Two couples prepare to spend the weekend in a cursed campground. Only one young man survives the slaughter that first night.
The events that follow reveal the mystery of what happened to the first Native Americans who disappeared from this land so many years ago. The author does a brilliant job of weaving together a story of historical fiction, Native American folklore and supernatural horror with a dark and ominous atmosphere. We would all do well to remember those who came before.

I received an advance copy for review. ( )

This book is an awesome blend of several genres I enjoy -- horror, crime procedural/investigation, and sci-fi -- with a splash of historical fiction and cryptozoological/monster folklore goodness thrown in for strong flavor.

When Reese goes camping with friends, he has no idea that he will be the only one to leave Strong Lake alive. His friends are brutally murdered. What saved him? A strange voice telling him to leave and a weird burned tree. Yeah -- the detective investigating the mass killing doesn't really buy that story either. Until she hears the voice herself.

This story features one of my favorite monsters from Native American Folklore.....the Wendigo. As the story unfolds, it jumps back and forth from modern time to the colonial era. Usually I don't really care for repeated time jumps....but for this story it worked. The tale of a indigenous people persecuted and killed by European settlers mixed well with the modern storyline, giving it context.

This is a horror story -- the death scenes are gory and gruesome. The Wendigo is not a quiet, well-controlled killer. There is lots of ripping and spewing blood. Be forewarned. If you don't like slashy scream fests with a great story -- then you might want to avoid this one. The story is solid....it isn't just about gore. But the gore is there.

Very entertaining, creepy read! I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is the first book by J.H. Moncrieff that I've read. Definitely reading more of her work! I've already added Return to Dyatlov Pass to my TBR list....and she has so many other titles that sound so good! :)

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

At first, this seemed your run of the mill teen/young adults go camping and it's a bad idea type of book, but the plot and characters developed into a much richer offering. Great characters and a story that stayed interesting the whole way through. Add in some true to life historical horror and this is a great read. ( )

Those Who Came Before
by J. H. Moncrief
due 10-24-2019
Flametree Press
4.5 /5.0
#netgalley #ThoseWhoCameBefore

This extraordinary horror story kept me engrossed and intrigued, mixing Native American folklore with mythical beast for a terrifying finish.
Reese Wallace is the immediate suspect when he is the only survivor of a weekend camping trip. His girlfriend and another couple were all found savagely murdered. Reese explanation made no sense, and didnt help his case.
The campground was on the spot a Native American tribe disappeared, murdered by a strange beast, the Wendigo.
Suspenseful twists, great ending.

Thanks to netgalley and Flametree Press for sending this e-book ARC for review. ( )

Those Who Came Before by J.H. Moncrieff is a wonderful monster/murder mystery. The story takes place in a small town and neighbouring Native American reservation. Reece, his girlfriend Jess and their friends are going on a camping trip at Strong Lake. When they arrive the campsite is closed, but they jump the gate and camp anyway. After the others go to sleep, Reece hears a voice whisper "You're not welcome here" in his ear. In the morning, the other campers have been horrifically murdered. Reece is racked with survivors guilt and naturally freaked out because he slept through the murders. When Detective Greyeyes begins her investigation into the murders, Reece is the main suspect. But when the Detective hears the same voice saying "You're not welcome here" she knows that something deeper and darker is happening.

The deaths continue at the campsite and it becomes clear that land around Strong Lake is cursed. The tribe chief reveals that his people avoid the land and tells the Detective about the bloody history of the area, that goes back to the first white settlers. After some pressure from the detective, and several more deaths, Chief Kinew explains what he believes is actually happening. The Native American legend of the Wendigo is real.

Where the story really shines is the use of Native American folklore and legend. J.H. Moncrieff tells a wonderful tale through flashbacks to the native people, "The Lost Tribe" and what happened to them. The history of the land is crucial to what caused the curse and how it can be lifted. I particularly enjoyed the character of Chief Kinew and how reluctant he is to trust people from the white world. The author does an excellent job illustrating the divide between the town and the reservation. It really helped to drive home the level of bigotry and prejudice that his people have had to deal with over the centuries.

I enjoy creature tales and while this story is not exclusively a "creature feature" there is enough about the Wendigo here to really whet my monster whistle. I wasn't completely familiar with the Wendigo before reading this story, which was a nice surprise, I always enjoy learning about new monsters. Even if you are familiar with the Wendigo, you need to check out this book from J.H. Moncrieff, it's good. ( )