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Welcome to Westville: Westville Book 1
In the fall of 1996, a young girl went missing in Westville. That was just the beginning.
When thirteen-year-old Millie Thompson vanishes without a trace, small-town cop Casey Benson is thrust into a haunting investigation that threatens to rip open the quiet Midwest town he thought he knew. As shadowy agents roll in and secrets long buried begin to claw their way to the surface, Casey is forced to confront the this is no ordinary missing persons case—and Westville is no ordinary town.
Meanwhile, Millie’s best friend, Olivia Fischer, is chasing a different trail. Drawn into the woods by flickering red lights and a whispering presence just beyond the trees, she stumbles into something ancient, hungry—and far from human.
As time runs out, Casey and Olivia uncover a dark force pulsing beneath Westville’s idyllic surface. A force born of nightmares, feeding on fear, and bending reality itself.
Welcome to Westville. The veil is thinning.
A genre-bending supernatural thriller blending small-town mystery, liminal dread, 90s nostalgia, and dimensional horror, Welcome to Westville is perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Stephen King, Alan Wake, Twin Peaks, and The X-Files.
★ Early Praise for Welcome to Westville“This book was shockingly good... I read this at work and it had me tearing up at my desk.” —Joshua Shade
“The suspense builds beautifully... the nostalgic backdrop of the 1990s adds a rich, atmospheric layer to an already compelling story.” —Quincy Kwast
“I obsessed over this book, had dreams about it... it made the read feel so much more real and terrifying.” —David Delnick
“I found myself putting it down just because I didn’t want it to end.” —Rachel Swift
“It’s more than just a story—it’s an immersive experience that crawls under your skin and lingers long after the final chapter.” —Aimee
About the Author
Ryder Jones is the acclaimed author of the Westville supernatural thriller series and the forthcoming Remnant Divine universe. A former worship pastor with a musician’s soul, he blends hometown roots, supernatural lore, and 90s pop culture into immersive fiction. He lives in Lowell, Michigan—the real-life Westville—with his wife and three children.
When thirteen-year-old Millie Thompson vanishes without a trace, small-town cop Casey Benson is thrust into a haunting investigation that threatens to rip open the quiet Midwest town he thought he knew. As shadowy agents roll in and secrets long buried begin to claw their way to the surface, Casey is forced to confront the this is no ordinary missing persons case—and Westville is no ordinary town.
Meanwhile, Millie’s best friend, Olivia Fischer, is chasing a different trail. Drawn into the woods by flickering red lights and a whispering presence just beyond the trees, she stumbles into something ancient, hungry—and far from human.
As time runs out, Casey and Olivia uncover a dark force pulsing beneath Westville’s idyllic surface. A force born of nightmares, feeding on fear, and bending reality itself.
Welcome to Westville. The veil is thinning.
A genre-bending supernatural thriller blending small-town mystery, liminal dread, 90s nostalgia, and dimensional horror, Welcome to Westville is perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Stephen King, Alan Wake, Twin Peaks, and The X-Files.
★ Early Praise for Welcome to Westville“This book was shockingly good... I read this at work and it had me tearing up at my desk.” —Joshua Shade
“The suspense builds beautifully... the nostalgic backdrop of the 1990s adds a rich, atmospheric layer to an already compelling story.” —Quincy Kwast
“I obsessed over this book, had dreams about it... it made the read feel so much more real and terrifying.” —David Delnick
“I found myself putting it down just because I didn’t want it to end.” —Rachel Swift
“It’s more than just a story—it’s an immersive experience that crawls under your skin and lingers long after the final chapter.” —Aimee
About the Author
Ryder Jones is the acclaimed author of the Westville supernatural thriller series and the forthcoming Remnant Divine universe. A former worship pastor with a musician’s soul, he blends hometown roots, supernatural lore, and 90s pop culture into immersive fiction. He lives in Lowell, Michigan—the real-life Westville—with his wife and three children.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
28 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 12, 2025
“She stopped, turned, and saw it.
A glaring red circle emerging from the woods. Growing bigger, brighter until it seeped out of the tree line, and there was a shape in it now.
The towering and wrongly twisted crimson shadow pulled itself forward with deliberate jerking movements, too long limbs and jagged protrusions from its head like antlers.
A sharp hissing grew deafening, hands trembling, legs quaking.”
It’s a pretty rare thing when you go looking for a certain kind of story and find exactly what you are looking for, and then some.
Ryder Jones’ “Welcome to Westville” was that book for me. Jones has successfully echoed many Stephen Kings most iconic tropes while still making them his own and it really gives the story a good foundation for your expectations going in.
He has created a strong atmosphere that keeps the tension hovering in the eaves even when the characters are not necessarily in danger. A scene in the local hospital comes mind that chilled me to the bone.
Of course, both of these are overshadowed and rendered to minutiae to me because the sheer power his setting holds over the story. I’ve read too many thrillers in a similar vein that glaze over or just tap on this rather than dive in. Ryder Jones has mentioned more than once how the Lowell, Michigan of his youth informed the creation of this town and it is really quite clear to see.
Where such details can serve as local flavor or simple set-dressing, Jones makes it clear why the title invites you here. The story is as much about the town as it is in it.
First presented as a web serial written in the format of a 9 episode tv series, the novel reads much faster than you would think. I had often noodled with this very idea for my own works and Westville pulls it off in spades with some of the best cliffhangers and twists the genre can offer at a rapid fire pace.
I had taken a shot at this book by chance was honestly blown away by the quality and passion behind all of this as I eagerly await the release of book/season 2.
A glaring red circle emerging from the woods. Growing bigger, brighter until it seeped out of the tree line, and there was a shape in it now.
The towering and wrongly twisted crimson shadow pulled itself forward with deliberate jerking movements, too long limbs and jagged protrusions from its head like antlers.
A sharp hissing grew deafening, hands trembling, legs quaking.”
It’s a pretty rare thing when you go looking for a certain kind of story and find exactly what you are looking for, and then some.
Ryder Jones’ “Welcome to Westville” was that book for me. Jones has successfully echoed many Stephen Kings most iconic tropes while still making them his own and it really gives the story a good foundation for your expectations going in.
He has created a strong atmosphere that keeps the tension hovering in the eaves even when the characters are not necessarily in danger. A scene in the local hospital comes mind that chilled me to the bone.
Of course, both of these are overshadowed and rendered to minutiae to me because the sheer power his setting holds over the story. I’ve read too many thrillers in a similar vein that glaze over or just tap on this rather than dive in. Ryder Jones has mentioned more than once how the Lowell, Michigan of his youth informed the creation of this town and it is really quite clear to see.
Where such details can serve as local flavor or simple set-dressing, Jones makes it clear why the title invites you here. The story is as much about the town as it is in it.
First presented as a web serial written in the format of a 9 episode tv series, the novel reads much faster than you would think. I had often noodled with this very idea for my own works and Westville pulls it off in spades with some of the best cliffhangers and twists the genre can offer at a rapid fire pace.
I had taken a shot at this book by chance was honestly blown away by the quality and passion behind all of this as I eagerly await the release of book/season 2.
May 13, 2025
This book is amazing! It hits just the perfect niche that I love. I’m a child of the 90s and this book takes place in that time period. It’s full of friends teaming up and sneaking out. It’s creepy. It keeps you on your toes. The writing style is beautiful and captivating. The details are painted before your minds eye without it getting too cluttered on the page. I’m blown away that this is his first novel. Top notch work and it’ll only get better from here. Do not miss this one.
May 14, 2025
What a ride! The story grabbed me from the first page. The storytelling brings you in and keeps you there throughout. Reminds me a little bit of the old X-Files tv show, but gives the reader a different take on it. A fun read, highly recommend!
April 25, 2025
Welcome to Westerville is an excellent read from start to finish. The suspense builds beautifully, keeping you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Just when you think you have things figured out, the story takes another unexpected turn. It’s gripping, fast-paced, and hard to put down. Highly recommended for fans of thrillers and anyone who loves a good page-turner.
April 25, 2025
I'm only half way through and the writing is brilliant! I have been on the edge of my seat since the beginning! This book is un-put-downable. Ryder amazing work, I can't wait to read what's next!
May 29, 2025
Holy COW was this a phenomenal book!! Knowing the real town this story is based on, I could see the images of the town so clearly. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, horror/thriller vibes, then this is the book for you. I’ve read several first novels by other authors that aren’t nearly as polished as this one. Once you step into Westville, you won’t be able to leave. Well done, Ryder!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
April 30, 2025
Welcome to Westville is an exciting book from a new author that has lots of suspense and many unexpected twists and turns that leaves the reader wanting more! This is the first book in a new series. Ryder Jones did a fantastic job at keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat! This is a must-read for anyone that loves suspense and best of all, it is suitable for all ages! I can’t wait for the next book!
April 25, 2025
5 Stars – An Epic Start to a Promising New Series!
Ryder Jones absolutely nailed it with this debut! From the very first page, I was hooked. The world-building is rich, the characters are complex and relatable, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s hard to believe this is the first book in the series—it reads like the work of a seasoned pro.
Jones has created something special here, and I’m already counting down the days until the next installment. If you love immersive storytelling, unexpected twists, and a fresh voice in fiction, this one’s a must-read. Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
Ryder Jones absolutely nailed it with this debut! From the very first page, I was hooked. The world-building is rich, the characters are complex and relatable, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s hard to believe this is the first book in the series—it reads like the work of a seasoned pro.
Jones has created something special here, and I’m already counting down the days until the next installment. If you love immersive storytelling, unexpected twists, and a fresh voice in fiction, this one’s a must-read. Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
July 7, 2025
Ryder Jones’s debut novel does not disappoint!
Welcome to Westville is atmospheric, nostalgic, and full of intrigue right from the start. Jones has created a great cast of characters that immediately pull you into their world and make you want to know what happens next. I’m nearly halfway through the book and am already anticipating the next two.
Welcome to Westville is atmospheric, nostalgic, and full of intrigue right from the start. Jones has created a great cast of characters that immediately pull you into their world and make you want to know what happens next. I’m nearly halfway through the book and am already anticipating the next two.
May 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this one. Small town in the 1990s. Very nostalgic. The Goonies, Stranger Things and The X-files. Something is brewing in Westville, a sleepy Michigan town, but when a local girl goes missing, it wakes up quickly. But what has awakened? The cast of characters has great on page chemistry and the dialogue is a pleasure to read. Set in the 1990s with bit of pop culture tossed in add to the nostalgia. The pacing of the story moves along quickly keeping the reader engage. The atmosphere is tense and creepy. The mini cliffhangers sprinkled throughout kept me wanting more and Jones knows how to deliver. I hope this is the beginning of a series, I feel there are more secrets waiting to be uncovered.
5 stars
5 stars
August 23, 2025
I’m very impressed with the story arcs and the development of the plot overall with the first installment of the Westville trilogy. I bought this book at a
brewery in Grand Rapids MI from the author directly. Great setting and I love how he used his hometown as inspiration. This book would really be more immersive if there were illustrations of the maps and journals in the book itself. That way the reader could get an even better overview of this “in-between” and the world built into Westville. Loved the characters and how 90s kids are a scooby gang in this. Gives me “It” vibes but more sci-fi than clown.
brewery in Grand Rapids MI from the author directly. Great setting and I love how he used his hometown as inspiration. This book would really be more immersive if there were illustrations of the maps and journals in the book itself. That way the reader could get an even better overview of this “in-between” and the world built into Westville. Loved the characters and how 90s kids are a scooby gang in this. Gives me “It” vibes but more sci-fi than clown.
July 28, 2025
This book has a lot of parallels to works from Stephen King or Stranger Things, and while it’s fun most of the time, I think the similarities also sometimes keep the story from developing its own identity. I did however love all the characters, and every motivation from them felt true and deep. I also felt a personal connection to this book, since the small town, Westville, is based on Lowell Michigan, the town I grew up in and live in to this day! All in all, it was a fun, enthusiastic read, and despite the simple and occasionally predictable plot, I would certainly recommend it
June 14, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Very dark and suspenseful and had me hooked from the first chapter. The character development was excellent. It reminded me of one of my favorite thriller series- Stranger Things. The description of the small town lifestyle and residents was spot-on and very relatable. Amazing story from a new author, who I will definitely be following. I would recommend more thorough editing for future books. I did find some errors that shouldn't have made it through to print.
November 17, 2025
Went through the first book in a day, loving every minute of it. Growing up and living in a backwoods town in Michigan myself, my own life steeped in occult and paranormal research, the setting absolutely resonated with me. The way he describes the scenes, Ryder was able to set the mood and atmosphere very well while still keeping an excellent pace. I'm well in Shadows of Westville now, eager to see what our heroes are up for next!
June 28, 2025
Great debut novel from Ryder Jones. The writing is excellent, there's good character development, and the storyline is engaging and well-paced. It's a good read for any age and I highly recommend this book to those who love a good thriller. For those of us who grew up in a small Michigan town in the 90s, it's a particular treat. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.
October 22, 2025
I am from the authors hometown, and absolutely loved how this book gave a little nod to the town throughout, but still felt like a completely different place. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book, it kept me on my toes and there were quite a few twists and turns. A great supernatural thriller!!!
July 4, 2025
I liked this book a lot. This book was very well written, and I give it 5 stars!
July 28, 2025
About halfway through, I found myself unable to put this down. Hooked me first with also living in the town this story is based upon, the plot then captured me and took me on a thrilling ride!
September 2, 2025
A riveting read. Small town Americana meets X- Files. I'm looking forward for the next installment.
November 7, 2025
Hits some similar beats to Stranger Things but is for sure its own thing and is quite a fun and interesting ride.
November 8, 2025
I’m so confused about what I just read. The beginning was so good and then it just spiraled. It dragged on forever !!!
August 11, 2025
Engaging-ish (especially the hometown references, some of which my kids even chuckled at when I shared) and clean (other than some violence and minimal language), but there weren't any plot twists and the descriptions and explanations of the sci-fi aspects weren't always clear to me, so I found myself losing interest as the story progressed. Also, lots of typos (even on the back cover). :/
August 27, 2025
Not my usual genre, but I’m glad I picked this one up. I appreciated the story building and pacing. The characters really start to draw you in midway with an engaging crescendo. Olivia’s persistence is endearing. A third-person narrative, Casey’s inner monologue delivers heartfelt struggle through guilt and fear. My favorite character - Eli. Love a good tagalong!
November 1, 2025
True to his word, Westville is equal parts Stephen King and Stranger things… with maybe a bit of Die Hard thrown in. Incredible first book from Jones! If you like supernatural thrillers, pick it up. Excited to see where Casey, Olivia, and the team wind up next.
December 30, 2025
Remember when the TV series “Stranger Things” came out? The kids caught up in things we can’t understand. Secrets in a town. Dimensions holding monsters we can’t escape.
Welcome to Westville combines paranormal, sci-fi, crime, and mystery to tell a thrilling story of the Thompson legacy. The story begins with the abduction of Millie Thompson. In a town with no previous heinous crimes, this is a first. But who took her…or what?
In order to solve the mystery of what happened to Millie, officer Casey Benson needs to open his mind to the unbelievable. To dimensions outside of our understanding. To deep hidden government secrets. To ancient monster stories told over campfires. He is not alone in the fight. A team of teenagers, Millies best friends, are willing to do whatever it takes to get her back. Now how can you solve a crime being covered up by agencies above your clearance and also dealing with monsters who shouldn’t be real?
Sometimes the monsters in our life can be people we think we know best…and sometimes they are just monsters. This book mixes reality with paranormal. Millie’s disappearance is just a small piece in a decades old operation. Can the teens and officer Benson save Millie? Can they stop the monsters human or otherwise? Does Millie survive? And can the town ever find normalcy again?
Welcome to Westville combines paranormal, sci-fi, crime, and mystery to tell a thrilling story of the Thompson legacy. The story begins with the abduction of Millie Thompson. In a town with no previous heinous crimes, this is a first. But who took her…or what?
In order to solve the mystery of what happened to Millie, officer Casey Benson needs to open his mind to the unbelievable. To dimensions outside of our understanding. To deep hidden government secrets. To ancient monster stories told over campfires. He is not alone in the fight. A team of teenagers, Millies best friends, are willing to do whatever it takes to get her back. Now how can you solve a crime being covered up by agencies above your clearance and also dealing with monsters who shouldn’t be real?
Sometimes the monsters in our life can be people we think we know best…and sometimes they are just monsters. This book mixes reality with paranormal. Millie’s disappearance is just a small piece in a decades old operation. Can the teens and officer Benson save Millie? Can they stop the monsters human or otherwise? Does Millie survive? And can the town ever find normalcy again?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews