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Into the Wolves' Den
What would you do to protect your family?
Keith Klein, a beat cop in the small New Mexico town of Montaño, sets out to find his missing daughters after they vanish on their way home from school. He enlists the help of Gerald Greenwood, an old friend and a private investigator. When their investigation stalls and desperation creeps in, Keith’s methods become unorthodox, illegal, and extremely violent.
Meanwhile, Keith’s daughters, fourteen-year-old Carrie and eight-year-old Allison, witness horrors beyond imagination at the Wolves’ Den, a house in the middle of nowhere. In that house, a group of psychopaths in animal masks produce snuff films and other disturbing content for clients across the globe.
Jon Athan, the provocative author behind Dr. Sadist and Lovesick, delivers another dark and disturbing horror novel filled with mystery, suspense, and gore. Can you handle a visit to the Wolves’ Den?
WARNING: This novel contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
Keith Klein, a beat cop in the small New Mexico town of Montaño, sets out to find his missing daughters after they vanish on their way home from school. He enlists the help of Gerald Greenwood, an old friend and a private investigator. When their investigation stalls and desperation creeps in, Keith’s methods become unorthodox, illegal, and extremely violent.
Meanwhile, Keith’s daughters, fourteen-year-old Carrie and eight-year-old Allison, witness horrors beyond imagination at the Wolves’ Den, a house in the middle of nowhere. In that house, a group of psychopaths in animal masks produce snuff films and other disturbing content for clients across the globe.
Jon Athan, the provocative author behind Dr. Sadist and Lovesick, delivers another dark and disturbing horror novel filled with mystery, suspense, and gore. Can you handle a visit to the Wolves’ Den?
WARNING: This novel contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
313 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2019
907 people are currently reading
5882 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
May 9, 2025
This was extremely hard to get through. There are a ton of scenes involving various levels of horrendous abuse towards children in very sickening ways. And honestly, anything involving rape and/or child molestation makes me both equally enraged and nauseated. On top of that content, there are also countless, additional acts of violence that are very gritty and vividly detailed. One thing with Jon Athan is that, while I feel while his stories are all fairly well done, he tends to put blood and gore ahead of substance in a strong majority of his books. And it absolutely hurts the impact of his books. Don’t get me wrong, as I enjoyed the book for what it was and it had the desired effect on me. But here, for instance, the book told a very awful, tragic story, but had a good flow and progression, until the end. Then it seems to conclude, but then quickly sums up the repercussions to Keith, and finally jumps to an overly detailed and disjointed true finale. I really wanted to experience what goes on with Keith and not get an abbreviated rundown. With such build up to what would ultimately be his endgame, I very much disliked how Athan made splatterpunk his focus and not his main character. So while not a bad story at all, it is very ugly and devastating, so be aware of intense triggers and no semblance of a happy ending.
December 11, 2021
At the beginning you'll witness how three little girls are kidnapped by child predators. What do the kidnappers plan? Things get interesting when the father of two of the girls, a smalltown cop, starts his investigations. He's helped by a private dick. Will they find the girls in time? What about the perps? Why are they wearing animal masks and what is going in in the wolves' den? This is an extremely intriguing but extremely brutal novel. Every torture is described in detail and the methods of torture are very inventive and maximum cruel. Definitely nothing for the faint hearted. Prose, pace and story telling are excellent. But the level of violence, gore, killing and bloodshed is very high. Nevertheless I enjoyed this page turning piece of fiction. The author gives us an excellent look at some real evil in the world. Really recommended!
October 11, 2019
BRUTAL! This is extreme, ladies and gentlemen, so don’t even go there is you are not a fan of the genre.
I’m going to start with the good:
This author used a guy by the name of Sean Lowery to do the cover for this book. And, sir, this cover was PERFECT for this story. And, yes, it is the cover that drew me to this story more than anything. Very well done.
Athan has also released quite a few books since the last one I’ve read by him, and I’m happy to say that his characters and their dialogue (especially), has improved.
However, he is not there yet, but at least he is making an effort and it is paying off. You will understand if you read his earlier work.
So let’s discuss this story. The subject matter is shocking, sick, vile, horrifying and depraved. Sadly, I don’t think any part of the story line can be written off as impossible. Paedophilia and human trafficking is the disgusting reality of the world we live in.
I was raised in a very conservative country and my childhood was very sheltered. The first time (I can remember) I heard the word ‘paedophile’ was in 1990, when the news story came on about Gert van Rooyen, a paedophile and alleged serial killer (no remains were ever found of his – at least - six victims) who committed suicide when he was trapped by the police. You can Google it if you want to know more. The point is, I was 14 years old and I had no idea what that word even meant.
These days, we have to teach our children about the possible horrors that await them even before they are old enough to go to school.
While the foundation of this story might not be original – from movies like TAXI DRIVER to TAKEN, DEATH SENTENCE to PEPPERMINT – it might seem like all the angles have been covered. However, this story pushes it further than anything I have ever read before.
Let’s discuss two movies:
PRISONERS starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. In my opinion, it was fucking brilliant – the best movie I saw that year. How far would a father go to get his child back? How hard is he willing to push? How much of his soul is he willing to sacrifice?
I’ll be totally honest with you – I agree with every single thing he did! I know, not politically correct, but fuck that. I ended up asking myself if my son was ever abducted, would I be man enough to go that far. I pray – PRAY! – that it will not be something I will ever have to find out. But, people, fuck human rights, fuck the higher moral ground, and fuck anybody who fucks with your blood.
In many ways, that is the closest comparison I can make to the book. But the book goes much, much further, for both the victims and the father. It will upset you, no matter how desensitized you are.
THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES starring Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts is another movie that was absolutely brilliant. It is not about making yourself feel better, it is about some people needing to pay for their sins. If you haven’t seen this one, take the time – you won’t regret it.
So, I’m not going to write another blurb to this story – you should know by now what this is about.
Sigh – this is the point where I have to call spoiler, but there were some things that just pushed the boundaries a bit too far and I have to discuss two. If you want to read this book, stop reading this review right now.
**********SPOILER**********
Mr. Athan –
You pulled a bit of a RAMBO III toward the end. You know, him shooting down to an advancing army and, while he hits his target regularly, none of them can hit him. It is the timing that bothered me the most. In certain scenes, while he was outnumbered, the fights were too long and too much happened to give him the time to do everything he does. I’m not going to get into some of the wounds, either, but I’m just so tired of the Hollywood bullshit, no matter how spectacular it might “look”.
Also, people who abduct, rape, murder and torture children, do not get their victims in the town closest to their operation. It is reckless – the ‘shit where you eat’ argument – and they wouldn’t be able to conduct their business for decades undetected.
One of the better Jon Athan efforts – recommended to EXTREME fans ONLY!
I’m going to start with the good:
This author used a guy by the name of Sean Lowery to do the cover for this book. And, sir, this cover was PERFECT for this story. And, yes, it is the cover that drew me to this story more than anything. Very well done.
Athan has also released quite a few books since the last one I’ve read by him, and I’m happy to say that his characters and their dialogue (especially), has improved.
However, he is not there yet, but at least he is making an effort and it is paying off. You will understand if you read his earlier work.
So let’s discuss this story. The subject matter is shocking, sick, vile, horrifying and depraved. Sadly, I don’t think any part of the story line can be written off as impossible. Paedophilia and human trafficking is the disgusting reality of the world we live in.
I was raised in a very conservative country and my childhood was very sheltered. The first time (I can remember) I heard the word ‘paedophile’ was in 1990, when the news story came on about Gert van Rooyen, a paedophile and alleged serial killer (no remains were ever found of his – at least - six victims) who committed suicide when he was trapped by the police. You can Google it if you want to know more. The point is, I was 14 years old and I had no idea what that word even meant.
These days, we have to teach our children about the possible horrors that await them even before they are old enough to go to school.
While the foundation of this story might not be original – from movies like TAXI DRIVER to TAKEN, DEATH SENTENCE to PEPPERMINT – it might seem like all the angles have been covered. However, this story pushes it further than anything I have ever read before.
Let’s discuss two movies:
PRISONERS starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. In my opinion, it was fucking brilliant – the best movie I saw that year. How far would a father go to get his child back? How hard is he willing to push? How much of his soul is he willing to sacrifice?
I’ll be totally honest with you – I agree with every single thing he did! I know, not politically correct, but fuck that. I ended up asking myself if my son was ever abducted, would I be man enough to go that far. I pray – PRAY! – that it will not be something I will ever have to find out. But, people, fuck human rights, fuck the higher moral ground, and fuck anybody who fucks with your blood.
In many ways, that is the closest comparison I can make to the book. But the book goes much, much further, for both the victims and the father. It will upset you, no matter how desensitized you are.
THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES starring Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts is another movie that was absolutely brilliant. It is not about making yourself feel better, it is about some people needing to pay for their sins. If you haven’t seen this one, take the time – you won’t regret it.
So, I’m not going to write another blurb to this story – you should know by now what this is about.
Sigh – this is the point where I have to call spoiler, but there were some things that just pushed the boundaries a bit too far and I have to discuss two. If you want to read this book, stop reading this review right now.
**********SPOILER**********
Mr. Athan –
You pulled a bit of a RAMBO III toward the end. You know, him shooting down to an advancing army and, while he hits his target regularly, none of them can hit him. It is the timing that bothered me the most. In certain scenes, while he was outnumbered, the fights were too long and too much happened to give him the time to do everything he does. I’m not going to get into some of the wounds, either, but I’m just so tired of the Hollywood bullshit, no matter how spectacular it might “look”.
Also, people who abduct, rape, murder and torture children, do not get their victims in the town closest to their operation. It is reckless – the ‘shit where you eat’ argument – and they wouldn’t be able to conduct their business for decades undetected.
One of the better Jon Athan efforts – recommended to EXTREME fans ONLY!
November 29, 2021
Brilliant, Brutal, Heartbreaking
Another amazingly dark, brutal and sometimes difficult to read book from THE awesome Jon Athan. Once I started reading this, I couldn’t put it down, although it was pretty hard work to stomach at times. This broke my heart as evil like this actually exists for real, and that is truly terrifying. You will go through every emotion whilst reading this, but Keith is a real hero, and serves up a nice huge slice of karma. Jon Athan is a truly brilliant author and is not frightened of pushing boundaries but makes us aware that there are a lot of scumbags out there and this, unfortunately goes on in the REAL world today. An utterly brilliant and brave book, but not for the faint hearted or easily shockable!!
Another amazingly dark, brutal and sometimes difficult to read book from THE awesome Jon Athan. Once I started reading this, I couldn’t put it down, although it was pretty hard work to stomach at times. This broke my heart as evil like this actually exists for real, and that is truly terrifying. You will go through every emotion whilst reading this, but Keith is a real hero, and serves up a nice huge slice of karma. Jon Athan is a truly brilliant author and is not frightened of pushing boundaries but makes us aware that there are a lot of scumbags out there and this, unfortunately goes on in the REAL world today. An utterly brilliant and brave book, but not for the faint hearted or easily shockable!!
December 10, 2021
This book is intense and graphic. Not for the faint of heart. I would put this on the far end of extreme horror. With that out of the way.....yeah it rocked. Just when you take a deep breath, you are plunged back into deep depravity with no end in sight. One of the few books I have read that had me wince and yell out loud. If you like your horror rough this one is a must read.
November 4, 2021
So far, this is my favorite book by Jon Athan. I always enjoy his work, and was glad that this story was longer than usual. It gave greater depth of personality to each character and allowed for a detailed and grueling plot. I read this lengthier book in record time. Though the brutality and the violence were over the top (as anticipated), the suspense did not let up for a moment. Disturbing due to the subject matter (the trafficking of children), the fact that such events occur in the real world makes the fiction all the more shocking. It also makes the avenging character more of a hero than a fellow murderer. There are very dark moments in this book, but there are also scenes of vengeance that made me want to cheer. I would love it if the author would attack another Wolves' Den in the future to make the abhorrent perverts pay for their vile and selfish actions. I'd buy that book in an instant.
October 28, 2021
I don't even know what to say right now....
I've read over 200 books in my life and only 8 of those books have ever gotten a 5 star rating from me. When I finished reading this book there was no question that I'd be adding another book to that list.
I don't know how Jon Athan does it, but he's able to write a revenge story that greatly surpasses anything you'll ever see in any other book, film or TV series. Truly one of the best authors of our time. Everyone who's reading this review needs to go and read this book as soon as you possibly can.
I've read over 200 books in my life and only 8 of those books have ever gotten a 5 star rating from me. When I finished reading this book there was no question that I'd be adding another book to that list.
I don't know how Jon Athan does it, but he's able to write a revenge story that greatly surpasses anything you'll ever see in any other book, film or TV series. Truly one of the best authors of our time. Everyone who's reading this review needs to go and read this book as soon as you possibly can.
March 3, 2024
INTO THE WOLVES DEN [2019] By Jon Athan
My Review 5.0 Stars Out Of 5
The story that is told in the pages of this novel may have been written by an author who has often been referred to as provocative by many in the industry. That said, it could be an account in the newsprint you read in your daily paper, or in the on-line news media you prefer. You could listen to the sanitized bare bones version on the nightly news channel. What is the difference? Well, it is night and day.
You and I both know that the incidents that are depicted in this fictional account of the depraved proclivities of men who are involved in or cater to the sex trafficking industries and their like are occurring as you read this review.
If you are a mom or dad who educated your daughters to run like hell at the first inkling that there is something just not right, that is good. But as this story reveals, it is just not enough…
The most horrible truth that I gleaned, and it made me literally feel like I was going to vomit, is that what occurred in this story could have happened to me…. or you.
The author uses the setting of a small New Mexico town that the inhabitants feel like is relatively a safe place to live. Keith Klein is a beat cop in this small town, and he is a level-headed, fair-minded man who did not put on a badge to dominate or intimidate others. He is happily married with two pretty daughters, 14-year-old Carrie and 8-year-old “Allie” (Allison).
His girls are walking home with one of Carrie’s classmates, and the three girls are kidding and joking among themselves about…what else? Boys. It is daylight and the sun is shining one moment and the next moment darkness and evil has invaded their space without warning. Two armed grown men accost them on their path home. Both are wearing horror-quality animal masks, one depicting a wolf and the other a pig. The friend of Carrie’s talks back to the intruders and is shot to death at the scene. Keith’s girls are taken.
Keith comes home from his work day to find out from his frightened wife that the girls are missing. They did not come home from school.
The girls have been abducted by two sadistic felons who operate the Wolves Den, a house that is literally in the middle of nowhere. It is a house of abominations where the sickest most perverse fantasies of the most depraved men in society can be satisfied for the right amount of money. Atrocities of virtually any kind can be filmed and videotaped for money, including torture-murder and other varieties of snuff films. The hidden house in the woods has counterparts in other places, and they can provide their uniquely evil services all over the globe.
In this story of fiction, Keith sets out to find his daughters with the help of an old friend named Gerald Greenwood who is a Private Investigator. The police department that employs him obviously orders mandatory leave due to the personal nature of Keith’s own family being the victims. Keith does not listen to his superiors but rather to the siren call he hears and that reverberates throughout his body to find his daughters by any means possible.
I read this articulate, well-written, and graphic narrative from the author which detailed this heart-rendering and gut-wrenching search and rescue that Keith and Gerald carried out to locate the girls, or their remains. It is not the sanitized account you would read in your newspaper or the speech you would hear from the police after the fact.
The Wolves Den was distinguished by having a paying client on the premises when the girls were abducted. I would commend the author on his vivid description and characterization of this monster. He was successful in creating a three-dimensional picture of this living, breathing bogeyman.
I read the author’s notes and totally agree with his decision to relate not only the events the day of the assault on the Wolves Den but also the events which followed and the sequalae afterwards when Keith faced down his daughter’s personal demon and finally the architect himself.
Tell the truth and shame the devil. I have had “Into the Wolves Den” on my unread books shelf for quite a while. It says something when you know that you have consciously put something off that is unpleasant but necessary for you to read. I had a bet with myself that I just might cry. Especially when I knew damn well that little “Allie” and Callie were out there right now suffering similar fates at the hands of evil men. I did not cry. I did barely avoid vomiting. Try to explain that to a sleeping spouse in a king size bed!!!
Kudos to Jon Athan for writing this powerful narrative that constitutes a harsh reminder and a Def-Con 1 warning about the evil that is everywhere and exists in plain sight.
WHAT WILL YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY?
My Review 5.0 Stars Out Of 5
The story that is told in the pages of this novel may have been written by an author who has often been referred to as provocative by many in the industry. That said, it could be an account in the newsprint you read in your daily paper, or in the on-line news media you prefer. You could listen to the sanitized bare bones version on the nightly news channel. What is the difference? Well, it is night and day.
You and I both know that the incidents that are depicted in this fictional account of the depraved proclivities of men who are involved in or cater to the sex trafficking industries and their like are occurring as you read this review.
If you are a mom or dad who educated your daughters to run like hell at the first inkling that there is something just not right, that is good. But as this story reveals, it is just not enough…
The most horrible truth that I gleaned, and it made me literally feel like I was going to vomit, is that what occurred in this story could have happened to me…. or you.
The author uses the setting of a small New Mexico town that the inhabitants feel like is relatively a safe place to live. Keith Klein is a beat cop in this small town, and he is a level-headed, fair-minded man who did not put on a badge to dominate or intimidate others. He is happily married with two pretty daughters, 14-year-old Carrie and 8-year-old “Allie” (Allison).
His girls are walking home with one of Carrie’s classmates, and the three girls are kidding and joking among themselves about…what else? Boys. It is daylight and the sun is shining one moment and the next moment darkness and evil has invaded their space without warning. Two armed grown men accost them on their path home. Both are wearing horror-quality animal masks, one depicting a wolf and the other a pig. The friend of Carrie’s talks back to the intruders and is shot to death at the scene. Keith’s girls are taken.
Keith comes home from his work day to find out from his frightened wife that the girls are missing. They did not come home from school.
The girls have been abducted by two sadistic felons who operate the Wolves Den, a house that is literally in the middle of nowhere. It is a house of abominations where the sickest most perverse fantasies of the most depraved men in society can be satisfied for the right amount of money. Atrocities of virtually any kind can be filmed and videotaped for money, including torture-murder and other varieties of snuff films. The hidden house in the woods has counterparts in other places, and they can provide their uniquely evil services all over the globe.
In this story of fiction, Keith sets out to find his daughters with the help of an old friend named Gerald Greenwood who is a Private Investigator. The police department that employs him obviously orders mandatory leave due to the personal nature of Keith’s own family being the victims. Keith does not listen to his superiors but rather to the siren call he hears and that reverberates throughout his body to find his daughters by any means possible.
I read this articulate, well-written, and graphic narrative from the author which detailed this heart-rendering and gut-wrenching search and rescue that Keith and Gerald carried out to locate the girls, or their remains. It is not the sanitized account you would read in your newspaper or the speech you would hear from the police after the fact.
The Wolves Den was distinguished by having a paying client on the premises when the girls were abducted. I would commend the author on his vivid description and characterization of this monster. He was successful in creating a three-dimensional picture of this living, breathing bogeyman.
I read the author’s notes and totally agree with his decision to relate not only the events the day of the assault on the Wolves Den but also the events which followed and the sequalae afterwards when Keith faced down his daughter’s personal demon and finally the architect himself.
Tell the truth and shame the devil. I have had “Into the Wolves Den” on my unread books shelf for quite a while. It says something when you know that you have consciously put something off that is unpleasant but necessary for you to read. I had a bet with myself that I just might cry. Especially when I knew damn well that little “Allie” and Callie were out there right now suffering similar fates at the hands of evil men. I did not cry. I did barely avoid vomiting. Try to explain that to a sleeping spouse in a king size bed!!!
Kudos to Jon Athan for writing this powerful narrative that constitutes a harsh reminder and a Def-Con 1 warning about the evil that is everywhere and exists in plain sight.
WHAT WILL YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY?
July 23, 2024
Not for the squeamish, or sensitive for that matter. An agonizing and brutal story of vengeance with a moral message. (What goes around comes around) Extremity is key when dishing out revenge. This novel has one particular villain that was so bad 🐺 I was generally thinking of he doesn’t get what he deserves…. Then well…. But all is good here.
Yes the tale is intense as can be. ITWD doesn’t hold back, and it doesn’t care what you think. It is unlike any horror novel I’ve come across so far because it honestly says, and does what it wants. Mr. Jon Athan, is such a fearless writer, and that goes a long ways in this book.
I quite simply loved this novel. Depraved, sick, real, tragic and combines absolutely hair raising thrills. Into The Wolves Den, “for those who want their horror pure, repulsive, and shocking.” 🔪🩸
Yes the tale is intense as can be. ITWD doesn’t hold back, and it doesn’t care what you think. It is unlike any horror novel I’ve come across so far because it honestly says, and does what it wants. Mr. Jon Athan, is such a fearless writer, and that goes a long ways in this book.
I quite simply loved this novel. Depraved, sick, real, tragic and combines absolutely hair raising thrills. Into The Wolves Den, “for those who want their horror pure, repulsive, and shocking.” 🔪🩸
August 16, 2019
Into The Wolves' Den
I have been waiting for this book, just like I do all of Jon Athan's books, since the first time I saw it advertised. But, I anticipated this one a little more than the others. The picture on the cover was haunting. I don't even remember reading the synopsis - I couldn't quote it now if you paid me.
I grabbed it as soon as it was available, but I put off reading it all day yesterday because I didn't want it to be over already. (Like trying to avoid eating the marshmallows in your Lucky Charms until the last few bites.)
I have a list of exactly 90 books (including this one) that I've read in the past 3 months waiting for reviews and blog posts, (I can't get on-line much these days), but I need to address the author's notes at the end.
Jon Athan said that this is his longest book to date, but it didn't feel like it. Just as I expected - once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. If the story ended where he originally planned, it would have been good, but this version is excellent, and very satisfying. Knowing what sparked the idea of this story, and how true it could be, makes it all the more horrifying.
I have been waiting for this book, just like I do all of Jon Athan's books, since the first time I saw it advertised. But, I anticipated this one a little more than the others. The picture on the cover was haunting. I don't even remember reading the synopsis - I couldn't quote it now if you paid me.
I grabbed it as soon as it was available, but I put off reading it all day yesterday because I didn't want it to be over already. (Like trying to avoid eating the marshmallows in your Lucky Charms until the last few bites.)
I have a list of exactly 90 books (including this one) that I've read in the past 3 months waiting for reviews and blog posts, (I can't get on-line much these days), but I need to address the author's notes at the end.
Jon Athan said that this is his longest book to date, but it didn't feel like it. Just as I expected - once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. If the story ended where he originally planned, it would have been good, but this version is excellent, and very satisfying. Knowing what sparked the idea of this story, and how true it could be, makes it all the more horrifying.
July 24, 2024
I've read and appreciated work by this author before (his short story The Gift is still one of the vilest things I have ever read) and this one very much reads like earlier work, the writing style is plain and the dialogues are often kind of annoying. There's only one torture scene that I thought was really well executed.
For a Splatterpunk it is on the longer side, but it did move at a generally pretty steady clip, so it had that going for it.
I missed having a reading list that I didn't make for myself, so I decided to put Goodreads' recommendation algorithm to the test by reading 60 books from the recommendation tab, mostly from the horror genre and from the recs based on my "TikTok made me read it" shelf (I needed a few wild cards). This book was 6/60 from that list and the first one I really wasn't looking forward to, not because of the genre but because there were children as POV characters involved, so maybe I'm being a little too critical of it because of that.
For a Splatterpunk it is on the longer side, but it did move at a generally pretty steady clip, so it had that going for it.
I missed having a reading list that I didn't make for myself, so I decided to put Goodreads' recommendation algorithm to the test by reading 60 books from the recommendation tab, mostly from the horror genre and from the recs based on my "TikTok made me read it" shelf (I needed a few wild cards). This book was 6/60 from that list and the first one I really wasn't looking forward to, not because of the genre but because there were children as POV characters involved, so maybe I'm being a little too critical of it because of that.
January 24, 2023
This book has every trigger known to man in it. This book hit me so hard that it took me a while to get through it. But besides the content it was beautifully written and did have tension and dread. It was a bittersweet end.
May 3, 2023
Jon Athan is such a good writer. The words just flow off the pages. I loved this book. I thought the violence and brutality was just right for the context of the story and I was never bored during the entire book. I definitely like the longer ending and helped solidify Keith's character for me. He truly is a Hero and would love to see a sequel to this book. The subject matter is not easy by any means so I enjoy the hero quicking butt. Rising star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 5, 2021
Well this book was a brutal read as is always the case with a Jon Athan book. This is one of his longest books but didn't feel that way. I've read over 20 of his books and this book is one of his best if not the best one I've read. The story, the characters the vengeance, and the violence all very well done.
The story felt real and hits hard, probably because there are REAL monsters out there that are much worse than what is in this book. This book pulls you in and doesn't let up and the connections to the characters that develop felt real to me. I really enjoyed this book. It is definitely one of my new favorites by Jon Athan and a damn solid read.
The story felt real and hits hard, probably because there are REAL monsters out there that are much worse than what is in this book. This book pulls you in and doesn't let up and the connections to the characters that develop felt real to me. I really enjoyed this book. It is definitely one of my new favorites by Jon Athan and a damn solid read.
March 2, 2022
'Into The Wolves' Den' proved to be an intriguing adult vigilante story about abduction, torture, killing and revenge. Lots of extreme action, atrocities and outrages on the way leading up to it's final gore-filled, depraved and sadistic final conclusion.
A very strong first half to the book, although the second did become a little predictable, obvious, ridiculous and unrealistic as the plot continued to unravel. However, fear not, as the level of brutal vileness remained of a consistently high standard right from the outset.
Anyway, this little treat from JA is well worth a read if you like your trips into the world of horror to push the boundaries of sanity and acceptability.
Not for the easily offended or appalled.
Rating: 4.1 pulsating, ever so dark stars.
A very strong first half to the book, although the second did become a little predictable, obvious, ridiculous and unrealistic as the plot continued to unravel. However, fear not, as the level of brutal vileness remained of a consistently high standard right from the outset.
Anyway, this little treat from JA is well worth a read if you like your trips into the world of horror to push the boundaries of sanity and acceptability.
Not for the easily offended or appalled.
Rating: 4.1 pulsating, ever so dark stars.
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January 15, 2022OMG! Is there any subject matter that is TOO MUCH to put on paper??? The kidnapping was portrayed as the main story line, however the book skirted past any detail of the captives and centered on the torture involved with the investigation. I can see this being used as instruction manual by some sick, less than human, creep. It’s the story of three young girls who fall prey to child predators It's not poorly written by any means. Probably would have improved it if it had been. I gave it 100 pages and then I just couldn’t take any more of it...and that’s saying a lot for me. If you attempt it...be sure you have a very, very strong stomach. I have never in all my life ever returned a book, but I took this one back to the small bookstore that sold it and they refunded my money. Oh yes...I bought another book:)
January 19, 2023
Holy shit. My ass has been kicked by Jon again. This time, it's not even horror. Oh, it's fucking horrifying, but this here tome is more like, ultra-hardcore true-crime, and it's utterly annihilating. I made audible groans of anguish while reading this. JFC, this book. THIS BOOK. Eat shit Jon. I hate loving you. I love hating you. YOU FUCKING RULE.
Into the Wolves' Den gets 5 Skulls from me.
💀💀💀💀💀
Into the Wolves' Den gets 5 Skulls from me.
💀💀💀💀💀
July 21, 2025
This book follows Keith, a small-town cop whose world shatters when his daughters are kidnapped. Desperate, he enlists the help of an old friend turned private investigator. Together, they dig deep into the shadows to uncover the truth—only to discover the girls are being held in a house that produces šņůff films, broadcasting the abuse of its captives to clients across the globe.
It isn’t just violent. It’s devastating. The kind of story that grabs something real and raw inside you and refuses to let go. Jon Athan doesn’t hold back, not with the abuse, not with the fear, not with the helplessness that bleeds through every chapter. This is horror rooted in reality, and that’s what makes it unbearable in the best possible way.
You don’t get the comfort of clean revenge or hopeful resolution. You get survival, if you can call it that. You get trauma that spreads like infection. You get characters trying to claw their way out of something that never should have happened to begin with.
The writing is razor sharp. The pacing is suffocating. There were moments I had to put the book down just to process what I read, but I’d come back quickly because I could not put it down for long. No matter how ugly it got, I couldn’t look away.
This is easily one of Jon Athan’s most powerful and emotionally destructive books. I loved it. I hated what it made me feel. I read this book over 2 months ago and I still think about it constantly. I hope Jon Athan writes a sequel in the future.
It isn’t just violent. It’s devastating. The kind of story that grabs something real and raw inside you and refuses to let go. Jon Athan doesn’t hold back, not with the abuse, not with the fear, not with the helplessness that bleeds through every chapter. This is horror rooted in reality, and that’s what makes it unbearable in the best possible way.
You don’t get the comfort of clean revenge or hopeful resolution. You get survival, if you can call it that. You get trauma that spreads like infection. You get characters trying to claw their way out of something that never should have happened to begin with.
The writing is razor sharp. The pacing is suffocating. There were moments I had to put the book down just to process what I read, but I’d come back quickly because I could not put it down for long. No matter how ugly it got, I couldn’t look away.
This is easily one of Jon Athan’s most powerful and emotionally destructive books. I loved it. I hated what it made me feel. I read this book over 2 months ago and I still think about it constantly. I hope Jon Athan writes a sequel in the future.
December 5, 2022
I was originally going to deduct a star because of a couple of plot conveniences… and because this book felt really familiar (especially if you’ve read The Groomer and Mr. Snuff), BUT that epilogue really raised my rating drastically. Yes, Jon Athan knows how to write GORE… but his books are also expertly paced and feature compelling characters and stories that will have you in a chokehold from the first page. Also, this book had torture scenes so intense I think I felt my hands get paralysed. 🤯
October 22, 2019
Twisted
I am a huge fan of Jon Athan this book was totally sick and twisted but it was awesome! Kept me reading almost all night. It had me covering my mouth at a few points but it was an extremely good read. It is not for the weak of heart though. So if you can’t handle torture, rape, murder, and more Do Not Read!!
I am a huge fan of Jon Athan this book was totally sick and twisted but it was awesome! Kept me reading almost all night. It had me covering my mouth at a few points but it was an extremely good read. It is not for the weak of heart though. So if you can’t handle torture, rape, murder, and more Do Not Read!!
January 10, 2024
What an absolutely brutal, savage book. I think it's my favourite so far from Jon. From the opening chapters the nastiness doesn't stop, but I enjoyed the character and the development too. A fantastic author who always impresses me.
December 21, 2020
This book is really graphic and disturbing even for me. I read extreme horror all the time. Thanks Jon Athan for being able to disturb me with your novel.
Read
August 8, 2023Uhm…
July 24, 2025
Keith’s two daughters and their best friend go missing on the way home from school. Being a cop and knowing the possiblities that may have happened he goes full force in trying to find them. Including his private investigator friend Gerald that will have to help solve the mystery on where Keith’s daughter are. Unfortunately they were kidnapped by psychopaths who wear animal masks that like to record snuff films and torture people/kids. Keith will do anything to save his daughter, even if that means he takes some lives along the way as well. This story is brutal, this is a parents worst nightmare. Definitely was hard to read some parts for sure but what a excellent read! Will open your eyes even more to the true dangers in this messed up world we live in.
April 30, 2021
The Wolf is Real, and He Doesn’t Wear Sheep’s Clothing.
Into the Wolves’ Den by Jon Athan is most certainly a heart wrenching tale. I throughly enjoy everything that Jon writes, and it feels so real, gritty, and plausible. This is because it is! This world is a scary world we live in, and this type of literature isn’t for everyone. For me it breaks my heart, but makes me more aware of my surroundings, watch my loved ones more closely, and never take life for granted.
First, I want to say that I did listen to the audiobook version of this book, and although Henry Roger Williams did a fantastic job, I feel I really need to go back and read it again at a later time. Simply because I feel I may have missed some things. However, Henry did a fabulous job at telling the story, and getting into different characters, voices, and kept my attention.
Into the Wolves’ Den is a heartbreaking story of three young girls who fall prey to child predators. Jon Athan is tactful, and very careful how he presents this. There are extreme scenes, but there isn’t anything depicted in detail to the children. He is very good at this in his works, and he lets your imagination fill in the gaps. This may be too much for some. That is okay. That is why there are trigger warnings. I have to stress that Jon has a degree in criminology, and although he writes some very controversial topics he always does so with respect, poise, and grace.
It is the fall of 1996 as three girls are heading home from school. Little does Carrie, Allie, and Brooke know that it will be a day none of them will ever forget. Three men in a van approach the children, and despite the girls being firm and attempting to not converse it doesn’t work. They take off into the woods to try to get away, and every parents worst fear happens… they are kidnapped. The men all wear masks, and the leader is a wolf. As the men overpower the young girls they seemingly abduct them much more easily than one might suspect.
The one thing that Carrie, Allie, and Brooke have on their side is the fact that Carrie and Allie’s father Keith is a police officer. At first the children’s parents think they may have snuck off to see a movie, and do not want to suspect the worst. However, it soon becomes apparent that something is wrong. Keith vows to his wife he will find their daughters, and goes searching for answers.
The force soon advises Keith to let them handle it, but it is too personal. Keith is a father on a mission first, and an officer of the law second. He enrolls the help of his PI friend Gerald, and the hunt is on. What ensues is a father whose rage, pain, and fear cause his revenge to show no limits! Will he reach the girls in time? Will he wipe the scum away for good? Or is there a bigger beast lying in wait?
I really enjoyed and felt the pain of the families in this book. I didn’t touch much on the predators for spoiler free sake. However, Athan writes some very horrific characters. Especially Riley. Riley is brutal, vicious, and flat out evil! Being that I read The Groomer prior to Into the Wolves’ Den (opposite order of release) may have factored into why this book was not as profound to me as The Groomer. That is not to say I did not think that it was not top notch, but the revenge didn’t seem as brutal and sometimes people got off too easy in my opinion. Being that Keith is a cop there was a lot of fire fight, and although there were some good revenge kills sometimes a bullet is all the sick and twisted people would receive. With The Groomer the father was simply a father. His rage bloomed, and he used creative means to exact as much pain and punishment on the guilty as possible. I almost felt like Into the Wolves’ Den had more of a extreme hard boiled detective story to it.
I really had to plow my mind to reach a conclusion as to how I was going to rate Into the Wolves’ Den. This was difficult because I kept finding myself comparing it to The Groomer which was a solid five stars in my book. However, they have completely different type of feel from one another. Therefore, I finally reached a fair conclusion. A difficult one.
I give Into the Wolves’ Den by Jon Athan four stars out of five stars. There were some aspects of this novel I really just felt needed more justice. I also love bleak endings, and that was one redeeming factor in this book. I almost deducted another half star, but the ending to this story is phenomenal. It is really difficult to deduct stars, and to be honest, but I sincerely hope that it was in a gentle and constructive way. Simply put, I didn’t feel satisfied by many of the creeps deaths or felt they got off easy for the hell they inflicted. Overall, Jon Athan still impresses me every time. Until next time, my friends.
Into the Wolves’ Den by Jon Athan is most certainly a heart wrenching tale. I throughly enjoy everything that Jon writes, and it feels so real, gritty, and plausible. This is because it is! This world is a scary world we live in, and this type of literature isn’t for everyone. For me it breaks my heart, but makes me more aware of my surroundings, watch my loved ones more closely, and never take life for granted.
First, I want to say that I did listen to the audiobook version of this book, and although Henry Roger Williams did a fantastic job, I feel I really need to go back and read it again at a later time. Simply because I feel I may have missed some things. However, Henry did a fabulous job at telling the story, and getting into different characters, voices, and kept my attention.
Into the Wolves’ Den is a heartbreaking story of three young girls who fall prey to child predators. Jon Athan is tactful, and very careful how he presents this. There are extreme scenes, but there isn’t anything depicted in detail to the children. He is very good at this in his works, and he lets your imagination fill in the gaps. This may be too much for some. That is okay. That is why there are trigger warnings. I have to stress that Jon has a degree in criminology, and although he writes some very controversial topics he always does so with respect, poise, and grace.
It is the fall of 1996 as three girls are heading home from school. Little does Carrie, Allie, and Brooke know that it will be a day none of them will ever forget. Three men in a van approach the children, and despite the girls being firm and attempting to not converse it doesn’t work. They take off into the woods to try to get away, and every parents worst fear happens… they are kidnapped. The men all wear masks, and the leader is a wolf. As the men overpower the young girls they seemingly abduct them much more easily than one might suspect.
The one thing that Carrie, Allie, and Brooke have on their side is the fact that Carrie and Allie’s father Keith is a police officer. At first the children’s parents think they may have snuck off to see a movie, and do not want to suspect the worst. However, it soon becomes apparent that something is wrong. Keith vows to his wife he will find their daughters, and goes searching for answers.
The force soon advises Keith to let them handle it, but it is too personal. Keith is a father on a mission first, and an officer of the law second. He enrolls the help of his PI friend Gerald, and the hunt is on. What ensues is a father whose rage, pain, and fear cause his revenge to show no limits! Will he reach the girls in time? Will he wipe the scum away for good? Or is there a bigger beast lying in wait?
I really enjoyed and felt the pain of the families in this book. I didn’t touch much on the predators for spoiler free sake. However, Athan writes some very horrific characters. Especially Riley. Riley is brutal, vicious, and flat out evil! Being that I read The Groomer prior to Into the Wolves’ Den (opposite order of release) may have factored into why this book was not as profound to me as The Groomer. That is not to say I did not think that it was not top notch, but the revenge didn’t seem as brutal and sometimes people got off too easy in my opinion. Being that Keith is a cop there was a lot of fire fight, and although there were some good revenge kills sometimes a bullet is all the sick and twisted people would receive. With The Groomer the father was simply a father. His rage bloomed, and he used creative means to exact as much pain and punishment on the guilty as possible. I almost felt like Into the Wolves’ Den had more of a extreme hard boiled detective story to it.
I really had to plow my mind to reach a conclusion as to how I was going to rate Into the Wolves’ Den. This was difficult because I kept finding myself comparing it to The Groomer which was a solid five stars in my book. However, they have completely different type of feel from one another. Therefore, I finally reached a fair conclusion. A difficult one.
I give Into the Wolves’ Den by Jon Athan four stars out of five stars. There were some aspects of this novel I really just felt needed more justice. I also love bleak endings, and that was one redeeming factor in this book. I almost deducted another half star, but the ending to this story is phenomenal. It is really difficult to deduct stars, and to be honest, but I sincerely hope that it was in a gentle and constructive way. Simply put, I didn’t feel satisfied by many of the creeps deaths or felt they got off easy for the hell they inflicted. Overall, Jon Athan still impresses me every time. Until next time, my friends.
June 8, 2023
Sisters Carrie and Allison along with their dear friend are confronted by a pack of perverts on their way home from school. Held at gun point and dragged off to their den of depravity, the girls are subjected to unimaginable horrors for the pleasure of millionaire clients and snuff film connoisseurs all around the world. Police officer Keith Klein sets out to find his kidnapped daughters with the help of his best friend Gerald Greenwood who works as a skilled private investigator. With time quickly running out, Keith has no choice but to resort to cruel and immoral interrogation methods to rescue his daughters before it's too late.
Jesus that was brutal, maybe the most violent and disturbing book I've ever read. The torture scenes made me feel the pain. The dialogue and psychological manipulation tactics used by the lead villain was terrifyingly suspenseful. It pulls no punches at all. Into the Wolves Den doesn't shy away from showing the most sickening and immoral aspects of humanity. Sociopaths and psychopaths, child trafficking, animal abusers, depravity from Hollywood and corrupt politicians, snuff films, pedos, incest, necrophiliacs, kidnappers, black markets, and the fact that all these things are real and happen every day amplify the extreme horror in this novel.
The villains are absolutely despicable and it's hard to watch what they do, but it also makes the much-needed justice and vengeance in the story feel earned and extremely satisfying. It makes you wish these types of evil people were brought to justice like this more often in the real world. A gory and emotionally impactful thrill-ride all the way through.
My rating: 4.5/5
Jesus that was brutal, maybe the most violent and disturbing book I've ever read. The torture scenes made me feel the pain. The dialogue and psychological manipulation tactics used by the lead villain was terrifyingly suspenseful. It pulls no punches at all. Into the Wolves Den doesn't shy away from showing the most sickening and immoral aspects of humanity. Sociopaths and psychopaths, child trafficking, animal abusers, depravity from Hollywood and corrupt politicians, snuff films, pedos, incest, necrophiliacs, kidnappers, black markets, and the fact that all these things are real and happen every day amplify the extreme horror in this novel.
The villains are absolutely despicable and it's hard to watch what they do, but it also makes the much-needed justice and vengeance in the story feel earned and extremely satisfying. It makes you wish these types of evil people were brought to justice like this more often in the real world. A gory and emotionally impactful thrill-ride all the way through.
My rating: 4.5/5
October 5, 2021
This book was one of the best I've read from Jon Athan...what a page turning, couldn't put down story,this was extreme horror at its very best,this author has one brilliant mind and writing skill,it kept me wanting more and more with every chapter,I'm glad he didn't end the book where he originally said he was going to(when Kevin found his daughter Carrie barely alive in the house)and he went on to add the other chapters until the grand ending,I'm sure there is an opening for a sequel...but Jon Athan says there won't be?? We will have to wait and see! If you like extreme sick horror then read this...if you don't then please don't even think about picking it up,it's not for the faint hearted or those who are easily offended by gore,torture,psychopaths,disturbing words and graphic content.
March 29, 2025
If you look up the definition of the word vigilante, you'll find a picture of Keith Klein next to it, if he were a real person. When his daughters and their friend go missing one day, Keith takes the law into his own hands to find the people responsible and deliver his own form of justice. It is similar to another of Jon Athan's books, The Groomer.
I absolutely loved reading this. It was well written, fast paced, and extremely brutal. Some of the scenes were very explicit so make sure to take heed of the warnings at the beginning of the book.
I absolutely loved reading this. It was well written, fast paced, and extremely brutal. Some of the scenes were very explicit so make sure to take heed of the warnings at the beginning of the book.
December 22, 2022
As an extreme horror book fan i wanted to love this book. The acts suggested in this book were obviously grusome in nature but because they were surrounded by basic litteracy and recycled phrases were just boring and spoiled what could have been a very interesting concept and story. I feel like the author was trying to compensate for the simplistic and repetative aspects of his mediocre writing by just throwing in a bunch of graphic key words to try and acomplish shock factor. I won't be reading any other books from this author.
February 1, 2025
Guys, I have no idea how to rate this. Did I enjoy it? No, not really.
On one hand, I enjoy the and some of the gore. I'm not overly shocked at it, if the wow factor was supposed to be there, it wasn't. (As I said before, working the OR before, gore is kind of second hand nature to me)
Would I read another one of his books? Probably not. My library doesn't carry them and I'd have to buy them. I don't feel the need to spend my money when there's a bunch of other books, I'd rather read and enjoy.
I made a terrarium while I listened and mostly found myself eye rolling as I was placing moss, but that's me. 😂
On one hand, I enjoy the and some of the gore. I'm not overly shocked at it, if the wow factor was supposed to be there, it wasn't. (As I said before, working the OR before, gore is kind of second hand nature to me)
Would I read another one of his books? Probably not. My library doesn't carry them and I'd have to buy them. I don't feel the need to spend my money when there's a bunch of other books, I'd rather read and enjoy.
I made a terrarium while I listened and mostly found myself eye rolling as I was placing moss, but that's me. 😂
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