APEX: A Nicole Beretti Thriller

by Luka T. Jacobs

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2026

About the author

Luka T. Jacobs is an author with a passion for cryptids, particularly Sasquatch and Dogman. Originally hailing from Sydney, Australia, Luka now calls the picturesque Illawarra region of New South Wales home, where she resides with her partner and their cheeky little dog, Finnigan.

With a deep love for animals and a keen sense of adventure, Luka's fascination with the mysteries of the natural world fuels her storytelling. Drawing from her background in Graphic Design and Art, she brings a unique visual flair to her writing.

As an avid traveller and explorer of the unknown, Luka continues to seek inspiration from the wild and untamed corners of the world, eager to share her imaginative worlds with readers everywhere.

Reviews

[Wayne Pickrell]

Beretti & Jacobi Strike Again.

Can't beat a Luka.T.Jacobs book. Ever since I read her first series Night of the Dogman. Luka's become a favourite author of mine. If you are into Cryptid fiction then Luka's books are must for you. Bigfoot, Dogman, Chupacabra and more to come I hear.

[Emily Haynes]

Home

Aaron has just found a beautiful home for his family. Now his yoing daughter is talking about a grilla in the woods and strange sounds are being heard. Aaron and his family have unexpected neighbors, and they are upset. Beretti and crew are sent to help. Full of creatures and action.

[Leon Scheppink]

My scoring system

⭐ Don't quit your day job

⭐⭐ It was tough to finish

⭐⭐⭐ A solid read

⭐⭐⭐⭐ That was fun!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I neMyed more. If you don't give it, I'm going to kidnap you Misery-style, without shattering your ankles, of course.


A new Luka T. Jacobs novel is always something to look forward to. We again see the dynamic duo (well, trio now, really) doing what they're good at. Let me start by saying that I've never had a book by Jacobs I didn't like. I tear through them, always having an absolute blast.


This time, though, things felt a bit off. There is one paragraph dat is repeated (more or less), which can happen and is by no means a big deal, but in this case, it feels as it it's a sign of something else: the book feels a bit rushed. 


Jacobs is masterful in creating an atmosphere of dread and horror, with life like characters and wonderful dialogue, especially the usual fantastic banter between Jacobi and Beretti. And with every book, the characters and their relationship develop further and further.


Unfortunately, I felt it was lacking somewhat this time, apart from the ending. Don't take me wrong, Jacobs always writes well but we have been so spoiled by a constantly ridiculously high standard, that it's noticeable when a book doesn't exactly reaches that point. 


As I mentioned, her true form shines through in the latter part of the book and the ending hints on both personal development and an exciting new (somewhat) cryptid and I sincerely hope that one is featured in the next book. Because of course, it goes without saying, I will continue reading these wonderful books as long as Jacobs is willing to put them out.

[Brad Theado]

This book contains evidence that it was edited and possibly even partially written by AI. There are 2 AI editing comments directly left in the story at 12% and 13% of the way through it. Very disappointing. Made me think a lot less of the author

[Brittney]

I love her books, even though it’s my least favorite cryptid of her lineup this one and red eyes was so so good. At this point, I’ll continue to read anything she puts out I just need longer books!

[Amanda Patrick]

This was my favorite Beretti book so far! Luka brought me into the world of Cryptids, and I haven't left since!
The descriptions in this book literally had me triple checking the tree lines every time I went outside! Creepy in just the right way.
Her books just keep getting better and better! You have a fan for life, can't wait til the next one!

[Robin Ginther-Venneri]

APEX: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 9 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
By Luka T. Jacobs

Publisher: Independently Published
Published Date: May 31, 2026
ASIN: B0H1N5X1DH
Page Count: 462

Triggers: Creature horror, missing people, body horror aftermath, death, attacks, rural fear, grief, revenge

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀

What Did I Just Walk Into?

Well, apparently I wandered into Illinois farm country and immediately regretted every single life choice that led me near tall crops, tree lines, or anything larger than a suspicious raccoon.

APEX brings Nicole Beretti back into the kind of case where “maybe it’s just an animal” lasts about five minutes before everyone realizes nature has filed a complaint, hired teeth, and decided humanity is the problem.

And listen, I love me some cryptids. Give me folklore with claws, mystery with mud on its boots, and investigators trying to keep a straight face while everything around them screams, “Absolutely not normal.” This book delivered.

Here’s What Slapped:

The creature angle was exactly what I wanted. Big, angry, smart enough to be terrifying, and honestly? A little understandable. I am not saying I support the mayhem, but I am saying people really do need to stop poking the woods and acting shocked when the woods poke back.

Nicole Beretti and Noah Jacobi continue to be one of my favorite parts of this series. Their back-and-forth has that wonderful “just kiss or argue forever, pick a lane” energy, and I am very invested. The new team dynamic added extra tension without stealing the spotlight, which I appreciated because nobody needs unnecessary romantic traffic cones thrown into a perfectly good slow burn.

The local characters also worked really well. They gave the story weight before the chaos fully kicked in, and that made the danger feel more personal. This was not just monster madness for the sake of monster madness. There was history, fear, bad decisions, and the kind of consequences that make you want to yell, “Who thought this was a good idea?” at several adults.

What Could’ve Been Better:

My only complaint is that I read it too fast, which is rude because now I have to sit here like a cryptid-starved goblin waiting for whatever Luka T. Jacobs does next.

Also, if this really is the end of this stretch of Beretti adventures, I am not emotionally prepared. I would like to file a formal complaint with whoever is in charge of fictional monster hunters and their continued assignments.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:

Cryptid horror, creature thrillers, FBI investigations, eerie small-town secrets, wilderness nightmares, strong character chemistry, and stories where the scariest thing in the woods is not your imagination.

APEX is a five-star creature feature with heart, teeth, tension, and enough “nope” energy to keep me happily turning pages. I loved it. I want more. And once again, I am reminded that feeding mysterious things near your property is not wholesome. It is called starting a problem with legs.


Book Series:
Savage Rogue: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 1 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
The Beasts of Blood and Spirit: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 2 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
Clash of the Cryptids Part 1: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 3 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller

Clash Of The Cryptids Part 2: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 4 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
Red Eyes: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 5 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
Wildman: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 6 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
Valley Of The Dogmen: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 7 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
The Killing Fields Of The Chupacabra: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 8 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller
APEX: A Nicole Beretti Thriller
Book 9 of 9: Nicole Beretti Thriller

Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Steven Hall]

APEX grabbed me from the first chapters and never really let go. It isn't just another FBI thriller—it mixes criminal investigation with genuine horror and archaeological mystery in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Nicole Beretti is a strong, believable lead, and the pacing keeps the story moving without long, boring sections.
As someone who enjoys archaeology, ancient history and horror, this was exactly the sort of novel I've been looking for. The suspense builds steadily, the action is well written, and there are enough twists to keep you guessing without becoming confusing.
I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy FBI investigations, supernatural suspense, archaeological mysteries, or authors like Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child. I finished it wanting to read the next Nicole Beretti novel, which is always the sign of a great book.

[Kevin Hughes]

These are just fun book!

I've read a number of Jacobs' books and I haven't been disappointed yet. I love the relationship between the two agents, Beretta and Jacobi.
I always enjoy how Jacobs leads into the story with instances and happenings that really build a good foundation before her main heroes (Beretti and Jacobi) are ever presented.
Her stories are always well thought out and fast paced.
This was one of her best!

[bruce smith]

Good jacobs tome

Enjoyed an old fashioned good guys v sasquatch story. New partner interesting, please don't insert her between Jacobi and Beretti, their potential romance is half the fun of the series.

[Ken Grimes]

Excellent reading and attention holding.

I really enjoyed this series of books and enjoyed the characters interactions. I hope that there will be more adventures for these two or (three) monster hunters. Looking forward to their adventures.

[Claudia A.]

Amazing

This was a great story, if not the best of the series. So sad it is over. Berretti and Jacobi are the best they get better with each new story. I can't wait for the next installment. Luka, you are an incredible author. Thank you.

[tracy walton]

Another great read

I love her books engaging, entertaining, exciting with believable sympathetic characters. I have read all her books and really enjoyed them all, if you like monsters you will love these books

[Amanda Brewer]

Book 9 was another slam dunk

I couldn't stop reading this book. Stayed up way too late to see what happens at the end. This book creeped me out as badly as the Chupacabre story did. Great job building the suspense and creating an original sasquatch who is scary and mean.

[rose nanney]

Excellent!

Love Luka! Always a wonderful story and Jacobi and Beretti remind me of Scully and Mulder. Well worth your time.

[DELIA SHEPPARD]

Dramatic

This was interesting but kinda felt sorry for Bigfoot, guess you shouldn't feed the wild life. But than again they were scary.

[Norm S]

Beretti, Jacobi and Brooks head to Southern Illinois where a creature has been responsible for two deaths and several missing persons.

[Don Wilson]

Cool story

Although it wasn’t one of Berretti’s or Jacobi’s scariest moments, it still creeped me out. Who’d ever thought in this book to have a Sasquatch with superpowers.

[Pamela Davis]

Loved it

Miss Jacobs can soon as yarn like no one else. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole ride. Suspense, thrills, and carnage. Gotta love it.

[Casey D Mitchell]

A genuinely spine-chilling Bigfoot horror story. Could not put it down and was scared to go outside at night for a couple of days.