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Backwoods

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When successful entrepreneur Nick Alexander visits his reclusive grandfather's remote Georgia property, he's hoping to convince the old man to sell nearly a thousand acres for millions. What should be a simple family discussion becomes a nightmare when Nick and his girlfriend Amiya discover they're not alone in these primeval woods.

Hidden deep within the forest lies a dark secret that has festered for generations—a place where people vanish without a trace, where terrified voices whisper about an entity known only as "The Overseer," and where strange marks branded into flesh hold a power that defies explanation.

As darkness falls, Nick realizes his grandfather has been keeping deadly secrets. The land that's been in their family for over a century harbors something evil, something that feeds on suffering and traps souls in an endless cycle of torment.

Now, with Amiya captured and innocent people imprisoned in unimaginable conditions, Nick must confront a horrifying family legacy. Some burdens pass from father to son. Some curses demand blood. And in these backwoods, the sins of the past are very much alive.

From bestselling author Brandon Massey comes a chilling tale of family secrets, supernatural horror, and the price of breaking generational chains.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2025

69 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Brandon Massey

56 books854 followers
Here’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)

I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.

I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.

Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.

My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.

I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.

I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.

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5 stars
69 (52%)
4 stars
46 (35%)
3 stars
14 (10%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Lit_Vibrations .
413 reviews38 followers
December 31, 2025
This is my first and favorite book by the author I can’t wait to read more‼️Based on the title my first thoughts were haunted woods maybe a few ghosts. But turns out it was soooooooo much more.

Nick Alexander was your typical family member you didn’t hear from him til he needed something. It’s been years since he visited his grandfathers home out in Georgia but Nick was in trouble and needed money fast. He conjured the perfect scheme to solve all his problems and brung his girlfriend Amiya along for the ride. Upon arrival things seem cool but nothing goes as planned leaving them both. . . SCREWED‼️

I enjoyed every moment of this book I honestly didn’t know what we’d find lurking in the woods. But the twist was so clever it’s the last thing I would have expected. They encounter an evil force that could trap them forever and once you’re captured there’s no escaping. Just know this one will have you hooked and invested from beginning to end. There was never a dull moment and I was so intrigued by Nick’s family history.

Nick was hands down the most annoying character in the book the man didn’t listen. I loved Amiya she wasn’t going down without a fight. We get so much with this one from cursed land, a dark family secret, some things from the past, sacrifices, survival, a few immortal beings and a whole lot of weird stuff in between. The plot was unpredictable and the author perfectly captures the chaos that transports readers back in time. If you’re looking for a fast-paced supernatural horror I highly recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Profile Image for Tanisha Stewart.
Author 181 books355 followers
October 21, 2025
Loved it!

This story came out swinging and didn't stop. It was a gripping tale that held my attention from beginning to end. I was sad it ended and can't wait til the next read!!
Profile Image for Anniee Bee.
Author 50 books18 followers
October 6, 2025
Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review!

📖 Book: Backwoods by Brandon Massey
📅 Published: 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5

If you’ve been craving a suspenseful horror story that pulls you deep into the woods and refuses to let go, Backwoods delivers! Brandon Massey takes the idea of a family trip to the country and twists it into something dark, atmospheric, and unsettling in all the right ways.

From the very first chapter, you can feel that something isn’t quite right, and that tension never really lets up. The setting plays a huge role here , it’s eerie, isolated, and gives the story this slow-burn creepiness that sticks with you. I love how Massey blends emotional stakes with supernatural vibes without overdoing it.

The pacing kept me turning pages, and the writing style made it super easy to picture everything playing out like a movie. My only tiny critique? A few moments were a little predictable if you read a lot of horror, but it didn’t take away from how enjoyable the journey was.

Overall, Backwoods is a strong, chilling read that proves why Brandon Massey continues to stand out in the horror genre. It’s suspenseful, mysterious, and just the right amount of scary, perfect for anyone looking for their next dark, thrilling escape.
Profile Image for tre be.
1,026 reviews130 followers
December 11, 2025
Now, where was this book when I was looking for something frightful during October?

Backwoods really hit the spot! Nick and his girlfriend Amiyah visits his grandfather’s home in the backwoods. It’s secluded and grandpa likes to clear the scene before dark.

When Nick and Amiyah end up lost back up in the woods, they wind up trapped and fighting for their lives! Evil lurks when the darkness comes! Just knowing they were stuck in the unknown had me feeling chills, and the closer it got to nightfall the more my nerves got the best of me.

When I saw litvibrations post about this book I knew I had to read it! It was an insanely good, out the box plot! I’ve read a few of Brandon Massey’s books but he really dove deep into his creative ideas with this one and upped the ante. It was oh so good and creepy! I liked how Amiyah used her quick thinking and feminine wiles to her benefit.

The narration was spot on! I was tuned in and glued in place, highly entertained. It felt as though I was watching the scenes unfold before my eyes. Definitely worth the audible credit I used 📌
Profile Image for Samyra Alexander.
Author 11 books151 followers
December 7, 2025
I highly recommend this horror thriller because it was entertaining and kept me wondering what would happen next. I usually want to shake Brandon’s male characters, but the M.C. in this story didn’t annoy me. I can’t wait to tell others about this book.
Profile Image for Shauna.
73 reviews13 followers
November 17, 2025
Brandon Massey has done it again. Backwoods was my first experience reading one of his horror-leaning novels, and it exceeded every expectation. The story centers on Westbrook, the secluded family estate of Nick, where his grandfather still resides. Pressured by questionable business dealings and eager to cut ties, Nick returns home with his girlfriend, Amiya, hoping to persuade his grandfather to sell the property. What begins as a simple visit quickly unravels into something far darker, as the couple discovers that nothing at Westbrook is quite what it seems.

Massey masterfully builds suspense, offering twist after twist that keeps the pages turning and the tension high. Backwoods is the kind of story that keeps you guessing until the very end—and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire way.
Profile Image for Kami Shalom.
173 reviews22 followers
October 12, 2025
Nick and Amiya are heading to Grandpa Lee’s secluded shotgun house and sprawling Westbrook property to talk about the future of the land. Grandpa Lee is willing to talk but all conversations must be finished by sundown. What happens at sundown and why does Grandpa seem to be keeping secrets?

When night falls Nick and Amiya begin to understand all the terrors Westbrook holds.

I thoroughly enjoy Brandon Massey’s writing style. This was a creepy, fast paced, Backwoods horror that includes a few twists and turns that I did not see coming.
Profile Image for Miss Jayla.
22 reviews
November 26, 2025
a new Brandon Massey fan!

i went into this book blindly only knowing that the book was based on a couple being stranded somewhere and the girlfriend potentially having to do things she didn't want to do to make it out alive,with that being said i was extremely pleasantly surprised to see that the book had Mystery, thrill, and some syfy fantasy elements. i will be recommending this book an in the meantime reading more from him
Profile Image for Adrena Monic.
20 reviews
December 7, 2025
This is what I’m here for. Supernatural horror told by a skilled storyteller. I love how the setting starts in a luxurious modern life and rolls right into the backwoods. This is an immersive, suspenseful and entertaining story from the beginning to the very end. No dull moments. I’m also currently reading “Dark Corner” by this author and love that book as well.
Profile Image for Lauralyne.
6 reviews
October 14, 2025
excellent

So good! Could not put it down! Could not put it down! Gripping, chilling, and full of twists that keep you on edge. This needs to be made into a movie. A perfect mix of suspense and horror.
Profile Image for Briitta (Momma_Shligga).
116 reviews6 followers
October 16, 2025
Backwoods had me captured from start to finish! Brandon Massey delivers a gripping, atmospheric thriller full of suspense, mystery, and just the right touch of the supernatural. The twists kept me hooked, and the pacing was spot-on. A chilling, unputdownable read. I highly recommend it!
1 review
October 9, 2025
Massey doesn't miss

I enjoyed this book. Brandon Massey is a great writer. The way he describes things made me feel like I was there myself. I'd give it 3.5 -4 stars
Profile Image for Jo Goldsmith.
269 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2025
Brandon Massey has done it again. I love this author's style. He always tells a great story mixed with history, a little humor and just simple suspense.
163 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2025
Great Read!

I’ve been reading this author since I was in high school and decades later, he still doesn’t disappoint. Can’t wait for the next book
Profile Image for Felicia.
343 reviews12 followers
October 16, 2025
This would be a decent popcorn horror movie. It’s a bit flat and two dimensional as a book though.
6 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2025
A true thriller !

I had to read this thriller with the lights on! One of Brandon Massey's best story. Nick learned the hard way that all money isn't always good money.
7 reviews
October 28, 2025
Wild and Out of this WORLD

A must read, this was such a page turner I never wanted it to end.

Mr. MASSEY NEVER DISAPPOINTS with his detailed storytelling skills.
4 reviews
November 1, 2025
I just couldn’t put it down!

A real page turner!! I love all his novels, holds the reader’s attention. I highly recommend! Great read! Five star
Profile Image for The Book Jawn .
254 reviews21 followers
November 16, 2025
This book was sooooo good; however, I knew from the beginning what role grandpa played. Either way, this was still great and I can’t wait for the next Brandon Massey book.
138 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is amazing. I truly felt like an invisible being in this world, watching it all go down. This was a movie in my minds eye. Cantvwait tonread more by him.
2 reviews
December 26, 2025
intense

This book was amazing…Brandon never cease to amaze me with these suspenseful books. Another great read, once you start it will be hard to pull away!
1 review1 follower
October 23, 2025
Just finished reading Backwoods: awesome read, suspenseful, thrilling hard to put down once you start reading. I have read all the books he has written, they never disappoint!
Profile Image for Britt Britt.
45 reviews
December 1, 2025
This book reminds me of one of those psychological horror/thriller movies by Jordan Peele. I really enjoyed it. It didn’t scare me, but still a great book & worth the read if you’re into this genre.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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