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APEX: A Nicole Beretti Thriller

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462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2026

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About the author

Luka T. Jacobs

39 books55 followers
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.

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5 stars
110 (75%)
4 stars
27 (18%)
3 stars
8 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Wayne Pickrell.
48 reviews
June 11, 2026
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.
1,327 reviews60 followers
June 1, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Leon Scheppink.
131 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Brittney.
759 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Robin Ginther-Venneri.
1,128 reviews92 followers
June 7, 2026
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
90 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Ken Grimes.
23 reviews
June 3, 2026
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.
116 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2026
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.
Profile Image for tracy walton.
30 reviews
June 6, 2026
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
81 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2026
Excellent!

Love Luka! Always a wonderful story and Jacobi and Beretti remind me of Scully and Mulder. Well worth your time.
207 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2026
Dramatic

This was interesting but kinda felt sorry for Bigfoot, guess you shouldn't feed the wild life. But than again they were scary.
895 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2026
Beretti, Jacobi and Brooks head to Southern Illinois where a creature has been responsible for two deaths and several missing persons.
40 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2026
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.
11 reviews
June 17, 2026
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.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews