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Daughters Drear
"An author who knows the horror genre very well. Suspenseful and gripping right up to the chilling finale!" –William Jack Sibley, author of Here We Go Loop de Loop
Crime reporter John Blackwood is looking for answers to the biggest story of all time-a mystery older than creation itself. But making this deadline won't be easy, especially if a murderous cult tied to Judas Iscariot and a trio of ravenous vampiric sisters can stop him
It all begins with an ancient grimoire hidden centuries ago in the wilds of Spanish Texas by a secret order of Catholic warrior-priests to keep the tome's deadly secrets from falling into the wrong hands.
Unearthed in modern times, the forces of evil will let nothing stand in their way to possess the book and restore an insane, renegade angel to power. As a new ice age borne of the dark arts threatens to engulf the planet, Blackwood is running out of time to save mankind from enslavement... or worse.
Can a mere mortal outwit sinister beings beyond comprehension while preventing the apocalypse?
Daughters Drear by Thomas Edwards is a bone-chilling tale of horror you won't be able to put down.
Crime reporter John Blackwood is looking for answers to the biggest story of all time-a mystery older than creation itself. But making this deadline won't be easy, especially if a murderous cult tied to Judas Iscariot and a trio of ravenous vampiric sisters can stop him
It all begins with an ancient grimoire hidden centuries ago in the wilds of Spanish Texas by a secret order of Catholic warrior-priests to keep the tome's deadly secrets from falling into the wrong hands.
Unearthed in modern times, the forces of evil will let nothing stand in their way to possess the book and restore an insane, renegade angel to power. As a new ice age borne of the dark arts threatens to engulf the planet, Blackwood is running out of time to save mankind from enslavement... or worse.
Can a mere mortal outwit sinister beings beyond comprehension while preventing the apocalypse?
Daughters Drear by Thomas Edwards is a bone-chilling tale of horror you won't be able to put down.
- GenresHorror
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
59 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 30, 2024
A very fun and spooky read for Halloween, or even Christmas! I enjoyed reading about all the different parts of San Antonio the mystery takes you. The characters are fun and I look forward to reading more about John Blackwood and his friends.
September 6, 2025
Horror is my favorite genre. While looking for a new read, I noticed that Daughters Drear had several very positive ratings. So, I decided to take a look.
While I am not a vampire guy per se, I did enjoy this take on the undead. The Daughters were creepy, the main characters were engaging, the writing was accessible, and the plot moved at a steady pace.
Mr. Edwards gave new life to the vampire genre with a different view for the origins of the creatures.
While I am not a vampire guy per se, I did enjoy this take on the undead. The Daughters were creepy, the main characters were engaging, the writing was accessible, and the plot moved at a steady pace.
Mr. Edwards gave new life to the vampire genre with a different view for the origins of the creatures.
September 10, 2025
I really thought I would enjoy this book, it has everything I usually enjoy in horror: supernatural beings, ancient evil, mysterious old house... But for some reason I just didn't enjoy this book. I didn't like any of the characters, the excessive scenery descriptions had me wanting to put this down, I think I just didn't gel with the writing in general I found it a chore to read, and it felt like it could have easily been 100 pages shorter.
October 26, 2025
Review is based on a free digital copy sent to me to review. Thank you NetGalley!
I LOVED this! The author did a fantastic job of wrapping up any little questions I had that popped up and his writing style sucked me in and made me want to keep reading. This was a super interesting plot that didn't remind me of anything I have previously read. I hope another book does come out for this set of characters!
I LOVED this! The author did a fantastic job of wrapping up any little questions I had that popped up and his writing style sucked me in and made me want to keep reading. This was a super interesting plot that didn't remind me of anything I have previously read. I hope another book does come out for this set of characters!
August 31, 2025
ARC REVIEW -
Perfect for the spooky season! World building and detailing was so good, and the plot had me turning pages. It was such an interesting POV as well, from the crime reporter’s angle and as a crime junkie - yes. It’s full of suspense and thriller and horror vibes. Cannot wait for the series to expand!
Perfect for the spooky season! World building and detailing was so good, and the plot had me turning pages. It was such an interesting POV as well, from the crime reporter’s angle and as a crime junkie - yes. It’s full of suspense and thriller and horror vibes. Cannot wait for the series to expand!
November 18, 2025
Page Turner
As I started reading I was thinking, "Eh, its okay. Then it got intense. Started turning pages and didn't stop till there were no more to turn.
As I started reading I was thinking, "Eh, its okay. Then it got intense. Started turning pages and didn't stop till there were no more to turn.
August 4, 2025
Daughters Drear revolves around John Blackwood, a veteran crime reporter, who wades through the morass of the dark side of humanity. However, when he begins experiencing things beyond the pale, he knows he is facing something he has never encountered before. The book successfully combines the true crime genre with horror to produce a compelling, taut, and genuinely horrifying tale.
Veteran crime reporter John Blackwood is confronted with a series of increasingly baffling and bloody episodes all reaching to an Apocalyptic conclusion. The writing is refreshingly accessible with suspense equally married to excellent action sequences. The story and the characters are engaging, providing the reader with a very satisfying read.
Author Thomas Edwards does a great job with Daughters Drear, and I hope there will be more from the files of John Blackwood.
Veteran crime reporter John Blackwood is confronted with a series of increasingly baffling and bloody episodes all reaching to an Apocalyptic conclusion. The writing is refreshingly accessible with suspense equally married to excellent action sequences. The story and the characters are engaging, providing the reader with a very satisfying read.
Author Thomas Edwards does a great job with Daughters Drear, and I hope there will be more from the files of John Blackwood.
August 2, 2025
Wow! What an exciting book! The basic storyline was excellent - then you mix in the horror and vampires and you have a book you just can’t put down! I’m usually not a fan of this kind of book, but a friend recommended it so I gave it a read. I’m so glad I did! I can’t wait for the next book from Thomas Edwards about John Blackwood.
July 28, 2025
A rare 5-star rating from me
Wow! This was terrifying! I mean this was the classic good vs evil.
Apparently, there is something worse than fallen angels.
I cannot wait until the next book.
1st time reading this author. Definitely won't be the last. Well done. Scared the heebe jeebees out of me.
John makes a likable hero. And to find out who Mr Hat is on the very last page was worth the wait.
Wow! This was terrifying! I mean this was the classic good vs evil.
Apparently, there is something worse than fallen angels.
I cannot wait until the next book.
1st time reading this author. Definitely won't be the last. Well done. Scared the heebe jeebees out of me.
John makes a likable hero. And to find out who Mr Hat is on the very last page was worth the wait.
July 28, 2025
Enjoyable horror yarn with a good setup for the future. A couple of things annoyed me. He misused the word 'twee' at one point, apparently thinking it was the same as wee. Also, a couple of names he used were taken from Tolkien's stories, but used in weird ways. I did find it interesting that the author was an actual police-beat crime reporter. So not a bad start to a series.
August 8, 2025
Great read with twists, turns, and spooks - all through a journalist's lens. True crime and vampires set in my hometown but still universally accessible for fans of genre or even a more casual reader.
August 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this. great plot and characters you care about. very descriptive about everything. I picked up this book knowing nothing about it but I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to the next installment of John Blackwood
July 26, 2025
I enjoyed the resilience of the reporter and his willingness to believe. Every chapter has surprises. The end felt unfinished. There's more to come, so where is book number 2?
September 22, 2025
A flawed but ultimately interesting story whose sequels I intend to read.
I encountered the author in a Barnes and Nobles and he struck me as a charismatic and enthusiastic man. He's a local author to my area and he professed to me about his book at length and enticed me to read it given it takes place in my home town of San Antonio.
Urban Fantasy with a local flavor was right up my alley, and Mr Edwards' past as a crime-reporter is evident in his story, and his writing prose flows wonderfully to incorporate characters and action so as to keep me thoroughly entertained. But truth be told, the book is not without faults.
The actual character of John Blackwood took some time for me to warm to, and part of that owes to the oddity which comes with a trenchcoat wearing, pipe-smoking brit in San Antonio, Texas of all places. In my mind he sticks out like a horseshoe crab in a freshwater environment, and I can only imagine he must feel some relief for the snow storm which prevents such a man from melting into a puddle.
I much preferred his cousin, the Marine veteran McGowan as a representative of Texas and even San Antonio specifically. Speaking of San Antonio, the cultural references to this area are so niche and specific that it adds to the allure of the story for me, given such frequent references which are so entrenched in the realm of my hometown as to make me wish to re-visit the locations remarked within. (Although it is with some disappointment a fair few locations remarked upon within these pages are sadly no longer in business.)
This familiarity at times even made me chuckle with how nearly esoteric the references could get, and the supporting cast felt like people I'd met a hundred times and even at times people in my own family. (Though, as a hispanic I wished to see a bit of representation beyond a secondary character in the story. Here's hoping for at least one or two in the sequel!)
I think the moment when I found myself actually thoroughly enjoying Blackwood was in the final 50-ish pages in which his confidence allowed him to shine against his Vampyr-succubi adversaries. Particularly how his brand of humor and wit was at odds with them, even giving them a "one-fingered-salute". I may have audibly and involuntarily said "F***, yeah!" in response to that moment in the story.
I genuinely really enjoyed this story but if I may be a bit harsher with my review I'm going to be upfront here.
I do not personally care for Blackwood's relationship with Sabrina. I can see there is some chemistry perhaps, and there's decent writing but it feels unnecessary to the plot. The relationship may simply not be for me, as I'm here for the action.
A lot of this story feels deeply 90s or 80s in its storytelling and it lends itself to a certain "cheesiness". For the most part, I think that cheesiness actually enhances the product. I could easily have seen this book turned into a screenplay for a film that might've come out during the time, the kind of film I might've burnt out the tape of rewatching alongside a home-cooked meal as a kid.
I also feel like the story could've definitely used a couple more go-overs in terms of editing and proofreading, especially in the formatting (Though, this may be a publisher's issue.)
I noted a few spelling mistakes in my copy, (pg 306 and 309, a deletion of an 'I' in the word "His" and the word "I'm" when "I" would suffice to name two specific instances.) and a few instances where the numbered date having the additon of "st" or "th" was printed at the wrong size.
Easy fixes, but a touch disappointing to see those typographical errors slip through into print.
Now I know I've been critical but by no means am I saying this story is BAD. Far from it.
The story isn't Shakespeare, and though I can sense some of Bram Stoker's influence it's not Dracula either. If anything it vaguely reminds me of an Anne Rice novel if it were more action orientated and starred a slightly dorkier John Constantine. (though if it were a film, I'd recommend 90s Gary Oldman over Keanu for the role of Blackwood.)
This story is one that knows exactly what it is, and I loved it. It's a whole lot of fun, and I almost wish it leaned more into the very specific vibe that it encompasses, because it's almost like "90s Supernatural film noir" in the sense it feels very entrenched in those feelings.
To the author, the brilliant Mr Edwards, whom I have no doubt will read this review, I have but a few words to give directly.
If I could make one more recommendation, in terms of publishing the next book I would love to see some cover art that better reflected the style. Think 80s-90s era pulp art on one of those old smaller printed books, the kind of pulp novel you can carry in your back pocket rather than the larger printed digital covered copy I currently own.
I understand that ultimately the larger print is easier for certain readers but I genuinely believe that the more "pulpy throwback" feeling would be appreciated in the modern-age if it were at all possible to do. Especially if there is a local artist who can do the work, it feels only natural given the way this book harks so specifically on San Antonio's soul.
Mr Edwards, I cannot wait to purchase your next book. Should you have another signing I will most assuredly be there, and should you make such a change to this series' style I will endeavour to buy a second copy of the first so that it and your future books will match upon my shelf.
I encountered the author in a Barnes and Nobles and he struck me as a charismatic and enthusiastic man. He's a local author to my area and he professed to me about his book at length and enticed me to read it given it takes place in my home town of San Antonio.
Urban Fantasy with a local flavor was right up my alley, and Mr Edwards' past as a crime-reporter is evident in his story, and his writing prose flows wonderfully to incorporate characters and action so as to keep me thoroughly entertained. But truth be told, the book is not without faults.
The actual character of John Blackwood took some time for me to warm to, and part of that owes to the oddity which comes with a trenchcoat wearing, pipe-smoking brit in San Antonio, Texas of all places. In my mind he sticks out like a horseshoe crab in a freshwater environment, and I can only imagine he must feel some relief for the snow storm which prevents such a man from melting into a puddle.
I much preferred his cousin, the Marine veteran McGowan as a representative of Texas and even San Antonio specifically. Speaking of San Antonio, the cultural references to this area are so niche and specific that it adds to the allure of the story for me, given such frequent references which are so entrenched in the realm of my hometown as to make me wish to re-visit the locations remarked within. (Although it is with some disappointment a fair few locations remarked upon within these pages are sadly no longer in business.)
This familiarity at times even made me chuckle with how nearly esoteric the references could get, and the supporting cast felt like people I'd met a hundred times and even at times people in my own family. (Though, as a hispanic I wished to see a bit of representation beyond a secondary character in the story. Here's hoping for at least one or two in the sequel!)
I think the moment when I found myself actually thoroughly enjoying Blackwood was in the final 50-ish pages in which his confidence allowed him to shine against his Vampyr-succubi adversaries. Particularly how his brand of humor and wit was at odds with them, even giving them a "one-fingered-salute". I may have audibly and involuntarily said "F***, yeah!" in response to that moment in the story.
I genuinely really enjoyed this story but if I may be a bit harsher with my review I'm going to be upfront here.
I do not personally care for Blackwood's relationship with Sabrina. I can see there is some chemistry perhaps, and there's decent writing but it feels unnecessary to the plot. The relationship may simply not be for me, as I'm here for the action.
A lot of this story feels deeply 90s or 80s in its storytelling and it lends itself to a certain "cheesiness". For the most part, I think that cheesiness actually enhances the product. I could easily have seen this book turned into a screenplay for a film that might've come out during the time, the kind of film I might've burnt out the tape of rewatching alongside a home-cooked meal as a kid.
I also feel like the story could've definitely used a couple more go-overs in terms of editing and proofreading, especially in the formatting (Though, this may be a publisher's issue.)
I noted a few spelling mistakes in my copy, (pg 306 and 309, a deletion of an 'I' in the word "His" and the word "I'm" when "I" would suffice to name two specific instances.) and a few instances where the numbered date having the additon of "st" or "th" was printed at the wrong size.
Easy fixes, but a touch disappointing to see those typographical errors slip through into print.
Now I know I've been critical but by no means am I saying this story is BAD. Far from it.
The story isn't Shakespeare, and though I can sense some of Bram Stoker's influence it's not Dracula either. If anything it vaguely reminds me of an Anne Rice novel if it were more action orientated and starred a slightly dorkier John Constantine. (though if it were a film, I'd recommend 90s Gary Oldman over Keanu for the role of Blackwood.)
This story is one that knows exactly what it is, and I loved it. It's a whole lot of fun, and I almost wish it leaned more into the very specific vibe that it encompasses, because it's almost like "90s Supernatural film noir" in the sense it feels very entrenched in those feelings.
To the author, the brilliant Mr Edwards, whom I have no doubt will read this review, I have but a few words to give directly.
If I could make one more recommendation, in terms of publishing the next book I would love to see some cover art that better reflected the style. Think 80s-90s era pulp art on one of those old smaller printed books, the kind of pulp novel you can carry in your back pocket rather than the larger printed digital covered copy I currently own.
I understand that ultimately the larger print is easier for certain readers but I genuinely believe that the more "pulpy throwback" feeling would be appreciated in the modern-age if it were at all possible to do. Especially if there is a local artist who can do the work, it feels only natural given the way this book harks so specifically on San Antonio's soul.
Mr Edwards, I cannot wait to purchase your next book. Should you have another signing I will most assuredly be there, and should you make such a change to this series' style I will endeavour to buy a second copy of the first so that it and your future books will match upon my shelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2023
Meticulously detailed with strong imagery and one heck of a plot! I NEED a sequel SOON! Set in San Antonio, TX (my hometown), a series of mysterious deaths bring a reporter, photographer, and museum curator together to fight evil forces and protect the world with help from a priest with a long history. Excellent writing and a story cloaked in darkness and the supernatural. I definitely recommend getting this book by Thomas Edwards and read it during this spooky season!
May 12, 2025
I like the story line and feel like it could have been expanded on to make it better. The author spends alot of time describing the buildings and rooms which was cutting into the interesting moments in the book making it tiresome to read at times. Definitely has great potential.
September 15, 2025
Crime reporter John Blackwood is looking for answers to the biggest story of all time-a mystery older than creation itself. But making this deadline won’t be easy, especially if a murderous cult tied to Judas Iscariot and a trio of ravenous vampiric sisters can stop him
It all begins with an ancient grimoire hidden centuries ago in the wilds of Spanish Texas by a secret order of Catholic warrior-priests to keep the tome’s deadly secrets from falling into the wrong hands.
Unearthed in modern times, the forces of evil will let nothing stand in their way to possess the book and restore an insane, renegade angel to power. As a new ice age borne of the dark arts threatens to engulf the planet, Blackwood is running out of time to save mankind from enslavement… or worse.
Can a mere mortal outwit sinister beings beyond comprehension while preventing the apocalypse?
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Edwards and Black Rose Writing for sharing this awesome work with me.
First of all, those who usually read me know that I’m not so big on thriller and murder stuff except for classics. So I took a dangerous bet with this one, especially when I had so much DNF this year already.
But let me say that I didn’t even struggle a bit to be hooked with this story !
I like the mix vibes and setting, between Lucifer (TV show), Sherlock Holmes (show and books) and a better version of what style Dan Brown is doing (I always loved the genre and this mix of action packed mystery thriller with a bit of religious history stuff but never managed to find my feet with the way Dan Brown was doing it - for me Thomas Edward did it way better)
You can feel pretty quick that Thomas Edwards knows his stuff. The police reporting parts, the thriller setting and the mysterious horror-ish development definitely worked for me.
For me, the other characters (Other than the main, Blackwood) were a bit too light and not enough depth for my taste, but I forget about it pretty fast for the sake of the awesome plot. The fact that it is the first book of a series makes me hope that it was just a settlement and the next tomes should be more developed in term of character’s development.
If you like darkish thriller with witty characters, good dynamics and history mysteries plot, you’ll find a good fit here. It is well written and fun to read and It definitely remind me a Sherlock Holmes with a bit more horror-ish style. You’ll definitely have fun reading this one. I myself, killed it in a 2 hours at work and cannot wait for the next settlement.
It all begins with an ancient grimoire hidden centuries ago in the wilds of Spanish Texas by a secret order of Catholic warrior-priests to keep the tome’s deadly secrets from falling into the wrong hands.
Unearthed in modern times, the forces of evil will let nothing stand in their way to possess the book and restore an insane, renegade angel to power. As a new ice age borne of the dark arts threatens to engulf the planet, Blackwood is running out of time to save mankind from enslavement… or worse.
Can a mere mortal outwit sinister beings beyond comprehension while preventing the apocalypse?
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Edwards and Black Rose Writing for sharing this awesome work with me.
First of all, those who usually read me know that I’m not so big on thriller and murder stuff except for classics. So I took a dangerous bet with this one, especially when I had so much DNF this year already.
But let me say that I didn’t even struggle a bit to be hooked with this story !
I like the mix vibes and setting, between Lucifer (TV show), Sherlock Holmes (show and books) and a better version of what style Dan Brown is doing (I always loved the genre and this mix of action packed mystery thriller with a bit of religious history stuff but never managed to find my feet with the way Dan Brown was doing it - for me Thomas Edward did it way better)
You can feel pretty quick that Thomas Edwards knows his stuff. The police reporting parts, the thriller setting and the mysterious horror-ish development definitely worked for me.
For me, the other characters (Other than the main, Blackwood) were a bit too light and not enough depth for my taste, but I forget about it pretty fast for the sake of the awesome plot. The fact that it is the first book of a series makes me hope that it was just a settlement and the next tomes should be more developed in term of character’s development.
If you like darkish thriller with witty characters, good dynamics and history mysteries plot, you’ll find a good fit here. It is well written and fun to read and It definitely remind me a Sherlock Holmes with a bit more horror-ish style. You’ll definitely have fun reading this one. I myself, killed it in a 2 hours at work and cannot wait for the next settlement.
September 12, 2025
Daughter Drear had all the makings of a spine-tingling horror novel, but the only thing that truly frightened me was the prospect of another ten-page description of a doorknob. Thomas Edwards seems to believe that terror lies not in supernatural dread, but in the reader's mounting panic as they realize there are still 200 pages left.
The real horror story here is Edwards' relationship with his editor—assuming he has one, which I'm beginning to doubt. This book reads like someone challenged the author to describe every blade of grass, every cloud formation, and every piece of furniture in excruciating detail. I found myself longing for a good old-fashioned ghost possession, if only to skip past another dissertation on wallpaper patterns.
The characters were so thoroughly unlikable that I found myself rooting for whatever supernatural entity was supposed to be tormenting them. "Please," I whispered to my Kindle, "put them out of their misery. And mine." Unfortunately, the mysterious forces in this book were about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
That prologue deserves special recognition—as a masterclass in how to confuse and alienate readers within the first few pages. It's like Edwards threw a dart at a board of random settings and thought, "Yes, let's start with... whatever this is... and then suddenly—NEWSROOM!" I've seen more coherent scene transitions in fever dreams.
As for the scares? The scariest thing about Daughter Drear was checking my progress bar and realizing I was only 15% through. I've been more frightened by grocery store self-checkout machines. If Edwards was going for psychological horror, he succeeded—I'm now psychologically traumatized by unnecessarily verbose prose.
The book could have been 100 pages shorter, but then again, so could War and Peace, and at least Tolstoy had Napoleon. Edwards apparently thought readers were dying to know the exact shade of beige in every room description.
While I appreciate that some readers enjoy luxuriously detailed writing, Daughter Drear crosses the line from atmospheric to anesthetic. If you're looking for a horror novel that will keep you up at night, this isn't it—unless you count staying up wondering when something, anything, is finally going to happen.
Two and a half stars because somewhere buried beneath all those adjectives, there might be a decent story trying to escape.
The real horror story here is Edwards' relationship with his editor—assuming he has one, which I'm beginning to doubt. This book reads like someone challenged the author to describe every blade of grass, every cloud formation, and every piece of furniture in excruciating detail. I found myself longing for a good old-fashioned ghost possession, if only to skip past another dissertation on wallpaper patterns.
The characters were so thoroughly unlikable that I found myself rooting for whatever supernatural entity was supposed to be tormenting them. "Please," I whispered to my Kindle, "put them out of their misery. And mine." Unfortunately, the mysterious forces in this book were about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
That prologue deserves special recognition—as a masterclass in how to confuse and alienate readers within the first few pages. It's like Edwards threw a dart at a board of random settings and thought, "Yes, let's start with... whatever this is... and then suddenly—NEWSROOM!" I've seen more coherent scene transitions in fever dreams.
As for the scares? The scariest thing about Daughter Drear was checking my progress bar and realizing I was only 15% through. I've been more frightened by grocery store self-checkout machines. If Edwards was going for psychological horror, he succeeded—I'm now psychologically traumatized by unnecessarily verbose prose.
The book could have been 100 pages shorter, but then again, so could War and Peace, and at least Tolstoy had Napoleon. Edwards apparently thought readers were dying to know the exact shade of beige in every room description.
While I appreciate that some readers enjoy luxuriously detailed writing, Daughter Drear crosses the line from atmospheric to anesthetic. If you're looking for a horror novel that will keep you up at night, this isn't it—unless you count staying up wondering when something, anything, is finally going to happen.
Two and a half stars because somewhere buried beneath all those adjectives, there might be a decent story trying to escape.
September 29, 2025
Crime reporter John Blackwood is looking for answers to a mystery older than creation itself. Making his deadline won't be easy, especially if a murderous cult tied to Judas Iscariot and a trio of vampiric sisters can stop him. It begins with an ancient grimoire hidden centuries ago in the wilds of Spanish Texas by a secret order of Catholic warrior-priests. They did this to keep the tome's deadly secrets from falling into the wrong hands. It becomes unearthed in modern times, the forces of evil will let nothing stand in their way to possess the book. They want to restore an insane, renegade angel to power. As a new ice age due to the use of dark arts threatens to engulf the planet, Blackwood is running out of time to save mankind from enslavement or worse. Will Blackwood succeed in his quest to preventing the apocalypse?
The author has written an excellent horror novel. It is suspenseful and gripping right up to the end.
It was a tale that I couldn’t stop reading. Readers of horror fans of all types whether they're new to the genre or well-read in horror will be delighted. This is a novel I won’t forget.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written an excellent horror novel. It is suspenseful and gripping right up to the end.
It was a tale that I couldn’t stop reading. Readers of horror fans of all types whether they're new to the genre or well-read in horror will be delighted. This is a novel I won’t forget.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
October 21, 2025
Daughters Drear had a lot 0f potential: an interesting plot and had a classic detective fiction feel combined with horror elements. I believe that Thomas Edwards can make an absolutely devastating, chill your bones, maximum fear factor horror novel, and I loved that I did get to see that in this book, but I was lost with the detective work. The descriptions droned on, there were far too many working parts, 90% of the characters are male and mostly written with the same personality to there was not enough distinction. But, it was a bit too winded and about 100 pages too long.
I am looking forward to see more work from Thomas Edwards, just because this book fell flat for me, does not mean this writer is not incredible! I would love a gothic horror written by him!
Thank you to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I am looking forward to see more work from Thomas Edwards, just because this book fell flat for me, does not mean this writer is not incredible! I would love a gothic horror written by him!
Thank you to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 17, 2025
This horror/ suspense/ thriller novel is a must read. The author grabs the reader from the very beginning and holds you in suspense throughout the entire book. A well written and researched novel that kept me at the edge of my seat. The story takes place in San Antonio during a massive snow storm (sound familiar).
A crime reporter stumbles into a murder scene and so begins a battle between good and evil...
This book is a page turner, I couldnt put it down once I started reading it...If your looking for adventure, mystery, demons, end of the world...this is the book you have to read...and the ending will shock you...
A crime reporter stumbles into a murder scene and so begins a battle between good and evil...
This book is a page turner, I couldnt put it down once I started reading it...If your looking for adventure, mystery, demons, end of the world...this is the book you have to read...and the ending will shock you...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
Cover is amazing. A group of spooky baddies!
This book was well written, very descriptive, and has great pacing. There is an interesting set of characters and a terrifying ancient evil lurking.... I actually enjoyed the over describing of the scenary, i think it really set the mood for what was happening in the scenes. Will def read the next book. 3.5/5
This book was well written, very descriptive, and has great pacing. There is an interesting set of characters and a terrifying ancient evil lurking.... I actually enjoyed the over describing of the scenary, i think it really set the mood for what was happening in the scenes. Will def read the next book. 3.5/5
June 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️.5
The plot had so much potential, the writing style just wasn’t for me. Way too much description on things that don’t matter to the plot. This book could have been about 50-100 pages shorter without all of that. I was just relieved to finally finish this…
The plot had so much potential, the writing style just wasn’t for me. Way too much description on things that don’t matter to the plot. This book could have been about 50-100 pages shorter without all of that. I was just relieved to finally finish this…
May 3, 2025
Great book! It was thrilling and a page turner! Very original storyline, and I appreciate how historically poignant it was! Also very scary and unnerving so if you want a book that gets under your skin and gives the heebie jeebies but in a good way!
September 15, 2025
This book started out with promise. I didn't like how it took the characters are basically all male except for 1 female and 3 female villains. Big Hat's identity wasn't all the relevant either, which was disappointing. And Catholics getting involved is just too predictable.
August 2, 2025
It was a great read with lots of twists! Loved it!
August 4, 2025
Loved it. Can’t wait for the sequel.
September 24, 2025
Incredible book written by an incredible man!
October 12, 2025
Suspenseful and chilling book to read. Shook me to my bones with the in-depth descriptions leaving stark and blood curdling details.
September 14, 2025
"Daughters Drear" by Thomas Edwards is an excellent read that skillfully marries true crime with genuine horror. The story of veteran crime reporter John Blackwood's terrifying journey into the unknown is a compelling, taut, and genuinely horrifying one. With accessible writing, engaging characters, and a perfect mix of suspense and action, it's a very exciting book. I also appreciated the level of detail and descriptions in the book, you truly get transported inside the story. I highly recommend it.
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