As a writer, Ian Faulkner has always been fascinated by the darker side of the human condition as is self-evident from his work. He draws heavily from his diverse life experience for his often visceral and macabre novels and short tales.

He has had short stories and novels published in several countries, including Canada, UK, and Australia

Cryptid by Ian Faulkner

CRYPTID.

Be careful what you look for. You might just find it.

1996. A group of 14 students walked into the trackless virgin forests of Graham Island, British Columbia for a three-day hike.

They were never seen again.

2019. An American TV crew retrace those students' steps to attempt to solve a 23-year-old mystery.

A disparate collection of characters arrives on the island. But all is not as it seems. Two of them carry dark secrets. Terrible knowledge that will mean death for some – but a fighting chance of survival for others. In the hidden depths of the dark forests – man is on the menu.

Some mysteries should remain unsolved…

CURATOR'S NOTE

•Here's a writer with a truly edgy vision of cryptids and the people who seek them out. This book, the first in a series, presents a mystery 24 years in the making, as a modern-day TV crew tries to solve the disappearance of 14 students in the forests of a remote island in British Columbia. By the time the terrifying proceedings have unwound, our intrepid crew will have gone on a deep dive into the heart of darkness, finding themselves the prey of a cryptid they never expected to encounter. Ian Faulkner never lets up until the tale is told and all the shocks and surprises have blown the reader's mind. If you prefer the horrifically monstrous side of the cryptid-verse, this book and its sequels are just what the cryptozoologist ordered. – Robert Jeschonek

 

REVIEWS

  • '…The first book of Ian Faulkner's Cryptid series was a wild ride of horror from the very beginning of the novel until the end. You'll not find fancy, sparkly, handsome creatures here. No, no. What you will find are creatures with real bite. Feral, dangerous, unapologetically vicious!...'

    – Amazon Review

  • '…This is a fast paced scary read. So realistic! I felt I was there, being chased by monsters who did not much like us humans. The writing is engaging & fun…'

    – Amazon Review

  • '…I read every Bigfoot, Dogman and werewolf horror book I can get my hands on. Everyone knows the good ones are hard to come by. So take my word for it that this is one of the best. Don't miss out!...'

    – Amazon Review
 

BOOK PREVIEW

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

…An obsidian dimness seemed to detach itself from the deeper darks of the trees. An amorphous shadow snaked out towards Bobbie's tucked in feet. A growing, unsubstantial mass encompassed her exposed shins easily. Still feebly singing in that wretched childlike voice, the woman was slowly, almost imperceptibly dragged backward away from the logger's trail and into the impenetrable darkness. All McKinney could do was be a silent, motionless witness to the scene that was unfolding before him. In the last few seconds, before the young woman's face completely disappeared into the blackness, Bobbie seemed to briefly come to herself and comprehend the horror of what was happening to her.

Her eyes were suddenly alive and animate once more. Her gaze locked with his. There was no mistaking the expression. Desperation - pleading with McKinney to help her. Save her from the unspeakable thing that was pulling her away… but even that final, silent plea was lost to him as she slid from his view and into the encompassing dark.

The last thing he saw of poor Bobbie was a starkly white arms and hands semi-bright in the gathering gloom - fingers outstretched, clutching and clawing desperately with an inevitable futility for any anchor they could find within the soft loam of the trail. She was pointlessly casting her hands out seeking a firm purchase to prevent herself from being dragged away. At this last horrific sight, McKinney was suddenly freed from the invisible force that had rooted him to the spot…