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Red Creek #1
Red Creek
There's a dark shadow over Red Creek.
Once a best-selling horror author, Paul Alenn is in a slump. His wife and daughter are across the country, moved away to the West Coast, leaving him alone in his Central Park-adjacent New York townhouse.
When his sister calls, asking for help packing up his estranged mother’s house in his old hometown, Red Creek, he decides to put the past behind him and face his demons.
What he finds back home is an ongoing mystery that stems from his childhood, a time he has no recollection of. When a boy is taken on his second night in the Creek, Paul starts to unravel a dark past…one he hadn’t even known was buried. All paths lead to the orchard and the eccentric owners, but Paul doesn’t know if the shadow he keeps seeing is real, or his imagination’s cover-up of a traumatic event.
With help from his former best friend, his brother-in-law, and a cranky old sheriff, Paul digs up the truth of the shadow looming over Red Creek.
Once a best-selling horror author, Paul Alenn is in a slump. His wife and daughter are across the country, moved away to the West Coast, leaving him alone in his Central Park-adjacent New York townhouse.
When his sister calls, asking for help packing up his estranged mother’s house in his old hometown, Red Creek, he decides to put the past behind him and face his demons.
What he finds back home is an ongoing mystery that stems from his childhood, a time he has no recollection of. When a boy is taken on his second night in the Creek, Paul starts to unravel a dark past…one he hadn’t even known was buried. All paths lead to the orchard and the eccentric owners, but Paul doesn’t know if the shadow he keeps seeing is real, or his imagination’s cover-up of a traumatic event.
With help from his former best friend, his brother-in-law, and a cranky old sheriff, Paul digs up the truth of the shadow looming over Red Creek.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2018
622 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
August 25, 2020
3.5 stars Read with my awesome friends from Horror Aficionados
The beginning of the book didn’t grab me. In fact, I thought I just might stop reading the book. I’m glad I stuck it out. I loved the characters, even the ones I was sure I would hate through the whole book.
I don’t want to keep writing the same thing as everyone else ...but... Paul is a writer. He comes back to his hometown to get his family home ready to sell. Well, Paul gets back in with some of his old friends and they end up having to fight some evil.
This shadow man or someone is taking the children in the town. Paul and his friends do everything to stop the evil. Seems it has something to do with Paul’s childhood as well.
I want to know who this shadow man is.
The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but it does say at the end of the book to read the second book
to get any answers from this book. FYI: Both books are on Kindle Unlimited US
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
The beginning of the book didn’t grab me. In fact, I thought I just might stop reading the book. I’m glad I stuck it out. I loved the characters, even the ones I was sure I would hate through the whole book.
I don’t want to keep writing the same thing as everyone else ...but... Paul is a writer. He comes back to his hometown to get his family home ready to sell. Well, Paul gets back in with some of his old friends and they end up having to fight some evil.
This shadow man or someone is taking the children in the town. Paul and his friends do everything to stop the evil. Seems it has something to do with Paul’s childhood as well.
I want to know who this shadow man is.
Paul whimpered and froze in fear. The shadow man was here for him, just like it had been for all the rest of them, it’s lair full of their small undeveloped bones.
The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but it does say at the end of the book to read the second book
to get any answers from this book. FYI: Both books are on Kindle Unlimited US
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
BLOG: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
April 18, 2020
Paul Alenn is a famous horror author. His hometown, Red Creek, has a long history of missing children. That children never reappear. With his mother being transferred to a nursing home he returns to Red Creek and the horrors of disappearing children start again. What is the reason for the vanishing children. Is a serial killer at loose? Is it something supernatural? Paul himself has some moments in his past he can't remember. What about his experience with Sheriff Cliff in his youth? When Paul's family and his girl follow him to Red Creek the situation escalates... The author comes up with an extremely compelling story with a very shadowy perpetrator, plausible characters, family secrets and an eerie crime scene (an orchard with its buildings). The book reads like a movie, is fast paced and page turning. I'm glad that there is a follow-up novel to this book. I will read that too. Highly recommended!
April 18, 2020
Vote: ☆☆☆ 1/2
A best selling author comes back to his hometown to face his demons, a small town with a dark past and kids missing... ok, this sounds too much like the incipit of Stephen King's Salem's Lot, so let's try again. Will you?
“You’re never going to believe me when I tell you this stuff, and try to forget that I’m a horror author when you listen. Because Red Creek’s been under a shadow for over a hundred years.” Paul sat back down with a thud and started to talk.
Best selling horror author Paul Alenn is suffering from writet's block, nosebleeds, and childhood memories loss. When his sister calls, asking for help packing up his estranged mother’s house in his old hometown, Red Creek, he decides to put the past behind him and face at last his demons.
A creepy slow-burn small town-horror novel with chilling misteries, a page-turning atmosphere, an interesting storyline and a well fleshed main character.
Not bad at all and it was nice from the author giving it for free on kindle in these Coronavirus quarantine days, but the ending, luckly not a cliffhanging one, was too much rushed and disappointing for me, leaving too many questions and loose threads hanging off with the promise to be resolved in book two.
Give it a try if you are in the mood of a quiet mistery-horror good read.
'Nuff said.
November 23, 2021
Some Good Times!
Paul is a writer. He is in a rut. He is suffering from writers block. His wife has left him. He doesn’t have much contact with his daughter. And he is seeing things.
Since he has been living alone in his large, expensive townhouse, for two years, he’s thinking about selling it. So he puts it up for sale, and now his sister is calling him.
She wants him to return to Red Creek. His hometown. His place of birth.
He hasn’t been there in twenty years. For some reason, the thought of returning fills him with apprehension.
But his mother has been placed into a home for her health. She is suffering from dementia and he has been estranged from her for twenty years. Maybe he should visit her.
His sister Beth is selling the house and needs help packing it up. He misses her. He is eager to see her. Not so much his old friends.
Once he arrives in Red Creek, he feels anxious...something about the place gives him the creeps. Is he seeing things? Is that a shadow?
Paul writes horror books. His bestseller was about a shadow. He sometimes thinks he’s seen one before. During college days. Now he thinks he’s seeing it again!
Strange things begin to happen. Strange memories. Strange visions. Maybe he shouldn’t have returned.
Paul is a writer. He is in a rut. He is suffering from writers block. His wife has left him. He doesn’t have much contact with his daughter. And he is seeing things.
Since he has been living alone in his large, expensive townhouse, for two years, he’s thinking about selling it. So he puts it up for sale, and now his sister is calling him.
She wants him to return to Red Creek. His hometown. His place of birth.
He hasn’t been there in twenty years. For some reason, the thought of returning fills him with apprehension.
But his mother has been placed into a home for her health. She is suffering from dementia and he has been estranged from her for twenty years. Maybe he should visit her.
His sister Beth is selling the house and needs help packing it up. He misses her. He is eager to see her. Not so much his old friends.
Once he arrives in Red Creek, he feels anxious...something about the place gives him the creeps. Is he seeing things? Is that a shadow?
Paul writes horror books. His bestseller was about a shadow. He sometimes thinks he’s seen one before. During college days. Now he thinks he’s seeing it again!
Strange things begin to happen. Strange memories. Strange visions. Maybe he shouldn’t have returned.
October 3, 2023
4.5 Stars
I couldn't put this down! Fast paced story of shadows, past horrors and dark family lore.
MC Paul has a dark history; too bad he can't remember anything. He returns to his hometown of Red Creek in upstate New York; to settle affairs, but does so with fear and trepidation.
I got this book as a freebie at some point; and kept putting it off. I'm so glad I read it.
Highly recommended.
I couldn't put this down! Fast paced story of shadows, past horrors and dark family lore.
MC Paul has a dark history; too bad he can't remember anything. He returns to his hometown of Red Creek in upstate New York; to settle affairs, but does so with fear and trepidation.
I got this book as a freebie at some point; and kept putting it off. I'm so glad I read it.
Highly recommended.
November 1, 2021
Narration: 4 ⭐️
Story: 3.5 ⭐️
August 24, 2020
one star for the great cover art.
one star for Will Damron, he did a great job narrating but this book!! There is a LOT left unanswered and it just made me mad. I won't be reading the next book.
one star for Will Damron, he did a great job narrating but this book!! There is a LOT left unanswered and it just made me mad. I won't be reading the next book.
August 25, 2020
3.5
Cover art was cool like Tosha said; and in my opinion I did get a few answers and a few things were wrapped up shiny and nice. But the main issue... still no idea.
I am going forward after my HA buddy read to see what else I can find out in its sequel. It seemed like near the end the story kind of meandered and got a bit lost, and so did I. I’m going to see if it comes back.
Cover art was cool like Tosha said; and in my opinion I did get a few answers and a few things were wrapped up shiny and nice. But the main issue... still no idea.
I am going forward after my HA buddy read to see what else I can find out in its sequel. It seemed like near the end the story kind of meandered and got a bit lost, and so did I. I’m going to see if it comes back.
Want to read
August 24, 2020This book is ending up as a DNF as I am so bored with it that I have been falling asleep reading it. No atmosphere along with no character connection makes this book dull and uninteresting. Also with DNF books there will be no rating as I do not star books I do not finish. If you are having trouble falling asleep read this book as it is better than taking a sleeping pill!
August 23, 2020
I loved every second up until the last two chapters. I loved the characters, the writing style and the build up was fantastic... then the story abruptly ended and left more questions than answers. How
a character made it into the tunnel and how another character disappeared and then reappeared were never explained and I ended up rereading chapters just in case I missed something. There is apparently a sequel, but there were several questions that I think should have been answered in the first book.
a character made it into the tunnel and how another character disappeared and then reappeared were never explained and I ended up rereading chapters just in case I missed something. There is apparently a sequel, but there were several questions that I think should have been answered in the first book.
November 5, 2018
Even when it's not Halloween, I love horror novels. As I was hunting through Amazon for a good, scary read, I came across this one. I know I shouldn't judge books by their covers, but this cover really stood out. It was creepy, but not gross...just what I was looking for.
The book did start out a little slow, and honestly, I hate books in which authors are the main characters. However, as Red Creek continued, the pace picked up, and it became very clear why Paul Alenn, the main character, became a writer.
Once the story got going, I couldn't put the book down. This was one of those creepy-small-town books...something I love to read about. I liked Paul and the other characters in the novel. I also like how the relationships developed. Paul, who grew up in a small town and moved to NYC, thinks the people in Red Creek are small minded bumpkins. Those in Red Creek think Paul is a clueless city-slicker. In a sense, everyone is right. However, as things progress, each of them discover that there's more to the others than meets the eye.
I also liked the mystery in the book. It wasn't exactly a new concept, but it was an interesting one. It certainly kept me turning pages.
One thing that I didn't like was the vague ending. It's the nature of horror novels to have a threat looming over the end pages of the book, but this one seemed too loose. It also wasn't clear what the monster was. Again, I don't mind a little ambiguity, but I wanted more details.
Overall, Red Creek is an excellent, fast-paced novel for those who don't want their horror too graphic.
The book did start out a little slow, and honestly, I hate books in which authors are the main characters. However, as Red Creek continued, the pace picked up, and it became very clear why Paul Alenn, the main character, became a writer.
Once the story got going, I couldn't put the book down. This was one of those creepy-small-town books...something I love to read about. I liked Paul and the other characters in the novel. I also like how the relationships developed. Paul, who grew up in a small town and moved to NYC, thinks the people in Red Creek are small minded bumpkins. Those in Red Creek think Paul is a clueless city-slicker. In a sense, everyone is right. However, as things progress, each of them discover that there's more to the others than meets the eye.
I also liked the mystery in the book. It wasn't exactly a new concept, but it was an interesting one. It certainly kept me turning pages.
One thing that I didn't like was the vague ending. It's the nature of horror novels to have a threat looming over the end pages of the book, but this one seemed too loose. It also wasn't clear what the monster was. Again, I don't mind a little ambiguity, but I wanted more details.
Overall, Red Creek is an excellent, fast-paced novel for those who don't want their horror too graphic.
August 22, 2020
3.5 stars. I read this one as a buddy read..in all fairness, this isn't my typical kind of story. It starts out kinda slow. But a little over halfway through, I was enticed, curious about each little piece of the puzzle that the author was feeding me.
An author returns to him hometown while his life is in a dark place. Then the darkness of his hometown reminds him of why he left in the first place. Children are disappearing. The author decides to figure out where the children are going.
I was bored at first. Then got very into the story. Then the ending was less than satisfying. It ended without answering all of my questions. Yes, I see there's a sequel, and maybe I could learn everything there.
An author returns to him hometown while his life is in a dark place. Then the darkness of his hometown reminds him of why he left in the first place. Children are disappearing. The author decides to figure out where the children are going.
I was bored at first. Then got very into the story. Then the ending was less than satisfying. It ended without answering all of my questions. Yes, I see there's a sequel, and maybe I could learn everything there.
August 15, 2021
An author returns to his hometown and uncovers its dark past.
A nice little mystery with a supernatural twist.
The story wraps up nicely, but without much explanation (there is a sequel).
Recommended.
Very little swearing, no sex, some bloodiness but no gore/graphic stuff. Caution only for the "child abduction" theme.
Kudos to the author for writing an effective horror/thriller in this manner.
A nice little mystery with a supernatural twist.
The story wraps up nicely, but without much explanation (there is a sequel).
Recommended.
Very little swearing, no sex, some bloodiness but no gore/graphic stuff. Caution only for the "child abduction" theme.
Kudos to the author for writing an effective horror/thriller in this manner.
April 17, 2019
4 stars audio
2 stars slllloooowwwwww paced not scary at all story.
2 stars slllloooowwwwww paced not scary at all story.
May 16, 2018
I am very picky when it comes to horror, but I really liked this story. The blurb sounded interesting and I was not disappointed at all. It had suspense, mystery and horror mixed together to make an addicting read. I did not find it gory or full of cheap scares like some are today. I liked the overall story and it kept me guessing to the end thinking, are "they" the bad guys, or maybe not. I did enjoy the ending. I found the story to be easily believable and kept me entertained the whole time which is what I look for in a story. And all the characters were easily liked and I found myself rooting for them to survive and figure out what was going on. Paul was a great main character and even had a few funny scenes. And his small town was easily pictured and reminded me of typical small towns.
February 25, 2019
After reading some of the reviews, I was looking forward to a good, suspenseful thriller with lots of twists and turns. The kindest thing I can say about this one is that it was disappointing. My high school students could have done a better job. I don’t wish to be unkind to the author, but perhaps this was too sophisticated, too ambitious a project? Stephen King once disappointed me terribly with the ending of IT, so I may be hard to please. But I won’t be recommending this book.
November 2, 2019
Really enjoyed this book & it would have easily been a 4-star rating, but as a way to many authors seem to like to do in order to sell you their next book is to not tie up the story & this is what this one did.
At the end of the story, it states for the conclusion of the story of Red Creek make sure to read the sequel.
No thanks, not going to be forced to buy another book to find out what happens.
At the end of the story, it states for the conclusion of the story of Red Creek make sure to read the sequel.
No thanks, not going to be forced to buy another book to find out what happens.
November 7, 2019
Sometimes confronting the ghosts of the past can be scarier then dealing with an actual ghost or monster.To me some of the creepier parts of this book are when the main character sees how his hometown has changed, or hasn't changed in the 20 some odd years he's been away....
While I found this book really good, I'm not sure I would call it a horror book. Nor am I 100% sure what it was about. Is it a ghost story, a monster story, or is it about a serial killer?
While I found this book really good, I'm not sure I would call it a horror book. Nor am I 100% sure what it was about. Is it a ghost story, a monster story, or is it about a serial killer?
February 22, 2019
When I got a chance to review more of Nathan Hystad Audiobook I never hesitated after reviewing his science fiction series and loving it and his imagination so imagine my surprise to find out that I got a horror story.
The truth, I’ve stopped with horror a long time ago because it’s all became predictable and then there was a big noise about a new audiobook by a famous author named IT so I took a gamble and like I said it was totally predictable and if anyone gave it 5 stars they have done it only because of the name of the author.
Any way I promised an honest review for Red Creek and I’m delivering it now.
Excellent story with a bunch of twists, nothing was predictable.
I truly felt the fear reminded me of the old days when I was very young, when I couldn’t sleep after a scary movie.
So yes the author Nathan Hystad have created a short masterpiece which has outdone the longer creations out there.
Excellent choice to let Will Damron narrate this audiobook, somehow he managed to translate the intention of the author into audio including the fear itself.
Absolutely recommended!
In exchange for an honest review I’ve received this audiobook.
The truth, I’ve stopped with horror a long time ago because it’s all became predictable and then there was a big noise about a new audiobook by a famous author named IT so I took a gamble and like I said it was totally predictable and if anyone gave it 5 stars they have done it only because of the name of the author.
Any way I promised an honest review for Red Creek and I’m delivering it now.
Excellent story with a bunch of twists, nothing was predictable.
I truly felt the fear reminded me of the old days when I was very young, when I couldn’t sleep after a scary movie.
So yes the author Nathan Hystad have created a short masterpiece which has outdone the longer creations out there.
Excellent choice to let Will Damron narrate this audiobook, somehow he managed to translate the intention of the author into audio including the fear itself.
Absolutely recommended!
In exchange for an honest review I’ve received this audiobook.
May 25, 2020
I truly enjoyed this book it was a quick read and fulfilling I love horror although this was not exactly scary it was more mysterious I kind of had Stephen King vibes not the writing style but the idea of the overall book it kind of felt like I have read it before. I was expecting more twist but I guess that’s what thrillers are for lol. Still this book is intriguing and I liked it very much.
April 20, 2020
This one was well written and the story pulled me in from the start. The main character was well drawn and likable enough to make me want to find out what happened to him as a child and where his memories would lead.
April 10, 2019
OK so I went back and gave it another go and I finished it this time ...
There are some good parts and some not so good and then there is the predictable that just pops out all over the place and then there is that ending ...Le sigh yup all in ll it just wasnt good.
There are some good parts and some not so good and then there is the predictable that just pops out all over the place and then there is that ending ...Le sigh yup all in ll it just wasnt good.
March 19, 2019
Very different from the Sci fi genre but still a good read
I would have liked to have gotten more information about what exactly the shadow was, but it was still worth reading ,
I would have liked to have gotten more information about what exactly the shadow was, but it was still worth reading ,
October 7, 2018
Red Creek is a gripping thriller that kept me turning the pages long into the night. It does have some horror elements, but it’s really more of a thriller/mystery. Fortunately, that didn’t erode my enjoyment of the book. In fact, of the more than 70 books I’ve read this year so far, this is definitely in my top five favorites. Well-written, suspenseful, and with flawed characters who felt real. I highly recommend Red Creek!
September 29, 2019
This book was not what i consider horror. It was more of a slow burn creepy suspense novel in my opinion. The story line was pretty interesting - it is one I haven't read before. I overall liked the book - i wouldn't say i loved it but i will probably read Return to Red Creek. This is a new author to me - i see he has written quite few books.
August 12, 2019
Very enjoyable
Great book! Hooks you in pretty fast. Loved the characters. Couple of spots of inconsistency about midway through and needed tissues in the end of chapter 20. A definite recommend!
Great book! Hooks you in pretty fast. Loved the characters. Couple of spots of inconsistency about midway through and needed tissues in the end of chapter 20. A definite recommend!
October 6, 2018
I got bored and couldn't finish had. Finally just returned it.
April 8, 2020
I would actually give this story 3.5 stars.
July 27, 2019
I went into this one thinking I was going to get this creepy little horror story, after all the book is subtitled: A Horror Novel, what I got was a suspense novel, which was a letdown.
Here’s what’s going on. Paul’s been haunted by shadows all of his life but attributed them to his overactive author’s imagination. When Paul returns to his hometown, he soon realizes there’s more to the shadows than he realized. Now that a child has gone missing, Paul and his friends set out to uncover the truth Red Creek is hiding but when Paul discovers his childhood bike in the basement of a local orchard he soon realizes his ties to the orchard and the missing children are stronger than expected. Will they be able to figure out what’s lurking in Red Creek before another child vanishes?
Okay, the premise for this one sounded amazing and reminded me of Stephen King, sadly this one failed to deliver any of the horror that I was promised. I was rather disappointed because the author’s writing was brilliant and hooked me from the start.
The suspense is riveting. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see who/what was behind the missing children, how everything was connected, and what Paul’s daughter had to do with things. Unfortunately, I was left with more questions than answers. While there was a conclusion of sorts, there were no answers or no explanations for some of the major points of the plot. I just felt there could have been so much more added to this book
This was my first time listening to Will Damron and I enjoyed his narration.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and the suspense but I was let down by the conclusion and I spent the entire book waiting for something that never happened.
Here’s what’s going on. Paul’s been haunted by shadows all of his life but attributed them to his overactive author’s imagination. When Paul returns to his hometown, he soon realizes there’s more to the shadows than he realized. Now that a child has gone missing, Paul and his friends set out to uncover the truth Red Creek is hiding but when Paul discovers his childhood bike in the basement of a local orchard he soon realizes his ties to the orchard and the missing children are stronger than expected. Will they be able to figure out what’s lurking in Red Creek before another child vanishes?
Okay, the premise for this one sounded amazing and reminded me of Stephen King, sadly this one failed to deliver any of the horror that I was promised. I was rather disappointed because the author’s writing was brilliant and hooked me from the start.
The suspense is riveting. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see who/what was behind the missing children, how everything was connected, and what Paul’s daughter had to do with things. Unfortunately, I was left with more questions than answers. While there was a conclusion of sorts, there were no answers or no explanations for some of the major points of the plot. I just felt there could have been so much more added to this book
This was my first time listening to Will Damron and I enjoyed his narration.
Overall, I enjoyed the writing and the suspense but I was let down by the conclusion and I spent the entire book waiting for something that never happened.
April 11, 2020
Read Creek Book 1 You May want to leave the lights on
Red Creek book 1
I would not have called it a cliff-hanger except for at the end of the book it said END. Read the conclusion in RETURN TO RED CREEK.
I was fine with the ending, really. Ignorance is bliss and all that. The ending of RED CREEK was a good ending. I could have gone on and thought happy thoughts. But NO, the author had to say the above.
Now I have to borrow the next book using my Kindle Unlimited to find out what really happens. I am NOT reading that book next. Need a little time. Book one is going to stay with me awhile. Shadows and all.
For the diehard Sci-fi thriller reader this book is probably pretty tame. But for me, I’m going to be watching for things that go bump in the night and those ever present shadows we all see from time to time. And if you don’t see shadows, you might after reading this book.
This book is about an author who writes thrillers about shadowy figures and such and it’s probably because of his subconscious playing tricks on him.
The book is a little disturbing as it focuses on children missing from a small town somewhere north of New York City.
I recommend it though as it was well written and it did what I am sure the author wanted to do: 1) keep me up at night 2) Buy/Borrow Book Two
Red Creek book 1
I would not have called it a cliff-hanger except for at the end of the book it said END. Read the conclusion in RETURN TO RED CREEK.
I was fine with the ending, really. Ignorance is bliss and all that. The ending of RED CREEK was a good ending. I could have gone on and thought happy thoughts. But NO, the author had to say the above.
Now I have to borrow the next book using my Kindle Unlimited to find out what really happens. I am NOT reading that book next. Need a little time. Book one is going to stay with me awhile. Shadows and all.
For the diehard Sci-fi thriller reader this book is probably pretty tame. But for me, I’m going to be watching for things that go bump in the night and those ever present shadows we all see from time to time. And if you don’t see shadows, you might after reading this book.
This book is about an author who writes thrillers about shadowy figures and such and it’s probably because of his subconscious playing tricks on him.
The book is a little disturbing as it focuses on children missing from a small town somewhere north of New York City.
I recommend it though as it was well written and it did what I am sure the author wanted to do: 1) keep me up at night 2) Buy/Borrow Book Two
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews