Beyond the Creek by Nico Bell – REVIEW

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Beyond the Creek by Nico Bell
Published by D & T Publishing on February 10, 2022
ISBN: 9798413450376
Genres: Horror, Creature
Pages: 122
Format: eBook
Source: Author
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When Alex Foster accepted the caregiver position with the eccentric Nox family, she was issued a single rule. Don't wander past the creek. Alex isn't interested in exploring the Nox's vast wooded property. After escaping an abusive past, her sole focus is building a safe future for herself and her unborn baby. Except, a series of chilling events threatens her happily-ever-after. Now, she must fight to survive an ancient evil before all hope is lost.There's something beyond the creek, and it's hungry.

Beyond the Creek is dark desperate and engaging. If you want to explore a world that is beyond the ordinary, then this a novella for you! A propulsive plot and the perfect read for spooky season.

A creature feature with a beating heart and venomous fangs, I was entrapped by its consummate storytelling and succinct narrative.

The ending had me high-fiving the person next to me. It was fresh air I was hitting but still, it felt good to have that conclusion.

Beyond the Creek – a perfect title that promised mystery and intrigue. The cover increased the appeal, I was beyond curious to find out just what was beyond the creek. I wanted to escape the Nox’s house and take a trepidatious walk to the creek. I wanted to hear the water making its journey through the forest, whilst running from tree to tree in case someone was following me. I don’t know what I was expecting but like a cat eyeing up its prey, I was played with and eventually swallowed whole.

I’m sure by now you’ve realised that I really enjoyed this story, so you want more details instead of my waffling, okay?

Alex Foster is on the run; she’s trying to escape the clutches of her ex-partner. She’s pregnant and she’s determined to keep her unborn child away from the abusive monster she’s spent so long trying to evade. She interviews for the position of caregiver to the Nox. The client, Peter has had a stroke and he needs help with daily care while he rehabs from the effects of his illness. It’ll provide a strong future for her and her unborn baby, there’s just one rule – don’t go beyond the creek. Sounds simple right?

She quickly discovers that there’s something inherently wrong with her employers. They seem secretive and no matter how friendly she is, Rachel isn’t interested in being nice to her. She becomes close to her employer’s granddaughter, who has a little pet that scared the crap out of me. Upon getting acquainted with some of the locals in town, including the granddaughter’s father it appears that nothing is as it seems with the Nox family. Dottie the grandmother, especially, there is something off about her, something reflected back that isn’t exactly warming.

The writing transported me to the heart of the story. The pacing was perfect and at first glance, you expected a very cut-and-dried story, but it ended up being very complex, no word was wasted. The characterisation was so expertly crafted that the characters created tension, the fear, it all gave me the creeps. This was one story that I was glad I’d opened the doors to.

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