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THE MONSTERS ARE REAL
Michael Ward, a vampire once dedicated to peace and harmony, lost his humanity when he gave into love — and other primal desires. Now he rages and murders indiscriminately. . . and he’s on the run.

Cade Colter, along with renowned monster hunter, Father Vincent Scarlotti, is hot on his bloody trail, and as Michael litters the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with the ravaged bodies of his victims, Cade must keep his own demons at bay if he has any hope of stopping him . . . and living to tell about it.

573 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2022

3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

Alistair Cross

53 books195 followers
Alistair Cross' debut novel, The Crimson Corset, a vampiric tale of terror and seduction, was an immediate bestseller earning praise from veteran vampire-lit author, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and New York Times bestseller, Jay Bonansinga, author of The Walking Dead series. In 2012, Alistair joined forces with international bestseller, Tamara Thorne, and as Thorne & Cross, they write - among other things - the successful Gothic series, The Ravencrest Saga. Their debut collaboration, The Cliffhouse Haunting, was a bestseller. They are currently at work on their next solo novels and a new collaborative project.

In 2014, Alistair and Tamara began the radio show, Thorne & Cross: Haunted Nights LIVE!, which has featured such guests as Anne Rice, author of The Vampire Chronicles, Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mysteries and basis of the HBO series True Blood, Jeff Lindsay, author of the Dexter novels, Jay Bonansinga of The Walking Dead series, Laurell K. Hamilton of the Anita Blake novels, Peter Atkins, screenwriter of HELLRAISER 2, 3, and 4, worldwide bestseller V.C. Andrews, and New York Times best sellers Preston & Child, Christopher Rice, and Christopher Moore.

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5 stars
26 (78%)
4 stars
5 (15%)
3 stars
1 (3%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Vicky Coughlan.
1,006 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2025
These books just get you so tangled up in them. Another great story. Continuing Cade’s progress as a vampire tracker. So much happening in this book. Love the series so far. No spoilers.
Another cliffhanger… 🙄
Another fabulous cover art.
Profile Image for Amys Bookshelf Reviews.
871 reviews78 followers
May 2, 2023
A tantalizing, terrifying tale!

Alistair Cross writes a grandly crafted vampiric tale with The Midnight Ripper. This book is part of the Vampires of Crimson Cove series, and this is volume four. I always recommend that when someone is reading a book series, stand alone or continual, it's best read in order. To really gain the insight into this author's mind, and how it can weave these stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, then read everything he has written. I am a huge fan of this author's pen, and incredible mind. The reader is introduced to Michael Ward, a vampire who lost his humanity a long time ago, and now, something has changed. Changed in him, and his focus is no longer about peace, but a sinister rage that cannot be controlled. Cross definitely can show a story, and bringing in the foils, Father Scarlotti and Cade Colter, makes the story more intense, and action-packed. Blood thirsty Michael is determined to unleash as much murder and destruction as possible, with the monster hunters on his trail. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Absolutely chilling, with death around every corner. Whatever this author writes, I want to read. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. Some characters you just love to hate, and who doesn't love a villain like Michael. Sometimes you have to put the book down, just to take a breath. This read is more than just words on a page. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! The Midnight Ripper is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
Profile Image for Jonathan Pongratz.
Author 8 books219 followers
May 8, 2023
Though this wasn't my favorite installment of my binge read of this series, it was solid vampire fun.

Continuing from the last book, Cade and Father Vincent are in Santa Cruz trying to track down a rogue Michael Ward. Father Vincent continues to train Cade as he makes nightly rounds alone, but Cade soon becomes embroiled in the race against time as body counts rise and the task at hand proves more difficult and attracts unwanted attention from other dangerous forces. Can Cade and Father Vincent find Michael in time to rehabilitate him, or are they already too late?

As I've come to expect, there were a lot of great developments in this novel. Cade is finally starting to resolve his issues around Samantha's death with this quest, and I liked the constant tension between him and Father Vincent. Things are going in a really exciting direction!

I also really enjoyed the developments with Chester and Scythe, Sheila and Ethan, and Brooks. I feel that all of their hardships will definitely prove to be bigger plot points in future books, so I'm excited to see those come to fruition.

The reason I took some starage off of this rating was that this book was a bit more of a slow burn than the others. I wanted a bit more high octane action throughout, but don't get me wrong, this book was great! There's tons of mystery throughout on different plot points to keep you going, and chilling developments that ensure the next book is going to be quite a doozy.

If you're looking for an unforgettable vampire series, look no further! I can't wait to continue this adventure once the next book comes out!
Profile Image for Scott.
Author 18 books35 followers
December 6, 2024
Keeps Getting Better And Better

"The Midnight Ripper" might well be my favorite book of this series thus far. It was beyond fantastic! And - without giving spoilers - some of the events that took place in this installment are things that I've been hoping to see for the past couple of books. I'm so happy that they finally happened!

This novel is a prime example of why Alistair Cross has become one of my favorite authors. He is a true master of his craft! I already have the next book in this series, and plan to launch directly into it.

There is very tight continuity in this series. But, if you've already read the first three books in this series, please do yourself a favor and continue with this one. You won't regret it! I highly recommend "The Midnight Ripper"!
354 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2025
A Great Series

I’ve been a fan of this series for sometime. The characters are what keeps me coming back. They all feel like old and dear friends. The setting of Crimson Cove is ideal for vampires and the supernatural. There’s always something going on in Town; both seen and unseen. This book in the series had a few too many storylines going on for my particular tastes, but I guess it’s what keeps the series going. I wish the books were more moderately priced, so that I could afford to stay current.
Profile Image for Amanda Burton.
28 reviews
October 12, 2022
More!

This was so smoothly written, which is a feat to be extra proud of considering the different character perspectives we get. It was very satisfying, and emotional, to have some story threads tied up in this 4th book in the series, and I'm left eagerly waiting to see how others play out in the next book. I find myself wishing this book was a couple hundred pages longer- in the best way.
109 reviews
January 8, 2023
Absolutely love this series!

This series has had it's hooks in me since the first book and i don't want it to let me go. This book was a hard one to read at times. The sadness, despair, and death was pretty heavy at times, and one scene in particular got to me. I believe after giving it some thought, this book is my favorite out of the series. It just hits different than the rest. Definitely cannot recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for Marlenny Linda De La Cruz.
3 reviews
January 8, 2023
Mind blowing not expected!!

I am a huge fan of Alistair cross, as well as, Tamara Thorne. I usually read them both together however, this book I believe was by far my favorite one!🤗 Cade takes such a change in this book teaming up with Father Vince “el padre” lol to defeat out of control vampires. Alistair continues to blow me away! I can’t wait for the next one, 10,000 stars for the series!
Profile Image for Shana Congrove.
48 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2023
Hey book lovers! If you're looking for a new series, I highly recommend The Vampires of Crimson Cove by Alistair Cross! I just finished the fourth book, The Midnight Ripper, in audiobook, and loved it so much, I purchased the paperback. If you're a fan of sexy Vampires, ghosts, mystery, suspense, addictive characters you'll love and love to hate, horror, romance, and great storytelling, you've got to grab this series.
A strong FIVE STARS 🌟 from me! BRAVO! 👏
Profile Image for 1LadyWhoLoves2ReadBooks.
18 reviews
November 15, 2022
Alistair Cross has done it again! The Midnight Ripper is an excellent read. I love that there isn’t and never will be “Sparkling Vampires.” Alistair has a brilliant mind and the follow of these series has me in Awe! I can’t wait for his next book!
3,133 reviews47 followers
January 26, 2023
I enjoyed the narration of Jamison Walker

We find Chester is getting in over his head, Cade is looking for Michael, and there’s more to Father Scarlotti than meets the eye. Just so many threads, twists and turns. Some of the questions are answered but there’s still more yet to come.

Profile Image for Kimberly #Audiofile.
2,563 reviews29 followers
July 17, 2023
This was a gifted audio to me. I didn’t realise it was part of a series but 100% could be read as a stand alone I believe.
The audio I actually enjoyed but the storyline didn’t hit home for me. I did get through the story but it was a push.
15 reviews
December 30, 2022
Excellent vampire series, so glad to find a new perspective. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Melanie Marsh.
464 reviews21 followers
December 29, 2022
Just when I think Alistair Cross has outdone himself, he does it again. This author never disappoints and keeps me on my toes. I can't get enough of this series or this author. Every book leaves me with even more questions about what comes next. I hate waiting in general, but this is one of the few authors who I will absolutely wait patiently for because I know I'm going to love what he's done. This story just keeps getting more and more exciting. Cross's books are always well written and full of excitement.

Chester is getting in over his head, Cade is looking for Michael, and there’s more to Father Scarlotti than meets the eye. Just so many threads and Cross manages to weave them in a way that doesn’t feel disjointed or jumpy. Some of the questions are answered but there’s still more yet to come.

One thing I love about these books is that they're not something I can finish in a day. They're thicker than a lot of others while not being full of filler. Every detail is important. I don't like fluff. So I know I have a few solid days to lose myself in his books. I look forward to seeing where he goes next (and WHAT is Chester going to do?).
Profile Image for leemarriott.
59 reviews
October 27, 2022
Another solid fantastic read from Alistair, highly recommended and looking forward to the next chapter from my favourite vampires from Crimson Cove
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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