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IL LUPO
Il Lupo is a supernatural thriller set against a backdrop of the stresses of modern life and the human condition.
When Nick Frobisher's father reveals he is dying, Nick reconnects with his old friend Charlie Mortimer. Now wracked with grief, Nick invites Charlie to join him on a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
When they arrive, it becomes clear that Charlie is suffering with anxiety and panic attacks, yet a self-medicating Frobisher steers them into harm's way. Bar fights, a night in the cells, drunken behaviour, and Charlie's anxiety only increases. Just when it seems things can't go much worse, they do, as Nick and Charlie find themselves confronting a man who is believed to be a werewolf. This man's name is Telemaco Russo, and wherever he goes, trouble follows.
Now, with the full moon approaching, Charlie must find a way to protect those he loves, and save his own soul - but first, he must take on Telemaco, and somehow survive the experience.
And what of Fredo Esposito? Fredo is a man whose family has been decimated by a lycanthrope, and now, he wants revenge. What will that mean for Charlie and his hopes of redemption?
Il Lupo takes us to some of the most breathtaking locations imaginable, from the extraordinary beauty of the Amalfi Coast, to the rugged Highlands of Scotland, and the incredible ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of the brooding Mount Vesuvius. Follow in the footsteps of Charlie and Frobisher as they face up to the stresses of modern life and a curse as ancient as the hills.
When Nick Frobisher's father reveals he is dying, Nick reconnects with his old friend Charlie Mortimer. Now wracked with grief, Nick invites Charlie to join him on a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
When they arrive, it becomes clear that Charlie is suffering with anxiety and panic attacks, yet a self-medicating Frobisher steers them into harm's way. Bar fights, a night in the cells, drunken behaviour, and Charlie's anxiety only increases. Just when it seems things can't go much worse, they do, as Nick and Charlie find themselves confronting a man who is believed to be a werewolf. This man's name is Telemaco Russo, and wherever he goes, trouble follows.
Now, with the full moon approaching, Charlie must find a way to protect those he loves, and save his own soul - but first, he must take on Telemaco, and somehow survive the experience.
And what of Fredo Esposito? Fredo is a man whose family has been decimated by a lycanthrope, and now, he wants revenge. What will that mean for Charlie and his hopes of redemption?
Il Lupo takes us to some of the most breathtaking locations imaginable, from the extraordinary beauty of the Amalfi Coast, to the rugged Highlands of Scotland, and the incredible ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of the brooding Mount Vesuvius. Follow in the footsteps of Charlie and Frobisher as they face up to the stresses of modern life and a curse as ancient as the hills.
- GenresHorror
Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
5 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Alexander Sharp
10 books26 followersGregory Alexander Sharp is a business executive with a career in technology and consulting spanning three decades. Greg has worked at director level for some of the most recognisable brands in the world.
Having been introduced to the horror genre as a boy when his father suggested he watch Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein one afternoon, Greg's work has something of a feel of the old school about it. More thriller than out-and-out horror, Il Lupo and Kill And Cure tell the story of Charlie Mortimer and his encounters with the ancient curse of the werewolf.
Greg lives in the south of England with his wife, Dee, and their four-legged family. Greg is a keen golfer and holds a black belt in karate.
Having been introduced to the horror genre as a boy when his father suggested he watch Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein one afternoon, Greg's work has something of a feel of the old school about it. More thriller than out-and-out horror, Il Lupo and Kill And Cure tell the story of Charlie Mortimer and his encounters with the ancient curse of the werewolf.
Greg lives in the south of England with his wife, Dee, and their four-legged family. Greg is a keen golfer and holds a black belt in karate.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 24, 2023
What a page turner! I have to be honest, not my usual genre. I loved the way the story unfolded and just kept building. Each chapter left me hanging, making me want to read more. I found myself completely immersed in the story. Can't wait for the next one.
May 15, 2023
Wow, I wasn't expecting all the things this novel throws at you and I loved it!
Supernatural thriller is not a genre I usually read but I'm glad I took the plunge with this as I thoroughly enjoyed all the vicissitudes of the protagonists and the various backgrounds between the UK and Italy.
We follow the story of Charlie and Nicholas (Nick), two friends that after losing touch for some years, get the chance to reconnect after the death of Nick's father. As Charlie is clearly struggling with anxiety whilst Nick wants to grief his dad properly, they launch into a journey to the Amalfi Coast where Nick's family owns a home where many holidays where spent during his childhood.
But during this journey is where the more serious problems begin and not only Charlie starts experiencing severe panick attacks but they both get involved in a series of accidents that will end up changing their lives forever!
Full of folklore and vivid descriptions of the places the characters end up, such as Pompeii and the Scottish Highlands, this was such a page turner and the story took always an unexpected turn whenever I felt confident of its direction.
I loved all the characters, and I felt sympathy even for the antagonist! The writer's ability to create such deep characters is what impressed me, together with the great description of the places and their atmosphere that it was like being there! As well as the writing flow, resembling a play with the action unfolding in front of my eyes as I was reading.
What I enjoyed is also the deeper messages of this novel which explored mental health, grief and life's changes and the importance of addressing them and taking care of oneself, highlighting that anyone can be affected and money don't make you immune, but friendship can help, which really transpired through Charlie and Nick.
I really recommend this book and I hope for a sequel as we're left with a nice cliffhanger!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read it and this is my honest review.
Supernatural thriller is not a genre I usually read but I'm glad I took the plunge with this as I thoroughly enjoyed all the vicissitudes of the protagonists and the various backgrounds between the UK and Italy.
We follow the story of Charlie and Nicholas (Nick), two friends that after losing touch for some years, get the chance to reconnect after the death of Nick's father. As Charlie is clearly struggling with anxiety whilst Nick wants to grief his dad properly, they launch into a journey to the Amalfi Coast where Nick's family owns a home where many holidays where spent during his childhood.
But during this journey is where the more serious problems begin and not only Charlie starts experiencing severe panick attacks but they both get involved in a series of accidents that will end up changing their lives forever!
Full of folklore and vivid descriptions of the places the characters end up, such as Pompeii and the Scottish Highlands, this was such a page turner and the story took always an unexpected turn whenever I felt confident of its direction.
I loved all the characters, and I felt sympathy even for the antagonist! The writer's ability to create such deep characters is what impressed me, together with the great description of the places and their atmosphere that it was like being there! As well as the writing flow, resembling a play with the action unfolding in front of my eyes as I was reading.
What I enjoyed is also the deeper messages of this novel which explored mental health, grief and life's changes and the importance of addressing them and taking care of oneself, highlighting that anyone can be affected and money don't make you immune, but friendship can help, which really transpired through Charlie and Nick.
I really recommend this book and I hope for a sequel as we're left with a nice cliffhanger!
Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read it and this is my honest review.
November 30, 2024
Il Lupo by Gregory Alexander Sharp is a masterful blend of psychological depth and supernatural horror, skillfully combining ancient folklore with the complexities of modern life. This character-driven thriller, reminiscent of classics like Frankenstein and Dracula, centers on two old friends, Nick Frobisher and Charlie Mortimer. After Nick’s father’s death, the friends journey to the Amalfi Coast seeking solace but instead find themselves ensnared in an ancient curse and a confrontation with Telemaco Russo, a man believed to be a werewolf.
Book review: Il Lupo
Sharp's use of an omniscient narrator is brilliant, shifting perspectives seamlessly to build an ever-deepening sense of suspense. This narrative technique enhances the pacing and ensures tension remains high, even as the story shifts direction. The real strength of Il Lupo lies in its exploration of grief, the fragility of the human psyche, and the complex dynamics of friendship. Nick, spiraling into self-destruction, and Charlie, battling anxiety, are portrayed with such depth and empathy that they never feel like mere caricatures.
The suspense builds gradually, like a fuse burning toward an inevitable explosion. By the time the midpoint climax arrives, it’s almost cinematic in its intensity, gripping the reader tightly. Sharp’s approach to horror, relying more on psychological tension than blood and gore, makes the supernatural elements feel even more chilling and personal. The clues to the mystery are woven subtly throughout the text, rewarding attentive readers with a richer experience.
The novel's settings, from the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the eerie ruins of Pompeii, add layers of atmosphere and mythology, making the world feel alive and steeped in history. The blend of gothic horror and modern sensibilities makes Il Lupo feel timeless yet fresh, a rare book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
With its compelling characters, slow-building suspense, and thought-provoking exploration of fate, Il Lupo is a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers with supernatural twists, classic horror, and psychological horror. I highly recommend reading Il Lupo before its sequel, Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2.0, to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and their journey. A gripping, intelligent thriller that earns 5/5 stars.
Book review: Il Lupo
Sharp's use of an omniscient narrator is brilliant, shifting perspectives seamlessly to build an ever-deepening sense of suspense. This narrative technique enhances the pacing and ensures tension remains high, even as the story shifts direction. The real strength of Il Lupo lies in its exploration of grief, the fragility of the human psyche, and the complex dynamics of friendship. Nick, spiraling into self-destruction, and Charlie, battling anxiety, are portrayed with such depth and empathy that they never feel like mere caricatures.
The suspense builds gradually, like a fuse burning toward an inevitable explosion. By the time the midpoint climax arrives, it’s almost cinematic in its intensity, gripping the reader tightly. Sharp’s approach to horror, relying more on psychological tension than blood and gore, makes the supernatural elements feel even more chilling and personal. The clues to the mystery are woven subtly throughout the text, rewarding attentive readers with a richer experience.
The novel's settings, from the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the eerie ruins of Pompeii, add layers of atmosphere and mythology, making the world feel alive and steeped in history. The blend of gothic horror and modern sensibilities makes Il Lupo feel timeless yet fresh, a rare book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
With its compelling characters, slow-building suspense, and thought-provoking exploration of fate, Il Lupo is a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers with supernatural twists, classic horror, and psychological horror. I highly recommend reading Il Lupo before its sequel, Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2.0, to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and their journey. A gripping, intelligent thriller that earns 5/5 stars.
September 7, 2024
Il Lupo by Gregory Alexander Sharp is an old-fashioned Gothic style horror and psychological mind twist readers were used to reading close to a century ago. As readers go through IL Lupo, authors such as dDaphne du Maurier, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Alfred Hitchcock, and plenty more will run through their minds.
Mr. Sharp starts his story off letting readers know exactly what is going on, only the main is in denial, thinking what he knows to be true can't possibly be the truth, such things only exist in stories and nightmares. After taking the readers back a few days to see what transpired and get caught up in the current events, Mr. Sharp finally has the main character and his best friend come to the realization he is in fact, a werewolf.
It's the best friend's Godfather who convinces them he knows some people who can help him get a cure to turn him back into a human, sending them back on a journey to Italy, and along the Amalfi Coast where the entire situation started, so they can find the werewolf that turned the main character into one himself. Only things don't go according to plan, and their entire plan has to change, endangering more than just the main character.
Il Lupo, while exceedingly well written and thought out, might take some time for people get into due to the style of writing. While it is a Gothic style story, the writing itself is almost written in the style of Jane Austen, and for those readers who are not familiar with her work, might find Mr. Sharp's book a little on the slow side. If the reader is familiar with the writing of Ms. Austen's era, or just really happens to love a good, old-fashioned horror, IL Lupo is most definitely a book to give a whole hearted chance to.
Mr. Sharp starts his story off letting readers know exactly what is going on, only the main is in denial, thinking what he knows to be true can't possibly be the truth, such things only exist in stories and nightmares. After taking the readers back a few days to see what transpired and get caught up in the current events, Mr. Sharp finally has the main character and his best friend come to the realization he is in fact, a werewolf.
It's the best friend's Godfather who convinces them he knows some people who can help him get a cure to turn him back into a human, sending them back on a journey to Italy, and along the Amalfi Coast where the entire situation started, so they can find the werewolf that turned the main character into one himself. Only things don't go according to plan, and their entire plan has to change, endangering more than just the main character.
Il Lupo, while exceedingly well written and thought out, might take some time for people get into due to the style of writing. While it is a Gothic style story, the writing itself is almost written in the style of Jane Austen, and for those readers who are not familiar with her work, might find Mr. Sharp's book a little on the slow side. If the reader is familiar with the writing of Ms. Austen's era, or just really happens to love a good, old-fashioned horror, IL Lupo is most definitely a book to give a whole hearted chance to.
March 9, 2023
Il Lupo is a gripping story that I couldn’t put down and I enjoyed experiencing the travel, legends and unanticipated turns along with the intriguing characters. Very much looking forward to a sequel!
June 5, 2023
I love this book, a true page-turner from beginning to end. Great character development, excellent plot and some unexpected surprises along the way! A definite must-read.
April 20, 2023
The passage is a brief summary of a story about two friends, Charlie Mortimer and Nicholas Frobisher, who reconnect after years of losing touch. Nicholas invites Charlie on a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Naples, but they encounter more than they bargained for when ancient legends come to life. The story explores themes of grief, friendship, and the consequences of avoiding life's challenges.
May 30, 2023
This is my very first werwolf book. The characters come alive and make you feel like they are a part of your family. I highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Let me explain. (which is the entire purpose of reviews, so why did I feel the need to say 'let me explain ')
If you ve kept up with a few of my earlier April reviews, you know one of my books groups had the reading prompt of 'creatures'.
Creatures aren't my preferred read.
Especially werewolves. I read very little about werewolves.
Also, coming in at almost 400 pages, it's double the length of my typical reads (primarily novella length)..
But I found this author in a reading group when I was looking for indie recs, so decided to give this one a go.
It felt very long to me. Very wordy to me. Which actually that's because it's much longer than what I usually read. So I'm not saying long or wordy is a bad thing. It's just a new thing in my reading world. Yes, it may be unfair that I subtracted half a star for that when it's my fault, but this is my honest review.
The story.... I don't know much about werewolves, but I can honestly say this is the first book I've read that begins with a werewolf discussing their 'problem' with a head Dr... Interesting, right? You better believe it is.
Also, this wasn't as violent as what I'm accustomed to. Yeah, that's because I'm warped. Once again, that a me thing. A not this book thing
Is my review even making sense? If not, sorry. I'll end it with giving this book a result of 3.5 rounded up. If you dig werewolf novels, check this one out
Let me explain. (which is the entire purpose of reviews, so why did I feel the need to say 'let me explain ')
If you ve kept up with a few of my earlier April reviews, you know one of my books groups had the reading prompt of 'creatures'.
Creatures aren't my preferred read.
Especially werewolves. I read very little about werewolves.
Also, coming in at almost 400 pages, it's double the length of my typical reads (primarily novella length)..
But I found this author in a reading group when I was looking for indie recs, so decided to give this one a go.
It felt very long to me. Very wordy to me. Which actually that's because it's much longer than what I usually read. So I'm not saying long or wordy is a bad thing. It's just a new thing in my reading world. Yes, it may be unfair that I subtracted half a star for that when it's my fault, but this is my honest review.
The story.... I don't know much about werewolves, but I can honestly say this is the first book I've read that begins with a werewolf discussing their 'problem' with a head Dr... Interesting, right? You better believe it is.
Also, this wasn't as violent as what I'm accustomed to. Yeah, that's because I'm warped. Once again, that a me thing. A not this book thing
Is my review even making sense? If not, sorry. I'll end it with giving this book a result of 3.5 rounded up. If you dig werewolf novels, check this one out
April 11, 2023
I loved this book! The first chapter has me engaged as a reader wanting to know more about Charlie and if he was a werewolf or not. I also love werewolf books in any compacity, so I of course wanted to read this book when I heard about it! I love how his friendship with Nick unfurls during the book and how he finds out what he is at one point in the book too! I was so engaged in the story of Nick trying to find his way to find out what he is, so the writer is fantastic at engaging his readers in the story! Also, that ending, I want to find out if Nick and Ernest find what they are looking for, perhaps in another book??..... If the story about Nick, Charlie, and Ernest continues I definitely want to read it!!
June 4, 2023
This book was fantastic! I was transfixed from the very start.
It started with Two old friends who met at university and bonded well and both graduated with top marks.
Charlie and Nicholas went there separate ways to then be reunited around 15 years later.
Frobisher had previously lost his mother and most recently his father to cancer.
Nicholas persuaded his old friend to go on an un-organised trip to Italy where nicks family had been going for years.
They hit bumps along the way and ended up coming face to face with something that most people would only read about in horror stories.
I won't give any more away and just tell you this book is well worth it!
It started with Two old friends who met at university and bonded well and both graduated with top marks.
Charlie and Nicholas went there separate ways to then be reunited around 15 years later.
Frobisher had previously lost his mother and most recently his father to cancer.
Nicholas persuaded his old friend to go on an un-organised trip to Italy where nicks family had been going for years.
They hit bumps along the way and ended up coming face to face with something that most people would only read about in horror stories.
I won't give any more away and just tell you this book is well worth it!
February 9, 2024
Good read
"Il Lupo" is a scary story about two friends, Nick and Charlie, who go on a trip to Italy. Nick's dad is sick, so they want to get away. But their journey turns dangerous when they meet a guy named Telemaco Russo, who might be a werewolf. Charlie, who struggles with anxiety, has to face his fears to protect his friends. The book takes you to beautiful places like the Amalfi Coast and Scotland while telling a spooky tale about friendship and bravery.
"Il Lupo" is a scary story about two friends, Nick and Charlie, who go on a trip to Italy. Nick's dad is sick, so they want to get away. But their journey turns dangerous when they meet a guy named Telemaco Russo, who might be a werewolf. Charlie, who struggles with anxiety, has to face his fears to protect his friends. The book takes you to beautiful places like the Amalfi Coast and Scotland while telling a spooky tale about friendship and bravery.
March 3, 2023
The story is set in the today, in fact the story only covers maybe 5 or 6 days in the life of Charlie.
Pages easily turned, at pace, hard to put down, it keeps you hooked with lots of highs tied together into a good ending and leaves room for a sequel.... which I cannot wait to read. Gregory has found a new thing in an old errm ... dog.
Pages easily turned, at pace, hard to put down, it keeps you hooked with lots of highs tied together into a good ending and leaves room for a sequel.... which I cannot wait to read. Gregory has found a new thing in an old errm ... dog.
August 31, 2023
An amazing debut novel from the Talented storyteller Gregory Sharp. A fast paced plot, some complicated characters, intrigue, murder and werewolves to boot! A compelling read and hard to put down. Would not hesitate to recommend - a fantastic read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews