They Prefer It Hidden

by Kenneth Falb, George Jreije (Editor), Driss Chaoui (Illustrator)

Looking for purpose isn’t easy, but finding it is even harder. New questions arise from it. How will I make money? Who am I doing this for? Now imagine asking all that while fighting zombies and invisible monsters.

They Prefer It Hidden is about Jonathan Whitlock, who inherits the job of occult investigator from his late uncle. Now he has to defend the unfamiliar town of Helford, whose need for normalcy requires someone like Jonathan. With the help of his warlock friend Tomas, find out how Jonathan learns to navigate the strange and secretive.

422 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2025

Reviews

[Victoria Neault · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Took me a second to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked. Kenneth Falb definitely knows how to keep his readers entertained. Love that the main storyline was about the working relationship the two MMCs had, and it wasn’t until towards the end that a romantic interest was discussed. The descriptions and figurative language used while writing was delicious.

Definitely a story for paranormal lovers and even those who are relatively new to paranormal/fantasy/supernatural stories.

[William Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Packed with witty comedy. Really enjoyed the balance of action and humor. Recommending it to my family and friends. Fingers crossed for a sequel!

[Bug Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read! The vibes are the same as an early 2000’s monster hunting show along the lines of Gravity Falls as stated by another commenter. If you enjoy some cryptid’s and a fun eerie small town vibe this is for you!! I enjoyed the plot, characters, side characters (Matilda being my favorite so far), and the hints of romance. Looking forward to anything else Kenneth puts out and will surely support!

[Matthew Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun light read that gives me the same type of vibe as Gravity Falls. Definitely looking forward to any future books Kenneth writes!

[Chloe the Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping in mind that this book is intended for younger audiences and is the author’s debut novel, I give it a 3.5/5 stars, rounded up.

This book follows a 22 year old man who is thrust into a role as an occult investigator after his uncle dies, leaving him a house and a reputation. He meets a friend who is also interested in the occult and together, they begin to unravel the town’s mysteries. This was a fun and lighthearted read, peppered with humor and adventure. I can easily see early teenage boys enjoying this book!

[Gwendolyn Hargrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fun read I enjoyed every twist and turn. The book had lots of cryptid monsters as well as a cryptid sidekick which has to be my favorite so far. The book was fast paced and perfect read during this spooky season. I enjoyed the hints of romance and thought the duo was very entertaining together. The book over all was hilarious but also kept the sense of mystery highly recommend for any cryptid small town fans!

[Blake Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenneth Falb’s debut novel, They Prefer It Hidden, tackles urban fantasy and early adulthood angst in equal measure as its two protagonists amiably shoot, stab, spell, and sleuth their way through the ostensibly normal town of Helford at a pace both easily and rapid enough to keep any reader invested for the duration of the deceptively swift read.