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Nocturnal Creatures
What lurks in the Dunderberg Mountains?
Teenager Cassie, growing up on her family’s apple and peach orchard in upstate New York, was the first to see one of the terrifying, strange creatures from the woods around their property.
Cassie’s crush, El Salvadorian Darwin, thinks it’s a Sisimito, a Central American creature of lore akin to the Sasquatch. Then, the family sees more of the frightening beasts, and it’s not long before the creatures take aggressive action toward Cassie’s family.
That launches a life-and-death battle that could have devastating consequences...
Bram Stoker Award winning author Robert P. Ottone is back with this newly revised edition of Nocturnal Creatures !
Teenager Cassie, growing up on her family’s apple and peach orchard in upstate New York, was the first to see one of the terrifying, strange creatures from the woods around their property.
Cassie’s crush, El Salvadorian Darwin, thinks it’s a Sisimito, a Central American creature of lore akin to the Sasquatch. Then, the family sees more of the frightening beasts, and it’s not long before the creatures take aggressive action toward Cassie’s family.
That launches a life-and-death battle that could have devastating consequences...
Bram Stoker Award winning author Robert P. Ottone is back with this newly revised edition of Nocturnal Creatures !
- GenresHorror
211 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2025
3 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Robert P. Ottone
31 books118 followersRobert P. Ottone is the two-time Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Triangle and There’s Something Sinister in Centerfield. He is also the author of The Vile Thing We Created as well as the collections Her Infernal Name and Tear Me Open: Fears Unwrapped. A bagel-loving fabulist of spooky absurdity, Ottone enjoys cigars and time with his wife at their home in upstate New York.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 31, 2022
A horror story with heart. Ottone shines when it comes to painting a picture of nostalgic early 90s teenhood while raising important topics that remain in the background. The horror creeps in the beginning but by the last half there is no holding back on the horror and there's plenty of gore, well written that left me gasping in shock and on the edge of my seat for the characters he had set up so well. I couldn't imagine losing a single one of them.
Mostly it centers on Cassie who is missing her brother, a marine whose been sent to Afghanistan. Then Azura and Darwin, what some call "illegals" move in to the guest house Cassies family owns on their massive apple orchard and Cassie begins to fall hard for the funny and nice teen boy next door.
The story itself addresses real life lore having to do with Bigfoot, but I don't want to spell anything out to much, so I'll keep it at that. However, i will say it left me scratching my head at the possibility of such a monster. But, is it really fair to call them that, or are they simply another animal? Main character Cassie will ponder this very thought, but when the creatures make her family's struggling apple orchard part of their grounds, taking things that aren't theirs, Cassie will understand the nature of the beast of war.
This is one that shocked me and left me haunted by the ending, so obviously it is one I recommend!
Mostly it centers on Cassie who is missing her brother, a marine whose been sent to Afghanistan. Then Azura and Darwin, what some call "illegals" move in to the guest house Cassies family owns on their massive apple orchard and Cassie begins to fall hard for the funny and nice teen boy next door.
The story itself addresses real life lore having to do with Bigfoot, but I don't want to spell anything out to much, so I'll keep it at that. However, i will say it left me scratching my head at the possibility of such a monster. But, is it really fair to call them that, or are they simply another animal? Main character Cassie will ponder this very thought, but when the creatures make her family's struggling apple orchard part of their grounds, taking things that aren't theirs, Cassie will understand the nature of the beast of war.
This is one that shocked me and left me haunted by the ending, so obviously it is one I recommend!
October 24, 2022
A unique entry for this genre. It's got heart, substance, and gore. Ottone is one to watch because his books keep getting better.
January 21, 2023
Talk about old school monster horror, Nocturnal Creatures delivered everything I love about this genre. One of the aspects I truly loved was our protagonist, Cassie. The book opens up with her missing her brother, who is deployed overseas. She spends most of her time in his room listening to his favorite music and contemplating the time he'll be back.
Cassie is your typical teenager. She loves her family and loves helping in their apple and peach orchard in up state New York. One night, she feels an unsettling presence in the trees but immediately brushes it off. Cassie trusted her instincts and confided in her friend Darwin, who had just moved to their small coach house. He may know what it is, a creature so ancient that everyone knows what it is, Sasquatch. This book was thrilling and gave me creeps in a great way, but it had a very emotional element to it. Definitely will be reading more from this author and highly recommend this book to book lovers everywhere.
Cassie is your typical teenager. She loves her family and loves helping in their apple and peach orchard in up state New York. One night, she feels an unsettling presence in the trees but immediately brushes it off. Cassie trusted her instincts and confided in her friend Darwin, who had just moved to their small coach house. He may know what it is, a creature so ancient that everyone knows what it is, Sasquatch. This book was thrilling and gave me creeps in a great way, but it had a very emotional element to it. Definitely will be reading more from this author and highly recommend this book to book lovers everywhere.
October 28, 2022
I had high expectations for this book, considering how awesome a person Robert Ottone is.
Rob exceeded my expectations! I loved everything about this story: The characters, the setting, the pace, the plot. There wasn’t a single thing I’d change here, besides the fact that I’m chomping at the bit for more!
Well done, Mr. Ottone! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Rob exceeded my expectations! I loved everything about this story: The characters, the setting, the pace, the plot. There wasn’t a single thing I’d change here, besides the fact that I’m chomping at the bit for more!
Well done, Mr. Ottone! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
January 20, 2025
An old-school, terrifying Bigfoot horror story that tugs at your heart strings while splashing you with gore. Highly recommended for creature feature lovers.
December 18, 2022
This was a really enjoyable read. Lots of horror and lots of heart. I'm looking forward to reading whatever the author writes next.
July 18, 2023
Nocturnal Creatures is a tense, fun read. Despite obsessing over Bigfoot for years, this is actually the first Bigfoot horror I’ve read. I might be sheltered, but I can confidently recommend this book to anyone interested in the fearsome cryptid. Cassie’s family owns an orchard nestled in the Dunderberg Mountains. Their idyllic life is shattered when creatures, forced out of their natural homes, invade their territory. Along with the help of some locals, Cassie and her family are determined to protect their land, livelihood, and each other from massive beasts. Cassie is one of the coolest protagonists I’ve read about in a long time. She’s surrounded by badasses, yet consistently stands out. Her voice was really awesome and added a ray of light to a dark situation. I really want a sequel.
October 19, 2022
Robert P. Ottone has given us a Sasquatch novel….
I’m sorry? Maybe you didn’t hear what I just said??
ROBERT P. OTTONE HAS GIVEN US A SASQUATCH NOVEL!!!!!!
And, as no surprise, it’s pretty FUCKING GREAT. This book is packed with memorable characters, searing imagery, and enough ‘squatch stank to go around. This book was brutal and thrilling and just an all around good time. I love me some cryptid fiction, (y’all know this!!) and Ottone does not disappoint. It gives you that “oh hell no” feeling pretty early on and doesn’t let up. Grab this one as we’re getting into cozy season, you’ll be glad you did!
I’m sorry? Maybe you didn’t hear what I just said??
ROBERT P. OTTONE HAS GIVEN US A SASQUATCH NOVEL!!!!!!
And, as no surprise, it’s pretty FUCKING GREAT. This book is packed with memorable characters, searing imagery, and enough ‘squatch stank to go around. This book was brutal and thrilling and just an all around good time. I love me some cryptid fiction, (y’all know this!!) and Ottone does not disappoint. It gives you that “oh hell no” feeling pretty early on and doesn’t let up. Grab this one as we’re getting into cozy season, you’ll be glad you did!
October 28, 2022
This is a different sort of coming of age story about becoming adult in the most primitive, violent and monstrous way possible: kill off ancient creatures in the woods or die with your loved ones. On top of that, add a bit of doubt about killing said ancient creatures (is it right for humans to kill them? Do they deserve this death by the young, new, aggressive species called humans?) and that is the journey readers go on with the characters.
There are plenty of chilling moments, good scares, violence, battles, and clever ways of overcoming your own fears and defeating much stronger foes. An exciting, entertaining and thought-provoking read.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy.
There are plenty of chilling moments, good scares, violence, battles, and clever ways of overcoming your own fears and defeating much stronger foes. An exciting, entertaining and thought-provoking read.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy.
November 12, 2023
This was my first book by this author. I have to say, I enjoyed the character development and the storyline. It was a plausible formation of events and the conclusion was one that, though I wasn't thrilled with it, worked.
June 9, 2024
I'm now in my Bigfoot era. This book was awesome.
October 13, 2025
Sasquatch Siege
Nocturnal Creatures is a fast paced, heart-pounding visceral thriller. Great for teens (or adults) who enjoy gory creature features and loveable protagonists.
Nocturnal Creatures is a fast paced, heart-pounding visceral thriller. Great for teens (or adults) who enjoy gory creature features and loveable protagonists.
November 1, 2022
Book Review✨ Nocturnal Creatures by Robert Ottone
Who doesn’t love a good creature feature? But this isn’t your typical tale of ghouls and goblins. This story features a mysterious yet well sought after monster of the night. It’s big, it’s hairy, but is it human? Ottone delivers a story that will make you wonder. Or question your own morals. Are monsters really terrible? Or are they just trying to live their lives, surviving any way they can?
Ottone delivers a spooky setting, exciting plot and strong characters and relationships. This is a must read for anyone who appreciates good character development and excellent suspense.
Oh and let’s not forget GORE!!
Cassie and her family face off in the ultimate battle between human and monster. Who will be the victor?
July 10, 2023
I’ve always thought Bigfoot had the potential to really be a terrifying antagonist in a horror story, and Ottone proves it! Well defined characters with tons of depth, an eerie setting, and a terrifying creature, this is a must read for cryptid fans!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews