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Jackson Campbell Thriller #2
Dark Flyers
From Best-Selling Author J R RICE — a New Horror has Taken Flight.
The Second Installment of the new BANE COUNTY Spin-Off Series.
Mystery, Suspense, an edge-of-your-seat Thriller with characters you’ll fall in love with. An old-school, heart-pounding Horror Story with a Whole lot of Bite.
Monday, July 6, 2015— The Independence Day celebration and its long three-day weekend were over in the sleepy little town of Lakes End. A lake full of visiting tourists, consuming far too much alcohol, had somehow managed to survive without a major mishap or tragedy. The large crowds had finally dissipated and the small lakeside village was returning to normal.
Sheriff Jackson Campbell and Deputy Tracy Franks had been hoping for quiet week when the report of a dead body arrived—a body that had been drained of blood, and had an unusual wound on its neck. The man reporting the body had blamed a Vampire for the death, an outlandish claim—or was it?
The Second Installment of the new BANE COUNTY Spin-Off Series.
Mystery, Suspense, an edge-of-your-seat Thriller with characters you’ll fall in love with. An old-school, heart-pounding Horror Story with a Whole lot of Bite.
Monday, July 6, 2015— The Independence Day celebration and its long three-day weekend were over in the sleepy little town of Lakes End. A lake full of visiting tourists, consuming far too much alcohol, had somehow managed to survive without a major mishap or tragedy. The large crowds had finally dissipated and the small lakeside village was returning to normal.
Sheriff Jackson Campbell and Deputy Tracy Franks had been hoping for quiet week when the report of a dead body arrived—a body that had been drained of blood, and had an unusual wound on its neck. The man reporting the body had blamed a Vampire for the death, an outlandish claim—or was it?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2025
64 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rice
9 books181 followersJ R RICE is the Author of Bane County: a Horror / Suspense / Thriller Series.
Bane County is an Epic Saga consisting of:
Five full-length novels, and A Short Story:
Bane County: Forgotten Moon (Book 1)
Bane County: Returning Moon (Book 2)
Bane County: First Moon (Book 3)
Bane County: A Short Story (Book 3.5)
Bane County: Hungry Moon (Book 4)
Bane County: Last Moon (Book 5)
The New Bane County Spin-off Series, entitled: DARK TIMBER: A Jackson Campbell Thriller (Book 1) is Available Now.
Book 2 of the New Series, entitled: DARK FLYERS: A Jackson Campbell Thriller (Book 2) is available now.
Book 3 - Return to Bane County will be out next year.
An Active Member of the Horror Writers Association, J R RICE lives on a large island, near the edge of a dark forest, with his beautiful wife, unruly children, dogs that he loves and cats that he tolerates, and one very nasty monster who lives under his bed and never shuts up.
He enjoys interacting with readers, so please feel free to join him at:
Facebook.com/JRRiceAuthor
Twitter.com/JRRiceAuthor
Goodreads.com/JRRICE
Instagram.com/JRRiceAuthor
https://www.youtube.com/c/JRRiceAuthor
https://www.tiktok.com/@jrriceauthor
https://www.reddit.com/user/JRRICEauthor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrriceauthor
Bane County is an Epic Saga consisting of:
Five full-length novels, and A Short Story:
Bane County: Forgotten Moon (Book 1)
Bane County: Returning Moon (Book 2)
Bane County: First Moon (Book 3)
Bane County: A Short Story (Book 3.5)
Bane County: Hungry Moon (Book 4)
Bane County: Last Moon (Book 5)
The New Bane County Spin-off Series, entitled: DARK TIMBER: A Jackson Campbell Thriller (Book 1) is Available Now.
Book 2 of the New Series, entitled: DARK FLYERS: A Jackson Campbell Thriller (Book 2) is available now.
Book 3 - Return to Bane County will be out next year.
An Active Member of the Horror Writers Association, J R RICE lives on a large island, near the edge of a dark forest, with his beautiful wife, unruly children, dogs that he loves and cats that he tolerates, and one very nasty monster who lives under his bed and never shuts up.
He enjoys interacting with readers, so please feel free to join him at:
Facebook.com/JRRiceAuthor
Twitter.com/JRRiceAuthor
Goodreads.com/JRRICE
Instagram.com/JRRiceAuthor
https://www.youtube.com/c/JRRiceAuthor
https://www.tiktok.com/@jrriceauthor
https://www.reddit.com/user/JRRICEauthor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrriceauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 20, 2025
can’t put it down, as usual
As always, a truly great read! Love these books because they aren’t the typical story. Just a little off the beaten path. Great characters, with well tied back stories and relationships. You really do become attached to them. Lots of surprising twist and turns. You never really figure it out until you’re finished. The creatures are probably my favorite. A little different, not stereotypical, making for a great classic monster hunt!
As always, a truly great read! Love these books because they aren’t the typical story. Just a little off the beaten path. Great characters, with well tied back stories and relationships. You really do become attached to them. Lots of surprising twist and turns. You never really figure it out until you’re finished. The creatures are probably my favorite. A little different, not stereotypical, making for a great classic monster hunt!
October 22, 2025
If you have read and liked the previous series, Bane County, you will love this. If you haven't read them yet, I encourage you to do so, to aquaint yourself with this epic group of characters.
This new chapter is a new creature, maybe more gross and disgusting than what they have battled before, and our favourite characters. It is a very easy, compulsive read and it's oh so lovely to be back in an imaginary place with these old friends.
Even more good news for us is brought at the end of this story with a peek of what's coming next, and I can't wait.
This new chapter is a new creature, maybe more gross and disgusting than what they have battled before, and our favourite characters. It is a very easy, compulsive read and it's oh so lovely to be back in an imaginary place with these old friends.
Even more good news for us is brought at the end of this story with a peek of what's coming next, and I can't wait.
November 30, 2025
Great read...
This author changes his writing style gradually over time, adapting his monsters and musical interests over time. If you are just starting his Bane County series, subscribe to Amazon Music and let his taste in music accompany your reading for a highly satisfying audio soundtrack.
This author changes his writing style gradually over time, adapting his monsters and musical interests over time. If you are just starting his Bane County series, subscribe to Amazon Music and let his taste in music accompany your reading for a highly satisfying audio soundtrack.
October 17, 2025
Must Read!!
The writing is intense and the I feel like I KNOW the characters.
This is how horror should be written.
Scary, funny, educational, and a darn good time!!!
The writing is intense and the I feel like I KNOW the characters.
This is how horror should be written.
Scary, funny, educational, and a darn good time!!!
October 20, 2025
It just keeps getting better and better
I have read all the books in this series
, and I am amazed that each book continues to draw me in, and I stay intrigued right up until the end. Do I want more? Yes, please keep them coming. I can't wait until the return to Bane County!
I have read all the books in this series
, and I am amazed that each book continues to draw me in, and I stay intrigued right up until the end. Do I want more? Yes, please keep them coming. I can't wait until the return to Bane County!
November 18, 2025
a fantastic gripping read as always.
As usual a fantastic read from start to the finish. Characters you root for,moments of action and drama and humour. Just fantastic.
As usual a fantastic read from start to the finish. Characters you root for,moments of action and drama and humour. Just fantastic.
November 30, 2025
Amazing!!!
I absolutely love this series,it.only keeps getting better and better! So excited to Return to Bane County! JRR Rice your writing is phenomenal!
I absolutely love this series,it.only keeps getting better and better! So excited to Return to Bane County! JRR Rice your writing is phenomenal!
November 30, 2025
Another great eco horror story
J. R. Rice has done it again. I love how he can take creatures and twist them into pure nightmare fuel
J. R. Rice has done it again. I love how he can take creatures and twist them into pure nightmare fuel
November 4, 2025
My scoring system
⭐ Don't quit your day job
⭐⭐ It was tough to finish
⭐⭐⭐ A solid read
⭐⭐⭐⭐ That was fun!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I need more. If you don't give it, I'm going to kidnap you Misery-style, without shattering your ankles, of course.
I do not envy J.R. Rice. Here's someone who has written the Bane County-series, which are – in my humble opinion – absolute perfection, but the story had to end at some point. Following Bane County is a spin off, which – certainly after a highly successful series – is always a risk.
The first part in this new series, Dark Timber, was a wonderful book. I mean, Rice knows how to write so the storytelling is top notch and the characters – as usual – were perfect: some old, familiar ones and some new ones. However, if there was one thing I had to nag about with Dark Timber, was that it had less of the typical 'Bane County' vibe we've all come to love, the vibe where the story, the towns, its people all come to life. I still have no idea why the Bane County series hasn't been picked up as a movie or miniseries, but I digress. But seriously, you movie/tv folks out there, wake up and smell the coffee (and if it's Culley's coffee, there's a good chance you'll feel it stinging in your nose).
That vibe has totally, completely and fantastically returned to its fullest in Dark Flyers. In the preface of this book, Rice explains the certain lack of this vibe in the previous installment and it makes sense but I'm certainly glad it's back.
The above mostly is enough to describe how I felt about this book: it was absolutely fantastic. Besides all we know and love from Rice, this book features a fascinating story and has quite a few nods to the previous books, of which one in particular stands out and I'm very curious to see where this will take us. Of course, from Rice's social media posts I have a pretty good idea where this will take us, I'm just very curious how it will be done. Suffice to say I am very, very much looking forward to it.
⭐ Don't quit your day job
⭐⭐ It was tough to finish
⭐⭐⭐ A solid read
⭐⭐⭐⭐ That was fun!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I need more. If you don't give it, I'm going to kidnap you Misery-style, without shattering your ankles, of course.
I do not envy J.R. Rice. Here's someone who has written the Bane County-series, which are – in my humble opinion – absolute perfection, but the story had to end at some point. Following Bane County is a spin off, which – certainly after a highly successful series – is always a risk.
The first part in this new series, Dark Timber, was a wonderful book. I mean, Rice knows how to write so the storytelling is top notch and the characters – as usual – were perfect: some old, familiar ones and some new ones. However, if there was one thing I had to nag about with Dark Timber, was that it had less of the typical 'Bane County' vibe we've all come to love, the vibe where the story, the towns, its people all come to life. I still have no idea why the Bane County series hasn't been picked up as a movie or miniseries, but I digress. But seriously, you movie/tv folks out there, wake up and smell the coffee (and if it's Culley's coffee, there's a good chance you'll feel it stinging in your nose).
That vibe has totally, completely and fantastically returned to its fullest in Dark Flyers. In the preface of this book, Rice explains the certain lack of this vibe in the previous installment and it makes sense but I'm certainly glad it's back.
The above mostly is enough to describe how I felt about this book: it was absolutely fantastic. Besides all we know and love from Rice, this book features a fascinating story and has quite a few nods to the previous books, of which one in particular stands out and I'm very curious to see where this will take us. Of course, from Rice's social media posts I have a pretty good idea where this will take us, I'm just very curious how it will be done. Suffice to say I am very, very much looking forward to it.
October 24, 2025
Home Run!
God I love these characters. They’re hands down my favorite of any book or book series I’ve read ever. I love the way the story just blossoms in your mind as you’re reading. The right amount of comedy, supernatural, action, and of course horror. I can’t get enough of it and I hope that they just keep coming. I was waiting forever for this book, and regularly checked the author’s page. The creativity of the creatures and the background of how they came to be and the panic and chaos they created. After reading the first book of this series I went back and re-read the original series because I am such a huge fan, and to be honest I plan to do it again. I love this time of year and I love these stories and how well they’re written. The author does an amazing job of tying science and myth together. I honestly recommend this book and every book he’s written. Do yourself a favor if you haven’t started with the original story line, go back and binge read it. This book is great on it’s own I’m sure for someone just discovering it. But starting from the beginning is like seasoning an already juicy looking steak. It’s just worth it!
God I love these characters. They’re hands down my favorite of any book or book series I’ve read ever. I love the way the story just blossoms in your mind as you’re reading. The right amount of comedy, supernatural, action, and of course horror. I can’t get enough of it and I hope that they just keep coming. I was waiting forever for this book, and regularly checked the author’s page. The creativity of the creatures and the background of how they came to be and the panic and chaos they created. After reading the first book of this series I went back and re-read the original series because I am such a huge fan, and to be honest I plan to do it again. I love this time of year and I love these stories and how well they’re written. The author does an amazing job of tying science and myth together. I honestly recommend this book and every book he’s written. Do yourself a favor if you haven’t started with the original story line, go back and binge read it. This book is great on it’s own I’m sure for someone just discovering it. But starting from the beginning is like seasoning an already juicy looking steak. It’s just worth it!
October 24, 2025
I was so excited to be back in this universe! I love the characters and I was happy to see them tackle this new threat. One thing Dark Flyers does very well is anchoring the story back to its roots in Bane County. I felt that was lacking in Dark Timber with very little to no mention of Bryce or the events that took place, leading Jackson to live in Lake’s End. I’m so glad Bryce is back in the picture and they’re working together again.
I loved the new leech/vampire bat monster. Although this book wasn’t scary I still liked the development throughout. Did it get defeated way too quickly with all of our main characters still alive? Yes. But if Mariana’s vision holds true, some of them won’t make it out this next go round.
That being said, I am SOO excited for the Return to Bane County!! 🙏🏻 anxiously awaiting its release to see how our characters further develop, the werewolf virus once again taking center stage, and the showdown of this red eyed demon. 😈
I loved the new leech/vampire bat monster. Although this book wasn’t scary I still liked the development throughout. Did it get defeated way too quickly with all of our main characters still alive? Yes. But if Mariana’s vision holds true, some of them won’t make it out this next go round.
That being said, I am SOO excited for the Return to Bane County!! 🙏🏻 anxiously awaiting its release to see how our characters further develop, the werewolf virus once again taking center stage, and the showdown of this red eyed demon. 😈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
Another Awesome Book By Rice
This was such a great story! I really enjoyed reading about Jackson and his new deputy, Trace. This story started right after the last book ends. The new dark timber creature was super scary and creepy. It was was heartbreaking how the victims had no chance at all once it wrapped you in its embrace. The entire biological process of how it feeds was fascinating because it involved truth mixed in with fiction.
I also enjoyed reading more of the back story of Jackson’s family and where they all ended up after Bane County. It was sad to read about his grandparents because they were such a large part of the Bane County series. However, reading more about how the family had to restart away from Bane county helped to close that loop and answered a lot of lingering questions. This was a great story.
I can’t wait to read the next installment about the return to Bane County!
This was such a great story! I really enjoyed reading about Jackson and his new deputy, Trace. This story started right after the last book ends. The new dark timber creature was super scary and creepy. It was was heartbreaking how the victims had no chance at all once it wrapped you in its embrace. The entire biological process of how it feeds was fascinating because it involved truth mixed in with fiction.
I also enjoyed reading more of the back story of Jackson’s family and where they all ended up after Bane County. It was sad to read about his grandparents because they were such a large part of the Bane County series. However, reading more about how the family had to restart away from Bane county helped to close that loop and answered a lot of lingering questions. This was a great story.
I can’t wait to read the next installment about the return to Bane County!
December 27, 2025
Dark Flyers Review
This story is another excellent installment of this series. Great story telling that kept me from putting this book down. Having read this entire series starting with Bane County has kept me waiting for the next book. Love the characters, the monsters, and the new people who are introduced keeps this story going- I love it!
This story is another excellent installment of this series. Great story telling that kept me from putting this book down. Having read this entire series starting with Bane County has kept me waiting for the next book. Love the characters, the monsters, and the new people who are introduced keeps this story going- I love it!
October 26, 2025
Incredibly Great!
Each book in this series just keeps getting better & better! The original Bane County are my favorite though. Can't wait for the next one to come out, Return to Bane County!
Each book in this series just keeps getting better & better! The original Bane County are my favorite though. Can't wait for the next one to come out, Return to Bane County!
November 4, 2025
Dark Flyers
JR Rice does it again! If you love a good creature feature I recomend this author, start with Bane County . Jackson and Bryce and crew together again doing what they do best. Cannot wait until they go back to where it all started!
JR Rice does it again! If you love a good creature feature I recomend this author, start with Bane County . Jackson and Bryce and crew together again doing what they do best. Cannot wait until they go back to where it all started!
November 9, 2025
Dark Flyers
I just finished Dark Flyers. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Would recommend reading the complete series starting with Bane County if you haven't read it. You will be hooked.
I just finished Dark Flyers. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Would recommend reading the complete series starting with Bane County if you haven't read it. You will be hooked.
December 12, 2025
It's all coming together.
I've been waiting for this sequel for awhile since the first one. I love the nods to the previous books. But now, the plot thickens and some old surprises come back to make it even more. Can't wait for the next book
I've been waiting for this sequel for awhile since the first one. I love the nods to the previous books. But now, the plot thickens and some old surprises come back to make it even more. Can't wait for the next book
December 27, 2025
Love the characters even more and the creatures even less!!!
Love the family ties, the bonds, the thrills of the kills and the creatures that keep coming and the fact that it all keeps going back to the beginning
Love the family ties, the bonds, the thrills of the kills and the creatures that keep coming and the fact that it all keeps going back to the beginning
October 22, 2025
Dark Flyers
Another "I can't wait for the next book" read. Back to Bane County! I know what I would like to see happen! Keep up the good work!
Another "I can't wait for the next book" read. Back to Bane County! I know what I would like to see happen! Keep up the good work!
November 2, 2025
Awesome
I love the Bane County series and the Jackson Campbell spin off. I hope the next book comes out early 2026 because I can’t wait!
I love the Bane County series and the Jackson Campbell spin off. I hope the next book comes out early 2026 because I can’t wait!
October 21, 2025
excellent fun!
I’ve been waiting for this for a while and was not disappointed. Jackson and his friends and family are all here, and some familiar but not so friendly faces as well. The creatures are cool, and there are hints of even weirder things lurking about. I’m looking forward to Return To Bane County so much.
I’ve been waiting for this for a while and was not disappointed. Jackson and his friends and family are all here, and some familiar but not so friendly faces as well. The creatures are cool, and there are hints of even weirder things lurking about. I’m looking forward to Return To Bane County so much.
October 20, 2025
Great storyline
I really enjoyed the two books. Even though they are so fake, its an enjoyable fake. The character fit so well, I enjoyed the fight against evil, could use a little God in there. God would protect the souls. Keep waiting for the character s to realize that. At any rate just an enjoyable book.
I really enjoyed the two books. Even though they are so fake, its an enjoyable fake. The character fit so well, I enjoyed the fight against evil, could use a little God in there. God would protect the souls. Keep waiting for the character s to realize that. At any rate just an enjoyable book.
October 21, 2025
Never disappoint!
I have never written a review. However, I could not put this book down! Mr Rice never disappoint me with his books! I'll be impatiently waiting for the return! I sure hope Jackson and Bryce do not run into Travis and Luther!!
I have never written a review. However, I could not put this book down! Mr Rice never disappoint me with his books! I'll be impatiently waiting for the return! I sure hope Jackson and Bryce do not run into Travis and Luther!!
November 13, 2025
An absolute fantastic follow up to the Bane County Spin off series!
JR Rice writes must read novels for horror fans. His world building and attention to detail really creates an amazing setting for this saga to take place in. I’m excited for the next installment
JR Rice writes must read novels for horror fans. His world building and attention to detail really creates an amazing setting for this saga to take place in. I’m excited for the next installment
October 22, 2025
*May Contain Spoilers for Some*
Jackson Campbell is back, and the Dark Timber is alive with new nightmares.
4.5 Stars!
Another great story from the mind of J.R. Rice. The Bane County/Jackson Campbell series is one of my favorite horror sagas, and this new entry did not disappoint. Jackson and crew embark on another monster hunt against a unique and terrifying creature. With Jackson's training, Bryce's brains, and Culley's wisdom, the old gang, along with a young rookie deputy, faces off against a hybrid cryptid unlike anything anyone has ever encountered. It's another suspenseful tale that keeps you wondering who will survive this round against a new abomination born of the Dark Timber.
We also see some familiar faces return, hinting at a trip back to Bane County, where it all began, to confront the "red-eyed" demon. If the third book in the series has this in store, we may be in for more than one battle with the supernatural. Will Richard Cain and his pack be an obstacle for our heroes? Let's hope so.
I can just picture the gang rolling back into town with AC/DC's "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" blasting in the background for the ultimate showdown. Wherever the series takes us, I'll be along for the ride, as long as, in the end, Jackson gets his record collection back.
Jackson Campbell is back, and the Dark Timber is alive with new nightmares.
4.5 Stars!
Another great story from the mind of J.R. Rice. The Bane County/Jackson Campbell series is one of my favorite horror sagas, and this new entry did not disappoint. Jackson and crew embark on another monster hunt against a unique and terrifying creature. With Jackson's training, Bryce's brains, and Culley's wisdom, the old gang, along with a young rookie deputy, faces off against a hybrid cryptid unlike anything anyone has ever encountered. It's another suspenseful tale that keeps you wondering who will survive this round against a new abomination born of the Dark Timber.
We also see some familiar faces return, hinting at a trip back to Bane County, where it all began, to confront the "red-eyed" demon. If the third book in the series has this in store, we may be in for more than one battle with the supernatural. Will Richard Cain and his pack be an obstacle for our heroes? Let's hope so.
I can just picture the gang rolling back into town with AC/DC's "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" blasting in the background for the ultimate showdown. Wherever the series takes us, I'll be along for the ride, as long as, in the end, Jackson gets his record collection back.
December 26, 2025
Dark Flyers Segue to Return to Bane County
Great series and I like the way J.R. Rice briefly remind the reader of the past to keep continuity with the present. Looking forward to the Return to Bane County.
Great series and I like the way J.R. Rice briefly remind the reader of the past to keep continuity with the present. Looking forward to the Return to Bane County.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews