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The Night Crew #1
The Night Crew
BookFest Award Winner.
Vampires, vengeance, and a quest for survival—The Night Crew is a heart-pounding supernatural thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
After the brutal murder of his wife, Michael White is thrust into a world of unimaginable horrors. With no help from the local authorities, he embarks on a personal investigation that uncovers a chilling truth—vampires are real.
When he confronts his wife’s killer, he discovers the true nature of the monster who tore apart his life—a bloodthirsty vampire who has already claimed countless victims. On the brink of becoming the undead himself, Michael is saved by a team of vampire hunters known as The Night Crew. They offer him a chance at revenge and a shot at redemption.
Teaming up with these skilled hunters, Michael must navigate a dark, dangerous world filled with vampires and other supernatural creatures. But the road to vengeance is fraught with peril, and Michael’s humanity is at risk as he battles to destroy the creature that killed his wife.
Will Michael be able to seek vengeance against the vampire that shattered his life while retaining his own humanity, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him?
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
Vampires, vengeance, and a quest for survival—The Night Crew is a heart-pounding supernatural thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
After the brutal murder of his wife, Michael White is thrust into a world of unimaginable horrors. With no help from the local authorities, he embarks on a personal investigation that uncovers a chilling truth—vampires are real.
When he confronts his wife’s killer, he discovers the true nature of the monster who tore apart his life—a bloodthirsty vampire who has already claimed countless victims. On the brink of becoming the undead himself, Michael is saved by a team of vampire hunters known as The Night Crew. They offer him a chance at revenge and a shot at redemption.
Teaming up with these skilled hunters, Michael must navigate a dark, dangerous world filled with vampires and other supernatural creatures. But the road to vengeance is fraught with peril, and Michael’s humanity is at risk as he battles to destroy the creature that killed his wife.
Will Michael be able to seek vengeance against the vampire that shattered his life while retaining his own humanity, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him?
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 17, 2025
Mike's girlfriend Brittany is killed by a stranger. He can't prevent him from doing this, even though he's ex-military. Police thinks he killed her. But the Night Crew knows better. They are hunting down a very old enemy of humankind... intriguing story, quick paced with lots of reference to classic vampire myths. Of course there's a bill to be settled dating back to Mike's past. What about Silas and Thomas? Many well known motifs make a very enjoyable novel. It could have been a bit darker as the cover suggests. So it was more an action version but nevertheless a fine example of modern horror. Really recommended!
September 15, 2025
This is a fast-paced novel that hooks you from the very first page. The story follows Mike, a man with a rare memory gift (HSAM), as he revisits the tragic death of his wife. Told from a first-person perspective, the narrative feels deeply personal and heart-wrenching, pulling you into Mike's emotional journey. The action sequences are non-stop, reminding me of a Keanu Reeves revenge mission film but with a group dynamic similar to The Matrix.
The Night Crew is a fantastic and fun group of characters. When they are introduced you're immediately captivated. The way they become a "found family" for Mike in the wake of his loss is a sweet theme woven throughout the high-octane action. Mr. Ricks also balances the tension with moments of genuine humor, which shamelessly sucks us into the world and it is more than welcome.
The novel is more of a suspenseful thriller than a traditional horror story. In the beginning, I’m not gonna lie, I was constantly trying to piece together Mike's fractured memories, questioning his reliability as a narrator and wondering if he might be suffering from a psychological break. This psychological suspense was one of the book's strongest points and kept me guessing for a while.
I did have a few minor hangups. There's a plot point where Mike finds (in his ‘meditation’) the front door closed, despite his wife having opened it for the intruder (Silas), which felt a bit contradictory (maybe a faulty memory of his, maybe a continuation error). And while I didn't deduct more points for it, the training scenes where a Special Forces operator like Mike gets outsmarted by seemingly ordinary people in CQC were a little hard to believe. However, these are small details in an otherwise excellent narrative.
The book is packed with badass fights and ends with a satisfying conclusion that brings the story full circle.
As a reader who loves werewolf horror, I was so damn excited to see a mention of werewolf packs policing themselves. I really, really hope Mr. Ricks expands this universe and gives us a sequel centered on werewolves, maybe some badass Alpha and his pack meeting Mike and working together. I’d get that the second it hits the shelves.
Omg, the sequeal appeared this November, I must have it.
The Night Crew is a fantastic and fun group of characters. When they are introduced you're immediately captivated. The way they become a "found family" for Mike in the wake of his loss is a sweet theme woven throughout the high-octane action. Mr. Ricks also balances the tension with moments of genuine humor, which shamelessly sucks us into the world and it is more than welcome.
The novel is more of a suspenseful thriller than a traditional horror story. In the beginning, I’m not gonna lie, I was constantly trying to piece together Mike's fractured memories, questioning his reliability as a narrator and wondering if he might be suffering from a psychological break. This psychological suspense was one of the book's strongest points and kept me guessing for a while.
I did have a few minor hangups. There's a plot point where Mike finds (in his ‘meditation’) the front door closed, despite his wife having opened it for the intruder (Silas), which felt a bit contradictory (maybe a faulty memory of his, maybe a continuation error). And while I didn't deduct more points for it, the training scenes where a Special Forces operator like Mike gets outsmarted by seemingly ordinary people in CQC were a little hard to believe. However, these are small details in an otherwise excellent narrative.
The book is packed with badass fights and ends with a satisfying conclusion that brings the story full circle.
As a reader who loves werewolf horror, I was so damn excited to see a mention of werewolf packs policing themselves. I really, really hope Mr. Ricks expands this universe and gives us a sequel centered on werewolves, maybe some badass Alpha and his pack meeting Mike and working together. I’d get that the second it hits the shelves.
Omg, the sequeal appeared this November, I must have it.
July 10, 2026
The Evil Vampires!
Michael joins the Night Crew when his wife is killed. He makes a pledge to his wife that he would avenge her death. His wife, Brittany became a ghost and helped him along.
Michael is special, but he doesn’t know it. He wants to kill Silas, the vampire who killed his wife. But Silas has a plan for Michael and he put it in place twenty years ago. But Michael doesn’t know it.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
Michael joins the Night Crew when his wife is killed. He makes a pledge to his wife that he would avenge her death. His wife, Brittany became a ghost and helped him along.
Michael is special, but he doesn’t know it. He wants to kill Silas, the vampire who killed his wife. But Silas has a plan for Michael and he put it in place twenty years ago. But Michael doesn’t know it.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
February 2, 2025
“The Night Crew” by Brad Ricks is a fast paced, thrilling, bloody, supernatural wild ride. It’ll sink its claws…errr… FANGS into you and won’t let up till the last page.
“Welcome to my death. It started at a funeral, but not my funeral. Not yet.”
If you’re looking for a book that includes:
-bloodsucking monsters
-adventure and danger
-revenge arcs
-ex military badass main character
This is the story for you!
“Just take off their heads. That didn’t sound disturbing at all, but what the hell.”
It all starts when Mike’s wife opens up her front door to a nightmare…
“Welcome to my death. It started at a funeral, but not my funeral. Not yet.”
If you’re looking for a book that includes:
-bloodsucking monsters
-adventure and danger
-revenge arcs
-ex military badass main character
This is the story for you!
“Just take off their heads. That didn’t sound disturbing at all, but what the hell.”
It all starts when Mike’s wife opens up her front door to a nightmare…
January 27, 2025
Michael White returns home from work one night to a real-life nightmare.
He sees his wife through the window lying in a pool of blood. He thinks she must have hit her head, but then he sees it. Someone feeding on her. He tries to fight it off, but its superhuman strength makes that impossible.
Wracked with grief, and harassed by a cop who wants to blame him for the murder he vows to hunt down the killer, but he is not prepared for what he finds.
This was an action-packed, suspenseful, and blood-soaked read. The fast pace and heart-pounding search for the killer had me on the edge of my seat and was equaled only by my fear of what would happen once he was found. This is a book that straddles the line between horror and action thriller while fitting snugly into both categories.
My thanks to Crystal Lake Publishing for the e-ARC.
He sees his wife through the window lying in a pool of blood. He thinks she must have hit her head, but then he sees it. Someone feeding on her. He tries to fight it off, but its superhuman strength makes that impossible.
Wracked with grief, and harassed by a cop who wants to blame him for the murder he vows to hunt down the killer, but he is not prepared for what he finds.
This was an action-packed, suspenseful, and blood-soaked read. The fast pace and heart-pounding search for the killer had me on the edge of my seat and was equaled only by my fear of what would happen once he was found. This is a book that straddles the line between horror and action thriller while fitting snugly into both categories.
My thanks to Crystal Lake Publishing for the e-ARC.
February 16, 2025
I expected a book like this for quite some time, and it's finally here: "Die Hard" meets "Blade"! But smarter! gorier! far more inventive! Brad Ricks' "The Night Crew" takes the familiar formula of the vampire hunter, and spins a ghoulish tale of action and suspense, delivering entertainment galore - the kind that makes "Twilight" a kiddie song next to some hardcore death metal. Admittedly, with "Twilight," this last is not all that hard to do if you know your stuff and are skilled in storytelling, and Ricks not only knows the lore, the weaponry, the soldier mentality, and how a real crew works as a team, he also excels in dialogue, pacing, and characterization: I dare you to read the book in more than a couple of sittings! Great battle scenes, and the cast, well, the cast feels very real: you can really feel for Mike, the main character, who just lost his wife to a blood-thirsty monster, you can enjoy the banter between him and his pal (and former fellow soldier) Austin or his teammate Nikki, you can easily partake in their adventurous spirit, properly restrained by experience - no brainless risk-taking here! My one reservation would be the vampires: they're quite loathsome, violent, and HUNGRY, their bloodlust especially is described with uncanny insight - but, c'mon Mr. Ricks, I want them bloodier, darker, even more threatening! Still, this volume is the first in a series: the "Night Crew" has a way to go, as the ending abundantly shows. So there are a lot of unknowns and there's space for the already detailed world-building to introduce far bloodier monsters. And trust me, I'll be eagerly reading every volume of this brilliant series!
February 5, 2025
Get ready for a pulse-pounding ride into the shadows with The Night Crew! This supernatural thriller delivers relentless action, heart-wrenching loss, and just the right dose of horror to keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
After the gruesome murder of his wife, Michael White’s life takes a turn into insanity when he discovers that vampires aren’t just myths—they’re real, and one has torn his world apart. Fueled by grief and vengeance, Michael’s journey becomes a descent into the heart of darkness. Enter The Night Crew, a ragtag team of vampire hunters who offer Michael the tools for revenge—and maybe a path to redemption.
The Night Crew apart is its raw emotional depth paired Brad creates a super-rich atmosphere and incredible characters. This book is perfect for fans of fast-paced, blood-soaked tales. A must-read for horror and thriller lovers alike. Just be prepared: once you join The Night Crew, there’s no turning back.
After the gruesome murder of his wife, Michael White’s life takes a turn into insanity when he discovers that vampires aren’t just myths—they’re real, and one has torn his world apart. Fueled by grief and vengeance, Michael’s journey becomes a descent into the heart of darkness. Enter The Night Crew, a ragtag team of vampire hunters who offer Michael the tools for revenge—and maybe a path to redemption.
The Night Crew apart is its raw emotional depth paired Brad creates a super-rich atmosphere and incredible characters. This book is perfect for fans of fast-paced, blood-soaked tales. A must-read for horror and thriller lovers alike. Just be prepared: once you join The Night Crew, there’s no turning back.
January 21, 2025
This was a fabulous read!
Old school 90's vampire vibes? Check!
Action packed? Check!
Horror throughout? Double check!
The details and characters made it so easy to get sucked into their world that I was definitely in Camp Denial when I finished the last page. The ending was great, but I still wanted more.
Also, where can I buy my Camp Anger t-shirt?? Ha!
Old school 90's vampire vibes? Check!
Action packed? Check!
Horror throughout? Double check!
The details and characters made it so easy to get sucked into their world that I was definitely in Camp Denial when I finished the last page. The ending was great, but I still wanted more.
Also, where can I buy my Camp Anger t-shirt?? Ha!
January 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Night Crew — Brad Ricks
I’m always willing to give a new author a shot, and Brad Ricks makes it very easy to say, “Alright, I’m in.”
If Vampire$ by John Steakley lives somewhere in your DNA (it does in mine), you’ll feel right at home here. The Night Crew will feel immediately familiar, in the best way.
The setup is brutally efficient: Michael White’s wife is murdered, the police are useless, and his personal investigation leads him to a truth that ruins his worldview in record time — vampires are real, and they’re not sparkly. When he finally confronts his wife’s killer, things go from tragic to catastrophic, until a last-minute rescue by a vampire-hunting outfit called The Night Crew pulls him back from the brink of undeath.
Enter The Night Crew — a group of vampire hunters who arrive just in time to save Michael and recruit him into a world that looks like it was filtered through the Blade franchise. Black leather, violence with purpose, and the clear understanding that subtlety is optional. I’m in.
The novel is fast, punchy, and hooks you from page one. Told in first person, Mike’s voice carries real emotional weight, especially as he revisits the loss of his wife. His rare memory condition (HSAM) adds an extra layer of pain, forcing him to relive everything in high resolution — a clever choice that grounds the supernatural chaos.
The action reads like a Keanu Reeves revenge movie, except instead of a lone wolf, we get a Matrix-style team dynamic. And honestly, that’s where the book shines.
The Night Crew themselves are instantly likable. They show up, they’re competent, they’re fun, and they quickly become a found family for Mike — a surprisingly warm thread running beneath all the violence. Ricks also sprinkles in genuine humor at exactly the right moments, which keeps the book from taking itself too seriously without undercutting the stakes.
This is a lazy-afternoon, highly readable novel. No homework required. No lore encyclopedias. Just turn pages and enjoy the ride.
As for continuing the series? Honestly, I wasn’t deeply invested enough to sprint to book two. My brain says, “Not another series.” But if I needed something entertaining to fill the time, I wouldn’t say no either. The world has plenty of room to grow, and Ricks has clearly laid down multiple paths he could explore.
In short:
Not reinventing vampire fiction — but confidently staking its claim in it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fast, fun, stylish, and very aware of what kind of book it wants to be.
I’m always willing to give a new author a shot, and Brad Ricks makes it very easy to say, “Alright, I’m in.”
If Vampire$ by John Steakley lives somewhere in your DNA (it does in mine), you’ll feel right at home here. The Night Crew will feel immediately familiar, in the best way.
The setup is brutally efficient: Michael White’s wife is murdered, the police are useless, and his personal investigation leads him to a truth that ruins his worldview in record time — vampires are real, and they’re not sparkly. When he finally confronts his wife’s killer, things go from tragic to catastrophic, until a last-minute rescue by a vampire-hunting outfit called The Night Crew pulls him back from the brink of undeath.
Enter The Night Crew — a group of vampire hunters who arrive just in time to save Michael and recruit him into a world that looks like it was filtered through the Blade franchise. Black leather, violence with purpose, and the clear understanding that subtlety is optional. I’m in.
The novel is fast, punchy, and hooks you from page one. Told in first person, Mike’s voice carries real emotional weight, especially as he revisits the loss of his wife. His rare memory condition (HSAM) adds an extra layer of pain, forcing him to relive everything in high resolution — a clever choice that grounds the supernatural chaos.
The action reads like a Keanu Reeves revenge movie, except instead of a lone wolf, we get a Matrix-style team dynamic. And honestly, that’s where the book shines.
The Night Crew themselves are instantly likable. They show up, they’re competent, they’re fun, and they quickly become a found family for Mike — a surprisingly warm thread running beneath all the violence. Ricks also sprinkles in genuine humor at exactly the right moments, which keeps the book from taking itself too seriously without undercutting the stakes.
This is a lazy-afternoon, highly readable novel. No homework required. No lore encyclopedias. Just turn pages and enjoy the ride.
As for continuing the series? Honestly, I wasn’t deeply invested enough to sprint to book two. My brain says, “Not another series.” But if I needed something entertaining to fill the time, I wouldn’t say no either. The world has plenty of room to grow, and Ricks has clearly laid down multiple paths he could explore.
In short:
Not reinventing vampire fiction — but confidently staking its claim in it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fast, fun, stylish, and very aware of what kind of book it wants to be.
April 15, 2026
**listened via audiobook**
This book had me completely hooked—on the edge of my seat, jaw on the floor, holding my breath one minute and laughing at the dialogue the next. It was an absolute whirlwind, and I loved every second of it. Cannot wait to dive in to book 2!
The narrator does an amazing job capturing the emotions throughout the read!
This book had me completely hooked—on the edge of my seat, jaw on the floor, holding my breath one minute and laughing at the dialogue the next. It was an absolute whirlwind, and I loved every second of it. Cannot wait to dive in to book 2!
The narrator does an amazing job capturing the emotions throughout the read!
January 18, 2025
This was a fun vampire hunter read. A man loses his wife to murder and now he searches for her killer. What he doesn't know is that he's about to enter a dark world of vampires who aren't afraid to kill. To spice things up, he'll be on his own for this mission.
Imagine if things you thought were fantasy become a reality, this is what you have in this thriller. There are plenty of twists and turns in this one. I can't spoil too much but as Michael will learn, being a vampire hunter comes with its own pitfalls.
All I can say is get ready to join the 'Night Crew'. Just be sure you're armed with a wooden stake!
Imagine if things you thought were fantasy become a reality, this is what you have in this thriller. There are plenty of twists and turns in this one. I can't spoil too much but as Michael will learn, being a vampire hunter comes with its own pitfalls.
All I can say is get ready to join the 'Night Crew'. Just be sure you're armed with a wooden stake!
June 17, 2025
What an awesome ride! I haven’t read many vampire books but this is going to be hard to beat! Loved how quick it jumped in. A really fun time from beginning to end!
January 18, 2025
I have been waiting for a vampire book like this for a while. Brad brings back some of the 90s vampire movie nostalgia with his writing. It had pieces that reminded me of John Carpenter’s Vampires and Dracula 2000. There is action, love, adventure, revenge, as well as the obvious supernatural elements. Things aren’t always as they seem, and the banter is incredible. If you love vampire stories you have to check this one out!
February 6, 2025
"The ghost of my nightmare found me."
This was really really good. I will definitely be looking for other novels by this author. The Night Crew by Brad Ricks is a paranormal murder mystery with an engrossing, fast-paced plotline. The opening chapters really hooked me. The fight scenes were vividly described and the storyline held just the right amount of gore. If you're a fan of vampires check this book out. Excellent quick read. Pub date Feb 18th. Add it to your tbr
Books with similar plotlines follow. These could be seen as spoilers so only read further if you dare.
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Similar Vibes: The Outsider by SK, The Ludo Carstairs series by F.R. Jameson, Killing Floor by Lee Child, Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry
This was really really good. I will definitely be looking for other novels by this author. The Night Crew by Brad Ricks is a paranormal murder mystery with an engrossing, fast-paced plotline. The opening chapters really hooked me. The fight scenes were vividly described and the storyline held just the right amount of gore. If you're a fan of vampires check this book out. Excellent quick read. Pub date Feb 18th. Add it to your tbr
Books with similar plotlines follow. These could be seen as spoilers so only read further if you dare.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Similar Vibes: The Outsider by SK, The Ludo Carstairs series by F.R. Jameson, Killing Floor by Lee Child, Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
I loved this book. Action-horror at its best. Ricks doesn’t great job of setting the scene in the first few chapters and then takes takes us on a wild, winding and unexpected ride with twists and unexpected events that keep you guessing what direction the story will go next. The ending is satisfying and wraps up the story perfectly. It’s only January but I know this will be in contention for my top reads of the year.
January 31, 2025
I received this as an ARC, but let me tell you, I have read and paid for Brad's other books, and this one was just as freaking good.
Love a good fucked up vampire story.
This starts off with murder, and turns to vengence to be had real quick, and I do not blame Michael at ALL.
TF busting in, and murdering his wife, and almost turns into a vampire himself?
Nah I'd be big mad.
Thankfully there are those who stalk the night and its not to prey on the innocent, we have "The Night Crew" ( btw i need a shirt or something of this now lol )
When your one goal is vengeance, its so hard to keep from turning into the darkness you hunt, and Michael is learning that real quick.
Look into the abyss long enough, and the abyss not just looks back, it snatches your soul right out of your body.
But don't worry, this isn't just a sad broken man, this is a man set on revenge, and the road is covered in blood, gore and violence.
Imagine being turned onto a world where before you just thought a deranged human killed your wife, and it turns out to be a creature, you cant even believe exists.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes.
Love a good fucked up vampire story.
This starts off with murder, and turns to vengence to be had real quick, and I do not blame Michael at ALL.
TF busting in, and murdering his wife, and almost turns into a vampire himself?
Nah I'd be big mad.
Thankfully there are those who stalk the night and its not to prey on the innocent, we have "The Night Crew" ( btw i need a shirt or something of this now lol )
When your one goal is vengeance, its so hard to keep from turning into the darkness you hunt, and Michael is learning that real quick.
Look into the abyss long enough, and the abyss not just looks back, it snatches your soul right out of your body.
But don't worry, this isn't just a sad broken man, this is a man set on revenge, and the road is covered in blood, gore and violence.
Imagine being turned onto a world where before you just thought a deranged human killed your wife, and it turns out to be a creature, you cant even believe exists.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes.
August 19, 2025
This was a good scary vampire action packed story with its bumps, bruises, and also a little bittiing. I assent into this novel blind and was pleasantly surprised with it. It engaged me into the plot and made me really like the story. I am actually reading the arc for the second book!!! I am really excited about it!!!!
January 23, 2025
I received this ARC in December and found it super fast paced and engrossing. The pacing was perfect for the first in a series and didn't have the lag that a first book often does. Ricks has built excellent characters that leave you dying for more of their story (Nikki, Thomas I'm looking at you). The book starts with a bang and you experience the grief of Mike the MC, it's done very well, and you start to feel like you're on the mission with him. I won't give any spoilers away, but the connecting threads really wrapped this up and made it the perfect first book. Can't wait for number 2!!
July 9, 2026
The Night Crew by Brad Ricks is a fun mix of action and horror as a crew hunts down a vampire horde. It reminded me of The A-Team if the team included a female member and a vampire, mixed with Marvel's Blade. It's horror written like an action thriller, and it is awesome.
The novel strikes a great balance between action and horror. Some scenes lean heavily into action, others into horror, and the best moments seamlessly blend both together.
I loved the world Brad Ricks creates. All those legendary creatures you've heard about are real. Vampires are the immediate threat, but there are hints that other supernatural beings exist and are regulated as well. It left me wanting to learn much more about this universe.
The opening is excellent. We follow a vulnerable woman who feels compelled to open a door she absolutely shouldn't. It's a genuinely horrifying scene, but it also serves as the perfect launching point for a revenge driven action story.
The novel hits all the beats of a great action thriller. It's fast-paced and difficult to put down. Whenever the story slows down, it's either building the horror or delivering an emotional moment that propels the action forward.
There are several fantastic twists throughout the novel. The final twist especially has me incredibly excited for the next installment. The Night Crew is currently a three-book series, and I immediately wanted to continue after finishing this one.
I really liked the main character, Mike. He has a unique memory ability that allows him to almost relive moments from his past. It's an important part of the story and is used very effectively. It reminded me a little of Will Graham in Red Dragon, who mentally reconstructs crime scenes. Mike's ability works differently, but the storytelling gave me similar vibes.
The ending is outstanding. It delivers edge of your seat action followed by a twist that made me stop and think, No way! Once the shock wore off, I was even more excited to continue the series. I genuinely didn't want the book to end.
My biggest criticism is that I wanted to spend more time getting to know the members of the Night Crew. At first, it was a little difficult to remember who everyone was, but once they completed their first mission together, I had everyone straight.
The Night Crew is a fantastic blend of horror and action with excellent pacing. If you're stuck in a reading slump, this is exactly the kind of book that can pull you out of it because it's such a quick, entertaining read.
I expected a solid vampire action thriller, but the book exceeded my expectations thanks to its memorable characters, smart world-building, and a bold final twist that immediately made me want to pick up the second book.
I highly recommend The Night Crew to horror and action fans alike.
The novel strikes a great balance between action and horror. Some scenes lean heavily into action, others into horror, and the best moments seamlessly blend both together.
I loved the world Brad Ricks creates. All those legendary creatures you've heard about are real. Vampires are the immediate threat, but there are hints that other supernatural beings exist and are regulated as well. It left me wanting to learn much more about this universe.
The opening is excellent. We follow a vulnerable woman who feels compelled to open a door she absolutely shouldn't. It's a genuinely horrifying scene, but it also serves as the perfect launching point for a revenge driven action story.
The novel hits all the beats of a great action thriller. It's fast-paced and difficult to put down. Whenever the story slows down, it's either building the horror or delivering an emotional moment that propels the action forward.
There are several fantastic twists throughout the novel. The final twist especially has me incredibly excited for the next installment. The Night Crew is currently a three-book series, and I immediately wanted to continue after finishing this one.
I really liked the main character, Mike. He has a unique memory ability that allows him to almost relive moments from his past. It's an important part of the story and is used very effectively. It reminded me a little of Will Graham in Red Dragon, who mentally reconstructs crime scenes. Mike's ability works differently, but the storytelling gave me similar vibes.
The ending is outstanding. It delivers edge of your seat action followed by a twist that made me stop and think, No way! Once the shock wore off, I was even more excited to continue the series. I genuinely didn't want the book to end.
My biggest criticism is that I wanted to spend more time getting to know the members of the Night Crew. At first, it was a little difficult to remember who everyone was, but once they completed their first mission together, I had everyone straight.
The Night Crew is a fantastic blend of horror and action with excellent pacing. If you're stuck in a reading slump, this is exactly the kind of book that can pull you out of it because it's such a quick, entertaining read.
I expected a solid vampire action thriller, but the book exceeded my expectations thanks to its memorable characters, smart world-building, and a bold final twist that immediately made me want to pick up the second book.
I highly recommend The Night Crew to horror and action fans alike.
July 8, 2026
4.5⭐️
Loved the “getting vengeance for my wife” idea with all the Blade vibes!
Michael comes home one night to his wife being fed on by a vampire, and then vows to take him out. He becomes part of the night crew and thrust into a world he didn’t even know existed before her murder.
The vampire hunting “found family” crew gives me Blade 3 vibes, and I’m so here for it! And the bloody sprinkler club scene made me super happy! (I do have the La Magra glyph tattoo for a reason!)
I am excited to see where the next book takes me.
Only issue with this book was the audiobook narrator. Seeing as this story is set in Texas & he grew up in Texas… why was the narrator British?! I kept having to remind myself he was a Texan… other than his accent, the narrator did a great job. I will probably physically read the other books.
Loved the “getting vengeance for my wife” idea with all the Blade vibes!
Michael comes home one night to his wife being fed on by a vampire, and then vows to take him out. He becomes part of the night crew and thrust into a world he didn’t even know existed before her murder.
The vampire hunting “found family” crew gives me Blade 3 vibes, and I’m so here for it! And the bloody sprinkler club scene made me super happy! (I do have the La Magra glyph tattoo for a reason!)
I am excited to see where the next book takes me.
Only issue with this book was the audiobook narrator. Seeing as this story is set in Texas & he grew up in Texas… why was the narrator British?! I kept having to remind myself he was a Texan… other than his accent, the narrator did a great job. I will probably physically read the other books.
March 20, 2025
What an incredible novel. As a fan of vampires, horror and action movies....this was like reading a movie. The pace was incredible and it never let up. Even the last page, the way it ended (no spoilers) was exactly how I would have loved to have this end as a movie---a perfect set up for a sequel. This is a book you read in one night because you can't imagine putting it down. Loved it! Can't wait to see what's next for the night crew!
August 16, 2025
If you love a dark and gothic vampire story, then this is a good book for you book worm readers. I was sucked in by all the forces the cut deeply at the heart of the story. I love the plot which is simply amazing. Readers the narrative is simply mind blowing. You do not have to worry, because this story is the page turner that you are looking for. The action is insane and the twist is amazing. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
March 7, 2025
Awesome!! Can't wait for the next one!!
January 7, 2026
Vampires. Every page captivated me. Excellent storyline.
January 29, 2025
I've never been a big fan of vampires so I went into this book with some apprehension, fearing it would be another by the numbers vampire novel. Boy was I wrong.
This is a fangtastic, bloody, thrilling and action packed book that is perfectly paced and full of interesting characters and a suitably evil protagonist.
The story follows Michael White, an ex-soldier who comes home in time to witness his wife dying at the hands of a supernaturally strong figure. From there, he embarks on a personal journey of revenge, searching for who was responsible and finding himself plunged into a world of creatures he never knew existed.
Eventually, he is recruited by a crew of hunters called the Night Crew who have been tracking down the monster who attacked his wife and together, they plot to take down him down.
The Night Crew itself is comprised of characters who each have their own reasons for hunting down creatures of the night and the way they interact is smooth and well written. The pacing is spot-on and kept me engaged with its twists and turns and kept me guessing as to where the story would take me next.
The story reaches a satisfying conclusion and could just as easily be a standalone book but I'm stoked that is just book one of the series. Will definitely be picking the others up as they are released.
This is a fangtastic, bloody, thrilling and action packed book that is perfectly paced and full of interesting characters and a suitably evil protagonist.
The story follows Michael White, an ex-soldier who comes home in time to witness his wife dying at the hands of a supernaturally strong figure. From there, he embarks on a personal journey of revenge, searching for who was responsible and finding himself plunged into a world of creatures he never knew existed.
Eventually, he is recruited by a crew of hunters called the Night Crew who have been tracking down the monster who attacked his wife and together, they plot to take down him down.
The Night Crew itself is comprised of characters who each have their own reasons for hunting down creatures of the night and the way they interact is smooth and well written. The pacing is spot-on and kept me engaged with its twists and turns and kept me guessing as to where the story would take me next.
The story reaches a satisfying conclusion and could just as easily be a standalone book but I'm stoked that is just book one of the series. Will definitely be picking the others up as they are released.
January 31, 2025
What a journey! I have been looking for a series that has a supernatural show feel, and of course, Brad Ricks delivers. I cannot wait to see how the story continues. A book you definitely will not be able to put down!
January 21, 2025
The first in an ongoing series about an ex-military man who joins a group of monster hunters after a vampire murders his wife. The prose is more pragmatic than graceful (think Matthew Reilly or James Patterson), but the high concept and the narrative’s raw and restless energy keep things moving along nicely.
February 18, 2025
I love a good vampire story and Brad Ricks definitely delivered. After the brutal slaying of his wife, Michael White is thrust into a world witnessed only in nightmares. After being rescued by a team of vampire slayers Michael decides to join up to get his revenge.
Well developed characters and fast- paced action drew me in front the start. I can't wait to see what's next for The Night Crew series.
Well developed characters and fast- paced action drew me in front the start. I can't wait to see what's next for The Night Crew series.
June 17, 2025
Another writing
A lot of "trite" expressions, very unpolished. Certainly no new, or original thoughts to add to Vampire story telling. Very simplistic.
A lot of "trite" expressions, very unpolished. Certainly no new, or original thoughts to add to Vampire story telling. Very simplistic.
January 18, 2025
Michael has a great life until he comes home one night to a tragic event. Now his life has changed he has a unique gift and must use it to face something he never believed was real. There are things in the dark, and the Night Crew hunts them. Edge of your seat thriller. Full of amazing characters.
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