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The Creeps
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26In this vicious, genre-bending ghost story, The Outsiders meets The Crow in a sharp examination of the lust for power, the legacy of redemption, and what happens when the haunted want revenge.
In the shadowy world of the Lower Alleys lives a gang of delinquents known as the Creeps. Living just to survive, they fight and steal without regard for who they hurt—after all, it’s their victim’s own fault they have food and money and are standing right there. But when one of their members, Suffer, learns he can fall through the shadows of their world into the light of our world, there’s suddenly hope for more.
For Suffer, our world holds the promise of light and love with Andromeda—a girl that resembles a future where he no longer suffers alone. For the rest of the Creeps, though, our world is an opportunity for wealth, meaning, and power, no more so than for their leader, Planet. At first, the Creeps can only appear as invisible, powerless ghosts. But as they grow stronger, they soon learn how to be seen, heard, and felt, growing more brutal and maniacal by the day.
Suffer wants out, desperate to stop the monster he’s loosed on the world in Planet. But when the rest of the Creeps threaten Andromeda, he has no choice but to miserably give in and keep haunting with them. It isn’t until a vicious possession that he’s had enough, but even his resolve can’t save Andromeda from unspeakable violence.
Now it’s the Creeps’ turn to be haunted. Driven by grief and rage, Andromeda finds a way into the Creeps’ dark world, and she won't stop until they all pay for what they have done, even Suffer.
In the shadowy world of the Lower Alleys lives a gang of delinquents known as the Creeps. Living just to survive, they fight and steal without regard for who they hurt—after all, it’s their victim’s own fault they have food and money and are standing right there. But when one of their members, Suffer, learns he can fall through the shadows of their world into the light of our world, there’s suddenly hope for more.
For Suffer, our world holds the promise of light and love with Andromeda—a girl that resembles a future where he no longer suffers alone. For the rest of the Creeps, though, our world is an opportunity for wealth, meaning, and power, no more so than for their leader, Planet. At first, the Creeps can only appear as invisible, powerless ghosts. But as they grow stronger, they soon learn how to be seen, heard, and felt, growing more brutal and maniacal by the day.
Suffer wants out, desperate to stop the monster he’s loosed on the world in Planet. But when the rest of the Creeps threaten Andromeda, he has no choice but to miserably give in and keep haunting with them. It isn’t until a vicious possession that he’s had enough, but even his resolve can’t save Andromeda from unspeakable violence.
Now it’s the Creeps’ turn to be haunted. Driven by grief and rage, Andromeda finds a way into the Creeps’ dark world, and she won't stop until they all pay for what they have done, even Suffer.
- GenresHorror
328 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Michael Paul Kozlowsky
4 books54 followersBorn in the Bronx, New York, Michael Paul Kozlowsky, a former high school English/Film teacher, is the author of SCARECROW HAS A GUN and THE CREEPS (Oct., Keylight). Writing as M.P. Kozlowsky, he is the author of four children’s books — FROST, JUNIPER BERRY, ROSE COFFIN, and THE DYERVILLE TALES. He lives in New York with his wife, two daughters and a rescue beagle named Huxley, and when he’s not reading or playing chess, he continues to write everything from poetry to screenplays to short stories, journalism, philosophy, and books for readers of all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 9, 2026
I don’t know if I would normally choose this style of writing, but I finished this in one day. The author took a regular haunting and turned it all the way around in a way I have not even thought of or seen before. The Creeps’ industrial world in the comparison to the Parallel supported Suffer’s character arc very well visually. Then, I definitely did not expect Book 2, that was the perfect revenge plot. Overall, this was such a unique and interesting read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.**
The Creeps was exactly the book I didn't know I needed. I've been in a reading slump lately, struggling to find a story that could truly hold my attention, and this book completely changed that. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down.
The concept is incredibly unique and immediately grabbed my interest. It felt fresh, creative, and unlike anything I've read recently. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and each chapter left me wanting to read just one more. It's the kind of story that stays in your mind even when you've had to set the book aside.
Without spoiling anything, this is a suspenseful, immersive read with an original premise that I think fans of horror and sci-fi will really enjoy. It reminded me why I love discovering new books and completely reignited my excitement for reading.
I highly recommend The Creeps to anyone looking for a gripping, imaginative story that is incredibly difficult to put down. Add this to your TBR!
The Creeps was exactly the book I didn't know I needed. I've been in a reading slump lately, struggling to find a story that could truly hold my attention, and this book completely changed that. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down.
The concept is incredibly unique and immediately grabbed my interest. It felt fresh, creative, and unlike anything I've read recently. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and each chapter left me wanting to read just one more. It's the kind of story that stays in your mind even when you've had to set the book aside.
Without spoiling anything, this is a suspenseful, immersive read with an original premise that I think fans of horror and sci-fi will really enjoy. It reminded me why I love discovering new books and completely reignited my excitement for reading.
I highly recommend The Creeps to anyone looking for a gripping, imaginative story that is incredibly difficult to put down. Add this to your TBR!
May 12, 2026
ARC REVIEW: First and foremost, nothing about this book is predictable which is a MAJOR plus. The story is paced perfectly, the characters are intriguing, and it just all around enjoyable from start to finish. Highly recommend if you love horror/paranormal, but also recommend to all adult readers because it’s just that good.
July 10, 2026
This was such an interesting read and unique take of a paranormal story. Where I see Kozlowsky’s inspiration within the story, some modern pop culture references came to mind while reading - The Creeps were similar to the Gangreen Gang from The Powerpuff Girls set in a Caspar story. This imagery and some of the comical dialogue helped keep me engaged with the characters and the story.
This was a quick paced read, the second half of the story was where it really picked for me. Though I would’ve enjoyed some more backstory being fleshed out for the main characters, specifically Suffer, that didn’t affect my enjoyment for the story.
I’d recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of S.A Cosby for the action packed read, and any fans of paranormal fiction who is looking for a unique take.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. :)
This was a quick paced read, the second half of the story was where it really picked for me. Though I would’ve enjoyed some more backstory being fleshed out for the main characters, specifically Suffer, that didn’t affect my enjoyment for the story.
I’d recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of S.A Cosby for the action packed read, and any fans of paranormal fiction who is looking for a unique take.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! What a ride that was!
First, thank you truly #netgalley , #keylightbooks and #michaelKozlowsky for the opportunity to read this banger of a book!
From page one I could not put this book down.
Set in a dystopian age where two extremely opposite worlds exist with access between the two blocked and strictly enforced, Suffer lives on the wrong side of the water.
Growing up in a ruthless gang called The Creeps, Suffer’s world is one of survival. Whereas White City, across the water, is rumored to be inhabited by the wealthy elite who enjoy every desire fulfilled, Suffer lives in the other world, one of despair and poverty- where survival of the fittest is the law of the land.
The inner city where he roams is full of bombed and crumbling buildings, rival gangs who some have been rumored to have resorted to cannibalism to survive, and strange pipes filled with yellow smoke that are constantly being built and maintained by entranced or hypnotized workers.
Some people escape this reality by cutting into these pipes and inhaling the yellow smoke like a drug. It eases their minds and bodies while they waste away in addiction. Others, like Suffer, join gangs for safety and fill their days with theft, violence and even murder. These folks are always looking for their next meal, hit, and victim, and roam their territory looking for entertaining ways to fill their days.
It is while doing this that Suffer accidentally falls into a shadow and enters The Parallel, a world living alongside his but in another dimension. There, he finds a beautiful girl living in a loving family and although they cannot see him, as long as it is night he can remain in that world and watch them. In this world, Suffer discovers all the things he never had - warm bed, safe living, loving family, enough to eat - and he comes back every night until one of his gang discovers what he is doing and demands he show them all. And then the real trouble starts.
This gang is filled with horrible young adults- kids who never had a chance at a comfortable life so embraced the hate and darkness and took it to another level. Within these pages you will find the most hateful of characters, including one that is by far the most irredeemable evil character I have ever encountered in a book of fiction. You will walk along beside them as they steal, lie and hurt everyone including each other. This a cruel, cruel world and we are grabbed by the neck and pulled into it from the very first page.
This story bent and twisted in ways that were sometimes satisfying but mostly shocking and always brilliantly executed by Kozlowsky. This isn’t his first rodeo and it shows. His writing has a maturity and confidence that comes at you without fear and even a sort of bravado in how disturbing it truly is. Kozlowsky creates terrible characters with a depth and complexity - so much so that I could tell who was speaking just by their speech pattern. He makes them work excruciatingly hard for even a scrap of humanity. His writing is easy to read, his story extremely fast paced and so compelling that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is a 5 star read for me. I recommend this to anyone with a penchant for dystopian horror. And one humorous personal note- I was completely deflated with the ending.
Until I realized there will be a sequel! And now I know that the ending is perfect. And the long wait begins.
Well played Mr K……well played.
First, thank you truly #netgalley , #keylightbooks and #michaelKozlowsky for the opportunity to read this banger of a book!
From page one I could not put this book down.
Set in a dystopian age where two extremely opposite worlds exist with access between the two blocked and strictly enforced, Suffer lives on the wrong side of the water.
Growing up in a ruthless gang called The Creeps, Suffer’s world is one of survival. Whereas White City, across the water, is rumored to be inhabited by the wealthy elite who enjoy every desire fulfilled, Suffer lives in the other world, one of despair and poverty- where survival of the fittest is the law of the land.
The inner city where he roams is full of bombed and crumbling buildings, rival gangs who some have been rumored to have resorted to cannibalism to survive, and strange pipes filled with yellow smoke that are constantly being built and maintained by entranced or hypnotized workers.
Some people escape this reality by cutting into these pipes and inhaling the yellow smoke like a drug. It eases their minds and bodies while they waste away in addiction. Others, like Suffer, join gangs for safety and fill their days with theft, violence and even murder. These folks are always looking for their next meal, hit, and victim, and roam their territory looking for entertaining ways to fill their days.
It is while doing this that Suffer accidentally falls into a shadow and enters The Parallel, a world living alongside his but in another dimension. There, he finds a beautiful girl living in a loving family and although they cannot see him, as long as it is night he can remain in that world and watch them. In this world, Suffer discovers all the things he never had - warm bed, safe living, loving family, enough to eat - and he comes back every night until one of his gang discovers what he is doing and demands he show them all. And then the real trouble starts.
This gang is filled with horrible young adults- kids who never had a chance at a comfortable life so embraced the hate and darkness and took it to another level. Within these pages you will find the most hateful of characters, including one that is by far the most irredeemable evil character I have ever encountered in a book of fiction. You will walk along beside them as they steal, lie and hurt everyone including each other. This a cruel, cruel world and we are grabbed by the neck and pulled into it from the very first page.
This story bent and twisted in ways that were sometimes satisfying but mostly shocking and always brilliantly executed by Kozlowsky. This isn’t his first rodeo and it shows. His writing has a maturity and confidence that comes at you without fear and even a sort of bravado in how disturbing it truly is. Kozlowsky creates terrible characters with a depth and complexity - so much so that I could tell who was speaking just by their speech pattern. He makes them work excruciatingly hard for even a scrap of humanity. His writing is easy to read, his story extremely fast paced and so compelling that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is a 5 star read for me. I recommend this to anyone with a penchant for dystopian horror. And one humorous personal note- I was completely deflated with the ending.
Until I realized there will be a sequel! And now I know that the ending is perfect. And the long wait begins.
Well played Mr K……well played.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Creeps was an interesting and unusual read, but unfortunately it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I really liked the idea of the parallel world and the supernatural elements, and there were some genuinely creepy and more graphic moments that I enjoyed, especially as the story progressed.
I also appreciated Suffer's storyline. His character had some of the most interesting development for me, and his motivations and desire to find somewhere he belonged gave the story a more emotional side.
However, the pacing was quite slow for me, and I struggled to connect with most of the characters. A lot of the story focuses on teenage drama, gangs and characters making choices that I found increasingly frustrating. I also found the constant nicknames difficult to get used to.
While the story did become more engaging towards the end, I was hoping for more of a creepy or frightening ghost story throughout. Instead, the book felt much more like an emotional supernatural story with horror elements.
Overall, there were some interesting ideas and moments that worked well for me, but the pacing, characters and focus on teenage drama kept it from being a stronger read for me.
I also appreciated Suffer's storyline. His character had some of the most interesting development for me, and his motivations and desire to find somewhere he belonged gave the story a more emotional side.
However, the pacing was quite slow for me, and I struggled to connect with most of the characters. A lot of the story focuses on teenage drama, gangs and characters making choices that I found increasingly frustrating. I also found the constant nicknames difficult to get used to.
While the story did become more engaging towards the end, I was hoping for more of a creepy or frightening ghost story throughout. Instead, the book felt much more like an emotional supernatural story with horror elements.
Overall, there were some interesting ideas and moments that worked well for me, but the pacing, characters and focus on teenage drama kept it from being a stronger read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley, the publishers and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Creeps is a fantastical, dark and twisted read that puts you on edge and has you gripped and makes it almost impossible to put down, as you just don't know what is going to happen next.
We follow Suffer, a member of the Creeps, who falls into a shadow and finds a parallel world unlike his own. However, when he introduces the world to the rest of the Creeps, things take a dark turn and things start to get out of hand.
This book is vivid in terms of emotion, description, and the overall creepy and unsettling vibes, and the author does a fantastic job of painting Suffer as a tortured youth trying to make a difference when he realises the cost of his actions and decisions.
The only reason this book really loses a star for me, is that I never got to understand the world they were in, and there were still some unknowns about what the Vicious are, and how the pipes play into everything. There were still a few unknowns to me at the end.
A truly immersive novel that is perfect for any October or horror tbr, if you're after a ghost story with a refreshingly new, but dark twist. I'm excited to see what more this author has in store!
The Creeps is a fantastical, dark and twisted read that puts you on edge and has you gripped and makes it almost impossible to put down, as you just don't know what is going to happen next.
We follow Suffer, a member of the Creeps, who falls into a shadow and finds a parallel world unlike his own. However, when he introduces the world to the rest of the Creeps, things take a dark turn and things start to get out of hand.
This book is vivid in terms of emotion, description, and the overall creepy and unsettling vibes, and the author does a fantastic job of painting Suffer as a tortured youth trying to make a difference when he realises the cost of his actions and decisions.
The only reason this book really loses a star for me, is that I never got to understand the world they were in, and there were still some unknowns about what the Vicious are, and how the pipes play into everything. There were still a few unknowns to me at the end.
A truly immersive novel that is perfect for any October or horror tbr, if you're after a ghost story with a refreshingly new, but dark twist. I'm excited to see what more this author has in store!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Keylight Books and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
———
In a world that operates like The Backrooms with all of the atmospheric beauty (and eerie-ness) of Little Nightmares II, Suffer must make the choice between what is right and what is easy, even if it costs him everything. This is a brutal, complex story that challenges topics like classism and morality with ease. It brings dual meanings to the term “creeping,” and forces its characters to be held accountable and face the consequences of what they’ve chosen to do. I think The Creeps group as a whole are interesting, though kind of one-dimensional. Suffer, being the protagonist, is definitely more fleshed out, and while his motivations are mostly good-natured, I appreciate that he is put in his place and denied the idealistic lens he’s trying to see things through, especially where Andromeda is concerned. This story as a concept holds a lot of promise, and I’m curious to see where it will go from here.
———
In a world that operates like The Backrooms with all of the atmospheric beauty (and eerie-ness) of Little Nightmares II, Suffer must make the choice between what is right and what is easy, even if it costs him everything. This is a brutal, complex story that challenges topics like classism and morality with ease. It brings dual meanings to the term “creeping,” and forces its characters to be held accountable and face the consequences of what they’ve chosen to do. I think The Creeps group as a whole are interesting, though kind of one-dimensional. Suffer, being the protagonist, is definitely more fleshed out, and while his motivations are mostly good-natured, I appreciate that he is put in his place and denied the idealistic lens he’s trying to see things through, especially where Andromeda is concerned. This story as a concept holds a lot of promise, and I’m curious to see where it will go from here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I honestly had a hard time figuring out how to review The Creeps because this book is just so unique. I loved the concept, and while I can definitely see the comparisons to The Outsiders meets The Crow, this story is completely its own thing.
It's gritty, dark, imaginative, and absolutely unpredictable. I never knew where the story was going, and the second half really picks up and takes everything to another level.
The imagery was one of my favorite parts. I could completely picture the Parallel and the different worlds and places within it. I felt pulled into the story rather than simply reading about it.
And this book got me emotionally. There were moments that genuinely had me crying, which I wasn't expecting.
The Creeps absolutely blew me away. It's one of those books that's difficult to put into a box—and even harder to stop thinking about once you've finished it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
I honestly had a hard time figuring out how to review The Creeps because this book is just so unique. I loved the concept, and while I can definitely see the comparisons to The Outsiders meets The Crow, this story is completely its own thing.
It's gritty, dark, imaginative, and absolutely unpredictable. I never knew where the story was going, and the second half really picks up and takes everything to another level.
The imagery was one of my favorite parts. I could completely picture the Parallel and the different worlds and places within it. I felt pulled into the story rather than simply reading about it.
And this book got me emotionally. There were moments that genuinely had me crying, which I wasn't expecting.
The Creeps absolutely blew me away. It's one of those books that's difficult to put into a box—and even harder to stop thinking about once you've finished it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you love a good haunting, this book gives you the ability to see what it is like from the other side. I'm absolutely fascinated with the way Michael Paul Kozlowsky shaped this story, giving the reader a front row seat to the frustration, triumph, and terror the Creeps experience as they begin to "haunt" another world. At first, I felt a bit thrown off by this book and the MMC, Suffer. But by midway through the book I couldn't stop reading. Suffer's experiences from beginning to end are both brutal and lovely, sometimes inspiring feelings of dread or hints of hope for him as the story progresses.
I always joke if I were to be haunted I would hope they'd help fold the laundry. After reading The Creeps, I think I'll just be glad I can't see what's hovering in the ether around us. Definitely recommend this book and will be purchasing a shelf trophy when it releases!
I always joke if I were to be haunted I would hope they'd help fold the laundry. After reading The Creeps, I think I'll just be glad I can't see what's hovering in the ether around us. Definitely recommend this book and will be purchasing a shelf trophy when it releases!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"In this vicious, genre-bending ghost story, The Outsiders meets The Crow" - once I read that I knew I would enjoy the book and I sure did!
Read on release date 10/13/2026.
The Creeps are horrible terrible kids from the Lower Alleys, where survival has erased any real sense of morality. The book creates a divide between two worlds: the harsh, desperate Lower Alleys, where people fight to survive, and the privileged Upper Alleys, where the wealthy enjoy comfort, luxury, and an entirely different way of life. The Creeps is a well written original Horror story with supernatural horror, ghosts, violence, revenge, and suspense. I haven't read anything this unique before and now I'm waiting for Book 2.
Thank you Netgalley, and Turner Publishing Company / Keylight Books for the ARC.
Read on release date 10/13/2026.
The Creeps are horrible terrible kids from the Lower Alleys, where survival has erased any real sense of morality. The book creates a divide between two worlds: the harsh, desperate Lower Alleys, where people fight to survive, and the privileged Upper Alleys, where the wealthy enjoy comfort, luxury, and an entirely different way of life. The Creeps is a well written original Horror story with supernatural horror, ghosts, violence, revenge, and suspense. I haven't read anything this unique before and now I'm waiting for Book 2.
Thank you Netgalley, and Turner Publishing Company / Keylight Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've been pondering about what to write for a day (I even have the weirdest dream about some character of the book), and I think that the best way is to not write anything about the plot; because I went blind into this book, and that's the way tou should do it. And have the chance to be as amazed, thrilled and astounded as I was.
Let's just say you will start in a very dark, oppressive, scary and dreadful world, and there you will meet a bunch of characters grinding on despair and violence. But they will find a passageway into the light, and then...
Do yourselves a favour and read this book.
I've been pondering about what to write for a day (I even have the weirdest dream about some character of the book), and I think that the best way is to not write anything about the plot; because I went blind into this book, and that's the way tou should do it. And have the chance to be as amazed, thrilled and astounded as I was.
Let's just say you will start in a very dark, oppressive, scary and dreadful world, and there you will meet a bunch of characters grinding on despair and violence. But they will find a passageway into the light, and then...
Do yourselves a favour and read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Creeps had a really interesting concept that kept me hooked for most of the book. I especially enjoyed the world-hopping mechanics, the different worlds the characters explored, and watching them slowly discover what they could do while traveling through the shadows. The story moved quickly and was incredibly easy to keep reading, and I found myself flying through it once I got started. Unfortunately, the final portion of the story didn't work nearly as well for me, and I found the ending frustrating compared to how much I enjoyed everything leading up to it. Overall, there was a lot here that I really liked. 3 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was not for me, but it's definitely not a bad book by any means. I would give it less stars simply based on the fact that it wasn't at all my type of book, but I recognize that it's an incredibly well-written, well-executed and highly original book and therefore a lower star rating doesn't feel fair. If you're into dystopian and paranormal horror, you're probably going to like this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you netgalley and Michael Paul Kozlowsky for the opportunity to read this arc. The Creeps is a gutsy and unforgettable story. Suffer wanted more to life than the terrible things he has gone thru, when he finds he can visit the other side. He finds that he wants to be in this world and when he shows his gang they have other plans. The conclusion of this story was mind blowing and unforgettable. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who wants to experience the unknown.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮
Amazing read for fans of paranormal/horror settings!
This one left me hooked until the ending, and that’s exactly what makes a great book to me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for a honest review.
Amazing read for fans of paranormal/horror settings!
This one left me hooked until the ending, and that’s exactly what makes a great book to me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
THE CREEPS is a sublime and strangely beautiful nightmare that reinvents haunting through a bleak, Lynchian lens. Humane, imaginative, and deeply moving, Kozlowsky’s exceptional novel exudes an aura of tragic darkness that both chills the bones and grips the heart. Consider me a big fan.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews