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Crammed
An exact replica of a Costco.
A growing population of captives with no way out.
A live feed watched by hundreds of millions.
No one knows where the captives are.
No one knows who put them there.
It’s the most captivating and twisted reality television show on Earth.
Welcome to Crammed.
College student Ben Adair wakes to find himself trapped inside a warehouse designed to look exactly like a Costco, right down to the Kirkland brand peanut butter. The shelves are full. The exits are sealed. The skylights overhead are nothing but LED panels.
He thinks it is a prank until strangers from around the world begin arriving one by one. A surfer still in his wetsuit. The White House Press Secretary. A medical school dropout with her service dog. A global soccer icon. A Real Housewife. A teenage arsonist.
Across the dark web, hundreds of millions watch, comment, and gamble on every moment inside the warehouse. They bet on when the food will run out, when the first couple will fall in love, and when the first person will die.
Behind the scenes, someone is pulling every string. They control the cameras, the food supply, and the arrivals. They shape the relationships inside the warehouse, throwing ex flames, rivals, relatives, strangers, and celebrities together for maximum drama and spectacle.
Viewers could be watching Crammed on their couch one day, and wake up inside it the very next.
It’s Love Island … Nightmare Edition.
As the population inside the warehouse swells into the thousands, sectors form, food dwindles, and survival becomes the only goal.
Outside, governments investigate and families beg for answers. Abductions spike worldwide, each case carrying the same impossible signature. No witnesses. No evidence. No trace. Conspiracy theories explode across every corner of the internet, and Ben’s mother, Callie, will stop at nothing to find and save her son.
As the viewership climbs, the truth becomes The secrets behind Crammed run deeper than anyone could imagine.
And whoever created the show is only just getting started...
A growing population of captives with no way out.
A live feed watched by hundreds of millions.
No one knows where the captives are.
No one knows who put them there.
It’s the most captivating and twisted reality television show on Earth.
Welcome to Crammed.
College student Ben Adair wakes to find himself trapped inside a warehouse designed to look exactly like a Costco, right down to the Kirkland brand peanut butter. The shelves are full. The exits are sealed. The skylights overhead are nothing but LED panels.
He thinks it is a prank until strangers from around the world begin arriving one by one. A surfer still in his wetsuit. The White House Press Secretary. A medical school dropout with her service dog. A global soccer icon. A Real Housewife. A teenage arsonist.
Across the dark web, hundreds of millions watch, comment, and gamble on every moment inside the warehouse. They bet on when the food will run out, when the first couple will fall in love, and when the first person will die.
Behind the scenes, someone is pulling every string. They control the cameras, the food supply, and the arrivals. They shape the relationships inside the warehouse, throwing ex flames, rivals, relatives, strangers, and celebrities together for maximum drama and spectacle.
Viewers could be watching Crammed on their couch one day, and wake up inside it the very next.
It’s Love Island … Nightmare Edition.
As the population inside the warehouse swells into the thousands, sectors form, food dwindles, and survival becomes the only goal.
Outside, governments investigate and families beg for answers. Abductions spike worldwide, each case carrying the same impossible signature. No witnesses. No evidence. No trace. Conspiracy theories explode across every corner of the internet, and Ben’s mother, Callie, will stop at nothing to find and save her son.
As the viewership climbs, the truth becomes The secrets behind Crammed run deeper than anyone could imagine.
And whoever created the show is only just getting started...
- GenresThriller
604 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
About the author
Nick Pirog
40 books1,278 followersNick Pirog is the bestselling author of the Thomas Prescott series, the 3:00 a.m. series, and The Speed of Souls. He lives in South Lake Tahoe with his other half, Stephy, and their pup, Potter.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh Nick, why you gotta leave me on a cliffhanger?
Fans of Pirog's other works will once again enjoy his eccentric characters, out of the box plots, and all the mayhem that comes along with his novels. Crammed is no exception. I am going to need the rest of the series immediately! a possible murderer, a new mother with severe seizures without her meds, a young girl with only found family- oh yeah, and not one but TWO snow leopards! Writing it out seems like it would fall flat, but somehow it works in this secret, underground, dark- web Costco.
Fans of Pirog's other works will once again enjoy his eccentric characters, out of the box plots, and all the mayhem that comes along with his novels. Crammed is no exception. I am going to need the rest of the series immediately! a possible murderer, a new mother with severe seizures without her meds, a young girl with only found family- oh yeah, and not one but TWO snow leopards! Writing it out seems like it would fall flat, but somehow it works in this secret, underground, dark- web Costco.
February 5, 2026
Simply Amazing
All the elements of a thrilling novel are included in Crammed. Computer genius, CIA operatives, reality show, politics, humans who are lovable or evil, all included in Nick Pirog's Crammed. And this is just the beginning.
All the elements of a thrilling novel are included in Crammed. Computer genius, CIA operatives, reality show, politics, humans who are lovable or evil, all included in Nick Pirog's Crammed. And this is just the beginning.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked in the first few pages. Great character development. Nick Pirog's stories and storytelling are engaging. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 27, 2026
I stopped at 342. Wish I never started.
I follow Priog- and as off the wall as some of the storylines go, I find the writing enjoyable. Not this book, at all.
I follow Priog- and as off the wall as some of the storylines go, I find the writing enjoyable. Not this book, at all.
February 24, 2026
Crammed, really? You mean, I'm really crammed?
I just finished reading "Crammed" by writer Nick Pirog. It is so good. Imagine waking up from a nightmare only to discover you are literally trapped in a nightmare! After you rule out being punked or hallucinations, you have to face the reality of a scenario that is just not reasonable, but here you are. Well, the good news it that you are not trapped on a prison island like Alcatraz. The bad news you ARE trapped in a large Costco! After you avail yourself of new clothes, you decide you should get out before Security finds out you've spent the night in the building and did a bit of shopping. As you look for the exit, you begin to ask yourself, where is Security, in fact, where is anyone? At this point, you are fully awake, but still can't grasped the situation you find yourself.
This book has many twists and is well paced, a quality of a great book. I recommend reading this series starter "Crammed" by Nick Pirog. - Mr.Bill
I just finished reading "Crammed" by writer Nick Pirog. It is so good. Imagine waking up from a nightmare only to discover you are literally trapped in a nightmare! After you rule out being punked or hallucinations, you have to face the reality of a scenario that is just not reasonable, but here you are. Well, the good news it that you are not trapped on a prison island like Alcatraz. The bad news you ARE trapped in a large Costco! After you avail yourself of new clothes, you decide you should get out before Security finds out you've spent the night in the building and did a bit of shopping. As you look for the exit, you begin to ask yourself, where is Security, in fact, where is anyone? At this point, you are fully awake, but still can't grasped the situation you find yourself.
This book has many twists and is well paced, a quality of a great book. I recommend reading this series starter "Crammed" by Nick Pirog. - Mr.Bill
May 4, 2026
adrenaline rush!
Crammed
Wowza! 🤩 this book goes far beyond Mr. Pirog’s other books. 📚 I’ve really enjoyed all of the books. I’ve read from him. But this book should ramps up the adrenaline. I’m sure and the rest of the books will learn more about the captives and the purpose about it.
It’s kind of eerie and exciting all at the same time! I just can’t imagine if this were to truly happen what the rest of our lives would be like.
If you want a roller coaster of emotions, this book is for you. I’d like to caution, though that it’s kind of horror. So that if you tend to think about things too much and get upset, I would avoid reading this. It will sure keep you up at night.
Crammed
Wowza! 🤩 this book goes far beyond Mr. Pirog’s other books. 📚 I’ve really enjoyed all of the books. I’ve read from him. But this book should ramps up the adrenaline. I’m sure and the rest of the books will learn more about the captives and the purpose about it.
It’s kind of eerie and exciting all at the same time! I just can’t imagine if this were to truly happen what the rest of our lives would be like.
If you want a roller coaster of emotions, this book is for you. I’d like to caution, though that it’s kind of horror. So that if you tend to think about things too much and get upset, I would avoid reading this. It will sure keep you up at night.
February 6, 2026
I assumed that at over 600 pages a couple of things: much of this book is going to be filler and it will be complete. I was wrong on both counts. This is an action packed story where I don't think there was any filler. I thought the book was going one way but it went a different one. This book kept me on my toes. There are many characters to keep track of but the author does a good job of reminding the reader who is who. But remember, this is part of a series and all your questions won't be answered. Never mind the reviews, just read the book. Excellent job.
February 19, 2026
I just finished it moments ago and I’m stunned. This is really good. But how long do we have to wait for book 2?! The basic premise is that people are being abducted and held in a fake Costco somewhere in the world. Their lives are being streamed on the dark web and viewers can bet on what might happen next. This is twisted and insane and just close enough to our current reality to feel possible.
February 22, 2026
What just happened?
A reality show like no other is on it's way. Will you survive the outcome or be swallowed up with the fanatics? Nick Pirog is a phenomenal writer like no other. He is able to suck the reader into his imaginary world and let you doubt yourself. You are there with Ben and Harley as well as all the other characters that make up this prison. Hooked yet? You will be.
A reality show like no other is on it's way. Will you survive the outcome or be swallowed up with the fanatics? Nick Pirog is a phenomenal writer like no other. He is able to suck the reader into his imaginary world and let you doubt yourself. You are there with Ben and Harley as well as all the other characters that make up this prison. Hooked yet? You will be.
April 22, 2026
If you read the other reviews, you will get the essence of the story ... and the fact that this ends on a cliffhanger and a book two is somewhere in the future. I didn't realize that, and was hoping for resolution! BUT .... I did enjoy the book and felt like it was unpredictable, setting up a scenario where anything could happen. It never left me bored! It's an unusual concept, and that kept it interesting!
February 19, 2026
I've read every book Nick Pirog has written. He has a quirky sense of humor and engaging characters and story themes. Love the 3am series, read them all more than once. However, Crammed is by far the best concept and story he's written. I love all the different characters and how they learn to live together. Looking forward to the next installation in this series! Great job, Nick!!!
February 23, 2026
Disappointed
I mistakenly thought this was a single book. This author started a series The Maddy Young Saga several years ago. He even promised that he would finish it. After several books he just dropped it. When I questioned why his response was he wasn't making any money on it. Before I waste my time on this series I'll wait to see if he actually finishes it.
I mistakenly thought this was a single book. This author started a series The Maddy Young Saga several years ago. He even promised that he would finish it. After several books he just dropped it. When I questioned why his response was he wasn't making any money on it. Before I waste my time on this series I'll wait to see if he actually finishes it.
February 15, 2026
I love Nick Pirog's books. This was was very intriguing but I found it a little long and I skimmed over a lot where I lost interest. Having said that, I will definitely read the 2nd book to see what comes next.
February 25, 2026
EXCELLENT READ
As usual Nicks book sucked me right in! His characters are normal everyday people who make you feel like they are family . Wasn’t sure of the genre/ storyline but I put my faith in Nick Pirog and he didn’t disappoint!!!
Keep up the good work!
As usual Nicks book sucked me right in! His characters are normal everyday people who make you feel like they are family . Wasn’t sure of the genre/ storyline but I put my faith in Nick Pirog and he didn’t disappoint!!!
Keep up the good work!
April 2, 2026
I will never ever walk into a Costco again without thinking of this damn book.
It freaked me right tf out.
It’s like if you took Fantastic Land and The Maze Runner and created a f’ing nightmare.
JHFC.
It freaked me right tf out.
It’s like if you took Fantastic Land and The Maze Runner and created a f’ing nightmare.
JHFC.
February 9, 2026
intense
I was sucked in before the end of the first chapter. A perfect read for the world we live in today. Terrifyingly possible.
I was sucked in before the end of the first chapter. A perfect read for the world we live in today. Terrifyingly possible.
February 17, 2026
Great book!
I Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for book 2 too come out. I've read this author before and he's a very talented author.
I Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for book 2 too come out. I've read this author before and he's a very talented author.
February 23, 2026
This is the only book of Nick Pirog's that I couldn't finish. It was too long and too unimaginable. Sorry, Mr. Pirog. I always enjoy your books; just not this one.
February 24, 2026
A Costco Thriller?
Leave it to Nick Pirog to think up something so unique and intriguing. The only downside is that it ends. Too soon.
Leave it to Nick Pirog to think up something so unique and intriguing. The only downside is that it ends. Too soon.
February 26, 2026
Page Turner!
I stayed up way too late to finish this one. The suspense is striking and the characters are likable - and despicable!
I stayed up way too late to finish this one. The suspense is striking and the characters are likable - and despicable!
February 26, 2026
If you're a fan of reality TV, you'll love this. I can't wait for the next book! I've read this author's other books too and they're always fun with very interesting plots and lots of humor.
March 4, 2026
All his novels that I have read are good! This is the best so far! Hopefully, it won’t be too long before the next one is out!
April 4, 2026
I love Nick Pirog. I've read all his books. This was my first DNF. Struggled to even get to 50%. Interesting concept but way too boring and too much back and forth.
Read
April 25, 2026I absolutely love Nick Pirog’s early books, he is just getting too “out there” for me. I am quitting after only about 50 pages in, but will try to read this book at a later date.
May 14, 2026
Engrossing
Such a great, captivating story. Kept me guessing all the way through until….. you’ll have to read it for yourself!
Such a great, captivating story. Kept me guessing all the way through until….. you’ll have to read it for yourself!
March 11, 2026
Loved this book. Nick Pirog is a very talented writer. His 3 am series shouldn’t be missed. There’s a lot going on so I never got bored. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews