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When the Wolf Comes Home
Not yet published
Expected 22 Apr 25One 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, horrifying incidents of butchery follow them. At first, Jess thinks she understands what they're up against, but she's about to learn there's more to these surreal and grisly events than she could've ever imagined.
And that when the wolf finally comes home, none will be spared.
As they attempt to evade the boy's increasingly desperate father, horrifying incidents of butchery follow them. At first, Jess thinks she understands what they're up against, but she's about to learn there's more to these surreal and grisly events than she could've ever imagined.
And that when the wolf finally comes home, none will be spared.
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 22, 2025
27.4k people want to read
About the author
Nat Cassidy
16 books2,821 followersNat Cassidy writes horror for the page, stage, and screen. His acclaimed novels, including
Mary: An Awakening of Terror
and
Nestlings
, have been featured in best-of lists from Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, NPR, the Chicago Review of Books, the NY Public Library, Paste Magazine, and more, and he was named one of the "writers shaping horror’s next golden age" by Esquire. His award-winning horror plays have been produced throughout New York City and across the United States. He won the NY Innovative Theatre Award for his one-man show about H. P. Lovecraft, another for his play about Caligula, and was commissioned by the Kennedy Center to write the libretto for a short opera (about the end of the world, of course). You've also likely seen Nat on your TV, playing various Bad Guys of the Week on shows such as Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, Bull, Quantico, FBI, and many others ... but that's a topic for a different bio. He lives in New York City with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
April 2, 2025
NOT ME CRYING?? 😩 Okay this is now my favorite horror novel I've read so far this year. (I listened to an advanced audiobook version and it was fantastic, super well done.) It starts off with a bang and doesn't let up the entire time. The plot is fast-paced, emotional, scary as hell, and oftentimes laugh out loud funny. Idk how he does it. I'll never skip a Nat Cassidy book for as long as I live and neither should you.
June 24, 2024
Yer damn right I'm rating it 5 stars. I'm soooo excited for you all to read this one. If MARY was my homage to unreliable narrators / J-horror / gialli / serial killers, and NESTLINGS was my homage to 70s paranoia / vampires / potboiler thrillers, then THIS book is my homage to 80s action horror paperbacks, the kind you might pick up in an airport or a grocery store. It's a chase novel, but full of convention subversions and surprises to keep you on your toes. It's also about fathers, and about how the nature of fear changes as we age. It's a little bit Twilight Zone, a little bit Dean Koontz, a little bit FIRESTARTER, a little bit IT, a little bit Ursula K. Le Guin, a little bit TERMINATOR 2, and a lotta bit gonna melt your face off. But, y'know ... in a good way. 🐺🏠
March 25, 2025
Sooooo in love with this book. Thank you Tor Nightfire for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
An absolutely thrilling, chilling, emotionally charged, chase style horror book with equal parts character development and plot intrigue. Absolutely brilliant.
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYYRuDBU/
An absolutely thrilling, chilling, emotionally charged, chase style horror book with equal parts character development and plot intrigue. Absolutely brilliant.
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYYRuDBU/
March 30, 2025
this book was incredible. there’s not enough words to describe how and why i loved it so much, it left such an impression and impact on me. if you like any of these things: roadtrip stories, witty characters, grief horror, dangerous powers and emotional gut punches.. i think you’d love this just as much as i do. highly recommend.
“Our parents define so many things”, she thinks.
“Love, hate, fear. Provider, abuser, abandoner, monster, mirror. They mutate, they change.”
Jess finds a five year old runaway behind her apartment with his violent father hot on his trail. she ends up taking him under her wing and they go on the run together as she tries to protect him. turns out the boy is no ordinary kid though, he has extremely dangerous and unpredictable powers. the things he was able to conjure in his mind were insane, anything he fears or even thinks becomes a reality. yes, this is a werewolf book since his father is one but not in the way you’d think. the story went in so many different unpredictable directions and there was never a dull moment. i loved Jess’ character and her eccentric mother Cookie, the bond they share was so chaotic but beautiful. Jess isn’t without flaws, but she tries her best and sometimes that’s enough. the metaphors and parental childhood trauma hit hard for real, the ending had me staring at the wall afterwards. the audiobook was also amazing!!
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Macmillan Audio for the arc, all opinions are my own.
“Our parents define so many things”, she thinks.
“Love, hate, fear. Provider, abuser, abandoner, monster, mirror. They mutate, they change.”
Jess finds a five year old runaway behind her apartment with his violent father hot on his trail. she ends up taking him under her wing and they go on the run together as she tries to protect him. turns out the boy is no ordinary kid though, he has extremely dangerous and unpredictable powers. the things he was able to conjure in his mind were insane, anything he fears or even thinks becomes a reality. yes, this is a werewolf book since his father is one but not in the way you’d think. the story went in so many different unpredictable directions and there was never a dull moment. i loved Jess’ character and her eccentric mother Cookie, the bond they share was so chaotic but beautiful. Jess isn’t without flaws, but she tries her best and sometimes that’s enough. the metaphors and parental childhood trauma hit hard for real, the ending had me staring at the wall afterwards. the audiobook was also amazing!!
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Macmillan Audio for the arc, all opinions are my own.
March 18, 2025
Nat Cassidy: A Wordborne Werewolf
Well, hot diggity dang! Nat Cassidy isn’t just a horror writer—he’s a Wordborne Werewolf, a storyteller whose words shapeshift into nightmares, unpredictable and relentless. His stories don’t just send chills up your spine—they burrow under your skin and refuse to leave. He unleashes something dark and consuming—a skill he demonstrates in his latest When The Wolf Comes Home.
When The Wolf Comes Home chilling and profound blend of supernatural horror with psychological terror layered with gore, brutal unexpected horror, jaw-dropping twists, and gut-wrenching emotional depth that elevates every unsettling visual moment.
Not A Werewolf Story
If you think this is just another werewolf tale—think again. There are no predictable full moons or silver bullets here—something far more unsettling and insidious. Instead, Cassidy hits differently and sends you on a chilling descent to what nightmares are made from. This is where fear seeps from the page, burrowing into your thoughts. It’s the perfect mix of terrifying and thought-provoking, making you question what’s lurking in the dark corners of your mind.
A Mysterious Child & A Mind-Bending Descent
The real magic (or nightmare) of Cassidy’s writing is how he builds tension through the eyes of a mysterious young boy as he explores fear through his thoughts. It’s about how our thoughts and experiences manifest fear. His horror lingers, forcing you to wonder: Is fear something we feel or something we create?
This isn’t slow-burn horror filled with creeping dread—it’s a full-throttle ride of action, gore, gut-wrenching insight, and unexpected twists at every turn.
Audiobook vs. eBook
I listened to this one, and let me tell you—the audiobook is the way to go. I didn’t have an eBook to compare, but I can only imagine that the terror on the page is just as intense. From the moment I hit play, I didn’t want to do anything else.
The narrator was pitch-perfect, shifting seamlessly between unease and outright terror, nailing every beat of excitement, dread, and intensity at just the right moments.
I’ll admit—sometimes when I listen to audiobooks, I switch to reading because the pacing can drag. But not this time. This one flew, and I didn’t want to miss a single second.
Final Verdict: Go with the Audiobook!
If you’re debating how to experience this story, trust me—go with the audiobook. It’s immersive, chilling, and gripping from start to finish. This one whispers in your ear long after it ends.
Are you ready for the wolf to come home?
A Witches Words buddy read with Mary Beth and Debra.
For my review for Nestlings https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
Well, hot diggity dang! Nat Cassidy isn’t just a horror writer—he’s a Wordborne Werewolf, a storyteller whose words shapeshift into nightmares, unpredictable and relentless. His stories don’t just send chills up your spine—they burrow under your skin and refuse to leave. He unleashes something dark and consuming—a skill he demonstrates in his latest When The Wolf Comes Home.
When The Wolf Comes Home chilling and profound blend of supernatural horror with psychological terror layered with gore, brutal unexpected horror, jaw-dropping twists, and gut-wrenching emotional depth that elevates every unsettling visual moment.
Not A Werewolf Story
If you think this is just another werewolf tale—think again. There are no predictable full moons or silver bullets here—something far more unsettling and insidious. Instead, Cassidy hits differently and sends you on a chilling descent to what nightmares are made from. This is where fear seeps from the page, burrowing into your thoughts. It’s the perfect mix of terrifying and thought-provoking, making you question what’s lurking in the dark corners of your mind.
A Mysterious Child & A Mind-Bending Descent
The real magic (or nightmare) of Cassidy’s writing is how he builds tension through the eyes of a mysterious young boy as he explores fear through his thoughts. It’s about how our thoughts and experiences manifest fear. His horror lingers, forcing you to wonder: Is fear something we feel or something we create?
This isn’t slow-burn horror filled with creeping dread—it’s a full-throttle ride of action, gore, gut-wrenching insight, and unexpected twists at every turn.
Audiobook vs. eBook
I listened to this one, and let me tell you—the audiobook is the way to go. I didn’t have an eBook to compare, but I can only imagine that the terror on the page is just as intense. From the moment I hit play, I didn’t want to do anything else.
The narrator was pitch-perfect, shifting seamlessly between unease and outright terror, nailing every beat of excitement, dread, and intensity at just the right moments.
I’ll admit—sometimes when I listen to audiobooks, I switch to reading because the pacing can drag. But not this time. This one flew, and I didn’t want to miss a single second.
Final Verdict: Go with the Audiobook!
If you’re debating how to experience this story, trust me—go with the audiobook. It’s immersive, chilling, and gripping from start to finish. This one whispers in your ear long after it ends.
Are you ready for the wolf to come home?
A Witches Words buddy read with Mary Beth and Debra.
For my review for Nestlings https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
April 5, 2025
When the Wolf Comes Home is a book about fear and all the ways it affects us.
Jessa's night working at the diner starts off poorly, and then it gets much, much worse. She comes home in a seriously worried state, only to find a runaway boy hiding in some bushes near her apartment. What is he hiding from? You'll have to read this to find out!
I am in love with Nat Cassidy's writing and I loved Jessa, the main character, as much as someone can love a figment of another's imagination. I loved her bravery, her smarts and her drive to protect this strange young boy. Jessa sacrifices a lot without a second thought just to protect him-sometimes I wondered if she was making the right choices-and sometimes she wondered the same. I liked that Jess used improv comedy to help her prevail over her fears, and it also gave her the ability to think on her feet. There are all kinds of scary things in this world, both real and imagined, and if we do not face them, how will things ever change?
Overall, this is a werewolf book like no other. I know people say that all the time, but in this case, it's really true. At times, I questioned whether this was even a werewolf story at all. I think it's up for debate. Feel free to seek me out when you're done and we'll discuss it! For now, I'm awarding all the stars. I loved you, Jessa Rae, and I love Nat Cassidy too.
Highly recommended!
*ARC from publisher
Jessa's night working at the diner starts off poorly, and then it gets much, much worse. She comes home in a seriously worried state, only to find a runaway boy hiding in some bushes near her apartment. What is he hiding from? You'll have to read this to find out!
I am in love with Nat Cassidy's writing and I loved Jessa, the main character, as much as someone can love a figment of another's imagination. I loved her bravery, her smarts and her drive to protect this strange young boy. Jessa sacrifices a lot without a second thought just to protect him-sometimes I wondered if she was making the right choices-and sometimes she wondered the same. I liked that Jess used improv comedy to help her prevail over her fears, and it also gave her the ability to think on her feet. There are all kinds of scary things in this world, both real and imagined, and if we do not face them, how will things ever change?
Overall, this is a werewolf book like no other. I know people say that all the time, but in this case, it's really true. At times, I questioned whether this was even a werewolf story at all. I think it's up for debate. Feel free to seek me out when you're done and we'll discuss it! For now, I'm awarding all the stars. I loved you, Jessa Rae, and I love Nat Cassidy too.
Highly recommended!
*ARC from publisher
June 15, 2024
*wolf whistles*
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
February 18, 2025
This was a fascinating take on fear and the control it can have on our lives.
This thing takes off at a blistering pace and hardly lets up the whole way through. The scenes described were vivid, the characters were easy to connect with, and the dialogue had me laughing to myself.
This was a fun and easy read for me, both of which I really needed at this time, because I was really slumpin’ pretty hard.
Part 4 and the Afterword were perhaps my favourite parts of this book and what truly brought me out of my slump. The author brings everything together so beautifully. Sharing personal experience of how fear can come about and how it IS possible to overcome it.
This was my first by this author and won’t be my last.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
This thing takes off at a blistering pace and hardly lets up the whole way through. The scenes described were vivid, the characters were easy to connect with, and the dialogue had me laughing to myself.
This was a fun and easy read for me, both of which I really needed at this time, because I was really slumpin’ pretty hard.
Part 4 and the Afterword were perhaps my favourite parts of this book and what truly brought me out of my slump. The author brings everything together so beautifully. Sharing personal experience of how fear can come about and how it IS possible to overcome it.
This was my first by this author and won’t be my last.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2025
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A young waitress is working in a diner. While cleaning out the bathroom, she punctures her finger with a used syringe. That's scary enough. Then she encounters a kid running from his father. They go on the run together.
It's really about daddy issues. Pretty much every character in the book has them. The kid is basically Bill Mumy in the Twilight Zone, transplanted to modern day LA. There's also a rules of improv theme, someone writing what they know.
Something of a mash up. Entertaining, but derivative.
A young waitress is working in a diner. While cleaning out the bathroom, she punctures her finger with a used syringe. That's scary enough. Then she encounters a kid running from his father. They go on the run together.
It's really about daddy issues. Pretty much every character in the book has them. The kid is basically Bill Mumy in the Twilight Zone, transplanted to modern day LA. There's also a rules of improv theme, someone writing what they know.
Something of a mash up. Entertaining, but derivative.
January 21, 2025
I’ll be back tomorrow after I’ve slept on this one *sobs*
I have returned. This book is a shapeshifter. It feels like one thing, then it becomes another and still another. To write a story with so many layers is a real testament to author skill. The concept is so good and what's more, perfectly executed. The laughs, epic. The wtf's, abundant. Nat, you ate and left no crumbs. 10s across the board, no notes. Your heart was palpable throughout and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next. Thank you immensely to Tor Nightfire & Netgalley for this ARC. I implore you to read this book when it publishes April 22, 2025!
I have returned. This book is a shapeshifter. It feels like one thing, then it becomes another and still another. To write a story with so many layers is a real testament to author skill. The concept is so good and what's more, perfectly executed. The laughs, epic. The wtf's, abundant. Nat, you ate and left no crumbs. 10s across the board, no notes. Your heart was palpable throughout and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next. Thank you immensely to Tor Nightfire & Netgalley for this ARC. I implore you to read this book when it publishes April 22, 2025!
February 13, 2025
Nat Cassidy is one of my favorite newer horror writers today and this is another great example of why. A great, fast-paced monster romp that blends supernatural with thriller to explore family trauma, fear and anxiety, and more. Highly recommend.
February 11, 2025
Wow, okay, Nat Cassidy, I see you. I see what you’re capable of. I’d heard great things about this one from other early readers and about how action-packed it is and how emotional it gets. They were right! It is that and soooo much more.
The basic premise is a woman named Jess, after a nightmare graveyard shift at the diner, returns home to find a young boy hiding in the bushes. The boy seems to be running from something. Is he running from his own father? Why? Because his father seems to be…. something else. And bloodshed and carnage follow them as they go on the run.
This book is action-packed, it is full of pulse-pounding horror moments, it is full of heart. Cassidy is great at writing fleshed out, flawed, characters. He’s also really good at writing horror that you just HAVE to turn the page.
I was expecting the kind of horror that monsters bring. Some gore and terror. I was NOT expecting the level of existential terror and absolute mindfuckery that he weaves in here.
With all that said, what this book is really about amongst all the craziness, is the difficulties of parenting, complicated relationships between child and a parent who doesn’t know how to be a parent.
How do you protect?
This has become an all-timer for me. If you’re a fan of pulse-pounding horror thriller with a ton of heart and that is going to hit you right in the feels, BUY THIS BOOK. Pre-order it. Request it from your library. All of it.
This will be one of THE horror books of the year.
Nat Cassidy, you wrote a masterpiece, sir.
THANK YOU to Tor Nightfire, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an advanced eBook in exchange for an honest review.
The basic premise is a woman named Jess, after a nightmare graveyard shift at the diner, returns home to find a young boy hiding in the bushes. The boy seems to be running from something. Is he running from his own father? Why? Because his father seems to be…. something else. And bloodshed and carnage follow them as they go on the run.
This book is action-packed, it is full of pulse-pounding horror moments, it is full of heart. Cassidy is great at writing fleshed out, flawed, characters. He’s also really good at writing horror that you just HAVE to turn the page.
I was expecting the kind of horror that monsters bring. Some gore and terror. I was NOT expecting the level of existential terror and absolute mindfuckery that he weaves in here.
With all that said, what this book is really about amongst all the craziness, is the difficulties of parenting, complicated relationships between child and a parent who doesn’t know how to be a parent.
How do you protect?
This has become an all-timer for me. If you’re a fan of pulse-pounding horror thriller with a ton of heart and that is going to hit you right in the feels, BUY THIS BOOK. Pre-order it. Request it from your library. All of it.
This will be one of THE horror books of the year.
Nat Cassidy, you wrote a masterpiece, sir.
THANK YOU to Tor Nightfire, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an advanced eBook in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2025
It's a little scary how much insight Nat Cassidy seems to have into my life, even if he accidentally stumbles into it.
Recurrent themes of what it means to do no harm (especially when raising children), what makes a monster, flawed parents, responsibility, and the balance between fear & power.
There wasn't a moment when I wasn't engaged; I was fully immersed the whole time. Cassidy has a very accessible writing style that just works so well with my brain, and as always the narrator they got for this one does a fantastic job bringing the text to life.
Hard yes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recurrent themes of what it means to do no harm (especially when raising children), what makes a monster, flawed parents, responsibility, and the balance between fear & power.
There wasn't a moment when I wasn't engaged; I was fully immersed the whole time. Cassidy has a very accessible writing style that just works so well with my brain, and as always the narrator they got for this one does a fantastic job bringing the text to life.
Hard yes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2024
When the Wolf Comes Home is Twilight Zone-esque with action chase horror scenes and sci-fi/fantasy elements, all while telling this deeply contemplative, raw, emotional, heartbreaking, and numbing story revolving around fathers and the shapeshifters they can be in their children’s lives.
Woof (no pun intended), where do I begin reviewing this book? From the first page, Cassidy straps you into the roller coaster and presses go with no warning. This horrifying, stress inducing ride doesn’t let up, and on top of being completely panicked and frightened the entire time, you’re also experiencing a powerful, soul-stirring, profoundly emotional story. I really don’t know how Nat is able to combine these elements into such an eloquently gorgeous book, but he continues to do it impeccably with each novel he writes and continues to get better and better. This has become my favorite Cassidy novel and a contender for my favorite book of all time.
The ending of When the Wolf Comes Home truly gave me full body chills, visible goosebumps, and tears in my eyes. I’ve never had such a physical reaction from a book before, and it seemed to take all of what was left of me for the day and I fell asleep on the couch almost right after reading it. I can absolutely say this book is now imbedded in my psyche and my soul for a lifetime. When you read this, and I say when, not if because it’s imperative that you do, make sure to read the afterword to get the full scope of how this story was inspired.
Thank you endlessly to @tornightfire for the advanced copy, and to @catnassidy for sharing his words with us and continuing to deliver such mind-blowing books year after year.
Woof (no pun intended), where do I begin reviewing this book? From the first page, Cassidy straps you into the roller coaster and presses go with no warning. This horrifying, stress inducing ride doesn’t let up, and on top of being completely panicked and frightened the entire time, you’re also experiencing a powerful, soul-stirring, profoundly emotional story. I really don’t know how Nat is able to combine these elements into such an eloquently gorgeous book, but he continues to do it impeccably with each novel he writes and continues to get better and better. This has become my favorite Cassidy novel and a contender for my favorite book of all time.
The ending of When the Wolf Comes Home truly gave me full body chills, visible goosebumps, and tears in my eyes. I’ve never had such a physical reaction from a book before, and it seemed to take all of what was left of me for the day and I fell asleep on the couch almost right after reading it. I can absolutely say this book is now imbedded in my psyche and my soul for a lifetime. When you read this, and I say when, not if because it’s imperative that you do, make sure to read the afterword to get the full scope of how this story was inspired.
Thank you endlessly to @tornightfire for the advanced copy, and to @catnassidy for sharing his words with us and continuing to deliver such mind-blowing books year after year.
March 1, 2025
a twisty, thrilling, mind-boggling, pulse-quickening, neck-breaking, morbid, yet delicious tale full of heart, laughs, and terrors. the wolf has come home but not without leaving a trail of blood in its wake. this one is going to hit hard for people who have a strained relationship with their father. as always, thank you for your wicked mind, cassidy
deep gratitude to macmillan & tor for the gifted copy—grab yours when it’s out on april 22 🐺🩸
deep gratitude to macmillan & tor for the gifted copy—grab yours when it’s out on april 22 🐺🩸
January 22, 2025
3.5 stars
So far my favorite Nat Cassidy book is "Nestlings," but this one was an adventure. I assumed going in that it was going to be a werewolf story, but that's not exactly what I got. I don't want to spoil anything, but the monster in this was creative. It ended up needing a bit more explaining than I usually like. There was a bit of sci-fi and maybe even a pinch of fantasy mixed in. (About a fourth of the way through, some very silly stuff happened. I still can't decide if I liked it or not.) The tone of this swings wildly from dark and violent to oddly heartwarming to comical and all the way back to bleak and tragic. It's a rollercoaster.
At the heart of the book is the developing friendship between Jess and the strange little boy that she finds in her backyard. I liked Jess a lot, but she could also be very dumb. Like, not careful at all when she knows she’s in danger and being pursued, didn't consider that she was putting other people in danger, etc. But despite these frustrations, she was a good, likable person just trying her best and I appreciated that she got just as annoyed with the kid as I did. Cassidy is good at creating side characters, as well. There were a couple of complex and interesting people involved in this plot that I enjoyed getting to know more about, and one in particular that I got pretty attached to.
This was an early review copy, but it definitely read like a draft that still needed editing. There were accidental shifts between third person POV and first person POV that didn’t make any sense. The full chapter POV shifts were the ones that did work, when other characters would take over the perspective. (Example: I liked seeing what a Target looks like to a 5-year-old who never gets to leave the house.) Slight nitpick on my part, but you will see the phrase “wolf-bear-thing” about a million times within a couple of chapters. FFS, just call it a wolf or a monster.
I loved the weird drawing at the beginning of each chapter. And I was grateful for the fact that there’s more threatening Jess’s well-being than just the monster situation, and the other stuff is also a nightmare. This is a wild road trip infused with creature violence and pop culture references. I’m on the fence about the ending. There were things about it that I appreciated, but other aspects that left me wanting something more. I liked Cassidy's afterword, though. There were also some nice themes in this book, such as conquering fear and anxiety.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
Biggest TW: Domestic abuse
So far my favorite Nat Cassidy book is "Nestlings," but this one was an adventure. I assumed going in that it was going to be a werewolf story, but that's not exactly what I got. I don't want to spoil anything, but the monster in this was creative. It ended up needing a bit more explaining than I usually like. There was a bit of sci-fi and maybe even a pinch of fantasy mixed in. (About a fourth of the way through, some very silly stuff happened. I still can't decide if I liked it or not.) The tone of this swings wildly from dark and violent to oddly heartwarming to comical and all the way back to bleak and tragic. It's a rollercoaster.
At the heart of the book is the developing friendship between Jess and the strange little boy that she finds in her backyard. I liked Jess a lot, but she could also be very dumb. Like, not careful at all when she knows she’s in danger and being pursued, didn't consider that she was putting other people in danger, etc. But despite these frustrations, she was a good, likable person just trying her best and I appreciated that she got just as annoyed with the kid as I did. Cassidy is good at creating side characters, as well. There were a couple of complex and interesting people involved in this plot that I enjoyed getting to know more about, and one in particular that I got pretty attached to.
This was an early review copy, but it definitely read like a draft that still needed editing. There were accidental shifts between third person POV and first person POV that didn’t make any sense. The full chapter POV shifts were the ones that did work, when other characters would take over the perspective. (Example: I liked seeing what a Target looks like to a 5-year-old who never gets to leave the house.) Slight nitpick on my part, but you will see the phrase “wolf-bear-thing” about a million times within a couple of chapters. FFS, just call it a wolf or a monster.
I loved the weird drawing at the beginning of each chapter. And I was grateful for the fact that there’s more threatening Jess’s well-being than just the monster situation, and the other stuff is also a nightmare. This is a wild road trip infused with creature violence and pop culture references. I’m on the fence about the ending. There were things about it that I appreciated, but other aspects that left me wanting something more. I liked Cassidy's afterword, though. There were also some nice themes in this book, such as conquering fear and anxiety.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
Biggest TW: Domestic abuse
January 26, 2025
This is my new favorite Nat Cassidy and absolutely solidifies him as my favorite contemporary horror author! I am utterly blown away by Nat’s ability to deliver an entertaining, bloody and terrifying horror story, while also exploring such deep real life meaning. Nat grips us right from the beginning and strap in, because this wild ride does not let up! It is a horror chase story where things that cannot possibly be real, are happening all around our main character Jess. It’s a wake of death, dismemberment and destruction as she tries to outrun it, with her unlikely companion. And yet, it’s also a story of deep emotions. Of the affect our parents can have on us. Of our fears in life. Of the changing perspective between childhood and adulthood. It forces some serious thought and introspection (like holy shit, how am I fucking up my son….), while being a gruesome and entertaining horror story! I loved Jess. She was an excellent character to ride along with and delivered so many funny but poignant lines. I implore you to please read the Afterward! It literally had me in emotional tears. We are so fortunate to have Nat Cassidy share the stories that he does. Absolutely incredible!
Thank you to Libby at Tor Nightfire for hooking a girl up with this ARC and actually answering my email! Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! Book releases April 22, 2025.
Thank you to Libby at Tor Nightfire for hooking a girl up with this ARC and actually answering my email! Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! Book releases April 22, 2025.
February 25, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
Phewwww this book was a wild ride, in a good way. Or at least in a way that spoke to me and what I like. I actually wasn’t really interested in this one until I saw the audiobook pop up on NetGalley. My thought being well if I hate it then at least I didn’t have to read it with my own eyes. Anyway, smash cut to me feeling like a fool because I loved this book, and shout out to Helen Laser, your narration was stunning, girl!
I really loved the way this story felt like an 80’s action flick, with a big splash of horror of course. I don’t know how other people feel about pop culture references but I personally love them, especially when they’re fun little winks, which this book was chock full of. The only thing that stops this from being a 5 star read is- Actually that’s a major spoiler so I’ll just say Nat knows what he did. But I liked this so much I can’t wait to buy the physical copy when it comes out. I heard there’s pictures at the start of each chapter? If true, hell yeahhh I think that really adds to the (dark) fairytale quality of this book.
Whatever, I guess you could say I’m a fan of Nat Cassidy and probably he’s an auto buy author for me now.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Phewwww this book was a wild ride, in a good way. Or at least in a way that spoke to me and what I like. I actually wasn’t really interested in this one until I saw the audiobook pop up on NetGalley. My thought being well if I hate it then at least I didn’t have to read it with my own eyes. Anyway, smash cut to me feeling like a fool because I loved this book, and shout out to Helen Laser, your narration was stunning, girl!
I really loved the way this story felt like an 80’s action flick, with a big splash of horror of course. I don’t know how other people feel about pop culture references but I personally love them, especially when they’re fun little winks, which this book was chock full of. The only thing that stops this from being a 5 star read is- Actually that’s a major spoiler so I’ll just say Nat knows what he did. But I liked this so much I can’t wait to buy the physical copy when it comes out. I heard there’s pictures at the start of each chapter? If true, hell yeahhh I think that really adds to the (dark) fairytale quality of this book.
Whatever, I guess you could say I’m a fan of Nat Cassidy and probably he’s an auto buy author for me now.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2025
For anyone with daddy issues. 🐺
Jess is having one hell of a day and that’s before helping a five-year-old boy running and terrified of his dad. After a violent, bloody encounter (gross, gory, graphic) with the boy's father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives.
I would recommend going into this knowing nothing else.
This is about parental relationships, questioning self-worth and has parallels with The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin.
It is extremely visual, vivid, vicious.
We get multi perspectives with Jess as the focus.
I have never read a book by Cassidy before and found the writing style gripping yet simplistic. He captures character and voice and tone well.
I didn’t feel like this was as profound as I was expecting. The ending also left me wanting - it felt lacklustre.
Sometimes, the monsters in our heads are worse than any horror movies.
Arc gifted by Titan Books.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Jess is having one hell of a day and that’s before helping a five-year-old boy running and terrified of his dad. After a violent, bloody encounter (gross, gory, graphic) with the boy's father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives.
I would recommend going into this knowing nothing else.
This is about parental relationships, questioning self-worth and has parallels with The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula Le Guin.
It is extremely visual, vivid, vicious.
We get multi perspectives with Jess as the focus.
I have never read a book by Cassidy before and found the writing style gripping yet simplistic. He captures character and voice and tone well.
I didn’t feel like this was as profound as I was expecting. The ending also left me wanting - it felt lacklustre.
Sometimes, the monsters in our heads are worse than any horror movies.
Arc gifted by Titan Books.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
December 31, 2024
STAR Review in the January 2025 issue of Library Journal. Issue will also feature an interview with Cassidy.
Three Words That Describe This Book: the power of fear, immersive terror, pulp homage
Draft Review:
After a particularly bad day at work at a 24-hour LA diner, aspiring actress Jess finds a young boy whimpering outside her apartment complex and brings him inside. But this is no ordinary boy, and the father who is looking for him is a monster who will stop at nothing to get him back. So opens Cassidy’s latest Horror novel (his best to date), as he consciously frames his story about “daddy issues” as an homage to classic pulp Horror and chase novels with clear Twilight Zone influences, but this description only scratches the surface. Full of action, adventure, blood, and twists, the tale is anchored by the evolving relationship between Jess and the kiddo, who are the beating heart at its terrifying center. Reader beware, as the text warns, “No one will be spared,” but not in the way anyone will anticipate. The horrors encountered here will burrow much deeper, forcing a confrontation with the power fear holds over all.
Verdict: Another winner from the “Stephen King of TikTok,” Cassidy’s original and thought-provoking take on the werewolf trope will appeal to fans of fast-paced horror featuring strong characterization like classic Dean Koontz (Watchers), books explored in Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks From Hell, or anything by Brian Keene.
Another winner from Cassidy. This will appeal to a wide range of readers. Like Grady Hendrix, each of his books is completely different interns of the tropes he employs but they are all united by his great characters and terrifying storytelling. A must buy for all libraries. Personally, I liked this story the best of all of his novels as well.
The back of my ARC says "NO ONE WILL BE SPARED." and you all--- you think you know what that means and you do, but you don't.
This novel is a contemplation of fear and the power it holds over us. It is also a pulp horror homage-- a sci-fi/ Twighlight Zone chase novel. It also has a little bit of Joe Ledger vibes. It is also about "daddy issues," BUT in a good way.
It is terrifying-- both in the action/chase sequences and the existential terror. The literal fear and the metaphorical. The book is way deeper than it reads on its surface, but Cassidy's writing allows you to "get" the deeper stuff easily. Also THE TWISTS!
It is fast pace with many twists but the entire novel is anchored by Jess and the kid. Their relationship is *chef's kiss* I want to hug them both so hard.
For fans of Dean Koontz' Watchers or pulp horror from the likes of Richard Layman. I would especially suggest readers check out the line of Paperbacks from Hell over at Valancourt Books:
Three Words That Describe This Book: the power of fear, immersive terror, pulp homage
Draft Review:
After a particularly bad day at work at a 24-hour LA diner, aspiring actress Jess finds a young boy whimpering outside her apartment complex and brings him inside. But this is no ordinary boy, and the father who is looking for him is a monster who will stop at nothing to get him back. So opens Cassidy’s latest Horror novel (his best to date), as he consciously frames his story about “daddy issues” as an homage to classic pulp Horror and chase novels with clear Twilight Zone influences, but this description only scratches the surface. Full of action, adventure, blood, and twists, the tale is anchored by the evolving relationship between Jess and the kiddo, who are the beating heart at its terrifying center. Reader beware, as the text warns, “No one will be spared,” but not in the way anyone will anticipate. The horrors encountered here will burrow much deeper, forcing a confrontation with the power fear holds over all.
Verdict: Another winner from the “Stephen King of TikTok,” Cassidy’s original and thought-provoking take on the werewolf trope will appeal to fans of fast-paced horror featuring strong characterization like classic Dean Koontz (Watchers), books explored in Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks From Hell, or anything by Brian Keene.
Another winner from Cassidy. This will appeal to a wide range of readers. Like Grady Hendrix, each of his books is completely different interns of the tropes he employs but they are all united by his great characters and terrifying storytelling. A must buy for all libraries. Personally, I liked this story the best of all of his novels as well.
The back of my ARC says "NO ONE WILL BE SPARED." and you all--- you think you know what that means and you do, but you don't.
This novel is a contemplation of fear and the power it holds over us. It is also a pulp horror homage-- a sci-fi/ Twighlight Zone chase novel. It also has a little bit of Joe Ledger vibes. It is also about "daddy issues," BUT in a good way.
It is terrifying-- both in the action/chase sequences and the existential terror. The literal fear and the metaphorical. The book is way deeper than it reads on its surface, but Cassidy's writing allows you to "get" the deeper stuff easily. Also THE TWISTS!
It is fast pace with many twists but the entire novel is anchored by Jess and the kid. Their relationship is *chef's kiss* I want to hug them both so hard.
For fans of Dean Koontz' Watchers or pulp horror from the likes of Richard Layman. I would especially suggest readers check out the line of Paperbacks from Hell over at Valancourt Books:
December 13, 2024
My eternal thanks to Tor Nightfire for sending an ARC my way!
Where to even begin with this book. When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy is one of my most anticipated books for 2025, and after reading, I can confidently say it may just be THE book of 2025. This is a gut-punch of a novel, one that is best to go into as blind as possible (sans trigger warnings, always check those if you feel you should), but the simple premise: Jess, a struggling actress, finds a scared young boy who is fleeing from his father, a beast of a man who leaves destruction in his wake. As Jess flees with the kiddo, it’s clear that his father will stop at nothing to get to them, an insane, hellish game of cat-and-mouse ensuing.
We all know and love horror that thrives on the persistent pursuit of terror much like in The Ring or It Follows. Nat Cassidy harnesses this same concept to craft a story that is more than a suspenseful chase, relying on the essence of fear and anxiety itself to pave the way. There is so much power in where we place our thoughts and how much attention we give to an idea as exemplified by this novel that holds no punches. The things we fear, the places that fear takes us, and the relationship we forge with our anxieties. It’s heavy stuff Cassidy explores here as Jess wrestles with grief, feelings of inadequacy, and who the hell she is in the face of loss all intermingled with idea of fathers.
Whether we have the best dad, the worst dad, no dad at all, or some combination of the above, there’s no denying the complexity of relationships with fathers, or parents in general. The weight of responsibility to care for something outside yourself in combination with your own wants, desires, and fears is a hefty thing. It’s something complicated that Cassidy approaches with to upmost sincerity, making every emotion so deeply felt from the page to our hearts.
Stories like When the Wolf Comes Home are the most important kinds of stories. This is one that is a friendly reminder that things that thrive in the dark are indeed terrifying, but we aren’t alone in our fear. And maybe, just maybe, we can make peace with these beasts.
Where to even begin with this book. When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy is one of my most anticipated books for 2025, and after reading, I can confidently say it may just be THE book of 2025. This is a gut-punch of a novel, one that is best to go into as blind as possible (sans trigger warnings, always check those if you feel you should), but the simple premise: Jess, a struggling actress, finds a scared young boy who is fleeing from his father, a beast of a man who leaves destruction in his wake. As Jess flees with the kiddo, it’s clear that his father will stop at nothing to get to them, an insane, hellish game of cat-and-mouse ensuing.
We all know and love horror that thrives on the persistent pursuit of terror much like in The Ring or It Follows. Nat Cassidy harnesses this same concept to craft a story that is more than a suspenseful chase, relying on the essence of fear and anxiety itself to pave the way. There is so much power in where we place our thoughts and how much attention we give to an idea as exemplified by this novel that holds no punches. The things we fear, the places that fear takes us, and the relationship we forge with our anxieties. It’s heavy stuff Cassidy explores here as Jess wrestles with grief, feelings of inadequacy, and who the hell she is in the face of loss all intermingled with idea of fathers.
Whether we have the best dad, the worst dad, no dad at all, or some combination of the above, there’s no denying the complexity of relationships with fathers, or parents in general. The weight of responsibility to care for something outside yourself in combination with your own wants, desires, and fears is a hefty thing. It’s something complicated that Cassidy approaches with to upmost sincerity, making every emotion so deeply felt from the page to our hearts.
Stories like When the Wolf Comes Home are the most important kinds of stories. This is one that is a friendly reminder that things that thrive in the dark are indeed terrifying, but we aren’t alone in our fear. And maybe, just maybe, we can make peace with these beasts.
February 26, 2025
What a fricken knock out!
Oh my god, I loved this book. This was disgusting, hilarious, brutal, heartbreaking, and uplifting all wrapped up in one perfect little fairytale. Jessa's character development is by far one of my favorites that I've ever read. Even though she had the option of giving up the entire time, her resilience and need to protect the little boy shone through. I loved the little boy, 'kiddo', and so many times wanted to give him a hug. The abilities he had in such a chaotic and wild world would make anyone crazy. Their bond, shared traumas, and adventures together felt so pure.
Nat's writing style is superb. His ability to tell such a unique story that will hit you in every single feel is truly incredible. This is one of those books that I wanted to pick back up and reread right away. I loved how much this book made me feel a little bit of everything.
Nat Cassidy quickly made his way into my top 5 authors list with my first read of his, Mary, and he is no doubt holding that position strong.
Thank you so much Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for my ALC and ARC.
Oh my god, I loved this book. This was disgusting, hilarious, brutal, heartbreaking, and uplifting all wrapped up in one perfect little fairytale. Jessa's character development is by far one of my favorites that I've ever read. Even though she had the option of giving up the entire time, her resilience and need to protect the little boy shone through. I loved the little boy, 'kiddo', and so many times wanted to give him a hug. The abilities he had in such a chaotic and wild world would make anyone crazy. Their bond, shared traumas, and adventures together felt so pure.
Nat's writing style is superb. His ability to tell such a unique story that will hit you in every single feel is truly incredible. This is one of those books that I wanted to pick back up and reread right away. I loved how much this book made me feel a little bit of everything.
Nat Cassidy quickly made his way into my top 5 authors list with my first read of his, Mary, and he is no doubt holding that position strong.
Thank you so much Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for my ALC and ARC.
January 23, 2025
So this book also made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster ride. I was filled with adrenaline, felt a bit nauseous at parts, and was waiting anxiously for the next big drop. This also gave me similar vibes to The Twilight Zone by how strange, dark, twisty, captivating, and addicting it was. And the more I think about this book, the more I love it.
I loved Mary and Nestlings so I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I didn’t think I’d relate to it as much as I did. The fear that the boy felt is something I’m deeply familiar with, so reading this book made me feel a lot of emotions that I wasn’t prepared for. This, along with reading Cassidy’s Afterword section, made me love and appreciate this book that much more. This also means that I have to push Mary aside since this is officially my new favorite book by Nat Cassidy.
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for sending me a copy of this book!
Stars: 4.75 rounded up to 5 because
I loved Mary and Nestlings so I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I didn’t think I’d relate to it as much as I did. The fear that the boy felt is something I’m deeply familiar with, so reading this book made me feel a lot of emotions that I wasn’t prepared for. This, along with reading Cassidy’s Afterword section, made me love and appreciate this book that much more. This also means that I have to push Mary aside since this is officially my new favorite book by Nat Cassidy.
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for sending me a copy of this book!
Stars: 4.75 rounded up to 5 because
April 7, 2025
The nitty-gritty: An emotionally charged story with plenty of surprises, When the Wolf Comes Home is Nat Cassidy's best book yet.
“Love is a shape-shifting monster, she thinks, dizzy and horrified and exhausted and devastated. A werewolf with a bottomless stomach.”
The cover of When the Wolf Comes Home is a bit misleading. This isn’t really a werewolf story at all, although there is a character who appears to be a wolf at times, and the author explores the idea of “the Big Bad Wolf” of fairy tale lore and how it relates to fathers in particular. This is an emotional rollercoaster ride of a story: thrilling, insightful, emotional and brutal, and Nat Cassidy explores themes like fear, paternal relationships, and the power of imagination. The book is barely three hundred pages, and yet it has the emotional heft of a six-hundred page Stephen King tome. It's masterfully paced and plotted, and Cassidy’s writing is simply brilliant. Nothing about When the Wolf Comes Home feels forced or contrived, which is sometimes the case in horror fiction, and I absolutely loved it.
My recap will be short because there’s an important element in the story that I consider to be a big spoiler, so I’ll be talking around it. Jess Bailey is a down-on-her-luck actress/stand up comedienne, living in Los Angeles and working the night shift at a shitty diner in North Hollywood. She’s recently found out that her estranged father has died, and although he left his family when she was only six and she hasn’t seen him since, her feelings about his death are complicated to say the least.
One night after work, she hears a strange whimpering sound coming from the bushes outside her apartment, and when she goes to investigate, she finds a little boy. Eventually Jess figures out that he’s running from his father, and he’s scared to death. Jess decides to keep him safe, but after a violent confrontation with an inexplicable wolf-like creature outside her apartment, Jess finds herself on the run with the boy, trying to stay one step ahead of the beast, who is clearly after the kid.
We also meet Special Agent Michael Santos who has been assigned the job of retrieving the boy, after a rash of weird events shakes up the city of Los Angeles. A “killer bear” is on the loose after mutilating a dozen people in an apartment complex, but Santos has inside information that involves the missing boy and his ex-military father. He also knows that Jess has fled with the boy, and now he’s hot on their trail.
As Jess and the boy (who doesn’t even know his own name, and yes, you’ll find out why when you read the book) try to stay one step ahead of the beast, even stranger things begin to happen. Jess is in the middle of a nightmare and it's getting worse by the minute.
When the Wolf Comes Home has everything I love in a great story: a compelling plot with a couple of mind bending twists, stellar writing, relatable characters and deep emotional themes. Cassidy isn’t afraid to let loose with the horror aspects either, so do be aware that there’s quite a bit of violence and gore in the story. Jess is a fantastic character, a young woman who has tried to make it as an actor but has ultimately failed. On top of that, she has to deal with some emotional baggage brought on by the death of her father, who left his family when she was only six. Jess makes some interesting discoveries about herself as she and the kid are on the run, and I simply loved her character arc. I also loved Cookie, Jess’s mom and best friend, who we get to know briefly. Even the character of Santos is nicely developed. His chapters are a little on the weird side, and Cassidy keeps the reader in the dark as to why until the end of the story when everything is explained. I’m still recovering from that scene, to be honest.
Then there’s the main conflict between the boy and his father, which starts on a very predictable path but soon veers off into an unexpected twist. There are so many surprises in this book, the biggest one being why the father seems to be turning into a wolf-like creature. Parts of the story seem almost ridiculous at first, and I went through a bunch of WTF moments until things are finally explained (the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? plays an interesting role, for example!), but these scenes only made me turn the pages faster. And I have to mention one epic scene that takes place in Target, which was both hysterically funny and horrific at the same time. Thank you to the author for using one of my Happy Places™ in his story in a way I will never forget!
Cassidy channels both Dean Koontz’s Watchers and Stephen King (which I picked up on even before I read his Acknowledgments page), so fans of those authors cannot miss this book. The book ends in Shakespearean-like tragedy, full of emotion and heart-clenching sorrow—and one more surprise twist!---and I thought it was a perfect way to wrap up this exceptional horror story. When the Wolf Comes Home is one of my favorite books of the year so far and will be hard to beat.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
“Love is a shape-shifting monster, she thinks, dizzy and horrified and exhausted and devastated. A werewolf with a bottomless stomach.”
The cover of When the Wolf Comes Home is a bit misleading. This isn’t really a werewolf story at all, although there is a character who appears to be a wolf at times, and the author explores the idea of “the Big Bad Wolf” of fairy tale lore and how it relates to fathers in particular. This is an emotional rollercoaster ride of a story: thrilling, insightful, emotional and brutal, and Nat Cassidy explores themes like fear, paternal relationships, and the power of imagination. The book is barely three hundred pages, and yet it has the emotional heft of a six-hundred page Stephen King tome. It's masterfully paced and plotted, and Cassidy’s writing is simply brilliant. Nothing about When the Wolf Comes Home feels forced or contrived, which is sometimes the case in horror fiction, and I absolutely loved it.
My recap will be short because there’s an important element in the story that I consider to be a big spoiler, so I’ll be talking around it. Jess Bailey is a down-on-her-luck actress/stand up comedienne, living in Los Angeles and working the night shift at a shitty diner in North Hollywood. She’s recently found out that her estranged father has died, and although he left his family when she was only six and she hasn’t seen him since, her feelings about his death are complicated to say the least.
One night after work, she hears a strange whimpering sound coming from the bushes outside her apartment, and when she goes to investigate, she finds a little boy. Eventually Jess figures out that he’s running from his father, and he’s scared to death. Jess decides to keep him safe, but after a violent confrontation with an inexplicable wolf-like creature outside her apartment, Jess finds herself on the run with the boy, trying to stay one step ahead of the beast, who is clearly after the kid.
We also meet Special Agent Michael Santos who has been assigned the job of retrieving the boy, after a rash of weird events shakes up the city of Los Angeles. A “killer bear” is on the loose after mutilating a dozen people in an apartment complex, but Santos has inside information that involves the missing boy and his ex-military father. He also knows that Jess has fled with the boy, and now he’s hot on their trail.
As Jess and the boy (who doesn’t even know his own name, and yes, you’ll find out why when you read the book) try to stay one step ahead of the beast, even stranger things begin to happen. Jess is in the middle of a nightmare and it's getting worse by the minute.
When the Wolf Comes Home has everything I love in a great story: a compelling plot with a couple of mind bending twists, stellar writing, relatable characters and deep emotional themes. Cassidy isn’t afraid to let loose with the horror aspects either, so do be aware that there’s quite a bit of violence and gore in the story. Jess is a fantastic character, a young woman who has tried to make it as an actor but has ultimately failed. On top of that, she has to deal with some emotional baggage brought on by the death of her father, who left his family when she was only six. Jess makes some interesting discoveries about herself as she and the kid are on the run, and I simply loved her character arc. I also loved Cookie, Jess’s mom and best friend, who we get to know briefly. Even the character of Santos is nicely developed. His chapters are a little on the weird side, and Cassidy keeps the reader in the dark as to why until the end of the story when everything is explained. I’m still recovering from that scene, to be honest.
Then there’s the main conflict between the boy and his father, which starts on a very predictable path but soon veers off into an unexpected twist. There are so many surprises in this book, the biggest one being why the father seems to be turning into a wolf-like creature. Parts of the story seem almost ridiculous at first, and I went through a bunch of WTF moments until things are finally explained (the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? plays an interesting role, for example!), but these scenes only made me turn the pages faster. And I have to mention one epic scene that takes place in Target, which was both hysterically funny and horrific at the same time. Thank you to the author for using one of my Happy Places™ in his story in a way I will never forget!
Cassidy channels both Dean Koontz’s Watchers and Stephen King (which I picked up on even before I read his Acknowledgments page), so fans of those authors cannot miss this book. The book ends in Shakespearean-like tragedy, full of emotion and heart-clenching sorrow—and one more surprise twist!---and I thought it was a perfect way to wrap up this exceptional horror story. When the Wolf Comes Home is one of my favorite books of the year so far and will be hard to beat.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
April 9, 2025
⭐️ Book Review ⭐️
PR Product/Gifted
Wow what did I just read! I am completely blown away by this book,so many emotions!
We follow struggling actress Jess,who works at a diner. One evening,while working late,she gets home only to find a young boy hiding in a bush outside her apartment. She goes to investigate and after a violent encounter with the boys father they literally flee the area,running for their lives.
As they stay on the run,violence and death follows them while trying to evade the boys father. She comes to understand that there is more to these events then she could ever imagine,can she keep the boy safe and keep themselves alive. Because when the wolf finally comes home,none will be spared.
I can honestly say I have read nothing quite like this! My first encounter with Nat Cassidy and what an amazingly well written and multi layered story. I could not put this down,I was gripped.
In this crazy ride,expect a lot of gore,death and themes of loss and grief. This book has plenty of humour and a lot of heart,a story of how fear can consume and affect us,how we deal with it.I absolutely loved Jess's character and her relationship both with the boy and her Mother,Cookie . I can't say too much as its definitely one to read not knowing too much beforehand. I will be picking up more books from Nat in the future,including Nestlings which is staring at me on the shelf!
Thanks so much to @titanbooks for sending me out this proof,I loved it!
Out 22nd April.
PR Product/Gifted
Wow what did I just read! I am completely blown away by this book,so many emotions!
We follow struggling actress Jess,who works at a diner. One evening,while working late,she gets home only to find a young boy hiding in a bush outside her apartment. She goes to investigate and after a violent encounter with the boys father they literally flee the area,running for their lives.
As they stay on the run,violence and death follows them while trying to evade the boys father. She comes to understand that there is more to these events then she could ever imagine,can she keep the boy safe and keep themselves alive. Because when the wolf finally comes home,none will be spared.
I can honestly say I have read nothing quite like this! My first encounter with Nat Cassidy and what an amazingly well written and multi layered story. I could not put this down,I was gripped.
In this crazy ride,expect a lot of gore,death and themes of loss and grief. This book has plenty of humour and a lot of heart,a story of how fear can consume and affect us,how we deal with it.I absolutely loved Jess's character and her relationship both with the boy and her Mother,Cookie . I can't say too much as its definitely one to read not knowing too much beforehand. I will be picking up more books from Nat in the future,including Nestlings which is staring at me on the shelf!
Thanks so much to @titanbooks for sending me out this proof,I loved it!
Out 22nd April.
March 23, 2025
#ad many thanks for my advance copy @titanbooks #partner
& @netgalley + @macmillan.audio for the ALC
🆆🅷🅴🅽 🆃🅷🅴 🆆🅾🅻🅵 🅲🅾🅼🅴🆂 🅷🅾🅼🅴
< @catnassidy >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴀᴘʀɪʟ 𝟤𝟤, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
𝒩𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝓈𝓅𝒶𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓁𝒻 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝒽𝑜𝓂𝑒…
I don’t think one can read a Nat Cassidy book without being totally grossed out at one point or another. And this book kicks off with that uncontrollable reflex from the start.
When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy is a twisted and captivating horror book that needs to be on your TBR. The book is LIT! 🔥 It’s as unique as it is fascinating- a must read!
Jess has just quit her job, having been jabbed with a dirty needle while cleaning the diner’s toilet where she works, she’s over it all. She leaves work early but will soon come to regret this choice.
At home, she first finds a kid being attacked by birds, then she watches as her neighbors and roommate are torn apart by some type of massive animal, resulting in her accidentally shooting a cop. She needs to get out of here and fast.
Now Jess is on the run with the little boy, who she doesn’t know, but just saved. But the little boy tells her that the animal is “daddy” and soon Jess realizes they’re being hunted.
This was an absolute blast of a read. Truly just an insane read and the reason we love Cassidy’s books so much. It was nonstop action, impossible to put down, and a one-sitting read.
The writing is perfect and the plot I found to be quite unique. A page-turner you’re guaranteed to enjoy. So buckle up because it’s about to be the ride of a lifetime. One of my top reads for the year!
𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖:
Inner Jess vs Outer Jess
Nat’s history + his dad🥹
𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤:
Childhood Trauma
Mother/Daughter Relationships
Father/Son Relationships
Fear & Anxiety
Identity
Death of a Parent
Death of a Child
𝕊𝕦𝕓𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖:
Monster Horror
Survival
𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕘𝕖𝕣𝕤: They’re listed in the beginning of the book.
🎧 The audio was great! The kid parts weren’t annoying - as I find many of them to be. You can listen at 2x just fine. Helen Laser < @hlaserwolf > makes the story come alive. But I still vote that Cassidy narrates his next book - he has the voice for it! Or more parts.
I love how open and vulnerable Nat is in every book of his. He gives us something special each time. (In the audio, not in the ARC).
& @netgalley + @macmillan.audio for the ALC
🆆🅷🅴🅽 🆃🅷🅴 🆆🅾🅻🅵 🅲🅾🅼🅴🆂 🅷🅾🅼🅴
< @catnassidy >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴀᴘʀɪʟ 𝟤𝟤, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰
𝒩𝑜 𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝓈𝓅𝒶𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓁𝒻 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝒽𝑜𝓂𝑒…
I don’t think one can read a Nat Cassidy book without being totally grossed out at one point or another. And this book kicks off with that uncontrollable reflex from the start.
When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy is a twisted and captivating horror book that needs to be on your TBR. The book is LIT! 🔥 It’s as unique as it is fascinating- a must read!
Jess has just quit her job, having been jabbed with a dirty needle while cleaning the diner’s toilet where she works, she’s over it all. She leaves work early but will soon come to regret this choice.
At home, she first finds a kid being attacked by birds, then she watches as her neighbors and roommate are torn apart by some type of massive animal, resulting in her accidentally shooting a cop. She needs to get out of here and fast.
Now Jess is on the run with the little boy, who she doesn’t know, but just saved. But the little boy tells her that the animal is “daddy” and soon Jess realizes they’re being hunted.
This was an absolute blast of a read. Truly just an insane read and the reason we love Cassidy’s books so much. It was nonstop action, impossible to put down, and a one-sitting read.
The writing is perfect and the plot I found to be quite unique. A page-turner you’re guaranteed to enjoy. So buckle up because it’s about to be the ride of a lifetime. One of my top reads for the year!
𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖:
Inner Jess vs Outer Jess
Nat’s history + his dad🥹
𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤:
Childhood Trauma
Mother/Daughter Relationships
Father/Son Relationships
Fear & Anxiety
Identity
Death of a Parent
Death of a Child
𝕊𝕦𝕓𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖:
Monster Horror
Survival
𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕘𝕖𝕣𝕤: They’re listed in the beginning of the book.
🎧 The audio was great! The kid parts weren’t annoying - as I find many of them to be. You can listen at 2x just fine. Helen Laser < @hlaserwolf > makes the story come alive. But I still vote that Cassidy narrates his next book - he has the voice for it! Or more parts.
I love how open and vulnerable Nat is in every book of his. He gives us something special each time. (In the audio, not in the ARC).
Shelved as 'quit-dnf'
February 4, 2025DNF @ 32%.
For as much as I dug Nat Cassidy’s MARY, I’m finding myself at the polar opposite end with WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME. I had so badly wanted a killer new werewolf book, which Cassidy’s latest starts off as, but then morphs into something else. The premise certainly has some high-octane thriller potential, with a struggling actress on the run with a kid she has rescued from his abusive father, being hunted by that same father cum monster. Unfortunately, Cassidy makes it all very terribly silly.
The five-year-old kid is both dumb as rocks but written far older than his years. There are reasons, I’m sure, but I’m not interested enough in Cassidy’s half-horror, half-comical farce to find out. The kid, of course, also has powers, which are telegraphed a mile away and so clumsily handled that I’m honestly not sure if Cassidy meant for there to be some grand reveal to shock and awe us, or if it was deliberately made to be oh so obvious that we’re forced to impatiently wait for the actress/waitress/heroine to finally get a clue.
WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME reminds me a bit of a Dean Koontz book, with its focus on a precocious kid, the pseudo-mother figure to be who has rescued him, and the nonstop chase from an evil force that is hunting them. Only this isn’t good, classic, bald-headed, mustachioed G. Gordon Liddy-lookalike Koontz. It’s bad hair-transplant, New Agey dog religion worshipping, spiritually cringey, god-awful Koontz. Frankly, I’ve had enough of that particular Koontz without Cassidy aping it, too.
For as much as I dug Nat Cassidy’s MARY, I’m finding myself at the polar opposite end with WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME. I had so badly wanted a killer new werewolf book, which Cassidy’s latest starts off as, but then morphs into something else. The premise certainly has some high-octane thriller potential, with a struggling actress on the run with a kid she has rescued from his abusive father, being hunted by that same father cum monster. Unfortunately, Cassidy makes it all very terribly silly.
The five-year-old kid is both dumb as rocks but written far older than his years. There are reasons, I’m sure, but I’m not interested enough in Cassidy’s half-horror, half-comical farce to find out. The kid, of course, also has powers, which are telegraphed a mile away and so clumsily handled that I’m honestly not sure if Cassidy meant for there to be some grand reveal to shock and awe us, or if it was deliberately made to be oh so obvious that we’re forced to impatiently wait for the actress/waitress/heroine to finally get a clue.
WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME reminds me a bit of a Dean Koontz book, with its focus on a precocious kid, the pseudo-mother figure to be who has rescued him, and the nonstop chase from an evil force that is hunting them. Only this isn’t good, classic, bald-headed, mustachioed G. Gordon Liddy-lookalike Koontz. It’s bad hair-transplant, New Agey dog religion worshipping, spiritually cringey, god-awful Koontz. Frankly, I’ve had enough of that particular Koontz without Cassidy aping it, too.
February 11, 2025
Um holy shit! This book was a kick in the figurative balls!! Nat Cassidy just keeps getting better and better with each release, and I think this might be his best so far. This book was highly emotional and insanely intense, I had such anxiety with every page. I just loved Kiddo and Jess and the relationship that grew between them was beautiful. The less I say about this book, the better. I went into this almost completely blind and I’m so happy I did. This book deserves all the stars, and if you want to have a good cry, read the afterword it’s a thing of beauty. I will read anything this man writes, keep ‘em coming Nat!!
Want to read
May 28, 2024update: Nat Cassidy gets the best covers
give me this
give me this
March 30, 2025
4.25/5 stars.
I thought this was a fantastic listen. This reminded me of a darker version of The Bones Beneath My Skin. The two stories were vastly different but they shared some similarities. I actually went into this book mostly blind. I didn't even read the whole blurb and I found that to be a great pay-off. I would recommend doing the same if you're able! There is a lot of mystery surrounding a peculiar little boy and a monster lurking around him. I don't want to say too much about the plot because I think it would detract from the reading experience. It was exciting not knowing what to expect out of this book.
I can always expect to love Nat Cassidy's writing so I wasn't surprised that this book was no different. The characters were intriguing and lovable. The story was mysterious, tense, and heart-wrenching. I listened to the audiobook and I always love when authors pop in to do some or all of the narration. That was the case here. Helen Laser narrated the majority of the book but had some help from Nat Cassidy. Both did an amazing job.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
TW: gore, death, injury detail, child death, violence, blood, death of parent, murder, body horror, suicidal thoughts, medical content, grief, medical trauma, child abuse, gun violence, drug use, stalking, alcohol, car accident, kidnapping
StoryGraph Review
Fable Review
I thought this was a fantastic listen. This reminded me of a darker version of The Bones Beneath My Skin. The two stories were vastly different but they shared some similarities. I actually went into this book mostly blind. I didn't even read the whole blurb and I found that to be a great pay-off. I would recommend doing the same if you're able! There is a lot of mystery surrounding a peculiar little boy and a monster lurking around him. I don't want to say too much about the plot because I think it would detract from the reading experience. It was exciting not knowing what to expect out of this book.
I can always expect to love Nat Cassidy's writing so I wasn't surprised that this book was no different. The characters were intriguing and lovable. The story was mysterious, tense, and heart-wrenching. I listened to the audiobook and I always love when authors pop in to do some or all of the narration. That was the case here. Helen Laser narrated the majority of the book but had some help from Nat Cassidy. Both did an amazing job.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
TW: gore, death, injury detail, child death, violence, blood, death of parent, murder, body horror, suicidal thoughts, medical content, grief, medical trauma, child abuse, gun violence, drug use, stalking, alcohol, car accident, kidnapping
StoryGraph Review
Fable Review
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