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Wolf Lake #8
The Final Girl
A shocking murder awakens forgotten memories.
Sheriff Thomas Shepherd knows what it takes to catch a murderer. But when he discovers a dead woman buried in the forest, he believes a new killer is stalking Nightshade County.
Nightmares afflict Thomas's girlfriend, Private Investigator Chelsey Byrd, a woman who has battled depression since she was a teenager. Something about the recent murder awakens forgotten memories in Chelsey, and she needs to solve the case to gain closure. The problem is, Thomas doesn't want Chelsey near the investigation in her present condition.
The sheriff soon discovers that this isn't the killer's first victim. Then a mother and child vanish from their home without a trace.
As Thomas dives deeper into the investigation, he suspects Chelsey is hiding something from him.
And she might not be the only one with a deadly secret.
Sheriff Thomas Shepherd knows what it takes to catch a murderer. But when he discovers a dead woman buried in the forest, he believes a new killer is stalking Nightshade County.
Nightmares afflict Thomas's girlfriend, Private Investigator Chelsey Byrd, a woman who has battled depression since she was a teenager. Something about the recent murder awakens forgotten memories in Chelsey, and she needs to solve the case to gain closure. The problem is, Thomas doesn't want Chelsey near the investigation in her present condition.
The sheriff soon discovers that this isn't the killer's first victim. Then a mother and child vanish from their home without a trace.
As Thomas dives deeper into the investigation, he suspects Chelsey is hiding something from him.
And she might not be the only one with a deadly secret.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2021
605 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Dan Padavona
103 books616 followersAuthor of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 10, 2023
Excellent book! Love this series!
November 13, 2021
The Final Girl - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A living horror begins for Shayla Pierce and her 4 year old Brooke, after their abduction by the nightmarish 'monster' who followed them home from a camping trip near Wolf Lake.
Teenage profiler Scout Mourning is about to have surgery on her crippled legs at last, when Sheriff Thomas Shepherd and his live-in lover PI Chelsey Byrd are summoned, after a woman's body is found...has a serial-killer struck again?
Will Thomas agree to ask for Scout's help?
Who watches her and LeVar from the shadows?
When Chelsey starts having flashbacks to a traumatic teen event, Thomas tries to 'ban' her from the case to no avail, leading to a resurgence by the monster, who wants to finish what he started so long ago.
Dan Padavona ramps up the tension right from the very start as your imagination feeds the terror and gives you a major adrenaline-rush, making your heart pump fit to burst...yet still keep reading!
Get The Final Girl, Book 8 in the Wolf Lake Thrillers seriestoday!
A living horror begins for Shayla Pierce and her 4 year old Brooke, after their abduction by the nightmarish 'monster' who followed them home from a camping trip near Wolf Lake.
Teenage profiler Scout Mourning is about to have surgery on her crippled legs at last, when Sheriff Thomas Shepherd and his live-in lover PI Chelsey Byrd are summoned, after a woman's body is found...has a serial-killer struck again?
Will Thomas agree to ask for Scout's help?
Who watches her and LeVar from the shadows?
When Chelsey starts having flashbacks to a traumatic teen event, Thomas tries to 'ban' her from the case to no avail, leading to a resurgence by the monster, who wants to finish what he started so long ago.
Dan Padavona ramps up the tension right from the very start as your imagination feeds the terror and gives you a major adrenaline-rush, making your heart pump fit to burst...yet still keep reading!
Get The Final Girl, Book 8 in the Wolf Lake Thrillers seriestoday!
October 31, 2021
In my opinion this is a great addition to the Wolf Lake Series. Dan Padavona let's you into Chelsey's past. A lot of questions were answered in this book. I love the interaction between all the characters. I love the family they have created, they have each others backs no matter what. I figured out most of the mystery but Dan Padavona does a great job of keeping you guessing. In my opinion Dan Padavona created an edge of your seat page turner. Thomas was very protective in this one, even though it upset Chelsey, he really had her best interest at heart. I could feel how torn Thomas was in how he was dealing with Chelsey. I really can't wait for the next installment and where Dan Padavona takes the characters. If you have read the other Wolf Lake books this is a great continuation. The Final Girl is standalone but I highly recommend the complete series. If start at the beginning you can see the characters change and grow. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
July 25, 2022
4.5/5
there’s a new serial killer in nightshade county, one who the gang and scarlett bell profile down to a tee. he gets off on scaring his victims before raping, burning, and killing them. he was a budding psychopath after enduring abuse from his father, and evolved after an incident with a girl whose name starts with the letter c at thirteen. all of his victims look so similar to this girl, who he cannot remember her name. this is an extra stressful time for the gang, since scout has a surgery scheduled in a few days to hopefully cure her paralysis. no surprise here, it was successful.
i rated this book a little bit lower than usual because chelsey was so annoying this book. thomas asked her to stay out of the investigation for her own safety, and she just wouldn’t stop. and guess what happened: she had to be saved again. i hate and refuse to read torture books, but this one wasn’t too graphic so i was okay with it. i enjoyed how the killer had their own pov chapters, but we didn’t find out who they were or what their name was until closer to the end.
there’s a new serial killer in nightshade county, one who the gang and scarlett bell profile down to a tee. he gets off on scaring his victims before raping, burning, and killing them. he was a budding psychopath after enduring abuse from his father, and evolved after an incident with a girl whose name starts with the letter c at thirteen. all of his victims look so similar to this girl, who he cannot remember her name. this is an extra stressful time for the gang, since scout has a surgery scheduled in a few days to hopefully cure her paralysis. no surprise here, it was successful.
i rated this book a little bit lower than usual because chelsey was so annoying this book. thomas asked her to stay out of the investigation for her own safety, and she just wouldn’t stop. and guess what happened: she had to be saved again. i hate and refuse to read torture books, but this one wasn’t too graphic so i was okay with it. i enjoyed how the killer had their own pov chapters, but we didn’t find out who they were or what their name was until closer to the end.
November 7, 2021
Dan Padavona has done it again.>
He has built characters in this series of Wolf Lake stories that
support each other. Building realistic characters that help tell great
stories.
The Wolf Lake community and friends unite and realize that they are
friends and a family.
They stand together and commit themselves to each other in all the
circumstances that come their way.
This book bring old stories to the forefront and he builds tension
that is drawn throughout the book until a remarkable conclusion.
I personally hope there is more stories in this series with
interesting reveals as in this book. I hope for and need to read the
next instalment.
He has built characters in this series of Wolf Lake stories that
support each other. Building realistic characters that help tell great
stories.
The Wolf Lake community and friends unite and realize that they are
friends and a family.
They stand together and commit themselves to each other in all the
circumstances that come their way.
This book bring old stories to the forefront and he builds tension
that is drawn throughout the book until a remarkable conclusion.
I personally hope there is more stories in this series with
interesting reveals as in this book. I hope for and need to read the
next instalment.
July 24, 2022
Great thriller, giving us some more background to the charters. After reading the preceding books, this one brings us closer to all the people and their personal ups and downs. Really enjoyable!
Being from the general area I find myself googling the different towns and places to see if I can place the action. Some real some not, would love to see a map from Mr. Dan giving us his view to the area and where Wolf lake is generally located.
One thing for sure Wolf Lake must be at the cross roads to crazy with all the serial killers showing up.
Also really liked the Darkwater Cove tie in book to the area,. Kept wafting for one of the charters from Wolf lake to show up.
Thank you for the fun read, Fast and enjoyable.
Keep them coming!
Being from the general area I find myself googling the different towns and places to see if I can place the action. Some real some not, would love to see a map from Mr. Dan giving us his view to the area and where Wolf lake is generally located.
One thing for sure Wolf Lake must be at the cross roads to crazy with all the serial killers showing up.
Also really liked the Darkwater Cove tie in book to the area,. Kept wafting for one of the charters from Wolf lake to show up.
Thank you for the fun read, Fast and enjoyable.
Keep them coming!
November 13, 2022
A killer from the past finds his preferred target
Chelsea was nearly raped at thirteen and her attacker went on to recreate his excitement with other women. Wolf Lake Consulting and the Sheriffs Department combine forces to catch a sadistic killer. LeVar proves once again to be a valuable member of the team. Thomas tries to protect Chelsea by side lining her but the woman is determined to solve this case. Great news for the Mourning family and her future as a profiler for the FBI. I can't wait for the next gripping book!
Chelsea was nearly raped at thirteen and her attacker went on to recreate his excitement with other women. Wolf Lake Consulting and the Sheriffs Department combine forces to catch a sadistic killer. LeVar proves once again to be a valuable member of the team. Thomas tries to protect Chelsea by side lining her but the woman is determined to solve this case. Great news for the Mourning family and her future as a profiler for the FBI. I can't wait for the next gripping book!
July 9, 2023
depths of despair to joy
A very damaged homicidal maniac has been targeting fresh-faced brunettes with wavy black hair cascading past their shoulders…like Chelsey’s. With the discovery of two homicide victims within a short period of time, the killer is accelerating, with a young mother and her four-year-old daughter the latest abductees.
The search for this killer reaches its peak as Scout undergoes risky - but possibly life-altering - spinal surgery to restore nerve function to her legs.
A very damaged homicidal maniac has been targeting fresh-faced brunettes with wavy black hair cascading past their shoulders…like Chelsey’s. With the discovery of two homicide victims within a short period of time, the killer is accelerating, with a young mother and her four-year-old daughter the latest abductees.
The search for this killer reaches its peak as Scout undergoes risky - but possibly life-altering - spinal surgery to restore nerve function to her legs.
November 11, 2021
ANOTHER HOME RUN!!!
If you are looking for books, look no further than "The Wolf Lake" series. Each and every one is full of twists, turns and suspense. They will captivate your imagination with such believable characters that you will love and hate. Each book is extremely well thought out and fantastically written. You can actually see the characters and all that goes on in your minds eye. This series is a MUST read for those that love a good thriller.
If you are looking for books, look no further than "The Wolf Lake" series. Each and every one is full of twists, turns and suspense. They will captivate your imagination with such believable characters that you will love and hate. Each book is extremely well thought out and fantastically written. You can actually see the characters and all that goes on in your minds eye. This series is a MUST read for those that love a good thriller.
November 11, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 22, 2022
Are Monsters Born or Made?
Thomas and his family of investigators are challenged again to find and stop the person responsible for the deaths of young women with curly brunette hair, they looked a lot like Chelsey. I Love This Series and look forward to opening these books to chapter one and following them through the process. This one has a special side story that will warm your heart.
Thomas and his family of investigators are challenged again to find and stop the person responsible for the deaths of young women with curly brunette hair, they looked a lot like Chelsey. I Love This Series and look forward to opening these books to chapter one and following them through the process. This one has a special side story that will warm your heart.
October 28, 2022
ridiculously predictable
From Chapter 3 it was obvious where this story was “hinting at”. There is no real enjoyment in reading a book like this if you can accurately predict the end from so early on.
The over-dramatisation of some of the characters was bearable if the story itself had been good.
All in all I am sorry I spent money buying the entire series of the predicable Thomas & Chelsea story.
From Chapter 3 it was obvious where this story was “hinting at”. There is no real enjoyment in reading a book like this if you can accurately predict the end from so early on.
The over-dramatisation of some of the characters was bearable if the story itself had been good.
All in all I am sorry I spent money buying the entire series of the predicable Thomas & Chelsea story.
December 29, 2025
Great series
I was so disappointed when I finished the last book of the series and the new one hadn’t been released yet. I ended up waiting a long while due to life craziness and now the series is 24 books in!! Fantastic series. Highly recommended for an avid reader. The Final Girl actually creeped me out, and that rarely happens to me when I’m reading. Well written. Totally immersed in each individual character and how they all intertwine with each other.
I was so disappointed when I finished the last book of the series and the new one hadn’t been released yet. I ended up waiting a long while due to life craziness and now the series is 24 books in!! Fantastic series. Highly recommended for an avid reader. The Final Girl actually creeped me out, and that rarely happens to me when I’m reading. Well written. Totally immersed in each individual character and how they all intertwine with each other.
November 30, 2021
Lots of family love and some mystery.
Raven seems lost. In one of the initial books, it appeared she was a partner with Chelsie. Then she was an employee and now she seems to be taking care of a campsite. Scout is the only one using brain power. The others seem to operate on emotions but I still like the storyline.
Raven seems lost. In one of the initial books, it appeared she was a partner with Chelsie. Then she was an employee and now she seems to be taking care of a campsite. Scout is the only one using brain power. The others seem to operate on emotions but I still like the storyline.
January 21, 2022
I found it a little hard to get into the mystery of this and instead focused on Scout’s character progression. Like the previous in the series, The Final Girl ends with an amazing, heart-warming scene that will stick with me for a long time. There! All caught up! Now I can read the next Wolf Lake novel next month the day it comes out.
April 9, 2022
Almost five stars...
I have really enjoyed reading this series. The characters are easy to fall in love with, and the books are well written. There's only one thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars, and that's the author's repeated use of describing people as "heavy" and "waddling". It's derogatory and insulting to overweight people. Other than that, I love the books.
I have really enjoyed reading this series. The characters are easy to fall in love with, and the books are well written. There's only one thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars, and that's the author's repeated use of describing people as "heavy" and "waddling". It's derogatory and insulting to overweight people. Other than that, I love the books.
April 30, 2022
Another thriller!
I've read been hooked on Dan's books since the first in this series. Dan manages to get you on the edge of your seat with his creative and descriptive narratives which both terrify and make you want to read more! Love how he balances relationships and investigations mixing the humanity with the unthinkable! I already downloaded book 9!
I've read been hooked on Dan's books since the first in this series. Dan manages to get you on the edge of your seat with his creative and descriptive narratives which both terrify and make you want to read more! Love how he balances relationships and investigations mixing the humanity with the unthinkable! I already downloaded book 9!
September 12, 2022
Love this series!
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful thriller with a chilling ending that no one saw coming. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss. After the case is closed, there's a wonderful surprise for this unconventional family!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense, complex, and suspenseful thriller with a chilling ending that no one saw coming. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss. After the case is closed, there's a wonderful surprise for this unconventional family!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
May 29, 2025
Fast paced read
Thomas and the crew are at it again, this time trying to catch a killer that likes women with dark curly hair. The clock is ticking to find his latest victim and her daughter. Lots of tension in this one. So many different things going on, but I don't want to give anything away, so just read it! Highly recommend
Thomas and the crew are at it again, this time trying to catch a killer that likes women with dark curly hair. The clock is ticking to find his latest victim and her daughter. Lots of tension in this one. So many different things going on, but I don't want to give anything away, so just read it! Highly recommend
November 8, 2021
Excellent
I love this series. There’s so much action and suspense it’s hard to put down. I really enjoy the characters and getting to know them and how close they are. They’re a great team. I can’t wait for another one.
I love this series. There’s so much action and suspense it’s hard to put down. I really enjoy the characters and getting to know them and how close they are. They’re a great team. I can’t wait for another one.
November 9, 2021
Another great one
Every book in this series has been an adventure. Clues are always hidden in plain sight but the secret is in finding them and the killer. My only criticism of this edition is Scouts surgery. Just a touch hard to swallow. No spoiler here.
Every book in this series has been an adventure. Clues are always hidden in plain sight but the secret is in finding them and the killer. My only criticism of this edition is Scouts surgery. Just a touch hard to swallow. No spoiler here.
November 21, 2021
The Final Girl
OMG. This is a ten star book. This is the best suspense thriller I have read in a long time. This is one great series. For everyone who loves thrillers like I do this series is a must read. I highly recommend this book and series.
OMG. This is a ten star book. This is the best suspense thriller I have read in a long time. This is one great series. For everyone who loves thrillers like I do this series is a must read. I highly recommend this book and series.
November 24, 2021
Great books.
I have really enjoyed these 8 book series waiting on the 9th now. I like suspense thrillers and this series has it all Plus more wouldn't change anything bout these books. Keep up the good work Dan P
I have really enjoyed these 8 book series waiting on the 9th now. I like suspense thrillers and this series has it all Plus more wouldn't change anything bout these books. Keep up the good work Dan P
January 19, 2022
Not the final
This series has been exciting and I'm anxious to read the last book. The only negative thing I to say is I don't like all the repetition even though it is necessary for those people who haven't read the previous book.
This series has been exciting and I'm anxious to read the last book. The only negative thing I to say is I don't like all the repetition even though it is necessary for those people who haven't read the previous book.
April 11, 2022
Absolutely love this series. The characters are very likeable and realistic. I would want any and all of them to be my neighbors. Kept me engaged from early on to the end. Looked very forward to reading it every night before I went to sleep. Highly recommend. Can't wait for #9.
May 4, 2022
Loved it!
I absolutely love this series. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the couples - Thomas and Chelsey and Raven and Darren, also Scout, LeVar, Naomi and Serena. I’m hoping Deputy Aguilar will soon have a love interest and Deputy Lambert, too. :)
I absolutely love this series. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the couples - Thomas and Chelsey and Raven and Darren, also Scout, LeVar, Naomi and Serena. I’m hoping Deputy Aguilar will soon have a love interest and Deputy Lambert, too. :)
July 24, 2022
They just keep getting better!
I'm so excited about the series, it is great.. I go from one book to the next. Loving all the characters.. Excellent writing !! On to the next book now.
I'm so excited about the series, it is great.. I go from one book to the next. Loving all the characters.. Excellent writing !! On to the next book now.
September 13, 2022
Constantly engaging
The flow of the book and the turn of possible suspects keeps you guessing, Before you know it your halfway through the book!
I love that all loose ends are brought to closer,
The flow of the book and the turn of possible suspects keeps you guessing, Before you know it your halfway through the book!
I love that all loose ends are brought to closer,
April 15, 2023
great way to end the book!
You sure know your killers and psychopaths! That said, you bring heart and life to some really good characters. Ok, enough of this…on to the next one! Please do not quit writing about these folks!
You sure know your killers and psychopaths! That said, you bring heart and life to some really good characters. Ok, enough of this…on to the next one! Please do not quit writing about these folks!
May 5, 2023
Such a good series. You could read them as a stand-alone, but each book is so good you should read them all. Chelsey was getting on my nerves for most of the book but that situation turned around. This book had a special good ending. On to the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews