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Bleak Haven #3
Corpse Creek
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26Welcome to Bleak The town you won't (or can't!) leave...
The next eerie novel in the Bleak Haven series, in Vincent Ralph's signature, terrifying style!
In 2008, Ethan’s older brother drowned in Bleak Haven’s cursed creek. While the coroner ruled out foul play, Ethan has always suspected that there’s more to the story.
Four years later, 18-year-old Ethan chooses the anniversary of the tragedy to finally return to the creek, attempting to gain the closure that has always eluded him.
What starts as a healing process aided by his loyal friends turns sinister when something emerges from the a figure that looks unnervingly like Ethan’s dead brother, begging for a sacrifice that could change everything.
As Ethan digs deeper into the creek’s dark history, he discovers that someone did return when all seemed lost. Maybe they were the ‘miracle’ child the news reports painted them as. Or perhaps they only came back because someone took their place.
If that’s true, Ethan really could bring his lost brother home. But how far is he willing to go…and at what cost?
The next eerie novel in the Bleak Haven series, in Vincent Ralph's signature, terrifying style!
In 2008, Ethan’s older brother drowned in Bleak Haven’s cursed creek. While the coroner ruled out foul play, Ethan has always suspected that there’s more to the story.
Four years later, 18-year-old Ethan chooses the anniversary of the tragedy to finally return to the creek, attempting to gain the closure that has always eluded him.
What starts as a healing process aided by his loyal friends turns sinister when something emerges from the a figure that looks unnervingly like Ethan’s dead brother, begging for a sacrifice that could change everything.
As Ethan digs deeper into the creek’s dark history, he discovers that someone did return when all seemed lost. Maybe they were the ‘miracle’ child the news reports painted them as. Or perhaps they only came back because someone took their place.
If that’s true, Ethan really could bring his lost brother home. But how far is he willing to go…and at what cost?
- GenresYoung AdultHorror
256 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 15, 2026
4 people are currently reading
3111 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Ralph
13 books740 followersVincent Ralph is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of YA thrillers 14 Ways to Die, Lock the Doors, Secrets Never Die, and One House Left. He is an Edgar Award nominee, winner of the Southern Schools
Book Award, and the author of picture book A Boy Called Book.
The first two novels in the Bleak Haven series - Dead Fake and Night Terror - will be published in January 2026.
Book Award, and the author of picture book A Boy Called Book.
The first two novels in the Bleak Haven series - Dead Fake and Night Terror - will be published in January 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Corpse Creek” by Vincent Ralph is a bit different than the previous Bleak Haven books. At first, it appears to be a horror thriller on the surface, but once you get into it, it’s really more about grief with a creepy, supernatural edge.
Set in the unsettling town of Bleak Haven (it’s not required to read the previous Bleak Haven book but is recommended as this story includes references to the town’s history like the other books), the story follows Ethan, who’s trying to cope with the sudden death of his brother. Everyone else says it was just a drowning accident at Corpse Creek, but Ethan isn’t buying that for a second. And the deeper he digs, the more things start to feel off—like, possibly supernatural off.
One of the strongest parts of this book is how it handles grief. Ethan is messy, angry, and desperate for answers, and it feels very real. His relationship with his dad is especially well done; they’re both grieving in different ways but still trying to connect, which adds a lot of emotional weight. He also has a solid group of friends who try to support him, even when he starts pushing everyone away and making some pretty self-destructive choices.
Ethan definitely spirals a bit as he isn’t dealing with his grief in a healthy way. He becomes obsessed with figuring out what really happened to his brother and possibly even bringing him back. That’s where the story leans more into its central question: what would you do if you could bring someone you love back? And more importantly…what would it cost?
Because something is definitely wrong with Corpse Creek, just like with the rest of the town. Ethan starts seeing his brother and hearing whispers, and the book keeps you guessing whether it’s grief messing with his mind or something genuinely supernatural. That ambiguity adds a lot of tension, especially as things escalate and the town’s darker history starts creeping in, like the pattern of murdered kids and the intersection between victim and killer.
In terms of pacing, it’s pretty quick and easy to get through, but don’t expect nonstop action. This is more of a slow-burn, introspective kind of story with bursts of creepiness rather than constant scares. There are some genuinely tense moments, though, especially when Ethan starts getting in over his head.
One thing that might throw you off (like it did to me) is Ethan’s inner narration; it can get pretty poetic and philosophical in a way that doesn’t always feel like how a teenage guy would actually think. It doesn’t ruin the story, but it can take you out of it a bit.
The ending is pretty interesting and unique. It’s open-ended and a little ambiguous, so whether you find it satisfying or confusing probably depends on your taste. It leans more bittersweet than anything else, but there’s still a small sense of hope underneath all the darkness.
Overall, “Corpse Creek” is less of a slasher (definitely different than the last book in the series) and more of a quiet, eerie exploration of loss, guilt, and letting go. If you’re going in expecting constant horror, you might be surprised, but if you like emotional stories with a supernatural twist and a strong atmosphere, this one is definitely worth checking out.
“Corpse Creek” by Vincent Ralph is a bit different than the previous Bleak Haven books. At first, it appears to be a horror thriller on the surface, but once you get into it, it’s really more about grief with a creepy, supernatural edge.
Set in the unsettling town of Bleak Haven (it’s not required to read the previous Bleak Haven book but is recommended as this story includes references to the town’s history like the other books), the story follows Ethan, who’s trying to cope with the sudden death of his brother. Everyone else says it was just a drowning accident at Corpse Creek, but Ethan isn’t buying that for a second. And the deeper he digs, the more things start to feel off—like, possibly supernatural off.
One of the strongest parts of this book is how it handles grief. Ethan is messy, angry, and desperate for answers, and it feels very real. His relationship with his dad is especially well done; they’re both grieving in different ways but still trying to connect, which adds a lot of emotional weight. He also has a solid group of friends who try to support him, even when he starts pushing everyone away and making some pretty self-destructive choices.
Ethan definitely spirals a bit as he isn’t dealing with his grief in a healthy way. He becomes obsessed with figuring out what really happened to his brother and possibly even bringing him back. That’s where the story leans more into its central question: what would you do if you could bring someone you love back? And more importantly…what would it cost?
Because something is definitely wrong with Corpse Creek, just like with the rest of the town. Ethan starts seeing his brother and hearing whispers, and the book keeps you guessing whether it’s grief messing with his mind or something genuinely supernatural. That ambiguity adds a lot of tension, especially as things escalate and the town’s darker history starts creeping in, like the pattern of murdered kids and the intersection between victim and killer.
In terms of pacing, it’s pretty quick and easy to get through, but don’t expect nonstop action. This is more of a slow-burn, introspective kind of story with bursts of creepiness rather than constant scares. There are some genuinely tense moments, though, especially when Ethan starts getting in over his head.
One thing that might throw you off (like it did to me) is Ethan’s inner narration; it can get pretty poetic and philosophical in a way that doesn’t always feel like how a teenage guy would actually think. It doesn’t ruin the story, but it can take you out of it a bit.
The ending is pretty interesting and unique. It’s open-ended and a little ambiguous, so whether you find it satisfying or confusing probably depends on your taste. It leans more bittersweet than anything else, but there’s still a small sense of hope underneath all the darkness.
Overall, “Corpse Creek” is less of a slasher (definitely different than the last book in the series) and more of a quiet, eerie exploration of loss, guilt, and letting go. If you’re going in expecting constant horror, you might be surprised, but if you like emotional stories with a supernatural twist and a strong atmosphere, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own. I haven’t read books one and two but wanted to read this one because my students are always looking for scary books. I was hoping it would be one i could get the librarian to buy if i found I liked it, but no such luck. There were times I felt like, ok, this might work for them, but there were more times where this fell short. First of all, I didn’t love the main character. I understand and appreciate the struggles with grief and wanting to solve the mystery behind his brother’s death that has left him with questions and doubts but honestly found him annoying more than anything. He acts like he’s getting better and going to make good decisions and then goes off the rails and is crappy to his friends. There’s hints at the other mysteries to this town, which make me wonder why in the world anyone lives there. The friends also seemed a little strange and like they didn’t really support the main character. The love interest seemed to come out of nowhere and let herself be treated poorly. Then, why on this particular anniversary of the brother’s death did all heck break lose? I thought the other disappearance of another character who mysteriously comes back was going to bring it all together and save the story, but it just got even weirder. The cover art was honestly the best part of the book. The ending also just felt way out there. This one wasn’t for me and isn’t one I’m going to recommend for students. FYI violent themes, mental health struggles, grief, profanity that didn’t seem necessary
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Corpse Creek is a chilling horror story, reminiscent of early Stephen King. The town of Bleak Haven has a reputation for attracting child killers. In the town's history, there have been murdered children every decade or so. The school holds a wall of framed photographs of the murdered students. But Ethan's brother's photo is not on the wall, because his death was reportedly a drowning accident at Corpse Creek. But Ethan knows better. As he digs into the death of his brother, he encounters supernatural occurrences that shake him and threaten his sanity. And now the Creek wants another life.
First of all, why would anyone name a town Bleak Haven, and why would anyone move there? The book was paced well and gave me the genuine creeps throughout. The author captured the desperation of grief and the power of secrets. If you like a book that makes the hairs on your neck stand up, this is for you.
First of all, why would anyone name a town Bleak Haven, and why would anyone move there? The book was paced well and gave me the genuine creeps throughout. The author captured the desperation of grief and the power of secrets. If you like a book that makes the hairs on your neck stand up, this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm conflicted on how to rate this one. I had been hoping that when book 3 came out, it would be a slasher style. Maybe Mallory Crow's story. However, Corpse Creek is grief horror which is not my favorite subgenre. Instead of murders, you get an atmospheric exploration of grief and loss with an eerie setting and a few creepy moments. Despite not being what I was hoping for, I did find the story engaging and it kept my interest wondering what would happen. I do wish the ending had been different because I don't completely understand it. Maybe I'm just dense but I would have liked it to continue and explain everything better. Oh well, I still enjoyed this book overall and I'm excited to start the next one. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*thank you netgalley for the ARC copy in exchange for a honest review*
I did not read the first 2 books in this series so i was hoping it wouldnt affect my review but it didnt. The story is about Ethan and the lose of his brother. The story moves fast and a great premises. Like a younger verison of Stephen King i really did like the writer's style and character development. This book has a very sad undertone which i didnt mind it was a change of what type of horror i usually read. I will be going back to read other books in this series.
I did not read the first 2 books in this series so i was hoping it wouldnt affect my review but it didnt. The story is about Ethan and the lose of his brother. The story moves fast and a great premises. Like a younger verison of Stephen King i really did like the writer's style and character development. This book has a very sad undertone which i didnt mind it was a change of what type of horror i usually read. I will be going back to read other books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A wonderful addition to the Bleak Haven series. It might actually be favorite (as of now) in the this series. The setting is well written and sucked me right into both the novel and our MC’s life. The characters, like others in this series are very well written and well developed throughout their book. This book has a lot of raw and real emotions that I don’t always find in this genre, but I appreciate so much. Another great read, the bleak haven series are all must reads.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
April 7, 2026
As always the cover art for these books are absolutely sick! This book hit different than the first two; it had the creepy factor for sure but more than anything overwhelming grief
Ethan has lost his brother and he is truly broken he sees his ghost and there is a way he can bring him back but it’s a deadly choice! The ending made me sad I wish it had turned out differently but it still was a great book
3.5 stars
Ethan has lost his brother and he is truly broken he sees his ghost and there is a way he can bring him back but it’s a deadly choice! The ending made me sad I wish it had turned out differently but it still was a great book
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
OMG!!!!! I never thought this book would be this good when I picked it up, but my god! It did not disappoint!!! Ethan was such a good character for this book, with all of his flaws and strengths! The way that each clue uncovered a bit of the puzzle was satisfying. I think it's safe to say that I will absolutely be reading more books my Vincent Ralph!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. I was so looking forward to the third book in this series. This was not what I was expecting at all unfortunately. It was still decent but just wasn't the greatest.
Want to Read
April 1, 2026Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this ARC! Corpse Creek by Vincent Ralph comes out on September 15, 2026.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews