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The Creeping Dead
It’s the summertime rush in the Jersey Shore resort town of Smuggler’s Bay, as tourists flock to the beach, boardwalk, and rides … but it’s not all fun and games. As a superstorm looms, threatening to destroy the town, something else threatens the Bay … something lurking in the shadows … the creeping dead. As a mysterious infection spreads, the town must pull together if they are to weather the storm and survive a plague of living dead.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2015
32 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 14, 2015
Actual rating - 2.5
The first few pages of this were pretty good, but it went downhill after that. The 15% after that was all about life before it happened, and I found it pretty dull. It was also slightly confusing, as there was loads of characters introduced in a short time.
There was a few pages after that that were interesting, but again, it went back to life before which was really annoying.
Overall, Not a very enjoyable read for me unfortunately.
The first few pages of this were pretty good, but it went downhill after that. The 15% after that was all about life before it happened, and I found it pretty dull. It was also slightly confusing, as there was loads of characters introduced in a short time.
There was a few pages after that that were interesting, but again, it went back to life before which was really annoying.
Overall, Not a very enjoyable read for me unfortunately.
June 14, 2015
Take a small resort town on the Jersey shore filled with people enjoying the carnival type atmosphere with rides, games, food and shops add in an unbearable heat wave with a super storm heading their way and you have the beginning of one awesome zombie story! Mr. Cardillo takes the reader on one terrifying trip with this story! It’s all fun and games with a great background story about the area and the characters until patient zero decides to end all the fun! I absolutely loved how each and every character was developed and played a key part in this story. The townies are a very close knit group and come together to help each other survive once the infection starts to spread and the town of Smuggler’s Bay is thrown in to utter chaos when the super storm hits at the same time! What ensues in this amazing story is a story of survival and heroism of caring and protecting. I absolutely loved this book and hated to see that last page turned. There was no cliffhanger ending to this story so I don’t believe this is going to be a series even though I wish this was the beginning of one. I would definitely recommend this book to all zombie lovers or to anyone looking for a very entertaining story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and thinking twice about walking down the Boardwalk on a hot…humid day!
April 14, 2015
"The Creeping Dead" is a different kind of zombie novel, one that actually ends in a single book! The author goes back and forth in time over a three day period, introducing life and characters on a small island resort on the Jersey shore, and the fateful days of violence (hurricane, flooding and zombies). The final quarter of the story focuses on the survival of some of these characters and can't be put down.
Readers will cheer for some characters and hope that others are lost in the violence - the author making it easy for us to hate them. Summer is coming to an end and everyone is looking forward to the annual parade and day-long festivities. Many residents dress in clown make-up and costumes, joining hundreds of professional clowns that come every year to march in the parade. Clowns are fun, right? With a "perfect storm" heading their way, this is destined to be a day everybody will remember - providing they survive.
Great job Mr. Cardillo! Thank you for writing a wonderful story!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
Readers will cheer for some characters and hope that others are lost in the violence - the author making it easy for us to hate them. Summer is coming to an end and everyone is looking forward to the annual parade and day-long festivities. Many residents dress in clown make-up and costumes, joining hundreds of professional clowns that come every year to march in the parade. Clowns are fun, right? With a "perfect storm" heading their way, this is destined to be a day everybody will remember - providing they survive.
Great job Mr. Cardillo! Thank you for writing a wonderful story!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
June 12, 2017
The Creeping Dead by Edward P. Cardillo
It’s the summertime rush in the Jersey Shore resort town of Smuggler’s Bay, as tourists flock to the beach, boardwalk, and rides…but it’s not all fun and games. As a superstorm looms, threatening to destroy the town, something else threatens the Bay…something lurking in the shadows…the creeping dead. As a mysterious infection spreads, the town must pull together if they are to weather the storm and survive a plague of living dead…
There’s something strange in the neighbourhood… well seaside resort Smuggler’s Bay, an idyllic holiday retreat for families. People are getting sick, and now people are going missing and the police are stretched as it as they expect their busiest weekend of the year, all the while, a super summer storm hovers on the horizon. The last thing they need is zombies. Well tough shit, they’re getting them.
Cardillo sets his story up well, the locale, introducing a multitude of interesting characters, and setting them up for their fateful falls, but perhaps spends too long on scene building when the simpler approach would have done. This isn’t the Great American Novel, most of these townsfolk are going to meet horrible ends, and thus nearly two hundred pages are spent going through the motions, trials and tribulations of the citizens of Smuggler’s Bay. The inclusion of the approaching storm is an interesting device, though unfortunately it isn’t used to great effect as much as I hoped. The way the story built, I expect things to go Jurassic Park and for the town to be overrun, instead it serves as a interested, though short finale. Had a good portion of the story concentrated on the storm itself instead of talk of it, my interest might have been held more (zombienado anyone?)
Saying that, the slow burn of the dead as they creep forward in the plot is good, and Cardillo writes the horror of their transformation quite well, it’s just a shame in parts it gets bogged down in soap opera shenanigans of the characters that are going to die anyways. There’s a lot to like; there’s a wry small town humour and the diverse characters are likeable and real enough, and that’s where the strengths are, but it just feels that there’s some missed opportunities (zombies during the storm could have been more prominent, the inclusion of zombie clowns could have been an equally terrifying horror had they been utilised more.)
Hits and misses aside, if you like a slow burn, small town horror The Creeping Dead might be worth a visit.
3/5
It’s the summertime rush in the Jersey Shore resort town of Smuggler’s Bay, as tourists flock to the beach, boardwalk, and rides…but it’s not all fun and games. As a superstorm looms, threatening to destroy the town, something else threatens the Bay…something lurking in the shadows…the creeping dead. As a mysterious infection spreads, the town must pull together if they are to weather the storm and survive a plague of living dead…
There’s something strange in the neighbourhood… well seaside resort Smuggler’s Bay, an idyllic holiday retreat for families. People are getting sick, and now people are going missing and the police are stretched as it as they expect their busiest weekend of the year, all the while, a super summer storm hovers on the horizon. The last thing they need is zombies. Well tough shit, they’re getting them.
Cardillo sets his story up well, the locale, introducing a multitude of interesting characters, and setting them up for their fateful falls, but perhaps spends too long on scene building when the simpler approach would have done. This isn’t the Great American Novel, most of these townsfolk are going to meet horrible ends, and thus nearly two hundred pages are spent going through the motions, trials and tribulations of the citizens of Smuggler’s Bay. The inclusion of the approaching storm is an interesting device, though unfortunately it isn’t used to great effect as much as I hoped. The way the story built, I expect things to go Jurassic Park and for the town to be overrun, instead it serves as a interested, though short finale. Had a good portion of the story concentrated on the storm itself instead of talk of it, my interest might have been held more (zombienado anyone?)
Saying that, the slow burn of the dead as they creep forward in the plot is good, and Cardillo writes the horror of their transformation quite well, it’s just a shame in parts it gets bogged down in soap opera shenanigans of the characters that are going to die anyways. There’s a lot to like; there’s a wry small town humour and the diverse characters are likeable and real enough, and that’s where the strengths are, but it just feels that there’s some missed opportunities (zombies during the storm could have been more prominent, the inclusion of zombie clowns could have been an equally terrifying horror had they been utilised more.)
Hits and misses aside, if you like a slow burn, small town horror The Creeping Dead might be worth a visit.
3/5
July 19, 2015
This book does not fall under the typical zombie genre reading so many people have become accustomed. Edward Cardillo’s The Creeping Dead begins as a tribute to those days of old where family activities were something beyond Disney, and encouraged local family businesses that go back generations.
In fact, it is such an event, which has drawn so many families out to visit, filling the usually quiet town during the tourist season. Drawn to Smuggler’s Bay by the promise of good, clean family fun, the usually quiet town is about to be overwhelmed by something no one can identify. Except that it is traced back to the local old folks home where greed has made the management keep mum about what is going on with its ‘deceased’ patients. It’s never identified but it is contagious and spreads through the town like wildfire as crowds gather to participate in a huge celebration including a parade of clowns. Clowns are terrifying on their own, but toss a few zombie clowns into the mix and it quickly turns into a massacre of epic proportions where only the only way to survive is to band together with those you can really trust.
This book stands on its own, but I love how the author leaves it cleverly open to the potential of further outbreak. I’ll be watching and waiting in case that should occur because I’d definitely want to read more. A really great book to read, even harder to put down.
In fact, it is such an event, which has drawn so many families out to visit, filling the usually quiet town during the tourist season. Drawn to Smuggler’s Bay by the promise of good, clean family fun, the usually quiet town is about to be overwhelmed by something no one can identify. Except that it is traced back to the local old folks home where greed has made the management keep mum about what is going on with its ‘deceased’ patients. It’s never identified but it is contagious and spreads through the town like wildfire as crowds gather to participate in a huge celebration including a parade of clowns. Clowns are terrifying on their own, but toss a few zombie clowns into the mix and it quickly turns into a massacre of epic proportions where only the only way to survive is to band together with those you can really trust.
This book stands on its own, but I love how the author leaves it cleverly open to the potential of further outbreak. I’ll be watching and waiting in case that should occur because I’d definitely want to read more. A really great book to read, even harder to put down.
June 5, 2015
I read many different kind of books but zombies are always my favorite. The Creeping Dead by Edward P. Cardillo had my attention from the start. Usually when I read a book that has many different story lines and characters I don’t get that sense of connecting with the characters because I get lost in all plots that go on. I did not have that problem here. Edward P. Cardillo is a very talented writer and knows how to connect each plot without missing a beat. He put in just enough gore and real life situations that it didn’t feel too outrageous that you were telling yourself… Yeah Right. You have great story with amazing characters to love and hate. (AND TRUST ME SOME ARE VERY EASY TO HATE) I defiantly recommend this book to anyone who loves zombies
November 1, 2015
My new favorite zombie novel
I've read my fair of zombie novels, but this one by far is the best. I love how it went back and forth between the morning of the outbreak and the few weeks leading up to it. Often zombie books that have parts leading up to the main outbreak become uninteresting due to the lack of action. Cardillo's idea to switch points of views and times kept you interested all throughout the book while also getting everyone's backstory and how the zombie outbreak came about. Amazing read!!!
I've read my fair of zombie novels, but this one by far is the best. I love how it went back and forth between the morning of the outbreak and the few weeks leading up to it. Often zombie books that have parts leading up to the main outbreak become uninteresting due to the lack of action. Cardillo's idea to switch points of views and times kept you interested all throughout the book while also getting everyone's backstory and how the zombie outbreak came about. Amazing read!!!
June 19, 2015
This was a great book. Edward's writing has you right there in the book, feeling the heat and wind. I found myself praying that certain characters would be okay. He gets you so invested in them that you're praying that they'll be ok. I don't usually find myself as I'm reading saying in my head "I hope he/she makes it. Oh no, please let them be fine". The story telling is top notch and the description gets in right in the stomach. Really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys zombie novels. Really looking forward to more books from this very talented author.... keep on writing..
May 14, 2015
This is a zombie book with superior character development and an actual story. If you are looking for "survival porn" this book is not for you. I enjoyed an actual story as to how the zombie outbreak in this small Jersey Shore town happened as it begins with patient zero and explodes from there. Kudos to Cardillo for not only taking the time to craft characters to care about but also to have them behave realistically. The town itself is the biggest character and I loved spending time in it.
November 30, 2015
No one could say that the characters in The Creeping Dead by Edward Cardillo were underdeveloped. The story was entertaining, even though, I found the beginning to be a bit slow. Cardillo never explained how the virus began, but he did show how it spread in this small NJ town and it was great. I am curious if there will be a part 2 with these great characters. A book worth the read.
February 24, 2016
Edward Cardillo is quickly becoming one of my favorite master story tellers. His trademark grandfather figure is an excellent lesson in humanity. He incorporates teenagers beginning life, children depending on others, adults in various stances of morality, and the most unlikely hero to touch your soul. His zombies are only a catalyst to the true story of humanity and community.
May 17, 2022
Superstorm
This is a great story ,great characters who you can get involved with.A superstorm plus zombies, a town in danger but unaware and an Smith style mayor.It's just a good read.I'm off to start book 2 now and hope there's a book3
This is a great story ,great characters who you can get involved with.A superstorm plus zombies, a town in danger but unaware and an Smith style mayor.It's just a good read.I'm off to start book 2 now and hope there's a book3
September 3, 2024
Just a great story
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lots of action, great characters. You will enjoy it , I highly recommend it.
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lots of action, great characters. You will enjoy it , I highly recommend it.
May 31, 2015
The Creeping Dead treks the take of a sleepy seaside Jersey town that sees the slow creep (see what I did there?) of the dead.
On the plus side, the author knows how to write characters and build them. His ability to write description is good add well. In a lot of way this book is almost like Adventureland or a coming of age or end odd summer story. To a degree, it reminds me of Journal of the Unread, though not quite as much to my liking. It's a quick read, and it's entertaining if you take it for what it is.
That said there's some issues holding this back from four or five stars. Firstly, it's barely a zombie story. The zombies occupy a very minor role in the story until late in the book. The fact that this isn't just another balls to the wall zombie story is a good thing, but at a point the reader behind to wonder if they're going to show up. Furthermore, the cause and reaction to the arrival of the dead is hard to swallow. The villain's reason for not revealing the dead to the authorities is a bit silly, though perhaps not totally unrealistic, and doesn't quite hold water. The characters' reactions to the dead at first area also somewhat nonsensical. The dead attack, disemboweling and killing many before they are killed. Despite this, everyone continued to be more concerned about closing up their shops to protect against a coming storm than surviving.
Less troubling are some of the odd writing jumps in both continuity and voice. At times it felt like he was trying to explain something, but couldn't think of any easier way than to add it as a somewhat jarring aside. Secondly, the editing for typos could have done with another go through. Neither of these are book breaking, but they're worth mentioning.
Overall a competent effort at bringing more character development to the genre, and mostly well written, but perhaps at too much expense to the plot and the horror end of things.
On the plus side, the author knows how to write characters and build them. His ability to write description is good add well. In a lot of way this book is almost like Adventureland or a coming of age or end odd summer story. To a degree, it reminds me of Journal of the Unread, though not quite as much to my liking. It's a quick read, and it's entertaining if you take it for what it is.
That said there's some issues holding this back from four or five stars. Firstly, it's barely a zombie story. The zombies occupy a very minor role in the story until late in the book. The fact that this isn't just another balls to the wall zombie story is a good thing, but at a point the reader behind to wonder if they're going to show up. Furthermore, the cause and reaction to the arrival of the dead is hard to swallow. The villain's reason for not revealing the dead to the authorities is a bit silly, though perhaps not totally unrealistic, and doesn't quite hold water. The characters' reactions to the dead at first area also somewhat nonsensical. The dead attack, disemboweling and killing many before they are killed. Despite this, everyone continued to be more concerned about closing up their shops to protect against a coming storm than surviving.
Less troubling are some of the odd writing jumps in both continuity and voice. At times it felt like he was trying to explain something, but couldn't think of any easier way than to add it as a somewhat jarring aside. Secondly, the editing for typos could have done with another go through. Neither of these are book breaking, but they're worth mentioning.
Overall a competent effort at bringing more character development to the genre, and mostly well written, but perhaps at too much expense to the plot and the horror end of things.
December 30, 2016
Having lived in NJ,the first part of the book was like going home. The beach, shops on the boardwalk and hanging out with friends on a hot summer night in the lights, surrounded by the sounds of the games, barkers, chatter, of all the people on the boardwalk as well as the sounds of the surf crashing to shore.
Yet it is not all fun and games, nor having the Circus Faire Parade, thus a lot of clowns in town there is a Super Storm making its way to Smuggler's Bay in a few short days.Besides the Shop keeper's and staff, and the folks in the seaside wonderland, tourist from New York, Connecticut & Pennsylvania. There is a Nursing home that exploits the government and individual's insurance for their patients who are dead but still moving around. They secure a locked ward claiming it is for the worst most violent Alzheimer cases, manned by a select few. The director wanted to continue to collect payment for beds that are unused... for the dead doesn't need to sleep. When the staff begins to notice trays of food are coming back untouched he knows he has to do something.The first incident happened at this institution. It was Mario's ma's roommate that was patient zero. They had moved the aggressive women out of the room right away. but Mario's ma wanted to go home, she knew it was Mario's wife that had her put into that horrid place.
This is a stand alone book, but it is really a self-contained series. Mr.Edward P Cardillo did a phenomenal job with this book.It is his outside the box thinking that made this book such a success.He created a rich vibrant world here, with normal characters well there is one unlikely super hero you will just love.He is a special boy with a crush on a female cop. There are several incidents that crop up throughout the town, all about the time the townsfolk is trying to brace themselves for the Superstorm that is bearing down on Smuggler's Bay.
Yet it is not all fun and games, nor having the Circus Faire Parade, thus a lot of clowns in town there is a Super Storm making its way to Smuggler's Bay in a few short days.Besides the Shop keeper's and staff, and the folks in the seaside wonderland, tourist from New York, Connecticut & Pennsylvania. There is a Nursing home that exploits the government and individual's insurance for their patients who are dead but still moving around. They secure a locked ward claiming it is for the worst most violent Alzheimer cases, manned by a select few. The director wanted to continue to collect payment for beds that are unused... for the dead doesn't need to sleep. When the staff begins to notice trays of food are coming back untouched he knows he has to do something.The first incident happened at this institution. It was Mario's ma's roommate that was patient zero. They had moved the aggressive women out of the room right away. but Mario's ma wanted to go home, she knew it was Mario's wife that had her put into that horrid place.
This is a stand alone book, but it is really a self-contained series. Mr.Edward P Cardillo did a phenomenal job with this book.It is his outside the box thinking that made this book such a success.He created a rich vibrant world here, with normal characters well there is one unlikely super hero you will just love.He is a special boy with a crush on a female cop. There are several incidents that crop up throughout the town, all about the time the townsfolk is trying to brace themselves for the Superstorm that is bearing down on Smuggler's Bay.
July 4, 2015
A microcosm of an apocalypse.
I'm not usually a fan of the jumping back and forth in time mechanic. With this story, however, it was rarely a burden. I found myself thinking no, this is not how they go, once the undead appear we have a rollercoaster of action. Then I realised that yes, that is usually how it goes but perhaps this was an interesting approach. We get to learn about the characters whilst also knowing or being given hints about what they are to face.
There are typos and mistakes to consider, but the story is worth overlooking them.
The fact that it all plays out in a rather sheltered area (at least for now) also gave it a different feel. In a way, it was more intimate.
I especially liked how the inevitable begins and in particular, who it begins with.
Recommended.
I'm not usually a fan of the jumping back and forth in time mechanic. With this story, however, it was rarely a burden. I found myself thinking no, this is not how they go, once the undead appear we have a rollercoaster of action. Then I realised that yes, that is usually how it goes but perhaps this was an interesting approach. We get to learn about the characters whilst also knowing or being given hints about what they are to face.
There are typos and mistakes to consider, but the story is worth overlooking them.
The fact that it all plays out in a rather sheltered area (at least for now) also gave it a different feel. In a way, it was more intimate.
I especially liked how the inevitable begins and in particular, who it begins with.
Recommended.
September 30, 2015
1-star-only-coz-theres-zombies
The storyline sucked.
But i did like the ending - cause it freakin' ended! Ugh. I should've read the blurb. Never again.
The storyline sucked.
But i did like the ending - cause it freakin' ended! Ugh. I should've read the blurb. Never again.
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