Wildlife - A Dark Thriller

By: Jeff Menapace

Narrated by: Jeff Hays

Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the best-selling author of Bad Games.

Deep in the Florida Everglades, a tragic accident has ignited a deadly feud between two families.

Meanwhile a young writer, his girlfriend, and her family take a boat ride into the isolated wilds of the Everglades for research on a new book, only to become unwitting witnesses to a brutal crime.

Now, as night falls, forced to travel on foot, they must flee through the treacherous wilderness while desperately avoiding the deadly wildlife...and the far more lethal human predators that are hunting them.

©2015 Jeff Menapace (P)2015 Jeff Menapace

Excellent Thriller.

From the second I started this I was hooked! From it's creepy swamp setting to it's psychotic characters, this is a must read. I devoured this and listened to it in a day, I just couldn't take out my ear phones!!

I'm not going to say anything about the plot because it's easily spoiled but I will say that it was so fast paced and intense. From the very first page you are swept up into a thrilling and sinister book and one you won't want to end.

The characters were fantastic. Its really hard to talk about them because this is the type of book where you are better off knowing nothing about it! Suffice it to say that this author can create some twisted people!! Lol.

I'm having a tough time trying to write an in depth review because, as I said, you are better off knowing nothing because you will enjoy it more. Everything about this was amazing and there was literally nothing I didn't like. It's a tense and twisted read but one you will love. I am definitely checking out more by this author because if this is anything to go by then I'm sold!

Jeff Hays was fan-freakin-tastic!! His voices and tones were perfect. He was chilling as the Uncle and gave me shivers!! He portrayed that family amazingly and really brought to life the terror the other people had. Go check out his work, you won't be disappointed!!

*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Brilliant Listen

I recieved this book as a gift and didn't really know what to expect. I am so glad I listened. It has fast become one of my favourite audio books and is the best I've listened to since 'The Martian'.
The story is gripping and compelling, I didn't want to stop listening. But the real star is the narrator Jeff Hays, whose work I've never heard before. His character voices are incredible, and his timing perfect. Clearly alot of work has gone into the production of this book, and it shows. I will definitely seek out more books by both this author, and reader.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Must Read!!!

Love this Author and have not been disappointed with any of his horror novels I have read/ listened to thus far. This book pulls you in within the very first minutes of Jeff Hays reading. The Narrator of this book is amazing and does an amazing job changing his voice for the characters. The horror novel is intense, morbid and oh sooooooo GOOD!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A thrilling ride.

Non stop adrenaline rusk. Jeff Hayes' performance was superb. Sounded like a radio drama. Enjoy the ride.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Riveting!

Well written, entertaining tale of suspense. It’s not complicated, just un-put-down-able. Excellent narration by Jeff Hays. I am really looking forward to more from Jeff Menapace.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

A Twisted, Wild Ride in the Glades.

This is my second book by Jeff Menapace and, I have to say, I am definitely a fan. This was an action packed, suspenseful story that shows the devastating consequences of one boy's lie and the actions taken afterward that destroys three families. Menapace has woven a horror story that is both grisly and all too possible in a setting that is a formidable as they come.

The narration by Jeff Hays was excellent, his timing and character range was perfect. There is a bit of a production flaw in the tin-like sound in the very beginning but, thankfully, it only lasts for the first couple of chapters.

I have only one gripe and that is the author continuously calling an airboat, a "fan boat". The book is set in the Everglades and, as a South Florida native, I know that no one refers to that type of boat as anything other than an airboat. It really makes no difference but "fan boat" was mentioned many, many times it did irritate me every time I heard it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very Dark Suspense Thriller

I enjoyed both the writing style and the narration of this audiobook, it's rather brutal and if your squeamish about blood and gore and violence, this is not the book for you! But it's the mark of a good writer if you can make me feel even a little bit of sympathy for one of the antagonist... Underscore "little". Good job Jeff!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

One boy's lie leads to an extreme bloodbath

This Audiobook was provided by the narrator at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Audiobook begins with soothing and calming music. Enjoy it. There is nothing soothing or calm after that.

A boy's lie about his involvement in a brawl begins a snowball of tragic and horrifying events. Jeff Menapace creates the setting, throws in a couple of tropes (because, hey, this is a horror thriller, it must have some) but then quickly removes the rug from under your feet to ensure the reader/listener understands that all bets are off.

Despite the short length of the book it actually took me longer to complete, I simply found it hard at times to return to this cruel reality that was created by Jeff Menapace. Jeff Menapace puts you inside his characters heads and allows you to empathize with them before giving them no chance of survival. The story itself is a non-stop roller coaster, with one event quickly following another, there is rarely a dull moment until its very satisfying conclusion.

The narration by Jeff Hays is simply wonderful, he is truly a full cast in one. The creepy voices he provides the Roy family (especially Ida) gave me chills, he manages to voice them as cruel as Jeff Menapace writes them.

To summarize - This is a great horror thriller with excellent narration, it is not for the squeamish. A part of me wished it was longer, a part of me is thankful it wasn't (and I mean that in a good way).

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets Deliverance

Well written and really puts you into the minds of an evil family and what they are willing to do for their pride. The narrator is definitely the icing on the cake. He has the ability to bring you into the story.
I was given a free copy for my unbiased review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great Book

I wasn't sure that I was going to like this book. I listened to all 3 of the Bad Games book and I really like book 1 & 2 but hated book 3. I am very glad that I did listen to this book because I loved it

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

OH WOW!!!

What a brilliant ride through hell and beyond. From start to finish I was in the Everglades, fighting for my life. The description of people and places was so vivid, I could smell the rotting vegetation, and the people.

Jeff Hays is a brilliant narrator, the way he portrays the people's voices is fantastic. I had to keep reminding myself it was just one person, and not a cast of players.

I am going camping in the wilderness for a week, starting tomorrow. I really wish I had kept this audio until I got back. I am going to be jumping at every cracked twig, and every screech of a wild animal.

Mr Menapace, I think you are a brilliant author, but I will not be reading or listening to any of your books until I am back home safely. I can't wait.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

great read. chilling and gripping...just too short

Great read but i found the book too short however thats just the sign of a good book.