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The Jackal Man
A creature older than legend stalks the small Texas town of Asheville. A beast rarely seen but greatly feared, the Jackal Man has haunted the minds of this sleepy hamlet for ages from the woods to the south.
Now a land developer has purchased the area with the intent to build houses, and Frank Stanford has moved into the strange town with his family to oversee the project. He and his punk son Willie will be forced to deal with the truth behind the myth, along with an obsessed cop, a quirky zookeeper, and a sadistic hunter that may be more dangerous than the beast...
Now a land developer has purchased the area with the intent to build houses, and Frank Stanford has moved into the strange town with his family to oversee the project. He and his punk son Willie will be forced to deal with the truth behind the myth, along with an obsessed cop, a quirky zookeeper, and a sadistic hunter that may be more dangerous than the beast...
428 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
189 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Russell C. Connor
38 books77 followersRussell C. Connor has been writing horror since the age of five, and is the author of two short story collections, four eNovellas, and ten novels. His books have won two Independent Publisher Awards and a Readers’ Favorite Award. He has been a member of the DFW Writers’ Workshop since 2006, and served as president for two years. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his rabid dogs, demented film collection, mistress of the dark, and demonspawn daughter.
His next novel, Predator, will be available in the fall of 2018.
His next novel, Predator, will be available in the fall of 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 18, 2022
My first reading of Russell Connor and it certainly won't be my last.
Really enjoyed this story- the writing was good, characters good, and it had a decent creature as the urban legend. Surprising emotional sharp turn right at the end, which was a pleasant surprise. Pretty creepy as well- would you go into the woods after dark?
I'd love to read some side stories that involved Deegan. The fact it mentions him roaming the world searching for cryptids had me real interested.
Will certainly look for other books by this author.
Really enjoyed this story- the writing was good, characters good, and it had a decent creature as the urban legend. Surprising emotional sharp turn right at the end, which was a pleasant surprise. Pretty creepy as well- would you go into the woods after dark?
I'd love to read some side stories that involved Deegan. The fact it mentions him roaming the world searching for cryptids had me real interested.
Will certainly look for other books by this author.
March 9, 2024
The story here is decent, but what makes this book really engaging is the voice. For an independently published book, it's surprisingly good! That being said, the cracks start to show during the climax, which generally suffers from a lack of focus and commitment. There's also a pretty ham-fisted metaphor crammed in there about colonialism, which doesn't sit quite right. The draft also still has several grammatical errors and could have really used a good copy editor. I did still read it quickly and had a good time, but the star rating is impacted by the roughness of the final act.
April 3, 2023
More than 3, less than 4... 3.5???
OK, so I went into this book thinking it was going to be pretty fluff... I mean, the title is so generic so I wasn't really expecting a lot, but I would give The Jackal Man somewhere between 3 and 4 stars here because it _did_ engage me. I didn't know exactly what was going on, but I still appreciated the fact that people were being killed by... something. And so the main character is sent in by his company to take over where the last foreman stopped...
I don't like to give any spoilers but I will say that I liked the characters and usually I don't really care who ends up dying, especially if I find them flawed in some way (and they don't necessarily have to be written as flawed characters, I guess I'm just a judge-y type of reader sometimes). The main character was a very down-to-earth, believable guy who is just put in a very stressful position but trying to do his best. He's the type I would totally buy a beer for at the local drinking hole. So I admired him for trying to keep it all together even though his family seems to be falling apart and not really understanding his work/stress issues. I didn't learn much about the wife character but I did feel for their teenage son. Some nice empathy going on with the writing of his character in my humble opinion...
There is the small town vibe that goes on, prejudices and such. Pretty typical stuff that outsiders face and don't necessarily find common ground on which to build an understanding. The whole "townspeople holding secrets" vibe goes on but a lot of it is this strange open secret... and the law enforcement officer with that horrific scarring on his neck? Hmmm...
My favorite character is probably the hunter who shows up to assist the main character. He is the type of character you can bring up to friends in joke-y conversations and feel a sort of bonding... definitely one of those characters you will remember.
OK, so I went into this book thinking it was going to be pretty fluff... I mean, the title is so generic so I wasn't really expecting a lot, but I would give The Jackal Man somewhere between 3 and 4 stars here because it _did_ engage me. I didn't know exactly what was going on, but I still appreciated the fact that people were being killed by... something. And so the main character is sent in by his company to take over where the last foreman stopped...
I don't like to give any spoilers but I will say that I liked the characters and usually I don't really care who ends up dying, especially if I find them flawed in some way (and they don't necessarily have to be written as flawed characters, I guess I'm just a judge-y type of reader sometimes). The main character was a very down-to-earth, believable guy who is just put in a very stressful position but trying to do his best. He's the type I would totally buy a beer for at the local drinking hole. So I admired him for trying to keep it all together even though his family seems to be falling apart and not really understanding his work/stress issues. I didn't learn much about the wife character but I did feel for their teenage son. Some nice empathy going on with the writing of his character in my humble opinion...
There is the small town vibe that goes on, prejudices and such. Pretty typical stuff that outsiders face and don't necessarily find common ground on which to build an understanding. The whole "townspeople holding secrets" vibe goes on but a lot of it is this strange open secret... and the law enforcement officer with that horrific scarring on his neck? Hmmm...
My favorite character is probably the hunter who shows up to assist the main character. He is the type of character you can bring up to friends in joke-y conversations and feel a sort of bonding... definitely one of those characters you will remember.
March 2, 2024
The Jackal Man had me on the edge of my seat and I missed my bedtime on multiple nights. Honestly, I could have stayed up all night reading. I even took a few hours off of work because I needed to read more! I have read other reviews from people saying that it starts off slow but if you think this starts slow then you better buckle up just like two guys at the beginning of the book. Also pay attention because there are subtle hints as you read about people’s past and how it all comes together which I found incredibly enjoyable. I love stories that have history and lore for the area and for the characters and this book does not disappoint. I found every character enjoyable and real from the small town rednecks, scientists, the foreman and his family, the punks, the police, the hunter and the explosives expert. Hell, even the old man who lives in the woods has a great story. He reminded me of the old man in the woods from The Legend of Boggy Creek movie. The lore and the history of the Jackal Man was good and clearly Russel knows a thing or two for writing lore for Cryptids.
Overall what you will get out of this story is an amazing read, great dialogue,banter between characters, good writing, scary scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat, excellent character development,action sequences, and some comedy mixed in. Side note, in a time when people complain about there being too many characters in books and movies to keep up with this made me happy because characters and their development help make a story amazing.
Side note to Russell. I would love to see a book of short stories that focused on Deegan and his travels.
Overall what you will get out of this story is an amazing read, great dialogue,banter between characters, good writing, scary scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat, excellent character development,action sequences, and some comedy mixed in. Side note, in a time when people complain about there being too many characters in books and movies to keep up with this made me happy because characters and their development help make a story amazing.
Side note to Russell. I would love to see a book of short stories that focused on Deegan and his travels.
April 4, 2022
Well. It wasn't boring
Unfortunately, the big reveal at the end of this book was guessed by yours truly very early in the story. The book was loaded, and I mean loaded with action and the plot was easy to follow. My only complaint about this work though is a big one. There were a lot of characters in the story but I found none that I really cared about at all. In fact, there were times I was hoping a couple of the good guys (and calling anyone in this book a good guy is a stretch) might just get their throats ripped out. Alas, there were way too many convenient escapes for my taste. I would read more by this author. I liked the writing. I liked the plot. I liked the action. What I didn't care for is that everybody in the story was a jerk, and being jerks, reactions to events just did not seem real enough. From the hero, his kids, wife, friends, employees, coworkers and neighbors on - All jerks.
Unfortunately, the big reveal at the end of this book was guessed by yours truly very early in the story. The book was loaded, and I mean loaded with action and the plot was easy to follow. My only complaint about this work though is a big one. There were a lot of characters in the story but I found none that I really cared about at all. In fact, there were times I was hoping a couple of the good guys (and calling anyone in this book a good guy is a stretch) might just get their throats ripped out. Alas, there were way too many convenient escapes for my taste. I would read more by this author. I liked the writing. I liked the plot. I liked the action. What I didn't care for is that everybody in the story was a jerk, and being jerks, reactions to events just did not seem real enough. From the hero, his kids, wife, friends, employees, coworkers and neighbors on - All jerks.
June 28, 2023
I haven't read a Russell Connor book I didn't like and this one is no exception. Other's have talked about what the book is about so this is just why I like it.
Some authors books that I really love can be a lot of work to read. You feel like you have to take a break to catch your breath or to look up something you don't understand. This book isn't like that, it very easy and enjoyable to follow. It's also engaging, I had a hard time putting it down!
As with all his books, he adds a human side to the story that's relatable. In this case a construction foreman and a goth kid. He also will give an explanation of why things are the way they are instead of just leaving mysteries hanging. There's still mysteries but if a key point can have an answer he'll give one.
For full disclosure, I bought this book from Mr. Connor at Texas Frightmare (and every other book he had at his table). Super nice dude if you get a chance to meet him.
Some authors books that I really love can be a lot of work to read. You feel like you have to take a break to catch your breath or to look up something you don't understand. This book isn't like that, it very easy and enjoyable to follow. It's also engaging, I had a hard time putting it down!
As with all his books, he adds a human side to the story that's relatable. In this case a construction foreman and a goth kid. He also will give an explanation of why things are the way they are instead of just leaving mysteries hanging. There's still mysteries but if a key point can have an answer he'll give one.
For full disclosure, I bought this book from Mr. Connor at Texas Frightmare (and every other book he had at his table). Super nice dude if you get a chance to meet him.
September 28, 2020
So good!
A small town has a local legend that they take very seriously. When a new foreman arrives with his family to take over a local housing development project, he runs afoul of the locals and possibly a monster.
As a fan of cryptids, this book delighted me. The characters are well developed and the mystery surrounding the Jackal Man was very well done.
A small town has a local legend that they take very seriously. When a new foreman arrives with his family to take over a local housing development project, he runs afoul of the locals and possibly a monster.
As a fan of cryptids, this book delighted me. The characters are well developed and the mystery surrounding the Jackal Man was very well done.
January 10, 2022
this book is NOT your normal creature feature. likeable characters and a different take on monsters, many twists and turns along the way but you will find yourself finding reasons to stop what you are doing to go read just one more chapter. won't spoil it for you but you will be surprised at the end.
May 3, 2022
I felt somewhat ambivalent at first, but the ending really came together. It helps if you think of it as an action-horror book rather than straight horror, kind of like predator.
But one thing I could not get out of my head by the end was the creature in this commercial as reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BKOC...
But one thing I could not get out of my head by the end was the creature in this commercial as reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BKOC...
April 23, 2021
Not one but many
Evil at the hands of humans can be hard to believe yet we see it all the time and now in this book. This story is interesting, fast moving and it has lessons we can learn. Read this book, you will enjoy it. I did!
Evil at the hands of humans can be hard to believe yet we see it all the time and now in this book. This story is interesting, fast moving and it has lessons we can learn. Read this book, you will enjoy it. I did!
March 14, 2022
Enjoyed.
Didn't really care for most of the characters, but the plot overcame that nicely.
I didn't see the plot twist at the end and it was a welcome development.
Well worth your time.
Didn't really care for most of the characters, but the plot overcame that nicely.
I didn't see the plot twist at the end and it was a welcome development.
Well worth your time.
April 21, 2022
The jackle man!
This was a pretty good book,but I would now and then like to run across a book that does not have a happy ending. If you can suggest a good read that ends badly, please let me know. Thank you very much.....
This was a pretty good book,but I would now and then like to run across a book that does not have a happy ending. If you can suggest a good read that ends badly, please let me know. Thank you very much.....
June 11, 2022
This one started out a little slow but took off and then surpassed what you thought was going on. Nice, tight story with a surprise end I didn't see coming. Hats off to Russell Connor for an enjoyable story.
March 27, 2024
Very Strange Indeed
Great little read and not what you'd expect at all. This one has a nice little twist to it. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this one a d pleasantly surprised that it didn't border on the super natural😁
Great little read and not what you'd expect at all. This one has a nice little twist to it. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this one a d pleasantly surprised that it didn't border on the super natural😁
May 30, 2020
Another awesome book by big Russ 👌👌💯
November 25, 2021
Interesting Storyline
I do love well written creature features. Looking forward to reading more from this author, he certainly knows how to spin a tale.
I do love well written creature features. Looking forward to reading more from this author, he certainly knows how to spin a tale.
November 30, 2021
Great story
Fast read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Terrifying . I could hardly put it down.
Fast read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Terrifying . I could hardly put it down.
December 13, 2021
DNFing this one. I tried. I really tried. Just too slow in action and too laden with clichés about teens.
January 24, 2022
Don’t start it!
If you do, you will be up all night. The twists and turns will keep you engaged until the very end! It’s a must read!
If you do, you will be up all night. The twists and turns will keep you engaged until the very end! It’s a must read!
March 18, 2022
Good read
It started of slow then built into non stop thriller, great character background. I'm sure to more of this authors books.
It started of slow then built into non stop thriller, great character background. I'm sure to more of this authors books.
March 21, 2022
Exciting
I love stories like this. A new twist on a monster story. Who says monsters aren't real. I believe they are.
I love stories like this. A new twist on a monster story. Who says monsters aren't real. I believe they are.
June 4, 2022
Really strong characters mixed with a fun monster always equals a good book. Add in some decent twists and you got yourself a book worth reading!
October 5, 2022
Entertaining
I thought the book went at a good pace and it kept my interest. Its the first time I read anything from this author and I'd read another one of his books.
I thought the book went at a good pace and it kept my interest. Its the first time I read anything from this author and I'd read another one of his books.
September 11, 2022
This was not only well written, but a really great story as well. I really enjoy creature horror novels, and this one was great in my opinion. I even enjoyed the ending. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews