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Wolf Season: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26In the remote Montana wilderness, a prodigal son’s search for his missing father reunites him with the love of his life in a town marked by eerily unexplained murders, masterfully crafted by award-winning author Wesley King.
In the stark, remote beauty of rural Montana, Everett returns to his hometown after his father, the local sheriff, mysteriously disappears while investigating the murder of a teenage girl. Driven by duty and a deep-seated longing for Bernadine Armel, the girl’s older cousin and the woman he has loved since childhood, Everett plunges into untangling the twisted cases.
The Armel family is shrouded in mystery, the men long since killed in a horrific ‘accident,’ with rumors of more disappearing on their land. And as Everett delves deeper into the family’s past, he uncovers a sinister pattern of murders and hints of supernatural phenomena he can’t explain.
Torn between his quest for justice and his love for Bernadine, who may be implicated in the crimes, Everett faces moral dilemmas and danger at every turn. Wolf Season is a gripping debut that blends supernatural horror with detective fiction, exploring the search for truth in a world where nothing is as it seems.
In the stark, remote beauty of rural Montana, Everett returns to his hometown after his father, the local sheriff, mysteriously disappears while investigating the murder of a teenage girl. Driven by duty and a deep-seated longing for Bernadine Armel, the girl’s older cousin and the woman he has loved since childhood, Everett plunges into untangling the twisted cases.
The Armel family is shrouded in mystery, the men long since killed in a horrific ‘accident,’ with rumors of more disappearing on their land. And as Everett delves deeper into the family’s past, he uncovers a sinister pattern of murders and hints of supernatural phenomena he can’t explain.
Torn between his quest for justice and his love for Bernadine, who may be implicated in the crimes, Everett faces moral dilemmas and danger at every turn. Wolf Season is a gripping debut that blends supernatural horror with detective fiction, exploring the search for truth in a world where nothing is as it seems.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Wesley King
39 books411 followersThe author of fourteen novels so far, Canadian author Wesley King has received over twenty literary awards and seen his books published worldwide, optioned for film and television, and translated into numerous languages. King is best known for his collaboration with Kobe Bryant on the #1 New York Times Bestselling Wizenard Series, as well as the Edgar Award-winning OCDaniel, which was also a Bank Street Best Book of the Year and Silver Birch winner. His adult debut, Wolf Season, will be released in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Atria / Emily Bestler Books
“Wolf Season” by Wesley King is one of those books that completely sneaks up on you; you think you’re getting a straightforward small-town mystery, and then suddenly you’re deep in something way darker, creepier, and impossible to put down.
The story kicks off with Sheriff Dale Johnson mysteriously disappearing. His truck is found abandoned near the woods, no signs of struggle, no clues—just… gone. That alone is eerie, but it gets even better (or worse?) when his son Everett comes back to town to help find him. And let’s just say, Everett’s return is messy. He didn’t leave on good terms; his dad basically pushed him out of town, and his relationship with his ex, Bernadine, is very much unresolved.
From there, it turns into this layered investigation where more deaths start popping up, secrets from the past come crawling out, and the whole town starts to feel off. The small-town vibe is so well done with gossip, grudges, weird locals, and this constant sense that everyone knows more than they’re saying. And the woods? Genuinely creepy. The kind of setting where you wouldn’t want to be alone at night.
Everett is a really solid main character. He’s got that classic “reluctant investigator with baggage” energy, but it works. He’s loyal, stubborn, and clearly still carrying a lot from his past, which makes his decisions feel real, even when things get intense. His relationship with Bernadine adds an emotional layer to everything, though the romance itself can feel a little inconsistent at times.
What makes the book stand out is how it blends genres. You’ve got the detective/noir-style investigation, but then there are these subtle supernatural elements creeping in, like rumors of curses, witches, and something not quite right with a certain family in town. It never goes fully into horror, but there’s just enough there to keep you questioning what’s real.
The pacing is honestly one of the best parts. It builds slowly with flashbacks and clues, and then suddenly you realize it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still reading because you need to know what’s going on. There are some really solid twists, and even when you think you have a handle on things, the story shifts in a way you might not expect.
If there’s anything to nitpick, it’s that the supernatural elements could’ve been explored a bit more, and the romance doesn’t always hit as hard as it could. But neither of those really take away from how gripping the story is overall.
At its core, “Wolf Season” is about loyalty, specifically involving family, love, and how far people will go for both. It’s dark, atmospheric, and just the right amount of unsettling, with a mystery that keeps you hooked the entire time.
If you like small-town thrillers with a creepy edge and characters who are a little messy but very real, this is definitely one to pick up.
“Wolf Season” by Wesley King is one of those books that completely sneaks up on you; you think you’re getting a straightforward small-town mystery, and then suddenly you’re deep in something way darker, creepier, and impossible to put down.
The story kicks off with Sheriff Dale Johnson mysteriously disappearing. His truck is found abandoned near the woods, no signs of struggle, no clues—just… gone. That alone is eerie, but it gets even better (or worse?) when his son Everett comes back to town to help find him. And let’s just say, Everett’s return is messy. He didn’t leave on good terms; his dad basically pushed him out of town, and his relationship with his ex, Bernadine, is very much unresolved.
From there, it turns into this layered investigation where more deaths start popping up, secrets from the past come crawling out, and the whole town starts to feel off. The small-town vibe is so well done with gossip, grudges, weird locals, and this constant sense that everyone knows more than they’re saying. And the woods? Genuinely creepy. The kind of setting where you wouldn’t want to be alone at night.
Everett is a really solid main character. He’s got that classic “reluctant investigator with baggage” energy, but it works. He’s loyal, stubborn, and clearly still carrying a lot from his past, which makes his decisions feel real, even when things get intense. His relationship with Bernadine adds an emotional layer to everything, though the romance itself can feel a little inconsistent at times.
What makes the book stand out is how it blends genres. You’ve got the detective/noir-style investigation, but then there are these subtle supernatural elements creeping in, like rumors of curses, witches, and something not quite right with a certain family in town. It never goes fully into horror, but there’s just enough there to keep you questioning what’s real.
The pacing is honestly one of the best parts. It builds slowly with flashbacks and clues, and then suddenly you realize it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still reading because you need to know what’s going on. There are some really solid twists, and even when you think you have a handle on things, the story shifts in a way you might not expect.
If there’s anything to nitpick, it’s that the supernatural elements could’ve been explored a bit more, and the romance doesn’t always hit as hard as it could. But neither of those really take away from how gripping the story is overall.
At its core, “Wolf Season” is about loyalty, specifically involving family, love, and how far people will go for both. It’s dark, atmospheric, and just the right amount of unsettling, with a mystery that keeps you hooked the entire time.
If you like small-town thrillers with a creepy edge and characters who are a little messy but very real, this is definitely one to pick up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I lost sleep over this book. If I’d had plans, I would have cancelled them. That’s my personal five-star standard, and Wolf Season by Wesley King earned it.
The story begins when Sheriff Dale Johnson disappears, leaving behind an abandoned truck near the woods and absolutely no clues. His oldest son, Everett, returns to the small town he left seven years earlier to help search for him. Everett’s return isn’t exactly comfortable...his father forced him off the police force years ago, and the woman he loved, Bernadine Armel, ended their relationship. As the search unfolds, other deaths begin to surface, and the mystery surrounding the sheriff’s disappearance grows deeper.
The small-town atmosphere is fantastic, with deep woods, gossip, old grudges, and whispers of curses and witches adding an eerie edge to the investigation. Everett is a compelling protagonist: loyal, determined, and still haunted by the past. The pacing is excellent, layering clues and flashbacks until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still saying, “Just one more page.”
There are light paranormal elements that occasionally made me roll my eyes, but they didn’t take away from the story. At its heart, this is a story about loyalty and love - and how far people will go for both.
The story begins when Sheriff Dale Johnson disappears, leaving behind an abandoned truck near the woods and absolutely no clues. His oldest son, Everett, returns to the small town he left seven years earlier to help search for him. Everett’s return isn’t exactly comfortable...his father forced him off the police force years ago, and the woman he loved, Bernadine Armel, ended their relationship. As the search unfolds, other deaths begin to surface, and the mystery surrounding the sheriff’s disappearance grows deeper.
The small-town atmosphere is fantastic, with deep woods, gossip, old grudges, and whispers of curses and witches adding an eerie edge to the investigation. Everett is a compelling protagonist: loyal, determined, and still haunted by the past. The pacing is excellent, layering clues and flashbacks until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’re still saying, “Just one more page.”
There are light paranormal elements that occasionally made me roll my eyes, but they didn’t take away from the story. At its heart, this is a story about loyalty and love - and how far people will go for both.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
(slight spoiler)
Wolves are always getting a bad rap, accused of being more violent than they are, and this book is proof of that lol. Because I like wolves and am interested in Montana, I was drawn to this book.
Although this book is categorized as supernatural horror, I focused on the thriller portion of it and mainly overlooked the sparse 'supernatural' elements, which I saw as a metaphor of a violent reaction to misogyny.
To me, this book is highly plot-driven, because I did not connect with any of the characters, expect for Everett a bit and maybe Orsie. The female characters were a nightmare, so feral and irrational, especially Bernadine, Shannon, and Ursula. (Why was Shannon so angry? There was no backstory.) The characters just made me decide to never visit Montana.
Besides that, the murder mystery plot of this adult thriller kept me reading and connected me with the determined loner male MC, and for that I rated it 5 stars.
Thank you Atria for the advanced review copy, and NetGalley for the digital copy.
Wolves are always getting a bad rap, accused of being more violent than they are, and this book is proof of that lol. Because I like wolves and am interested in Montana, I was drawn to this book.
Although this book is categorized as supernatural horror, I focused on the thriller portion of it and mainly overlooked the sparse 'supernatural' elements, which I saw as a metaphor of a violent reaction to misogyny.
To me, this book is highly plot-driven, because I did not connect with any of the characters, expect for Everett a bit and maybe Orsie. The female characters were a nightmare, so feral and irrational, especially Bernadine, Shannon, and Ursula. (Why was Shannon so angry? There was no backstory.) The characters just made me decide to never visit Montana.
Besides that, the murder mystery plot of this adult thriller kept me reading and connected me with the determined loner male MC, and for that I rated it 5 stars.
Thank you Atria for the advanced review copy, and NetGalley for the digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wesley King offers us a tale of a broken family and broken group of people in his novel, “Wolf Season”.
This is not the tale of a prodigal son. There is no King running to his son, putting a robe on him, and giving him a signet ring. Even Everett’s family has mixed reactions. Family Status: It’s Complicated.
But Everett must come home. His dad, the sheriff, has disappeared. There is a missing teenage girl and the sheriff may have found out what happened to her. Now Everett is back to find his father. But if he gets too close to the truth, something bad may happen.
The mystery is tight in this novel. There is not non-stop action. Why? Because there is a lot to unpack within the community and family. But even when the action is on a downside, the story is still compelling.
Pull up a chair to a fire pit. Get you a nice warm beverage for a nice cool Fall evening. Feel the chill in the air as you read “Wolf Season” as you listen to the wolves howl in the background.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is not the tale of a prodigal son. There is no King running to his son, putting a robe on him, and giving him a signet ring. Even Everett’s family has mixed reactions. Family Status: It’s Complicated.
But Everett must come home. His dad, the sheriff, has disappeared. There is a missing teenage girl and the sheriff may have found out what happened to her. Now Everett is back to find his father. But if he gets too close to the truth, something bad may happen.
The mystery is tight in this novel. There is not non-stop action. Why? Because there is a lot to unpack within the community and family. But even when the action is on a downside, the story is still compelling.
Pull up a chair to a fire pit. Get you a nice warm beverage for a nice cool Fall evening. Feel the chill in the air as you read “Wolf Season” as you listen to the wolves howl in the background.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of Wolf Season, due for publication on November 3, 2026. If you like thrillers with dark content, small-town secrets, and a supernatural atmosphere, then you will love Wolf Season as much as I did. Wolf Season was a wild ride that I hadn't expected, but one that I enjoyed through every twist and turn. As a thriller, this book did not disappoint. King delivered a haunting tale that begins with the murder of a young girl, weaving in small-town superstitions, long-buried secrets, unexplained occurrences, and the age-old battle between fathers and sons. Nothing in this town is what it appears to be, including the inhabitants. The depth of the story had me peeling away layer after layer, trying to discover the truth. The final revelation surprised and delighted me. King managed to weave such an intricate puzzle that I could not put the book down. This was a fantastic book, and I give it an enthusiastic 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Wesley King and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the ARC via NetGalley.
Small towns have the biggest mysteries. The exiled son of the town sheriff returns home to find his missing father and finds more strange things going on. Mysterious deaths surround the town of Killdeer and many are centered around the reclusive, all female Armel family. A family that Everett knew well, as one of the daughters was the reason for his exile from his family and the town.
You get hints of the strange happenings with some flashbacks throughout the story. It's fed to you slowly to keep the mystery. I felt this was an alright way to write and stay engaged when you weren't sure when the 'supernatural' was going to come into the plot. Twists and reveals are slowly doled out as Everett continues his investigation in to his father's and Orsie's deaths.
The story ends in bloodshed and multiple families destroyed, but with the hope of love..... Or maybe just more blood
Small towns have the biggest mysteries. The exiled son of the town sheriff returns home to find his missing father and finds more strange things going on. Mysterious deaths surround the town of Killdeer and many are centered around the reclusive, all female Armel family. A family that Everett knew well, as one of the daughters was the reason for his exile from his family and the town.
You get hints of the strange happenings with some flashbacks throughout the story. It's fed to you slowly to keep the mystery. I felt this was an alright way to write and stay engaged when you weren't sure when the 'supernatural' was going to come into the plot. Twists and reveals are slowly doled out as Everett continues his investigation in to his father's and Orsie's deaths.
The story ends in bloodshed and multiple families destroyed, but with the hope of love..... Or maybe just more blood
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wesley King, known for his 16 young adult novels, makes his debut in adult fiction with this compelling blend of hard-boiled detective noir and supernatural horror.
Everett, a reluctant detective and prodigal son, uncovers decades of secrets as the Armel family’s violent past threatens to engulf him.
Love, loyalty, and terror intertwine in this supernatural horror set in a small Montana town, with distant wolf howls and a twist that kept me on edge long after I turned the last page.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#WolfSeason
Everett, a reluctant detective and prodigal son, uncovers decades of secrets as the Armel family’s violent past threatens to engulf him.
Love, loyalty, and terror intertwine in this supernatural horror set in a small Montana town, with distant wolf howls and a twist that kept me on edge long after I turned the last page.
**I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review. #ARC #NetGalley
#WolfSeason
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wolf Season took me a minute to settle into because the gritty tone felt a little different from what I usually read, but once I adjusted, I was completely in. The atmosphere really worked for the story and gave it a distinct edge that made it stand out.
What I especially liked was how unexpectedly the story shifted near the end… there was a genre-bending twist that I genuinely did not see coming, and somehow it still worked without feeling out of place. It added a whole new layer to the book and made the ending especially memorable.
Overall, this was a really strong read that left me feeling very satisfied by the end, and deserving of 5 stars!
What I especially liked was how unexpectedly the story shifted near the end… there was a genre-bending twist that I genuinely did not see coming, and somehow it still worked without feeling out of place. It added a whole new layer to the book and made the ending especially memorable.
Overall, this was a really strong read that left me feeling very satisfied by the end, and deserving of 5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
Review if advanced reader copy from NetGalley. Thank you Atria books.This review is wholeheartedly my personal honest review.
Wolf Season - Wesley King
Wow Wesley you had me up half the night I just could not put this down!!
This mystery thriller with a mini side of folklore. From the get go the characters are well presented, the plot is well laid out. Every time I thought I had figured it out, cane a twist that had me gripping the edge of my seat and saying what the heck and wanting more.
I constantly found myself associating and feeling I was within the story line. I can’t wait to see what else is up you sleep Wesley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After being gone for seven years, ex-cop Everett Johnson returns to his small Montana hometown to help find his missing father, the town sheriff.
I started this book basically just knowing this, and I am so glad I did. It went into a direction I did not expect at all, which made me love it even more.
If you enjoy a good old fashioned investigation, a good romance, some shady characters and some good twists, pick up this book. It’s hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I started this book basically just knowing this, and I am so glad I did. It went into a direction I did not expect at all, which made me love it even more.
If you enjoy a good old fashioned investigation, a good romance, some shady characters and some good twists, pick up this book. It’s hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found the summary of this book interesting. I usually don’t read these kinds of books (detective, wilderness, etc), so I went out of my comfort zone for this novel. It was certainly a journey. I thought it would just be a murder mystery, but there were so many other layers that made me intrigued.
The story starts out a bit confusing. The plot feels dragged, and slow, and most of the action and climax start around the middle of the book.
It’s worth reading if you can get through the beginning. Overall, it was quite enjoyable for me, but the way it was written just didn’t click with me.
The story starts out a bit confusing. The plot feels dragged, and slow, and most of the action and climax start around the middle of the book.
It’s worth reading if you can get through the beginning. Overall, it was quite enjoyable for me, but the way it was written just didn’t click with me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley, for sending me this ARC. This was my first Wesley King novel, and I really enjoyed it.
Everett returns to his home in Montana to look into the disappearance of his father, the sheriff. While he's there, he tries to rekindle an old romance. She loves him but has a big secret.
The characters are well rounded, and the plot moves along quickly. There is a supernatural element to the story that keeps it interesting.
Everett returns to his home in Montana to look into the disappearance of his father, the sheriff. While he's there, he tries to rekindle an old romance. She loves him but has a big secret.
The characters are well rounded, and the plot moves along quickly. There is a supernatural element to the story that keeps it interesting.
March 27, 2026
I initially picked this book because the cover was cool and the premise was interesting. But let me tell you, i could not put this book down. May be one of the better books I’ve read this year. Very very compelling narrative that draws you in and you just want answers. Well written and such a fun read.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one kept me on edge the whole time.
The atmosphere was so well done—very tense and isolating—and I liked how much it focused on survival and how people react under pressure. It made it really hard to put down once the story picked up.
I just wish we got a little more depth from the characters, especially the female characters, to really hit those emotional moments.
Overall though, super engaging and definitely worth the read.
The atmosphere was so well done—very tense and isolating—and I liked how much it focused on survival and how people react under pressure. It made it really hard to put down once the story picked up.
I just wish we got a little more depth from the characters, especially the female characters, to really hit those emotional moments.
Overall though, super engaging and definitely worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc of this book.
I really liked this mystery with a bit of a horror twist. The brooding atmosphere in a wooded setting is quite effective. The characters were complex with lots of history and lore. The romance wasn't suffocating but was present and real.
I wish the twist would of have came sooner and fed my horror sweet tooth more, but I'm greedy like that.
If you like small town mysteries with something spooky in the woods, you should check this one out.
I really liked this mystery with a bit of a horror twist. The brooding atmosphere in a wooded setting is quite effective. The characters were complex with lots of history and lore. The romance wasn't suffocating but was present and real.
I wish the twist would of have came sooner and fed my horror sweet tooth more, but I'm greedy like that.
If you like small town mysteries with something spooky in the woods, you should check this one out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
One of my favorite types of novels; a setting heavily in the woods and backlands, atmospheric in description, clouded in mysterious deaths and a disappearances. I was easily immersed in this book. I guessed the culprit early on but there were other mysteries that encapsulated some of the characters which kept me guessing. Overall it was a good read.
One of my favorite types of novels; a setting heavily in the woods and backlands, atmospheric in description, clouded in mysterious deaths and a disappearances. I was easily immersed in this book. I guessed the culprit early on but there were other mysteries that encapsulated some of the characters which kept me guessing. Overall it was a good read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Excellent writing skills put on display as the author starts with a Montana setting and introduces a variety of characters into a plot designed with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
May 7, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC.
I needed a few days to process before I submitted my review. I won't go into too much detail to avoid spoilers. This book was right up my alley before I fully realized what was going on, and then even more up my alley once I did. This book had murder, mystery, lore, whimsy, and characters to become invested in. I loved settling in before bed and digging into this each night, and the storyline kept me needing to know more. I would definitely recommend this one!
I needed a few days to process before I submitted my review. I won't go into too much detail to avoid spoilers. This book was right up my alley before I fully realized what was going on, and then even more up my alley once I did. This book had murder, mystery, lore, whimsy, and characters to become invested in. I loved settling in before bed and digging into this each night, and the storyline kept me needing to know more. I would definitely recommend this one!
May 15, 2026
A solid thriller and I’ll definitely read King’s future thrillers.
The twists are pretty easy to solve as was the code but the book was never dull and the pacing was excellent. Everett was a great protagonist and I would happily read more books about him even the though the ending of this one is pretty definitive.
The twists are pretty easy to solve as was the code but the book was never dull and the pacing was excellent. Everett was a great protagonist and I would happily read more books about him even the though the ending of this one is pretty definitive.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars
This was an incredibly dark and atmospheric novel, BUT I felt like the romance was wishy-washy and somewhat detracted from the overall depth and my enjoyment of the story. I would've liked a lot more details into the supernatural elements to better flesh out the local and family lore.
This was an incredibly dark and atmospheric novel, BUT I felt like the romance was wishy-washy and somewhat detracted from the overall depth and my enjoyment of the story. I would've liked a lot more details into the supernatural elements to better flesh out the local and family lore.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley
This book pulls you in immediately! I got nothing done for 2 days because I had to find out what happened next.
This book has you guessing the whole time. you think you have it figured out and another twist comes. Family, friends, lovers, hill man, witchy dolls hanging from trees. This book was amazing! I will be buying a copy of this for my bookshelf when it comes out!
Thank you #Netgalley and Atria books!
This book pulls you in immediately! I got nothing done for 2 days because I had to find out what happened next.
This book has you guessing the whole time. you think you have it figured out and another twist comes. Family, friends, lovers, hill man, witchy dolls hanging from trees. This book was amazing! I will be buying a copy of this for my bookshelf when it comes out!
Thank you #Netgalley and Atria books!
May 24, 2026
review coming soon…
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews