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The Pack #1
The Pack: Winter Kill
For generations, the northern Minnesota mountain region has been a haven for peaceful hikes and breath-taking scenery. But when tourists suddenly turn up dead, FBI special agents Angela Wallace and Brian Shilling are called in to investigate, only to discover that the murders are part of a deadlier, supernatural mystery. In the series fiction debut, THE WINTER KILL, Bram Stoker Award winning author, Mike Oliveri gives us the first salvo in a crime, supernatural thriller that reimagines the werewolf mythos in a way you'll never see coming.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2009
23 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Mike Oliveri
17 books37 followersMike Oliveri is a writer, martial artist, cigar aficionado, motorcyclist, and family man, but not necessarily in that order. His Bram Stoker Award-winning first novel, Deadliest of the Species, was just reprinted by Evileye Books.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 22, 2010
I’d wanted to get a copy of Mike Oliveri’s THE PACK: WINTER KILL since last year. At first, it was released in paperback and for one reason or another I didn’t get around to purchasing it. Then it came out for the Kindle, but it was priced at $9.99 and I decided to hold off on getting it. However, when Evileye Books marked it down to $4.99 for the holiday season, I snatched a copy for my Kindle. I had high expectations for this book based on the buzz I had read about it, and I was not disappointed.
Set in the remote wilderness of Minnesota, THE PACK: WINTER KILL starts out with a weapons deal gone wrong. After things go south, Rod and his crew are stuck in the middle of nowhere and are forced to blend in with the locals. They stumble upon a lodge caught up with Bigfoot fever and decide to stay until they can get things back in order. However, when the FBI arrives, things get tenuous. Determined to finish the deal, Rod pushes forward despite the heat from the authorities—and other things.
THE PACK: WINTER KILL grabbed me from the beginning and I literally could not put this one down. Oliveri’s writing is tight and fast-paced, hurling the reader along to the climatic ending. He masterfully blends crime and suspense with the supernatural. This is the first book in an on-going series, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next one. There are a few typos throughout the Kindle edition, but they are minor and don’t distract from the story.
Priced at an affordable $4.99 for the holiday season, this one is a must-read for anyone wanting a story full of action and suspense told at break-neck speed
Set in the remote wilderness of Minnesota, THE PACK: WINTER KILL starts out with a weapons deal gone wrong. After things go south, Rod and his crew are stuck in the middle of nowhere and are forced to blend in with the locals. They stumble upon a lodge caught up with Bigfoot fever and decide to stay until they can get things back in order. However, when the FBI arrives, things get tenuous. Determined to finish the deal, Rod pushes forward despite the heat from the authorities—and other things.
THE PACK: WINTER KILL grabbed me from the beginning and I literally could not put this one down. Oliveri’s writing is tight and fast-paced, hurling the reader along to the climatic ending. He masterfully blends crime and suspense with the supernatural. This is the first book in an on-going series, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next one. There are a few typos throughout the Kindle edition, but they are minor and don’t distract from the story.
Priced at an affordable $4.99 for the holiday season, this one is a must-read for anyone wanting a story full of action and suspense told at break-neck speed
July 1, 2011
These days, it seems everybody is either writing about vampires or zombies, or looking for a series (or doing a combo of all of that) of their own these days. In some ways, the series is nice, in that nobody has to ask if there will be a sequel. It also allows an author the chance to flesh out characters and ideas introduced and still keep books at an easily accessible size. “The Pack: Winter Kill” is Bram Stoker award winner Mike Oliveri’s attempt at throwing his hat in the series ring. For his offering, Mr. Oliveri gives us what many horror fans have been clamoring for: a werewolf series!
In the desolate woods of northern Minnesota, a gun deal between skinheads and some buyers for a Mexican drug lord goes bad. Caught in the middle of the battle is a married couple, out hiking who happened onto the scene. At the end of the battle, the married couple and some of the dealers lie dead.
With the death of the couple, the FBI rolls into town, headed up by Special Agent’s Angela Wallace and Brian Shilling. The FBI focuses their attention on the mysterious local inn keepers, the Tyler family. They seem to be hiding something, but it isn’t what the FBI think.
Mr. Oliveri writes in a fun, easy flow style that pulls the reader in. In fact, I finished the book in one sitting. The time flew by, much as the story did. The action is high, the scares are placed nicely and there is just enough comedic banter to keep it fun. Mr. Oliveri has big plans for the Tyler family in the future, if he can flesh out the characters some more and keep this much fun intact, then we will all have a wonderful werewolf series on our hands.
Reviewed by Carl Isonhart for Suspense Magazine
In the desolate woods of northern Minnesota, a gun deal between skinheads and some buyers for a Mexican drug lord goes bad. Caught in the middle of the battle is a married couple, out hiking who happened onto the scene. At the end of the battle, the married couple and some of the dealers lie dead.
With the death of the couple, the FBI rolls into town, headed up by Special Agent’s Angela Wallace and Brian Shilling. The FBI focuses their attention on the mysterious local inn keepers, the Tyler family. They seem to be hiding something, but it isn’t what the FBI think.
Mr. Oliveri writes in a fun, easy flow style that pulls the reader in. In fact, I finished the book in one sitting. The time flew by, much as the story did. The action is high, the scares are placed nicely and there is just enough comedic banter to keep it fun. Mr. Oliveri has big plans for the Tyler family in the future, if he can flesh out the characters some more and keep this much fun intact, then we will all have a wonderful werewolf series on our hands.
Reviewed by Carl Isonhart for Suspense Magazine
June 29, 2011
This is my first experience with author Mike Oliveri and I'm quite impressed. His dialogue is some of the tightest, most crisp I've read in a long time, reminiscent of the great Tom Piccirilli. I had no knowledge of the background of these characters which apparently were part of a limited comic book series, but I had no trouble catching up with the new problems in their lives.
Oliveri writes with an incredible economy of words, and while this book is a bit short for a novel, I always prefer quality over quantity and his book has it in spades. The pacing, the realistic violence, and the palpable suspense had me hooked on every page. The $13 price tag for a paperback is bit much, however, but the thicker paper stock, book design, and story make it worth owning. There were a couple typos that should have been discovered during the editing stage, so hopefully Evileye will clean things like this up for the next installment.
I did find it a little confusing and maybe a bit misleading how the back cover claims the book "reimagines the werewolf mythos in a way you'll never see coming". This statement makes it seem as if the book is groundbreaking in some way, and while I totally enjoyed the story, anyone who has read a lot of werewolf material will know that this book certainly did not "reimagine" the mythos nor give you a twist that you can "never see coming". Those claims are a bit exaggerated. Don't get me wrong though, this is still one of the best reads of the year and I will gladly come back for another tale.
Oliveri writes with an incredible economy of words, and while this book is a bit short for a novel, I always prefer quality over quantity and his book has it in spades. The pacing, the realistic violence, and the palpable suspense had me hooked on every page. The $13 price tag for a paperback is bit much, however, but the thicker paper stock, book design, and story make it worth owning. There were a couple typos that should have been discovered during the editing stage, so hopefully Evileye will clean things like this up for the next installment.
I did find it a little confusing and maybe a bit misleading how the back cover claims the book "reimagines the werewolf mythos in a way you'll never see coming". This statement makes it seem as if the book is groundbreaking in some way, and while I totally enjoyed the story, anyone who has read a lot of werewolf material will know that this book certainly did not "reimagine" the mythos nor give you a twist that you can "never see coming". Those claims are a bit exaggerated. Don't get me wrong though, this is still one of the best reads of the year and I will gladly come back for another tale.
January 19, 2012
Great Crime/Paranormal Mystery/Thriller. It was a very fun, interesting, and quick read. The characters and the plot kept me interested the entire book, and I read it in one sitting--because I had trouble putting it down! I was surprised at the twist at the end—definitely not expecting that big revelation! Hope the next book comes out soon. I think the second book in the series is going to be even better with some of the Tyler family characters having even bigger, more interesting roles. …And with FBI Special Agent Wallace trying to figure out what happened with the Tyler’s in Nevada, well, let’s say things could get a little Hairy! Can’t wait…
I received The Pack: Winter Kill (Volume 1) free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in return for an honest review of the book.
I received The Pack: Winter Kill (Volume 1) free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in return for an honest review of the book.
November 6, 2009
As editor of this book, I am proud to say it is an inventive, high octane supernatural thriller by Bram Stoker Award Winner, Mike Oliveri.
Look for Mike Oliveri's page here on GoodReads.com. He will be offering commentary and exclusive material to GoodReads members.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as we've enjoyed bringing to you.
Look for Mike Oliveri's page here on GoodReads.com. He will be offering commentary and exclusive material to GoodReads members.
I hope you enjoy the book as much as we've enjoyed bringing to you.
December 19, 2011
a quick read that is frilled with thrills, supsense, twists and turns. I look firward to the next one.
February 13, 2010
This is an excellent page turning noir/gore/horror novel about a smuggling drop that goes wrong in a bad location.
Mike Oliveri does an excellent job of moving the story along at a fast clip towards a breakneck ending that can leave one catching their breath.
I say that as a reader, not as a friend of the author, mentioned in the acknowledgments and IN THE STORY!!
I look forward to the next installment of The Pack in whatever form it arrives!
Mike Oliveri does an excellent job of moving the story along at a fast clip towards a breakneck ending that can leave one catching their breath.
I say that as a reader, not as a friend of the author, mentioned in the acknowledgments and IN THE STORY!!
I look forward to the next installment of The Pack in whatever form it arrives!
October 21, 2011
This book successfully mixes several genres. Detective, crime and horror meet in the mountains and it is one wicked roller coaster ride to the end. This is one tough book. Read it.
December 10, 2011
Great book. I was glad that the book wasn't all centered around werewolves. The story had a good plot with plenty of action.
Want to read
November 16, 2011I won this book from the first reads giveaways and I am so excited to read it. Thanks.
November 23, 2021
Werewolves, FBI and bad guys.
Unexpected moments of terror and surprises are in store for you. Are werewolves really the good ones. Worth your time.
Unexpected moments of terror and surprises are in store for you. Are werewolves really the good ones. Worth your time.
July 3, 2022
Decent quick read. Story flowed, but it was pretty basic. Could have gotten more in depth with the story & characters, but a good subway read.
March 2, 2014
Half Crime Novel / Half Werewolf Feast
Let me start out by saying the writing in this novel is actually quite good. The problem that I had was the schizophrenic nature of the plot. Is it a crime drama or is it a mystery?
Because I had not read any of the previous graphic novels, I didn't already know about who was a werewolf. I could have easily guessed. But there is no overt werewolf action in the first 60% of the book. It was simply a matter of fact crime novel. The werewolf story arcs seemed to be tacked on at the end to clean up after incompetent law enforcement and to protect pack secrets. It almost felt like two completely separate stories were smashed together to form one single novel. Like at some point the author had a line in his manuscript that said ' And now the werewolves come in solving everyone's problems...'
Without the good quality writing, and good characterization, it would have been two stars, but since these were both there, and the writer won a Bram Stoker Award for his first novel, he can obviously get it right - he just went slightly off the rails here. If there had been a more balanced plot, this could have been a 5 star book.
Let me start out by saying the writing in this novel is actually quite good. The problem that I had was the schizophrenic nature of the plot. Is it a crime drama or is it a mystery?
Because I had not read any of the previous graphic novels, I didn't already know about who was a werewolf. I could have easily guessed. But there is no overt werewolf action in the first 60% of the book. It was simply a matter of fact crime novel. The werewolf story arcs seemed to be tacked on at the end to clean up after incompetent law enforcement and to protect pack secrets. It almost felt like two completely separate stories were smashed together to form one single novel. Like at some point the author had a line in his manuscript that said ' And now the werewolves come in solving everyone's problems...'
Without the good quality writing, and good characterization, it would have been two stars, but since these were both there, and the writer won a Bram Stoker Award for his first novel, he can obviously get it right - he just went slightly off the rails here. If there had been a more balanced plot, this could have been a 5 star book.
March 4, 2013
Full disclosure: Mike Oliveri is a friend of mine. That said, it doesn't matter. I'll give an honest review on anyone.
One of Mike's strongest points as a writer mimics him in person. He is capable of delivering both blunt and colorful narrative with economy. He doesn't waste words, doesn't spend time flowering things up, and he's fond of action. He's sort of a noir anti-Anne Rice, if you will.
WINTER KILL grabs the myth of lycanthropy, shakes off all the sparklies and corruption attached to it by the likes of TWILIGHT, and gives it back to the old school. Werewolves are monsters, you know. I mean, in this case you may feel some empathy with them. You may identify with them. In the end, they're still ripping and clawing humans. Mike just muddies the waters by making sure they're ripping and clawing at those you'd probably rip and claw at yourself.
If you like you fiction fast, your action hard, and your endings sweet, I highly recommend WINTER KILL.
One of Mike's strongest points as a writer mimics him in person. He is capable of delivering both blunt and colorful narrative with economy. He doesn't waste words, doesn't spend time flowering things up, and he's fond of action. He's sort of a noir anti-Anne Rice, if you will.
WINTER KILL grabs the myth of lycanthropy, shakes off all the sparklies and corruption attached to it by the likes of TWILIGHT, and gives it back to the old school. Werewolves are monsters, you know. I mean, in this case you may feel some empathy with them. You may identify with them. In the end, they're still ripping and clawing humans. Mike just muddies the waters by making sure they're ripping and clawing at those you'd probably rip and claw at yourself.
If you like you fiction fast, your action hard, and your endings sweet, I highly recommend WINTER KILL.
April 4, 2014
This thriller was a short, fast paced story with a very simple story line. First in the ‘Werewolf Noir Series; The Pack’. More is promised about the Tyler clan in the upcoming ‘Lie with the Dead’. The men of the Tyler clan are not exactly what they seem. The author uses the characters Native American heritage to advantage with these three shape shifting brothers. Throw in an ambitious female FBI agent and band of cowboy gun runners, a snow storm and a shoot out and your have a pretty good story. The author took time to develop the characters well and kept the plot simple...catch the bad guys. I liked this book and will go on to the next.
March 1, 2014
Book 1 of a series about werewolves, gun-runners and FBI agents. Good mix of characters set in the north where wolves occur naturally, which is a good place for unnatural wolves to hang out. I enjoyed the story though I don't know if I'll look for the rest of the series. It just didn't grab me, though that is purely personal preference, not a knock on the writing.
Read
April 18, 2014 OK, but not compelling
I was tempted by the general atmosphere, but the characters are still more mystery than known, and I felt not enough of a story to really pull me in, and wanting more. Maybe, one day this series will come out in one large volume, and then I just might be interested.
I was tempted by the general atmosphere, but the characters are still more mystery than known, and I felt not enough of a story to really pull me in, and wanting more. Maybe, one day this series will come out in one large volume, and then I just might be interested.
May 30, 2014
When I read that it involved skinheads and a main character who was black that this would be bad. Actually wasn't too bad as a crime/noir,but could have been more exciting. Minimal werewolves didn't help either. They didn't appear until the end.Hot mess that perhaps would have been better as a comic book.
August 26, 2014
Left me wanting more. Sigh....now I have to find all the books in the series and I already promised my husband I would read everything I already had before I bought more books. I guess he will have to live with disappointment. great fast read but it definitely left me needing to find out more about this family.
April 18, 2014
OK, but not compelling.
I was tempted by the general atmosphere, but the characters are still more mystery than known, and I felt not enough of a story to really pull me in, and wanting more. Maybe, one day this series will come out in one large volume, and then I just might be interested.
I was tempted by the general atmosphere, but the characters are still more mystery than known, and I felt not enough of a story to really pull me in, and wanting more. Maybe, one day this series will come out in one large volume, and then I just might be interested.
February 7, 2014
I read this book when it first came out, and I've been waiting (impatiently) ever since for a sequel or another installment in the series. Mike, write some more of these things, will ya?
February 28, 2014
Just a great read...
I couldn't put this book down. If you like werewolf novels, then this book is for you.
I hope this series continues, looking forward to the next one!
I couldn't put this book down. If you like werewolf novels, then this book is for you.
I hope this series continues, looking forward to the next one!
June 23, 2014
Pretty good book...just wish the supernatural side of it was explored more throughout the book.
August 12, 2015
A little mind numbing to read. Also quite confusing to follow which character was involved in what was going on.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews