When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy is a gripping horror novel that intertwines psychological complexity with supernatural terror. The story follows Jess, a young woman who finds a terrified five-year-old boy hiding near her apartment. As Jess takes the boy in, they are thrust into a terrifying chase when the boy's father comes for him, leading to a horrifying creature that begins to slaughter the residents of the apartment complex. This monster is tied to the boy, who is not just a lost child but a walking consequence of deeper horrors. The narrative explores themes of fear, grief, and the traumatic impact of family dynamics.
Cassidy’s writing is both evocative and engaging, balancing relatable character struggles with the grotesque elements of horror. Jess, a flawed protagonist, grapples with her past and her relationship with her chaotic mother, Cookie. The book delves into heavy themes and emotional weight while maintaining a sense of dread that permeates the plot. Some readers noted pacing issues and a controversial ending, but overall, the novel is lauded for its deep character work and chilling atmosphere, making it a standout in contemporary horror.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book features graphic violence, trauma, and themes of fear and grief.
From The Publisher:
Nat Cassidy, author of the acclaimed horror Mary, returns with When the Wolf Comes Home, an unabashed, adrenaline-fueled pop horror thriller where the darkest fears can become reality.
"Get your claws into this one, horror fiends. It's terrific. . . . Sink your teeth into a classic."-Stephen King
"A crazy-good, balls-to-the-wall horror novel . . . it's full throttle from the first pages." -Joe Hill
"This is the kind of great, big, epic horror novel we got back in the '80s that came out swinging for the fences and left everything on the field. Welcome back, you shaggy, bloody monster of a book!" -Grady Hendrix
The 25 Best and Most Anticipated Horror Books of 2025-Men's Health
Most Anticipated Horror of 2025-Paste Magazine, LitHub
One night, Jess, a struggling actress, finds a five-year-old runaway hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. After a violent, bloody encounter with the boy's father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives.
As they attempt to evade the boy's increasingly desperate father, Jess slowly comes to a horrifying understanding of the butchery that follows them-the boy can turn his every fear into reality.
And when the wolf finally comes home, no one will be spared.
Other Books by Nat Cassidy
Mary, an Awakening of Terror
Nestlings
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