What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brood
Nothing much happens in the town of Thornhill.
For teenagers Tom, Lucy, Hannah, & Ben, their lives revolve around school, the Rec and a coffee shop called Capers.
But something dark is happening. Mysterious teenagers begin to appear. Nobody knows who they are, where they're from or what they want - until one night Lucy disappears.
The police have no leads, but Tom and his friends can't give up. Especially now they are seeing bats everywhere.
Can they find Lucy? Can they save the town?
Being a teenager can be a pain in the neck!
For fans of The Lost Boys.
For teenagers Tom, Lucy, Hannah, & Ben, their lives revolve around school, the Rec and a coffee shop called Capers.
But something dark is happening. Mysterious teenagers begin to appear. Nobody knows who they are, where they're from or what they want - until one night Lucy disappears.
The police have no leads, but Tom and his friends can't give up. Especially now they are seeing bats everywhere.
Can they find Lucy? Can they save the town?
Being a teenager can be a pain in the neck!
For fans of The Lost Boys.
- GenresHorror
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2022
5 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Jim Ody
42 books162 followersJim spent 10 years writing music reviews and interviewing bands for a rock music website. He also contributed lifestyle and comedic features and poems to a number of websites.
Jim writes Horror, YA and Dark Mysteries that often end with his trademark twists! He doesn't believe in being restrained by genres and looks to blur the lines between them.
He has had eighteen novels, and well over a dozen short stories published, and re-published by Question Mark Press, Question Mark Horror, Hambrook Press, SpellBound Books, Wolfgang Press, Limitless Publishing, Zombie Cupcake, Crazt Ink, and Bloodhound Books.
Obsessed with writing, Jim has releases planned throughout 2025 and 2026. These include ...From The Stars, Little Miss Evil 3: The Last Evil, a Release of Mr Watcher and a spooky novella.
He's also the author of the comedy/crime caper ...Just South of Heaven written under his pen name Caper Juggins.
Jim writes Horror, YA and Dark Mysteries that often end with his trademark twists! He doesn't believe in being restrained by genres and looks to blur the lines between them.
He has had eighteen novels, and well over a dozen short stories published, and re-published by Question Mark Press, Question Mark Horror, Hambrook Press, SpellBound Books, Wolfgang Press, Limitless Publishing, Zombie Cupcake, Crazt Ink, and Bloodhound Books.
Obsessed with writing, Jim has releases planned throughout 2025 and 2026. These include ...From The Stars, Little Miss Evil 3: The Last Evil, a Release of Mr Watcher and a spooky novella.
He's also the author of the comedy/crime caper ...Just South of Heaven written under his pen name Caper Juggins.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 28, 2022
“Nothing much happens in the town of Thornhill.”
Ah teenage angst. I'll be the first to admit that vampires are not my favorite creature but how can you say no to a story described as "The Lost Boys meets Stand By Me"? You can’t.
The Brood starts off with a typical teenage first love. It really put me in the mindset of that age all over again and all of the feelings that a lot of us deal with in high school. Tom and Lucy were friends that turned sweethearts and everything was going great as those first romances do until Lucy started being distant. They break up and then Lucy up and disappears. While all this is going on there are three new teens in town that keep popping up everywhere. These newcomers just show up and are watching and look like that typical emo kid from the early 2000s. More strange happenings go on and they find Lucy’s journal in a bag she returned to Tom. You find out exactly why she was distant and what is going on in the town. I definitely did not expect the ending to play out the way that it did and it really was a great way to wrap it up.
I love Ody's writing because he has a knack for making his characters seem like real people, people you've met in your life. I knew these kids, I was one of these kids! That is something that I have found that I really love and I feel like it adds an extra element to keep me entirely engrossed in his works. I've read a couple of his novels so far and I love that there are some nods to his other stories.
If you loved Fear Street, Christopher Pike, Point Horror or just nostalgia horror, I highly recommend this book!
Ah teenage angst. I'll be the first to admit that vampires are not my favorite creature but how can you say no to a story described as "The Lost Boys meets Stand By Me"? You can’t.
The Brood starts off with a typical teenage first love. It really put me in the mindset of that age all over again and all of the feelings that a lot of us deal with in high school. Tom and Lucy were friends that turned sweethearts and everything was going great as those first romances do until Lucy started being distant. They break up and then Lucy up and disappears. While all this is going on there are three new teens in town that keep popping up everywhere. These newcomers just show up and are watching and look like that typical emo kid from the early 2000s. More strange happenings go on and they find Lucy’s journal in a bag she returned to Tom. You find out exactly why she was distant and what is going on in the town. I definitely did not expect the ending to play out the way that it did and it really was a great way to wrap it up.
I love Ody's writing because he has a knack for making his characters seem like real people, people you've met in your life. I knew these kids, I was one of these kids! That is something that I have found that I really love and I feel like it adds an extra element to keep me entirely engrossed in his works. I've read a couple of his novels so far and I love that there are some nods to his other stories.
If you loved Fear Street, Christopher Pike, Point Horror or just nostalgia horror, I highly recommend this book!
April 29, 2022
This was a fun teenage vampire story! It really brought me back to what it was like having a crush for the first time; wondering if it was true love. Then cue the broody vamps on scene. Is it a bird or is it a bat?
Jim’s writing is quirky and easy to follow. He keeps you engaged and wanting to know what’s going to happen next. He has little mysteries woven in that he drops bread crumbs about, which had me hooked!
If you like coming of age/vampire stories then I suggest this one!
Jim’s writing is quirky and easy to follow. He keeps you engaged and wanting to know what’s going to happen next. He has little mysteries woven in that he drops bread crumbs about, which had me hooked!
If you like coming of age/vampire stories then I suggest this one!
May 5, 2022
In the town of Thornhill, when a schoolgirl goes missing and some mysterious teenagers turn up, it’s not long before Tom and his friends begin to suspect Thornhill might be in trouble. Added to the fact that there suddenly seems to be a bat problem as well. Tom, Hannah and Ben are great characters, loyal to each other and there’s some good banter between them as they try to solve the mystery of the missing girl as well as saving the town. and dealing with their own teenage troubles. It’s suitably creepy with a definite air of tension throughout the pages, and at some points I did find myself shuddering.
As ever with Jim’s writing, I was pulled straight into the story, finally finishing it in the late evening as I couldn’t put it down, needing to know how the story ended. For me it was definitely a cross between The Lost Boys and Stand By Me, and as with the other novels Jim has written, I loved it and would highly recommend it.
As ever with Jim’s writing, I was pulled straight into the story, finally finishing it in the late evening as I couldn’t put it down, needing to know how the story ended. For me it was definitely a cross between The Lost Boys and Stand By Me, and as with the other novels Jim has written, I loved it and would highly recommend it.
January 21, 2023
The Brood is a horror thriller by author Jim Ody. The book is the 2nd in the Eerie Things series but can be read as standalone. I hadn't read the first and still thoroughly enjoyed this one. The story was fast-paced, gripping and would appeal to both young adults and adult horror fans. I loved vampire and other supernatural horror as a teen and this book gave me all those vibes. The authors writing style is superb and very easy to read. I found myself immersed in the story and devouring pages extremely quickly. Its not a long book (around 213 pages according to Amazon) and I read most of it in one sitting. I'm really excited to read more by this author and have added several of his books to my TBR list. Thank you to Jim Ody for gifting me with a copy of this book. A 5 star read for sure.
March 29, 2023
Fun YA horror novel that took me back to my teenage years! It was a very entertaining story that kept me interested until the end!
I loved the characters and felt strongly for them as they journeyed through all their vicissitudes!
We follow Tom, Hannah and Ben as they try to solve the mistery of the disappearance of Lucy and another girl. The mistery becomes more compelling and worrying as they start seeing weird things flying around..
I liked how the story was written and how the reading just flowed, with the words just manifesting as images in my head! I thought this was a fun and nostalgic read and a very well made young adult horror novel that captured well the complexity of being a teenager and the unbreakable bond of friendship!
I loved the characters and felt strongly for them as they journeyed through all their vicissitudes!
We follow Tom, Hannah and Ben as they try to solve the mistery of the disappearance of Lucy and another girl. The mistery becomes more compelling and worrying as they start seeing weird things flying around..
I liked how the story was written and how the reading just flowed, with the words just manifesting as images in my head! I thought this was a fun and nostalgic read and a very well made young adult horror novel that captured well the complexity of being a teenager and the unbreakable bond of friendship!
May 3, 2022
The Lost Boys meets Stand by me
I'm terrible at writing reviews! I refuse to give a plot synopsis....I'm not in fifth grade anymore. So I will say even though it's a vampire book, it was so much more than that. It's the story if 4 teenagers trying to figure out life, trying to find out wh
o they can trust, who are the good guys, and who are the bad guys. I was glad the author was considerate of his intended audience, and there are no deaths or violence on the page, and no unnecessary violence
I'm terrible at writing reviews! I refuse to give a plot synopsis....I'm not in fifth grade anymore. So I will say even though it's a vampire book, it was so much more than that. It's the story if 4 teenagers trying to figure out life, trying to find out wh
o they can trust, who are the good guys, and who are the bad guys. I was glad the author was considerate of his intended audience, and there are no deaths or violence on the page, and no unnecessary violence
April 28, 2022
THE BROOD kicks off with a horrifying act. While in the midst of a search for a missing girl, something incredible and unbelievable enters into it. High tension permeates the atmosphere with the spellbinding mystery turning into a terrifying labyrinth, sending the pages flying by. With every riveting chapter, unraveling this baffling conundrum becomes more chilling. Suspense catapults higher and higher leading to a dynamite finish you'll never see coming.
May 2, 2022
Teen friends Tom, Lucy, Hannah and Ben are about to come up against something of the unexpected in their little town. Tom and Hannah’s favourite film The Lost Boys is about to become more of a reality than they ever thought. Jim writes great books and this one is no exception.
April 28, 2022
Was so grateful to be able to read this as an ARC book, Jim’s books have never disappointed me, this one included! Loved it from start to finish! Great writing, great author!
May 27, 2022
I gave it 2 stars on the did I enjoy it scale. Too immature for me. Read it with a 13 year old who gave it 4 stars. She’s the target Audience so it was a great book !
May 1, 2022
I’m an avid reader of Jim Ody books so when I was given the chance to read this for free I jumped at the chance. His characters have a complex and exciting personality. Once I started the book I couldn’t put it down. Another great book from a talented author
June 10, 2023
Although the Eerie Things Series has had zero publicity I was very happy to stumble upon it and was a fan of both books. They are not connected so you can dive straight into the second having not tried the first. However, I much preferred Camp Death, so I would definitely suggest picking up both books and make your own comparisons. The Brood’s predecessor was set in a Devon summer camp, refreshingly in the UK rather than the USA, with this second book set in the small boring English town of Thornhill. It was also refreshing that both Jim Ody books featured male narratives which have sadly all but disappeared from current horror/dark fiction. They have been compared to classic Point Horror, other RL Stine fiction or Christopher Pike but have more than enough fresh ideas to turn into a solid page-turner for any young teen looking for a fast paced supernatural story with believable teen characters.
Camp Death featured a monster stalking the holidaymakers and The Brood witches the supernatural action after teenagers begin to disappear in the small town. For teenagers Tom, Lucy, Hannah, and Ben, their lives revolve around school, who is dating who, and hanging out in the local coffeeshop. The narrative splits and covers both before and after Lucy’s disappearance and I thought the teenage dynamics was very convincing, as Lucy and Tom had become a couple not long before the vanishing. The supernatural aspect of the story lacked the suspense and mystery elements which made Camp Death such a good read and although it was relatively predictable it was a solid, fun, and fast paced read with teenagers which were easy to connect with. These types of novels are almost always American, so it was great to have one set in the UK. AGE RANGE 12-14
Camp Death featured a monster stalking the holidaymakers and The Brood witches the supernatural action after teenagers begin to disappear in the small town. For teenagers Tom, Lucy, Hannah, and Ben, their lives revolve around school, who is dating who, and hanging out in the local coffeeshop. The narrative splits and covers both before and after Lucy’s disappearance and I thought the teenage dynamics was very convincing, as Lucy and Tom had become a couple not long before the vanishing. The supernatural aspect of the story lacked the suspense and mystery elements which made Camp Death such a good read and although it was relatively predictable it was a solid, fun, and fast paced read with teenagers which were easy to connect with. These types of novels are almost always American, so it was great to have one set in the UK. AGE RANGE 12-14
January 9, 2023
This book was so good!!!! I honestly felt like I was reading a different version of the lost boys, which is one of my favorite vampire movies!!! I also kinda felt like Tom, Ben, and Hannah were kinda like the Scooby-Doo gang playing vampire detectives lol. I will say this, I did not expect Harrison to be a bad guy, I did however see Mr. Davis being a good guy and knowing what was going on with the vampires but I didn't think he was the vampire hunter which was a pretty cool twist as well as the fact he taught Tom's dad how to be a vampire hunter quickly because of all the vamp ritual stuff about to go down! I love the fact that these vampires weren't fully immortal until they did some kind of ritual, I always like seeing the story of vampires and how they are being told differently in every vampire story I read. I love a good vampire book and this one was amazing! So if you are a fan of the lost boys and Scooby-Doo then this book is a must read! Plus it will keep you guessing on what exactly is going on in this little vampire infested town!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
A fun fast read, about teenage relationships, love, lust and growing up. And Vampires! This was a fun read however there we a few things I felt made the writing seem a bit amateur, like mentioning the names of movies and books like R L Stine and The Goonies, and been able to see parts of these the author had recreated in the book. Also one character is described as a bouncing energy, but the problem is, the author mentions how she moves around, dances and can't keep still in every other paragraph! I hoped it would of had some kind of relevance to the story, but it didn't. It just seemed an over description of character for no reason.
I will read more from this author as I really enjed Camp Death.
I will read more from this author as I really enjed Camp Death.
January 27, 2023
This was an easy read and a fun one as far as reading about the teenage experience-- first romance, strong friendships that you hope to keep forever.
I will say however that for a book that's about vampires I found that it didn't really center around them that much. The vampires were used as a plot device more than anything else-- they weren't really part of the story otherwise. The story is much more about the main character's first relationship and his bond with his two closest friends. Don't get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. It just wasn't quite what I had expected.
Still. If you enjoy reading about the teenager experience (whether for nostalgia or because you are one and can relate) with a bit of supernatural fun thrown in, then I recommend this book!
I will say however that for a book that's about vampires I found that it didn't really center around them that much. The vampires were used as a plot device more than anything else-- they weren't really part of the story otherwise. The story is much more about the main character's first relationship and his bond with his two closest friends. Don't get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. It just wasn't quite what I had expected.
Still. If you enjoy reading about the teenager experience (whether for nostalgia or because you are one and can relate) with a bit of supernatural fun thrown in, then I recommend this book!
July 13, 2025
A coming-of-age, YA supernatural horror that delivers!
A teenage girl goes missing; her ex-boyfriend and his friends know something is amiss. Lucy wouldn’t just disappear. Is The Brood awakening? Tap, Tap, Tap!
This is a fun read that pays unapologetic homage to The Lost Boys and The Goonies and perfectly captures that in-betweeners stage of teenage life.
The characters are fully rounded and their engagement and commentary absolutely perfect. Ody’s humour burst through the pages, and the books and comic references made me laugh out loud.
This is one of the books in the Question Mark Horror YA series, and I see so many people looking for recommendations for such books. Well - this is definitely one!
A teenage girl goes missing; her ex-boyfriend and his friends know something is amiss. Lucy wouldn’t just disappear. Is The Brood awakening? Tap, Tap, Tap!
This is a fun read that pays unapologetic homage to The Lost Boys and The Goonies and perfectly captures that in-betweeners stage of teenage life.
The characters are fully rounded and their engagement and commentary absolutely perfect. Ody’s humour burst through the pages, and the books and comic references made me laugh out loud.
This is one of the books in the Question Mark Horror YA series, and I see so many people looking for recommendations for such books. Well - this is definitely one!
May 8, 2022
I am fortunate to be an ARC Reader for Jim Ody and as always this book did not disappoint!
The story is set in the normally quiet town of Thornhill where teenagers Tom, Lucy and friends embark on a dark and mysterious journey. Strange things start to happen including being woken with a Tap, Tap, Tap on the bedroom window in the middle of the night. When Lucy suddenly disappears the rest of the group must pull together to find her and survive. Lots of twists and turns and an ending that I definitely did not see coming.
This book is suitable for young adults, however as a middle aged adult I thoroughly enjoyed too! 5 Stars from me 🦇
The story is set in the normally quiet town of Thornhill where teenagers Tom, Lucy and friends embark on a dark and mysterious journey. Strange things start to happen including being woken with a Tap, Tap, Tap on the bedroom window in the middle of the night. When Lucy suddenly disappears the rest of the group must pull together to find her and survive. Lots of twists and turns and an ending that I definitely did not see coming.
This book is suitable for young adults, however as a middle aged adult I thoroughly enjoyed too! 5 Stars from me 🦇
May 27, 2022
I've made no secret that I love Jim Ody's writing and The Brood is no exception.
A group of teenagers living in the sleepy town of Thornhill are in for a shock ~ first Tom's girlfriend, Lucy goes missing, then a trio of mysterious teenagers turn up. Normally the only excitement is going down to the local coffee shop, Capers or hanging out down the Rec. And there's also the strange bat problem? Are these linked? If so, how?
While this is a book aimed at the YA market, as a middle aged reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more in the series
I received this as an ARC from the author and am submitting my honest review
A group of teenagers living in the sleepy town of Thornhill are in for a shock ~ first Tom's girlfriend, Lucy goes missing, then a trio of mysterious teenagers turn up. Normally the only excitement is going down to the local coffee shop, Capers or hanging out down the Rec. And there's also the strange bat problem? Are these linked? If so, how?
While this is a book aimed at the YA market, as a middle aged reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more in the series
I received this as an ARC from the author and am submitting my honest review
January 23, 2023
Really enjoyable YA vampire story!
I have read several of Jim's books now and he always writes his characters in such a way that they feel real, like people that you know in your actual life. The story and the writing took me right back to my early days of enjoying reading when I was devouring Point Horror books.
This book ticks lots of boxes, teenage romance and angst, the desire to fit in, trying to find their place in the world and of course................Vampires. It's very much a nostalgia trip as well bringing back memories of The Lost Boys, The Goonies, Monster Squad and Stand By Me.
I have read several of Jim's books now and he always writes his characters in such a way that they feel real, like people that you know in your actual life. The story and the writing took me right back to my early days of enjoying reading when I was devouring Point Horror books.
This book ticks lots of boxes, teenage romance and angst, the desire to fit in, trying to find their place in the world and of course................Vampires. It's very much a nostalgia trip as well bringing back memories of The Lost Boys, The Goonies, Monster Squad and Stand By Me.
October 16, 2025
There isn’t much going on in the town of Thornhill—until some strange-looking teenagers arrive. When Tom’s girlfriend Lucy goes missing, he’s sure they have something to do with it.
This was a fun teenage vampire story, full of nods to The Lost Boys. It’s the second book in the Eerie Things series but works perfectly as a standalone. It kept me engaged throughout, even though I’m not usually a fan of vampire stories. The characters are well developed, and you can’t help but root for them. Another great read from this author!
This was a fun teenage vampire story, full of nods to The Lost Boys. It’s the second book in the Eerie Things series but works perfectly as a standalone. It kept me engaged throughout, even though I’m not usually a fan of vampire stories. The characters are well developed, and you can’t help but root for them. Another great read from this author!
January 16, 2023
Have you seen Lost Boys? The Brood felt like if the movie branched off into a short series.
I was sent a copy of this story from Jim Ody and downloaded it on KU as well. It brought me back to my youth, middle/high school friends, first crushes and drinking with friends.
this is book 2 but can be read as a standalone
I was sent a copy of this story from Jim Ody and downloaded it on KU as well. It brought me back to my youth, middle/high school friends, first crushes and drinking with friends.
this is book 2 but can be read as a standalone
August 14, 2025
Vampires. YA.
That’s mostly it. Tbh the fact those two are mixed together means the story will grow creepier as it unravels.
Teenage angst and the fact they can’t ignore things that are eating at them. (Just me back then?)
A great adventure and horror rolled together. With family and friends, support and life. It’s a perfect book for all ages.
That’s mostly it. Tbh the fact those two are mixed together means the story will grow creepier as it unravels.
Teenage angst and the fact they can’t ignore things that are eating at them. (Just me back then?)
A great adventure and horror rolled together. With family and friends, support and life. It’s a perfect book for all ages.
October 4, 2025
If you loved the Lost Boys film, then you’ll love this! The author has created a modern classic on the vampire tale with plenty of teenage angst, unrequited love & mysterious disappearances. It’s a real page-turner, tension building in each chapter & three gorgeous vampires playing their parts. I love a good Jim Ody book & this is no exception. Five stars.
September 18, 2023
A really fun vampire story, with a classic 80s feel. It is like The Lost Boys and the Goonies combined into a modern retelling, and I loved every second of it.
It’s a coming of age story with good characters, a fun plot and some great moments of humour, definitely check it out!
It’s a coming of age story with good characters, a fun plot and some great moments of humour, definitely check it out!
August 13, 2025
Great vampire story! Jim brings us into the teenage world with a twist. This story reminded me a lot of R L Stine or Goosebumps but for adults. It brought all the horror elements and the characterization was spot on. Can't wait to read more from him.
August 26, 2025
This was a fun coming of age horror that kept me engaged throughout the story. I really enjoyed the characters, including the bad guys, as they interacted with each other. I can't say I'm a big fan of vampires in general, but this felt more about the pitfalls of teenage friendships than it did about vampires. If you are chasing a light, almost cozy vampire horror, this may be the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews