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Devils in the Dark
Family was the destination. An unexpected detour to danger. Devils in the dark. Lucent yellow eyes, sharp fangs, talon-like claws. And ready to kill. Now, it’s a struggle for survival.
While driving to northern New Hampshire, a brother and sister are waylaid on the highway by natural disasters. Stranded, they team up with two locals in an effort to reach the town of Paine and their grandparents. To get there, they head off the highway onto a mountain road that passes an old mine. Unfortunately for them, the unexpected earthquakes awakened the mine’s legendary occupants—devil monkeys. With lucent yellow eyes, sharp fangs, talon-like claws, and dark hairy bodies, the prowling primates are straight out of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and ready to kill. The group tries to battle back to safety, enlisting the help of others, and discovering secrets about the monkeys, the mine, the mountain, and the missing.
While driving to northern New Hampshire, a brother and sister are waylaid on the highway by natural disasters. Stranded, they team up with two locals in an effort to reach the town of Paine and their grandparents. To get there, they head off the highway onto a mountain road that passes an old mine. Unfortunately for them, the unexpected earthquakes awakened the mine’s legendary occupants—devil monkeys. With lucent yellow eyes, sharp fangs, talon-like claws, and dark hairy bodies, the prowling primates are straight out of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and ready to kill. The group tries to battle back to safety, enlisting the help of others, and discovering secrets about the monkeys, the mine, the mountain, and the missing.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
About the author
Brian F. McNabb
7 books9 followersBrian F. McNabb is a writer and an educator. McNabb, a 2002 fellow of the National Writing Project, was awarded the 2004 Treat Award for Excellence in the Teaching of the Humanities from the New Hampshire Humanities Council. He is the author of the regionally popular On Thin Ice.
McNabb grew up in Massachusetts and now lives in New Hampshire. He has always had an interest in monsters, undiscovered creatures, UFOs, and the supernatural. He also is a big fan of classic rock from The Beatles to Black Sabbath. Beyond that, McNabb is a New England sports fan and happily spoiled by the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots championships over the last twenty years.
More at www.brianmcnabb.com
McNabb grew up in Massachusetts and now lives in New Hampshire. He has always had an interest in monsters, undiscovered creatures, UFOs, and the supernatural. He also is a big fan of classic rock from The Beatles to Black Sabbath. Beyond that, McNabb is a New England sports fan and happily spoiled by the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots championships over the last twenty years.
More at www.brianmcnabb.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 12, 2026
Devils in the Dark opens with Spencer recording Audio Diary Entry 53 on December 27, 1984. He discusses a recently discovered collection of letters from the 1870s connected to Pinhole Mountain and Mouse Trap Mine. The letters originally came from his Grandpa Campbell’s house, and Spencer believes they may provide proof of a cryptid known as the “Devil Monkeys,” creatures said to haunt Pinhole Mountain and Mouse Trap Mine. Spencer hopes the letters will support his theory that an unknown species has existed around Paine for hundreds of years, and he dreams of writing an article for Cryptozoology magazine.
Early in the story, we are introduced to Spencer’s older sister, Elizabeth, who constantly teases him about ghosts and monsters in the typical way an older sibling might annoy a younger brother. Their banter feels realistic and adds humour to the opening chapters.
The letters Spencer reads are written by a man named Gilbert to his wife, Mary. At first, the letters seem ordinary, describing his working days at the mine and how much he misses his family. However, they gradually become more mysterious and unsettling. Gilbert writes about signs in the tunnels being knocked down, strange noises echoing through the caves, and terrifying creatures with glowing yellow eyes lurking underground. Soon, men begin disappearing without explanation.
Spencer’s reading is interrupted by an earthquake that triggers a severe snowstorm, creating major difficulties for the trip he and Elizabeth are supposed to make to their grandparents’ house. Elizabeth has been given the responsibility of getting them there safely, but the worsening weather — combined with their difficult sibling relationship — quickly leads them into serious trouble, leaving them stranded.
They eventually encounter two unlikely allies, Lee and Tanner, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between these characters. Spencer initially comes across as obnoxious and dismissive toward the newcomers, although at times his behaviour also feels protective. He sees Lee and Tanner as “village idiots,” yet he is secretly relieved by their help because he knows that without them he and Elizabeth could end up buried in the snow.
Throughout the novel, historical details about the town are woven into the story through the letters and through information shared by different characters. This added depth gives the setting a strong sense of history and mystery.
Once all four characters are travelling together in the older boys’ truck, the atmosphere surprisingly becomes cosy despite the chaos surrounding them. After the earthquake, the snowstorm, and the frightening discoveries in the letters, the truck scenes offer a brief sense of comfort and companionship. The CB radio is not working, and Lee cannot contact the brother he was supposed to meet. The journey itself is described almost like an obstacle course as they dodge fallen trees while heading toward the cabins at Pinhole Pass for safety.
During the drive, Spencer presses Lee and Tanner for information about the Devil Monkeys. Lee dismisses the stories, but Tanner is much more willing to believe. He talks about “MOGS” — Monkey Dogs — creatures that resemble miniature Bigfoots.
I especially loved the description of the cabins when they finally arrive. They are compared to “giant tipped-over marshmallows” in a winter wasteland. The cabins are old, decayed, and covered in claw marks and strange tracks. Tanner once again admits that he believes the Devil Monkeys are real. It is here that they discover a warning note telling them to board up the cabin, and even Lee begins to realise the terrifying truth behind the legends. One of my favourite lines is: “Wonderful, now there are flying monkeys.”
One particularly frightening detail is the idea that they cannot allow the cabin fire to go out. When the group finally comes face to face with the Devil Monkeys, Brian McNabb writes the scenes brilliantly. The fear felt by the characters becomes very real to the reader, and the creatures themselves are described as horrifying and grotesque. Trust me — you would not want to be trapped in that cabin.
To discover how the characters survive, you will have to read the book yourself, because there is far more to the story than I can reveal here without spoiling it. More characters are introduced, and the tension continues to build throughout the novel.
I especially enjoyed the references to cryptozoology, Bigfoot, and the Chupacabra, as they give the story a nostalgic and classic monster-hunting atmosphere. The ending also sets up a sequel very nicely, and I am already looking forward to reading book two.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Devils in the Dark. The tension builds perfectly throughout the novel and keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. It is a very well-written, entertaining, and atmospheric story, and I cannot wait to continue with the next instalment.
Early in the story, we are introduced to Spencer’s older sister, Elizabeth, who constantly teases him about ghosts and monsters in the typical way an older sibling might annoy a younger brother. Their banter feels realistic and adds humour to the opening chapters.
The letters Spencer reads are written by a man named Gilbert to his wife, Mary. At first, the letters seem ordinary, describing his working days at the mine and how much he misses his family. However, they gradually become more mysterious and unsettling. Gilbert writes about signs in the tunnels being knocked down, strange noises echoing through the caves, and terrifying creatures with glowing yellow eyes lurking underground. Soon, men begin disappearing without explanation.
Spencer’s reading is interrupted by an earthquake that triggers a severe snowstorm, creating major difficulties for the trip he and Elizabeth are supposed to make to their grandparents’ house. Elizabeth has been given the responsibility of getting them there safely, but the worsening weather — combined with their difficult sibling relationship — quickly leads them into serious trouble, leaving them stranded.
They eventually encounter two unlikely allies, Lee and Tanner, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between these characters. Spencer initially comes across as obnoxious and dismissive toward the newcomers, although at times his behaviour also feels protective. He sees Lee and Tanner as “village idiots,” yet he is secretly relieved by their help because he knows that without them he and Elizabeth could end up buried in the snow.
Throughout the novel, historical details about the town are woven into the story through the letters and through information shared by different characters. This added depth gives the setting a strong sense of history and mystery.
Once all four characters are travelling together in the older boys’ truck, the atmosphere surprisingly becomes cosy despite the chaos surrounding them. After the earthquake, the snowstorm, and the frightening discoveries in the letters, the truck scenes offer a brief sense of comfort and companionship. The CB radio is not working, and Lee cannot contact the brother he was supposed to meet. The journey itself is described almost like an obstacle course as they dodge fallen trees while heading toward the cabins at Pinhole Pass for safety.
During the drive, Spencer presses Lee and Tanner for information about the Devil Monkeys. Lee dismisses the stories, but Tanner is much more willing to believe. He talks about “MOGS” — Monkey Dogs — creatures that resemble miniature Bigfoots.
I especially loved the description of the cabins when they finally arrive. They are compared to “giant tipped-over marshmallows” in a winter wasteland. The cabins are old, decayed, and covered in claw marks and strange tracks. Tanner once again admits that he believes the Devil Monkeys are real. It is here that they discover a warning note telling them to board up the cabin, and even Lee begins to realise the terrifying truth behind the legends. One of my favourite lines is: “Wonderful, now there are flying monkeys.”
One particularly frightening detail is the idea that they cannot allow the cabin fire to go out. When the group finally comes face to face with the Devil Monkeys, Brian McNabb writes the scenes brilliantly. The fear felt by the characters becomes very real to the reader, and the creatures themselves are described as horrifying and grotesque. Trust me — you would not want to be trapped in that cabin.
To discover how the characters survive, you will have to read the book yourself, because there is far more to the story than I can reveal here without spoiling it. More characters are introduced, and the tension continues to build throughout the novel.
I especially enjoyed the references to cryptozoology, Bigfoot, and the Chupacabra, as they give the story a nostalgic and classic monster-hunting atmosphere. The ending also sets up a sequel very nicely, and I am already looking forward to reading book two.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Devils in the Dark. The tension builds perfectly throughout the novel and keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. It is a very well-written, entertaining, and atmospheric story, and I cannot wait to continue with the next instalment.
January 11, 2026
"THEY COME AT NIGHT. LOOK OUT FOR TRACKS. BOARD EVERYTHING UP. THEY COME FROM THE MINES. THEY WILL KILL YOU"
Devils in the Dark is a low fantasy/horror book that will have you sitting on on the edge of your seat until the very end. Every turn of the page introduces a new secret to discover, a mystery to solve, a character to question, or a battle to win. With suspenseful buildup, thrilling action, and shocking plot twists around every corner, this book is impossible to put down.
Summary:
Spencer and Elizabeth are your average siblings, bickering over the drop of a hat and definitely NOT looking forward to the five hour roadtrip together to visit their grandparents in Paine, New Hampshire. Begrudgingly, they set off on their adventure, unaware that a simple roadtrip will become a battle for their lives.
A New England snowstorm like no other unhelpfully accompanied by a series of earthquakes sends them abandoning their car and teaming up with two boys, Tanner and Lee, that happen to cross their path in a desperate attempt to avoid freezing to death. The unlikely group stumbles upon a series of abandoned cabins at the base of an old mountain riddled with mousetrap mines. Upon their arrival at the cabins, the team soon realizes that the treacherous snow is the least of their worries. For lurking in the mines are fairytale monsters straight out of your worst nightmare and they are out for blood. The makeshift demon-monkey-battling crew must work together to fight their way out of this nightmare come to life; uncovering secrets, mysteries, and truths in their wild battle to survive.
"The devil monkey idea isn't crazy. They just haven't been discovered. Or rediscovered again"
The actual devil monkeys of the book are based on the legends and folklore whispered throughout the local community and with the author being from the area himself, he hits the nail on the head with the historical connections. It is clear how knowledgable and educated the author is on these topics and he both does them justice and is able to add his own twists to the fairytales. It's an interesting element of this story that sets it apart from other books of the low fantasy and horror genres as the supernatural components are based in folklore directly tied back to rumors spread around small towns and mysterious sightings in the dead of night. The author explains more about these historical connections in his website, link: https://brianmcnabb.com/author.html.
"The monkey's were last seen out here, and he was out here. He was out of the frying pan and into the fire again. He touched his head. His hat was AWOL. 'Great, now my head will freeze.' His stomach growled. 'Man, I could use a Scooby Snack. Devil monkeys want one too, except it's me'"
Another key component of the book that I particularly enjoyed was the sarcastic humor threaded throughout the entire novel. In the face of imminent danger, the characters upkeep their snippy banter and Spencer's hilarious narration adds a lighthearted fun to the rather haunting story. There are numerous "laugh-out-loud" moments where I was pleasantly surprised by the dry humor and witty comments. Every character is relatable and pricelessly entertaining and these hysterical moments create an excellent balance between heart-pounding action and satire. Fans of witty comedy and well-placed references will adore the overall prose.
"Elizabeth came over and squeezed Tanner's hand. He looked up. 'Thanks for helping me.' The weight from waiting had worm them both out"
This book also includes a subtle sub-plot budding romance between Elizabeth and Tanner. Usually in stories similar to this one, a romance sub-plot can feel out of place or forced, but this romance is cute and quick, giving the reader just one more reason to root for the character's success.
"A Screech reverberated out of the hole. A devil monkey sprang up, snarling. With its lucent eyes, sharp fangs, claws, and furry body, the monster was straight out of a Grimm's Fairytale"
Another notable point about this book is that the action is both realistic and captivating, drawing you in and leaving you with one question in mind: will everyone make it out alive?
Overall, I absolutely loved this book! It's great for fans of a sarcastic narration style and action-packed plot line. The end is guaranteed to leave you satisfied but starving for a sequel!
Devils in the Dark is a low fantasy/horror book that will have you sitting on on the edge of your seat until the very end. Every turn of the page introduces a new secret to discover, a mystery to solve, a character to question, or a battle to win. With suspenseful buildup, thrilling action, and shocking plot twists around every corner, this book is impossible to put down.
Summary:
Spencer and Elizabeth are your average siblings, bickering over the drop of a hat and definitely NOT looking forward to the five hour roadtrip together to visit their grandparents in Paine, New Hampshire. Begrudgingly, they set off on their adventure, unaware that a simple roadtrip will become a battle for their lives.
A New England snowstorm like no other unhelpfully accompanied by a series of earthquakes sends them abandoning their car and teaming up with two boys, Tanner and Lee, that happen to cross their path in a desperate attempt to avoid freezing to death. The unlikely group stumbles upon a series of abandoned cabins at the base of an old mountain riddled with mousetrap mines. Upon their arrival at the cabins, the team soon realizes that the treacherous snow is the least of their worries. For lurking in the mines are fairytale monsters straight out of your worst nightmare and they are out for blood. The makeshift demon-monkey-battling crew must work together to fight their way out of this nightmare come to life; uncovering secrets, mysteries, and truths in their wild battle to survive.
"The devil monkey idea isn't crazy. They just haven't been discovered. Or rediscovered again"
The actual devil monkeys of the book are based on the legends and folklore whispered throughout the local community and with the author being from the area himself, he hits the nail on the head with the historical connections. It is clear how knowledgable and educated the author is on these topics and he both does them justice and is able to add his own twists to the fairytales. It's an interesting element of this story that sets it apart from other books of the low fantasy and horror genres as the supernatural components are based in folklore directly tied back to rumors spread around small towns and mysterious sightings in the dead of night. The author explains more about these historical connections in his website, link: https://brianmcnabb.com/author.html.
"The monkey's were last seen out here, and he was out here. He was out of the frying pan and into the fire again. He touched his head. His hat was AWOL. 'Great, now my head will freeze.' His stomach growled. 'Man, I could use a Scooby Snack. Devil monkeys want one too, except it's me'"
Another key component of the book that I particularly enjoyed was the sarcastic humor threaded throughout the entire novel. In the face of imminent danger, the characters upkeep their snippy banter and Spencer's hilarious narration adds a lighthearted fun to the rather haunting story. There are numerous "laugh-out-loud" moments where I was pleasantly surprised by the dry humor and witty comments. Every character is relatable and pricelessly entertaining and these hysterical moments create an excellent balance between heart-pounding action and satire. Fans of witty comedy and well-placed references will adore the overall prose.
"Elizabeth came over and squeezed Tanner's hand. He looked up. 'Thanks for helping me.' The weight from waiting had worm them both out"
This book also includes a subtle sub-plot budding romance between Elizabeth and Tanner. Usually in stories similar to this one, a romance sub-plot can feel out of place or forced, but this romance is cute and quick, giving the reader just one more reason to root for the character's success.
"A Screech reverberated out of the hole. A devil monkey sprang up, snarling. With its lucent eyes, sharp fangs, claws, and furry body, the monster was straight out of a Grimm's Fairytale"
Another notable point about this book is that the action is both realistic and captivating, drawing you in and leaving you with one question in mind: will everyone make it out alive?
Overall, I absolutely loved this book! It's great for fans of a sarcastic narration style and action-packed plot line. The end is guaranteed to leave you satisfied but starving for a sequel!
March 25, 2026
This book's historical feel intrigued me right at the start with letters from the past. I found myself wondering how much was based on facts and was impressed to see references listed by the author showing the level of research and preparation put into building the world of the story.
I would love more time inside the caves! And, like Spencer, I want more time poking around Brown's cabin, too. The story leaves you wondering with hints toward the next installment. I'm looking forward to seeing more of how Elizabeth and Tanner develop, too.
I would love more time inside the caves! And, like Spencer, I want more time poking around Brown's cabin, too. The story leaves you wondering with hints toward the next installment. I'm looking forward to seeing more of how Elizabeth and Tanner develop, too.
May 2, 2026
Not my usual type of read, but really glad I did. A truly fun read! The writing was engaging with the perfect amount of captivating mystery/suspense for a YA horror read. I loved how the myth entwined with everyday life. "Spence, the intense" is a well developed character, and at times, the most annoying younger brother. 🙉You know the story is a good one when you land up falling into the Google rabbit hole of "devil monkeys" and "Appalachian cryptids" after the book has ended. Heads up: there is a second book coming 👀
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews