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Beneath the Bayou
Something horrific hides under the surface and it's dying to pull you in...
When a struggling drug addict makes an irresponsible decision, the horrifying consequences impact a community for over a decade before the sad truth behind what really happened begins to come to the surface.
In 1979, a struggling family and a terrifying accident collide to create a mystery that rocks a small fishing community, and spawns an urban legend. Thirteen years removed from the tragedy, conspiracy theories and rumors are rampant, and a group of college journalism students ventures out on a tainted road, headed for the abandoned site where the agonizing incident occurred to set the facts straight. Hoping for a fun, informative weekend that will provide them what they need to complete their assignment, the students are soon thrust into a series of unnerving events which suggest the story is far from being over. Do any of them survive the shocking brutality that awaits in order to tell about it, or do they all succumb to the evil that hides Beneath the Bayou?
When a struggling drug addict makes an irresponsible decision, the horrifying consequences impact a community for over a decade before the sad truth behind what really happened begins to come to the surface.
In 1979, a struggling family and a terrifying accident collide to create a mystery that rocks a small fishing community, and spawns an urban legend. Thirteen years removed from the tragedy, conspiracy theories and rumors are rampant, and a group of college journalism students ventures out on a tainted road, headed for the abandoned site where the agonizing incident occurred to set the facts straight. Hoping for a fun, informative weekend that will provide them what they need to complete their assignment, the students are soon thrust into a series of unnerving events which suggest the story is far from being over. Do any of them survive the shocking brutality that awaits in order to tell about it, or do they all succumb to the evil that hides Beneath the Bayou?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2023
38 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 28, 2024
Terrific thrilling twists with the perfect addition of paranormal activity! Highly Recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beneath the Bayou by Chad Adams, Horror Scribe is an absolute gem in the world of psychological thrillers. From the very first page, I was hooked by the eerie atmosphere and the intricate plot that Adams masterfully weaves. The story follows a group of college journalism students who venture into the heart of a small fishing community to uncover the truth behind a decades-old tragedy. What they find is far more terrifying than they could have ever imagined.
Adams’ writing is both vivid and haunting, painting a picture of the bayou that is as beautiful as it is menacing. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the narrative. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense and paranormal activity to keep you on the edge of your seat.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend horror, mystery, and drama seamlessly. The twists and turns are unpredictable, and the climax is nothing short of breathtaking. I found myself thinking about the story long after I had finished reading, a testament to Adams’ skill as a storyteller.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, Beneath the Bayou is a must-read. It’s a chilling, unforgettable journey into the dark corners of human nature and the secrets that lie just beneath the surface.
Beneath the Bayou by Chad Adams, Horror Scribe is an absolute gem in the world of psychological thrillers. From the very first page, I was hooked by the eerie atmosphere and the intricate plot that Adams masterfully weaves. The story follows a group of college journalism students who venture into the heart of a small fishing community to uncover the truth behind a decades-old tragedy. What they find is far more terrifying than they could have ever imagined.
Adams’ writing is both vivid and haunting, painting a picture of the bayou that is as beautiful as it is menacing. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the narrative. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense and paranormal activity to keep you on the edge of your seat.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend horror, mystery, and drama seamlessly. The twists and turns are unpredictable, and the climax is nothing short of breathtaking. I found myself thinking about the story long after I had finished reading, a testament to Adams’ skill as a storyteller.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, Beneath the Bayou is a must-read. It’s a chilling, unforgettable journey into the dark corners of human nature and the secrets that lie just beneath the surface.
February 13, 2025
I hate when the first 3/4 of a book is so good and then the ending is just… whomp whomp. Disappointing.
December 20, 2024
Wow, what a story! The story starts beautifully describing the bayou. Chad expertly weaves his magical story telling back and forth through thirteen years. Introducing you to brilliantly crafted characters that you truly care about.
He gradually builds the suspense. I couldn't read fast enough. The twist is absolutely superb. Chad, that's how you write paranormal suspense! An awesome tale. I now feel bereft that it's ended.
I now impatiently await his next book.
He gradually builds the suspense. I couldn't read fast enough. The twist is absolutely superb. Chad, that's how you write paranormal suspense! An awesome tale. I now feel bereft that it's ended.
I now impatiently await his next book.
May 15, 2025
I wanted to pick this up because the author is like a local author to me. I’m from Texas with family in Louisiana and this author is from Louisiana…and that’s “right next door”.
I’m so glad I discovered him! This was some good story telling! It kept me wanting to be the It’s got a thriller and slight paranormal element to it but honestly most of the story reads as a dark drama. I love dark drama. Those are cozy reads to me. It was interesting following the story through flip flopping narratives in the present and the past. You know it’s leading up to something. And you really don’t spend your time reading trying to guess what it’s leading up to because the story plays out in such a way that is purely story telling. Until that jaw drop moment when things don’t play out the way you just presumed it would. I was getting my hair done when I read that jaw drop moment. My daughter saw my facial expression and could tell there was a sudden twist. I did not expect it. And while the story would’ve been great if it had gone as I presumed; it was a very welcomed surprise! I love being shook and let me tell ya…I was shook!
My read dates are so far apart but it’s not because of the story. It’s because of my busy life. This can easily be read in one sitting!
I’m so glad I discovered him! This was some good story telling! It kept me wanting to be the It’s got a thriller and slight paranormal element to it but honestly most of the story reads as a dark drama. I love dark drama. Those are cozy reads to me. It was interesting following the story through flip flopping narratives in the present and the past. You know it’s leading up to something. And you really don’t spend your time reading trying to guess what it’s leading up to because the story plays out in such a way that is purely story telling. Until that jaw drop moment when things don’t play out the way you just presumed it would. I was getting my hair done when I read that jaw drop moment. My daughter saw my facial expression and could tell there was a sudden twist. I did not expect it. And while the story would’ve been great if it had gone as I presumed; it was a very welcomed surprise! I love being shook and let me tell ya…I was shook!
My read dates are so far apart but it’s not because of the story. It’s because of my busy life. This can easily be read in one sitting!
December 11, 2024
Amazing read.
Beneath the Bayou follows a group of journalism students in Louisiana on a fact finding mission to investigate suspicious events tied to a tragedy that occurred 13 years prior and is the focus of town urban legend.
In 1979, 7 year old Damon’s entire world shattered. Damon’s addict father, Crosby, leaves their home and drunkenly causes an accident on the highway leading to the death of a bus full of people and ultimately his family. When the police arrive Crosby is nowhere to be found.
After a murder is committed at the home of the incident on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy a suspect is apprehended and convicted. But urban legend doesn’t agree. Some believe it to be the ghost of young Damon. Some believe his father is still roaming out there. What the students find in their investigation is a twisting and turning trails of events that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page. This author really kept me guessing the whole time. I also love the way he portrayed the agony and destruction that goes with addiction. Not just for the addict but especially everyone around them.
Beneath the Bayou follows a group of journalism students in Louisiana on a fact finding mission to investigate suspicious events tied to a tragedy that occurred 13 years prior and is the focus of town urban legend.
In 1979, 7 year old Damon’s entire world shattered. Damon’s addict father, Crosby, leaves their home and drunkenly causes an accident on the highway leading to the death of a bus full of people and ultimately his family. When the police arrive Crosby is nowhere to be found.
After a murder is committed at the home of the incident on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy a suspect is apprehended and convicted. But urban legend doesn’t agree. Some believe it to be the ghost of young Damon. Some believe his father is still roaming out there. What the students find in their investigation is a twisting and turning trails of events that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page. This author really kept me guessing the whole time. I also love the way he portrayed the agony and destruction that goes with addiction. Not just for the addict but especially everyone around them.
March 30, 2025
An easy read
Beneath the Bayou is one of those books perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon. I read it in one sitting. There's tons of action, and the ending caught me totally by surprise. If you like spooky ghost stories and urban legends, this book has plenty of them. It has all the right jumps, and shadows lurk behind every corner. I took one star off because I felt the characters were a bit one dimensional, and I thought the theme of addiction could have been developed more. I read the author's notes and he said this book began as a screenplay. I can definitely see it. We never really get any interiority in any of the characters, which for me, was something I crave in a book. On the surface, the book works well. The external conflict is there, but I wanted more development of the internal conflict. Some more soul searching if you will. I could definitely see the book becoming a popular horror movie though. All in all, a compelling read.
Beneath the Bayou is one of those books perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon. I read it in one sitting. There's tons of action, and the ending caught me totally by surprise. If you like spooky ghost stories and urban legends, this book has plenty of them. It has all the right jumps, and shadows lurk behind every corner. I took one star off because I felt the characters were a bit one dimensional, and I thought the theme of addiction could have been developed more. I read the author's notes and he said this book began as a screenplay. I can definitely see it. We never really get any interiority in any of the characters, which for me, was something I crave in a book. On the surface, the book works well. The external conflict is there, but I wanted more development of the internal conflict. Some more soul searching if you will. I could definitely see the book becoming a popular horror movie though. All in all, a compelling read.
January 29, 2025
Let me begin by saying that horror isn’t a genre I normally read and review. There was a time when I was. I especially loved the early Stephen King books and Chad Adam’s style reminds me a great deal of the early Stephen King style. Like King, Adams is a master at hitting his readers with unexpected plot twists and hits you with them at the most unexpected times. The way Beneath the Bayou ends will have you saying, “Wow! I never saw that coming.” I even reread the book to see if I missed any clues about how the story would end, but I hadn’t. There were none or they were so subtle that even an old pro like me didn’t pick up on them.
Beneath the Bayou has got to be one of the best, if not the best, books written of any genre I’ve read in years. I didn’t know Chad Adams from…well…Adam, before reading Beneath the Bayou, but he has earned a place in my top ten favorite author’s list and I will be buying and reading his other books. If you’re a King or Koontz fan, you love Chad Adams.
Beneath the Bayou has got to be one of the best, if not the best, books written of any genre I’ve read in years. I didn’t know Chad Adams from…well…Adam, before reading Beneath the Bayou, but he has earned a place in my top ten favorite author’s list and I will be buying and reading his other books. If you’re a King or Koontz fan, you love Chad Adams.
January 23, 2025
“Beneath the Bayou” by Chad Adams was a thrilling and emotional ride from start to finish. The mix of suspense, addiction, and a touch of paranormal activity kept me hooked the entire time. I loved how Adams crafted such a dark, atmospheric setting, making the bayou feel almost like a character in itself. The way the story moves between past and present really worked for me—it kept the mystery building while adding depth to the emotional struggles of the characters. The writing is sharp, and the pacing is spot on. It’s a haunting read that pulls you in, not just with its scares, but with the raw human moments it explores.
October 2, 2024
Chad Adams draws you in immediately and creates a cast of lovable characters that keeps the pages turning!
Orchestrated with articulate grace, the author guides you through the story, masterfully building suspense along the way. As you discover the secrets, Chad delivers a spooky thrill ride that keeps you guessing to the very end.
With notes of the supernatural and addressing the very real dangers and consequences of addiction, this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful thrill ride! Highly recommended!
Orchestrated with articulate grace, the author guides you through the story, masterfully building suspense along the way. As you discover the secrets, Chad delivers a spooky thrill ride that keeps you guessing to the very end.
With notes of the supernatural and addressing the very real dangers and consequences of addiction, this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful thrill ride! Highly recommended!
October 17, 2024
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME! Do not waste your time with taking another minute to decide what to read next, this is it! I loved this book so much! Mr. Adams took me on a ride; I still can't believe everything that occurred in Beneath the Bayou. The writer paints a very vivid and brilliant picture throughout all the "scenes" in this short novel. Because of this, I felt like I was actually there which makes it even more creepy. The beginning, middle and end were full of "Oh sh!T!" moments and I can't wait to do it all over again. Chad Adams is a very entertaining story-teller.
November 6, 2024
Beneath the Bayou does a great job with suspense, paranormal activity, family relations, drug addiction and the consequences of one's choices all in one book! The build-up to the emotional and shocking ending is done excellently. You might laugh, cry, cheer, and be horrified as you get to know each of the characters. What secrets are hidden Beneath the Bayou, and how will the group of young adults come to discover them?! The answers they find are not what they expected, and perhaps not what you will expect either. Truly an enjoyable read!!!
November 17, 2024
Author Chad Adams has truly created a chilling and memorable story with “Beneath the Bayou”. It’s a haunting and unforgettable tale that will stay with you long after you’ve read it. The cast of characters are both likable and well developed. And the descriptions of the bayou…WOW. I felt like I was there, riding out the thrilling events with the characters. Also, besides being a fantastic story, I have to say that I haven’t quite read a book like this before. Chad truly has a unique voice in the horror world, and I really look forward to reading more from him!
September 15, 2024
What a great read this was! A dark and sad story, with plenty of creepy vibes. The character development, the scene setting, the eerie and tense atmosphere, the scares, the intensity build - it all had me captivated. A very clever, complex, and intricate story that leaves you thinking. And my goodness that twist - sheesh!!!
September 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Every component of it interlaced perfectly and I certainly didn't expect the ending! Adams did a stellar job of building the story up and creating legend behind it. This gave me “classic ghost story” a story that you’d chat about around a campground fire. The components of addiction and family trauma within it are so impactful. GREAT WORK!
March 30, 2025
Beneath the Bayou is a gripping blend of mystery and horror, weaving a decades-old tragedy with chilling urban legends. When a group of journalism students investigates the site of a long-forgotten accident, they uncover unsettling truths and face terrifying consequences. Suspenseful and eerie, this story keeps readers on edge until the shocking end.
April 1, 2025
The absolute BEST thing you can do for authors is to shout about their books!
Chad Adams ~ Beneath the Bayou ~ This was my first book by Chad Adams, and it did not disappoint. I thought as I’m reading it, why didn’t I read this sooner. This was such a good book. I’ve already got Rapacity on my list.
Chad Adams ~ Beneath the Bayou ~ This was my first book by Chad Adams, and it did not disappoint. I thought as I’m reading it, why didn’t I read this sooner. This was such a good book. I’ve already got Rapacity on my list.
January 13, 2025
Good read!!
I loved the pace of this book. The mystery, supernatural elements, and the twists it took were great! I definitely recommend this book. I read it in a weekend. I just had to know what happened!! Couldn't put it down.
I loved the pace of this book. The mystery, supernatural elements, and the twists it took were great! I definitely recommend this book. I read it in a weekend. I just had to know what happened!! Couldn't put it down.
April 19, 2025
Quick read touches on subjects of domestic violence, trauma, poverty, and addiction. Follows a small town tragedy and how it can leave lasting effects for many years. The monster of addiction and how it can pass from generation to generation.
October 1, 2024
Quick, dark read with some ghosts sprinkled in. Good for spooky season!
November 11, 2024
I devoured this book in one sitting. It kept me engaged with a suspenseful plot that incorporates a paranormal element.
February 2, 2025
Burned through this in a couple of days. Crackled along at a great pace. A perfect lazy weekend read
April 5, 2025
A great storyline
Little scares here and there, but what a good read. I would never have guessed the ending.
What Preston is saying near the end is so true.
This is my first book by Chad Adams and I plan to read more. Thank you sir.
Little scares here and there, but what a good read. I would never have guessed the ending.
What Preston is saying near the end is so true.
This is my first book by Chad Adams and I plan to read more. Thank you sir.
August 28, 2024
Loved this read. More excited that the town of Jean Lafitte inspired this story 💕
February 26, 2025
“Beneath the Bayou” by Chad Adams is a great example of how to tie paranormal elements into a thriller and keep things exciting!
The story follows four friends trying to solve the mystery in a fishing town in Louisiana, but quickly end up getting more than what they bargained for. On top of the paranormal activity that we see, we’re also given some horror elements as well which I find to be very tasteful and fit the story quite well.
I also loved the way Adams covers addiction and just how detrimental and consuming it can be to not just the person suffering, but their loved ones as well.
I really enjoyed this one! It was definitely a fun and exciting read! Hope to see more from Adams in the future!!
The story follows four friends trying to solve the mystery in a fishing town in Louisiana, but quickly end up getting more than what they bargained for. On top of the paranormal activity that we see, we’re also given some horror elements as well which I find to be very tasteful and fit the story quite well.
I also loved the way Adams covers addiction and just how detrimental and consuming it can be to not just the person suffering, but their loved ones as well.
I really enjoyed this one! It was definitely a fun and exciting read! Hope to see more from Adams in the future!!
August 15, 2024
Bought the audio version of the book. I think I would have preferred the print version. Loved the Louisiana flare and the characters. The book was dark, but flowed nicely.
October 19, 2023
Better Than I Thoighg
This is a dark story, but I really like that all is explained by the end. One thinks it is a ghost story, and it could be. Easy Read, Dark happenings, but does not dwell on horror, used it for the story. Explanation at end of book. Pretty fair story. An old house in the woods is a good start. I would recommend this book to any scary book fans. All works out, even if a bit rough.
This is a dark story, but I really like that all is explained by the end. One thinks it is a ghost story, and it could be. Easy Read, Dark happenings, but does not dwell on horror, used it for the story. Explanation at end of book. Pretty fair story. An old house in the woods is a good start. I would recommend this book to any scary book fans. All works out, even if a bit rough.
October 21, 2023
A great read for adults into thrillers. Keeps you on your toes the whole time, and always keeps you thinking. Go read it now!
April 15, 2024
Anytime that I find a book set in the Bayous of Louisiana, I have to seriously consider reading it. The description of this one made me know that I had to read it!
A group of college students travel to the site of a horrible tragedy to see if they can discover what actually happened. One of them is a journalism student and is determined to find the truth. Thirteen years before, a busload of juvenile prisoners were forced into the Bayou by an addict's inattention, killing them all. During this same accident, a young boy and his mother are also killed. The only survivor is (supposedly) the boy's father and cause of the accident, Crosby.
A young woman is murdered on the 10 year anniversary of this tragedy and once again, Crosby takes the blame. Jasmine and her 3 friends seek to find out if Crosby is to blame or if the house and surroundings are haunted by the young boy, Damon. Once they arrive, strange things start to happen. But, are they supernatural in nature or is Crosby truly still alive?
The story moves at a fast rate, switching between the original tragedy in 1979 and the college students' visit in 1992. (I have decided that when a group of college students are involved in a book, you are sure to have death, violence, and mayhem!) There are twists that will keep you guessing, the aforementioned mayhem and seemingly ghostly scares along the way to the conclusion.
The narrator did a good job, but having spent a lot of time in Louisiana, his accent wasn't quite right for the setting IMO. All in all, this book of mystery, ghostly encounters and the creepy atmosphere of the Bayou makes for an quick, entertaining read.
A group of college students travel to the site of a horrible tragedy to see if they can discover what actually happened. One of them is a journalism student and is determined to find the truth. Thirteen years before, a busload of juvenile prisoners were forced into the Bayou by an addict's inattention, killing them all. During this same accident, a young boy and his mother are also killed. The only survivor is (supposedly) the boy's father and cause of the accident, Crosby.
A young woman is murdered on the 10 year anniversary of this tragedy and once again, Crosby takes the blame. Jasmine and her 3 friends seek to find out if Crosby is to blame or if the house and surroundings are haunted by the young boy, Damon. Once they arrive, strange things start to happen. But, are they supernatural in nature or is Crosby truly still alive?
The story moves at a fast rate, switching between the original tragedy in 1979 and the college students' visit in 1992. (I have decided that when a group of college students are involved in a book, you are sure to have death, violence, and mayhem!) There are twists that will keep you guessing, the aforementioned mayhem and seemingly ghostly scares along the way to the conclusion.
The narrator did a good job, but having spent a lot of time in Louisiana, his accent wasn't quite right for the setting IMO. All in all, this book of mystery, ghostly encounters and the creepy atmosphere of the Bayou makes for an quick, entertaining read.
April 6, 2025
"Beneath the bayou" is a rollercoaster of emotions that left me both captivated and contemplative. The journey down memory lane at the beginning was beautifully crafted, setting a poignant scene for the family's tragedy. The present-day narrative involving the four friends was engaging and kept me hooked. However, the transformation into the monster within lacked the subtlety and depth I had hoped for, leaving me wanting more.
The introduction of supernatural elements added an intriguing twist, making the story even more captivating. The 10th anniversary of the fatal night was a standout moment, where all the individuals who were unfortunate and wrongful in their actions, whether directly or indirectly, added to the favour of the story. This gathering was a powerful moment, highlighting the consequences of their actions and culminating in a fateful event. The tension and drama in this scene were palpable, adding a significant layer to the narrative.
While I appreciated the emotional depth and the transformation of the main character into a monster, symbolizing the darker side of human nature, the ending fell short. It seemed rushed, leaving me somewhat frustrated and longing for a more satisfying conclusion. Letting the devil have his voice to narrate his side of the story and how it turned him into the monster he is would have added a much-needed layer of complexity and closure.
Overall, "Beneath the bayou" is a compelling read that explores the depths of human nature and the consequences of our actions. While it has its flaws, the emotional journey and the intriguing twists make it a worthwhile read.
The introduction of supernatural elements added an intriguing twist, making the story even more captivating. The 10th anniversary of the fatal night was a standout moment, where all the individuals who were unfortunate and wrongful in their actions, whether directly or indirectly, added to the favour of the story. This gathering was a powerful moment, highlighting the consequences of their actions and culminating in a fateful event. The tension and drama in this scene were palpable, adding a significant layer to the narrative.
While I appreciated the emotional depth and the transformation of the main character into a monster, symbolizing the darker side of human nature, the ending fell short. It seemed rushed, leaving me somewhat frustrated and longing for a more satisfying conclusion. Letting the devil have his voice to narrate his side of the story and how it turned him into the monster he is would have added a much-needed layer of complexity and closure.
Overall, "Beneath the bayou" is a compelling read that explores the depths of human nature and the consequences of our actions. While it has its flaws, the emotional journey and the intriguing twists make it a worthwhile read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews