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Black Creek Mystic
Nikka's nightmares could spell her end if she doesn't find a cure. The cure could spell her end if she doesn't follow the rules.
Nikka was a pretty normal high school girl until she saw something horrific through her bedroom window. They told her it was a delusion. That it didn't happen. They told her she was crazy. But whether real or not, the event was stuck in her brain.
Now, after years of unrelenting nightmares, Nikka learns of one last hope, a mystic on the outskirts of Custer Falls who might be able to save her from the terrors that are bleeding into her waking life and driving her to self-destruction.
For the promise of a cure, Nikka makes a deal with the witch: one month of work to end her nightmares. But can she stomach doing the witch's tasks? Or are her bad dreams destined to destroy her?
Welcome back to Custer Falls.
- GenresHorror
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2025
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Hitz
39 books176 followersD.W. Hitz loves the outdoors and enjoys making it a background character in his work. He devours stories in all mediums. He enjoys writing in the genres of Horror, Supernatural/Paranormal Thriller, and Science Fiction/Fantasy. He aspires to tell stories that thrill the heart and stimulate the imagination.
When not writing, D.W. enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, and playing with the dogs.
Be sure to sign up for his Patreon today at https://patreon.com/dwhitz to stay up to date with news and exclusive offers, plus discounts on signed books.
When not writing, D.W. enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, and playing with the dogs.
Be sure to sign up for his Patreon today at https://patreon.com/dwhitz to stay up to date with news and exclusive offers, plus discounts on signed books.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 31, 2025
Never a dull moment in this one! I loved the decadence and the unpredictability of the story, its fast pacing and the interesting character development - though others will probably enjoy more the complex way the story blooms across the pages, turning from supernatural horror to occult craziness to action-heavy adventure!
"Black Creek Mystic" starts in the most nightmarish of settings, the mind of a traumatized young woman, Nikka, who's tormented by night terrors: every time she closes her eyes she experiences bizarre monstrosities attacking her and killing her, to the point that even her waking hours get progressively worse and worse; she's in danger of losing her job, and she no longer has a normal life. Cued in on the existence of a witch who might cure her and give her back her life, she asks for help - and she actually gets it! But this is obviously a Faustian bargain, and a Hitz novel, so prepare for some harrowing moments of very disturbing content as Nikka has to go to extremes to fulfill her promise to help the witch in exchange for her help. Soon more people join the cast, and the story gets darker and darker, full of eerie suspense and psychological tension.
This is a book you read to be entertained and horrified at the same time. The buildup is exemplary, and keeps you invested from chapter to chapter. The story is driven by Nikk'as hunger for salvation and redemption, as her missions get very personal and more dangerous, testing the limits of her sanity and her need to live and be happy. The ending delivers, and if I'm not wrong, there's a sequel in the works!
If you're into stories with high stakes, deals with the devil, gore and violence, with strong female leads, you’ll enjoy where this book takes you!
"Black Creek Mystic" starts in the most nightmarish of settings, the mind of a traumatized young woman, Nikka, who's tormented by night terrors: every time she closes her eyes she experiences bizarre monstrosities attacking her and killing her, to the point that even her waking hours get progressively worse and worse; she's in danger of losing her job, and she no longer has a normal life. Cued in on the existence of a witch who might cure her and give her back her life, she asks for help - and she actually gets it! But this is obviously a Faustian bargain, and a Hitz novel, so prepare for some harrowing moments of very disturbing content as Nikka has to go to extremes to fulfill her promise to help the witch in exchange for her help. Soon more people join the cast, and the story gets darker and darker, full of eerie suspense and psychological tension.
This is a book you read to be entertained and horrified at the same time. The buildup is exemplary, and keeps you invested from chapter to chapter. The story is driven by Nikk'as hunger for salvation and redemption, as her missions get very personal and more dangerous, testing the limits of her sanity and her need to live and be happy. The ending delivers, and if I'm not wrong, there's a sequel in the works!
If you're into stories with high stakes, deals with the devil, gore and violence, with strong female leads, you’ll enjoy where this book takes you!
June 7, 2025
D.W. Hitz has never let me down before, and this one is no exception. It starts with Nikka having a horrible, recurring nightmare that threatens her life if she can't stop having it. However, as she soon realizes, the cure might be far worse than the symptom.
We step back to the wild world of Custer Falls, where some of D.W.'s most intense books take place. Black Creek Mystic is no exception. I might wait a while until I eat another hamburger, just read the book for context. The character development is well done, as I found myself cheering for Nikka. That poor girl will have to go through so much.
While this is more of a supernatural read, there are plenty of gruesome and extreme scenes. You might want to have a light lunch before reading. The ending suggests this might not be the last time we find ourselves in Custer Falls. Black Creek Mystic is a fun read!
Welcome back to Custer Falls, the town has missed you!
We step back to the wild world of Custer Falls, where some of D.W.'s most intense books take place. Black Creek Mystic is no exception. I might wait a while until I eat another hamburger, just read the book for context. The character development is well done, as I found myself cheering for Nikka. That poor girl will have to go through so much.
While this is more of a supernatural read, there are plenty of gruesome and extreme scenes. You might want to have a light lunch before reading. The ending suggests this might not be the last time we find ourselves in Custer Falls. Black Creek Mystic is a fun read!
Welcome back to Custer Falls, the town has missed you!
June 3, 2025
You are not going to want to miss Black Creek Mystic!
After Nikka witnesses a horrible event, she is plagued with nightmares for years afterwards. As she hits rock bottom due to her extreme exhaustion, losing her job, her friends, struggling to drive, or maintain a relationship, she contemplates suicide. When a witch who lives outside Custer Falls offers her a solution, she jumps at the chance. However, the more involved she becomes with the witch, the more she questions her decision.
The story is just incredibly well done. It’s fast paced and extremely entertaining - I finished in a day because I just couldn’t put it down! I really enjoyed Nikka’s character and could feel her desperation as the story progressed. Loved the Easter eggs from other books! An exciting ride that wrapped up in a great ending!
After Nikka witnesses a horrible event, she is plagued with nightmares for years afterwards. As she hits rock bottom due to her extreme exhaustion, losing her job, her friends, struggling to drive, or maintain a relationship, she contemplates suicide. When a witch who lives outside Custer Falls offers her a solution, she jumps at the chance. However, the more involved she becomes with the witch, the more she questions her decision.
The story is just incredibly well done. It’s fast paced and extremely entertaining - I finished in a day because I just couldn’t put it down! I really enjoyed Nikka’s character and could feel her desperation as the story progressed. Loved the Easter eggs from other books! An exciting ride that wrapped up in a great ending!
October 23, 2025
Black Creek Mystic takes us back to Custer Falls, a place where there is never a dull moment. Hitz kicks off the story with a bang and maintains the tension and excitement all the way to the very end. The action scenes are thrilling, and the vivid descriptions make it easy to feel immersed in the forest alongside the witch and other eerie figures that haunt Nikka. Hitz never disappoints when it comes to these details.
Nikka is a compelling character haunted by nightmares yet determined to confront everything that torments her. Her deal with the witch introduces morally complex situations, and the way it all comes together is mind-blowing. A gripping suspenseful read from start to finish!
Nikka is a compelling character haunted by nightmares yet determined to confront everything that torments her. Her deal with the witch introduces morally complex situations, and the way it all comes together is mind-blowing. A gripping suspenseful read from start to finish!
June 3, 2025
I swear there is never a dull moment in Custer Falls! Happy release day!!
I'll be back with a review soon.
I'll be back with a review soon.
June 23, 2025
I was so excited to start this book, I've been getting DW withdrawals, and I've kinda missed the town of Custer Falls too, despite all the horrors I know dwell there.
This story hits the ground running, full pelt and terrifying, sending shivers down your spine and making your hairs stand rigidly to attention! This book is an absolute dream, as well as an absolute nightmare! 🖤
Sleep deprivation, horrifically vivid nightmares, and past trauma, cause Nikka to fear the sleep that constantly takes her, and death is always in the back of her mind. Thoughts of suicide, brought on from the despair of what has become her so called "life", seems to her to be the only way out, her only way to stop what's happening.
That is, until she encounters the Black Creek Witch, known for placing curses, and also removing them, could this be the solution to her problems? It seems strangely so, but at what cost?
The narrative and imagery are creepy as hell, and had my heart racing in fear and anticipation. So completely hypnotising, and wonderfully eerie. Reality, dreams and nightmares blend together giving you a surreal and terrifying atmosphere throughout.
Every chapter leaves you hungry for more, though you might not like what's on the menu, and the story escalates quickly and horrifyingly, grasping you in its sticky black grip for the entire disturbing ride.
And, just as you're settling in, finding your rhythm, Hitz proceeds to smack you in the face with a brutal twist….
The images Hitz conjures up are so terrifyingly vivid, they'll leave a lasting impression on your soul!
A terrifying white knuckle ride from start to finish, with an equal measure of Brom/King/Barker vibes.
This story hits the ground running, full pelt and terrifying, sending shivers down your spine and making your hairs stand rigidly to attention! This book is an absolute dream, as well as an absolute nightmare! 🖤
Sleep deprivation, horrifically vivid nightmares, and past trauma, cause Nikka to fear the sleep that constantly takes her, and death is always in the back of her mind. Thoughts of suicide, brought on from the despair of what has become her so called "life", seems to her to be the only way out, her only way to stop what's happening.
That is, until she encounters the Black Creek Witch, known for placing curses, and also removing them, could this be the solution to her problems? It seems strangely so, but at what cost?
The narrative and imagery are creepy as hell, and had my heart racing in fear and anticipation. So completely hypnotising, and wonderfully eerie. Reality, dreams and nightmares blend together giving you a surreal and terrifying atmosphere throughout.
Every chapter leaves you hungry for more, though you might not like what's on the menu, and the story escalates quickly and horrifyingly, grasping you in its sticky black grip for the entire disturbing ride.
And, just as you're settling in, finding your rhythm, Hitz proceeds to smack you in the face with a brutal twist….
The images Hitz conjures up are so terrifyingly vivid, they'll leave a lasting impression on your soul!
A terrifying white knuckle ride from start to finish, with an equal measure of Brom/King/Barker vibes.
June 2, 2025
Black Creek Mystic is a new riveting Custer Falls novel from brilliant author D.W. Hitz, and like others, this one just jumps right into the terror on page one, so brace yourself. But if you are not new to Hitz and Custer Falls, you already know to brace yourself once you’ve chosen to return to Custer Falls.
This is a dark and incredibly disturbing tale of desperation, determination, and terror. The realness of how Nikka’s nightmares and sleep deprivation affect and consume her body, mind, and life is wholly unnerving and really drives the story. The ominous air of the deal with the witch gives way to a chilling dread as she goes about each task and new characters come into play. The tension is relentless. I felt it in my whole body, and I still could not stop reading. And, of course, the references to and tie-ins with other Custer Falls stories makes it all that much creepier.
The supernatural-cum-cosmic horror aspects are a classic cursed Custer Falls plot point, though these are new and unique to this story—because there seems to be no end to the horrors of Custer Falls! But one thing that really struck me is how the lack of extreme-horror-level graphicness made the unfolding horrors no less horrifying and grisly, the terrors no less breath-catching. Hitz’s expert storytelling puts the mind and emotions in motion in such a way that what isn’t said is as impactful (chilling, scary, horrifying, gut-clenching) as what is, perhaps more so in some places.
Black Creek Mystic is an incredibly poignant story, a phenomenal and gripping read, and a terrifying addition to the Custer Falls legacy.
A Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/black-creek-mystic/
This is a dark and incredibly disturbing tale of desperation, determination, and terror. The realness of how Nikka’s nightmares and sleep deprivation affect and consume her body, mind, and life is wholly unnerving and really drives the story. The ominous air of the deal with the witch gives way to a chilling dread as she goes about each task and new characters come into play. The tension is relentless. I felt it in my whole body, and I still could not stop reading. And, of course, the references to and tie-ins with other Custer Falls stories makes it all that much creepier.
The supernatural-cum-cosmic horror aspects are a classic cursed Custer Falls plot point, though these are new and unique to this story—because there seems to be no end to the horrors of Custer Falls! But one thing that really struck me is how the lack of extreme-horror-level graphicness made the unfolding horrors no less horrifying and grisly, the terrors no less breath-catching. Hitz’s expert storytelling puts the mind and emotions in motion in such a way that what isn’t said is as impactful (chilling, scary, horrifying, gut-clenching) as what is, perhaps more so in some places.
Black Creek Mystic is an incredibly poignant story, a phenomenal and gripping read, and a terrifying addition to the Custer Falls legacy.
A Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/black-creek-mystic/
June 11, 2025
D.W. Hitz is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and for good reason, none of his books disappoint and this one is no exception.
Set once more in the town of Custer Falls, the story follows a Nikka, a young woman who has a severe case of the night terrors which dates back to seeing something horrific in high school, something that everyone tells her is impossible. She is on the path to ending things as the nightmares take their toll on her job, her friendships and is barely able to function due to lack of sleep. At this point, she finds out about the local witch who is said to be able to help people like her recover from the seemingly impossible. She decides she doesn't have anything to lose so she meets up with her and enters into a deal-a month of tasks for the witch in exchange for getting rid of the nightmares. At first, the tasks seem easy although border on the strange but she soon finds out there's more to them and she struggles to weigh up the benefits against what she gets involved with.
The pacing of the story is strong, building up the characters and the backstory before the action and stakes ramp up to a terrifying conclusion. Hitz doesn't shy away from the gore in this one but it serves its purpose well, making the things the character goes through more disturbing, creepy and just plain horrifying.
It's always a pleasure to return to Custer Falls and I look forward to what the poor residents/victims will get put through next.
Set once more in the town of Custer Falls, the story follows a Nikka, a young woman who has a severe case of the night terrors which dates back to seeing something horrific in high school, something that everyone tells her is impossible. She is on the path to ending things as the nightmares take their toll on her job, her friendships and is barely able to function due to lack of sleep. At this point, she finds out about the local witch who is said to be able to help people like her recover from the seemingly impossible. She decides she doesn't have anything to lose so she meets up with her and enters into a deal-a month of tasks for the witch in exchange for getting rid of the nightmares. At first, the tasks seem easy although border on the strange but she soon finds out there's more to them and she struggles to weigh up the benefits against what she gets involved with.
The pacing of the story is strong, building up the characters and the backstory before the action and stakes ramp up to a terrifying conclusion. Hitz doesn't shy away from the gore in this one but it serves its purpose well, making the things the character goes through more disturbing, creepy and just plain horrifying.
It's always a pleasure to return to Custer Falls and I look forward to what the poor residents/victims will get put through next.
May 30, 2025
Another cracker of a tale. This is the second book I have read from this author, and again, I was not disappointed. I love how this series has references to other books and characters. The pacing keeps you turning pages, and I even found myself yelling at characters at times throughout the story. I really need to read more from this series.
July 5, 2025
Me reading Black Creek Mystic and promptly forgetting who wrote it: "Man, I love this couple so much! What a great redemption arc/love story!"
Me later remembering who wrote Black Creek Mystic: "My life is a lie 😭"
Nikka has had horrible night terrors ever since she witnessed a bug monster take her neighbour many years ago. Desperate for a solution, she seeks out a legendary local witch and makes a deal: one month of work, and she'll be cured. But the work the witch expects of Nikka is not for the faint of heart, and day by day, she feels her humanity slipping away from her until she can take no more.
This book is a ride and a half! Somehow, I always manage to forget how extraordinarily creepy Hitz's books are, and then I'm suddenly confronted by loads of bugs, terrifying creatures, and more blood than one book should be capable of. I'm always hooked from the get-go, and this one was no different. I loved how Nikka grew throughout the book, and she really came into her own by the end!
God bless Custer Falls, though. I have no idea how anyone is still living there 😂
Me later remembering who wrote Black Creek Mystic: "My life is a lie 😭"
Nikka has had horrible night terrors ever since she witnessed a bug monster take her neighbour many years ago. Desperate for a solution, she seeks out a legendary local witch and makes a deal: one month of work, and she'll be cured. But the work the witch expects of Nikka is not for the faint of heart, and day by day, she feels her humanity slipping away from her until she can take no more.
This book is a ride and a half! Somehow, I always manage to forget how extraordinarily creepy Hitz's books are, and then I'm suddenly confronted by loads of bugs, terrifying creatures, and more blood than one book should be capable of. I'm always hooked from the get-go, and this one was no different. I loved how Nikka grew throughout the book, and she really came into her own by the end!
God bless Custer Falls, though. I have no idea how anyone is still living there 😂
July 1, 2025
Man what did I just read?
This book was crazy! I'll try to explain it as best as I can.
Nikka suffers from night terrors, but not just at night time, they happen while she's driving, walking, working.....you get the idea.
She loses her job because of this, in her nightmares she sees a witch who says can relieve her of her dreams and get her life back to normal, but at a price.
She must run these errands for the witch for a month, in turn she will get a potion. Each potion is supposed to be stronger than the previous one.
That's all you're getting out of me.
This story is wild, and some of the characters in this are just wow!
I wasn't sure if this was folk-horror, body horror, or psychological horror.
Hell maybe it was all that, because it certainty had all of this.
Check it out if you want your mind blown.
This book was crazy! I'll try to explain it as best as I can.
Nikka suffers from night terrors, but not just at night time, they happen while she's driving, walking, working.....you get the idea.
She loses her job because of this, in her nightmares she sees a witch who says can relieve her of her dreams and get her life back to normal, but at a price.
She must run these errands for the witch for a month, in turn she will get a potion. Each potion is supposed to be stronger than the previous one.
That's all you're getting out of me.
This story is wild, and some of the characters in this are just wow!
I wasn't sure if this was folk-horror, body horror, or psychological horror.
Hell maybe it was all that, because it certainty had all of this.
Check it out if you want your mind blown.
June 14, 2025
From what I have read by D. W. Hitz, he loves to write stories filled with action and horror. So much happens, and it's such a wild, crazy ride.
We are revisiting Custer Falls in this story. There is a witch who lives right outside the town. Nikka hears about how this witch can help her with her nightmares. However, curing one problem could lead to more nightmares in reality.
With so many moving parts in this story, the writing flows smoothly and is quite engaging. The characters are all well developed. If you've read any of Hitz's stories, you know darn well there is a lot to the story.
I recommend this one for those who like the main character to be a strong female, inner demons she struggles with, and a pestiferous witch.
Another big hit in my opinion!
We are revisiting Custer Falls in this story. There is a witch who lives right outside the town. Nikka hears about how this witch can help her with her nightmares. However, curing one problem could lead to more nightmares in reality.
With so many moving parts in this story, the writing flows smoothly and is quite engaging. The characters are all well developed. If you've read any of Hitz's stories, you know darn well there is a lot to the story.
I recommend this one for those who like the main character to be a strong female, inner demons she struggles with, and a pestiferous witch.
Another big hit in my opinion!
June 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to get my hands on Black Creek Mystic by DW Hitz and really enjoyed it. It’s dark, unsettling in places, and genuinely scary—just how I like my horror.
Nikka was a standout for me. She’s a strong, layered character with real depth, and I appreciated how much care the author put into making her feel human.
The story blends supernatural horror with emotional weight and keeps the tension building throughout. It’s one of those books where you keep saying “just one more chapter.”
If you’re into eerie, character-driven horror with a good amount of scares and gore, this is well worth a read.
Rated 5/5
@Dark Booksmith Reviews
Nikka was a standout for me. She’s a strong, layered character with real depth, and I appreciated how much care the author put into making her feel human.
The story blends supernatural horror with emotional weight and keeps the tension building throughout. It’s one of those books where you keep saying “just one more chapter.”
If you’re into eerie, character-driven horror with a good amount of scares and gore, this is well worth a read.
Rated 5/5
@Dark Booksmith Reviews
June 13, 2025
4.5
First time that I visited Custer Falls, and let me tell you, it's one crazy ass place! A local resident of the aforementioned town, Nikka, who's trying to rid some horrific nightmares that have controlled her life, is forced into a deadly game of blackmail by a vicious witch. She's taunted along the way through various forms of torture (as if the nightmares aren't bad rnough)-hunger, murder, and maybe some cannibilism?
One hell of a ride!
First time that I visited Custer Falls, and let me tell you, it's one crazy ass place! A local resident of the aforementioned town, Nikka, who's trying to rid some horrific nightmares that have controlled her life, is forced into a deadly game of blackmail by a vicious witch. She's taunted along the way through various forms of torture (as if the nightmares aren't bad rnough)-hunger, murder, and maybe some cannibilism?
One hell of a ride!
June 2, 2025
This is a great one, as per Dustin's usual. He creates really good characters and really excellent atmosphere. There's a bit of gore, but it isn't like the Custer Falls extreme series (although you may see one or two mentioned, and who doesn't love an Easter egg).
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️. Catch this one quick!
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️. Catch this one quick!
August 5, 2025
What a good tale of finding yourself! As Nikka must discover how to rid herself of a curse that stalks her dreams, she has to take on all sorts of interesting and weird tasks. Hitz brings great characterization and plot to this story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
June 3, 2025
I have loved everything I've read from this author and I've never been disappointed. This book was no exception to that! All the stars!!!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews