling investigation. What they uncover is a chilling blend of malevolence and the supernatural, lurking in the most unexpected corners.
It is a captivating blend of supernatural horror and fantasy, expertly narrated. It seamlessly weaves a tale that not only intrigues but also resonates on a deeply nostalgic level, making it a truly enjoyable and immersive reading experience.
So If you're looking for a book that will transport you to a world of wonder and suspense, then this is the perfect read for you. Get ready to be enchanted from the first page to the last!
August 26, 2025
One more time Mike Minicky brings a story plenty of imagination, creativity and mystery. Dreadrick Town is an addictive blend of werewolves, witches, and even people with the unique ability to control cats, all woven into a story that’s as chilling as it is ingenious.
Steven Masterson’s move to the apparently quiet Dreadrick Town feels looking for a new beginning his family urgently needs. The new place soon became a bizarre experience when the shadows start whispering and his son Jacob begins to notice the unsettling truth behind the town’s facade. Since this moment, the tension carries you along every page. You can feel the nightmare this family lived, every fear and doubt of the characters and end yourself waiting for the next danger to touch your back.
So many questions and so many hidden secrets in this book, keep you turning the page until the end. The pacing is perfect, the suspense doesn´t easy you, but give you time for the shill of the cruelty scenes passed. The writing style is plenty of vivid imagery, which make this story so immersive. You fell down into this terrible town, looking the old architecture and expecting something comes out from a dark corner.
If you’re looking for a uniquely creative story which keep you on your edge, spooky vibes and vivid imagery, this book is a must-read.
Steven Masterson’s move to the apparently quiet Dreadrick Town feels looking for a new beginning his family urgently needs. The new place soon became a bizarre experience when the shadows start whispering and his son Jacob begins to notice the unsettling truth behind the town’s facade. Since this moment, the tension carries you along every page. You can feel the nightmare this family lived, every fear and doubt of the characters and end yourself waiting for the next danger to touch your back.
So many questions and so many hidden secrets in this book, keep you turning the page until the end. The pacing is perfect, the suspense doesn´t easy you, but give you time for the shill of the cruelty scenes passed. The writing style is plenty of vivid imagery, which make this story so immersive. You fell down into this terrible town, looking the old architecture and expecting something comes out from a dark corner.
If you’re looking for a uniquely creative story which keep you on your edge, spooky vibes and vivid imagery, this book is a must-read.
July 11, 2024
I wanted to like this story more than I did. The villains are straight up monsters - literally and figuratively - and werewolves are presented as a kind of boogeyman ("The Tainted Ones") within the monsters' own lore. I wish it was more developed, but we don't even get into it until the back half of the book. It is an intriguing premise that has real promise, but one that is not well served by the narrative.
Although there are flashes of brilliance, the prose can be inelegant at times. The author often relies on telling rather than showing. The protagonist is a high school senior, but he is chastised by his mother for using the words "hell" and "freaking" at various points. I would expect to see something like that in a Young Adult story. Similarly, the author's reliance on superlatives strains credibility in a way that could be forgiven if this were for a younger audience. Given the profanity, gore, and violence (some of which is artfully written), this is clearly not a YA book, so the tonal inconsistencies are jarring.
Overall, the book could have benefitted from another editorial pass to really give it some polish. If you're interested in a book with a new perspective on werewolves, some bloody horror, and a few technical bumps along the way, this one might be for you.
Although there are flashes of brilliance, the prose can be inelegant at times. The author often relies on telling rather than showing. The protagonist is a high school senior, but he is chastised by his mother for using the words "hell" and "freaking" at various points. I would expect to see something like that in a Young Adult story. Similarly, the author's reliance on superlatives strains credibility in a way that could be forgiven if this were for a younger audience. Given the profanity, gore, and violence (some of which is artfully written), this is clearly not a YA book, so the tonal inconsistencies are jarring.
Overall, the book could have benefitted from another editorial pass to really give it some polish. If you're interested in a book with a new perspective on werewolves, some bloody horror, and a few technical bumps along the way, this one might be for you.
May 29, 2024
This is the third book I had the
pleasure to read by this author.
His writing style and world building are amazing in my opinion. On that being said I definitely enjoy the mind controlled when it came to the cats & werewolves. The bad ones are beyond evil that you could imagine. The horror the supernatural & thriller would have you wanting more. And when you thought you had everything figured out wrong you didn’t. This author will have you guessing all the way til the last page & BAM. The urban fantasy with this book will have you at the edge of your little seat and if you have the imagination then you will agree with me. Mike you did an incredible job with this book can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
pleasure to read by this author.
His writing style and world building are amazing in my opinion. On that being said I definitely enjoy the mind controlled when it came to the cats & werewolves. The bad ones are beyond evil that you could imagine. The horror the supernatural & thriller would have you wanting more. And when you thought you had everything figured out wrong you didn’t. This author will have you guessing all the way til the last page & BAM. The urban fantasy with this book will have you at the edge of your little seat and if you have the imagination then you will agree with me. Mike you did an incredible job with this book can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
May 21, 2025
A Town Full of Supernatural
This book is packed full of suspense and thrill. From page one Mike has you wondering what is going on in this small town. What horrors does this small town hold? From werewolves, to witches, to people with the abilities to control cats this book holds supernatural to a new high!
As Jacob and his family move to a new town to do a full restoration job for the Mayor weird things start happening. Jacob starts to feel an undeniable connection with one of the girls I'm town. Wildlife starts attacking not only his family but other people in and visiting the town. There's too many questions not being answered, too many things happening all at once.
This town needs something much more than a restoration. It needs an entire clean out!
This book is packed full of suspense and thrill. From page one Mike has you wondering what is going on in this small town. What horrors does this small town hold? From werewolves, to witches, to people with the abilities to control cats this book holds supernatural to a new high!
As Jacob and his family move to a new town to do a full restoration job for the Mayor weird things start happening. Jacob starts to feel an undeniable connection with one of the girls I'm town. Wildlife starts attacking not only his family but other people in and visiting the town. There's too many questions not being answered, too many things happening all at once.
This town needs something much more than a restoration. It needs an entire clean out!
May 7, 2024
So where to start with this book it amazes me the details this author really puts into his work he can leave you guessing and wondering g what is happening and guessing all the time but his details are amazing I was a little creeped out by the cats and to learn everything about it and it was like in the present and learning the history of the town as well the first time the cat attacked I was like what and I had to keep reading truly amazing author and can’t wait to see what he comes up with next
November 21, 2025
Dreadrick town was an enjoyable, thrilling and sitting on the edge of my seat read! I wasn't sure where the story was going to take me, and it had everything from creepy homes, and people, while still creating a world that captured moments of visual beauty and horror. Loved the action scenes, and the fantasy aspects that where written in and the world that was built. For a shorter story everything was worked in so well, and I felt like a jumped into a world which took me on a heart stopping, but highly satisfying ride. Also I must mention the amount I adored the cats!
July 10, 2024
From the prologue(first page) my heart was racing! Steven is hired to do restorations in Dreadrick Town. So Stephen moves his wife and son from Florida to Dreadrick Town Missouri. Soon after they arrive, the son Jacob notices things just are not right in this town. If you love supernatural with some gore, then you need to pick up this book. It’s a fast read. Always had me wanting to see what was coming next.
May 16, 2024
The horror scenes in this novel filled my craving for something wicked! Mike Minicky did an excellent job at portraying a creepy town with hidden secrets. The mind reading cats were a plus! I would recommend this book to any and all readers who love scary stories.
June 3, 2024
I'll just say I didn't see this plot twist come! If you want a thriller/suspenseful read get this book. This author did an amazing job with this story and it'll have you questioning certain animal afterwards for sure! Haha
September 15, 2024
This book kept me reading. I had to know what was going on this small town. The cats are acting weird and attacking people for no apparent reason. People are there one minute and quickly disappear. Highly recommend.
April 21, 2024
I liked this book. Good suspense, horror book.
November 13, 2025
Dreadrick Town is a Supernatural Thriller masterpiece.
The Prologue was such a fantastic hook. It set the stage for the rest of the book.
In the opening chapter, we meet Jacob Masterson. His family moved from Florida to a small town called Dreadrick Town. Jacob's father was hired by the mayor of this small town to restore historical buildings.
Right from the start, we see things aren't quite right in this town.
This author is a pro at adding small, creepy details, feeding us chilling crumbs as he expertly steers us through the book.
We learn, alongside Jacob and his family, the town is run by bloodthirsty monsters. This author's lore on werewolves and why they exist is absolutely phenomenal. I've never read anything like it, and I've read many books featuring werewolves. Wow, so incredible.
Also, there's a wonderful romance between Jacob and Jocelyn--there's something special about her, but I won't spoil the story by revealing what it is in my review.
One scene I really enjoyed was a very touching moment between Jacob and Jocelyn when they bonded. The writing emotions were perfection.
Mike Minicky maybe a thriller/horror writer, but he also writes wonderful romance sub-plots in his books.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🤩 for Dreadrick Town. This is my favourite book from this author so far.
The Prologue was such a fantastic hook. It set the stage for the rest of the book.
In the opening chapter, we meet Jacob Masterson. His family moved from Florida to a small town called Dreadrick Town. Jacob's father was hired by the mayor of this small town to restore historical buildings.
Right from the start, we see things aren't quite right in this town.
This author is a pro at adding small, creepy details, feeding us chilling crumbs as he expertly steers us through the book.
We learn, alongside Jacob and his family, the town is run by bloodthirsty monsters. This author's lore on werewolves and why they exist is absolutely phenomenal. I've never read anything like it, and I've read many books featuring werewolves. Wow, so incredible.
Also, there's a wonderful romance between Jacob and Jocelyn--there's something special about her, but I won't spoil the story by revealing what it is in my review.
One scene I really enjoyed was a very touching moment between Jacob and Jocelyn when they bonded. The writing emotions were perfection.
Mike Minicky maybe a thriller/horror writer, but he also writes wonderful romance sub-plots in his books.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🤩 for Dreadrick Town. This is my favourite book from this author so far.
July 27, 2025
Hand down one amazing story! Well written, the plot was chefs kiss, and the surprises were mouth dropping. I’m hoping that one day there’s a sequel. Please read this book it amazing.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews