What do you think?
Rate this book
Steinbeck and Reed #2
The Reaping
By-the-book forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck and rogue BCA agent Van Reed must catch a cold-case killer who’s returned to abduct a small town’s children one by one in this heart-stopping novel from the Edgar Award–nominated author of Unspeakable Things.
In 1998 an Alku, Minnesota, family of five was brutally murdered in their sleep. The event shook the insulated community but, without any solid leads, was relegated to the cold case files, where it moldered for twenty-five years. Until today.
Agent Harry Steinbeck hoped never to return to the northland, a place that holds terrible memories of his sister’s abduction. But when a recent homicide is connected to Alku’s unsolved mass murder, he and cold case agent Evangeline Reed have no choice but to investigate.
The case grows impossibly darker as, one by one, the children of Alku begin disappearing. And Harry and Van can’t shake the sensation that someone is watching every move they make.
As an elusive killer’s trail leads to a truth more sinister than either imagined, Harry knows there’s only one way to crack this he must finally face the secrets of his own past—even if doing so will cost him everything.
In 1998 an Alku, Minnesota, family of five was brutally murdered in their sleep. The event shook the insulated community but, without any solid leads, was relegated to the cold case files, where it moldered for twenty-five years. Until today.
Agent Harry Steinbeck hoped never to return to the northland, a place that holds terrible memories of his sister’s abduction. But when a recent homicide is connected to Alku’s unsolved mass murder, he and cold case agent Evangeline Reed have no choice but to investigate.
The case grows impossibly darker as, one by one, the children of Alku begin disappearing. And Harry and Van can’t shake the sensation that someone is watching every move they make.
As an elusive killer’s trail leads to a truth more sinister than either imagined, Harry knows there’s only one way to crack this he must finally face the secrets of his own past—even if doing so will cost him everything.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2024
3235 people are currently reading
12111 people want to read
About the author
Jess Lourey
49 books4,378 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 847 reviews
May 25, 2024
My thanks to Thomas and Mercer, Jess Lourey and Netgalley.
It's an odd thing, but I have this love affair with books that take place in Minnesota. I can't tell you how many times I've contemplated moving there. So many lakes! I do love multiple water sources!
Anyway, on to my non review!
I've noticed some reviews that stated that this book wasn't near as good as the first in the series. I've not read that one, but if its better? Count me in.
Oddly enough, these two characters reminded me of Karin Slaughters characters in the series with Will and Sara. Except they were kind of reversed. Great characters and story. I plan on reading more from this author. I enjoyed every stinking' moment!
It's an odd thing, but I have this love affair with books that take place in Minnesota. I can't tell you how many times I've contemplated moving there. So many lakes! I do love multiple water sources!
Anyway, on to my non review!
I've noticed some reviews that stated that this book wasn't near as good as the first in the series. I've not read that one, but if its better? Count me in.
Oddly enough, these two characters reminded me of Karin Slaughters characters in the series with Will and Sara. Except they were kind of reversed. Great characters and story. I plan on reading more from this author. I enjoyed every stinking' moment!
September 11, 2024
Town out of Place and Time
Van Reed and Harry Steinbeck caught a case, and a cold case, both of which they are sharing with a local detective out of Duluth, the current case within Detective Emery’s jurisdiction. The cold case of two adults and three children having been killed in the exact same brutal way as the case in Duluth being why Van and Harry of the BCA had been brought in.
The cold case didn’t occur in Duluth, but in an odd little Finnish town called Alku where everything and everyone seems just a little off.
From the moment Harry and Van enter the town of Alku Jess Lourey keeps the reader off balance. Just when you feel like you have a handle on what’s going on, she throws you in a different direction. These are all well fleshed out and interesting characters, especially our returning heroes and we hope we are going to see them again and often. Not quite the nail biter of the Taken Ones, but a great read that keeps your interest. I gave it four and a half stars, but rounded down on this one.
I split my time on this between Kindle and Audible and the Audible performance was excellent.
Van Reed and Harry Steinbeck caught a case, and a cold case, both of which they are sharing with a local detective out of Duluth, the current case within Detective Emery’s jurisdiction. The cold case of two adults and three children having been killed in the exact same brutal way as the case in Duluth being why Van and Harry of the BCA had been brought in.
The cold case didn’t occur in Duluth, but in an odd little Finnish town called Alku where everything and everyone seems just a little off.
From the moment Harry and Van enter the town of Alku Jess Lourey keeps the reader off balance. Just when you feel like you have a handle on what’s going on, she throws you in a different direction. These are all well fleshed out and interesting characters, especially our returning heroes and we hope we are going to see them again and often. Not quite the nail biter of the Taken Ones, but a great read that keeps your interest. I gave it four and a half stars, but rounded down on this one.
I split my time on this between Kindle and Audible and the Audible performance was excellent.
September 10, 2024
I have become a little obsessed with this series. After that final parting word from Harry in the last installment (Taken Ones), I just had to know how that played out in this installment. Van and Harry are back and this time, they are investigating a cold case of the slaughter of a family more than 25yrs ago in Creepsville Alku, a small town in northern MN. A recent murder in Alku bears an eerie similarity to Van and Harry’s cold case. Alku is one weird place! It was founded by seven families that immigrated from Finland 150yrs ago and the descendants from those seven bloodlines are the only people who get to live in the town. The townspeople are a bunch of creepy religious fanatics that kind of borders on cultish with a weird pagan vibe to it. CREEPY!!!
As if Alku wasn’t weird enough already, the primary employer (practically the whole town works there) is a nursing home for serial killers. Good grief! Think shades of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and they even have their own Nurse Ratched (Pihla) too! The convicted killer for the cold case is a resident at the nursing home but is ruled out as a suspect because of a stroke he had a few years ago and is now totally incapacitated. There is also a secondary story of Harry being close to where he grew up (Duluth) and where his younger sister, Caroline, disappeared more than 25yrs ago. Harry has never gotten over the shame of what he perceives as his part in Caroline’s disappearance.
The story flips back and forth between the past and the present with the past chapters being of Harry’s past before Caroline disappeared and being raised by his authoritarian mother. There are also past chapters of an Alku resident, Rannie, who is the younger brother to Pekka, who is the head psychiatrist for the serial killer’s nursing home. Rannie is portrayed as being neurodivergent, probably autistic, and who suffers from blackouts. There is also some mystery surrounding Pekka and Rannie and the death of one of Pekka’s friends 40yrs ago. There are also suspicions surrounding the disappearance of Pekka and Rannie’s mother along with the deaths of two hikers the same week the cold case victims were killed.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the cold case and its connection to the current murder, both have similar modes of attack. For most of the story, I had my own suspicions regarding two of the storylines. OMG!!! What a freaking shocker!!! I was so off base and never saw that ending coming! Very disturbing too! I am really enjoying this series (in spite of the trigger warning, which tend to be mutually inclusive) and based on that cliffhanger, I hope it’s not a long wait for the next installment. I also enjoyed the Author’s Note at the end. This story was basically inspired by both some real events and places along with Loury’s creative liberties and wild and crazy imagination.
The continuing character development of Van and Harry is being revealed very well. Van and Harry have been an odd pairing from the get-go. Van is a bona fide slob whereas Harry is a fastidious neat freak. Van is a fast-food junkie whereas Harry is a teetotaling, health-food nut. Van is often a bold, brash, snarky, don’t give a $#*! what people think of her investigator whereas Harry is a polite, obliging, by-the-book type of investigator. Harry is ruled by science and facts and Van is guided by her gut feelings that stem from her visions. They are becoming more familiar with the way each other works and think and they’re becoming better at reading each other and starting to trust and respect each other for the strengths that they bring to the investigation. The pacing is steady to fast and the storyline just the right amount of interesting and creepy to keep the reader engaged. The writing was very well done, especially that ending! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star rating. This is a Kindle Unlimited series for those KU members who may be looking for a great new series to check out.
TW: extreme religious fanaticism and child abuse
As if Alku wasn’t weird enough already, the primary employer (practically the whole town works there) is a nursing home for serial killers. Good grief! Think shades of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and they even have their own Nurse Ratched (Pihla) too! The convicted killer for the cold case is a resident at the nursing home but is ruled out as a suspect because of a stroke he had a few years ago and is now totally incapacitated. There is also a secondary story of Harry being close to where he grew up (Duluth) and where his younger sister, Caroline, disappeared more than 25yrs ago. Harry has never gotten over the shame of what he perceives as his part in Caroline’s disappearance.
The story flips back and forth between the past and the present with the past chapters being of Harry’s past before Caroline disappeared and being raised by his authoritarian mother. There are also past chapters of an Alku resident, Rannie, who is the younger brother to Pekka, who is the head psychiatrist for the serial killer’s nursing home. Rannie is portrayed as being neurodivergent, probably autistic, and who suffers from blackouts. There is also some mystery surrounding Pekka and Rannie and the death of one of Pekka’s friends 40yrs ago. There are also suspicions surrounding the disappearance of Pekka and Rannie’s mother along with the deaths of two hikers the same week the cold case victims were killed.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the cold case and its connection to the current murder, both have similar modes of attack. For most of the story, I had my own suspicions regarding two of the storylines. OMG!!! What a freaking shocker!!! I was so off base and never saw that ending coming! Very disturbing too! I am really enjoying this series (in spite of the trigger warning, which tend to be mutually inclusive) and based on that cliffhanger, I hope it’s not a long wait for the next installment. I also enjoyed the Author’s Note at the end. This story was basically inspired by both some real events and places along with Loury’s creative liberties and wild and crazy imagination.
The continuing character development of Van and Harry is being revealed very well. Van and Harry have been an odd pairing from the get-go. Van is a bona fide slob whereas Harry is a fastidious neat freak. Van is a fast-food junkie whereas Harry is a teetotaling, health-food nut. Van is often a bold, brash, snarky, don’t give a $#*! what people think of her investigator whereas Harry is a polite, obliging, by-the-book type of investigator. Harry is ruled by science and facts and Van is guided by her gut feelings that stem from her visions. They are becoming more familiar with the way each other works and think and they’re becoming better at reading each other and starting to trust and respect each other for the strengths that they bring to the investigation. The pacing is steady to fast and the storyline just the right amount of interesting and creepy to keep the reader engaged. The writing was very well done, especially that ending! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.3 that I will be rounding down to a 4star rating. This is a Kindle Unlimited series for those KU members who may be looking for a great new series to check out.
TW: extreme religious fanaticism and child abuse
October 6, 2024
After thoroughly enjoying the first book in this series, I was excited to get my hands on book two. This time we get Harry’s perspective, told in third-person, as he and Van head to Northeast Minnesota to work a brutal murder which may be connected to a serial killer who’s been incapacitated and locked up for years.
Once there, they learn the town of Alku is hiding far more than just old world rituals. As they work to uncover the truth behind not only the murder(s) but also the town, Harry also grapples with his past haunting him and the guilt he feels for his sister’s disappearance.
Louery’s continual great development of side characters along with a unique plot makes this book hard to put down. As with book one, I also loved seeing Harry and Van work together, their personalities complementing each other in the way all great crime duos do.
The only downside to being a fan of this series is the waiting for each new book to come out.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Once there, they learn the town of Alku is hiding far more than just old world rituals. As they work to uncover the truth behind not only the murder(s) but also the town, Harry also grapples with his past haunting him and the guilt he feels for his sister’s disappearance.
Louery’s continual great development of side characters along with a unique plot makes this book hard to put down. As with book one, I also loved seeing Harry and Van work together, their personalities complementing each other in the way all great crime duos do.
The only downside to being a fan of this series is the waiting for each new book to come out.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
September 10, 2024
In 1998 an Alku, Minnesota, a family of five was brutally murdered in their sleep. Without any solid leads the investigation was relegated to the cold case files, where it sat for twenty-five years. When a recent homicide is connected to Alku’s unsolved mass murders, Agent Harry Steinbeck and cold case agent Evangeline Reed of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are there to investigate.
This is the second book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, 3rd if you count the prequel, and I recommend reading at least The Taken Ones first. To be honest, I almost didn't recognize Evangeline (Van) Reed in this book. Perhaps she wasn't described well in the other books or I wasn't paying attention but I had pictured her as older and slightly dowdy whereas here she sounds like a much younger bouncy blonde (almost white-haired) with a quick sense of humour. Nevertheless, I think she's more likeable now and contrasts well with Harry who is rather reserved and buttoned up. Although it's fictional, the town and people of Alku sound very creepy. I imagine there really are pockets of similar cultures in areas of the United States. As in the first book, there's a bit of the supernatural thrown in but it wasn't front and centre. We learn more about Harry's background and even get to meet his mother. Much as I like the two main characters, I'm hoping there's not a romance in future books. This one also ends in a bit of a cliffhanger and I'll be there for the next book.
TW: Self-harm
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 3, 2024
This is the second book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, 3rd if you count the prequel, and I recommend reading at least The Taken Ones first. To be honest, I almost didn't recognize Evangeline (Van) Reed in this book. Perhaps she wasn't described well in the other books or I wasn't paying attention but I had pictured her as older and slightly dowdy whereas here she sounds like a much younger bouncy blonde (almost white-haired) with a quick sense of humour. Nevertheless, I think she's more likeable now and contrasts well with Harry who is rather reserved and buttoned up. Although it's fictional, the town and people of Alku sound very creepy. I imagine there really are pockets of similar cultures in areas of the United States. As in the first book, there's a bit of the supernatural thrown in but it wasn't front and centre. We learn more about Harry's background and even get to meet his mother. Much as I like the two main characters, I'm hoping there's not a romance in future books. This one also ends in a bit of a cliffhanger and I'll be there for the next book.
TW: Self-harm
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 3, 2024
September 17, 2024
5✨ … 😃 Pleeeeaaaaaassseeeee, let there be a #3 book!!! 😆
September 5, 2024
Sometimes you read a book that leaves you staring into space without realizing because all you can do after finishing it is blink. This was that book for me. And I am appalled to look at reviews and consistently see that book one was better, and I am appalled because book one has been on my TBR pile of books for a year without being touched. I have enjoyed several of Jess Lourey’s books quite a bit, but I was still taken off guard by this one. It was beyond creepy and I couldn’t help but think that a movie based on this book was freak me out (and I laugh at scary movies). I wonder if part of why it was so beyond creepy was it was based on Finnish roots and while they are the happiest people in the planet doesn’t everyone have secrets (this is a joke, I think we Americans could learn a lot from other cultures especially the Finnish on how to be happy). I liked the two main characters and their back stories and the ending frustrated me to no end because now I need book 3 and I guess I’ll have to settle for book 1…I don’t think I can summarize this one without botching it or giving away too much, so I will say if you like folklore tied to present tense, gruesome murder, small towns hiding big secrets than just do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
August 22, 2024
As an elusive killer’s trail leads to a truth more sinister than either imagined, Harry knows there’s only one way to crack this he must finally face the secrets of his own past—even if doing so will cost him everything.
Our favourite character is back solving another mystery. While I did enjoyed this second instalment it wasn't as good as the first book.
Our favourite character is back solving another mystery. While I did enjoyed this second instalment it wasn't as good as the first book.
March 9, 2024
Gossip dies when it hits a wise person's ears. (I love that!)
I very much enjoyed Ms. Lourey's book The Quarry Girls, so I was eager to read The Reaping!
It took me a couple of chapters to connect with the main characters, as I hadn't read The Taken Ones ... and then I was totally entertained as I read how quirky Evangeline "Van" Reed and Harry Steinbeck were. She's messy and he's a neatnik. She throws on any clothes she is able to easily grab from furniture or the floor. His clothes must be immaculate, with perfectly straight creases in his trousers. She inhales unhealthy food when she eats. He picks at his healthy meals. She's more of a "Live and let live" person and he frets over EVERYTHING. (Think Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple.)
I LOVED the very unique storyline, as well as the descriptions of the creepy people in Alku. Even the town, itself, was creepy!! I also loved the touch of the supernatural the book had.
I was not overly fond of a couple of things, however. There is probably an official name for this, but I disliked reading multiple times how Harry thought about his sister and blamed himself over what had happened ... but what had happened was a big secret until the end of the book. And after all that buildup; it was a wee bit of a letdown. And then there was the big cliffhanger at the end of the book. If a reader has enjoyed a book, he or she is going to read the next book in the series. Trust me on that. Cliffhangers are just annoying.
For the most part, The Reaping was a fascinating story, so feel free to take my complaints with a grain of salt. You may not be bothered by the things I mentioned at all.
Many thanks to both #ThomasAndMercer and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Reaping. This book is two in the #SteinbeckAndReed series and the expected publication date is September 3, 2024.
I very much enjoyed Ms. Lourey's book The Quarry Girls, so I was eager to read The Reaping!
It took me a couple of chapters to connect with the main characters, as I hadn't read The Taken Ones ... and then I was totally entertained as I read how quirky Evangeline "Van" Reed and Harry Steinbeck were. She's messy and he's a neatnik. She throws on any clothes she is able to easily grab from furniture or the floor. His clothes must be immaculate, with perfectly straight creases in his trousers. She inhales unhealthy food when she eats. He picks at his healthy meals. She's more of a "Live and let live" person and he frets over EVERYTHING. (Think Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple.)
I LOVED the very unique storyline, as well as the descriptions of the creepy people in Alku. Even the town, itself, was creepy!! I also loved the touch of the supernatural the book had.
I was not overly fond of a couple of things, however. There is probably an official name for this, but I disliked reading multiple times how Harry thought about his sister and blamed himself over what had happened ... but what had happened was a big secret until the end of the book. And after all that buildup; it was a wee bit of a letdown. And then there was the big cliffhanger at the end of the book. If a reader has enjoyed a book, he or she is going to read the next book in the series. Trust me on that. Cliffhangers are just annoying.
For the most part, The Reaping was a fascinating story, so feel free to take my complaints with a grain of salt. You may not be bothered by the things I mentioned at all.
Many thanks to both #ThomasAndMercer and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Reaping. This book is two in the #SteinbeckAndReed series and the expected publication date is September 3, 2024.
March 11, 2024
When I saw this on NetGalley, I was so excited to read this! I loved The Taken ones and absolutely could not wait to read it! However, this story isn’t even close to as exciting as that one. The Reaping is slow and took forever to get somewhere. Unfortunately, I just didn’t love it.
This is the second book in the Steinbeck and Reed series. I do think it would be best to read the first one first.
I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and Jess Lourey for the opportunity. All opinions are my own, publication date September, 3, 2024
3 ⭐️
This is the second book in the Steinbeck and Reed series. I do think it would be best to read the first one first.
I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and Jess Lourey for the opportunity. All opinions are my own, publication date September, 3, 2024
3 ⭐️
August 11, 2025
After reading Bloodline by Jess Lourey (which I really didn’t like, gave it only one star), I was a bit hesitant to try her again. But wow, I’m so glad I did. The first book in this series was good, but this one? It’s even better.
What really got me hooked is the mystery wrapped in the history of this small, isolated town with Finnish immigrant roots, a place that once was alive but now it’s kind of fading away. You really feel the tension when Harry Steinbeck and Evangeline “Van” Reed arrive to check out a cold case. People there look at them suspiciously, and the silence is heavy. You know the town is hiding something, holding secrets close.
Everything is around this prison-like care home for dangerous criminals. From the start you feel something is off, like something is lurking under the surface.
The story is told from Harry’s perspective, which gives the story this extra edge and tension. I’ve liked Harry since the first book, his way, his behavior, and his sad past, that makes me like this book even more. Evangeline is a good character too, but there’s something about Harry that really grabs me.
The ending had an interesting twist I didn’t really expect, but it fits perfectly into the story and it makes me very eager to read the next book.
I feel like this book doesn’t quite reach all the way to five stars for me. But I’m very pleasantly surprised by how good this series is. I’m glad I gave the author a second chance after Bloodline. This series has definitely made me more interested in reading other books by her. I’m looking forward to the third book.
What really got me hooked is the mystery wrapped in the history of this small, isolated town with Finnish immigrant roots, a place that once was alive but now it’s kind of fading away. You really feel the tension when Harry Steinbeck and Evangeline “Van” Reed arrive to check out a cold case. People there look at them suspiciously, and the silence is heavy. You know the town is hiding something, holding secrets close.
Everything is around this prison-like care home for dangerous criminals. From the start you feel something is off, like something is lurking under the surface.
The story is told from Harry’s perspective, which gives the story this extra edge and tension. I’ve liked Harry since the first book, his way, his behavior, and his sad past, that makes me like this book even more. Evangeline is a good character too, but there’s something about Harry that really grabs me.
The ending had an interesting twist I didn’t really expect, but it fits perfectly into the story and it makes me very eager to read the next book.
I feel like this book doesn’t quite reach all the way to five stars for me. But I’m very pleasantly surprised by how good this series is. I’m glad I gave the author a second chance after Bloodline. This series has definitely made me more interested in reading other books by her. I’m looking forward to the third book.
October 8, 2024
~4.5~
The Reaping is even better than the first book: suspenseful, edgy, creepy.
The town of Alku, Minnesota is hiding something. A recent murder is eerily similar to the slaying of a family in 1998. First comes the shotgun; so many shells, they fall like rain. Second comes the skull crushing; only the ears remain.
And why does everyone in Alku look the same, with long necks and high foreheads? That's what happens when there's not enough genetic diversity and mutations are passed down from generation to generation. After all, nobody leaves Alku. You're born there, and you die there.
Van and Harry team up to solve the cold case of the slain family. Harry narrates the story this time, and we find out about the guilt he's carried for over 20 years. One evening he was too consumed with his own life to hear his little sister, and that's the evening she disappeared.
I made some connections early on, but the full truth didn't click until the very end, not until Van and Harry were walking through the dark, snowy woods, the stink of fear permeating their clothes, waiting for the monster to appear.
I knew in my heart of hearts that the monster wasn't .
The last two sentences chilled me to the bone.
There better be a book 3.
The Reaping is even better than the first book: suspenseful, edgy, creepy.
The town of Alku, Minnesota is hiding something. A recent murder is eerily similar to the slaying of a family in 1998. First comes the shotgun; so many shells, they fall like rain. Second comes the skull crushing; only the ears remain.
And why does everyone in Alku look the same, with long necks and high foreheads? That's what happens when there's not enough genetic diversity and mutations are passed down from generation to generation. After all, nobody leaves Alku. You're born there, and you die there.
The way we lie to ourselves that shared secrets are the same thing as love.
Van and Harry team up to solve the cold case of the slain family. Harry narrates the story this time, and we find out about the guilt he's carried for over 20 years. One evening he was too consumed with his own life to hear his little sister, and that's the evening she disappeared.
I made some connections early on, but the full truth didn't click until the very end, not until Van and Harry were walking through the dark, snowy woods, the stink of fear permeating their clothes, waiting for the monster to appear.
I knew in my heart of hearts that the monster wasn't .
The last two sentences chilled me to the bone.
There better be a book 3.
September 10, 2024
My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am all in, I love this series and I don’t care what anyone says!!!
This is book two in the series, I am going to strongly recommend you read these in order, even down to reading the #0.5 short story Catch Her in a Lie up front. There are details in both the short story and book 1 that you kind of need. Up to you if you go rogue though, I respect that but don’t say I didn’t warn you!!!
Ok I am not going to recap the synopsis, GoodReads does a good job for that. I was SOOOOOO beyond excited that this was coming out, I very arrogantly finished book one and went to KU and decided I will read book 2 only to find out that it was not yet released. So I promptly went to NG and tried to request it off my trusty Thomas and Mercer who, I usually am a Read Now for EXCEPT THIS… every one was trying to keep me away. After annoying my husband and self by complaining non stop it was finally released…
Boy was I glad that I liked it 🤣
I have given this 5 stars, that does not mean there are no flaws, plot holes or things that would annoy people this is not a perfect piece of literature that everyone will like… but for me… it was entertaining and enjoyable and I can’t get enough of this series… so what more could I ask for really.
I was super excited to learn my GR friend Kristy was reading it, and I don’t know where you are up to yet Carol but I hope you love it too!!! Kristy and I had a lot of fun oohing and ahhhing over what happened and how much we can’t wait for book 3… Hurry up please Jess Lourey!!!
I loved both of the MCs in this series, they very easily could be so annoying and uptight and really piss you off… but the way the author writes their personalities makes them likeable. They are not perfect and they have some secrets but they are believable and they make them human. I liked that they cared about each other. Van was hanging shit on Harry the whole time and because this book was largely told from Harry’s POV it was great because we got to see what his mind was doing.
We didn’t know anything about him in Book 1 and personally I thought he was uptight and a bit of a stiff but he had stuff going on, he had a reason for being a stiff and he does have a sense of humour… shock!!
I liked the banter between the two of them, I don’t know if it will turn to romance and I don’t know how I would feel if it did to be honest… Kristy I know you disagree. But for me I would be happy for them to be besties… but work really well together I would hate for the dynamic to be ruined. Van needs someone she can trust with her “secret” I wont ruin it in case you are a rogue and you haven’t found out yet. And Harry needs some fun and someone to challenge his science brain to think outside the logic… they are a great pair.
The case was creepy AF!!! The people in the small town…eeek I would run a mile and need an exorcism to get the creep factor away from me tbh!! It was so good though I guessed this and then that and honestly she got my ass… I didn’t know who did what and I love that for me.
Overall, I really cant say more good things and I refuse to say bad things I just don’t have any… as I said its not perfect by any stretch but if you like being entertained then this is good for that. I really like Jess Lourey’s writing in this series, its been hit and miss for there other works but I will try more.
I think if the story sounds good to you and especially if you have KU then give it a whirl… but I do recommend starting with Catch Her in a Lie and moving through the series it makes for a better read in my opinion!!!
This is book two in the series, I am going to strongly recommend you read these in order, even down to reading the #0.5 short story Catch Her in a Lie up front. There are details in both the short story and book 1 that you kind of need. Up to you if you go rogue though, I respect that but don’t say I didn’t warn you!!!
Ok I am not going to recap the synopsis, GoodReads does a good job for that. I was SOOOOOO beyond excited that this was coming out, I very arrogantly finished book one and went to KU and decided I will read book 2 only to find out that it was not yet released. So I promptly went to NG and tried to request it off my trusty Thomas and Mercer who, I usually am a Read Now for EXCEPT THIS… every one was trying to keep me away. After annoying my husband and self by complaining non stop it was finally released…
Boy was I glad that I liked it 🤣
I have given this 5 stars, that does not mean there are no flaws, plot holes or things that would annoy people this is not a perfect piece of literature that everyone will like… but for me… it was entertaining and enjoyable and I can’t get enough of this series… so what more could I ask for really.
I was super excited to learn my GR friend Kristy was reading it, and I don’t know where you are up to yet Carol but I hope you love it too!!! Kristy and I had a lot of fun oohing and ahhhing over what happened and how much we can’t wait for book 3… Hurry up please Jess Lourey!!!
I loved both of the MCs in this series, they very easily could be so annoying and uptight and really piss you off… but the way the author writes their personalities makes them likeable. They are not perfect and they have some secrets but they are believable and they make them human. I liked that they cared about each other. Van was hanging shit on Harry the whole time and because this book was largely told from Harry’s POV it was great because we got to see what his mind was doing.
We didn’t know anything about him in Book 1 and personally I thought he was uptight and a bit of a stiff but he had stuff going on, he had a reason for being a stiff and he does have a sense of humour… shock!!
I liked the banter between the two of them, I don’t know if it will turn to romance and I don’t know how I would feel if it did to be honest… Kristy I know you disagree. But for me I would be happy for them to be besties… but work really well together I would hate for the dynamic to be ruined. Van needs someone she can trust with her “secret” I wont ruin it in case you are a rogue and you haven’t found out yet. And Harry needs some fun and someone to challenge his science brain to think outside the logic… they are a great pair.
The case was creepy AF!!! The people in the small town…eeek I would run a mile and need an exorcism to get the creep factor away from me tbh!! It was so good though I guessed this and then that and honestly she got my ass… I didn’t know who did what and I love that for me.
Overall, I really cant say more good things and I refuse to say bad things I just don’t have any… as I said its not perfect by any stretch but if you like being entertained then this is good for that. I really like Jess Lourey’s writing in this series, its been hit and miss for there other works but I will try more.
I think if the story sounds good to you and especially if you have KU then give it a whirl… but I do recommend starting with Catch Her in a Lie and moving through the series it makes for a better read in my opinion!!!
June 4, 2024
I am giving this one a sold 3.5 stars. I can say with certainty that this can be read as a standalone. Being a series addict, I was erked that I did not read book 1 before this as there are some references that I did not understand. This was a good old school detective book with a touch of paranormal/horror. It had an added cult like feel as well. I enjoyed this one enough to pick up book 1 and be on the lookout for the next one in the series. There was a good dynamic between the two MCs that I enjoyed. They played well off each other when trying to crack this case. I also liked the added element of them being part of the BAU and working a cold case (that is my JAM).
Someone has been murdered in Alku. Minnesota. The key difference here is that the murder exactly replicates a family of five that was murdered 25 years ago. Harry and Evangeline are called to help how they can and after digging into a few things decide they are going to reopen the cold case to determine what happened to the family. The more they dig, the worse things look. There is a very weird vibe going on in this uber small town that doesn't accommodate outsiders or seem to let people leave like ever. Weird in the fact that children are missing one day but then have been found without anyone seeing them. Everyone seems to be covering something up but Harry and Van can't figure out what. Until they catch a break, they have witnesses that tell them of the true horror that is happening in this town. It is unspeakable and tragic and now that they know what they know, they have to find the missing children before it is too late.
Even though this is set in modern times, it felt a little different than your standard murder mystery police thriller. There was an old school aspect in my mind with Harry that stemmed from how he processed things. I would recommend this one! I am intrigued to learn more about Evangline in book 1.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Someone has been murdered in Alku. Minnesota. The key difference here is that the murder exactly replicates a family of five that was murdered 25 years ago. Harry and Evangeline are called to help how they can and after digging into a few things decide they are going to reopen the cold case to determine what happened to the family. The more they dig, the worse things look. There is a very weird vibe going on in this uber small town that doesn't accommodate outsiders or seem to let people leave like ever. Weird in the fact that children are missing one day but then have been found without anyone seeing them. Everyone seems to be covering something up but Harry and Van can't figure out what. Until they catch a break, they have witnesses that tell them of the true horror that is happening in this town. It is unspeakable and tragic and now that they know what they know, they have to find the missing children before it is too late.
Even though this is set in modern times, it felt a little different than your standard murder mystery police thriller. There was an old school aspect in my mind with Harry that stemmed from how he processed things. I would recommend this one! I am intrigued to learn more about Evangline in book 1.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 2, 2024
THE REAPING, the second book in Jess Lourey’s wonderful Steinbeck and Reed series, is a gripping thriller that begins not long after the events transpiring in THE TAKEN ONES. The novel skillfully blends mystery, suspense, and a bit of historical fiction in a captivating way. Following agents Van Reed and Harry Steinbeck, the story picks up with our dynamic duo tasked with solving a disturbing cold case that dives into the macabre underbelly of a small Minnesota town with very dark secrets.
Whereas THE TAKEN ONES was written from Van’s POV (until the final chapter), THE REAPING is told from the POV of Harry (again, until the final chapter). What I’m loving about this series is the evolving and growing relationship between our two protagonists, where opposites truly do compliment one another. On the one hand, we have Van, with her quirky, unconventional investigative style, whereas on the other hand, we have Harry, with his by-the-book stoicism dictating his every behavior. Through fantastic character development, the reader gets a compelling balance of personalities, with Van and Harry’s professional relationship evolving into one of true friendship and mutual respect.
The storyline centers around the investigation of a series of gruesome murders spanning decades, but related nonetheless. The town of Alku, Minnesota, is definitely hiding something truly sinister, something that proves that evil does exist. The secrets of this isolated community slowly reveal themselves, leading the reader to a shocking conclusion that I did not see coming. The ending is quite satisfying and the Epilogue (from Van’s POV) had me both stunned and speechless, leaving no doubt that there will have to be a Book 3!!! And I cannot wait!!
Whereas THE TAKEN ONES was written from Van’s POV (until the final chapter), THE REAPING is told from the POV of Harry (again, until the final chapter). What I’m loving about this series is the evolving and growing relationship between our two protagonists, where opposites truly do compliment one another. On the one hand, we have Van, with her quirky, unconventional investigative style, whereas on the other hand, we have Harry, with his by-the-book stoicism dictating his every behavior. Through fantastic character development, the reader gets a compelling balance of personalities, with Van and Harry’s professional relationship evolving into one of true friendship and mutual respect.
The storyline centers around the investigation of a series of gruesome murders spanning decades, but related nonetheless. The town of Alku, Minnesota, is definitely hiding something truly sinister, something that proves that evil does exist. The secrets of this isolated community slowly reveal themselves, leading the reader to a shocking conclusion that I did not see coming. The ending is quite satisfying and the Epilogue (from Van’s POV) had me both stunned and speechless, leaving no doubt that there will have to be a Book 3!!! And I cannot wait!!
March 25, 2024
Be still my folk horror loving heart!
The Reaping, by Jess Lourey, melds Folk Horror and Crime and gives you a small town you will NOT want to visit.
While the book has a slower start to it, it’s very atmospheric and I found myself loving our two main characters.
I will say that it took about 40% of the book before I was truly in, but once I was, I was truly invested.
Definitely uncomfortable and, at times, heart rending.
A good read!
• ARC via Publisher
The Reaping, by Jess Lourey, melds Folk Horror and Crime and gives you a small town you will NOT want to visit.
While the book has a slower start to it, it’s very atmospheric and I found myself loving our two main characters.
I will say that it took about 40% of the book before I was truly in, but once I was, I was truly invested.
Definitely uncomfortable and, at times, heart rending.
A good read!
• ARC via Publisher
August 4, 2024
Harry is a very buttoned-down (AND VERY VERY HOT) forensic scientist and Van Reed is a lightly off the rails (and also hot) BCA agent who are paired up to solve a super creepy murdered family cold case in a small town in northern Minnesota. There was some delightfully sinister imagery and a whole lot of suspense, but I think my favorite parts were when Harry had to interact with his wackadoo mom and work on his capital-I Issues. Lourey does a fantastic job balancing the interpersonal (will they/won't they) relationship between Harry and Van while keeping the action moving -- it reminds me of Louisa Scarr's Butler & West series that way.
Anyway, I was ravenous for another Steinbeck and Reed book after LOVING the first book in the series, The Taken Ones, and the intro short story, Catch Her in a Lie. I didn't love this one *quite* as much, but the bar was set VERY HIGH, and I'm already dying to read book three as soon as I can get my grubby hands on it.
* thanks so much to the author and Amazon Publishing for the ARC. The Reaping publishes September 3.
Anyway, I was ravenous for another Steinbeck and Reed book after LOVING the first book in the series, The Taken Ones, and the intro short story, Catch Her in a Lie. I didn't love this one *quite* as much, but the bar was set VERY HIGH, and I'm already dying to read book three as soon as I can get my grubby hands on it.
* thanks so much to the author and Amazon Publishing for the ARC. The Reaping publishes September 3.
March 20, 2025
Steinbeck and Reed are two very damaged people who try very hard to protect others from similar fates. The first book of this series focused on Van Reed. In this volume it was Harry Steinbeck’s turn. They return to Harry's childhood home, Duluth, where he desperately hopes to avoid his mother. But Minnesota runs like a small town and gossip puts the kibosh on that desire.
There has been a murder which has disturbing echoes of an old cold case. Harry is the forensic guy and Van is the cold case investigator. Both crimes took place in a small town which was settled by Finnish families. By the look of the inhabitants, there hasn't been nearly enough out-crossing and the whole town's vibe is weird. It doesn't help that their only employer is a geriatric facility for serial killers, pretty creepy in it's own right.
Harry has spent years carrying a heavy load of guilt for the disappearance of his sister. The night she was taken, he was home from college and more focused on his old girlfriend than on listening to Caroline. If only he could remember what she said about the man who'd been following her, he might be able to find out what happened. Between the two cases and dealing with his difficult mother, Harry finds some equilibrium.
Judging by the final epilogue, which is told from Van's point of view, the next book will likely centre on her again, and the commune where she grew up. I can hardly wait—her prophetic dreams played only a small part in this novel, but are the major reason that I enjoy this series so much
There has been a murder which has disturbing echoes of an old cold case. Harry is the forensic guy and Van is the cold case investigator. Both crimes took place in a small town which was settled by Finnish families. By the look of the inhabitants, there hasn't been nearly enough out-crossing and the whole town's vibe is weird. It doesn't help that their only employer is a geriatric facility for serial killers, pretty creepy in it's own right.
Harry has spent years carrying a heavy load of guilt for the disappearance of his sister. The night she was taken, he was home from college and more focused on his old girlfriend than on listening to Caroline. If only he could remember what she said about the man who'd been following her, he might be able to find out what happened. Between the two cases and dealing with his difficult mother, Harry finds some equilibrium.
Judging by the final epilogue, which is told from Van's point of view, the next book will likely centre on her again, and the commune where she grew up. I can hardly wait—her prophetic dreams played only a small part in this novel, but are the major reason that I enjoy this series so much
September 24, 2024
I wish I reaped any benefit from reading this book. Incredibly disappointing.
November 3, 2024
Story 4 stars. Narration 4 stars
This was the second book in this series about a female homicide detective and her partner, a forensic pathologist. On the job though, they are equals as both are acting as detectives now. I should also note that these are not romances, not at this point anyway.
This one was a pretty unique case and had the two traveling to the town where Harry is from. Also the place his sister went missing from when she was ten. He has major problems with his mother and her treatment of his sister after he went to college. He also feels responsible for his sister’s disappearance. Over and above this the two must visit a small town near his hometown. It’s the scene of many horrific murders over the years. It’s the town that is unique here. People can’t leave ever and inbreeding is rampant. Or would be if there were more people-but there’s enough.
My only real problem was with the odd names of the townspeople. I got a bit lost and couldn’t keep track of the people some of the time other than the children. These people are all part of families that came to America from Finland. So the names were different for me.
I enjoyed the listen and would recommend it to adult mystery and suspense readers. It’s pretty unique!
Trigger warning for self harm(not suicide).
This was the second book in this series about a female homicide detective and her partner, a forensic pathologist. On the job though, they are equals as both are acting as detectives now. I should also note that these are not romances, not at this point anyway.
This one was a pretty unique case and had the two traveling to the town where Harry is from. Also the place his sister went missing from when she was ten. He has major problems with his mother and her treatment of his sister after he went to college. He also feels responsible for his sister’s disappearance. Over and above this the two must visit a small town near his hometown. It’s the scene of many horrific murders over the years. It’s the town that is unique here. People can’t leave ever and inbreeding is rampant. Or would be if there were more people-but there’s enough.
My only real problem was with the odd names of the townspeople. I got a bit lost and couldn’t keep track of the people some of the time other than the children. These people are all part of families that came to America from Finland. So the names were different for me.
I enjoyed the listen and would recommend it to adult mystery and suspense readers. It’s pretty unique!
Trigger warning for self harm(not suicide).
September 21, 2024
This book was very slow. The characters were hard to keep track of. I wasn’t really interested in them or the plot. I also didn’t love the narrator.
September 24, 2024
Still don’t understand this book after finishing it. So different from the first… only good thing about it was the final sentence of the epilogue
May 25, 2024
This is the 2nd book in the Steinbeck and Reed series.
I love how Jess Lourey mixes a hint of mysticism in with crime solving.
I'm hoping she continues this series, because it is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I'd give this a 4.5 star rating, but will round up to 5 on Goodreads and Amazon.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
I love how Jess Lourey mixes a hint of mysticism in with crime solving.
I'm hoping she continues this series, because it is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
I'd give this a 4.5 star rating, but will round up to 5 on Goodreads and Amazon.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
January 22, 2025
This gets an extra 1/2 star best of the epilogue! HOLE LEE SHEET.
Okay, so pros and cons:
Pros: I love a good small-town lore / cult crime. I loved learning more about Reed and Steinbeck. I loved how atmospheric this was. I loved the sanatorium angle.
Cons: We had WAY too many characters. Mike and Yikes! The fret over the sanatorium turned prison wasn't gruesome or disturbing enough to warrant it to be the center of this plot. The flashbacks to Steinbeck's past were not meaningful enough to keep repeating and please... we knew what "two different lies" stood for the first time it appeared.
So 3 stars for the whole book. + 0.5 for the epilogue.
Okay, so pros and cons:
Pros: I love a good small-town lore / cult crime. I loved learning more about Reed and Steinbeck. I loved how atmospheric this was. I loved the sanatorium angle.
Cons: We had WAY too many characters. Mike and Yikes! The fret over the sanatorium turned prison wasn't gruesome or disturbing enough to warrant it to be the center of this plot. The flashbacks to Steinbeck's past were not meaningful enough to keep repeating and please... we knew what "two different lies" stood for the first time it appeared.
So 3 stars for the whole book. + 0.5 for the epilogue.
June 20, 2025
Цікаво, кінець книжки 🤯 я навіть і не думала про це, хоча здається в першій книжці і не було на це натяків, але тепер цікаво Рід знайома з нею, чи ні🤔 я вже не пам'ятаю, як її сестер всіх звати.
October 24, 2025
3.5 stars
It took me a very long time to get into this. I did eventually, but the first half was not that great.
It took me a very long time to get into this. I did eventually, but the first half was not that great.
September 17, 2024
The Reaping is book two in the Steinbeck & Reed series. The first book, The Taken Ones, was told from Van Reed’s perspective. In this book, we get Harry Steinbeck’s narrative. They’re both very different people, but work well together.
When it comes to missing, or harmed, children, both agents take a personal approach to their investigation. In this story, a lot of the case they are working brings up old wounds about Harry’s missing sister. We get a taste of this back story in the first book, and a trickle more in this one. Though, it’s still unresolved, im hoping we get closure in the next book. Van’s past is also touched on again, adding to the intrigue.
There is a lot of strangeness in this book. I felt similarities to the movie, The Village. It’s about a closed community of Finnish people,called Alku, who have been in their village for centuries. Only the founding family descendants live there. They continue a lot of their traditions, even those that are inappropriate in today’s society. There is a history of odd deaths in Alku, that have never been properly investigated. This brings in Harry and Van, and they are very much unwanted help.
I have to say that there was a lot of puzzle pieces to pick up with this one. So much information, history, and suspects thrown into the mix, made it’s confusing at times. Because there was so much to take in, I was quite slow to figuring things out before the ending. I was close with my conclusions, but the ending wasn’t what I expected. It was an excellent wrap up, that fit the strangeness of the story.
When it comes to missing, or harmed, children, both agents take a personal approach to their investigation. In this story, a lot of the case they are working brings up old wounds about Harry’s missing sister. We get a taste of this back story in the first book, and a trickle more in this one. Though, it’s still unresolved, im hoping we get closure in the next book. Van’s past is also touched on again, adding to the intrigue.
There is a lot of strangeness in this book. I felt similarities to the movie, The Village. It’s about a closed community of Finnish people,called Alku, who have been in their village for centuries. Only the founding family descendants live there. They continue a lot of their traditions, even those that are inappropriate in today’s society. There is a history of odd deaths in Alku, that have never been properly investigated. This brings in Harry and Van, and they are very much unwanted help.
I have to say that there was a lot of puzzle pieces to pick up with this one. So much information, history, and suspects thrown into the mix, made it’s confusing at times. Because there was so much to take in, I was quite slow to figuring things out before the ending. I was close with my conclusions, but the ending wasn’t what I expected. It was an excellent wrap up, that fit the strangeness of the story.
September 4, 2024
There is something about these characters that is truly unique. I loved getting a bigger glimpse of Harry. And I love how Van and Harry interact. Both carry heavy burdens of the past while trying to help others in their jobs. The end really has my curiosity peaked. Can’t wait for more in this series.
August 27, 2025
Very good 2nd book in Jess Lourey’s Steinbeck and Reed series. Not quite as good as her first, The Taken Ones, but quite good. Some difficulty keeping all the characters straight and had to go back several times to keep them straight. Loved the further development of the main characters backstory and personality. Looking forward to book 3!
October 28, 2025
4.5 stars for this solid whodunnit! I loved this atmospheric, chilling, creepy story that centered around the town of Alku, Minnesota. I say town but Alku felt like like a whole different world where everything is cold and nobody can be trusted. Even though this book still centered around a police investigation, it felt less “police procedural” than the previous entry in this series and I found myself much more invested this time around. I really liked getting more of Harry’s perspective and back story. There were a lot of twists and turns as well as cliffhanger chapter endings that kept me turning pages well into the night. The ending caught me by surprise, as I truly had no idea who-or what-was behind anything!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 847 reviews