...and Nobody Knows it but Me

by Megan Stockton

After the unexpected and untimely death of his wife, wildlife biologist Lakin Douglas returns to work and signs up for a project to take his mind off of his recent trauma. He specializes in 'problem animals' in settings where habitats and human dwellings overlap, and so he's called into a town where a rogue wolf has been killing livestock and causing issues.

Lakin goes to the town anticipating that it is actually a pack of dogs behind the damages, but when human bodies start turning up he becomes concerned that he may not be tracking an animal at all.

This slow-burn novel follows Lakin as he unravels the secrets of the small town of Rotten Fork, while also unpacking the details of his wife's death and the emotions that he has been trepidatiously avoiding.

Genres: Horror

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2023

About the author

Megan Stockton is an indie author who lives in rural Middle Tennessee with her husband and two children. She primarily writes, horror, thriller, dystopian, and science fiction/fantasy novels that are character-driven and immersive. She is known for delivering works that are raw, thought-provoking, brutal, and cinematic.

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Megan Stockton joint…pretty damn good. There was a certain level of mastery of the storytelling here that overshadowed everything else. Yes, the lore, characters, and everything were done well, but it was the level of writing that really captured my attention. The pacing was on point, Lakin was a terrific and complex lead, the depth for each plot point was just right, the diversions and twists kept me guessing throughout, and everything just worked. And when I see such great execution of a book, it also tells me how invested the author is and what a good time they had developing their work. That, in itself, says a lot. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Megan Stockton’s offerings and recommend this particular story for fans of both horror and thrillers.

[Terry and dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like a rotten fork has been stabbed into my heart. This is my favourite Megan Stockton book. I liked Lakin and really wanted him to discover the source of the mutilation killings of animals and people, I liked other characters as well, and there were people that I wanted to shove a firecracker down their pants,( as there should be with a good book). Rotten Fork has a interesting and nasty background story. The book was a very smooth read, suspenseful, a nice amount of gore, folklore and really good story with a couple of unexpected surprises. One left me momentarily stunned. (no comment about that from the peanut gallery please). I loved this book, it was right up my dark alley. This is an author with a lot of heart and quick and devious mind.

[Stefanie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give this book like 6,7 or even 8 stars! Beautiful slow - burn- small - town horror story about small town secrets, myths, folklore, and the monsters that live inside of us. And the things we do for the ones we love.

I absolutely loved this story (would make a great movie too) and the author did such an amazing job with this story that I felt the cold, smelled the snow, and hear the sounds.

Lakin's services are requested in a small town named Rotten Fork (love the name lol), where there have been animal killings and the local Sheriff Shaw needs Lakin to help identify what kind of animal has been killing the livestock. Suddenly people are starting to die too.. who is doing the killings? A wolf pack? A dog pack? Someone from the town? As Lakin is being suspected of being the killer, things get even stranger.

[Derek Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange things are taking place in the tiny country town of Rotten Fork. Livestock and dogs are being found mutilated or missing altogether; one poor goat was found headless. The Sheriff, who is convinced it is a pack of wolves even though they haven’t been seen in Tennessee in a lifetime, decides to bring in an expert. Biologist Lakin Douglas, who is still grieving the loss of his wife, knows it can’t be wolves, so he arrives ready to provide the townsfolk with a legitimate answer to the problem.
We join Lakin in this folk horror story filled with strange, guarded residents, cryptid legends, and law enforcement that seems to be against him at every move. Suddenly, a child disappears and he fears the worst, though he is not convinced an animal has taken her. He dives head-first into the rabbit hole, becoming entrenched in the mystery and the history of the town.
Stockton’s storytelling is fantastic. It is a perfect mix of folklore, creature feature and thriller. The characters are believable and almost all likeable in some way; though you won’t know which ones to trust. It’s emotional, suspenseful and so very much more than a monster story. A must read for horror fans.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It had been a brutal winter that year. The wind had grown teeth and the world seemed to have lost color, warmth, and light. Swathed in a bath of blue coolness, curtains closed, door locked, hearth cold. She had once told him how she felt like it had never been this dark before, and how the days seemed to grow shorter but somehow lasted forever.”

This was a beautifully written, character focused creature feature. It’s not too long, perfect to get through on a lazy day.

I would’ve liked to know more about the indigenous artifact’s history, and the ending felt wrapped up a bit too quickly. Also I’m not sure why toques are called toboggans 🤣

[Chaz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It follows the story of biologists Lakin Douglas so takes his first assignment after the unfortunate events of his wife passing. He went to the town of Rotten Forks where he is to investigate what has been killing local livestock in the area. Most residents believe there are wolves in the area doing it but as Lakin discovers not everything as is it seems and on top of that people of the town start to show up dead as things get stranger and stranger. However I think the thing that really puts this book over the top is emotional and traumatic experiences Lakin is dealing with while everything is crumbling around him. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and highly suggest everyone read it when it publishes!

[Gemma Hollands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5. This was a thoroughly enjoyable albeit slightly predictable read. I had figured out who was responsible not long after their initial introduction. There is enough lore there and interesting enough characters that it could have perhaps benefitted from being a little longer. These are small gripes though as this was the perfect book for a weekend read.

[Morgan Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would preface this by saying — this wouldn’t be my typical read. I tend to stick to the same genres (thriller, suspense, mystery — you know the drill). However, I gave this one a full force try since it had an air of mystery — and I was utterly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

It’s full of suspense, grit, and it will hit you in the gut with emotion. Fully unexpected, and a pleasant surprise. I’d recommend to anyone who loves a creature feature, suspense, a sleepy town, and a little bit of gut wrenching emotion.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this one, it was somewhat short but still told a good tale. It had some folklore elements that really vibed well with the small town aspect. With the out of town Lakin and the "wolves", I had an idea early on what it was going to end like, and who the baddie was. I also sort of had a hunch about the death of the wife, but I still enjoyed it.
I liked this writing style too! The only inconsistent thing in the story was Lakin's vehicle. At the beginning it was a car, then midway or so it was mentioned it was an SUV, then another time it was a truck. I've been kinda nitpicky about cars since the whole corvette/backseat/Tampa thing 😅.

Anyways, worth a read!

[Rodney M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a phenomenal read. i didnt know what to expect and im glad i went into this book blind. i dont have much to say about the book other than its got a 5 star rating from me and it was a great read right from the beginning!

[Jamie LeGuier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Stockton has quickly become one of my new favorite authors. I absolutely loved this slow burn, small town horror book about folklore, grief and mysterious animalistic deaths.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is killing things?

Lakin is trying to deal with his wife's passing. So he travels to a small town to solve their animal deaths. Then people start dying. What is the town hiding? Suspense filled chiller.

[Danielle Yeager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters, setting, local lore, cryptid, prose, ending...I loved everything about it! I've read all this author's books and this is my favorite! (So far.)

[Bri Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Ride!

This book was amazing. Finished it basically in one night because I couldn't stop wondering what was going to happen. And just when I thought I had it figured out - boom, I got side swiped. A chilling, hauntingly sad, emotionally charged Rollercoaster of amazing! Do not miss out on this book!

[Kelvin Allison - Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was admittedly already a fan of Megan's work going into reading this novel, yet had I not been this masterpiece would have sealed the deal.
Up until this, Quiet, Pretty Things by her was my all-time favourite novel and in 49 years I have read a lot of books. Yet as I worked my way through this book I could tell that it was going to surpass that and become my all-time favourite number one.
The story follows Lakin Douglas as he arrives in the small town of Rotten Fork to investigate the possibility of a wolf attack only to discover a town that is shrouded in secrets and ancient history.
Animals are going missing, followed by a child, and then adults are attacked, and try as he might Lakin just cannot extricate himself from the chain of events that begin to spiral out of control around him, all the while trying to come to terms with his own personal grief from a recent event.
Its a powerful novel, filled with subtext, and it is impossible, for me at least, to not help but be drawn into the claustrophobic confines of the web that seems to be closing around Lakin as more and more secrets are unveiled and more people are attacked.
Megan writes a skill that leaves the reader feeling like they are part of the community, as she did previously in Quiet, Pretty Things, and the visuals that she creates are flawless.
Added to this are characters that you feel you know, realistically crafted, who have real conversations. I always liken Megan's character interactions to those of Tarantino, where the characters talk, not just about stuff relevant to the plot but just talk, which gives them life and stops them being one-dimensional.
Also, it was great to once again see the easter egg that Megan sticks in all her novels which ties them all together. He really is the greatest NPC of all time.
All in all, this was a fantastically executed piece of work which at one point had me in tears and then at the end had me in total shock, followed by a night of laying in bed thinking back over the novel again and again and again.
It will definitely be re-read and enjoyed again.
Well played Megan, well played

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And Nobody Knows It But Me" by Megan Stockton is a gripping exploration of grief and mystery. The story kicks off with wildlife biologist Lakin Douglas, seeking refuge in his work after the sudden loss of his wife. Assigned to a project in a small town plagued by a rogue wolf, Lakin expects to find a straightforward solution. However, as the plot unfolds, Stockton skillfully blends the investigation of the mysterious animal with Lakin's own emotional journey.

The slow-burn narrative delves into the complexities of human emotions and secrets hidden in small towns. Stockton's portrayal of Lakin's journey, both in uncovering the truth about the animal and unraveling his own emotions, creates a compelling and emotionally resonant story. Themes of grief and trauma reach beyond genre, into what it means to be human.

The characters, particularly Lakin Douglas, are well-crafted and relatable. Lakin's internal struggles and the unraveling of his wife's death add depth to the story, elevating it beyond a simple mystery. The supporting cast in Rotten Fork brings the town to life, each harboring their own secrets that contribute to the overall sense of intrigue.

This reader is looking forward to more of Stockton's work!

[C.I.I. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

My third read from Megan, and I'm steadily becoming convinced she has more adaptability from sub-genre to sub-genre than just about anybody in the indie horror world. This book reads like Rod Serling walked into the True Detective writer's room. A convincing procedural element that is a slow burn with enough twisting and turning to get the reader enthusiastically engaged. I wouldn't say the end reveal is a big shocker necessarily, but Stockton performed enough sleight of hand in her story web to keep me second guessing my prediction.

More impressive than the story telling in this case is Megan's prose. The previous two outings I've had of her work were quite a bit more aggressive, more clipped and biting, which perfectly suited the stories she was telling. She shifts gears her, allows herself to get a little more indulgent and luxuriant. It's a good match for her considerable descriptive talents.

Speaking of shifting gears - she really goes for a heart wrenching narrative here. And it's done with great effect. A lot less gore than her previous books (though there is still quite a few splashes of blood guts), but pumping on the blood brakes gives Stockton more chance to get the reader in their heart.

Great read.

[Erica Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to start by saying that this is not a sub-genre I typically enjoy. (I won't spoil it for you) But knowing it might be just that, I still took a chance because I loved Stockton's new release Bluejay. This one, like Bluejay, did not disappoint. It was a slow burn with little gore, more of a traditional horror but she really turned the trope on it's head which is the only time I DO enjoy this particular sub-genre. Even though it wasn't a bloodbath, the townspeople really held my interest (especially Shaw) and I found myself not knowing how it would end until the moment it did. The side-story going on with the protagonist's wife was also extremely interesting right up to the last page. This is well-crafted. Stockton knows how to really paint a picture and her descriptions are like poetry sometimes. I'll continue to be a fan of her for the years to come. Very entertaining.

[Leon Scheppink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakin Douglas, a wildlife biologist, trying to cope with the recent death of his wife, returns to work and finds himself in the town of Rotten Fork. There, a rogue wolf is thought to be responsible for a recent string of livestock killings. Not convinced on a wolf being the culprit, Lakin sets off on his investigation and soon finds out this town has more secrets than he had ever expected.


This was my first novel by Megan Stockton, although I did read a short story by her before, and it was an absolute pleasure. The story seems basic enough but it is so well written, with layers upon layers, making it an absolutely fascinating read. The characters are fantastic and there is constant sense of mystery and dread, that keeps you on your edge and makes you coming back for another chapter...and another.


Definitely recommended.

[Eric Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I saw this cover, I knew I needed to read this book. I had no idea what it was about, but having heard Megan read at Scares that Care 2, I was confident there would be a well-crafted story. I was not wrong. This is not your typical horror novel, so make sure you are in the right mindset for a slow-burn, mysterious, folk tale. I think this book delivers on its promise, and I'm excited to check out more of Megan's work.

[dana cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read Quiet Pretty Things by Megan Stockton. It was captivating so much so that I had a severe book hangover for a couple days. Nothing I picked up would keep my attention. I decided maybe a little hair of the dog so to speak. Another title by Miss Stockton might do the trick. Little did I know hair of the "Dog" was exactly what I was getting IYKYK. I have come to know after 2 books that I love the author's style. I am a fan. I look forward to hopefully many, many more book to come.

[Nubia Loya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Writer

I really liked the main character and found the small town residents very interesting and relatable, other than the two antagonists. This is a really wonderful writer but I found that the ending was anticlimactic. I really wanted to know more of the lore and how it would now affect the main character. The end was too quick and it was a bit of a letdown in an otherwise engaging and well-written story.

[Xenia Melnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely interesting. I liked that the main character was unreliable, but also the fact that you could tell who was behind the killings. At first I thought it was Shaw, but then the wife was a bit too "innocent", so I figured out that it was her.
Well-written on feelings of depression and death. but overall, I would have liked to see the creature more. We only got to glimpse the werewolf once. Other than that, it was a good story.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakin's story with the tragic death of his wife was heartbreaking. I loved the suspense and folklore. The flashbacks could be pretty gruesome but just enough. I definitely was waiting for a few characters to come to their untimely death but that didn't happen since life is not fair. This is usually not my genre but it was a refreshing and great read. I highly recommend!

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. I figured out pretty early on what the mystery was and who had done it sort of thing, but it doesn’t change the fact it was still a well written and engaging read. I do wish the backstory on the MC’s wife was compiled together rather than spread threw out the story, but that’s more of a personal opinion. This was my first book by this author but I will be checking out more of Megan’s work!

[Dawn Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is not at all what I was expecting going into this. Small town secrets, love, loss and a monster. What is going on in the town of Rotten Fork? It’s way more than you expect and the ending will leave you reeling. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but the very best kind. 100% recommend! I wish I could read it all over again without knowing the secret.

[Dale Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this creepy mystery. A bit of horror, a bit of intrigue- who is the culprit, and why? Lakin bumbles through the town questioning everything and all he sees as things get very twisty. His mind is already broken but it gets in a right mess after this visit.

It's a well written book with good pacing that keeps you hanging on to see what is going on. Kept my attention.

[K.C. Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there had been a few more surprises and a bit more nuance in places--the action was fairly linear. I found the writing to be pretty strong, though, especially the flashback scenes, and while there wasn't a ton of atmospheric setup, but creeping dread was persistent and the pace was snappy without being rushed. Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable read.

[marti j wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

so gooooood!

This was a great read. It was tense and twisty. Spooky. I’m a big fan of the sense of place and atmosphere. I felt like I had visited this town by the time I finished the book.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Although it was easy to see where the story was heading, I really enjoyed this book. It was written well and flowed nicely. I think what fell flat was that I never connected to any of the characters but the story was solid.