Creep: A Thriller (Alicia Waters Series Book 1)

First off, the song Creep by Radiohead from 1992 has been stuck in my head since reading this book!!! I can NOT get it or the story out of my head!!!! So be warned, you will be singing it if you know it for a while – or at least while you are reading the book!!!

TRIGGER WARNINGS: ABDUCTION/KIDNAPPING, RAPE, MURDER, MENTAL HEALTH

The book is based in the late 1990’s so it really hit home with me since the time frame is right around the same time I was the age of the FMC (Alicia), and I was able to reflect on how I would have reacted to what happened. With that said, the big twist at the end is NOT what I would have done but hey, that’s what made this book freaking amazing.

Creep explores the deep-seated friendships, abduction/kidnapping, murder, loyalty and a big plot twist. The first chapter was fast paced and sucked me in immediately wanting to know what the heck was going on. Montoya takes the time after that to build background for her characters while continuing to draw you into the story. The chapters do flip flop back and forth so in the beginning you have to remember this and pay attention to the chapter information (dates/titles) but even if you only skim over that it should be clear what is happening after the first few lines in each chapter. I read a lot, I read quickly but I couldn’t read quick enough to get through this book – not because I wanted it to end, but because I kept wanting to know what was going to happen. Then, the end. The plot twist. The cliffhanger. I was screaming in my head NNNOOOOOO because I knew the next book was not ready yet and I really NEEDED more. This is a good thing so don’t go in thinking you are going to feel disappointed – except being disappointed that you have to wait for book 2.

If you love a good mind twist, strong characters, a story line that keeps you motivated to turn page after page then Creep is definitely a book you should pick up.

All opinions in this review are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily with no promise of any compensation from the author, current or future.

Creep is a fantastic name for this book. Based in the 90's this book hits on all the times I remember. CD's, walkman, payphones, corded land lines, pleading to the papers vs social media. It all just brings me back to my teen years and growing up. Monica is such an amazing character, loyal friend with a giving heart. She reminded me of my best friend growing up always looking out for everyone else. Alicia though, I saw her true colors. I was the wild one in my teens years and her character certainly reminded me of my crazy times. The darkness inside her was evident but her character gave so much to the story. Excited to read Night Moves and where "him" and "her" end up.

I just finished Creep by Brooke Montoya, and wow, what a ride! Set in 1998 Oklahoma, Creep follows Alicia Waters, a college student living a seemingly normal life with her best friend, Monica. The 90s nostalgia is everywhere—flip phones, mixtapes, and the overall vibe make it feel like a time capsule of the era. But everything changes when Alicia meets a mysterious man, leading her into a harrowing journey of survival.

As Alicia goes missing, Monica becomes determined to find her, unraveling a web of deceit and danger. The story alternates between Alicia's terrifying ordeal and Monica's desperate search, keeping readers completely hooked. The suspense builds relentlessly, and just when you think you know where it's heading, the story takes a sharp, unexpected turn.

AJ Wilder absolutely nails the intensity of this story. She captures Alicia’s fear and desperation so vividly that it feels like you’re right there with her. Her narration adds an extra layer of tension, making the audiobook version a must-listen.

If you love authors like Frieda McFadden and John Marrs, who blend psychological depth with jaw-dropping twists, then Creep is right up your alley.

This book is a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller that delivers big on suspense and surprises. As a fan of true crime, this fictional thriller hit all the right notes. The suspense was palpable, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, the plot twisted in ways I never saw coming. There were moments I found myself literally yelling at Alicia, the main character, and I realized I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Plus, the 90s nostalgia made it even better! This is a solid 5-star read; I'd rate it higher if I could. With its gripping mystery, strong characters, and a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia, Creep is an absolute must-read!

I really love a multiple POV story, the style always keeps me thoroughly engaged.

The story was disturbing, but enthralling and I felt all sorts of emotion which I’ve not felt with many books. I don’t have any triggers but I found some parts very uncomfortable. Although this just highlights how well written this story is, to bring out such emotion.

I was left wanting more and want to read the next book soon!

Side note: From the cover I thought this book was more of a horror story so I left it on my TBR list longer than I would have, as I’m not really a fan of horror. It surprised me when I started it that it was a thriller (it does say thriller on the front but I hadn’t noticed this) and overall the cover gave me horror vibes. Maybe just me though. Don't let this put you off if you only read thrillers.

Fast-paced and thrilling!

Creep is a fast-paced and thrilling psychological thriller. Brooke's attention to detail with details from that era, location description, and character development makes this a solid 4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and thought about it when I wasn't reading.

I will now have the song Creep stuck in my head for days! Find out how far Alicia will go to survive him! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.