Release Date: September 15th 2023
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Pages: 320
Find it on: Goodreads. Waterstones.
Source: I bought a copy of this in my local Waterstones
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

Superstitions only survive if people believe in them…

Renowned academic Dr Sparling seeks help with his project on a remote Irish village. Historical researchers Ben and Chloe are thrilled to be chosen—until they arrive…

The village is isolated and forgotten. There is no record of its history, its stories. There is no friendliness from the locals, only wary looks and whispers. The villagers lock down their homes at sundown. A nameless fear stalks the streets…

Nobody will talk—nobody except one little girl. Her story strikes dread into the hearts of the newcomers. Three times you see him. Each night he comes closer…

That night, Ben and Chloe see a sinister figure watching them. He is the Creeper. He is the nameless fear in the night. Stories keep him alive. And nothing will keep him away…

Review

I really enjoyed reading A. M. Shine’s The Watchers so I was incredibly intrigued to see what the author would write next. The Creeper follows two researchers – Ben and Chloe – who are invited to take part in a research trip by Dr Sparling. He sends them to a remote village in Ireland – a village that has no contact with the rest of the world. He asks them to gather their stories, find out their history and ask them what they know about the creeper. When the arrive the locals say very little and refuse to talk about the creeper. Then a little girl tells them the story – three times you see him and each night he comes closer. When Ben and Chloe are visited by a sinister figure watching them, they begin to realize the creeper might be more than just a legend. Will they be able to uncover the truth and save themselves from this monster?

A. M. Shine has a really terrific way of hooking you with a really intriguing premise and keeping you hooked right till the very last page. I loved the tense, sinister atmosphere in this book and I enjoyed the way it continued to build and build as we reached the final chapters. The Watchers had quite a few scenes that genuinely had me reaching to turn on all the lights and The Creeper was exactly the same. Shine really has a knack for creating spine-tingling stories and I will definitely be reading whatever they write next.

The story is quite a quick read and the twists were definitely not what I was expecting. I really enjoyed Shine’s writing style and the characters in this story are really fascinating. Ben is trying to save his career and be a better Dad. I liked the way the friendship between Ben and Chloe developed as they attempt to escape from the creeper. Dr Sparling is also a really interesting character and not what I expected at all. The Creeper is a dark, thrilling horror tale one that is bound to have you turning pages long into the night. This book is absolutely perfect for spooky season so if you’re looking for something to send a shiver down your spine, this one should absolutely be on your reading list.