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Steinbeck and Reed #1
The Taken Ones
10 hours, 31 minutes
Two girls vanished. A woman buried alive. Between two crimes—decades of secrets yet to be unearthed in a pulse-pounding novel by the Edgar Award–nominated author of Unspeakable Things.
Summer 1980: With no fear of a local superstition, three girls go into a Minnesota wood. Only one comes out. Dead silent. Memory gone. No trace of her friends. The mystery of the Taken Ones captures the nation.
Summer 2022: Cold case detective Van Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck are assigned a disturbing homicide—a woman buried alive, clutching a heart charm necklace belonging to one of the vanished girls. Van follows her gut. Harry trusts in facts. Their common ground is the need to catch a killer before he kills again. They have something else in common: each has ties to the original case in ways they’re reluctant to share.
As Van and Harry connect the crimes of the past and the present, Van struggles with memories of her own nightmarish childhood—and the fear that uncovering the truth of the Taken Ones will lead her down a path from which she, too, may never return.
Two girls vanished. A woman buried alive. Between two crimes—decades of secrets yet to be unearthed in a pulse-pounding novel by the Edgar Award–nominated author of Unspeakable Things.
Summer 1980: With no fear of a local superstition, three girls go into a Minnesota wood. Only one comes out. Dead silent. Memory gone. No trace of her friends. The mystery of the Taken Ones captures the nation.
Summer 2022: Cold case detective Van Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck are assigned a disturbing homicide—a woman buried alive, clutching a heart charm necklace belonging to one of the vanished girls. Van follows her gut. Harry trusts in facts. Their common ground is the need to catch a killer before he kills again. They have something else in common: each has ties to the original case in ways they’re reluctant to share.
As Van and Harry connect the crimes of the past and the present, Van struggles with memories of her own nightmarish childhood—and the fear that uncovering the truth of the Taken Ones will lead her down a path from which she, too, may never return.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 19, 2023
8454 people are currently reading
33409 people want to read
About the author
Jess Lourey
50 books4,496 followersMy name is Jess Lourey, and I write about secrets.
The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.
I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.
p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.
The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.
I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.
p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,236 reviews
September 5, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
This was my first book by this author and it wasn't what I was expecting, but not in a good way. I was really into it, clipping along at a fast pace and enjoying the read about a dead body that links back to a cold case from forty years ago. And then all of a sudden the lead cop gets "visions" and starts to have heart flutters over her partner. Why oh why couldn't this just have been a really good police procedural/investigation plotline without the voodoo and the romance thrown in!? Lourey had a really good thing going here until she didn't.
I was engaged enough to want to finish this one because I wanted to know who the killer was and had the author not thrown in the two things I mentioned and had avoided about a million sub-plots in the narrative I would have loved this book. There are plots about a senator abusing her husband and kids, another about Van's backstory in an abusive cult, one about a case she worked on before with Steinbeck and another about the history she has with her old partner and his replacement and then we had swingers and dog rescues...I got a headache trying to figure out where the author was going with it all.
I did love how the author wrote the killer's point of view, man is he ever damaged, his pages creeped me the feck out and his ability to hide was certainly a unique one. The book ended on a real cliffhanger and this is supposed to be a series but I was so disappointed in the way it went I won't be bothering to pick up book two. I am in the minority here and at the time of posting this review the book has a 4.35 rating so take my review with a grain of salt.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
This was my first book by this author and it wasn't what I was expecting, but not in a good way. I was really into it, clipping along at a fast pace and enjoying the read about a dead body that links back to a cold case from forty years ago. And then all of a sudden the lead cop gets "visions" and starts to have heart flutters over her partner. Why oh why couldn't this just have been a really good police procedural/investigation plotline without the voodoo and the romance thrown in!? Lourey had a really good thing going here until she didn't.
I was engaged enough to want to finish this one because I wanted to know who the killer was and had the author not thrown in the two things I mentioned and had avoided about a million sub-plots in the narrative I would have loved this book. There are plots about a senator abusing her husband and kids, another about Van's backstory in an abusive cult, one about a case she worked on before with Steinbeck and another about the history she has with her old partner and his replacement and then we had swingers and dog rescues...I got a headache trying to figure out where the author was going with it all.
I did love how the author wrote the killer's point of view, man is he ever damaged, his pages creeped me the feck out and his ability to hide was certainly a unique one. The book ended on a real cliffhanger and this is supposed to be a series but I was so disappointed in the way it went I won't be bothering to pick up book two. I am in the minority here and at the time of posting this review the book has a 4.35 rating so take my review with a grain of salt.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
October 6, 2023
Wow! Just wow! First book by Jess Lourey and definitely will not be my last! Now I want to get my hands on all of her other stuff!
Forty-two years ago, the lives of three little girls would be changed forever. In a Minnesota forest, only one walks out and the other two vanish. Without a trace. While Rue is the only one to make it out, she has no recollection of the events that unfolded. The memory is gone.
Fast forward to the present…. A homeless man discovers a woman buried in the forest. When the detectives show up, the woman is found buried alive with a known necklace to one of the missing girls so long ago. Could she possibly be one of The Taken Ones? Was she alive this whole time or is someone else wearing her necklace?
Van Reed is called in to be the lead on the case in the Cold Case Division. She is partnered with a scientist in forensics, Harry Steinbeck. What Harry doesn’t know is that Van still struggles with a traumatic past of her own. She too had a disturbing history within her childhood. This case hits Van too close to home. On top of that, she is troubled by nightmares… horrid visions that appear to be real. Can these visions assist in the case? Only thing is, no one knows her secret.
Lourey knocked it out of the park with this UNPUTDOWNABLE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER! I hated my damn job getting in the way! Ugh, and who needs sleep? Right?
I highly recommend this one, but just be prepared to cancel any plans…. Because this can be done in one sitting. This is the first in a series and ends leaving you hungry for answers and more!
Enthralling, captivating, thrilling, exceptional!!!
4.5 ⭐️
Forty-two years ago, the lives of three little girls would be changed forever. In a Minnesota forest, only one walks out and the other two vanish. Without a trace. While Rue is the only one to make it out, she has no recollection of the events that unfolded. The memory is gone.
Fast forward to the present…. A homeless man discovers a woman buried in the forest. When the detectives show up, the woman is found buried alive with a known necklace to one of the missing girls so long ago. Could she possibly be one of The Taken Ones? Was she alive this whole time or is someone else wearing her necklace?
Van Reed is called in to be the lead on the case in the Cold Case Division. She is partnered with a scientist in forensics, Harry Steinbeck. What Harry doesn’t know is that Van still struggles with a traumatic past of her own. She too had a disturbing history within her childhood. This case hits Van too close to home. On top of that, she is troubled by nightmares… horrid visions that appear to be real. Can these visions assist in the case? Only thing is, no one knows her secret.
Lourey knocked it out of the park with this UNPUTDOWNABLE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER! I hated my damn job getting in the way! Ugh, and who needs sleep? Right?
I highly recommend this one, but just be prepared to cancel any plans…. Because this can be done in one sitting. This is the first in a series and ends leaving you hungry for answers and more!
Enthralling, captivating, thrilling, exceptional!!!
4.5 ⭐️
February 4, 2024
Two girls vanish in 1980. A woman is found buried alive in 2022 holding a heart charm necklace belonging to one of the vanished girls. Cold case detective Van Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck have to work together to uncover the connections that link these two cases in order to find the killer.
I thought The Taken Ones was the first book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, but after I started listening, I realized that I had previously read and enjoyed Catch Her in a Lie, part of the Getaway series of short stories which was actually the start of Steinbeck and Reed.
I was invested in this storyline from the start and liked the way it all unraveled with the final revelation being quite creepy and different.
There is a lot of backstory which some may find distracting, but I think it was necessary to understand our main female protagonist especially since this will be a series. Van has a history of childhood abuse and trauma which unmistakably shapes her identity as an adult and adds depth to her character. Harry is a bit more enigmatic. We get a glimpse of his past, but I am looking forward to learning more about him in the next book. 4 stars.
Available to read or listen now with Kindle Unlimited.
I thought The Taken Ones was the first book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, but after I started listening, I realized that I had previously read and enjoyed Catch Her in a Lie, part of the Getaway series of short stories which was actually the start of Steinbeck and Reed.
I was invested in this storyline from the start and liked the way it all unraveled with the final revelation being quite creepy and different.
There is a lot of backstory which some may find distracting, but I think it was necessary to understand our main female protagonist especially since this will be a series. Van has a history of childhood abuse and trauma which unmistakably shapes her identity as an adult and adds depth to her character. Harry is a bit more enigmatic. We get a glimpse of his past, but I am looking forward to learning more about him in the next book. 4 stars.
Available to read or listen now with Kindle Unlimited.
July 13, 2024
Brilliant 🙌🏾! Five Extremely Easy Stars! The plot, the despicable and likeable characters, the narration all get a 5 each!
Every page had me intrigued 🤩and, I love the uniqueness of the villain. I would love to see the concept in a movie or a limited series!
On to the next one - The Reaping (Steinbeck and Reed Book 2).
Every page had me intrigued 🤩and, I love the uniqueness of the villain. I would love to see the concept in a movie or a limited series!
On to the next one - The Reaping (Steinbeck and Reed Book 2).
February 5, 2024
the setup…
Over 40 years ago, three young girls ventured into the woods near their homes in Leech Lake, Minnesota and only one emerged…traumatized, in shock and with no memory of what happened. It’s now the summer of 2022 and cold case Detective Evangeline (Van) Reed is called to a scene where a woman was buried alive, rescued only a short time after she died. She and her partner are assigned the case along with BCA forensic scientist Agent Harry Steinbeck. They soon learn the woman is connected to the missing girls from 1980, referred to as the Taken Ones. Complicating the investigation is the original detective assigned to the case from the Minneapolis Police Department David Comstock, the man responsible for Van leaving the force and joining the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
the heart of the story…
The mystery of the Taken Ones was surely intriguing but it was Van Reed I found most fascinating. She has dreams where she sees crimes being perpetrated, including their identities, and they haunt her relentlessly. Of course, that’s in play with this case but there’s another one that’s plaguing her at the same time. Her former MPD partner, now deceased, knew how to manage and leverage her “gift” but she’s sort of at sea now without him. Harry sensed her gift when they worked an earlier case and now they’ve been partnered for this one. Van doesn’t know if she can trust him and he’s a bit wary of her lack of discipline. There’s a lot going on outside of the dynamics of the investigation and it all had me fixated, not wanting to miss a thing.
the narration…
Robins is particularly skilled at providing voice distinctions that help to define the characters. She’s also a gifted storyteller and delivered a great performance.
the bottom line…
I knew from the prequel that both Van and Harry would be fascinating characters and that they are! I was as drawn to them as I was to the mysteries. Van’s troubled history with the MPD (and her childhood) also posed some issues and at times things looked bleak. But her complicated personal issues didn’t detract from her doggedness in solving these cases, even when she held the unpopular point of view. Harry doesn’t like to speculate, relying solely on facts so he struggles with believing in her and following only what they could prove. They are an interesting combination and I can’t wait for their next joint case! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Over 40 years ago, three young girls ventured into the woods near their homes in Leech Lake, Minnesota and only one emerged…traumatized, in shock and with no memory of what happened. It’s now the summer of 2022 and cold case Detective Evangeline (Van) Reed is called to a scene where a woman was buried alive, rescued only a short time after she died. She and her partner are assigned the case along with BCA forensic scientist Agent Harry Steinbeck. They soon learn the woman is connected to the missing girls from 1980, referred to as the Taken Ones. Complicating the investigation is the original detective assigned to the case from the Minneapolis Police Department David Comstock, the man responsible for Van leaving the force and joining the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
the heart of the story…
The mystery of the Taken Ones was surely intriguing but it was Van Reed I found most fascinating. She has dreams where she sees crimes being perpetrated, including their identities, and they haunt her relentlessly. Of course, that’s in play with this case but there’s another one that’s plaguing her at the same time. Her former MPD partner, now deceased, knew how to manage and leverage her “gift” but she’s sort of at sea now without him. Harry sensed her gift when they worked an earlier case and now they’ve been partnered for this one. Van doesn’t know if she can trust him and he’s a bit wary of her lack of discipline. There’s a lot going on outside of the dynamics of the investigation and it all had me fixated, not wanting to miss a thing.
the narration…
Robins is particularly skilled at providing voice distinctions that help to define the characters. She’s also a gifted storyteller and delivered a great performance.
the bottom line…
I knew from the prequel that both Van and Harry would be fascinating characters and that they are! I was as drawn to them as I was to the mysteries. Van’s troubled history with the MPD (and her childhood) also posed some issues and at times things looked bleak. But her complicated personal issues didn’t detract from her doggedness in solving these cases, even when she held the unpopular point of view. Harry doesn’t like to speculate, relying solely on facts so he struggles with believing in her and following only what they could prove. They are an interesting combination and I can’t wait for their next joint case! 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 15, 2023
This was my first book by Jess Lourey. My first thought after reading it was I wish I had a buddy reader. I loved this book so much and just wanted to talk to someone about it. It is currently sitting at 4.35 on goodreads so I know there are plenty who agree with me.
You can read the synopsis online but to get it out of the way: In the summer of 1980 three young girls go into the woods and only one comes out. Nobody has a clue what happens and this eventually goes into a unsolved cold case. Fast forward to the present and we are introduced to Cold Case Investigators Van Reed and Harry Steinbeck. They are assigned to a brutal murder and there are connections to that crime and the two missing girls from 1980.
Ok, what follows is nothing but a solid crime thriller. But beside that we are introduced to two great characters in Van and Harry. I love these characters so much. Van suffers from dreams/nightmares and we learn she has a very troubled upbringing. Possibly because of that she is a loner and suffers from a little social anxiety and prefers to spend her spare time caring for dogs at a local shelter.
The mindset of these characters as they try and solve this crime is incredible. There are some twists and one absolutely turns this story onto it's head towards the middle. It is a great "Holy Shit!" moment. Plus this book is just creepy and scary in places. In a good way.
I can't recommend this book enough and it leaves you with so many questions in the end...... There has to be a sequel. I have no idea how the future with Van and Harry will go on. I just need it too.
I really appreciate Thomas & Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free for a honest review and it has a publication date of September 19, 2023.
You can read the synopsis online but to get it out of the way: In the summer of 1980 three young girls go into the woods and only one comes out. Nobody has a clue what happens and this eventually goes into a unsolved cold case. Fast forward to the present and we are introduced to Cold Case Investigators Van Reed and Harry Steinbeck. They are assigned to a brutal murder and there are connections to that crime and the two missing girls from 1980.
Ok, what follows is nothing but a solid crime thriller. But beside that we are introduced to two great characters in Van and Harry. I love these characters so much. Van suffers from dreams/nightmares and we learn she has a very troubled upbringing. Possibly because of that she is a loner and suffers from a little social anxiety and prefers to spend her spare time caring for dogs at a local shelter.
The mindset of these characters as they try and solve this crime is incredible. There are some twists and one absolutely turns this story onto it's head towards the middle. It is a great "Holy Shit!" moment. Plus this book is just creepy and scary in places. In a good way.
I can't recommend this book enough and it leaves you with so many questions in the end...... There has to be a sequel. I have no idea how the future with Van and Harry will go on. I just need it too.
I really appreciate Thomas & Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free for a honest review and it has a publication date of September 19, 2023.
September 1, 2024
In the summer of 1980 three girls went into a Minnesota wood but only one returned with no memory of what happened. There's no trace of her friend and her younger sister who were with her and they become "the taken ones". In the summer of 2022 cold case detective Van Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck are assigned a disturbing homicide - a woman buried alive, clutching a heart charm necklace belonging to one of the vanished girls.
This book has been on my Netgalley shelf for over a year and now it's been joined on the shelf by the second book so I dusted Book 1 off and set about reading it. BUT, before I did that, on the recommendation of a GR friend, I read the prequel, Catch Her in a Lie, a very short story which is actually a part of the Getaway collection on amazon.
I enjoyed The Taken Ones much more than I was expecting to and I'm really looking forward to reading The Reaping, Book 2 in this series. I really like Van and Harry as characters and the story is spine-tingling and exciting. We're also treated to some looks into Van's own childhood trauma as a result of being raised on Frank’s Farm, a cult now disbanded. The book is a pretty quick read and it was hard to put down. It ends in a cliffhanger which I normally don't care for but since I have the next book lined up, it didn't bother me as much. After I finish the second book in this series I'd like to go back and read some of the author's previous works.
TW: Child abuse, cult practices
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this novel for review and my apologies for the lateness of that review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book has been on my Netgalley shelf for over a year and now it's been joined on the shelf by the second book so I dusted Book 1 off and set about reading it. BUT, before I did that, on the recommendation of a GR friend, I read the prequel, Catch Her in a Lie, a very short story which is actually a part of the Getaway collection on amazon.
I enjoyed The Taken Ones much more than I was expecting to and I'm really looking forward to reading The Reaping, Book 2 in this series. I really like Van and Harry as characters and the story is spine-tingling and exciting. We're also treated to some looks into Van's own childhood trauma as a result of being raised on Frank’s Farm, a cult now disbanded. The book is a pretty quick read and it was hard to put down. It ends in a cliffhanger which I normally don't care for but since I have the next book lined up, it didn't bother me as much. After I finish the second book in this series I'd like to go back and read some of the author's previous works.
TW: Child abuse, cult practices
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this novel for review and my apologies for the lateness of that review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 9, 2023
Did I read this entire book in one sitting? Yes. Yes I did. Do I need more Steinbeck and Reed adventures right now?! Yes. Yes I do.
This book is a true crime/mystery lovers dream. Every single one of Jess Lourey’s books have hooked me from page one - this one was no different. I was completely shocked and creeped out by the reveal of who done it. And I will probably have nightmares about it lol.
If you haven’t read any @jesslourey books yet, DO IT! (I highly recommend the Quarry Girls) and mark your calendars for September, because you’re going to want to read this one!
This book is a true crime/mystery lovers dream. Every single one of Jess Lourey’s books have hooked me from page one - this one was no different. I was completely shocked and creeped out by the reveal of who done it. And I will probably have nightmares about it lol.
If you haven’t read any @jesslourey books yet, DO IT! (I highly recommend the Quarry Girls) and mark your calendars for September, because you’re going to want to read this one!
June 24, 2023
Two girls disappeared 42 years ago while walking through the woods to a creek. Present day one girl is buried alive but help arrives too late. Van and Harry look into the case and it brings up painful memories of her past.
This was a very addictive, gripping read that I couldn’t hardly put down. Thanks NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC that comes out September 19, 2023!
This was a very addictive, gripping read that I couldn’t hardly put down. Thanks NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC that comes out September 19, 2023!
September 18, 2023
Review to come!🖤
October 30, 2024
~4.5~
This damn book disrupted my entire evening. I had dinner plans and rudely rushed through the meal because I was halfway through The Taken Ones and was going to expire on the spot if I didn't finish the story right the fuck now.
Evangeline (Van) Reed is a cold case detective tasked with solving a mystery from 1980: three young girls wondered into the woods one blistering July day in search of a swimming hole, but only one came out.
A complex, multi-faceted character, Van was raised in a commune with a Father who abused the children to the point of brain damage; has prophetic dreams/visions that feature evil people doing terrible things; loves dogs, especially big ones, and volunteers at an animal shelter; is chaotic, messy, and has a chip on her shoulder the size of Alaska; and .
I didn't mind any of this because it made the story more complex and interesting.
However, the subplot about a state senator abusing her children was distracting and unnecessary. The way it was resolved wasn't entirely believable either.
But that's a small complaint. Overall, this story moved at lightning speed and was compulsively readable. I loved the secondary characters and appreciated that even though there's a hint of attraction between Van and Harry, a forensic scientist who works the case with her, it's barely a blip on the radar.
The epilogue provides closure but also leaves the gate wide open for book 2, which I'll be reading as soon as I'm done with this review.
This damn book disrupted my entire evening. I had dinner plans and rudely rushed through the meal because I was halfway through The Taken Ones and was going to expire on the spot if I didn't finish the story right the fuck now.
Evangeline (Van) Reed is a cold case detective tasked with solving a mystery from 1980: three young girls wondered into the woods one blistering July day in search of a swimming hole, but only one came out.
A complex, multi-faceted character, Van was raised in a commune with a Father who abused the children to the point of brain damage; has prophetic dreams/visions that feature evil people doing terrible things; loves dogs, especially big ones, and volunteers at an animal shelter; is chaotic, messy, and has a chip on her shoulder the size of Alaska; and .
I didn't mind any of this because it made the story more complex and interesting.
However, the subplot about a state senator abusing her children was distracting and unnecessary. The way it was resolved wasn't entirely believable either.
But that's a small complaint. Overall, this story moved at lightning speed and was compulsively readable. I loved the secondary characters and appreciated that even though there's a hint of attraction between Van and Harry, a forensic scientist who works the case with her, it's barely a blip on the radar.
The epilogue provides closure but also leaves the gate wide open for book 2, which I'll be reading as soon as I'm done with this review.
August 1, 2024
Special Gifts Division
Van Reed once worked homicide with a great cop that understood her and how to make her gift work. She was different, but that never bothered Bart, he just took what she gave him and worked the cases and they had the best clearance rate in the department. Then Bart died and they shunned her until Van left, dealing with her gift in an unhealthy way until she ended up at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or BCA, cold case division.
Van was handed a fifty year old case of abducted children she is now the lead on, and it’s hard to keep her gifts under wraps. Her forensic partner Harry Steinbeck is as different from Van as night from day, he’s so tidy and buttoned up and Van is sometimes a slob because that’s her version of control. You see, Van was once an abused child and has her own ghosts to deal with.
This is an exciting five star read that was hard to put down and I can’t wait for the next book!
Van Reed once worked homicide with a great cop that understood her and how to make her gift work. She was different, but that never bothered Bart, he just took what she gave him and worked the cases and they had the best clearance rate in the department. Then Bart died and they shunned her until Van left, dealing with her gift in an unhealthy way until she ended up at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or BCA, cold case division.
Van was handed a fifty year old case of abducted children she is now the lead on, and it’s hard to keep her gifts under wraps. Her forensic partner Harry Steinbeck is as different from Van as night from day, he’s so tidy and buttoned up and Van is sometimes a slob because that’s her version of control. You see, Van was once an abused child and has her own ghosts to deal with.
This is an exciting five star read that was hard to put down and I can’t wait for the next book!
July 30, 2025
Oh my goodness, how I enjoyed this book! Jess Lourey’s THE TAKEN ONES is a captivating thriller that effortlessly intertwines suspense, mystery, and psychological depth. From the very first chapter, the author pulls the reader in, creating a chilling narrative that will keep you awake well beyond midnight!
Set in a small Minnesota town, the story follows cold case detective Van Reed and forensic psychologist Harry Steinbeck as they investigate the inexplicable disappearance of two young girls over forty years prior. The only witness to their disappearance was Rue, the sister of one of the girls, whose young mind blocked out whatever horrors she saw that fateful day. Now, decades later, the discovery of a body in the woods ties the present to the past, forcing Van and Harry to uncover long buried secrets.
What makes this novel stand out for me is the relationship that develops between Van and Harry—understated, yet defined by mutual respect, understanding, loyalty, and friendship. The character development is fantastic, even for minor characters, but especially for our two MCs. Each has experienced significant trauma, their personal struggles, emotional scars, and anguished backstories making them incredibly relatable as well as likable.
The pacing of the book is near perfect, with suspense building chapter after chapter. The POV is written mostly from Van’s perspective (some chapters giving us glimpses into her horror-filled childhood), with a few chapters including the POV of our baddie. And I loved how the epilogue was written from Harry’s point of view, giving the reader his/her first insight into Harry’s state of mind.
THE TAKEN ONES is so much more than a thriller or mystery. It tells the story of how trauma, no matter its form or duration, shapes lives and often steals something from us that is nearly impossible to get back. But at the same time, it tells the story of the power of resilience, inner strength, and unwavering courage during the bleakest of times. I cannot wait to start reading Book 2, and continuing the journey with Van and Harry.
Set in a small Minnesota town, the story follows cold case detective Van Reed and forensic psychologist Harry Steinbeck as they investigate the inexplicable disappearance of two young girls over forty years prior. The only witness to their disappearance was Rue, the sister of one of the girls, whose young mind blocked out whatever horrors she saw that fateful day. Now, decades later, the discovery of a body in the woods ties the present to the past, forcing Van and Harry to uncover long buried secrets.
What makes this novel stand out for me is the relationship that develops between Van and Harry—understated, yet defined by mutual respect, understanding, loyalty, and friendship. The character development is fantastic, even for minor characters, but especially for our two MCs. Each has experienced significant trauma, their personal struggles, emotional scars, and anguished backstories making them incredibly relatable as well as likable.
The pacing of the book is near perfect, with suspense building chapter after chapter. The POV is written mostly from Van’s perspective (some chapters giving us glimpses into her horror-filled childhood), with a few chapters including the POV of our baddie. And I loved how the epilogue was written from Harry’s point of view, giving the reader his/her first insight into Harry’s state of mind.
THE TAKEN ONES is so much more than a thriller or mystery. It tells the story of how trauma, no matter its form or duration, shapes lives and often steals something from us that is nearly impossible to get back. But at the same time, it tells the story of the power of resilience, inner strength, and unwavering courage during the bleakest of times. I cannot wait to start reading Book 2, and continuing the journey with Van and Harry.
May 28, 2025
Buen libro de casos sin resolver. En esta ocasión la desaparición de dos niñas en un bosque hace 40 años. Entraron tres niñas, solo salió una y estaba demasiado traumatizada para recordar nada.
Ahora, tantos años después, aparece una mujer enterrada viva que la conecta con las desapariciones. ¿Es una de las niñas?
Van y Harry, dedicados por completo a revisar este caso sin resolver, deberán unir todas las pistas para descubrir qué pasó, atrapar al culpable e intentar averiguar si aquellas niñas siguen vivas. Los sueños en forma de pesadillas de Van parecen premonitorios y la llevan casi al límite.
Me ha gustado bastante este libro. A pesar de tener a la típica policía de pasado traumático y encima con elementos un poco raros como los sueños que tiene y que parecen decirle por donde ir, me lo he pasado muy bien leyéndolo.
Es el primero de una serie y el gancho que nos deja la autora al final de libro es bastante potente para, en mi caso, leer el siguiente.
Ahora, tantos años después, aparece una mujer enterrada viva que la conecta con las desapariciones. ¿Es una de las niñas?
Van y Harry, dedicados por completo a revisar este caso sin resolver, deberán unir todas las pistas para descubrir qué pasó, atrapar al culpable e intentar averiguar si aquellas niñas siguen vivas. Los sueños en forma de pesadillas de Van parecen premonitorios y la llevan casi al límite.
Me ha gustado bastante este libro. A pesar de tener a la típica policía de pasado traumático y encima con elementos un poco raros como los sueños que tiene y que parecen decirle por donde ir, me lo he pasado muy bien leyéndolo.
Es el primero de una serie y el gancho que nos deja la autora al final de libro es bastante potente para, en mi caso, leer el siguiente.
August 31, 2024
I discovered this series a couple of months ago when I came across the most recent installment (#2) and thought it sounded good. Because I’m a fanatic about starting a new series from the beginning, I read the prequel, which I really enjoyed. Van is an interesting character, who has a particular ability and chooses to use that ability in a really disturbingly yet a very satisfying way. I’m not going to reveal Van’s secrets here because that would just be a spoiler. Anyway, the prequel had Van, an analyst at a MN state crime bureau and on her first field case, pairing up with colleague, Harry, a scientist at the bureau, for the first time to solve a serial killer case.
The book summary for this book lays out the start of the story and introduces the primary storyline of the case of a woman who was buried alive and who literally died as a homeless man, who heard her cries for help, was desperately trying to dig her out. Van and Harry partner up again because it was discovered that the dead woman was connected to a 42yr old cold case of two missing girls. Van and Harry are assigned to investigate the cold case, while the local PD, and a Det. Comstock is assigned the murder case. Van used to work at the local PD and despises Comstock because he was instrumental in getting Van kicked off the force and out of the department.
The story flips back and forth between the present-day investigation and the past 42yr old cold case of two missing girls, Amanda and Lily, and a survivor, Ru. There is also a smattering of past chapters of Van’s childhood of growing up in an abusive cult commune and when she first discovered her ability. There are also some chapters of the killer. Before the halfway mark, I began to suspect who the killer was. The ending was a shocking, scary and intense ending.
The continuing characterization of the MC’s, Van and Harry, was well done. It was good to learn more about them and look forward to learning more. The pacing was steady to fast and the storyline was really interesting. The writing was well done too, especially that last line! Whoo hoo!!! It just got a whole lot more exciting! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
The book summary for this book lays out the start of the story and introduces the primary storyline of the case of a woman who was buried alive and who literally died as a homeless man, who heard her cries for help, was desperately trying to dig her out. Van and Harry partner up again because it was discovered that the dead woman was connected to a 42yr old cold case of two missing girls. Van and Harry are assigned to investigate the cold case, while the local PD, and a Det. Comstock is assigned the murder case. Van used to work at the local PD and despises Comstock because he was instrumental in getting Van kicked off the force and out of the department.
The story flips back and forth between the present-day investigation and the past 42yr old cold case of two missing girls, Amanda and Lily, and a survivor, Ru. There is also a smattering of past chapters of Van’s childhood of growing up in an abusive cult commune and when she first discovered her ability. There are also some chapters of the killer. Before the halfway mark, I began to suspect who the killer was. The ending was a shocking, scary and intense ending.
The continuing characterization of the MC’s, Van and Harry, was well done. It was good to learn more about them and look forward to learning more. The pacing was steady to fast and the storyline was really interesting. The writing was well done too, especially that last line! Whoo hoo!!! It just got a whole lot more exciting! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
June 23, 2025
4,5✨
Que livro foi este?!?!
Várias reviravoltas incríveis, uma escrita e história viciante e uma personagem principal que amei. Estou muito animada para esta nova série e espero continuar a ler livros desta autora
Que livro foi este?!?!
Várias reviravoltas incríveis, uma escrita e história viciante e uma personagem principal que amei. Estou muito animada para esta nova série e espero continuar a ler livros desta autora
August 25, 2024
What an absolute banger of a prologue. Sent chills down my spine.
I lovedddd the short story Catch Her In A Lie showing the start of Van Reed and Harry Steinbeck’s partnership so I couldn’t wait to jump into this one.
This was so so good and CREEPY. I loved reading about Vans backstory and her visions. A detective with visions could potentially be cheesy but it’s done so well.
And I may or may not have had a nightmare about the Bendy Man after finishing this 🫥
I lovedddd the short story Catch Her In A Lie showing the start of Van Reed and Harry Steinbeck’s partnership so I couldn’t wait to jump into this one.
This was so so good and CREEPY. I loved reading about Vans backstory and her visions. A detective with visions could potentially be cheesy but it’s done so well.
And I may or may not have had a nightmare about the Bendy Man after finishing this 🫥
March 7, 2024
While undoubtedly a page-turner, there are things about this book that ruin it for me. First, I genuinely dislike books that are written in anticipation to be filmed. You can always tell by the writing. Second, it is side-story hoarding, almost as if the author wants to cram as many traumatic plots as humanly possible. Third, the case-cracking moment was anti-climactic, illogical and hasted.
March 4, 2024
I picked up this book with anticipation and trepidation combined. Anticipation because Lourey's writing draws me in. Trepidation because her book The Quarry Girls scared the giblets out of me. This story was gripping without scaring me silly, probably because it dealt with issues foreign to me. There were still occasions when I had to go do housework and calm down.
Van Reed is an unusual law enforcement officer. She grew up on a commune run by a psychopath, Frank. She has unresolved trauma issues, including really awful nightmares about horrible things being done to helpless people. A news story early in her career has revealed that she is getting true visions of actual crimes. Her first partner on the police force believed her—she would tell him her “hunches" and he would do the investigative work necessary to confirm them and make a lawful arrest. When he dies, she is vindictively hounded out of the police department. She finds a haven in the Cold Case branch where her main tormentor had limited access to her.
Then a woman is found buried alive and her identity is determined to be that of a girl abducted in 1980. The case is known as the Taken Ones, two little girls vanishing on a hot summer day. Van immediately claims the cold case files, but her nemesis, Comstock, is working the current murder and he has lost none of his hatred for Van. However Van has a good team and the forensic scientist, Harry Steinbeck, is a solid supporter (with his own issues). But when Van finally confesses one of her visions to him, she is justifiably worried that he too will think she's a nut job. Instead, he arranges an intervention which reveals the truth of her visions and cements their partnership.
Reed and Steinbeck make a good team. Steinbeck is logical, reasonable and neat. Reed is emotional, excitable and a slob. They are complementary in so many ways. A second book featuring this duo will be coming out this fall and I have my fingers crossed that my library will order it.
Van Reed is an unusual law enforcement officer. She grew up on a commune run by a psychopath, Frank. She has unresolved trauma issues, including really awful nightmares about horrible things being done to helpless people. A news story early in her career has revealed that she is getting true visions of actual crimes. Her first partner on the police force believed her—she would tell him her “hunches" and he would do the investigative work necessary to confirm them and make a lawful arrest. When he dies, she is vindictively hounded out of the police department. She finds a haven in the Cold Case branch where her main tormentor had limited access to her.
Then a woman is found buried alive and her identity is determined to be that of a girl abducted in 1980. The case is known as the Taken Ones, two little girls vanishing on a hot summer day. Van immediately claims the cold case files, but her nemesis, Comstock, is working the current murder and he has lost none of his hatred for Van. However Van has a good team and the forensic scientist, Harry Steinbeck, is a solid supporter (with his own issues). But when Van finally confesses one of her visions to him, she is justifiably worried that he too will think she's a nut job. Instead, he arranges an intervention which reveals the truth of her visions and cements their partnership.
Reed and Steinbeck make a good team. Steinbeck is logical, reasonable and neat. Reed is emotional, excitable and a slob. They are complementary in so many ways. A second book featuring this duo will be coming out this fall and I have my fingers crossed that my library will order it.
April 15, 2023
3 stars. Review to come closer to publication date.
August 6, 2025
I both read and listened to The Taken Ones, and found the writing smooth and engaging. Van’s cynicism and tragic past added depth, but many characters felt forgettable and it was sometimes hard to keep track of them all.
The resolution was interesting, but I didn’t feel the emotional punch I hoped for. I sympathized with the families, but the ending felt more tragic than powerful, it was okay, but not quite a wow moment.
Harry Steinbeck was my favorite, more layered and intriguing than Van, and I look forward to seeing where the series goes next.
3.5 stars, rounded up
The resolution was interesting, but I didn’t feel the emotional punch I hoped for. I sympathized with the families, but the ending felt more tragic than powerful, it was okay, but not quite a wow moment.
Harry Steinbeck was my favorite, more layered and intriguing than Van, and I look forward to seeing where the series goes next.
3.5 stars, rounded up
December 26, 2024
Great story
Jess Lourey is an.imaginative writer with a great talent. I loved this story. Such horror that children who are abducted and the ways they are driven into accepting their lives.
Van the lead investigator has a certain gift to finding these people, which I won't reveal. We find several detectives that have secrets of their own. But, are they justified? If you like this type of story I can highly recommend this book!!!
Jess Lourey is an.imaginative writer with a great talent. I loved this story. Such horror that children who are abducted and the ways they are driven into accepting their lives.
Van the lead investigator has a certain gift to finding these people, which I won't reveal. We find several detectives that have secrets of their own. But, are they justified? If you like this type of story I can highly recommend this book!!!
June 5, 2025
Claro y oscuros en el libro.
La trama es buena pero según pasan las pag se desinfla un poco. Muchas casualidades, algunos aspectos cogidos con pinzas…
La historia de la protagonista me ha parecido muy interesante, me habria gustado que profundizase más.
Libro correcto con un final que me ha dejado fria
La trama es buena pero según pasan las pag se desinfla un poco. Muchas casualidades, algunos aspectos cogidos con pinzas…
La historia de la protagonista me ha parecido muy interesante, me habria gustado que profundizase más.
Libro correcto con un final que me ha dejado fria
October 21, 2023
2.5
My first time reading this author and unfortunately this one didn't work out for me. I came close to putting it in the dnf pile but didnt.
Two girls vanished. A woman buried alive. Between two crimes lie decades of secrets yet to be unearthed.
I think the author tried to do too much and it made things very confusing for me. While investigating the current case and a cold case that may be related, the protagonist started having visions of her own past trauma when she was 11 years old.
Things just dragged on in the story and the switching between backstories on both cases and the protagonists trauma-filled past just made me loose complete interest.
My first time reading this author and unfortunately this one didn't work out for me. I came close to putting it in the dnf pile but didnt.
Two girls vanished. A woman buried alive. Between two crimes lie decades of secrets yet to be unearthed.
I think the author tried to do too much and it made things very confusing for me. While investigating the current case and a cold case that may be related, the protagonist started having visions of her own past trauma when she was 11 years old.
Things just dragged on in the story and the switching between backstories on both cases and the protagonists trauma-filled past just made me loose complete interest.
March 10, 2025
I’m excited to share my thoughts on The Taken Ones, the first book in the Steinbeck and Reed series by Jess Lourey! I accessed this gem through Kindle Unlimited, and let me tell you, it reignited my passion for Lourey’s captivating storytelling! ✨❤️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.75 stars)
Set in the haunting summer of 1980, The Taken Ones begins with a chilling mystery: three girls wander into a Minnesota wood, but only one returns—silenced and without any memory of what happened. 😱🔍 Decades later, in 2022, cold case detective Van Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck get tangled in a disturbing homicide involving a woman buried alive, clutching a heart charm necklace belonging to one of the missing girls. 🕵️♀️💔 As Van and Harry navigate this dark labyrinth of crime, they face their own demons from the past. The story deftly intertwines past and present, creating a web of secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat! 🏃♀️💨
Lourey’s writing is both engaging and atmospheric, effectively pulling you into the chilling backdrop of the Minnesota woods and the complexities of the characters' lives. 🙌🌲 Her ability to contrast the innocence of youth with the darkness of human nature is truly remarkable!
Van Reed’s struggles with her childhood memories add a deeper dimension to her character, making her relatable and three-dimensional. 🔦✨ Meanwhile, Harry Steinbeck’s scientific approach brings a fascinating counterbalance to Van’s gut instincts. Their dynamic is electric, and I found myself rooting for them throughout their investigation. 🥳❤️
Now, I do have one tiny complaint: the chapters alternate points of view between the killer, the victim, and the detectives, but they aren't labeled! 🤔😳 I found myself occasionally catching on a bit late as I tried to decipher who was narrating. It was like a mini puzzle for the brain! However, the suspense and thrill more than made up for this little hiccup! 🧩🔍
Overall, The Taken Ones is an engrossing thriller that successfully explores the themes of trauma, memory, and the relentless pursuit of truth. I thoroughly enjoyed each page and cannot wait to dive into the next book in the series, The Reaping! 📖💖 If you’re a fan of mysteries that intertwine past and present, you won’t want to miss this one! 🎉
Set in the haunting summer of 1980, The Taken Ones begins with a chilling mystery: three girls wander into a Minnesota wood, but only one returns—silenced and without any memory of what happened. 😱🔍 Decades later, in 2022, cold case detective Van Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck get tangled in a disturbing homicide involving a woman buried alive, clutching a heart charm necklace belonging to one of the missing girls. 🕵️♀️💔 As Van and Harry navigate this dark labyrinth of crime, they face their own demons from the past. The story deftly intertwines past and present, creating a web of secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat! 🏃♀️💨
Lourey’s writing is both engaging and atmospheric, effectively pulling you into the chilling backdrop of the Minnesota woods and the complexities of the characters' lives. 🙌🌲 Her ability to contrast the innocence of youth with the darkness of human nature is truly remarkable!
Van Reed’s struggles with her childhood memories add a deeper dimension to her character, making her relatable and three-dimensional. 🔦✨ Meanwhile, Harry Steinbeck’s scientific approach brings a fascinating counterbalance to Van’s gut instincts. Their dynamic is electric, and I found myself rooting for them throughout their investigation. 🥳❤️
Now, I do have one tiny complaint: the chapters alternate points of view between the killer, the victim, and the detectives, but they aren't labeled! 🤔😳 I found myself occasionally catching on a bit late as I tried to decipher who was narrating. It was like a mini puzzle for the brain! However, the suspense and thrill more than made up for this little hiccup! 🧩🔍
Overall, The Taken Ones is an engrossing thriller that successfully explores the themes of trauma, memory, and the relentless pursuit of truth. I thoroughly enjoyed each page and cannot wait to dive into the next book in the series, The Reaping! 📖💖 If you’re a fan of mysteries that intertwine past and present, you won’t want to miss this one! 🎉
July 12, 2023
Jess Lourey is an auto-read fave of mine, and after reading her short story, "Catch Her in a Lie" (which was by far my favorite of the six stories from the Kindle Unlimited "Getaway" series) I was DYING to read more about Evangeline (Van) and Harry -- and here we are!
Lourey knocks it out of the park with this one and delivers an un-put-downable thriller starring a cold case investigator with a traumatic past and A LOT of secrets (I mean... our girl Van has got ALL of the things going on) and a handsome (maybe some Will Trent-ish vibes?) forensic investigator.
I love Lourey's writing. She never shies away from getting gritty and graphic and always manages to create such a strong sense of dread -- and I loved how she brought the story to a tidy resolution, but still left us with a giant cliffhanger -- the next book in this series cannot come fast enough!
Five stars! Read this (and read all of her other books if you haven't yet)!
* Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. The Taken Ones publishes September 19.
Lourey knocks it out of the park with this one and delivers an un-put-downable thriller starring a cold case investigator with a traumatic past and A LOT of secrets (I mean... our girl Van has got ALL of the things going on) and a handsome (maybe some Will Trent-ish vibes?) forensic investigator.
I love Lourey's writing. She never shies away from getting gritty and graphic and always manages to create such a strong sense of dread -- and I loved how she brought the story to a tidy resolution, but still left us with a giant cliffhanger -- the next book in this series cannot come fast enough!
Five stars! Read this (and read all of her other books if you haven't yet)!
* Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. The Taken Ones publishes September 19.
September 10, 2023
I have read almost all if Jess Lourey’s books, I have one left. I love them all! This one had me hooked right away. It begins with two girls who go missing in 1980, then fast forwards to 2020 when a woman is found buried alive on a beach. The two cases may be related…..but how? I loved the two detectives on the case, Steinback and Reed. When I got to the end….I was like what? It’s a cliffhanger…be prepared! I immediately messaged the author with questions!😂 She was so kind to respond so quickly to me. She put my mind at ease. LOL
This was an easy read that I needed in my life, and now I need the next book ASAP! It is fast paced and dark, with multiple POV which is my fave. Jess Lourey will always be an auto buy author for me. Her writing is unlike any other.❤️
This was an easy read that I needed in my life, and now I need the next book ASAP! It is fast paced and dark, with multiple POV which is my fave. Jess Lourey will always be an auto buy author for me. Her writing is unlike any other.❤️
May 22, 2023
Good morning! I'm at home with a sick kid and not feeling too hot myself, if I'm being honest. 🥴
This was one of my most anticipated @netgalley books I had! I've never read anything by Lourey. (That will now be changing!) It opened up with finding someone buried alive. That's one way to punch this book open!
There were a LOT of moving parts in this, including flashbacks to a wild past of the MC, which I ended up wanting a whole book on. I had such a hard time putting this one down this weekend, I was hooked. AND THEN SHE LEAVES YOU ON A CLIFFHANGER. (The book is wrapped up, don't worry. But now this will clearly be a series with these two officers which I am VERY excited about.)
This was one of my most anticipated @netgalley books I had! I've never read anything by Lourey. (That will now be changing!) It opened up with finding someone buried alive. That's one way to punch this book open!
There were a LOT of moving parts in this, including flashbacks to a wild past of the MC, which I ended up wanting a whole book on. I had such a hard time putting this one down this weekend, I was hooked. AND THEN SHE LEAVES YOU ON A CLIFFHANGER. (The book is wrapped up, don't worry. But now this will clearly be a series with these two officers which I am VERY excited about.)
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