Fear Is the Rider

by Kenneth Cook
Fear Is the Rider cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Horror
Technical:
  • ID: 989
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • ISBN: 9781922253491
  • Publisher: Text Publishing
  • Published: 2016-01-27
  • Reviews: 3

In the scorching heart of the Australian outback, a young man's routine drive takes a terrifying turn when he picks up a distraught woman fleeing an unknown, carrion-like creature. With her jeep and weapons stolen, the pair must outrun the relentless beast through the unforgiving desert. Kenneth Cook, renowned for his classic novel Wake In Fright, delivers a chilling tale of survival and horror that blends the intensity of Wolf Creek with the suspense of Duel. This previously unpublished manuscript, rediscovered from the 1980s, is a short but powerful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Cook's vivid descriptions and pulse-pounding action make Fear Is the Rider a must-read for fans of thrillers and horror.

Reviews
What is Quinn Reading? · 2022-05-26
exciting 4.00

The book is praised for its fast-paced narrative that quickly dives into the action without unnecessary backstory. It's a thrilling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The reviewer appreciates how the book skips straight to the action, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a quick, thrilling read. They mention that the lack of extensive character backstory helps maintain the pace and keeps the tension high. The reviewer also notes that the book's novella length makes it ideal for a single sitting, enhancing the overall thrill.

Quick quotes

    If you want a fast-paced horror-thriller that wastes approximately 0.0 seconds on character backstory in favor of getting to the meat of the story.

    It's a novella length and definitely one to be read in one sitting – no chapters, just a heart-pounding experience.

    The pacing is great – it never lets up!

LitReactor · 2017-01-10
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer criticizes the book for being poorly written and suggests it should have remained unpublished. They find the story lackluster and unengaging.

The reviewer is quite critical of this book, stating that it's yet another "unearthed" work that should have stayed buried. They find the writing to be subpar and the story unremarkable. The reviewer suggests that fans of Kenneth Cook's other works might be disappointed, as this book lacks the quality and engagement found in his more famous novels. Overall, they feel the book is a letdown and not worth the read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, it's yet another “unearthed” work from a major writer that should have remained buried.

    It's a macabre, tense thriller that – as the title indicates – preys on a reader's inchoate fear of being trapped in mortal danger.

    This is a thrill-ride from the master of the Ozploitation genre.

Reading Matters Blog · 2016-01-23
harrowing 4.50

This book is described as one of the scariest and most nerve-wracking reads ever. The tension is relentless and the atmosphere is deeply unsettling.

The reviewer found this book to be an intensely frightening experience. They highlight how the story preys on primal fears, creating a sense of dread that never lets up. The writing style is praised for its ability to build and maintain tension throughout. The reviewer also notes that the book's atmosphere is so immersive that it's hard to put down, even though it's incredibly unsettling.

Quick quotes

    This is possibly the scariest, most spine-chilling and nerve-wracking book I've read. Ever.

    It was written by the late Australian journalist and writer Kenneth Cook.

    The tension is relentless and the atmosphere is deeply unsettling.

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