When the Night Comes Knocking

by Katherine Daniel

In this Appalachian horror novel, two estranged siblings become trapped in a convenience store under attack by a monster from the mountains who feasts on guilty hearts.

Rattle, rattle in the dark…
The mountain’s bones seek out a heart.

Jane has not spoken to her brother Thomas since the accident that nearly killed them both. Their drive from college through the North Georgia mountains is uncomfortably silent, until they stop at a roadside convenience store, where a man stumbles in with a mutilated body, claiming to have been attacked by a monster.

At first, no one believes the man’s ravings, but when the next person to leave the store is brutally killed, they fear that local legend might be true:

There’s a beast in these mountains who feasts on guilty hearts… and someone among them has lured it out of hiding.

Jane and Thomas each harbor secrets, but so do the other patrons, and as the monster claims more hearts, the survivors turn on each other, desperate to save themselves by uncovering the guiltiest among them.

If the siblings can’t overcome the rift between them, they’ll surely become the monster’s next victims…or worse, become monsters themselves.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Adult

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

Katherine Daniel is a fiction writer based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she loves to explore the dark and twisty parts of what it means to be human through storytelling. Her debut novel "When the Night Comes Knocking" will be published on October 20th, 2026 in the US and on November 19th, 2026 in the UK.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

(⊙ _ ⊙ ) TL;DR: Even though most of the characters weren’t the sharpest tool in the shed, I still enjoyed this spooky story!



〖 ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: circles by clasiqh 〗
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺ 0:30 ───ㅇ───── 1:40



(⊙ _ ⊙ ) This read like a movie. From the very first page, I was instantly hooked and invested in the story as Jane and Thomas drove from college and through the mountains in an awkward and tension-filled silence. They haven’t spoken to one another in a long time, not since the accident that almost killed them. So it was somewhat a relief that they needed to stop at a nearby convenience store, that is until a man rushes inside with a maimed body, claiming a monster attacked them. No one believes him because monsters don’t exist–they are only the villains in local folklore and legends. But when someone else is killed by the beast lurking in the shadows of the mountains that hunts for guilty hearts, the others can’t deny what is happening before their very eyes. They all are harboring secrets and guilt that makes them the likely cause for the horror-filled night. Can these strangers work together and survive the night before the monster takes them or before they themselves become the monster?

Oh boy, I do not want to be stuck ANYWHERE with these people. I mean, Jane and Jackson are fine, but everyone else can take a hike because good grief, y’all freaking suck. Especially Thomas.

Tommy, Tommy, Tommy. Let me talk to you for a second. You mean to tell me that you are holding all this anger and resentment towards your sister for something she didn’t do? Do you really think she is the cause for what happened to you? Bro, life sucks and is unfair. Get used to it!



Like, cry me a river, dude. Grow a pair. You are the most selfish person I have ever read, like did you even think to ask Jane why she did what she did? What happened to big brothers looking out for younger siblings? I guess it doesn’t apply to you when your life is “ruined.” I have no sympathy for you. Not even after you got better in the second half of the book. You still suck, you still win the worst brother of the year award, and all my sympathy and amicable feelings I had towards you are gone and out the window. Actually, you know what? I’m going out the window, too.


Okay, where was I? Oh yeah. What these characters did made my jaw drop. Like, do you not watch horror movies or–I don’t know–have any common sense? I swear, these people have the survival instincts of a gold fish. You can’t trust any of them. And withholding information too?! Yeah, I’m not surprised crap hit the fan as fast as it did.

I will never forgive you guys for what you did to Jackson. Nope. Never ever.

But it was still so fun, no matter how infuriating and frustrating the characters were at times. (Except for you, Jane. You didn’t deserve any of this. You were so strong and brave, and I’m so sorry you had to go through what you went through and had a crappy older brother.) The horror wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, which is great since I’m an idiot and I read some of this at night. 😂 But it was still so 👏🏼 freaking 👏🏼 fun. 👏🏼 It was creepy, it was odd, it was mysterious. Ugh, I love horror so much! Never in a million years did I think I would ever say that.

The writing was pretty good, and the setting was eerie and spooky. I mean, being stuck in a small-town convenience store when a literal freaking demon is outside is pretty bad. 😅 Was it as predictable as a thunderstorm? You bet it was. But it was still just so much fun, and I had a blast reading it.

I will say, though, that the epilogue was unnecessary to me. I’m happy that I got one–I’m not that mad about it–but if you aren’t going to address everything, then don’t give it to me. I know it’s a horror book, not literary fiction or a romance, but still. I’d like to know what the aftermath was for everyone. I read it three times to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. But I guess it’s supposed to have a mysterious ending because it’s horror. It’s fine. It’s whatever. I’ll get over it eventually. 😏

All in all, I am so happy I decided to read this book instead of the summer romance I’ve been avoiding. I needed a change of genre, and this totally delivered. ❤

✦ Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ✦

《 Content Warnings 》
Death, blood, violence, pregnancy, sexual assault, and some gore.
Swearing: Yes

[vicky ꨄ︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was engaged from the start till the end of the book. I literally ate this book up. The siblings honestly have an interesting dynamic. Jane is the one walking on eggshells around Thomas hoping that he doesn’t blow up on her. I feel like what led to them being estranged was a bit too much on Thomas’s side. Jane is carrying too much guilt over what happened and Thomas is obnoxious over what happened.

I loved the concept of them all being stuck together with strangers and trying to survive and slowly turing on each other.

Yes there is a dog in this book and yes it survives so don’t worry, yes I was very worried for the dog.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.



——————————————

𐙚⋆°. preread

I need a horror right now, and this one caught my eye and yes I’m trying to bring my arc tbr down

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this ate. It read like a horror movie, and a really good horror movie.

Reminded me a bit of Monster (2016), Splinter and Feast (just without the obvious humor from that).

One main setting really made this feel extra claustrophobic. It was super fast paced yet slow enough to build the anxiety and let the pressure and stakes boil. The writing was so immersive and well done that I was completely sucked in. Filled with unique characters, some of them a bit annoying but that's true to life :/, and a unique villain.

It was gory, it was scary. Just a really great read that had me on the edge of my seat.

Thank you to Berkley and netgalley for the arc.

[Hunty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too cookie-cutter for me. It felt at times like I was drowning in horror tropes, but I do think it was an enjoyable read and the backgrounds of the characters saved the rest of the story. I recommend if you want a fast-paced Appalachian horror story that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not!

[Bai ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to Berkley and netgalley for this digital ARC! ♡︎

3.5 rounded up! an Appalachian folk story type horror? signed up so fast. i absolutely love when a horror story reads like a movie! it’s nice getting consumed into the pages and the atmosphere provided. i also really love when a horror story hits the ground running, the action begins quick. not great prose, but the premise was so intriguing i didn’t mind the pieces that were lacking a little. this was an easy, fast-paced read that was hard to put down. there’s definitely a few themes in here that are cliche and oftentimes overdone, but despite that everything worked decently well for this book.

there might be many moments in the story that will just irritate you, the same way you may find yourself yelling at your tv screen as you watch characters make the worst possible decisions in a scary movie. if you care about deeper, more fleshed out characters + plot i wouldn’t recommend this. but if you want a good popcorn horror, this might be the one for you!

yes, there is a dog in this story and i can promise you that the dog is fine! i do not play about animal abuse or death in anything i consume. it was a cute addition that reminds us just how loyal and in tune our animal companions tend to be.

tw’s: death, body horror, animal death (not the dog), confinement, gore, mention of past rape, suicide, guns, car accident

[Alora Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard for me to articulate how much I freaking loved this book. It’s gory, it’s insane, it’s fast paced. It reads like a horror movie brought to life. There were so many moments where I was shouting at these characters and basically dragging my fingers down my face. The fact that this was a debut makes it that much better. I can’t wait to see what this author does next. Also, let’s all acknowledge that there’s a cutie patootie dog in this book (which always makes everything better). All in all, a fantastic debut that definitely gets into the Appalachian horror theme (cough cough dopplegangers anyone?) This will be out in October of 2026 and I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR immediately!

[Kayleighreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou NetGalley and 3AMBOOKS for allowing me to read another great book early for an honest review.

When the Night Comes Knocking by Katherine Daniel is an outstanding debut that exceeded my expectations. From the first page I was hooked by the suspense and tension.

Daniel’s writing is remarkably polished with vivid imagery and well developed characters. It gave me the same feelings I get when reading a Stephen King or Grady Hendrix novel.

I can’t wait to see what Katherine Daniel writes next.

👹Locked-room horror
👹Everyone has a secret
👹 Appalachian folk horror

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. no notes.

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

[Brianna Dedini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This book was so good!! As soon as I saw this was taking place in the Appalachians I knew it was gonna be good. I loved the story line and the plot twist!

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“When the Night Comes Knocking” by Katherine Daniel is basically what happens if Appalachian folklore, locked-room horror, and sibling trauma all get shoved into one gas station and told they’re not leaving until somebody deals with their guilt. And the major problem with that is that every person is holding onto some degree of guilt.

And honestly? It works way better than it has any right to.

The story starts fast. Jane and her brother Thomas are driving through the North Georgia mountains when they come across two deer on the side of the road, dead in a way that is very much not normal: hearts removed, bodies wrong, bad vibes everywhere. From page one, you know something hungry is out there.

Then things escalate quickly when they and a bunch of random strangers end up trapped inside a roadside country store while something outside starts picking people off. No rescue is coming, stepping outside is basically a death sentence, and the monster stalking them isn’t just hungry; it’s looking for someone with the guiltiest heart.

Which is a problem, because absolutely everyone here has issues.

The monster, called the Mimic, is easily the best part of the book. It comes from Appalachian legend and feels genuinely unique; it’s not just a “big scary forest creature,” but something ancient and personal. It’s described as the personification of the mountain’s bones, which is already horrifying, but then you learn it can take the form of anyone whose blood it tastes. It becomes a perfect doppelgänger, complete with memories, making trust basically impossible.

That idea alone made this so much creepier. Because once the Mimic can be anyone, suddenly every conversation becomes suspicious. Nobody feels safe, and the paranoia inside that tiny store gets so much worse.

And yes—it’s gory. Very gory. This book does not hold back with blood, body horror, and some really nasty deaths. It honestly reads like a horror movie in the best way; it’s fast-paced, dramatic, and the kind of book where you want to yell at the characters while reading (except for the dog, who is a good girl).

But what surprised me most is that underneath all the monster chaos, this is really a story about guilt.

Jane is carrying intense guilt over a past accident involving Thomas, one that permanently damaged their relationship and left both of them emotionally stuck. Their sibling dynamic is the emotional core of the story. Jane is constantly trying to smooth things over, while Thomas is walking around like resentment is a personality trait. He is not always easy to like. Sometimes he’s just kind of exhausting. But their relationship feels real, and the flashbacks help show how much pain they’ve both been carrying.

The book shifts a lot from pure horror into something more introspective, with different characters confronting the things they regret most. Sometimes that works really well because it gives the story emotional weight. Sometimes it slows the momentum a little, especially with some side character POVs that didn’t always feel necessary.

There’s also a small romance subplot that honestly could’ve been cut. In a story where everyone is trapped with a heart-eating mountain monster, I was not personally looking for romance.

The side characters are hit-or-miss too; some add tension, others mostly exist to get eaten. But the premise is strong enough that I didn’t mind too much.

Also, extremely important: the dog survives. Automatic bonus points.

The ending is probably my favorite part. It’s emotional, chaotic, and feels earned. There’s a big final confrontation with the Mimic that balances action with the book’s bigger message: guilt doesn’t disappear just because you ignore it. You have to face it, own it, and decide what kind of person you want to be after.

That said, the very last page gives you that perfect horror ending where evil maybe isn’t fully gone, and honestly, it fits. Some guilt never fully leaves. It just learns how to sit quietly beside you.

Overall, “When the Night Comes Knocking” is fast, bloody, creepy Appalachian horror with real emotional depth underneath. If you like locked-room horror, folklore monsters, doppelgängers, and stories where the real monster might also be your unresolved trauma, then this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

I do love Appalachian horror stories and Mimics are right at the top of the list for some of my favorite monsters. So when I read the synopsis and discovered this would also take place in a setting where everyone is trapped in a gas station? Girl, sign me tf up!

What I will say is the atmosphere and the setting were both top tier. I will always love a book set in the fall, it's my favorite season and if any other season is your favorite, sorry but that's incorrect. (Kidding!) Was it brutal reading about crisp autumn air in the middle of a heat wave though? Well, yes. And I will always, ALWAYS love a setting where the main characters are Trapped and Must Fight Against Evil. If anyone has seen the 2008 movie Splinter y'all will know why I always get so excited when people are trapped in a gas station specifically.

I also thought the Mimic was written exceptionally well. It was terrifying, it was in your face, and it make me suspicious of EVERYONE. My absolute favorite moments were when the Mimic was being an absolute diva and coming to specific characters and haunting them as someone they both knew. (Sorry trying to be vague because spoilers, you know how it goes.) Those were some of the best, scariest moments and the way the Mimic was preying on their guilt was sooooo good, The Mimic did come after Jane at one point but the tension in that scene wasn't as good in my opinion because, without getting too deep into it, Jane's guilt was undeserved.

This does lead me into a few things that kept me from rating this book 5 stars, unfortunately.
-The intensity Jane's guilt over the car accident her & her brother Thomas were in led me to believe the events of the accident unfolded a certain way, but this then made me feel a bit...idk, underwhelmed? when the full reveal happened. And Thomas' attitude about it towards Jane was WILD. I know he had his own stuff about the accident going on and I understand that and why he would blame Jane but...? Like dude have you ever heard of growing tf up?
-I know they're literally the main characters so obviously a lot of the focus will be on their dynamic and their journey, but I feel like since so much of the focus was on Jane and Thomas, the other characters fell by the wayside. Especially with some of the reveals towards the end, it would have been helpful to get a few more chapters from Kimi's perspective for example.
-While I really liked the very end of the epilogue, I wanted more from it overall. Without giving anything away, what ah, what happened with Ashley? What about Jackson? It kinda seemed like was something going on between him and Jane right? Or did I just hallucinate that? Not that they HAD to end up together, I'm just nosy!!!

Anyways, overall I did enjoy this book and for a debut, this was absolutely incredible! I only expect the author to get better and better from here and I will definitely be keeping my eye on this author to see what they come out with next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance DRC and provide an honest review, all opinions are my own.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estranged siblings get trapped together in a grocery store while an Appalachian monster kills people one by one. It's looking for the person among them with the guiltiest heart. The problem? Everyone has their secrets. Everyone carries pain. Will any of them survive?

What drew me to When the Night Comes Knocking: 1) banger cover!! Very eye-catching 2) I've been wanting to read more Appalachian horror, so this was a right book, right time kind of situation.

And I'm happy to report that it starts out with a bang rather than a whimper and hits the ground running. It's incredibly readable and because of this I finished When the Night Comes Knocking in one sitting.

Jane and Thomas have an intriguing dynamic. Jane walks on eggshells and tries to smooth things over. Thomas is always looking for a reason to snap and not just at Jane. Everyone gets his snippy, sarcastic, and flat-out rude replies. I was hoping there would be more depth as to why they were estranged but no, turns out that Thomas is just kind of an asshole. And by that I mean their backstory wasn't twisty or shocking. Jane was carrying too much guilt and it was actually Thomas who needed to pull his head out of his butt. I understand him to a point but he was painfully obnoxious to deal with.

Side characters were (mostly) fine but there were no real standouts. I don't feel like we needed the romantic connection. Felt a bit forced given the claustrophobic set-up. Trying to not spoil too much, but everyone's seemingly collective choice of what to tell the cop? Wild. It felt incredibly unrealistic to me but what do I know, I've never been terrorized by an Appalachian monster.

This was written in 3rd person, present tense with flashbacks included. And we mostly get the pov of the siblings Jane and Thomas. Which is good! But randomly throughout we'd get a scene from the pov of a side character and I usually felt like it should have been left out, mostly because it spoiled things. If we'd kept to our main characters, certain plot beats might have had more weight.

When the Night Comes Knocking is very accessible. I feel like anyone would be able to pick up this book and read it. Sentences weren't crafted the best, though. Maybe another round of edits was needed. Or maybe this was a debut author problem and Katherine Daniel's next book won't have as many of these issues. Either way, I didn't love the prose. The premise is what kept me reading.

I'd recommend this to fans of locked room/”bottle episode” horror (takes place in primarily one location), estranged siblings, and quick romps. Especially recommend if you need a less bleak version of The Mist (I've only seen the movie) while still giving us a handful of deaths.

Potentially avoid it if you really care about prose or deep character work. This book is plot focused.

3.5 stars. Rounding up because I was never bored. Sometimes frustrated but overall it was a “no thoughts, head empty” kind of romp.

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and Katherine Daniel for the arc.

[Bri Book Goose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of survivors fights to stay alive in this deeply emotional horror novel set deep in the Appalachian Mountains. Siblings Thomas and Jane struggle to reconnect as they travel together to meet their family for Thanksgiving. A quick stop at a convenience store quickly spirals into a nightmare when a man is mauled by a monster. The siblings discover they are being stalked by a supernatural creature, one that isn’t easily killed and is insatiably hungry. They strategize with the other survivors to escape, but begin realizing they each have secrets that could threaten their survival. The creature is waiting to get in, the survivors begin turning on each other, and there’s no help arriving. Who will survive the night?

This is an action-packed story that carries with it all the dread you’d expect from an Appalachian folk creature. It felt like a cross between Jeepers Creepers (2001) and Splinter (2008), bursting with suspense and tension. Each of the survivors carries hope, regret, and guilt, adding to the emotional realization that they might not live to see morning. The pressure of staying alive while maintaining their humanity grows as the night progresses. The creature waits and learns while the group does its best to stay alive.

Wow! This was not a book I expected to enjoy as much as I did! As a fan of road trips gone wrong, urban legend monsters, and body horror similar to The Thing, I really liked it. It was a fast-paced story that added an extra layer of complexity by sharing the survivors’ inner turmoil as they fight for their lives. The story expanded on their emotional battles, which was a nice change from how these stories usually go. Overall, this was a great creature and body horror story that any reader looking for a good thrill can enjoy.

For readers who enjoy Appalachian Mountain horror, the Splinter movie (2008) or cryptic creature stories

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.

[AMY DURAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always a huge thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book!

When the Night Comes Knocking is a spooky tale set in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia. The story centers around two siblings, Jane and Thomas, who are on a road trip to meet their family for Thanksgiving. Tension hangs thick between them; they haven’t spoken much since a recent car accident. Thomas blames Jane for the crash and the injuries that now threaten his future baseball career. Jane already carries that blame heavily, weighed down by shame, guilt, and secrets of her own.
After coming across a deer that appears to have died in a horrifically violent manner, they stop at a local market for supplies. Both siblings can tell something isn’t right; Thomas sees…something…in the restroom, while Jane feels as though something in the woods is watching them. As they’re checking out, injured locals stumble into the store screaming about a monster in the woods. At first dismissive, the siblings and the other patrons soon realize monsters are very real.

One thing I love about reading is how subjective it is, fifty people can read the same book and come away with their own theories . Guilt and secrets are heavy themes throughout this story, with every character hiding their own secrets, which them super relatable. The monster feeds on guilt, and to me, it felt like a physical manifestation of the guilt we all carry.
I loved this book. It was a fast, fun read. Katherine Daniel did a great job creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that made me feel trapped alongside the characters. The tension built wonderfully, constantly making me question what was real and what wasn’t. And the monster genuinely scared the crap out of me.

My only complaint is the sexual assault flashback. I felt like it was glossed over and never fully addressed. Since sexual assault can cause deep feelings of guilt and shame in survivors, I think it either needed to be explored more thoughtfully or left out of the story altogether.

Still a solid read, 4 out of 5 stars!

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Appalachian survival horror novel that is fast-paced, claustrophobic, brutal, and emotionally charged. It weaves together creature horror, Appalachian folklore, grief, guilt, and relentless survival tension into a story that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.

The atmosphere is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The North Georgia setting feels vividly alive with dark forests, deserted roads, endless mountains, and the unnerving sense that something ancient is lurking just beyond the trees. Katherine Daniel sustains a constant feeling of dread without ever sacrificing momentum. Every chapter ratchets the tension tighter. I could practically hear the hum of fluorescent lights and feel the cold mountain air pressing against the windows of that isolated convenience store.

What surprised me most was how emotionally invested I became in Jane and Thomas. Their sibling dynamic forms the heart of the novel. They are messy, angry, grieving, and completely believable, and their fractured relationship keeps the story grounded even as the horror escalates. The pacing is relentless, the deaths are vicious, and the growing paranoia among the trapped survivors becomes almost suffocating. It reads like the best kind of horror film, but with far more emotional depth than most creature features ever achieve.

That said, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, existing mainly to heighten the danger or serve as monster fodder. Still, that is fairly common in fast-moving survival horror and never distracted me too much. The prose remains atmospheric throughout, and the Mimic is genuinely terrifying, not only because of what it does, but because of what it symbolizes. A creature that feeds on guilt is such an effective concept for a story rooted in trauma and broken relationships. The horror lands on both a visceral and emotional level.

Overall, When the Night Comes Knocking is a tense, atmospheric, and emotionally raw horror novel that is impossible to put down. It succeeds because it fully commits to the story it wants to tell and delivers it with confidence and intensity.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞, 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤…
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.

Two estranged siblings, Jane and Thomas, find themselves trapped in a roadside convenience store in the North Georgia mountains when something ancient and hungry comes calling. What starts as a tense, uncomfortable road trip turns into a full-blown nightmare when a man stumbles in with a mutilated body and a warning no one wants to believe. But when people start dying the second they step outside, it becomes clear this is not just a story. The mountain has a memory, and the Mimic has a hunger for not just blood but for something even juicier--guilt.

This is Appalachian horror at its absolute best. The atmosphere is thick, claustrophobic, and soaked in dread, the kind that arrives abruptly and then refuses to leave. The lore of the Mimic is what really hooked me. It is not just a monster lurking in the woods. It is something older, something that knows exactly what it is hunting and why. Watching it circle closer, feeding on the guilt each character is trying so hard to hide, felt suffocating in the best way. And the tension inside that store was palpable because once people realize the creature is choosing its victims, the real horror becomes the question of who deserves it.

What hooked me the most was how personal this story felt. The fractured relationship between Jane and Thomas is not just background noise; it is the emotional core of the story. This is not just a story about surviving the night; tt is about what we carry with us, what we bury, and what happens when we can no longer outrun it. The idea that guilt can take shape, hunt you down, and demand to be faced hit a little too close to home. This book had me not just thinking about the monster in the mountains but had me dwelling on the ones we create for ourselves. Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for this early copy that will publish October 20, 2026.

[Tami Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley

WOW. This book completely surprised me in the best way possible and easily became one of my favorite horror reads of the year! From the very first chapter, I was hooked and honestly did not want to put it down.

The story follows siblings Jane and Thomas as they head to a family Thanksgiving gathering, only for a quick stop at a convenience store to spiral into absolute nightmare fuel. The pacing is fantastic, tense, fast-moving, and packed with dread right from the start. I loved that the horror element was introduced early, rather than making readers wait forever for the action to begin.

The Mimic was SUCH a creepy and effective monster. Every chapter left me needing to know who would survive, who could be trusted, and what was really happening. The isolation, paranoia, and emotional guilt woven throughout the story heightened the suspense. I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” and suddenly hours had passed.

What really elevated this book for me was the emotional depth underneath all the horror. The complicated relationship between Jane and Thomas added so much heart to the story, and the way their shared trauma and guilt were slowly revealed throughout the book was incredibly well done. Katherine Daniel balanced emotional storytelling with genuine horror so perfectly.

And the twists? SO good. I genuinely did not predict the reveal surrounding the Mimic, and I loved how the story kept making me question everything and everyone.
This book felt like a thrilling roller coaster from beginning to end, creepy, emotional, addictive, and impossible to put down. Horror fans who love creature horror, tense survival situations, and nonstop suspense absolutely need to pick this one up.

Such an exciting and unforgettable horror read!

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

first time i've stayed up into the wee hours of the night to finish a book in a looooong time!! this was a blast of a horror book, and it was even a debut???

this was an appalachian horror with creepy creature feature & a "doomed siblings" trope... which is right up my alley. we follow a pair of siblings that are on their way to a cabin for their family Thanksgiving celebration, and the tension between the two is palpable. the younger sibling, Jane, is clearly feeling quite badly about something that happened between her and her older brother, Thomas. we don't know why their relationship is so tense until we progress further into the story, as we get slow trickles of their situation until it is finally revealed.

i loved how this was done, because it was a blast to try to puzzle together the 'event' that occurred. it then becomes pretty heartbreaking the more you come to find out. this also rings the same for the other characters we meet, because this monster they encounter has a goal: take the person who has the guiltiest heart.

the situation was reminiscent of "The Mist", "The Thing", and "Splinter", as they had to hunker down in a grocery store overnight to hide from this creature that could disguise itself as someone they knew. i thought it was a fun take on this type of situation & while it felt familiar, it was unique within its own right (and, of course, like i said, i looooved the siblings and their relationship and how their story wrapped up).

4.25/5 stars. while i love a confirmed ending, i think i could've done without the epilogue because the final question did leave me with more questions than not.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[A Pixie Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some monsters lurk under the bed. Others knock politely at the front door.

I really enjoyed When the Night Comes Knocking. The brother and sister duo were easily one of my favourite parts of the book. I loved how the author slowly peeled back the layers of their relationship, revealing just enough to keep me invested without giving everything away too quickly. Every new piece of their history made me want to know more. In fact, that slow-drip approach worked brilliantly across the whole cast. The characters all felt interesting, and I was constantly rewarded for paying attention.

The suspense was excellent. This is one of those books that keeps tightening the screws without relying on endless jump scares or gore. It builds an atmosphere where you're constantly questioning what's real and what's waiting just out of sight.

Now, a confession. Mimics are my absolute horror kryptonite. Seriously. I won't even watch Instagram or TikTok reels featuring them because I'll end up lying awake at 3am convinced the coat hanging on the back of the door has developed opinions. So I was genuinely nervous going into this book. Somehow, though, it managed to be deliciously creepy without completely ruining my sleep schedule. It definitely got under my skin, just... politely.

I also couldn't stop thinking that this would make an incredible film. The tension, the slow reveals, and the unsettling atmosphere all felt incredibly cinematic. I'd happily watch this adaptation... through the gaps between my fingers, obviously.

And finally, a public service announcement for my fellow members of the "what about the dog?!" club.

**Spoiler alert:** the dog doesn't die.

Four stars from me... and one relieved sigh of relief for the dog.

Thank you 3AM for a copy of this book

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you netgalley, berkley publishing group, and katherine daniel for the arc in exchange for review!

though the stories are not at all the same, the atmosphere/fear factor of this book reminds me of the until dawn franchise, so id highly recommend this to anyone whos a fan.

"when the night comes knocking" successfully posits an eerie allegory for internalized guilt and the toll it takes on a person over time. daniel's worldbuilding abilities allow the reader to feel fully immersed in the isolation of the appalachian mountains, highlighting the claustrophobia that settles in when one can do nothing else but sit what themselves and the thoughts theyve been avoiding.

that said, despite the fact that the book all but hits the ground running with action from the very first chapter, i still struggled a bit with the overall pacing of the story. it felt like there was so much suspense built around the night that shattered jane's and tommy's relationship, and when both of their perspectives were revealed, i couldnt help but feel like.......that's it? like it was traumatizing to be sure and i understand how it created such immense feelings of guilt and responsibility within each sibling...but it's a whole lot of hubbub for something that should have been resolved in family therapy.

additionally, there are a lot of moments where i felt like the dialogue gave a little too much ~after-school special~ which detracted from the horror aspect.

in general, this was a fun one! if i could read it for the first time again, id definitely want to bring it out at the thanksgiving season to really bring it to life.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estranged siblings Tommy and Jane find themselves on a Thanksgiving road trip to meet the rest of their family in the Appalachian mountains. But a quick stop at a convenience store puts them and the other patrons in the path of a monster as old as the hills. One that’s hungry for guilty hearts.

I kept thinking one thing while I read this book: “I know I haven’t read this before, but it feels like I have.” It reminded me of The Mist and many other stories where we see a group of people barricaded inside while a monster creeps, and we learn more about these people as situations and feelings heighten. The problem, however, was that I just didn’t really care. Plot points, characters, and the setting itself just fell flat for me.

This is technically an Appalachian horror book, but it doesn’t feel like one. I want a book where I can smell damp rocks, hear a screen door slam, and feel the ancient secrets seeping out of the pages. Not one that just kind of happens to take place there and gives no real love or attention to the region itself.

While I enjoyed the lore of the monster, I needed more. I feel if we had less background on our minor characters and more monster stories, especially from generations past, I would have been invested. What I got was more of a Stranger Things/demogorgon vibe where our characters use walkie talkies, make hairspray flamethrowers and have a TON of one-on-one conversations where deepest secrets are spilled. Like I say above, I’ve read (or seen) it before.

That said, I really did like Jane and Tommy a lot. Their dynamic and past traumas were interesting and I feel like exploring their relationship is where this book really shone. Unfortunately, too much time and energy were spent on characters I didn’t gel with.

Overall, it’s not bad at all. Just a creepy monster book that’s likely to remind you of something you’ve already read.

[Shekki’s memoirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell!

I.ATE.THIS.BOOK!


If you love Appalachian folklore, locked-room horror, and intense sibling trauma all trapped inside a roadside country store, When the Night Comes Knocking is an absolute must-read.

The story kicks off instantly when Jane and her brother Thomas find a pair of mutilated deer in the North Georgia mountains, realizing too late that something ancient and hungry is stalking them.

Enter the Mimic: a terrifying creature that can shift into a perfect doppelgänger of anyone whose blood it tastes, complete with their memories. Once the characters are trapped inside with no rescue coming, the paranoia skyrockets because literally anyone could be the monster.

It reads exactly like a fast-paced, very gory horror movie where trust is impossible, the body horror is intense, and you'll find yourself wanting to scream at everyone to stay inside.

But what completely surprised me was the emotional depth underneath the chaos. At its core, this is a brilliant story about carrying heavy guilt. Jane and Thomas have a deeply fractured, resentful sibling dynamic that serves as the book's emotional anchor, and the Mimic specifically hunts for the person with the guiltiest heart.

While a random romance subplot and a few side characters felt like they could have been cut, the strong atmosphere and incredible ending completely made up for it. The final confrontation balances wild action with a powerful message about facing your past trauma instead of running from it. It's fast, bloody, creepy!

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

This was action packed and unexpectedly twisty. When I first started reading immediately it gave off the vibe of the Appalachian version of ‘The Mist’ and I say this in a positive way. There were a few times I was a bit irritated by the secret keeping but it definitely paid off to the plot and I ended up loving the idea by the end!

I used to not be this way but I have actual come to really like books that take place primarily in one setting at least when it comes to horror because I feel like you really get to sit with the environment and it allows the eeriness to seep into your bones.

I really enjoyed the way the past and the present were melded together in a way that furthered everyone’s character development and led to some pretty killer AHA moments! There were a few times I felt like I knew what was going on for sure and was dead wrong. I love a book that leads me astray because that means it was not predictable!

It was bloody, it was gory, and it was creepy! I enjoyed that the story kicks off early on and doesn’t slow which makes for a very thrilling horror! I also want to mention I got chills multiple times while reading and I think it is a sign of a good book if my body elicits an actual physical reaction to the story!

I know sometimes it’s sacrilegious to say this but this would make a great horror movie too!

All in all it was a fun time, it wasn’t dragged on, and I am very glad I read it! I am excited to see what else Katherine Daniel writes next!

[Holly Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! I don't come across many stories featuring skinwalkers or mimics, so this was such a refreshing and exciting read. The atmosphere, mystery, and suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end.

Jane was such a badass protagonist, and I loved how genuine and relatable she felt throughout the story. Her budding romance with Jackson was one of my favorite parts, and I was so relieved he survived. My jaw literally dropped when he was falsely accused the first time, I was heartbroken! While it's never explicitly confirmed, I choose to believe they end up together because they deserve it.

Thomas frustrated me for a good portion of the book, but I appreciated his character growth and was glad he finally admitted that what happened that night wasn't Jane's fault. Evan...well, he just made some incredibly questionable decisions. Seriously, who willingly walks toward the forest when you know something dangerous is lurking out there?

The reveal that Kimi was Grace's murderer completely caught me off guard. That twist was wild, and finding out that "it" was still back with her after everything they went through made the ending even more chilling. I felt bad for Ashley losing her husband, but I think she'll be okay moving forward. As for Jim...he annoyed me the entire time, so I wasn't exactly sad to see him go.

Overall, I had such a great time with this book. It delivered suspense, memorable characters, shocking twists, and a creature I wish appeared more often in horror. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
Oh boy do I feel unsettled after finishing this. It's making me think I really don't read enough horror because when it's good, it's good! What I really appreciated and had fun with when reading this was how entwined the horror was between both physical and psychological. Each character in the story had their secrets, their grief and guilt and emotional wounds. As that all unraveled as the story progressed was enticing. I just wanted to know more about everyone. The dynamics were interesting too. There's a good mix between trust and distrust between the group as they are all barricaded together against the monster. The terror and the gruesome deaths were well written, too. And as for the monster, it was delightfully spooky. Ever since the start with the deer, the atmosphere was eerie and you could just feel the goosebump feeling. The pacing was quite good, too, it wasn't too fast or too slow, and the slower moments were full of characterization. The theme of guilty hearts was so captivating. And of course the central dynamic, the relationship between the brother and sister. Bonus points for the wonderful dog! I did find the emotional resolution between the siblings and the ending itself slightly underwhelming which is why I didn't give it a full five out of five, but it was still super thrilling.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for a review!

[Sarah Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I want to say this is a wonderful debut. The world was fleshed out, each of the characters had their own motivations, and the stakes always felt real. It takes legitimate talent to write a novel that takes place almost entirely in one location without making the story feel cramped. The writing is accessible and fast-paced so you’ll never be bored.

I only have two real critiques, one being that I feel the manuscript could've used another pass to fix some awkward language. There were a few instances of repetitive words (e.g., using “cast” in two different forms in back-to-back sentences) or just generally odd phrasing (e.g., “Jane’s ears flinch”) that took me out of the story. These may have stuck out more because Katherine has an otherwise solid command of language.

The other critique was there are places where the readers have to accept absurd things. Oddly, this is never regarding the actual horror aspect. For example, finding out why Thomas was so upset at Jane made me genuinely dislike him as a character. The level of disdain did not fit the “crime” (or lack thereof), in my opinion. The ending also made me laugh out loud because of how unrealistic it was. I’m not sure if that was the vibe the author wanted to end on.

Neither of these issues are dealbreakers, and I’ll absolutely be recommending When the Night Comes Knocking to others once it’s available for purchase. I look forward to Katherine’s future works.

[Ashley Rascoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

When the Night Comes Knocking follows two siblings heading to visiting family for the holidays as their road trip takes an unexpected and horrifying turn. The siblings, Jane and Thomas, are not currently on the best of terms, with both of them harboring secrets that are deadlier than the other could imagine.

This book was AMAZING. As an avid horror fan and reader, there have been very few books to ever scare me to a point where I need to look at something funny before going to sleep. This is one of those few. The first few nights of reading this before bed had me turning on something light and funny to fall asleep to, which hasn't happened in years. The author has an amazing ability to capture the eerie feeling of being watched and hunted. They're also able to tell this story without graphic gore. There's an intense feeling of dread throughout every page that builds and builds til the very end.

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to know what's coming around the next corner. If you're a fan of folk horror, this is the book for you. I'd highly recommend this one for fans of The Mist, the YouTuber Wendigoon, people on AppalachiaTok, and people like me who fear going to new grocery stores outside of their hometown.

I look forward to buying a physical copy of this one and recommending it to everyone I know! Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

This was a pretty entertaining horror novel. It reads like a movie, and each chapter ends in a way that makes you want to keep going. I finished it the same day I started it because the pacing and story kept me engaged.

I think this is the kind of horror novel I'd categorize as spooky rather than creepy. It doesn't skimp on bloody or scary scenes, but I never really felt scared while reading, so much as a bit creeped out. The setting of a secluded gas station in the Appalachian Mountains contributed to the eerie feeling and made their decisions a bit more understandable (there's only so much you can do to fight off an eldritch horror when you're trapped in a convenience store).

I will say that, as interesting as the plot is, the characters aren't really the highlight of the story. I think the main characters weren't all that interesting, and the supporting cast felt too much like monster fodder, even with their brief background stories, so I wasn’t that invested in their fate so much as interested in where the story would go. You could probably swap every character out, and it wouldn't matter because they all kind of serve some sort of trope you'd see in a horror movie.

All that said, it was a fun book to read in one sitting, and I think that if you're looking for an entertaining Appalachian popcorn-horror novel, you'll enjoy it.

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

[Keyara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane's biggest problem right now is surviving a road trip up into the Appalachian Mountains with her brother who hates her guts. It doesn’t make it any better that their destination is what is sure to be another dysfunctional family get together for Thanksgiving. Her last moment of peace before a guaranteed crappy weekend is a quick stop at a convenience store before they get to the cabin, but she quickly realizes that something is hunting her? Them? Everyone? And now has to fight to survive the night.

THIS BOOK HAD ME SATTTTT! I have been dying for a goooood and creepy horror book and Katherine Daniel does more than just deliver. This book is set on an obscure mountain in a small town and the Appalachian Mountain lore abounds (IYKYK). I’m not sure how many Appalachian Mountain story rabbit holes I’ve gone down, but I never leave them without being covered in goosebumps. SAME VIBES. Katherine does an excellent job with immersing the reader in the story. It literally felt like I was watching a horror movie because I could see everything so vividly. It felt like something you would hear around a campfire that would have you sleeping with a nightlight for the next month. It was perfect, truly no notes.

Thank you, Katherine Daniel and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.