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Dark Tales of Cryptids and Park Rangers
Imagine being chased by a Bigfoot, stalked by a Skinwalker, or sucked into another dimension that’s a disturbingly dark mirror of our own. What would you do when the very creature that’s stalking you is like nothing you’ve ever encountered and the sight of it freezes you to the bone?
How dangerous is it being a Park Ranger? In peaceful parks where sunshine reigns, not very. However, there are places where unknown things roam loose, and hunters become prey. These stories come from such places. Once you step inside this dark world there’s no going back.
These eleven stories from Nosleep delve into the darker side of being a park ranger. Where Cryptids are more than just legend. They stalk the land at will. Would you have the courage to pursue them?
Prepare to have your mind ensnared with the possibility of what’s real and what isn’t. You may even ask, ‘Are these stories true?’
That’s for you to decide.
How dangerous is it being a Park Ranger? In peaceful parks where sunshine reigns, not very. However, there are places where unknown things roam loose, and hunters become prey. These stories come from such places. Once you step inside this dark world there’s no going back.
These eleven stories from Nosleep delve into the darker side of being a park ranger. Where Cryptids are more than just legend. They stalk the land at will. Would you have the courage to pursue them?
Prepare to have your mind ensnared with the possibility of what’s real and what isn’t. You may even ask, ‘Are these stories true?’
That’s for you to decide.
- GenresHorrorParanormalCryptids
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2022
200 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Michael Kelso
38 books57 followersAuthor of books and Creepypastas. Former corrections Officer. My newest book, (Dark Tales of the Strange and Bizarre) is my latest short horror story book. I’ve also published 2 crime/mystery novels based in a prison, a YA novel, a children’s horror book ALA Goosebumps, 2 domestic thrillers, along with several short horror story collections. My most popular books are ‘Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunter’ (which won the 2024 Hollywood Book Festival in the Wild Card category) and my 'Dark Tales of Cryptids' series. Currently working on my upcoming series of zombie novels. Some of my stories have been narrated by YouTubers, garnering over 6 million views.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 20, 2023
The title says it all. None of the stories are all that great. They should be scary, but somehow, just aren't. Head scratching.
June 17, 2025
Not so scary collection of horror stories
March 8, 2023
This is one of the best horror anthologies I have read in a long time. Although the author is including stories from others I believe he is editing them in a way that is engaging and well-written. My favorite was the female lifeguard's story and the Smoky mountain ranger who hit an angry cryptid in the middle of a snowstorm. These aren't run-of-the-mill cryptid sightings..."I saw a bigfoot in the woods and it walked away." This is more like I saw a cryptid and it stalked me and tried to kill me.
November 6, 2022
I initially thought that this was a book of encounter stories. I generally prefer them to fiction. It has a great subject focus- park rangers. I read the first story and was pleasantly surprised. These well written stories read like encounter tales. Each had a great twist. Absolutely fantastic book. I hope the author will do another volume and hopefully an audiobook. Highly recommend and a cut above.
October 13, 2022
What is out there?
What lurks off the trails in the deep woods? Park Rangers see what is there if they survive to tell their tale. Dark places in buildings hide monsters. From a place you might work to deep in the forest these tales chill your bones. Great tales for a camp fire. Chilling.
What lurks off the trails in the deep woods? Park Rangers see what is there if they survive to tell their tale. Dark places in buildings hide monsters. From a place you might work to deep in the forest these tales chill your bones. Great tales for a camp fire. Chilling.
October 16, 2022
Excellent Read
Monsters and great stories galore. I enjoyed all of them, however, I hope the park rangers have all of their gear when they come after me!!
Monsters and great stories galore. I enjoyed all of them, however, I hope the park rangers have all of their gear when they come after me!!
November 9, 2022
Best of the bunch
Out of all the "cryptids" books, this is the the one that is the most well written, most thoroughly edited and overall entertaining. Highly recommended.
Out of all the "cryptids" books, this is the the one that is the most well written, most thoroughly edited and overall entertaining. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2025
Stories were actually enjoyable but I listened to it on audible and it was read by an AI voice. AI has no tone or understanding of inflection so it can really put a damper on what otherwise would have been a good creepy story. I will say I don’t think any of the stories were really scary but they were entertaining and creepy. I wouldn’t want to listen to them in the middle of the woods. 👣👹🐺🤿
February 16, 2023
Great book
Great stories, all of them. It's super scary if they are the real. I'm not sure if they are 100% real or not. It would be nice if these stories were total fiction. I'm still undecided to believe in big foot and gang.
Great stories, all of them. It's super scary if they are the real. I'm not sure if they are 100% real or not. It would be nice if these stories were total fiction. I'm still undecided to believe in big foot and gang.
March 4, 2023
Fun, spooky stories.
I enjoyed reading this book. Sometimes I just don't feel like starting a book that will take a long time to read. That's when I go on a search for collections of short stories. This collection did the trick. I'm happy.
I enjoyed reading this book. Sometimes I just don't feel like starting a book that will take a long time to read. That's when I go on a search for collections of short stories. This collection did the trick. I'm happy.
August 9, 2024
You know I was on a Cryptids tear this summer trying to find fun tales and stories of these creatures in America and I finally found some stories by Michael Kelso. Dark Tales of Cryptids and Park Rangers by Michael Kelso is a blood-curdling collection that plunges the reader into the heart of the unknown, where nature’s secrets are guarded by more than just park rangers. Kelso crushes the anthology of stories that blend the eerie allure of cryptids with the harsh solitude of the wilderness, creating a symphony of terror that echoes long after the final page.
The stories are set in the remote and foreboding stretches of America’s national parks, where whispers of ancient creatures and inexplicable events are more than just folklore. Kelso’s writing shines in his ability to invoke fear not through gore, but through the relentless dread of what lies hidden in the shadows. His descriptions of the wilderness are vivid and very claustrophobic, a place where the trees seem to close in around you, and every rustle of leaves could signal something far more sinister than a wandering deer.
The most chilling tale of the collection revolves around a ranger stationed in a desolate forest, where he begins to suspect that something far older and more dangerous than any bear is stalking his every move. While the stories sometimes drift into familiar horror tropes, Kelso's fresh take on the cryptid mythos and his keen sense of atmosphere make this book a standout. Each story grips you with icy fingers, drawing you deeper into a world where the line between myth and reality blurs, and survival is never guaranteed.
This short reading on the Kindle was so much fun. And I cannot wait to dive into his other stories, Dark Tales of Cryptids and Truck Drivers, More Dark Tales of Cryptids and Park Rangers, and Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunter. For fans of the unknown and the mysterious, Dark Tales of Cryptids and Park Rangers offers a chilling escape into the dark corners of the natural world, where the creatures of legend might just be real—and they’re hungry. This was a fun and quick read that will make you wonder what in nature is looking at you?
The stories are set in the remote and foreboding stretches of America’s national parks, where whispers of ancient creatures and inexplicable events are more than just folklore. Kelso’s writing shines in his ability to invoke fear not through gore, but through the relentless dread of what lies hidden in the shadows. His descriptions of the wilderness are vivid and very claustrophobic, a place where the trees seem to close in around you, and every rustle of leaves could signal something far more sinister than a wandering deer.
The most chilling tale of the collection revolves around a ranger stationed in a desolate forest, where he begins to suspect that something far older and more dangerous than any bear is stalking his every move. While the stories sometimes drift into familiar horror tropes, Kelso's fresh take on the cryptid mythos and his keen sense of atmosphere make this book a standout. Each story grips you with icy fingers, drawing you deeper into a world where the line between myth and reality blurs, and survival is never guaranteed.
This short reading on the Kindle was so much fun. And I cannot wait to dive into his other stories, Dark Tales of Cryptids and Truck Drivers, More Dark Tales of Cryptids and Park Rangers, and Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunter. For fans of the unknown and the mysterious, Dark Tales of Cryptids and Park Rangers offers a chilling escape into the dark corners of the natural world, where the creatures of legend might just be real—and they’re hungry. This was a fun and quick read that will make you wonder what in nature is looking at you?
January 13, 2024
Some are better than others
I enjoyed these stories. Some are better than others. I do wish that it named the cryptids that are in each story as like a side note or something, as I originally got this book because I find the lore of Cryptids to be fascinating. I was a little nervous when I read the first I believe two stories as the phrase "I released I breath I didn't realize I was holding" was repeated and I thought please please don't let that be in every story. Thankfully it wasn't 😆. The writing ability is good, but as I said some of the stories are much better than others.
I enjoyed these stories. Some are better than others. I do wish that it named the cryptids that are in each story as like a side note or something, as I originally got this book because I find the lore of Cryptids to be fascinating. I was a little nervous when I read the first I believe two stories as the phrase "I released I breath I didn't realize I was holding" was repeated and I thought please please don't let that be in every story. Thankfully it wasn't 😆. The writing ability is good, but as I said some of the stories are much better than others.
August 27, 2024
I am siding with the cryptids. They are misunderstood.
Dear fellow readers, before you buy this, be aware that there are 11 stories, but four or five, depending on how you count, are not about cryptids. I discount them in my rating.
Unless you count ghosts, aliens, demons and (Help!) zombies...
I don't. In the cryptid tales, the Main Character is usually rational. I like that. I am too old (67) to enjoy grown-ups acting like brain damaged teenagers in 4th rate horror movies.
This is not at all as good as 'Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunting Park Ranger', but these short stories were written first, so I am OK with it.
Dear fellow readers, before you buy this, be aware that there are 11 stories, but four or five, depending on how you count, are not about cryptids. I discount them in my rating.
Unless you count ghosts, aliens, demons and (Help!) zombies...
I don't. In the cryptid tales, the Main Character is usually rational. I like that. I am too old (67) to enjoy grown-ups acting like brain damaged teenagers in 4th rate horror movies.
This is not at all as good as 'Misadventures of a Cryptid Hunting Park Ranger', but these short stories were written first, so I am OK with it.
November 5, 2022
Every story is written like a report: each protagonist recall their own personal events. The style is pleasant: since the stories are a retelling of what the protagonists went through, it is very easy to follow. The majority of stories are from park rangers' perspective, but otherwise anyone who ventures into the middle of nowhere where they encounter at least one dark being - whether it be a human or an otherworldly creature.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2023
Good read for KU
There are some good stories in this book, more creepy than scary. I gave it a 3 because the last story had some words missing from sentences and that really annoys me. Other than that, it's an ok read.
There are some good stories in this book, more creepy than scary. I gave it a 3 because the last story had some words missing from sentences and that really annoys me. Other than that, it's an ok read.
May 2, 2023
There Is Something In The Woods...
I am truly enjoying Michael Kelso's work. I love horror stories, especially short stories. This author does a great job with this type of writing. My favorite story of this book is the one about the fire tower. It creeped me out. Enjoy.
I am truly enjoying Michael Kelso's work. I love horror stories, especially short stories. This author does a great job with this type of writing. My favorite story of this book is the one about the fire tower. It creeped me out. Enjoy.
August 15, 2023
a spooky collection
There is quite a bit of variety in this compilation of spooky tales. Some are more entertaining than others. Very imaginative and unique ideas about cryptids. If you want to get lost in the forest and terrified this is one for you.
There is quite a bit of variety in this compilation of spooky tales. Some are more entertaining than others. Very imaginative and unique ideas about cryptids. If you want to get lost in the forest and terrified this is one for you.
November 11, 2023
Apparently cryptids can read and perform all manner of ridiculous things like smelling something in an airtight container, using chalk to draw pentagrams, and being able to understand what a cell phone is. Stories were so grandiose and unbelievable that I quit the book just 30% in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
Excellent collection of stories.
Not real life stories, just Reddit type stuff, but still well written and straight to point. Took a star away because it could use a good editor and better story breaks, but I still recommend it to anyone wanting some great short scary reads.
Not real life stories, just Reddit type stuff, but still well written and straight to point. Took a star away because it could use a good editor and better story breaks, but I still recommend it to anyone wanting some great short scary reads.
November 9, 2024
overall great stories
The stories in this collection felt authentic and were varied by experience, length, and type of park rangers, which kept things fresh and interesting. If any criticism, it would be that editors need to try harder catching the annoying errors.
The stories in this collection felt authentic and were varied by experience, length, and type of park rangers, which kept things fresh and interesting. If any criticism, it would be that editors need to try harder catching the annoying errors.
January 3, 2023
Entertaining!
Very creative stories…I enjoyed reading them and completed the entire book in two sittings. I will read more from this author
Very creative stories…I enjoyed reading them and completed the entire book in two sittings. I will read more from this author
January 10, 2023
Way too creepy for my liking!
I would not recommend this book to many people as it was too weird and creepy! Can't believe any of these stories are real or legitimate!
I would not recommend this book to many people as it was too weird and creepy! Can't believe any of these stories are real or legitimate!
February 13, 2023
Wow! Some of the strangest stories I ever read. Could they be true or not? It really doesn't matter to me because I enjoyed reading them anyway. Not for the faint of heart, though.
March 1, 2023
Scary Stuff
Stories were believable and scary. Kept your interest. Wasn’t the same type of story that everyone else is writing. Very different. Loved it.
Stories were believable and scary. Kept your interest. Wasn’t the same type of story that everyone else is writing. Very different. Loved it.
March 14, 2023
It was okay, a lot of the stories were about a big hairy creature
March 20, 2023
Great stories.
I really enjoyed it. I will read more of this author s books. He has away to make you feel your there.
I really enjoyed it. I will read more of this author s books. He has away to make you feel your there.
May 20, 2023
Great campfire tales
Fun stories to scare the tourists with. Great for a campfire in the forest. Will gladly share with friends and family.
Fun stories to scare the tourists with. Great for a campfire in the forest. Will gladly share with friends and family.
May 18, 2025
This collection of stories was entertaining but not anymore unique than the stories I already listen to on YouTube.
June 5, 2023
This was a fun, quick read! It was Reddit stories put into a book, which is fine by me! They were all really good, but there were a lot of big foot stories! I'm a mothman or mothman-esque girl and was hoping for something of the like, but can't punish the writer for that!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews