What do you think?
Rate this book
13 Bodies
Thirteen Victims. One Monster.
From the twisted mind of award-winning screenwriter Dale Zawada, 13 Bodies delves into the origins of true evil. Jack Delmont was doomed from the start, an abused child who claimed his first victim at thirteen. Now a hulking menace with a compulsive hunger for violence, Jack carves a bloody path through 13 unflinching chapters, each revealing the twisted artistry behind every kill.
But as Jack carves a bloody path through the shadows, whispers of his past claw their way back, twisted memories of torment and betrayal that gnaw at the edges of his sanity. The line between predator and prey blurs, and the walls of Jack’s world begin to close in. The question isn’t if he’ll be caught, it’s what he’ll do when he’s cornered.
Gripping, visceral, and unapologetically dark, 13 Bodies explores the thin line between monster and man, forcing readers to question where evil truly begins. This relentless splatterpunk character study will leave you breathless and looking over your shoulder long after the final page.
From the twisted mind of award-winning screenwriter Dale Zawada, 13 Bodies delves into the origins of true evil. Jack Delmont was doomed from the start, an abused child who claimed his first victim at thirteen. Now a hulking menace with a compulsive hunger for violence, Jack carves a bloody path through 13 unflinching chapters, each revealing the twisted artistry behind every kill.
But as Jack carves a bloody path through the shadows, whispers of his past claw their way back, twisted memories of torment and betrayal that gnaw at the edges of his sanity. The line between predator and prey blurs, and the walls of Jack’s world begin to close in. The question isn’t if he’ll be caught, it’s what he’ll do when he’s cornered.
Gripping, visceral, and unapologetically dark, 13 Bodies explores the thin line between monster and man, forcing readers to question where evil truly begins. This relentless splatterpunk character study will leave you breathless and looking over your shoulder long after the final page.
- GenresHorror
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
17 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 8, 2025
Excellent read. I'll be back with review.
July 11, 2025
What an intense and emotional rollercoaster! Since Jack was a baby, his life has been chaos. A hooker mother and a severely abusive; both mentally and physically father who is also an alcoholic makes Jack go crazy, right? Well, as Jack grows we learn about how truly unhinged he really is.
Jack falls in love with Katie and just can't seem to stop thinking about her even 20 years later. However, in the interim, he goes off the hinges with no remorse. Feeling pleasure in hurting animals and humans. As Jack gets more confident in his killings, the bodies start piling up...who will make it stop?
If you want a fast paced (except for chapter 2....however the long chapter is FULL of necessary information) book that reads like you're in the car, the house, school, and work WITH Jack, then Dale Zawada is for you.
This book hooked me and without giving anything away...the ending is seriously just *chefs kiss*. The PERFECT ending DOES exist. I'm obsessed and will absolutely be reading more Dale Zawada as soon as I can.
Jack falls in love with Katie and just can't seem to stop thinking about her even 20 years later. However, in the interim, he goes off the hinges with no remorse. Feeling pleasure in hurting animals and humans. As Jack gets more confident in his killings, the bodies start piling up...who will make it stop?
If you want a fast paced (except for chapter 2....however the long chapter is FULL of necessary information) book that reads like you're in the car, the house, school, and work WITH Jack, then Dale Zawada is for you.
This book hooked me and without giving anything away...the ending is seriously just *chefs kiss*. The PERFECT ending DOES exist. I'm obsessed and will absolutely be reading more Dale Zawada as soon as I can.
June 12, 2025
Jack is an abused child. His alcoholic father saw to that. Always feeling like the outcast. When circumstances change he has a keen eye for one thing. Murder. He claims his first at the ripe age of 13. Hank his father is a piece of shit. He takes Jack to a bar when he was little. As a murderer will he get caught? Or will he get away with it?
Holy moly. This is the first I’ve read by this author but based off this novel I shall be reading more. From the get go I was trapped within the pages of this book. Watching how this little person ended up the way he did? I’m not surprised. The flow was at a good pace although kept me on my toes and not once did I lose concentration which is unlike me. I finished this in one sitting as I had to know what was happening! This is one of those books I wish I could read for the first time again as the amount of emotions I felt within the book was incredible. The author had the talent to make us really feel for Jack but also despise what he does. Incredible
Holy moly. This is the first I’ve read by this author but based off this novel I shall be reading more. From the get go I was trapped within the pages of this book. Watching how this little person ended up the way he did? I’m not surprised. The flow was at a good pace although kept me on my toes and not once did I lose concentration which is unlike me. I finished this in one sitting as I had to know what was happening! This is one of those books I wish I could read for the first time again as the amount of emotions I felt within the book was incredible. The author had the talent to make us really feel for Jack but also despise what he does. Incredible
June 12, 2025
I had the privilege of reading an ARC of this.
Based on the title, my initial thought was that it’s gonna be a slasher, but it’s more of a really dark and disturbing character study and I loved every second.
I was not prepared for a prologue to go this hard. We are introduced to the world’s most dysfunctional parents, Hank and Tina. The amount of times I gasped at the events in this prologue alone.. This poor little guy, Jack, he didn’t stand a chance of ever growing up to be a normal kid. So for the rest of the book, you get to see firsthand what he’s turned into, what goes on in his mind, and watch the atrocities this doomed deranged person carries out. Thirteen chapters, 13 bodies.
I thought this book was so well done, the author did a fantastic job of putting us in Jack’s head. I had a great time reading his thought process and understanding his delusions. From start to finish, this book was fantastic, and the ending was perfection. Highly recommend!
Based on the title, my initial thought was that it’s gonna be a slasher, but it’s more of a really dark and disturbing character study and I loved every second.
I was not prepared for a prologue to go this hard. We are introduced to the world’s most dysfunctional parents, Hank and Tina. The amount of times I gasped at the events in this prologue alone.. This poor little guy, Jack, he didn’t stand a chance of ever growing up to be a normal kid. So for the rest of the book, you get to see firsthand what he’s turned into, what goes on in his mind, and watch the atrocities this doomed deranged person carries out. Thirteen chapters, 13 bodies.
I thought this book was so well done, the author did a fantastic job of putting us in Jack’s head. I had a great time reading his thought process and understanding his delusions. From start to finish, this book was fantastic, and the ending was perfection. Highly recommend!
June 13, 2025
If you like deranged, depraved, deviant stories, this book delivers!
“13 Bodies” is a cross between Stephen King and the goriest movie you have ever seen. Author Dale Zawada takes the reader on a hell bus ride through the eyes of a terrifying psychopath, from his early childhood through his most transformative years. Dale has a graphic way of taking you through the plotting to the commission of each atrocity. In between, the reader learns the story of how Jack became who he ended up being. If you love all of the perversion and debauchery of King and the gore of your favorite slasher movies a la Ti West, you will love this book!
“13 Bodies” is a cross between Stephen King and the goriest movie you have ever seen. Author Dale Zawada takes the reader on a hell bus ride through the eyes of a terrifying psychopath, from his early childhood through his most transformative years. Dale has a graphic way of taking you through the plotting to the commission of each atrocity. In between, the reader learns the story of how Jack became who he ended up being. If you love all of the perversion and debauchery of King and the gore of your favorite slasher movies a la Ti West, you will love this book!
June 13, 2025
13 bodies....ummm wow!! Jack has been dealt a crappy hand. His life has been crap, since he was a toddler. But what could he expect when his parents are Hank and Tina. Hank, an abusive drunk and Tina, the wife with her own sick twisted issues are a match made in the sewer. Producing Jack was the "best" thing to happen to Tina, but being married to Hank made it bad. Jack had no chance from the beginning. I felt bad for Jack in the beginning, he had horrible parents. But Jack doesn't deserve pity, he is who he is. This was a great story, enjoyed every minute of it.
June 12, 2025
Dale did it again!! Jack was terrible but the ending was perfect!! Get yourself a copy, it’s worth the read!
June 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to be part of the arc team for 13 Bodies by Dale Zawada and I cannot thank the author enough for that as I truly loved this book.
This is the story of Jack and his shitty upbringing with his shitty parents and the rest of his shitty life and actions, for all of jacks awfulness I found him to be a fascinating character, like how much of his asshole-ishness is nature or nurture because he was screwed on both accounts. There was some moments I felt sorry for him, especially as a child and teen he didnt deserve all that he got..... initially.
This book had a solid plot that was well written woth some great characters. The violence was top tier and would trigger the more squeamish, all in all loved this book solid 5/5, also love that this book was released on Friday the 13th, pretty relevant to the story.
This is the story of Jack and his shitty upbringing with his shitty parents and the rest of his shitty life and actions, for all of jacks awfulness I found him to be a fascinating character, like how much of his asshole-ishness is nature or nurture because he was screwed on both accounts. There was some moments I felt sorry for him, especially as a child and teen he didnt deserve all that he got..... initially.
This book had a solid plot that was well written woth some great characters. The violence was top tier and would trigger the more squeamish, all in all loved this book solid 5/5, also love that this book was released on Friday the 13th, pretty relevant to the story.
July 2, 2025
13 Bodies by Dale Zawada is a no holds barred plunge into the abyss of human depravity, and it’s absolutely gripping. From the chilling first chapter to the blood soaked finale, Zawada crafts a visceral character study that’s as disturbing as it is fascinating.
Jack Delmont is not your typical slasher villain. He’s a fully realized nightmare, shaped by abuse, trauma, and an insatiable hunger for violence. Each of the 13 chapters offers more than just gore. They peel back the layers of Jack’s psyche, revealing the unsettling logic and pain behind his brutality.
What sets this book apart is Zawada’s ability to blend horror and heartbreak. Yes, it’s splatterpunk at its core, graphic, gory, and unrelenting, but it’s also hauntingly introspective. Just when you think you understand Jack, another twisted memory surfaces to blur the lines between predator and victim, sanity and madness.
Dark, daring, and impossible to put down, 13 Bodies isn’t just a horror novel. It’s a psychological autopsy. Not for the faint of heart, but for fans of extreme horror with substance, this is a must read.
Jack Delmont is not your typical slasher villain. He’s a fully realized nightmare, shaped by abuse, trauma, and an insatiable hunger for violence. Each of the 13 chapters offers more than just gore. They peel back the layers of Jack’s psyche, revealing the unsettling logic and pain behind his brutality.
What sets this book apart is Zawada’s ability to blend horror and heartbreak. Yes, it’s splatterpunk at its core, graphic, gory, and unrelenting, but it’s also hauntingly introspective. Just when you think you understand Jack, another twisted memory surfaces to blur the lines between predator and victim, sanity and madness.
Dark, daring, and impossible to put down, 13 Bodies isn’t just a horror novel. It’s a psychological autopsy. Not for the faint of heart, but for fans of extreme horror with substance, this is a must read.
July 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reading 13 Bodies isn’t reading, it’s trespassing. It’s kicking down the locked door of a serial killer’s skull and crawling inside while the wallpaper peels and something wet breathes behind the walls.
Jack isn’t a character. He’s a void in the shape of a man, stitched together with trauma, bile, and bloodlust. His thoughts don’t flow, they stab. And you’re just along for the ride, duct-taped to a rusted chair in the back of his mind while he monologues about murder like it’s a fucking bedtime story.
There’s a reason the body count’s 13. It’s not a plot device. It’s a ritual. A rhythm. A pulse that beats louder every chapter until you can feel it in your gums. Each corpse is a confession, each death a love letter written in spinal fluid.
Zawada doesn’t write with ink, he uses brain matter and screams. And as Jack’s past leaks into the present, you realize: he was made this way. Molded by something darker than neglect. Raised by shadows, baptized in agony.
By the end, you’re not horrified. You’re complicit.
Five stars. Thirteen body bags. One mind you’ll never crawl out of.
Reading 13 Bodies isn’t reading, it’s trespassing. It’s kicking down the locked door of a serial killer’s skull and crawling inside while the wallpaper peels and something wet breathes behind the walls.
Jack isn’t a character. He’s a void in the shape of a man, stitched together with trauma, bile, and bloodlust. His thoughts don’t flow, they stab. And you’re just along for the ride, duct-taped to a rusted chair in the back of his mind while he monologues about murder like it’s a fucking bedtime story.
There’s a reason the body count’s 13. It’s not a plot device. It’s a ritual. A rhythm. A pulse that beats louder every chapter until you can feel it in your gums. Each corpse is a confession, each death a love letter written in spinal fluid.
Zawada doesn’t write with ink, he uses brain matter and screams. And as Jack’s past leaks into the present, you realize: he was made this way. Molded by something darker than neglect. Raised by shadows, baptized in agony.
By the end, you’re not horrified. You’re complicit.
Five stars. Thirteen body bags. One mind you’ll never crawl out of.
June 27, 2025
Where to begin… Jack Delmont was a fascinating character that kept me wanting to turn the pages. I really enjoyed the way this story played out. Even though it’s considered a collection of short stories, they follow a timeline where you see a very intriguing character progression that becomes more disturbing by the chapter. I really loved where this story went and it couldn’t have ended more perfectly, however…. the writing is what I struggled with in this one. I honestly think some line edits would have polished up this book greatly. I struggled with sentence structure, repetition, word choice, and a number of references I didn’t understand, which kept pulling me out of the story at times. I’m not sure if it’s a characteristic of the genre as well, but the number of racial slurs, homophonic language, rape, incest, amongst other things, made me very uncomfortable at times and not in a good way. Overall, I really commend the author for writing such a brilliant character and for being bold enough to put out such a gruesome story. This book definitely has its audience.
July 28, 2025
I've been sitting on this review for a little while because I needed some time to sort out my thoughts around this book because it truly left me punched in the gut and staring off in the distance without words.
When I was given the opportunity to receive an ARC of 13 Bodies, I said yes without hesitation or really knowing what I was getting myself into. Based on the title, I was thinking slasher. This story is a character study of what a truly dysfunctional family can lead a person to experience. Jack is the product of some of the world's worst parents, Hank and Tina. As Jack grows up, his story becomes more disturbing and tugs at your heart in ways that make you love and hate him.
With the exception of Chapter 2, which is very long and very necessary to understanding our main character, the chapters are short, quick, and make you feel like you are living life with Jack.
This is the type of book that will stay with you for a long time. Thank you for the ARC, Dale Zawada. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work!
When I was given the opportunity to receive an ARC of 13 Bodies, I said yes without hesitation or really knowing what I was getting myself into. Based on the title, I was thinking slasher. This story is a character study of what a truly dysfunctional family can lead a person to experience. Jack is the product of some of the world's worst parents, Hank and Tina. As Jack grows up, his story becomes more disturbing and tugs at your heart in ways that make you love and hate him.
With the exception of Chapter 2, which is very long and very necessary to understanding our main character, the chapters are short, quick, and make you feel like you are living life with Jack.
This is the type of book that will stay with you for a long time. Thank you for the ARC, Dale Zawada. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work!
July 2, 2025
13 Bodies is a classic tale of an abused boy growing up to be a horrible person like his parents. However, this one doesn't hold back in all the gruesome details. At times, I found myself cheering for Jack until I realize he's only being the same crap his father, Hank, raised him to be. The crazy part about this story is that while it's a work of fiction, it's something that's happened in real life.
The reader is drawn into the inner workings of Jack's brain in his quest to be a serial killer. At times, he feels remorse, but then his dark side takes over. It's quite the thrilling story of an abused boy who lacked love from his parents, got 'friend-zoned' by his crush, and had a dark childhood. The end of the story is dark as heck, you've been warned.
If you enjoy real-life/extreme horror, you need to add 13 Bodies to your list!
The reader is drawn into the inner workings of Jack's brain in his quest to be a serial killer. At times, he feels remorse, but then his dark side takes over. It's quite the thrilling story of an abused boy who lacked love from his parents, got 'friend-zoned' by his crush, and had a dark childhood. The end of the story is dark as heck, you've been warned.
If you enjoy real-life/extreme horror, you need to add 13 Bodies to your list!
June 17, 2025
inside his head the whole time
This book is an exceptional take on the rise and fall of a serial killer, told entirely from his point of view. It really puts you inside Jack’s head. You’re not just watching him spiral, you feel it. His thoughts, his pain, his rationalizations…all disturbingly real.
The violence is intense, so definitely something to keep in mind before diving in. His childhood was heartbreaking and traumatic, and while it doesn’t excuse anything, it does add a tragic layer to the monster he became.
If you’re into dark psychological character studies, this one will eff you up.
This book is an exceptional take on the rise and fall of a serial killer, told entirely from his point of view. It really puts you inside Jack’s head. You’re not just watching him spiral, you feel it. His thoughts, his pain, his rationalizations…all disturbingly real.
The violence is intense, so definitely something to keep in mind before diving in. His childhood was heartbreaking and traumatic, and while it doesn’t excuse anything, it does add a tragic layer to the monster he became.
If you’re into dark psychological character studies, this one will eff you up.
July 8, 2025
13 Bodies is a chilling, fast-paced thriller that completely pulled me in. If you're a fan of horror or stories about serial killers, this one should definitely be on your list.
There were parts that genuinely disturbed me — but that’s the sign of good writing. The author doesn’t hold back, and the tension builds with every chapter. One quote that really stuck with me was: “Old Girl Scout comes through again.” It gave me that same eerie vibe as Halloween — clever, unsettling, and just right.
While it’s not for the faint of heart, I loved it. Creepy, dark, and compelling from start to finish.
There were parts that genuinely disturbed me — but that’s the sign of good writing. The author doesn’t hold back, and the tension builds with every chapter. One quote that really stuck with me was: “Old Girl Scout comes through again.” It gave me that same eerie vibe as Halloween — clever, unsettling, and just right.
While it’s not for the faint of heart, I loved it. Creepy, dark, and compelling from start to finish.
June 15, 2025
From some pretty significant early childhood trauma, very dysfunctional parents, a girl that keeps him only in the friend zone….Jack was destined to be a serial killer. But you can’t help but almost understand why Jack chose his specific victims and why he chose to end their lives.
I really enjoyed following Jack on his journey from his beginning to the end. Dale Zawada did an excellent job with making Jack the perfect protagonist and letting us all follow along with his 13 kills.
Are you still here? Why aren’t you rushing to get your copy of this? Go…..
June 22, 2025
If you want a book that will truly disturb you and make you uncomfortable all the way down to your bones, this is the one for you! The prologue alone is enough to give you nightmares and shivers down your spine for days. Jack never had the chance of living a "normal" life, and his descent into becoming the monster you see by the end is a fascinating character study. I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I finished the final sentence (and what a sentence!) and I know this is one that will stick with you. Fans of horror, serial killers, and crime will never want to put this one down!
June 14, 2025
An Absolutely Fantastic story!
The MC Jack is a complete psychopath, screwed from a very young age. I did feel sorry for him, coming from absolutely sh¡tty parents, he really didn’t stand a chance!
This sucked me in from the first page.
This was so fun to read!
Well written, dark, thrilling, disturbing, depraved and gory it’s everything you could possibly want in a great horror.
The MC Jack is a complete psychopath, screwed from a very young age. I did feel sorry for him, coming from absolutely sh¡tty parents, he really didn’t stand a chance!
This sucked me in from the first page.
This was so fun to read!
Well written, dark, thrilling, disturbing, depraved and gory it’s everything you could possibly want in a great horror.
June 16, 2025
I think I've just found a new favorite author! Dale Zawada has a way of writing a story that pulls you in, even if you don't want to... but you do. This book made me feel things that i haven't felt for a while. And i liked it! If you like great storytelling with a little gore on the side, then read this book!!!
July 2, 2025
I got so engrossed in this book I had to have my legs amputated from sitting on the toilet too long because I didn't want to stop reading to wipe my ass. Jack is a seriously fucked up individual. My kind of guy. Anybody who doesn't like this book because it's too racist or homophobic is a pussy. You can never have enough.
July 1, 2025
Dale Zawada is the new king of blood and guts super shock horror. I couldn’t put this book down! NOT for the faint of heart. Do not read while nude. Every trigger warning that has ever existed or will ever exist in the future applies!
June 16, 2025
Devoured.
Another expertly crafted short story from a writer well versed in the creepy, and tense storytelling that raises heart rate.
Another expertly crafted short story from a writer well versed in the creepy, and tense storytelling that raises heart rate.
June 18, 2025
Jack’s life was never easy. His parents were abusive, he didn’t have any friends. The only thing Jack had was a love for blood and gore. 13 bodies we get to experience Jack’s life and crimes from childhood until adulthood.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews