Mother Dauber: A Folk Horror Novel

by K. Bengston

From the author of 'The Boatman' comes a frightening and gruesome tale of disease, memory, and family.

SOME MEMORIES ARE BURIED . . . OTHERS HATCH

Delilah Jones, a recent ornithology graduate, returns to Clear Fork at the request of her uncle to take care of her dementia-riddled mother. It should have been a somber, simple duty. But the woods surrounding the house echo voices from her past—voices long gone. The treeline has started to encroach on the cabin and the night doesn’t feel as empty as it used to.

THE SILENCE DOESN'T LAST

Mud-caked nests colonize the house. The droning swells and her mother is dying in front of her. The voices in the woods are getting more personal . . . and something is circling the cabin at night, sucking on the windows and watching her sleep.

Cornered by a siege of buzzing nightmares, Delilah must dissect the truth from her own head before the swarm seals her in.

THE HIVE IS AWAKE

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 17, 2026

Reviews

[Horror Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a full on terrifying folk horror novel with just about every creepy thing you could want.

Delilah is back home taking care of her mother who has dementia. But her world will soon spin out of control when she begins experiencing horrific things, perhaps hallucinating, and quickly begins to doubt her own sanity. When she meets the sheriff, an ex boyfriend from high school, he tells her things about her past that she doesn't have any memories of.

Then there are the wasps. LOTS of wasps, mud daubers, which are under the control of something evil and something which feeds on the mind. Together, Delilah and the sheriff will experience some absolutely horrifying things trying to get to the truth. But that's just the beginning of something far more terrifying.

This book doesn't take long to get right into the gruesome heart of things with a fast paced narrative, secrets galore, and an incredibly frightening disgusting creature at the center. And it does feed into the author's previous book, The Boatman, but you don't need to read that one first as this isn't a direct sequel. I do highly recommend The Boatman though!

This one is a visceral nightmare that'll make you want to leave the lights on. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[Nightangel_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This book, it had me hooked from the beginning. The mix of horror/eeriness in the beginning with the grief and hateful episodes of a declining mother had chills running down my spine while tears were pricking my eyes. The emotional range this writing gave was amazing and when the use of an old child’s song came into play, it literally gave me a vestal reaction and I was like “eww I hate that”. I could picture every place in the book, which I love when that happens,and it took me back to running around my grandparents house, even having Pepsi as the drink of choice felt like home, minus the horrifying monster. 10/10 I definitely recommend this book!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is how you write horror! This book is so so good. I need to see this made into a movie! The descriptions and the way certain scenes were told and depicted, made me have to pause and take a moment to breathe before getting right back in. I was making a mini movie in my head the entire time.

I am 100% adding this author to my list of “always a must have”. I am a horror obsessed girlie and have been looking for a book to give me a good scare and a 5 star review, and this book wins. I will always keep this book in my top list of recommendations. I am bowing down to this book, it is hands down one of my favorite reads EVER!

[C.J. Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thanks to the author for the eARC. The final cover is sick!

This is a folk horror that meshes psychological second-guessing with one hell of a buggy creature feature. The writing reminded me of King, and the pace was fast and smooth. Short chapters that almost always ended with something exciting or a hook made this a quick read for me.

Delilah has returned home in order to care for her ailing mother, who is bedridden. The town is one she’d rather avoid, as people stare as if she’s the shiny ‘new thing,’ but things are even darker than they seem. Her barista seems to tolerate her, the grocery store clerk, Mr. Gengi, is the most warmth she can seem to find, and in the midst of things spiraling she finds herself reliant on an old crush, the sheriff. And as much stress as having a parent lose themselves and their personality as sundowning rolls around each day, her mother’s ire is the least of her worries as truly horrific things start to happen.

Are they hallucinations, or are they real? Or perhaps even worse, is this mysterious entity implanting them? While folk horror is something I do delve into, I wouldn’t say it’s my typical read. This somehow nailed both the more creepy dread of the likes of a folk film, as well as the pace and action of a creature feature. While I haven’t read IT, the hallucinations/visions really reminded me of Pennywise’s torment in the movies and Welcome to Derry. Heinous thoughts, creepy voices, and trauma-buried memories are brought to life, and even if Delilah can distinguish what’s real, it still won’t be over.

The novel also features wasps, and lots of them. I’ve noticed an uptick in bee related plots recently, and while I have yet to read more of them, I certainly get it. Why do they have an armored carapace, why can they sting, and why do wasps possess the ability to do so over and over? While I’m not outright afraid it insects, I’m still not a fan! These mud daubers were something new to me entirely, the tube-like mud nests for their young, and how the creature expands on this and makes use of them, was gross and creepy. This loosely reminded me of notes of Cicada by Tanya Pell, with its winged horrors, and how both insects utilize a kind of ‘becoming.’ The entity, which you’ll have to read on your own to find out more about, had me picturing a mesh of a demogorgon and the aliens from A Quiet Place…real creepy stuff.

Overall, the ending nailed it for me. Creepy, fast, and refreshingly different. The connection to the author’s other work was so cool too, I love when people do that, and it made me want to hurry up and get to The Boatman too.

[Dan Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of The Boatman, Bengston's debut novel, reading this was a no-brainer.
Even so I was absolutely blown away!

Crafting a cryptid tale set in the Ozarks, Mother Dauber creates a monster of unique proportions, blending psychological fear with physical intimidation, plus some extra bug-phobia for good measure.
Before reading this I was unfamiliar with Mud Daubers, but once I learned about them and their creepy tubes, I never wanted to see it again. A human sized one was more than enough to set me squirming in my seat.

Full praise for the character writing; Delilah, the MC, feels like a real character in a heart breaking situation. She reacts as somebody actually would. See a monster? Google/Reddit immediately. Monster is at the house? Protects the dog. It's the little things that make the big things work. That said, one particular death left me unhappy, and I'll be having a word about that!

Stick around for the epilogue; If you like cryptids, you'll love what's been made here.

[Anthony Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ever advanced reader copy, and it couldn’t have been a better pick. Mother Dauber is a fantastic follow-up to a strong debut and firmly cements K. Bengston as an author I’ll be buying automatically going forward.

This book was genuinely hard for me to read in places, and I mean that as a compliment. My fear of swarming insects made certain scenes deeply uncomfortable, which only reinforced how effective the horror is here. Horror should make you uneasy, and this absolutely succeeds.

The story reads like a folkloric horror film brought to life: atmospheric, tense, and relentlessly engaging. I was on edge the entire time, pulled along by creeping dread and an ever-present sense that something terrible was just around the corner.

If you love T. Kingfisher’s work or gravitate toward folkloric, myth-tinged horror that prioritizes mood and discomfort, this one is an easy recommendation. Bengston is clearly an author to watch.

[Jesy Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say this was a crazy ride, I really mean this was a crazy ride. The concept of a monster chasing you, harassing you and climbing into your mind is absolutely terrifying. A monster that can read your thoughts and use them against you? No thank you. I also enjoyed all the character development, world building and plot creation that went into this story. It is full of people you will fall in love with and action upon action. An absolute star from start to finish.

Thank you so so much to the author for shaing this with me and letting me help just a little 🖤

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror is not my usual thing, but this book made sure I finished it. The writing makes it feel less like reading and more like watching it on a screen. Every scene feels deliberate, tightening the noose just a little more. The dread never releases you...it lingers, festers. Returning home to care for a sick mother becomes something far more disturbing, layering trauma upon trauma until escape feels impossible. Bengston didn’t just convince me to read more of his work, he convinced me to read more horror.

Im thankful to be given the opportunity to read this in advance.

[Amy Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book scared the holy heck out of me! I normally don't gravitate towards Horror however, after getting a Beta Copy to read and review I read it and let me tell you, I will never look at wasps or farms the same again! it was so well written! Every interaction and paragraph of dialogue drove the story forward in a beautiful way. There were some twists that I absolutely didn't see coming that made me literally gasp and say out loud "WTF!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!"

it was so well written that it had my heart racing the whole time!

do not sleep on this amazing book!

[Brandi Salvetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a chance to arc read this book and let's say it DID NOT DISAPPOINT. K.Bengston has done it once again. this folklorish horror book has me captured instantly. it made my skin crawl in the best way i cant wait to get a physical copy!!!!! You sir have outdone urself

[Kelley West Gemeiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again another great creepy book by K. Bengston. This one is cryptid based. Delilah (Del) moves home to help her mother, since all her nurses keep quitting. She has no idea what she is in for. Highly recommend if you like creepy.

[Books For Decaying Millennials · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoutout to K. Bengston, for providing me with a digital ARC. All views and opinions are my own.
you can find the extended review of this ARC, over on my substack.
-
Mother Dauber is a chilling reminder of just how fragile our inner narrative is, how susceptible to the words and influence of others. That response “If that’s the story you want to tell yourself”, holds in even greater tone of warning when we understand that our sense of self, our narrative, could itself be built on lies and half truths. Trauma and loss force people to make choices where there is no happy ending in sight. There is no guarantee that the choices we make, will not have longer lasting, horrific effect on those around us. For those whom made these choices.
This is a book that will have your hackles raised from start. Things will not feel right. The cold wash of dread and anxiety, will only usher in a promise of grief pangs, and the demand to wrestle with something that promises to shred the inner narrative. To tear reality asunder.

Mother Dauber is K. Bengston’s second novel, following last years The Boatman. When an author releases their second book, there’s always some apprehension. That fear that this book will be a stumbling block, that Wyrde force, channeled into prose in their initial release, will have dissipated, or have been diluted, diverted to writing something purely as a cash grab, or to attempt to ride the coat tails of whatever the “Horror Fiction Flavor of the moment” is. With Bengston, it’s the exact opposite. The Boatman gave readers the initial glimpse into the the things swirling around in the imagination of the author. With Mother Dauber, that small crack has shortly become a yawning void. Like spawn from Mud Dauber’s nest, what’s swirling in Bengston’s mind has begun to erupt forth. He’s not going anywhere, and we as readers should buckle up, because there is clearly much more in store from this author. Treat yourself, to a fresh voice in Midwest Horror, snag a copy of The Boatman and pre-order Mother Dauber.

[Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books whisper.
This one crawls into your throat and suffocates you with dirt.K. Bengston’s Mother Dauber isn’t just a thriller it’s a slow, skin peeling descent into obsession, grief, and the kind of violence that feels personal.From page one, the atmosphere is thick and claustrophobic. Every scene feels damp, shadowed, and wrong like something is watching you from the treeline.
And when the violence hits?
It hits like a shovel to the skull.
Bengston doesn’t rely on cheap shocks.
The horror comes from tension… dread… the unbearable crawl of knowing something terrible is coming and being powerless to stop it.The characters feel raw and flawed the kind of people who make bad decisions because they’re desperate, grieving, or terrified. Nobody is safe. Nobody is clean.And the antagonist energy?Absolutely feral.
There’s this primal, animalistic undercurrent throughout the story like nature itself is conspiring against you. The title becomes more and more symbolic and unsettling the deeper you go.By the last act I wasn’t “reading.”
I was white knuckling the book.
Heart racing.
Jaw clenched.
Breath shallow.
And that ending?
Cold. Brutal. Unforgiving.

Exactly how a thriller should be.

If you like:
✔️ dark rural settings
✔️ psychological dread
✔️ gritty survival vibes
✔️ morally gray characters
✔️ stories that leave dirt under your nails

Read. This. Book.

[Jayde Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy. Hell. And I mean “hell” figuratively and literally… This is by far one of THE BEST horror books I have EVER read. This was brutal, it was full of gore and disgust, yet at the same time it was equally packed with grief, anger, and pain. So, so much pain. Right from the start, this book dug its claws in me and I felt every emotion written on paper as if they were my own.

K. Bengston’s debut, The Boatman, is great - but Mother Dauber?? Mother Dauber is on a whole other LEAGUE. This was the first book I read in 2026 and quite frankly, I truly don’t know if I could read a better book. After I read The Boatman, K. Bengston became an “auto read” author for me, but after reading Mother Dauber, he became an “immediate buy, immediate read” author.

I truly don’t know what else to say other than this book is outstandingly PHENOMENAL. This will be my #1 recommendation to anyone wanting a horror book to read, I could not put it down once I started it.

So for anyone wanting a horror book to genuinely give you chills (and I read horror for fun so it takes quite a bit to actually creep me out), constant high tension, grief & pain seeping out through the cracks, and a story that makes you question what’s real and what’s not, Mother Dauber is for you.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new novel by this author. From the opening scene until the gasp out loud ending; I was enthralled by this book. The horror begins right from the beginning. I am never going to be able to see any sort of mud structure and not feel as if there are wasps moving in. I read this novel and got that feeling (like when someone mentions lice and you begin to itch) that I will never think of bugs the same. I might even try to co-exist with bugs. I do not care for many; spiders and butterflies the ones I am ok with. Now I think all bugs will deserve more respect. I know this was fiction but sometimes there is a little bit of truth in fiction. The folk horror about the encroachment of nature upon humans was enough to make humans think twice about the continued abuse of Mother Nature. Delilah also spoke about the heartbreak of dementia and the loss of identity. There was also the idea that ways of dealing with childhood trauma can have drastic consequences. Especially if the suppressed memories come back upon new trauma. This book, like the other books by this author, is worth the read and will live a long time in your head.

[PD Doling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother Dauber by K. Bengston.

Bloody hell.

This is superb.

A totally different proposition to The Boatman this really reads like a modern but still early Stephen King.

There are unavoidable comparisons with the Blair Witch series & they work really well. Or maybe that's my lack of extended American folk horror/Cryptid references.

What makes this work so well is that the whole story is an unrelenting close-up. It's very, very focused on detail, in the characters, the world, & the story which is where the horror happens. It makes the whole thing very personal & horribly intimate & it never lets up or lets you breathe.

Another absolutely brilliant book from Bengston.

Heartily recommended, but look up mud daubers first, it'll help you understand the story!

MOTHER DAUBER IS OUT 17th FEBRUARY.

[savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had SUCH a good time reading this book, what a good first ark read. The female main character made choices that had me legitimately irritated (my expression lines worked overtime), but in the best way. I was fully invested and absolutely had opinions.
This was one of those reads I genuinely looked forward to picking up before bed. Folk/cryptid horror are my kryptonite, and Mother Dauber delivered 🤌🏻🤌🏻. The descriptive writing is unsettling, and still entertaining.
As an indie bookstore owner opening in March, I already know this is a title I cannot wait to have on our shelves. If you love eerie atmosphere, flawed characters, and folk horror that crawls under your skin, don’t miss this one.

[Odella Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother Dauber was a wild ride. I’ve had Bengston’s first book on my shelf for a few months but hadn’t gotten around to it. When I saw he had ARC opportunities open for a second book that had to do with bugs, curiosity got the best of me and I signed up. I’m so glad I did!

It’s folk horror done right with well-developed characters, immersive descriptions of scenery, realistic dialogue… but most importantly skin-crawling terror as the events of the story unfold.

The finale especially is where Bengston nails it. I was so anxious I wanted to throw my phone across the room! In a good way :)

Needless to say, I’ve gotta get his other book read pronto. I have to know more!

Can’t wait to read more from K. Bengston.

[I. D. J. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still processing it… I mean, wow! What starts as what might be just another “visiting my ailing mother” kind of story soon turns into a tale of pain, trauma, grief and, above all, survival! Although the start was a bit slow, the entire novel was filled with dread and a sense of “shit is going to hit the fan” anytime soon (which eventually does) from page one. The characters are very human and well fleshed out, and the pace of the novel is great; I can’t believe this is K. Bengston’s second novel. I haven’t read The Boatman, his debut, but after this wild ride, I’ll definitely pick it up very soon!

I received an ARC from the author and this review reflects my own personal opinion.

[Tony splatterpunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delia returns home to look after her mother at the request from her uncle Glenn and soon starts hearing voices and seeing strange things, her mum is saying things she doesn’t understand and the mud daubers (wasps) are building mud nests, a terrifying solid horror tale part folk part creature feature, a very enjoyable read.