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The Grizzly Claws Inn
A monster has come to the northern town of Bear Creek.
Samson is an Alaskan Grizzly. He stands nearly twelve-feet tall and weighs over a ton. But when he was only a cub, his mother killed and devoured two young campers–a horrific attack that has become local legend.
Raised by a man-eater, Samson is now grown.
Five people are already dead. Local authorities are desperate.
But Samson avoids traps and won't take bait.
Because humans are his chosen prey. Experts say he won't stop. But no one knows where he might strike next–only that he will.
In the woods, no one can hear you scream.
Samson is an Alaskan Grizzly. He stands nearly twelve-feet tall and weighs over a ton. But when he was only a cub, his mother killed and devoured two young campers–a horrific attack that has become local legend.
Raised by a man-eater, Samson is now grown.
Five people are already dead. Local authorities are desperate.
But Samson avoids traps and won't take bait.
Because humans are his chosen prey. Experts say he won't stop. But no one knows where he might strike next–only that he will.
In the woods, no one can hear you scream.
- GenresHorror
164 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 16, 2026
Strong showing from John Lee Schneider. Didn't necessarily reinvent the wheel here, but it held its own against any of the many similar books. I really appreciated how the author didn't just let this devolve into a mindless, action-heavy bloodbath. Yes, there was bloodshed and such, but none of it was over the top or focused on too much. And there were a lot of other plot points to keep things fresh and moving along well, i.e. Dixie, the budding relationship between Jenny and Jacob, etc. As a side note, having just watched Kingpin last week, the usage of the name Roy Munson had me laugh. I'm also not a big fan of open endings, but the way things were left here were good. Not sure I loved the finale with Harriet, which felt like an unnecessary push at the end, but, again, it was fine. A fun time in the woods with some grizzlies brining the ruckus. Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica...
April 8, 2026
Actually pretty good!
The Grizzly Claws Inn is about a record breaking bear leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake after the injury of his mother 6 years earlier. Ranger Jacob is caught in the middle of the mayhem, along with friend Jenny and her dog Dixie, and both spend nearly the entire book in mortal danger and won't walk away unscathed! The writing is outstanding for the genre, with good characters, a fast pace and a far better plot than most similar books in the genre have. This is one of the most enjoyable 'monster bear' book I have read. Overall, 4/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of creature horror and thriller fans with a high tolerance to violence!
The Grizzly Claws Inn is about a record breaking bear leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake after the injury of his mother 6 years earlier. Ranger Jacob is caught in the middle of the mayhem, along with friend Jenny and her dog Dixie, and both spend nearly the entire book in mortal danger and won't walk away unscathed! The writing is outstanding for the genre, with good characters, a fast pace and a far better plot than most similar books in the genre have. This is one of the most enjoyable 'monster bear' book I have read. Overall, 4/5 stars, highly recommended to fans of creature horror and thriller fans with a high tolerance to violence!
July 7, 2026
Bear
The Grizzley Claws Inn has a unique name and three large stuffed bears. Years ago, a bear attack changed the little town. Now there's a bigger meaner bear. Will the town survive?
The Grizzley Claws Inn has a unique name and three large stuffed bears. Years ago, a bear attack changed the little town. Now there's a bigger meaner bear. Will the town survive?
May 25, 2026
Not Winnie the Pooh
I give this book 4 stars only because there was just too much unnecessary chatter, but the execution is a full on 5. Chock full of action, and characters you loved and hated, but parts just ran on. There were unsuspected parts I didn’t give a thought to happening because of the excess words. A good story doesn’t need the extra to meet a page minimum/maximum. If it’s a good story, they will come. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author and genre.
Keep writing, I will keep reading.
I give this book 4 stars only because there was just too much unnecessary chatter, but the execution is a full on 5. Chock full of action, and characters you loved and hated, but parts just ran on. There were unsuspected parts I didn’t give a thought to happening because of the excess words. A good story doesn’t need the extra to meet a page minimum/maximum. If it’s a good story, they will come. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author and genre.
Keep writing, I will keep reading.
May 27, 2026
This one is for the Adrenalin junkies.
August 21, 2026
Great read.
Great characters and story.
Plenty of killing.
If you want a book about a killer bear tearing into things,
this is the book for you.
Great characters and story.
Plenty of killing.
If you want a book about a killer bear tearing into things,
this is the book for you.
August 5, 2026
Fantastic Fun, Highly Recommend
I needed a book to read while my wife and I waited for her to go into labor. I didn’t actually start reading until our child was born, and I read this book to her to help her sleep those first few nights in the hospital. I should not have done that because I got hooked on the story myself and wanted to keep reading but couldn’t skip ahead or our newborn would miss some of the action in the story. Over the course of a week or so my child and I finished the book together.
Tons of fun. I spent some time in Yellowstone being terrified of bears while solo camping so it was great to relive a little bit of that fear. The story is enjoyable if not a little bit farfetched. Many details were right on the money and did not pull me out of the story. My newborn loved it. Some parts made her fall asleep, and others made her fill her diaper. Overall a great first book for her and a fun read for me.
I will absolutely be reading others by this author. Pick it up if you want a fun, easy read!
I needed a book to read while my wife and I waited for her to go into labor. I didn’t actually start reading until our child was born, and I read this book to her to help her sleep those first few nights in the hospital. I should not have done that because I got hooked on the story myself and wanted to keep reading but couldn’t skip ahead or our newborn would miss some of the action in the story. Over the course of a week or so my child and I finished the book together.
Tons of fun. I spent some time in Yellowstone being terrified of bears while solo camping so it was great to relive a little bit of that fear. The story is enjoyable if not a little bit farfetched. Many details were right on the money and did not pull me out of the story. My newborn loved it. Some parts made her fall asleep, and others made her fill her diaper. Overall a great first book for her and a fun read for me.
I will absolutely be reading others by this author. Pick it up if you want a fun, easy read!
September 2, 2026
A good read
Slow to start, but once it did start it didn’t slow down again!
This is my first JLS book and I enjoyed it. He’s definitely not afraid to kill characters off and not shy of the violence involved where bears are concerned. Not over the top, I’m guessing (from documentaries I seen and read) it’s exactly how it would happen.
I will read more of his work as it’s very good!
Slow to start, but once it did start it didn’t slow down again!
This is my first JLS book and I enjoyed it. He’s definitely not afraid to kill characters off and not shy of the violence involved where bears are concerned. Not over the top, I’m guessing (from documentaries I seen and read) it’s exactly how it would happen.
I will read more of his work as it’s very good!
April 13, 2026
Great story loaded with carnage! The first half of the book is primarily character building with horror/action breaks but the second half was heart pounding action and terror.
The book opens with a tragedy that leaves a young couple dead and a wounded family of bears vengeful. Six years later the ramifications of the Fish and Game Department’s handling of the bears brings significantly more mayhem that will change the town forever.
Schneider does a great job building this small Alaskan community and isolated setting. Ranger Jacob is torn between following orders of his superiors and doing what he thinks will best protect his community. Jenny is the most complex character of the story that has lost the most. When tragedy strikes you feel the characters' loss and the pain of the gory, agonizing deaths.
Which leads me to Samson. One mean and smart SOB. Schneider has a knack for describing action, intensity/ferociousness, and the gruesome ways this massive revenge fueled bear could kill someone.
Was also stoked about Hayden Marshall Wyatt’s cameo. Wyatt was one of the main characters from Schneider’s “Lake Eerie.” Cool wilder-universe Schneider seems to be building.
The book opens with a tragedy that leaves a young couple dead and a wounded family of bears vengeful. Six years later the ramifications of the Fish and Game Department’s handling of the bears brings significantly more mayhem that will change the town forever.
Schneider does a great job building this small Alaskan community and isolated setting. Ranger Jacob is torn between following orders of his superiors and doing what he thinks will best protect his community. Jenny is the most complex character of the story that has lost the most. When tragedy strikes you feel the characters' loss and the pain of the gory, agonizing deaths.
Which leads me to Samson. One mean and smart SOB. Schneider has a knack for describing action, intensity/ferociousness, and the gruesome ways this massive revenge fueled bear could kill someone.
Was also stoked about Hayden Marshall Wyatt’s cameo. Wyatt was one of the main characters from Schneider’s “Lake Eerie.” Cool wilder-universe Schneider seems to be building.
June 24, 2026
Action packed
I'd say the action was pretty much nonstop. Even when you thought it was over another incident with a bear popped up. I can honestly say that I have NO desire to go to Alaska, Yellowstone, or other National parks with any bears. I still use extra precaution going in the ocean after seeing the movie JAWS years ago! Lol
I don't mind reading about bear attacks but NOT experiencing one. Sorry! But, I wouldn't watch this as a movie. I wouldn't know how to stop dreaming about it. I would recommend this book. It does have gory descriptions. It might be good story to tell around the campfire? In the woods with wildlife surrounding the campfire 🏕 🏕.....
🐻 🐻 🐻❄
I'd say the action was pretty much nonstop. Even when you thought it was over another incident with a bear popped up. I can honestly say that I have NO desire to go to Alaska, Yellowstone, or other National parks with any bears. I still use extra precaution going in the ocean after seeing the movie JAWS years ago! Lol
I don't mind reading about bear attacks but NOT experiencing one. Sorry! But, I wouldn't watch this as a movie. I wouldn't know how to stop dreaming about it. I would recommend this book. It does have gory descriptions. It might be good story to tell around the campfire? In the woods with wildlife surrounding the campfire 🏕 🏕.....
🐻 🐻 🐻❄
September 11, 2026
OH MAN, THAT IS ONE SCARY STORY
Thr story began with a bang, and kept getting scarier as the story kept going. A Grizzly bear looks awkward, but he is fast and smart. He can out run a quarter horse and kill it and turn on you before you know it. With at least 5 to 6 inch claws, you don't stand much of a chance against the bear. The book is scary, but well worth reading.
Thr story began with a bang, and kept getting scarier as the story kept going. A Grizzly bear looks awkward, but he is fast and smart. He can out run a quarter horse and kill it and turn on you before you know it. With at least 5 to 6 inch claws, you don't stand much of a chance against the bear. The book is scary, but well worth reading.
April 15, 2026
5 plus stars!
This was an excellent book!
I was enthralled from the first page and was sad when it was over. I cried for poor Uncle Phil. I really hope there is a second book and with the ending, there could be!
This was an excellent book!
I was enthralled from the first page and was sad when it was over. I cried for poor Uncle Phil. I really hope there is a second book and with the ending, there could be!
May 14, 2026
Wonderfully written!
Books about wild life, and even big foot, need to be a well rounded story like this one. The characters were very real feeling and interesting. I also love when an author gives us a glimpse of how the creatures are thinking. Great ending.
Books about wild life, and even big foot, need to be a well rounded story like this one. The characters were very real feeling and interesting. I also love when an author gives us a glimpse of how the creatures are thinking. Great ending.
May 30, 2026
Beware of Bears!!
I found this book absolutely thrilling from start to finish. I suspect I'll have bear nightmares for quite a while, but it was worth it! I've got a new favorite author!!
I found this book absolutely thrilling from start to finish. I suspect I'll have bear nightmares for quite a while, but it was worth it! I've got a new favorite author!!
June 5, 2026
I am done with camping out
This book will make you look at a lot of things with some different aspects of the desire to be alone in the woods. The fear and tension start early and carries to the end. What a ride. A great read.
This book will make you look at a lot of things with some different aspects of the desire to be alone in the woods. The fear and tension start early and carries to the end. What a ride. A great read.
June 20, 2026
Great story!
The story took off quickly & was engrossing after. bears are frightening & this story will explain why. The humans were interesting and rooting for them was such a rush. Highly recommended reading.
The story took off quickly & was engrossing after. bears are frightening & this story will explain why. The humans were interesting and rooting for them was such a rush. Highly recommended reading.
July 7, 2026
Nostalgic Horror
Growing up foraging for horror at secondhand bookshops, this took me back to the nineteenth century! ;) I’ve always loved animal/creature/monster horror, and I devoured - pun intended - this in barely two days.
Growing up foraging for horror at secondhand bookshops, this took me back to the nineteenth century! ;) I’ve always loved animal/creature/monster horror, and I devoured - pun intended - this in barely two days.
April 20, 2026
This was an excellent book and a fast read.
June 23, 2026
Not Too Wordy For My Tastes
Plenty of gore, that's for certain. A bit over the top for anthropologising the behavior of the grizzlies but that may have added to the "horror factor"
Plenty of gore, that's for certain. A bit over the top for anthropologising the behavior of the grizzlies but that may have added to the "horror factor"
July 2, 2026
great book!
One of best books I’ve read in a while. Keep them coming please. I look forward to a sequel regarding the bear family.
One of best books I’ve read in a while. Keep them coming please. I look forward to a sequel regarding the bear family.
July 12, 2026
Good Pace…
Good pace for the most part. Not so many characters that you get lost, but just enough. Maybe a little more official department personnel and town survivors.
Good pace for the most part. Not so many characters that you get lost, but just enough. Maybe a little more official department personnel and town survivors.
July 19, 2026
Highly recommend! I suck at writing reviews lol this book really was creepy. I liked the constant impending doom feeling throughout the book.
August 11, 2026
Really good read
This book really surprised me and it was great! I didn't want to put it down. If you like horror/suspense books, this one is a must read!
This book really surprised me and it was great! I didn't want to put it down. If you like horror/suspense books, this one is a must read!
August 28, 2026
The action was certainly non-stop. Plenty of blood and gore. This would actually make a pretty good slasher movie, and might even do quite well at the box office.
Khai Lannor is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel. He was pretty great also.
3.5 stars. Recommended to adrenaline junkies, slasher and gore fans.
Khai Lannor is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel. He was pretty great also.
3.5 stars. Recommended to adrenaline junkies, slasher and gore fans.
July 20, 2026
The Grizzly Claws Inn;
I have read nearly all of John Schneider's books and in my opinion this is his best! The guy is a good writer, but this is excellent by far. He brings you right there, you can smell the big guys breath.
Do yourself a favor and get this book and feel the woods of our 50th state! Good job John, I am ready for the sequel.
I have read nearly all of John Schneider's books and in my opinion this is his best! The guy is a good writer, but this is excellent by far. He brings you right there, you can smell the big guys breath.
Do yourself a favor and get this book and feel the woods of our 50th state! Good job John, I am ready for the sequel.
May 21, 2026
Fun, if predictable, grizzly story!
August 4, 2026
DNF. Not for me.
September 14, 2026
This book is all or nothing. Very uneven. An ok read for free in KU.
July 21, 2026
“I am strong like bitch who fights bear in woods!”… that aside, this felt tame & not all that gory which was surprising tbh
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews