What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Things Big
When a lab leak unleashes genetically engineered skin mites, survival becomes a nightmare.
Global Tech believes it has solved world hunger.
Using revolutionary genetic engineering, the powerful Big Ag corporation has created livestock the size of elephants—cattle, pigs, and sheep engineered to feed the planet and make billions in the process. To secure political support, Global Tech hosts an exclusive showcase at its rural Pennsylvania headquarters, inviting senators, congressmen, and investors to witness the future of agriculture.
But not everyone believes Global Tech should control the food supply.
When eco-terrorists attack the facility, their sabotage triggers a catastrophic accident inside the research labs. What they release isn’t just dangerous—it’s monstrous.
From the earliest days of Global Tech’s experiments come the forgotten genetically altered skin mites that grow, multiply, and swarm with horrifying speed.
Within minutes, the party becomes a battlefield.
Scientists, Secret Service agents, and trapped guests must fight their way through a nightmare of crawling flesh-eating parasites spreading through the complex. And the deeper they push into the facility, the more terrifying the truth becomes.
Fast-paced, terrifying, and chillingly plausible, this biotech horror thriller blends corporate conspiracy, genetic engineering gone wrong, and relentless creature terror for fans of Jurassic Park, The Food of the Gods, and Michael Crichton–style science thrillers.
The lab leak was only the beginning.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
Global Tech believes it has solved world hunger.
Using revolutionary genetic engineering, the powerful Big Ag corporation has created livestock the size of elephants—cattle, pigs, and sheep engineered to feed the planet and make billions in the process. To secure political support, Global Tech hosts an exclusive showcase at its rural Pennsylvania headquarters, inviting senators, congressmen, and investors to witness the future of agriculture.
But not everyone believes Global Tech should control the food supply.
When eco-terrorists attack the facility, their sabotage triggers a catastrophic accident inside the research labs. What they release isn’t just dangerous—it’s monstrous.
From the earliest days of Global Tech’s experiments come the forgotten genetically altered skin mites that grow, multiply, and swarm with horrifying speed.
Within minutes, the party becomes a battlefield.
Scientists, Secret Service agents, and trapped guests must fight their way through a nightmare of crawling flesh-eating parasites spreading through the complex. And the deeper they push into the facility, the more terrifying the truth becomes.
Fast-paced, terrifying, and chillingly plausible, this biotech horror thriller blends corporate conspiracy, genetic engineering gone wrong, and relentless creature terror for fans of Jurassic Park, The Food of the Gods, and Michael Crichton–style science thrillers.
The lab leak was only the beginning.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Where Stories Come Alive!
- GenresHorror
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
David M. Salkin
17 books28 followersDavid M. Salkin is a graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in English Literature and Communication. He’s been writing for as long as he can remember. Whether it was short stories, articles for trade publications, or novels, David has always been armed with a pen. With over a dozen novels published in several genres, his work speaks to a wide audience.
Dave lives in NJ where he served on the governing body of his home town for 25 years, (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Township Committeeman and Police Commissioner, as well as liaison to various Boards and Commissions.) He was inducted into the NJ Elected Officials Hall of Fame in 2019.
David is a founding member of the Veterans Community Alliance—Freehold Township Day Committee, which has given over $200,000 to veterans in need of assistance over the last 15+ years. He’s also an Associate Member of the Philip A. Reynolds Detachment of the United States Marine Corps League.
A bit of a Renaissance Man, Dave is a Master Diver, Chef, Oenophile, and traveler. In a perfect world, he’d go diving, catch dinner, and then prepare it for family and friends pared with a great bottle of wine in some exotic location. Dave’s motto, “Live every day like you think it’s your last, because one day, you’ll be right.”
Dave lives in NJ where he served on the governing body of his home town for 25 years, (Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Township Committeeman and Police Commissioner, as well as liaison to various Boards and Commissions.) He was inducted into the NJ Elected Officials Hall of Fame in 2019.
David is a founding member of the Veterans Community Alliance—Freehold Township Day Committee, which has given over $200,000 to veterans in need of assistance over the last 15+ years. He’s also an Associate Member of the Philip A. Reynolds Detachment of the United States Marine Corps League.
A bit of a Renaissance Man, Dave is a Master Diver, Chef, Oenophile, and traveler. In a perfect world, he’d go diving, catch dinner, and then prepare it for family and friends pared with a great bottle of wine in some exotic location. Dave’s motto, “Live every day like you think it’s your last, because one day, you’ll be right.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 17, 2026
We were trying to end world hunger."
"Why would you ever create such a thing?"
"It was early genome experiments. We were unlocking the genetic codes for size manipulation and growth rates. It was easiest in the beginning to work on simpler organisms. We made little things big. Then we worked on bigger, more complicated animals."
One single word describes this page-turning novel best: INTENSE
Mixing a bit of social commentary, politics, and plausible bio-technology into the proceedings Salkin writes a fast-paced thriller where you can't help but worry and cheer for many of the main characters.
Skin mites that can grow to the size of rats and dogs is extremely horrifying, and there are plenty of gruesome scenes throughout the novel. It's difficult not to feel your skin itching while reading this.
There does seem to be one secondary, but loose, thread in the story that Salkin doesn't return to, and I was surprised not to see it referred to in the epilogue, as it would set things up for a possible sequel. I'm actually happy that it was left out; because I can use my imagination to fill in the blanks.
I received an advanced digital review copy from the publisher without further obligation.
"Why would you ever create such a thing?"
"It was early genome experiments. We were unlocking the genetic codes for size manipulation and growth rates. It was easiest in the beginning to work on simpler organisms. We made little things big. Then we worked on bigger, more complicated animals."
One single word describes this page-turning novel best: INTENSE
Mixing a bit of social commentary, politics, and plausible bio-technology into the proceedings Salkin writes a fast-paced thriller where you can't help but worry and cheer for many of the main characters.
Skin mites that can grow to the size of rats and dogs is extremely horrifying, and there are plenty of gruesome scenes throughout the novel. It's difficult not to feel your skin itching while reading this.
There does seem to be one secondary, but loose, thread in the story that Salkin doesn't return to, and I was surprised not to see it referred to in the epilogue, as it would set things up for a possible sequel. I'm actually happy that it was left out; because I can use my imagination to fill in the blanks.
I received an advanced digital review copy from the publisher without further obligation.
April 18, 2026
I’m still screaming internally from this book. I’ll be forever side-eyeing any rash or bug bite I get in the future.
Global Tech found a way to solve world hunger through genetic modification of livestock and crops. Scientists perfected the process through lower life forms—-However, the harmless skin mites they started with evolved into something far more deadly.
Must read. This book gave me the heebie jeebies.
Global Tech found a way to solve world hunger through genetic modification of livestock and crops. Scientists perfected the process through lower life forms—-However, the harmless skin mites they started with evolved into something far more deadly.
Must read. This book gave me the heebie jeebies.
April 18, 2026
For the most part, this was an immensely likable and enjoyable story. The central setup comes about in a rather routine manner, involving the animal rights group looking to infiltrate the facility carrying out secretive testing and getting in over their head when they realize the giant creatures the team was studying have been released and are now loose, hunting and killing others, but it's still rather intriguing to let it play out. The more intensive descriptions involving the bio-technology used to create the creatures and how they're alive helps to redeem this somewhat by doing a lot more in-depth on how the whole process works, what the intent behind it was, and what the eventual outcome has turned into that helps to provide more of a buffer against this style of overdone setup regardless of how intriguing it is.
When it gets to the second half, and the group is forced to get out of the facility from the skin mites that can grow to the size of rats and dogs, this picks up incredibly well. The intensity regarding how the group is in unfamiliar waters trying to navigate through the corridors and labs of the facility while looking to stay away from the massive creatures makes for a solid time bringing about plenty of great suspense trying to get out alive, while the use of the specific creatures adds a lot to the book by making an already creepy creature that much more unnerving. There's a gruesomeness to the attacks and encounters here that makes the creatures all the more imposing and threatening beyond the size, and it all helps to make this a bit more enjoyable, except for the lone problem with the setup being a bit too familiar.
4.5/5
When it gets to the second half, and the group is forced to get out of the facility from the skin mites that can grow to the size of rats and dogs, this picks up incredibly well. The intensity regarding how the group is in unfamiliar waters trying to navigate through the corridors and labs of the facility while looking to stay away from the massive creatures makes for a solid time bringing about plenty of great suspense trying to get out alive, while the use of the specific creatures adds a lot to the book by making an already creepy creature that much more unnerving. There's a gruesomeness to the attacks and encounters here that makes the creatures all the more imposing and threatening beyond the size, and it all helps to make this a bit more enjoyable, except for the lone problem with the setup being a bit too familiar.
4.5/5
April 26, 2026
I’ll start off by saying I don’t love the thought that we’re crawling with bugs. Yes, literally, we are infested with the things. Tiny creatures that apparently are good for us but look like pure nightmare fuel if you look at them under a microscope. So, the idea of these things being genetically modified to enhance their size? Terrifying. Naturally, that’s exactly what the good scientists of Global Tech World Solutions decide to do. Why, you ask? Well, because they are searching for a way to end global hunger by applying the same genetic engineering techniques to crops and meat sources… and line their pockets with cash while doing it.
The story follows several characters, beginning with Andrew, one of the scientists who takes a box of samples, including some enlarged mites, back home to hand off to an animal rights activist from the Nature Power Movement who has gotten wind of Global Tech’s plans. Unbeknownst to them, the mites have escaped from the flimsy containment Andrew transported them in, and thus, the mite infestation begins.
Meanwhile, Paul Dodds, the director of global operations, and Connie, a power broker, tour the labs of the Global Tech facility to check on their progress and determine the next steps toward getting their processes approved for distribution. Events reach a crescendo of horrific proportions when the VIPs they invite to the lab to get approval coincide with an attack by the Nature Power Movement and the now rat-sized mite infestation that has been unleashed by Andrew’s actions. Chaos, carnage, and plenty of body horror follow before the story reaches its conclusion.
As a huge fan of creature-feature horror, this one is right up my alley, and it doesn’t disappoint. The premise is unique, well-researched and comes across as terrifyingly plausible, and the way the story plays out is chef’s kiss. It’s a lot of fun and has the energy of a popcorn horror movie. In fact, it should be adapted into one. Make it now!
The story follows several characters, beginning with Andrew, one of the scientists who takes a box of samples, including some enlarged mites, back home to hand off to an animal rights activist from the Nature Power Movement who has gotten wind of Global Tech’s plans. Unbeknownst to them, the mites have escaped from the flimsy containment Andrew transported them in, and thus, the mite infestation begins.
Meanwhile, Paul Dodds, the director of global operations, and Connie, a power broker, tour the labs of the Global Tech facility to check on their progress and determine the next steps toward getting their processes approved for distribution. Events reach a crescendo of horrific proportions when the VIPs they invite to the lab to get approval coincide with an attack by the Nature Power Movement and the now rat-sized mite infestation that has been unleashed by Andrew’s actions. Chaos, carnage, and plenty of body horror follow before the story reaches its conclusion.
As a huge fan of creature-feature horror, this one is right up my alley, and it doesn’t disappoint. The premise is unique, well-researched and comes across as terrifyingly plausible, and the way the story plays out is chef’s kiss. It’s a lot of fun and has the energy of a popcorn horror movie. In fact, it should be adapted into one. Make it now!
April 30, 2026
This was a wild ride. I admit I had to take breaks due to scratching quite often. I love a lab experiment gone wrong and boy was this wrong. I still feel itchy thinking about it. I loved every second of this. The whole idea of the bigger animals was a great and well thought out subject. The characters were smart, their actions were grounded in reality and made it feel like this could really happen. Definitely a story that gets under your skin!
April 18, 2026
B Movie Creepy Crawlies
"Let’s give the VIPs a night they won’t forget and get some legislation passed.”
Big tech GMO industry and eco terrorists collide as science experiments go wrong resulting in mutating mites in this B Monster movie book.
Though I had issues with a few of the female characterisations, such as Connie near the beginning, characters like Peggy offset the '70s style protagonists. Whether it's a homage to the movies of that period or not I'm unsure, but I can say I preferred the development of these characters later on in the book.
It's a theme that's often done in SF Horror and the creature scenes were very graphic.
Overall a fun SF romp with definite creepy crawlie factors.
"Let’s give the VIPs a night they won’t forget and get some legislation passed.”
Big tech GMO industry and eco terrorists collide as science experiments go wrong resulting in mutating mites in this B Monster movie book.
Though I had issues with a few of the female characterisations, such as Connie near the beginning, characters like Peggy offset the '70s style protagonists. Whether it's a homage to the movies of that period or not I'm unsure, but I can say I preferred the development of these characters later on in the book.
It's a theme that's often done in SF Horror and the creature scenes were very graphic.
Overall a fun SF romp with definite creepy crawlie factors.
April 26, 2026
This book is the definition of a page-turner! I read it in record time-could hardly put it down. It is HORROR fiction so be prepared to be grossed out by oversized predatory skin mites devouring animals and people but it is like that accident you can’t look away from. The story starts peacefully enough but once the cork is out of the bottle, the wine - red, of course - pours itself and overflows the glass right through to the end.
April 17, 2026
Originally posted on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
*Thank you Crystal Lake Publishing for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*Trigger Warning: Animal injury and death
I LOVE bug horror stories! 😀 I wasn’t familiar with the author of this book, but when I saw the cover, I just had to read it. I knew we were in for a real treat! Little Things Big did not disappoint.
The book begins with an authors note about how much the author likes creature feature horror. 😀 Well, we are off to a great start. Can’t go wrong with that sort of intro. ❤
Oh man, this is everything I want in a creature feature horror story! We got science gone wrong, we got nasty creatures, we got greedy politicians, we got Eco-terrorist, we got plenty of action. And did I mention carnage galore! 😀 The pacing is fast and it is hard to put this book down.
The monster mites are, not gonna lie, pretty epic. 😀 I mean, come on! The idea of skin mites is already pretty unsettling, but then you make them BIGGER?? 😮 These guys are pretty amazing and GROSS. Lots of lovely scenes of EWWWWWW! A skin crawling delightfully good time.
I enjoyed the cast of characters. Lots of people you kinda want to see the mites eat. Ha! Nothing wrong with that! I was so curious who -if anyone- would make it out alive.
Little Things Big is an excellent creature feature story. It’s everything you could possibly want. Killer bugs and plenty of death and destruction. Oodles of fun to be had. I had a hard time setting this book down and I wouldn’t say no to reading something else by this author. 🙂 If you enjoy creature horror that’ll make your skin crawl in delight, you need to check this one out.
*Thank you Crystal Lake Publishing for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*Trigger Warning: Animal injury and death
I LOVE bug horror stories! 😀 I wasn’t familiar with the author of this book, but when I saw the cover, I just had to read it. I knew we were in for a real treat! Little Things Big did not disappoint.
The book begins with an authors note about how much the author likes creature feature horror. 😀 Well, we are off to a great start. Can’t go wrong with that sort of intro. ❤
Oh man, this is everything I want in a creature feature horror story! We got science gone wrong, we got nasty creatures, we got greedy politicians, we got Eco-terrorist, we got plenty of action. And did I mention carnage galore! 😀 The pacing is fast and it is hard to put this book down.
The monster mites are, not gonna lie, pretty epic. 😀 I mean, come on! The idea of skin mites is already pretty unsettling, but then you make them BIGGER?? 😮 These guys are pretty amazing and GROSS. Lots of lovely scenes of EWWWWWW! A skin crawling delightfully good time.
I enjoyed the cast of characters. Lots of people you kinda want to see the mites eat. Ha! Nothing wrong with that! I was so curious who -if anyone- would make it out alive.
Little Things Big is an excellent creature feature story. It’s everything you could possibly want. Killer bugs and plenty of death and destruction. Oodles of fun to be had. I had a hard time setting this book down and I wouldn’t say no to reading something else by this author. 🙂 If you enjoy creature horror that’ll make your skin crawl in delight, you need to check this one out.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book still has my skin crawling. This is like Jurassic Park but with bugs. When people start playing with genetics and modifying animals, there's always a possibility for something to go wrong. Reminiscent of the old Saturday SYFY Channel movies, Salkin makes this one for a fun creature feature ride. There is just enough character development to make you invested in the humans, while being shocked by the bugs. This book made me constantly think something was crawling on me. This is a great book for those that love political satire, while also getting a good monster/horror fix. Thank you to Crystal Lake Publishing for the ARC copy. I would definitely recommend this to any horror fan!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Oh Lordy, did I enjoy this book! Little Things Big is a story about what happens when the things you create get loose, that maybe nature shouldn’t be messed with, and that sometimes “progress” comes with a price.
This story had my skin crawling in the best way, kind of a cross between Michael Chrichton and James Herbert. With excellent characters and a plot that gathers speed and keeps you hooked to the very end, this was a very definite five star read for me.
This story had my skin crawling in the best way, kind of a cross between Michael Chrichton and James Herbert. With excellent characters and a plot that gathers speed and keeps you hooked to the very end, this was a very definite five star read for me.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews