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The Cursed Manuscripts
Crawlers
Do you dig Stephen King, Richard Laymon, and James Herbert? Well, then check out this unique and horrifying read from multi-time bestseller, Iain Rob Wright. But be warned, reading it may cause nightmares.
"IAIN ROB WRIGHT SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME!" - JA Konrath
Something deadly has been born...
When pest controllers Nick Grieves and Samantha Grieves are called to a sleepy dockyard in the dead of night, they are expecting a rat infestation or an unclaimed exotic pet. What they find instead is a nightmare from another a terrifying and unnatural creature with a hunger that can’t be satisfied.
As a terrifying crisis spreads throughout the UK, a small band of survivors must fight not only to stay alive, but to prevent the country from being consumed by an eight-legged apocalypse. Not everyone is going to make it, but being human means refusing to give up—even when you're outnumbered ten-thousand to one.
The food chain is about to change...
If you hunger for tales of creeping dread, where terror weaves an inescapable web, then Iain Rob Wright's "Crawlers" is the novel you've been waiting for. Grab your copy today and discover what readers are screaming about.
THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE ENTRY IN THE 'CURSED MANUSCRIPTS' SHARED UNIVERSE.
On January 21, 2012, according to the Mayan Calendar, the world was supposed to end. It didn't. But on that day, 113 mysterious manuscripts were discovered around the world, each one written in blood by an unknown author. After several dozen unexplained deaths befell the finders of said manuscripts, a decision was made to lock them up for good in a secret vault beneath the Vatican. It is said that anyone who reads the stories will die, and as such they are now referred to as 'The Cursed Manuscripts.'
In December 2020, new manuscripts started turning up around the world. 'Bad luck' was one of them.
MANUSCRIPT 8/24-08 (BAD LUCK).
Details below.
Manuscript 8.24-08, discovered January 2018 in Bolivia by rural pig farmer, Inti Torres Varguez, who found it half buried in the soil. Somehow the written pages were miraculously okay, but eight days later Inti was found trampled to death by his livestock and half-eaten by swarming insects. The following text was was written in a notebook beneath his bed, which is strange as Inti was unable to read and write.WHAT READERS ARE SAYING★★★★★ "One of Britain’s brightest talents."
★★★★★ "There's no good point to put the book down so you can get some sleep."
★★★★★ "Stephen King fans would enjoy this."
★★★★★ "I loved every minute of it."
★★★★★ "I read it in 2 days, unheard of for me!"
★★★★★ "There is a surprising twist to the end of the book."
★★★★★ "A cosy, ripping yarn."
★★★★★ "Brilliant storyline with the right amount of horror."
★★★★★ "I could not put it down, had to read through the night."
★★★★★ "I loved the story!"
★★★★★ "Everything I've come to expect from Iain Rob Wright."
"IAIN ROB WRIGHT SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME!" - JA Konrath
Something deadly has been born...
When pest controllers Nick Grieves and Samantha Grieves are called to a sleepy dockyard in the dead of night, they are expecting a rat infestation or an unclaimed exotic pet. What they find instead is a nightmare from another a terrifying and unnatural creature with a hunger that can’t be satisfied.
As a terrifying crisis spreads throughout the UK, a small band of survivors must fight not only to stay alive, but to prevent the country from being consumed by an eight-legged apocalypse. Not everyone is going to make it, but being human means refusing to give up—even when you're outnumbered ten-thousand to one.
The food chain is about to change...
If you hunger for tales of creeping dread, where terror weaves an inescapable web, then Iain Rob Wright's "Crawlers" is the novel you've been waiting for. Grab your copy today and discover what readers are screaming about.
THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE ENTRY IN THE 'CURSED MANUSCRIPTS' SHARED UNIVERSE.
On January 21, 2012, according to the Mayan Calendar, the world was supposed to end. It didn't. But on that day, 113 mysterious manuscripts were discovered around the world, each one written in blood by an unknown author. After several dozen unexplained deaths befell the finders of said manuscripts, a decision was made to lock them up for good in a secret vault beneath the Vatican. It is said that anyone who reads the stories will die, and as such they are now referred to as 'The Cursed Manuscripts.'
In December 2020, new manuscripts started turning up around the world. 'Bad luck' was one of them.
MANUSCRIPT 8/24-08 (BAD LUCK).
Details below.
Manuscript 8.24-08, discovered January 2018 in Bolivia by rural pig farmer, Inti Torres Varguez, who found it half buried in the soil. Somehow the written pages were miraculously okay, but eight days later Inti was found trampled to death by his livestock and half-eaten by swarming insects. The following text was was written in a notebook beneath his bed, which is strange as Inti was unable to read and write.WHAT READERS ARE SAYING★★★★★ "One of Britain’s brightest talents."
★★★★★ "There's no good point to put the book down so you can get some sleep."
★★★★★ "Stephen King fans would enjoy this."
★★★★★ "I loved every minute of it."
★★★★★ "I read it in 2 days, unheard of for me!"
★★★★★ "There is a surprising twist to the end of the book."
★★★★★ "A cosy, ripping yarn."
★★★★★ "Brilliant storyline with the right amount of horror."
★★★★★ "I could not put it down, had to read through the night."
★★★★★ "I loved the story!"
★★★★★ "Everything I've come to expect from Iain Rob Wright."
- GenresHorror
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
286 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Iain Rob Wright
159 books1,826 followersOne of Horror's most respected authors, Iain Rob Wright is the writer of more than forty books, many of them bestsellers. A previous Kindle All-Star and a mainstay in the horror charts, he is a prolific producer of unique and original stories. From his apocalyptic saga The Gates to his claustrophobic revenge thriller ASBO, Iain writes across a broad spectrum of sub genres, creating both beloved series and standalone titles.
With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.
To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com
With work available in several languages and in audio, Iain Rob Wright is one of the fastest rising stars in horror, but when not writing he is a dedicated family man. Father to Jack and Molly, and husband to Sally, he is often seen sharing his family memories with his fans on Facebook.
To get 6 of his books for free (no strings), just visit: www.iainrobwright.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 24, 2025
Finally building the bigger picture.
This was another great entry into the Cursed Manuscripts series. Always love giant insects plaguing mankind and the best creeper is the spider. Looking forward to what Iain is building with these and how it will all tie together. At least we have a villain now.
This was another great entry into the Cursed Manuscripts series. Always love giant insects plaguing mankind and the best creeper is the spider. Looking forward to what Iain is building with these and how it will all tie together. At least we have a villain now.
January 9, 2026
Not a bad effort at a mutant killer spider read that is clearly part of a wider narrative (hence The Cursed Manuscripts #9), but can be read without having consumed the previous eight entries.
There are a couple of ludicrous suspensions of disbelief that are required, but there are also a couple of truly horrifying scenes that my arachnophobic ass could barely tolerate. Characterisations are fine, even if there is really only one who goes through a discernible arc.
So that all equates to a solid 3-star read.
3 Swarms of Spiders (shudder) for Crawlers.
There are a couple of ludicrous suspensions of disbelief that are required, but there are also a couple of truly horrifying scenes that my arachnophobic ass could barely tolerate. Characterisations are fine, even if there is really only one who goes through a discernible arc.
So that all equates to a solid 3-star read.
3 Swarms of Spiders (shudder) for Crawlers.
November 25, 2025
Arachnophobia!
A shipping container arrives at a small North Eastern dock.
It is damaged and leaking a viscous liquid. Strange moans are heard and so the dock workers open it. It was the last thing they would do.
Police find a dead spider inside the container. A huge dead spider. It's impossible.
Iain writes another masterpiece reminiscent of James Herbert's The Rats.
A great read that keeps you hooked.
A shipping container arrives at a small North Eastern dock.
It is damaged and leaking a viscous liquid. Strange moans are heard and so the dock workers open it. It was the last thing they would do.
Police find a dead spider inside the container. A huge dead spider. It's impossible.
Iain writes another masterpiece reminiscent of James Herbert's The Rats.
A great read that keeps you hooked.
November 22, 2025
What's that crawling up my leg....
Crawlers, one of the Cursed Manuscripts by Iian Rob Wright, is about genetically modified spiders which, once they escape, wreak havoc and rack up a big body count wherever they go. The writing is of the highest caliber, with flawed and believable characters who sacrifice themselves to save others, realistic dialogue, exactly the kind of expletive laden dialog one would expect during a giant arachnid attack, good plot, fast pacing and very vivid descriptions of the results of said attacks. This is a highly enjoyable read, unless, of course, you're an arachnophobe! 5/5 stars, highly recommended for horror fans!
Crawlers, one of the Cursed Manuscripts by Iian Rob Wright, is about genetically modified spiders which, once they escape, wreak havoc and rack up a big body count wherever they go. The writing is of the highest caliber, with flawed and believable characters who sacrifice themselves to save others, realistic dialogue, exactly the kind of expletive laden dialog one would expect during a giant arachnid attack, good plot, fast pacing and very vivid descriptions of the results of said attacks. This is a highly enjoyable read, unless, of course, you're an arachnophobe! 5/5 stars, highly recommended for horror fans!
December 20, 2025
what a creepy crawly read. im not a fan of spiders so this book had my skin crawling. a group of experts on spiders try to help on an investigation of how these people died. once they find out that these spiders mean business, how many od them will survive? and will they be able to defeat the spiders?
November 22, 2025
nightmares
I should not have read this before bed. It seems like the wait for a new book takes forever, then I get greedy and read the whole thing in one sitting. This one was really good. As are all of them in this series. Now I have to go read something light and fluffy so I can sleep eventually.
I should not have read this before bed. It seems like the wait for a new book takes forever, then I get greedy and read the whole thing in one sitting. This one was really good. As are all of them in this series. Now I have to go read something light and fluffy so I can sleep eventually.
November 23, 2025
Yucky
Yucky but scary of a different kind. Giant spiders not my cup of tea but still read it like a fool now I'll probably have nightmares.
Yucky but scary of a different kind. Giant spiders not my cup of tea but still read it like a fool now I'll probably have nightmares.
December 8, 2025
Interesting how he is tying up various parts of this series towards a climax.!
January 2, 2026
I am a sucker for spider-related books, whether it’s horror, or… well, it’s usually horror. I grew up loving spiders - I’d catch and feed them grasshoppers in mason jars in my basement, and these days I invite spiders to come and threaten the other cryptids that live in my house. I’d also read Iain’s previous book, The Spread (Book 1: The Hill), back in 2021 and remember really enjoying it. (It’s memorable, if not especially great, bright green cover helped.) So when I saw Crawlers creep up on Kindle Unlimited, I pounced.
It’s a pulpy, squishy, at times really silly blast. There are thousands of little spiders, a handful of big ones, and a group of hapless heroes that would feel right at home in Arachnophobia (The movie, not the overall fear…). I was surprised when I saw the page count because it felt like a snappier, shorter novella when I was reading it. Like Wright’s previous book, I was reminded not to get attached to anyone in Crawlers - no one is safe from his keyboard.
There are a lot of questions revolving around some of the characters’ logic in this book, from tractors, to dissolving protective gear, to ignoring medical warning signs, to going to a general practitioner when you have a specialist on call, but it all fits the overall B-Movie vibe of the book.
My only real complaint is that when I picked it up on Kindle, it was not designated as part of a series, and it is - it’s book NINE in his Cursed Manuscripts series. This meant there were several characters and references that felt like I should know who they were, or care about their inclusion, and I didn’t. Plus and Minus for me there, as I now have eight other (presumably) deleriously delicious horror/thrillers to read, but it also made this book, which would have stood on its own eight legs just fine, weaker because of it.
Still - it was a lot of fun, and it’s spiders killing people - what’s not to love?
(I need to get my hands on some of the special edition paperbacks Wright sells on his website - they look rad.)
It’s a pulpy, squishy, at times really silly blast. There are thousands of little spiders, a handful of big ones, and a group of hapless heroes that would feel right at home in Arachnophobia (The movie, not the overall fear…). I was surprised when I saw the page count because it felt like a snappier, shorter novella when I was reading it. Like Wright’s previous book, I was reminded not to get attached to anyone in Crawlers - no one is safe from his keyboard.
There are a lot of questions revolving around some of the characters’ logic in this book, from tractors, to dissolving protective gear, to ignoring medical warning signs, to going to a general practitioner when you have a specialist on call, but it all fits the overall B-Movie vibe of the book.
My only real complaint is that when I picked it up on Kindle, it was not designated as part of a series, and it is - it’s book NINE in his Cursed Manuscripts series. This meant there were several characters and references that felt like I should know who they were, or care about their inclusion, and I didn’t. Plus and Minus for me there, as I now have eight other (presumably) deleriously delicious horror/thrillers to read, but it also made this book, which would have stood on its own eight legs just fine, weaker because of it.
Still - it was a lot of fun, and it’s spiders killing people - what’s not to love?
(I need to get my hands on some of the special edition paperbacks Wright sells on his website - they look rad.)
December 21, 2025
Wow!
Crawlers by Iain Rob Wright makes it clear that the author put real effort into researching spiders and insects. You can feel it in the details. The way he combines different species to create his terrifying arachnids is both fascinating and unsettling, and for such a short book, the amount of research behind it really stands out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he draws on this groundwork again in future stories.
The characters who get caught up in the chaos are only briefly sketched, yet they still manage to feel sympathetic. I think that has a lot to do with the universal squeamishness many of us have around spiders. When you imagine not just a handful, but thousands, maybe even millions of them, it is easy to connect with the fear these characters face. The small group at the center of the story, including a self‑proclaimed pest controller, an arachnologist, and two investigative reporters, quickly realize that the danger reaches far beyond their own survival.
Some readers might hesitate because of the subject matter, but I found the book absolutely worth diving into. It kept me awake longer than I planned, and honestly, that is part of why I recommend it. It delivers exactly the kind of creepy, fast‑paced experience you hope for when you pick up a creature‑feature thriller.
Crawlers by Iain Rob Wright makes it clear that the author put real effort into researching spiders and insects. You can feel it in the details. The way he combines different species to create his terrifying arachnids is both fascinating and unsettling, and for such a short book, the amount of research behind it really stands out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he draws on this groundwork again in future stories.
The characters who get caught up in the chaos are only briefly sketched, yet they still manage to feel sympathetic. I think that has a lot to do with the universal squeamishness many of us have around spiders. When you imagine not just a handful, but thousands, maybe even millions of them, it is easy to connect with the fear these characters face. The small group at the center of the story, including a self‑proclaimed pest controller, an arachnologist, and two investigative reporters, quickly realize that the danger reaches far beyond their own survival.
Some readers might hesitate because of the subject matter, but I found the book absolutely worth diving into. It kept me awake longer than I planned, and honestly, that is part of why I recommend it. It delivers exactly the kind of creepy, fast‑paced experience you hope for when you pick up a creature‑feature thriller.
November 29, 2025
If you don’t like spiders even a teeny bit don’t read this.
Excellent addition to the cursed manuscripts by Iain Rob Wright.
A scary time as a huge spider is transported in illegally and then releases mayhem.
I’m not a fan of these creatures, but I had to read this as I’ve read the rest in the series and they can be linked and cleverly if not sneakily get brought into each other. Not always, but usually, ok often. I love this series though. Quicker reads but nothing less for that.
Excellent addition to the cursed manuscripts by Iain Rob Wright.
A scary time as a huge spider is transported in illegally and then releases mayhem.
I’m not a fan of these creatures, but I had to read this as I’ve read the rest in the series and they can be linked and cleverly if not sneakily get brought into each other. Not always, but usually, ok often. I love this series though. Quicker reads but nothing less for that.
December 4, 2025
Gripping as always
I've read all of the Cursed Manuscripts released so far, and found myself hooked within the first couple of chapters and can't put them down. This one was no exception and I finished it within a couple of days. They can be read as stand alone books but there are nods and Easter eggs from other books worked in, which I love. The only problem is waiting for the next one in the series to come out.
I've read all of the Cursed Manuscripts released so far, and found myself hooked within the first couple of chapters and can't put them down. This one was no exception and I finished it within a couple of days. They can be read as stand alone books but there are nods and Easter eggs from other books worked in, which I love. The only problem is waiting for the next one in the series to come out.
December 27, 2025
Another masterpiece
Brilliant story which brings back some well loved characters, as well as introducing new, interesting ones. The creatures were scary without being made into the villain, which is quite the feat. I also appreciate the nod to HD, as this is a condition that very few people know about and needs to be discussed more. I was pleasantly surprised to see it mentioned. Another masterpiece by a very talented writer. I look forward to the next one.
Brilliant story which brings back some well loved characters, as well as introducing new, interesting ones. The creatures were scary without being made into the villain, which is quite the feat. I also appreciate the nod to HD, as this is a condition that very few people know about and needs to be discussed more. I was pleasantly surprised to see it mentioned. Another masterpiece by a very talented writer. I look forward to the next one.
January 21, 2026
I don't know where to begin with this review. The story had some exciting parts and was well written. However, in my mind I was always waiting for something to happen, although I don't know what. People die from these spiders. These bugs are real baddies! I would say, Give it a try - especially if you read and enjoyed any of the others in this series. I don't think I will follow through on them at this time.
January 8, 2026
Didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as I did the other cursed manuscripts books. I guess bugs don’t really hold my interest and I didn’t find it particularly scary/horrifying like some of the others. Still enjoyed it though and finished it over 3 days. And will look forward immensely to the next one.
November 30, 2025
Good and creepy
The story kept the suspense going.
Very well written and the characters were well done.
An enjoyable, but creepy read..
I don't like spiders and this didn't ease my dislike
The story kept the suspense going.
Very well written and the characters were well done.
An enjoyable, but creepy read..
I don't like spiders and this didn't ease my dislike
December 2, 2025
Crawlers is a decent creature feature in which a race of genetically modified spiders get loose in Northeast England and begin killing people with their bites. Overall, it's a good if pedestrian horror novel which arguably features its "best" scene way too early in the book.
December 5, 2025
Creepy
My God this ranked right up there with 'Rats' , I'm glad this is only a work of fiction ???
Can't wait for the next instalment of the cursed manuscripts
Excellent story, scary isn't the word.
I R Wright does the horror genre proud yet again.
My God this ranked right up there with 'Rats' , I'm glad this is only a work of fiction ???
Can't wait for the next instalment of the cursed manuscripts
Excellent story, scary isn't the word.
I R Wright does the horror genre proud yet again.
December 6, 2025
Wow
Iain Rob Wright is quickly becoming my go to author for horror books. Crawlers was an exceptional read with a great storyline and interesting characters. The ending left the door open for more "Cursed Manuscripts" can't wait!
Iain Rob Wright is quickly becoming my go to author for horror books. Crawlers was an exceptional read with a great storyline and interesting characters. The ending left the door open for more "Cursed Manuscripts" can't wait!
December 17, 2025
creepy crawly feeling
Great book! Loved that it did not have a happy ending. I definitely love the way they describe the female spider made it almost like a romantic thing. Definitely I'm gonna be looking in dark corners and tires from now on.
Great book! Loved that it did not have a happy ending. I definitely love the way they describe the female spider made it almost like a romantic thing. Definitely I'm gonna be looking in dark corners and tires from now on.
November 25, 2025
Well worth a read
Really enjoyed this book, it made my skin crawl. There were many parts when I felt my heart racing and compelling me to keep reading.
Really enjoyed this book, it made my skin crawl. There were many parts when I felt my heart racing and compelling me to keep reading.
November 25, 2025
A winner
I always enjoy reading anything by Iain Rob Wright. I have read everything he's written and Ieargerly anticipate his next book. Good job!
I always enjoy reading anything by Iain Rob Wright. I have read everything he's written and Ieargerly anticipate his next book. Good job!
November 27, 2025
Very entertaining. Action ongoing, kept me interested.
November 27, 2025
Good book
Like all of Mr. Wright's books, this one was a good quick read. I love spiders so it wasn't my favorite book of his. Great characters though.
Like all of Mr. Wright's books, this one was a good quick read. I love spiders so it wasn't my favorite book of his. Great characters though.
November 28, 2025
All I can say is WOW this book had me right from the beginning
December 3, 2025
This one goes to the top of the list of the Cursed Manuscripts reads. From start to finish, I was wholly invested. Looking forward to the next read.
December 4, 2025
Another Excellent Cursed Manuscript Book
This whole series is great, but this is one of the best. Creepy and entertaining with compelling characters! Check it out!
This whole series is great, but this is one of the best. Creepy and entertaining with compelling characters! Check it out!
December 7, 2025
Creepy and Crawly
I shouldn’t have read this in bed, every whisper of fabric made my skin crawl! Page turner for sure! On to the next cursed manuscript!
I shouldn’t have read this in bed, every whisper of fabric made my skin crawl! Page turner for sure! On to the next cursed manuscript!
December 7, 2025
fantastic
Loved this book, edge of seat stuff, god I hate spiders, if you love creepy stories this is for you. Brilliant book Iain .
Loved this book, edge of seat stuff, god I hate spiders, if you love creepy stories this is for you. Brilliant book Iain .
December 12, 2025
It was good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews