What do you think?
Rate this book
Ian McDermott Paranormal Investigator #1
Loup-Garou: The Beast of Harmony Falls
The rugged beauty of the Mount St. Helens wilderness is being haunted by a killer. Hikers, loggers, and local residents are dying in horrible, mysterious ways, and lawmen Bud O'Brien and Charlie Redtail are forced to think it just might be a monster ... maybe Bigfoot itself.
Enter Cryptozoologist Dr. Ian McDermott, Ph.D., who struggles with his own personal demons as he uncovers the impossible and ugly truth behind it all - an evil more malevolent than anyone ever imagined.
Loup-Garou is the first in the Ian McDermott, Paranormal Investigator series. Atmospheric, often beautiful, and always intensely scary investigations into what we were told as children were only myths and legends.
The hunt is on.
Enter Cryptozoologist Dr. Ian McDermott, Ph.D., who struggles with his own personal demons as he uncovers the impossible and ugly truth behind it all - an evil more malevolent than anyone ever imagined.
Loup-Garou is the first in the Ian McDermott, Paranormal Investigator series. Atmospheric, often beautiful, and always intensely scary investigations into what we were told as children were only myths and legends.
The hunt is on.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2014
64 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 20, 2014
“No! Don’t go up there! You’ve seen what happened—you know better! No, don”t…!
“…you went up there….WHY??? Oh no! Look out!”
Do you know how hard it is to cover your eyes and still read? But I found myself doing just that. This was a grade-A horror movie in words.
The second book, but the first in the “Ian McDermott, Ph.D.” series, finds our hero starting out on his new career as a hunter of things of a nightmarish nature. Summoned by Harmony Falls’ authorities (through a website search, no less), Ian has to crawl out of the bottle in order to face a horror that has reared its ugly reality in the small town.
An immense creature, called “Bigfoot” by a survivor, has been seen and experienced in the wilds around Little Merwin, into which Harmony Falls feeds. The old-timers call it “Loup-Garou”—man-wolf. Two hikers are missing, and soon enough into the investigation, someone else is attacked, leaving everyone stunned.
But more than stunned. It is this impetus that stirs them into true action, despite the intrusion of the news media—which learns the awful truth, but can’t do a thing about it (you’ll find out why).
One thing is for certain—secrets of the night are no longer secret, and lives will be changed forever.
Mr. Reuben has written a fangtastic (no, that’s not a typo) story here. It has all the elements of horror and suspense that every book needs—missing bodies, lovers looking for excitement in the perilous dark, shadows lurking just beyond our sight, the building suspense that leaves the readers gasping—yep, it has all that.
He has built up a very believable character in Ian McDermott, who any reader can sympathize with. Maybe the losses he endured and the pain he lives with are not on everyone’s daily agenda, but surely his reactions can be believed and understood. The way he works through his own problems to solve the ones plaguing the town is admirable.
The sense of humor throughout (“Chief Bleeds-a-Lot”—ha!) really helps to dispel the horror, so that the reader can get ready for the next dose.
And they do come at regular intervals, believe me…
I’m still waiting to see where the dog fits into all of this…
There is a third book coming out in this series. I’m definitely keeping my eyes peeled for it. (I get the feeling, from the title, that that is not all that might get peeled—yikes!)
“…you went up there….WHY??? Oh no! Look out!”
Do you know how hard it is to cover your eyes and still read? But I found myself doing just that. This was a grade-A horror movie in words.
The second book, but the first in the “Ian McDermott, Ph.D.” series, finds our hero starting out on his new career as a hunter of things of a nightmarish nature. Summoned by Harmony Falls’ authorities (through a website search, no less), Ian has to crawl out of the bottle in order to face a horror that has reared its ugly reality in the small town.
An immense creature, called “Bigfoot” by a survivor, has been seen and experienced in the wilds around Little Merwin, into which Harmony Falls feeds. The old-timers call it “Loup-Garou”—man-wolf. Two hikers are missing, and soon enough into the investigation, someone else is attacked, leaving everyone stunned.
But more than stunned. It is this impetus that stirs them into true action, despite the intrusion of the news media—which learns the awful truth, but can’t do a thing about it (you’ll find out why).
One thing is for certain—secrets of the night are no longer secret, and lives will be changed forever.
Mr. Reuben has written a fangtastic (no, that’s not a typo) story here. It has all the elements of horror and suspense that every book needs—missing bodies, lovers looking for excitement in the perilous dark, shadows lurking just beyond our sight, the building suspense that leaves the readers gasping—yep, it has all that.
He has built up a very believable character in Ian McDermott, who any reader can sympathize with. Maybe the losses he endured and the pain he lives with are not on everyone’s daily agenda, but surely his reactions can be believed and understood. The way he works through his own problems to solve the ones plaguing the town is admirable.
The sense of humor throughout (“Chief Bleeds-a-Lot”—ha!) really helps to dispel the horror, so that the reader can get ready for the next dose.
And they do come at regular intervals, believe me…
I’m still waiting to see where the dog fits into all of this…
There is a third book coming out in this series. I’m definitely keeping my eyes peeled for it. (I get the feeling, from the title, that that is not all that might get peeled—yikes!)
October 27, 2014
I never read a book with a werewolf theme before, perhaps because none had ever caught my interest. After Harry Potter, I decided to give it a try, so I searched. But again, none called out to me until I stumbled upon David Reuben’s Loup-Garou. This is not just a plain werewolf story. This story is about a man who has lost all hope finding his reason to live again through the investigation of a homicide. The Beast of Harmony Falls was truly a great story to introduce me to this genre.
January 31, 2015
Ian is a loving husband and father who lost his wife and daughter in a tragic accident and spiraled down into depression. A former cryptozoologist, he helped document 2 varieties of coelacanth that had been thought extinct for over eighty million years. This discovery allowed him into the spot light for the preverbal 15 minutes of fame. While immersed in his self destruction, he has been called upon for his expertise, by an extremely colorful, but honorable sheriff, Bud O’Brien, from a small town of Harmony Falls. He will be confronted by something that he has studied in the past, but not really believed in. He has to work and trust a very impressive man, husband, dad, Sheriff’s Deputy Charlie Redtail and embarks on a wonderfully dangerous investigation. I do not post spoilers, so you will need to read this one to find out the details. This story reads like a movie. Amazing, no detail left out, yet it flows effortlessly and quickly. Though I would have liked more details of the blood and sex scenes, it is still a very intense and captivating read.
It then leads and teases you into the next in the series, Red Tide. This is an easy 4 star rating.
I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest review.
It then leads and teases you into the next in the series, Red Tide. This is an easy 4 star rating.
I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2014
This is one of those books that's so enjoyable that you'll want to read it all at one shot!!
December 28, 2014
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 8, 2016
Oh I thoroughly enjoyed this unique take on werewolves!! I devoured this and didn't want it to end!!! Well the blurb covers the idea behind the story perfectly so I'll get straight to my thoughts.
This would make an amazing movie. While listening to it I kept saying things like, "stop, don't do that." "Don't go in there." "Watch out" etc. It was such an engaging read (and I think what helped it be so was the narration and effects, which I'll get to in a bit) that I couldn't help but gasp at parts, pause it at others because it was scary and just enjoy the experience.
Ian was such an awesome character. He has a degree in Cryptozoology and is called in to help in the investigation of disappearances in Mount St. Helens. Everyone is skeptical but think it's a Bigfoot doing the killings, which is why Ian is called in in the first lace. Ian himself is skeptical until they enter a cave and see a chamber full of bones and bits of humans. With mounting evidence of something supernatural doing it, Ian has his hands full finding who, or what is involved. Can he overcome his own demons and fight the one that's plaguing the town?
The plot of this was fast paced and thoroughly entertaining. I loved the bits of humour thrown throughout the book and realy loved the lore of the Loup-Garou. The author has definitely put his own little spin on an age old tale and I can't wait to see where Ian's, and his dogs, investigations take him next.
In all this was well written and developed book. The story unfolds at the perfect pace and with the bit of levity thrown in, it's a captivating and quick read. I highly recommend!!
Now let's get to the narration. As I said before, I think I enjoyed this as much as I did because of the narration and sound effects. At first I was a bit thrown off with the effects but that quickly changed because it really added something special to the overall feel of the book. With the storm and the howls of the wolf in the background it amped up the tension and made my heart race!! Narrator S.W. Salzman was awesome also. He had so many different tones and accents that it was no problem to follow who was talking. Definitely one to watch.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
This would make an amazing movie. While listening to it I kept saying things like, "stop, don't do that." "Don't go in there." "Watch out" etc. It was such an engaging read (and I think what helped it be so was the narration and effects, which I'll get to in a bit) that I couldn't help but gasp at parts, pause it at others because it was scary and just enjoy the experience.
Ian was such an awesome character. He has a degree in Cryptozoology and is called in to help in the investigation of disappearances in Mount St. Helens. Everyone is skeptical but think it's a Bigfoot doing the killings, which is why Ian is called in in the first lace. Ian himself is skeptical until they enter a cave and see a chamber full of bones and bits of humans. With mounting evidence of something supernatural doing it, Ian has his hands full finding who, or what is involved. Can he overcome his own demons and fight the one that's plaguing the town?
The plot of this was fast paced and thoroughly entertaining. I loved the bits of humour thrown throughout the book and realy loved the lore of the Loup-Garou. The author has definitely put his own little spin on an age old tale and I can't wait to see where Ian's, and his dogs, investigations take him next.
In all this was well written and developed book. The story unfolds at the perfect pace and with the bit of levity thrown in, it's a captivating and quick read. I highly recommend!!
Now let's get to the narration. As I said before, I think I enjoyed this as much as I did because of the narration and sound effects. At first I was a bit thrown off with the effects but that quickly changed because it really added something special to the overall feel of the book. With the storm and the howls of the wolf in the background it amped up the tension and made my heart race!! Narrator S.W. Salzman was awesome also. He had so many different tones and accents that it was no problem to follow who was talking. Definitely one to watch.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
May 2, 2015
This book was a mixed bag for me, but I did really enjoy it. It was slow to get into, but once the story built some momentum, I was hooked. Also, I really dig the concept of a logical man who works on the fringe of science, getting dragged into the world of the occult. It went against my expectation that a pseudo-scientific explanation would be found.
There were two main things that I didn't like about Loup-garou, so let me start with those. First, almost every character interaction has a feeling of forced levity. Everyone's chummy, cracking jokes, and exchanging witty banter. The one point of real character tension between the MC and the town deputy quickly resolves and they become BFFs. I would have liked to see a wider array of character interaction.
The second thing that bugged me, was the use of dialog as an info dump. I like the author to show me what's happening, rather than the character's tell me what's happening. I feel like that kind of storytelling speaks down to the reader, like they won't get it unless it is spelled out. I 'm sure that is not the author's intention, but I kind of got that feeling.
On the plus side, well there is a lot. The story itself is very cool, drawing upon the story worlds own folk lore and history. I love the way the werewolf stuff is traced back to Europe.
There are impelling visual narratives. The description of the beast and its change are beautiful in their ugliness. The locations easily come to life as a Aslin seamlessly illuminates his world for the reader.
The action is well written and fast paced. Unlike the massive blocks of dialog, when shit happens in this book it is quick and punchy. Aslin definitely puts together a good fight or chase scene.
Lastly, this beings the first I'm a series, it sets up for the next book in a very natural, seamless manner. At the same time, Loup-garou can easily be enjoyed as a single novel. With so many author's trying to tell these mega stories, it is refreshing to see a self-contained story that gives the reader an in if they want to keep going, but closure if they don't. I for one will definitely be picking up the next book.
Also, what a bad ass cover!
There were two main things that I didn't like about Loup-garou, so let me start with those. First, almost every character interaction has a feeling of forced levity. Everyone's chummy, cracking jokes, and exchanging witty banter. The one point of real character tension between the MC and the town deputy quickly resolves and they become BFFs. I would have liked to see a wider array of character interaction.
The second thing that bugged me, was the use of dialog as an info dump. I like the author to show me what's happening, rather than the character's tell me what's happening. I feel like that kind of storytelling speaks down to the reader, like they won't get it unless it is spelled out. I 'm sure that is not the author's intention, but I kind of got that feeling.
On the plus side, well there is a lot. The story itself is very cool, drawing upon the story worlds own folk lore and history. I love the way the werewolf stuff is traced back to Europe.
There are impelling visual narratives. The description of the beast and its change are beautiful in their ugliness. The locations easily come to life as a Aslin seamlessly illuminates his world for the reader.
The action is well written and fast paced. Unlike the massive blocks of dialog, when shit happens in this book it is quick and punchy. Aslin definitely puts together a good fight or chase scene.
Lastly, this beings the first I'm a series, it sets up for the next book in a very natural, seamless manner. At the same time, Loup-garou can easily be enjoyed as a single novel. With so many author's trying to tell these mega stories, it is refreshing to see a self-contained story that gives the reader an in if they want to keep going, but closure if they don't. I for one will definitely be picking up the next book.
Also, what a bad ass cover!
March 1, 2015
Enjoyable First Novel
Loup Garou is a fun, fast paced read. David Reuben Aslin has written an excellent first novel. I had a great time reading this. When Ian McDermott is first introduced he has lost his family in an accident and has become an alcohol abuser. I have dealt with this scenario in books before so I was concerned this character would be a noir stereotype. Thankfully one the character becomes involved in the case there is good character development. I really enjoyed all of the characters. The pace of the book is very good. The book moves at a quick pace and there is plenty of excitement and a good amount of gore. Due to the great characters and excellent action I highly recommend this book. This is the first in a series and I look forward to the next book.
Loup Garou is a fun, fast paced read. David Reuben Aslin has written an excellent first novel. I had a great time reading this. When Ian McDermott is first introduced he has lost his family in an accident and has become an alcohol abuser. I have dealt with this scenario in books before so I was concerned this character would be a noir stereotype. Thankfully one the character becomes involved in the case there is good character development. I really enjoyed all of the characters. The pace of the book is very good. The book moves at a quick pace and there is plenty of excitement and a good amount of gore. Due to the great characters and excellent action I highly recommend this book. This is the first in a series and I look forward to the next book.
August 16, 2015
Dr. Ian McDermott Ph.D. has sunk about as low as a man can get after having lost his wife and daughter in a tragic accident, leaving him a broken shell of a man. That is until he receives a phone call from a sheriff in Harmony County, Washington requesting his skills as a zoologist for help in dealing with a case that has thrown everyone for a loop. McDermott doesn’t realize quite what he is walking into but once he does the pace takes off and the book becomes harder and harder to put down. This book is truly about transformation, in more than one regard! Highly recommend!
August 17, 2016
Interesting to a point.
Yet again I am here to complain about another "horror" publication. Folks, this is neither scary, tension inducing or likely to give you nightmares. A lot of dialogue, seems to me a little forced, and very little about the werewolf. I again skimmed the book after getting to the 80% mark. I just simply got bored. I think I may give up hunting for good "horror." I don't think it exists anymore. True Crime scares me more than the majority of "horror" books released today.
Yet again I am here to complain about another "horror" publication. Folks, this is neither scary, tension inducing or likely to give you nightmares. A lot of dialogue, seems to me a little forced, and very little about the werewolf. I again skimmed the book after getting to the 80% mark. I just simply got bored. I think I may give up hunting for good "horror." I don't think it exists anymore. True Crime scares me more than the majority of "horror" books released today.
September 1, 2014
Relatively clumsy transition from a portrayal of a man on the verge of suicide to a lighthearted description of a down-trodden man driving an old and failing car did not work. And when this was followed by an unconvincing meeting with a small-town sheriff, I had to stop reading.
December 24, 2014
Good book. I decided to rate it based on the story, which I liked. The dialog kind of bugged me occasionally. The characters saying "mind you" several times for example. The locals for Pacific North Westerners came across a little too redneck. That aside I did enjoy the story.
December 29, 2015
Really enjoyed this book....on to book two!
October 15, 2017
A Cajun werewolf story set in the Mt. St. Helens Backcountry was something I couldn't resist trying. But there were too many hamfisted tropes for this to be enjoyable. I almost abandoned it.
March 21, 2018
This book is SCREAMING for an editor.
August 22, 2021
So badly written. Dialog was crap. Embarrassingly so. I returned it. Awful.
November 4, 2017
Classic Myth--New Twists--Just Great!
Ho-hum, just another werewolf story...NOT!! Thoroughly enjoyable! Well written with lots of character dialog telling most of the story--author narrative just fills in the gaps. Strong and very believable characters. The story flows freely--an easy read! Builds on the classic myth and contributes just enough that's different to keep you turning page after page after page. If you enjoy the genre, this is a must read!
Ho-hum, just another werewolf story...NOT!! Thoroughly enjoyable! Well written with lots of character dialog telling most of the story--author narrative just fills in the gaps. Strong and very believable characters. The story flows freely--an easy read! Builds on the classic myth and contributes just enough that's different to keep you turning page after page after page. If you enjoy the genre, this is a must read!
November 24, 2018
Pretty good story.
Ian McDermott, Ph. D. is an investigator of oddities. In this story, quite by chance, he manages to find something much odder than he's encountered previously and by the story's end sets himself up as a paranormal investigator. Werewolves in the great Northwest.... Hmmmmmm.
This book is the start of a currently three book series. I'm going to be reading the next one to see how it goes.
Ian McDermott, Ph. D. is an investigator of oddities. In this story, quite by chance, he manages to find something much odder than he's encountered previously and by the story's end sets himself up as a paranormal investigator. Werewolves in the great Northwest.... Hmmmmmm.
This book is the start of a currently three book series. I'm going to be reading the next one to see how it goes.
April 3, 2020
A well written book
As we all know well written books are few and far between but this book sets the story and the mysterious going ons perfectly. I can appreciate a straight forward mystery and thriller with plenty of background and a wholly believable premise. I hate to give anything away but lets just say that if you wanna have a great read then pick up this book and sit back and enjoy the rest of the ride..
As we all know well written books are few and far between but this book sets the story and the mysterious going ons perfectly. I can appreciate a straight forward mystery and thriller with plenty of background and a wholly believable premise. I hate to give anything away but lets just say that if you wanna have a great read then pick up this book and sit back and enjoy the rest of the ride..
March 2, 2021
The best thing about the book is the lovable protagonist: believable, wonderfully human, jaded, and ready to redeem himself after the tragic death of his family. The action moved well in this tale, the attack scenes gory, but not in a blow-your-mind way like a brilliant, visceral werewolf goring by Skipp and Spector. A lot of the narration and dialogue was matter-of-fact, but from the heart, and with enough of a monster history to keep you intrigued—a good, not great story.
April 21, 2018
Awesome
This I could not put down it was that good, about a wolf like creature murdering the townfolk and the sheriff. The Deputy who is an Indian and Ian from out of town find out by internet the man was bitten back hundreds of years. They murder him and set all the proof up in fire
This I could not put down it was that good, about a wolf like creature murdering the townfolk and the sheriff. The Deputy who is an Indian and Ian from out of town find out by internet the man was bitten back hundreds of years. They murder him and set all the proof up in fire
March 14, 2022
Gee, I really didn’t enjoy this book. It was set where I grew up, so I was really looking forward to it. The main character did something during the first part of the book that I thought was terribly wrong. I almost threw the book across the room. And he didn’t face any consequences because of it. He should have known better. Anyway, I probably won’t read anymore from this author.
November 22, 2017
Meh
This is my first werewolf novel and my response is meh. Just too many cliches and subtle little stupidities. I'm used to high end authors like Stephen king and HP Lovecraft, this is meh. Got it because it was free and it is worth the price.
This is my first werewolf novel and my response is meh. Just too many cliches and subtle little stupidities. I'm used to high end authors like Stephen king and HP Lovecraft, this is meh. Got it because it was free and it is worth the price.
April 8, 2019
Great book
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was action packed with several plot twists along the way. I especially like how relatable the characters are especially Ian as we see his character growth throughout the story where he's thrust into a seemingly impossible situation and rises to the occasion.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it was action packed with several plot twists along the way. I especially like how relatable the characters are especially Ian as we see his character growth throughout the story where he's thrust into a seemingly impossible situation and rises to the occasion.
April 15, 2018
A good book with twists and turns and characters you can't help but become attached to. I am looking forward to the next book in this series..
July 25, 2019
Satisfyingly horrific!
Just the right amount of background on the hero, suspenseful advance of the danger, encounter with the villain, final clash between the good and the evil.
Just the right amount of background on the hero, suspenseful advance of the danger, encounter with the villain, final clash between the good and the evil.
March 11, 2020
Fun reading
I love werewolf books! This did not disappoint It kept your interest from the beginning to the end. Very entertaining.
I love werewolf books! This did not disappoint It kept your interest from the beginning to the end. Very entertaining.
September 22, 2023
This was such a great story! I really enjoyed it. The idea of a monster living near Mt. Saint Helens was creepy and cool! Thanks David for bringing it to life!
November 23, 2023
Good monster story. A good opener to the series. Will definitely pick up the 2nd book. This series has promise.
January 20, 2025
I liked the story, concept, and characters well enough, but the writing is incredibly amateurish. To much needless exposition
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews