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When Cicadas Cry
In this stunning debut by a South Carolina attorney, Zach Stander, a lawyer with a past, and Addie Stone, his indomitable detective and lover, find themselves entangled in secrets, lies, and murder in a small Southern town.
A high-profile murder case— A white woman has been bludgeoned to death with an altar cross in a rural church on Cicada Road in Walterboro, South Carolina. Sam Jenkins, a Black man, is found covered in blood, kneeling over the body. In a state already roiling with racial tenson, this is not only a murder case, but a powder keg.
A haunting cold case— Two young women are murdered on quiet Edisto Beach, an hour southeast of Walterboro, and the killer disappears without a trace. Thirty-four years later the mystery remains unsolved. Could there be a connection to Stander's case?
A killer who's watching— Stander takes on Jenkins's defense, but he's up against a formidable solicitor with powerful allies. Worse, his client is hiding a bombshell secret. When Addie Stone reopens the cold case, she discovers more long-buried secrets in this small town. Would someone kill again to keep them?
Ideal for fans of mystery, suspense, and thrillers in the vein of Karin Slaughter's Pretty Girls and Stacy Willingham's A Flicker in the Dark, as well as for readers who followed the high-profile Murdaugh murder trial, held in the same small town as in When Cicadas Cry.
A high-profile murder case— A white woman has been bludgeoned to death with an altar cross in a rural church on Cicada Road in Walterboro, South Carolina. Sam Jenkins, a Black man, is found covered in blood, kneeling over the body. In a state already roiling with racial tenson, this is not only a murder case, but a powder keg.
A haunting cold case— Two young women are murdered on quiet Edisto Beach, an hour southeast of Walterboro, and the killer disappears without a trace. Thirty-four years later the mystery remains unsolved. Could there be a connection to Stander's case?
A killer who's watching— Stander takes on Jenkins's defense, but he's up against a formidable solicitor with powerful allies. Worse, his client is hiding a bombshell secret. When Addie Stone reopens the cold case, she discovers more long-buried secrets in this small town. Would someone kill again to keep them?
Ideal for fans of mystery, suspense, and thrillers in the vein of Karin Slaughter's Pretty Girls and Stacy Willingham's A Flicker in the Dark, as well as for readers who followed the high-profile Murdaugh murder trial, held in the same small town as in When Cicadas Cry.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2024
311 people are currently reading
9671 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Cleveland
1 book154 followersCaroline Cleveland is the founding partner of the law firm Cleveland & Conley, LLC, where she represents private and public employers, including law enforcement. A native South Carolinian, she inevitably writes from a Southern perspective. She gravitates -- both as a writer and a reader -- toward mystery and suspense, and she cannot resist a character with a dark secret.
She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, David.
She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, David.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
April 24, 2024
When Cicadas Cry by Caroline Cleveland is a legal thriller at the forefront of the story but also infuses in a decades old mystery. The story in When Cicadas Cry is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters.
Zach Stander is a down on his luck attorney looking to make a name for himself when he gets a call from a grandfather of a young black man just arrested for murder. Sam Jenkins was found covered in the blood of his co-worker claiming that he just found her there in a remote church and tried to help.
Addie Stone is Zach’s investigator and girlfriend who encourages Zach at every step in the murder case. However, without much work of her own in the small town of Walterboro, South Carolina while Zach is busy Addie offers up her services to look into some of the town’s cold cases. The case that catches Addie’s attention is one where two young women had been murdered over three decades ago but Addie is determined to look at it with fresh eyes.
Legal thrillers often feel like a guilty pleasure when I pick them up since I don’t come across many to read so I was excited to jump into When Cicadas Cry by Caroline Cleveland. This was a debut novel and you could tell the author is very familiar with the legal system and also from the south where the racial tension swirls all around which all made the book very intriguing. I personally guessed one aspect of this story which seemed a little obvious but maybe it was only because I read a lot but with other twists to come the pages did just fly right one by leaving this at four stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Zach Stander is a down on his luck attorney looking to make a name for himself when he gets a call from a grandfather of a young black man just arrested for murder. Sam Jenkins was found covered in the blood of his co-worker claiming that he just found her there in a remote church and tried to help.
Addie Stone is Zach’s investigator and girlfriend who encourages Zach at every step in the murder case. However, without much work of her own in the small town of Walterboro, South Carolina while Zach is busy Addie offers up her services to look into some of the town’s cold cases. The case that catches Addie’s attention is one where two young women had been murdered over three decades ago but Addie is determined to look at it with fresh eyes.
Legal thrillers often feel like a guilty pleasure when I pick them up since I don’t come across many to read so I was excited to jump into When Cicadas Cry by Caroline Cleveland. This was a debut novel and you could tell the author is very familiar with the legal system and also from the south where the racial tension swirls all around which all made the book very intriguing. I personally guessed one aspect of this story which seemed a little obvious but maybe it was only because I read a lot but with other twists to come the pages did just fly right one by leaving this at four stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 16, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“That’s what she wanted me to believe. But not now. Now I knew better— knew what had to be done. That’s the thing with a secret this old.
You’re not keeping it anymore. It keeps you.”
In the Southern town of Walterboro, South Carolina, that still holds on to its racial hatred and discrimination, the last thing Zach Stander, a once respectable and highly sought-after attorney now struggling to land a respectable case, would want to take on is the high profile case of Sam Jenkins, a Black man accused of bludgeoning to death a white woman with an altar cross in a rural church on Cicada Road. 'Having gone down in flames himself in the past, Zach couldn’t help but hear a small voice inside urging him to turn and run.' But, as Zach and his girlfriend, private detective Addie Stone investigate deeper into the facts of that fateful night, they discover that there perhaps may be a deeper connection to this case - one that ties into the past of a pair of gruesome murders that brings long-buried secrets to light and one that someone would do anything to keep hidden - no matter what it takes.
“This was about something older and deeper, and if Zach had not fully appreciated the magnitude of what he would have to overcome to save Sam, he felt its full force now.”
It gripped me from the start; even though it does seem like a rather generic murder, the opening passage along with Sam's reserved pleas for help and the foreboding menace that seemed to creep into the crevices as Zach became more invested into the case, intrigued me - 'this wasn’t a murder case—it was a powder keg rolling through a wall of fire.' I wanted to see how Zach would piece it together, what clues would be brought forth that would shed light on the case. I wanted to know how he would figure out his innocence, what lingering darkness led to Sam's involvement in the murder, who would want to frame him, how big a part would racism play in convicting him of this crime? 😥 'Maybe nothing, but you never know when something that seems insignificant can be the tiny piece of the puzzle that pulls the bigger parts together—or that the solicitor uses to pull them apart.' And for a while, I did think it was going to be like that; but, in the effort to make history collide with Zach's case, the plot took an unfortunate turn. While I didn't mind the contrived way in which the past was forced to converge with the present, in order for it to make sense, I wanted more on the trial aspect. I wanted to see Zach shine as a lawyer, rather than unexpectedly taking a back seat as Addie was pushed forward as she put her detective hat on. 🙍🏻♀️
I would have liked to see Zach shine as he regained his composure as a lawyer, rather than seeing Addie's pursuit of past murders. The story quickly shifted trajectory and made the plot move at a speedier pace and a less believable one. As we neared the ending, I felt the writing also became a bit weaker, because the writer was literally pushing the evidence right into our faces! I would have liked it if it had been more subtle - don't make such a point to point it out! 😩 It made the sudden twists less interesting and more forced upon me. It was bad enough that we got such a glaring clue in the killer's perspective that hinted at their lingering involvement in the couple's lives that put me on guard to suspect any new character that entered the scene. 🙎🏻♀️
“I’m the one who pushed you to take this on. And for the right reasons. There will always be good and bad, right and wrong on both sides, and racists come in all colors.
But justice is worth standing up for.”
What I do appreciate is the underlying message of how hatred and discrimination and the fear of being accepted is still so very prevalent - regardless of the time or who it may be. How anger and hate is fueled and stored up, waiting just for the right moment to strike, regardless of who it may hurt or what pain they would be inflicting on others. And yet, still keeping in time, that even those who are bigoted and racist are susceptible to change - that one should never lose hope for a better and more understanding future. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 'I guess some people are exactly what you think they are, and others surprise you.' And as the author is someone who has had experience in legal matters, I appreciated how authentic she kept the legal jargon - how the details portrayed the little nuances and ticks that a lawyer employs - the subtle movements and reflections that they undertake when dealing with a client or confronting a witness. 'It’s funny, though, how your mind can play tricks when you try to remember details.' It was further accompanied with sharp, crisp, factual dialogue for their investigation that was heightened by the palpable excitement the two of them would have upon the discovery of a key witness or clue. 👍🏻👍🏻
Despite its flaws, I liked how the author wanted to keep the story on a personal level, as well. Zach and Addie were both likeable characters; not ones without their faults, they still wanted the best for one another and hoped that they could make a life together. Even as their relationship is put to the test, their honesty and trust in one another never wavered. Addie was a confident force to be reckoned with, who saw the strong potential that Zach was capable of. Even as Zach is still nurturing the haunts of his childhood, he wanted Addie to give him a chance. And I respected how Addie approached the matter in a believable way. How she gave Zach space and still, an ultimatum that allowed both of them to grow individually because of it. 🥺 'Some people are born knowing who their families are. The rest of us have to find them.' With this delicate balance to the more dirty and gritty side of their investigation, the author managed to keep the story on a lighter tone that made me root for these two to not only survive the dangers they were encountering, but to survive as a couple, too. ❤️🩹
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“That’s what she wanted me to believe. But not now. Now I knew better— knew what had to be done. That’s the thing with a secret this old.
You’re not keeping it anymore. It keeps you.”
In the Southern town of Walterboro, South Carolina, that still holds on to its racial hatred and discrimination, the last thing Zach Stander, a once respectable and highly sought-after attorney now struggling to land a respectable case, would want to take on is the high profile case of Sam Jenkins, a Black man accused of bludgeoning to death a white woman with an altar cross in a rural church on Cicada Road. 'Having gone down in flames himself in the past, Zach couldn’t help but hear a small voice inside urging him to turn and run.' But, as Zach and his girlfriend, private detective Addie Stone investigate deeper into the facts of that fateful night, they discover that there perhaps may be a deeper connection to this case - one that ties into the past of a pair of gruesome murders that brings long-buried secrets to light and one that someone would do anything to keep hidden - no matter what it takes.
“This was about something older and deeper, and if Zach had not fully appreciated the magnitude of what he would have to overcome to save Sam, he felt its full force now.”
It gripped me from the start; even though it does seem like a rather generic murder, the opening passage along with Sam's reserved pleas for help and the foreboding menace that seemed to creep into the crevices as Zach became more invested into the case, intrigued me - 'this wasn’t a murder case—it was a powder keg rolling through a wall of fire.' I wanted to see how Zach would piece it together, what clues would be brought forth that would shed light on the case. I wanted to know how he would figure out his innocence, what lingering darkness led to Sam's involvement in the murder, who would want to frame him, how big a part would racism play in convicting him of this crime? 😥 'Maybe nothing, but you never know when something that seems insignificant can be the tiny piece of the puzzle that pulls the bigger parts together—or that the solicitor uses to pull them apart.' And for a while, I did think it was going to be like that; but, in the effort to make history collide with Zach's case, the plot took an unfortunate turn. While I didn't mind the contrived way in which the past was forced to converge with the present, in order for it to make sense, I wanted more on the trial aspect. I wanted to see Zach shine as a lawyer, rather than unexpectedly taking a back seat as Addie was pushed forward as she put her detective hat on. 🙍🏻♀️
I would have liked to see Zach shine as he regained his composure as a lawyer, rather than seeing Addie's pursuit of past murders. The story quickly shifted trajectory and made the plot move at a speedier pace and a less believable one. As we neared the ending, I felt the writing also became a bit weaker, because the writer was literally pushing the evidence right into our faces! I would have liked it if it had been more subtle - don't make such a point to point it out! 😩 It made the sudden twists less interesting and more forced upon me. It was bad enough that we got such a glaring clue in the killer's perspective that hinted at their lingering involvement in the couple's lives that put me on guard to suspect any new character that entered the scene. 🙎🏻♀️
“I’m the one who pushed you to take this on. And for the right reasons. There will always be good and bad, right and wrong on both sides, and racists come in all colors.
But justice is worth standing up for.”
What I do appreciate is the underlying message of how hatred and discrimination and the fear of being accepted is still so very prevalent - regardless of the time or who it may be. How anger and hate is fueled and stored up, waiting just for the right moment to strike, regardless of who it may hurt or what pain they would be inflicting on others. And yet, still keeping in time, that even those who are bigoted and racist are susceptible to change - that one should never lose hope for a better and more understanding future. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 'I guess some people are exactly what you think they are, and others surprise you.' And as the author is someone who has had experience in legal matters, I appreciated how authentic she kept the legal jargon - how the details portrayed the little nuances and ticks that a lawyer employs - the subtle movements and reflections that they undertake when dealing with a client or confronting a witness. 'It’s funny, though, how your mind can play tricks when you try to remember details.' It was further accompanied with sharp, crisp, factual dialogue for their investigation that was heightened by the palpable excitement the two of them would have upon the discovery of a key witness or clue. 👍🏻👍🏻
Despite its flaws, I liked how the author wanted to keep the story on a personal level, as well. Zach and Addie were both likeable characters; not ones without their faults, they still wanted the best for one another and hoped that they could make a life together. Even as their relationship is put to the test, their honesty and trust in one another never wavered. Addie was a confident force to be reckoned with, who saw the strong potential that Zach was capable of. Even as Zach is still nurturing the haunts of his childhood, he wanted Addie to give him a chance. And I respected how Addie approached the matter in a believable way. How she gave Zach space and still, an ultimatum that allowed both of them to grow individually because of it. 🥺 'Some people are born knowing who their families are. The rest of us have to find them.' With this delicate balance to the more dirty and gritty side of their investigation, the author managed to keep the story on a lighter tone that made me root for these two to not only survive the dangers they were encountering, but to survive as a couple, too. ❤️🩹
*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2024
EXCERPT: 2017 - I never meant to kill the first one. She was an accident - her own fault, for the most part. And that second one? She was a casualty of necessity. Wrong place, wrong time. But this one . . . this one was different.
ABOUT 'WHEN CICADAS CRY': Zach Stander, a lawyer with a past, and Addie Stone, his indomitable detective and lover, find themselves entangled in secrets, lies, and murder in a small Southern town.
A high-profile murder case— A white woman has been bludgeoned to death with an altar cross in a rural church on Cicada Road in Walterboro, South Carolina. Sam Jenkins, a Black man, is found covered in blood, kneeling over the body. In a state already roiling with racial tenson, this is not only a murder case, but a powder keg.
A haunting cold case— Two young women are murdered on quiet Edisto Beach, an hour southeast of Walterboro, and the killer disappears without a trace. Thirty-four years later the mystery remains unsolved. Could there be a connection to Stander's case?
A killer who's watching— Stander takes on Jenkins's defense, but he's up against a formidable solicitor with powerful allies. Worse, his client is hiding a bombshell secret. When Addie Stone reopens the cold case, she discovers more long-buried secrets in this small town. Would someone kill again to keep them?
MY THOUGHTS: When Cicadas Cry is an absolutely stunning debut novel. Atmosphere oozes from every page. The tension in the final chapters left me with half-moons dug into my palms. I feared for Addie's life.
Caroline Cleveland is one of those rare authors who can hit the ball right out of the park in all three elements of the successful novel - characters, setting and atmosphere. It is impossible to read this without coming to care greatly for the characters: Zach, who really needs to figure out just what he wants; Eli, the accused Sam's grandfather; Colleton Burns, Eli's great friend and a respected retired lawyer; Sam who is overly economical with the truth to his own detriment; and Addie with the big heart, quick mind and an ambition Zach isn't currently sharing. Honestly, there were times I wanted to give Zach a quick slap upside his head - he can be extremely obtuse!
Cleveland captures the racial tensions around the BLM movement and uses it to great advantage in when Cicadas Cry. We have the two opposing factions, each wanting their very own brand of justice, never mind whatever the truth happens to be.
Pressures arising from the case cause tension between Zach and Addie, causing Addie to volunteer to investigate a cold case from some thirty odd years earlier, never dreaming to do so might put her life in danger. Now, I thought I had this all figured out, but was I ever wrong! Yes, I'm eating Humble Pie (with lashings of ice cream 😉)
The story is told from multiple points of view, including that of the killer, as in the excerpt above. This added another layer of mystery and even more tension to the storyline.
When Cicadas Cry is a beautifully written novel that held me entranced from beginning to end. The author's notes at the end are particularly interesting so don't be tempted to skip them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#WhenCicadasCry #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Caroline Cleveland is the founding partner of the law firm Cleveland & Conley, LLC, where she represents private and public employers, including law enforcement. A native South Carolinian, she inevitably writes from a Southern perspective. She gravitates -- both as a writer and a reader -- toward mystery and suspense, and she cannot resist a character with a dark secret.
She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, David.
DISCLOSURE: I was privileged to receive both a digital and audio ARC for review via NetGalley. My thanks go to both Union Square & Co., a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing and Dreamscape Media respectively. The audiobook is ablely narrated by Adam Barr.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'WHEN CICADAS CRY': Zach Stander, a lawyer with a past, and Addie Stone, his indomitable detective and lover, find themselves entangled in secrets, lies, and murder in a small Southern town.
A high-profile murder case— A white woman has been bludgeoned to death with an altar cross in a rural church on Cicada Road in Walterboro, South Carolina. Sam Jenkins, a Black man, is found covered in blood, kneeling over the body. In a state already roiling with racial tenson, this is not only a murder case, but a powder keg.
A haunting cold case— Two young women are murdered on quiet Edisto Beach, an hour southeast of Walterboro, and the killer disappears without a trace. Thirty-four years later the mystery remains unsolved. Could there be a connection to Stander's case?
A killer who's watching— Stander takes on Jenkins's defense, but he's up against a formidable solicitor with powerful allies. Worse, his client is hiding a bombshell secret. When Addie Stone reopens the cold case, she discovers more long-buried secrets in this small town. Would someone kill again to keep them?
MY THOUGHTS: When Cicadas Cry is an absolutely stunning debut novel. Atmosphere oozes from every page. The tension in the final chapters left me with half-moons dug into my palms. I feared for Addie's life.
Caroline Cleveland is one of those rare authors who can hit the ball right out of the park in all three elements of the successful novel - characters, setting and atmosphere. It is impossible to read this without coming to care greatly for the characters: Zach, who really needs to figure out just what he wants; Eli, the accused Sam's grandfather; Colleton Burns, Eli's great friend and a respected retired lawyer; Sam who is overly economical with the truth to his own detriment; and Addie with the big heart, quick mind and an ambition Zach isn't currently sharing. Honestly, there were times I wanted to give Zach a quick slap upside his head - he can be extremely obtuse!
Cleveland captures the racial tensions around the BLM movement and uses it to great advantage in when Cicadas Cry. We have the two opposing factions, each wanting their very own brand of justice, never mind whatever the truth happens to be.
Pressures arising from the case cause tension between Zach and Addie, causing Addie to volunteer to investigate a cold case from some thirty odd years earlier, never dreaming to do so might put her life in danger. Now, I thought I had this all figured out, but was I ever wrong! Yes, I'm eating Humble Pie (with lashings of ice cream 😉)
The story is told from multiple points of view, including that of the killer, as in the excerpt above. This added another layer of mystery and even more tension to the storyline.
When Cicadas Cry is a beautifully written novel that held me entranced from beginning to end. The author's notes at the end are particularly interesting so don't be tempted to skip them.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#WhenCicadasCry #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Caroline Cleveland is the founding partner of the law firm Cleveland & Conley, LLC, where she represents private and public employers, including law enforcement. A native South Carolinian, she inevitably writes from a Southern perspective. She gravitates -- both as a writer and a reader -- toward mystery and suspense, and she cannot resist a character with a dark secret.
She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, David.
DISCLOSURE: I was privileged to receive both a digital and audio ARC for review via NetGalley. My thanks go to both Union Square & Co., a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing and Dreamscape Media respectively. The audiobook is ablely narrated by Adam Barr.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 16, 2024
When Cicadas Cry has everything I love in a od mystery and much more. It is Southern fiction at its best. It doesn’t mince words talking about racial tensions and injustice in the past or the present but at the same time it shows us how far things have come and the hope for the future. It is a legal thriller with a lot of emphasis on how both sides try to use the law to their advantage in a high profile murder case. It had characters I loved, down on his luck criminal defense attorney Zach Stander and his private investigator and girlfriend Addie Stone. And, best of all, even though the killer was talking to the reader throughout the entire book I was taken totally by surprise. I sure hope there will be more Zach and Addie in the future.
July 22, 2024
Caroline Cleveland's debut mystery novel, WHEN CICADAS CRY, fooled me once. Then again and again. And maybe a few more times. Now that’s what I call a really good mystery. Cleveland wrote in an Afterword that she wanted to supply her readers with plenty of curves and twists. Mission accomplished. I was blindsided by almost all of them.
One of the two major plots involves the brutal murder of a beautiful young white woman. Like any good, solid, upstanding killer, this one is awfully smart, leaving tricky clues at the murder scene that lead investigators on a wild goose chase. The villain also sets up a young Black man as the prime suspect in the crime, and the location of the homicide --- a church in a small South Carolina town called Walterboro --- cleverly sets afire the wrath of the town's white folk so that their inherent racism emerges enthusiastically, viciously and entirely willingly.
Zach Stander is the defense attorney who must figure out the identity of the real perpetrator in order to save his young client, Sam Jenkins. Sam called the police when, he claims, he found the murder victim, Jessica Gadsden. She had been bludgeoned to death in the most gruesome manner possible –-- with a heavy brass cross that was the property of the church. When the police arrived at the scene, they observed Sam leaning over the body, covered in blood with scratch marks all over his arms. Not a pretty picture, especially for Sam. He was a sitting duck.
So Zach sets out to prove Sam's innocence. He is assisted in his mission by an old lawyer, Colleton Burns, who has volunteered for the job. She seems to know everybody in town and is familiar with all the family members of both the victim and the accused. The third investigator is Addie Stone, Zach's lovely and brilliant girlfriend, who has experience as a criminal investigator but is frustrated by his dependence on Colleton as his primary assistant.
Addie decides that, since she has plenty of free time, she'll find a cold case that she can investigate. When she does so, she chooses one in the same location as Zach's present case. Hers is an unsolved double murder that occurred 34 years ago. Two young women were killed in one night, but the lead suspect was proven innocent, and the case eventually fell apart. Nobody was interested in pursuing the investigation. Until Addie.
The two cases intersect in various cross-currents as potential witnesses and suspects appear in both. Meanwhile, Colleton continues his stubborn but helpful search for clues, though Addie is bitter about his involvement. Zach and Addie argue a lot, and suspicions arise involving several of the characters. As Sam's trial approaches, all the white people in town want to see him convicted for his alleged sins while he keeps getting viciously attacked in prison. Zach becomes an endangered pariah because he has dared to defend the Black murderer of a beautiful young white woman. Addie makes slow but impressive progress in her difficult cold case.
And the reader gets pleasantly dizzy jumping from suspicion of one individual to suspicion of another. Cleveland plants numerous red herrings (Can you plant a herring? She does.) as she draws us into her web of suspicious characters and their questionable behaviors and histories.
That is precisely how a fine mystery is built, and Cleveland has provided that very construction. It’s a terrific piece that grabs us and holds on to our fascination and attention until we finally can rest comfortably in the sure knowledge that the web has been successfully untangled, and we know exactly who has committed what crimes --- and, maybe even more importantly, who the innocent victims of our own suspicions are.
Reviewed by Jack Kramer
One of the two major plots involves the brutal murder of a beautiful young white woman. Like any good, solid, upstanding killer, this one is awfully smart, leaving tricky clues at the murder scene that lead investigators on a wild goose chase. The villain also sets up a young Black man as the prime suspect in the crime, and the location of the homicide --- a church in a small South Carolina town called Walterboro --- cleverly sets afire the wrath of the town's white folk so that their inherent racism emerges enthusiastically, viciously and entirely willingly.
Zach Stander is the defense attorney who must figure out the identity of the real perpetrator in order to save his young client, Sam Jenkins. Sam called the police when, he claims, he found the murder victim, Jessica Gadsden. She had been bludgeoned to death in the most gruesome manner possible –-- with a heavy brass cross that was the property of the church. When the police arrived at the scene, they observed Sam leaning over the body, covered in blood with scratch marks all over his arms. Not a pretty picture, especially for Sam. He was a sitting duck.
So Zach sets out to prove Sam's innocence. He is assisted in his mission by an old lawyer, Colleton Burns, who has volunteered for the job. She seems to know everybody in town and is familiar with all the family members of both the victim and the accused. The third investigator is Addie Stone, Zach's lovely and brilliant girlfriend, who has experience as a criminal investigator but is frustrated by his dependence on Colleton as his primary assistant.
Addie decides that, since she has plenty of free time, she'll find a cold case that she can investigate. When she does so, she chooses one in the same location as Zach's present case. Hers is an unsolved double murder that occurred 34 years ago. Two young women were killed in one night, but the lead suspect was proven innocent, and the case eventually fell apart. Nobody was interested in pursuing the investigation. Until Addie.
The two cases intersect in various cross-currents as potential witnesses and suspects appear in both. Meanwhile, Colleton continues his stubborn but helpful search for clues, though Addie is bitter about his involvement. Zach and Addie argue a lot, and suspicions arise involving several of the characters. As Sam's trial approaches, all the white people in town want to see him convicted for his alleged sins while he keeps getting viciously attacked in prison. Zach becomes an endangered pariah because he has dared to defend the Black murderer of a beautiful young white woman. Addie makes slow but impressive progress in her difficult cold case.
And the reader gets pleasantly dizzy jumping from suspicion of one individual to suspicion of another. Cleveland plants numerous red herrings (Can you plant a herring? She does.) as she draws us into her web of suspicious characters and their questionable behaviors and histories.
That is precisely how a fine mystery is built, and Cleveland has provided that very construction. It’s a terrific piece that grabs us and holds on to our fascination and attention until we finally can rest comfortably in the sure knowledge that the web has been successfully untangled, and we know exactly who has committed what crimes --- and, maybe even more importantly, who the innocent victims of our own suspicions are.
Reviewed by Jack Kramer
June 19, 2024
When Cicadas Cry is a debut novel by Caroline Cleveland an atty from South Carolina, and this is a good one! The story begins as Jessie, a beautiful young white woman is bludgeoned to death with a crucifix inside a church, and Sam, a young black man is accused of her murder. The small town of Walterboro is fractured once again. Over three decades ago, two young women were murdered and the case was never solved. Sam’s uncle Eli hires Zach, a white attorney with a troubled past and his girlfriend an investigator with a knack of sniffing out clues.
I spent two days with this murder mystery completely immersed. I found it compelling that though the timeframe of the story is in 2017, the issues Cleveland writes about and deals with in the story are not much different from the 50’s and 60’s when racial tensions in the south was rampant.
I enjoyed the court room drama as well as the witty ways attorneys and their investigators find ways out of deep trouble. I enjoyed the writing of the dialogue, the way the killer’s voice is revealed to the reader throughout the book, and the police procedural aspect. I enjoyed the tight plotting that kept me glued to the book and also the genius way the reveal was written.
Overall, this book was an impressive debut that every thriller lover should be reading.
I spent two days with this murder mystery completely immersed. I found it compelling that though the timeframe of the story is in 2017, the issues Cleveland writes about and deals with in the story are not much different from the 50’s and 60’s when racial tensions in the south was rampant.
I enjoyed the court room drama as well as the witty ways attorneys and their investigators find ways out of deep trouble. I enjoyed the writing of the dialogue, the way the killer’s voice is revealed to the reader throughout the book, and the police procedural aspect. I enjoyed the tight plotting that kept me glued to the book and also the genius way the reveal was written.
Overall, this book was an impressive debut that every thriller lover should be reading.
September 25, 2024
Really good mystery/thriller/general fiction book. Enjoyed a lot. I really love that this author also included some racial tensions that are still present in parts of the world.
May 14, 2025
A fabulous legal thriller that kept me captivated.
When a young black man is accused of killing a white woman in North Carolina in 2017, he faces the lingering prejudice that still exists. His shot at freedom lies in the hands of a young white lawyer and a local lawyer who steps up to help. As the evidence mounts, can they find a way to prove their client is innocent?
If you are a fan of John Grisham, you'll love this debut novel.
When a young black man is accused of killing a white woman in North Carolina in 2017, he faces the lingering prejudice that still exists. His shot at freedom lies in the hands of a young white lawyer and a local lawyer who steps up to help. As the evidence mounts, can they find a way to prove their client is innocent?
If you are a fan of John Grisham, you'll love this debut novel.
April 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this debut legal thriller. Zach is not perfect, but is a character to root for. I hoped he had what it takes to prove his client, Sam Jenkins, was innocent in a racially charged case. Addie is a strong main character separate from Zach. Zach seems to be shutting Addie out of this case, instead relying on the help from a retired local attorney. Addie feels unneeded in preparing for Sam’s trial, so she volunteers to help local law enforcement with a cold case involving two teen girls who were killed after leaving a beach party. Each case is intriguing, and the investigations held my interest. I enjoyed getting to know Sam’s grandfather Eli, who was the one who hired Sam, as well as Colleton Burns who is helping Sam. It’s not certain Colleton can be trusted, but I liked his charm and intelligence. Some of the dialogue between Zach and Addie seemed a little forced, and Sam’s decisions in his personal life were often flawed. However, I was still rooting for these characters in their cases and as a couple.
The story is told from multiple points-of-view, including the killer’s, even though the person isn’t identified until the end. As the story progresses, things come together for Zach and Addie's cases in unexpected ways. There is some sadness in the book but it’s also full of hope. I enjoyed the vivid characterizations as well as the details of the investigations and the legal strategies in this thought-provoking novel. Fans of John Grisham or Southern fiction will want to try this debut legal thriller from Cleveland.
I received an advance copy of this book from MBC Books and Union Square and Company, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The story is told from multiple points-of-view, including the killer’s, even though the person isn’t identified until the end. As the story progresses, things come together for Zach and Addie's cases in unexpected ways. There is some sadness in the book but it’s also full of hope. I enjoyed the vivid characterizations as well as the details of the investigations and the legal strategies in this thought-provoking novel. Fans of John Grisham or Southern fiction will want to try this debut legal thriller from Cleveland.
I received an advance copy of this book from MBC Books and Union Square and Company, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 8, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
Holy crap, with all the theories I had, I still got it wrong. I was genuinely caught off guard and shocked at the end. The only thing I’d love is for the ending to have been a little longer, but for a debut novel, this was amazing. I overall loved the style of writing, and I can’t wait for more books from this author!
Holy crap, with all the theories I had, I still got it wrong. I was genuinely caught off guard and shocked at the end. The only thing I’d love is for the ending to have been a little longer, but for a debut novel, this was amazing. I overall loved the style of writing, and I can’t wait for more books from this author!
April 6, 2024
A dazzling debut entrance into a southern gothic thriller that poses an age old question, ‘How can a man get a fair trial when judgement on the color of his skin is an automatic death sentence?’
The characters appear to be extremely well written, colorful and well spoken with well played sarcasm, to lighten the mood on what tends to be a dark subject of racism, in small town, South Carolina.
Buford, a main character throughout-a name that signifies brute force and has the means to be a scary unrelenting figure with longstanding deep ties to the community, fits this character to a “T”
Lies, secrets, racial judgement and how far someone will go to keep their secrets buried, makes this a stunning, race to the finish thriller!
Well played.
Thanks to Union Square and Co for this arc and a fantastic new author!
The characters appear to be extremely well written, colorful and well spoken with well played sarcasm, to lighten the mood on what tends to be a dark subject of racism, in small town, South Carolina.
Buford, a main character throughout-a name that signifies brute force and has the means to be a scary unrelenting figure with longstanding deep ties to the community, fits this character to a “T”
Lies, secrets, racial judgement and how far someone will go to keep their secrets buried, makes this a stunning, race to the finish thriller!
Well played.
Thanks to Union Square and Co for this arc and a fantastic new author!
December 30, 2024
The book was decent.
I found the author problematic when she wrote “Heritage, not hate” when speaking about the civil war and confederate flag. Two-siding an issue that has only one side that is right. I would much rather the white author not ‘both-sides’ issues that have tormented the black community for generations.
I found the author problematic when she wrote “Heritage, not hate” when speaking about the civil war and confederate flag. Two-siding an issue that has only one side that is right. I would much rather the white author not ‘both-sides’ issues that have tormented the black community for generations.
February 14, 2024
A high profile murder case. A haunting cold case. A killer who's watching.
Stop the press, because "When Cicadas Cry" by Caroline Cleveland is a WHOLE vibe. As a fan of police procedurals and legal thrillers, this book exceeded all my expectations.
First off, let's talk about Addie—my main character. Yes, mine bc she's not the actual main character but she's giving main character energy. "Addie could handle herself with the toughest of criminals, come home and cook a meal that would put those television chefs to shame, and then party as hard as she worked." Love her.
I also appreciated how the book highlights racial disparities within the legal system and addresses the continuation of white supremacy, shedding light on the injustices faced by marginalized groups. "There will always be good and bad, right and wrong on both sides, and racists come in all colors. But justice is worth standing up for. You have a gift, and you—we—will never have another moment’s peace if you don’t use it to help." Despite Sam being an all around successful working man, the message in this book is that despite that, you can still be unfairly accused of something due to the color of your skin without authorities looking into the real details of the case.
From the very first page, this book had me hooked. I was fully invested from the get-go, finding it nearly impossible to put down—even in the wee hours of the night. And let's not forget, this is Cleveland's debut novel, which makes it all the more impressive. One of the things I loved most was trying to guess who the killer was throughout the story. Cleveland kept me guessing until the very end, and when the truth was finally revealed, my jaw hit the floor.
The backdrop of a small southern town added to the charm of the story, making me feel like I was right there, solving the mystery alongside the characters. ALSOOO can we discuss how this is the same town the Murdaugh murders occurred in?! Sold.
In conclusion, "When Cicadas Cry" is a gripping debut that hits all the right notes. With its strong characters, compelling storyline, and thought-provoking themes, it's a must-read for fans of the genre. Caroline Cleveland has certainly made a splash with her first novel, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next.
Thank you to the publisher, the author & NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Stop the press, because "When Cicadas Cry" by Caroline Cleveland is a WHOLE vibe. As a fan of police procedurals and legal thrillers, this book exceeded all my expectations.
First off, let's talk about Addie—my main character. Yes, mine bc she's not the actual main character but she's giving main character energy. "Addie could handle herself with the toughest of criminals, come home and cook a meal that would put those television chefs to shame, and then party as hard as she worked." Love her.
I also appreciated how the book highlights racial disparities within the legal system and addresses the continuation of white supremacy, shedding light on the injustices faced by marginalized groups. "There will always be good and bad, right and wrong on both sides, and racists come in all colors. But justice is worth standing up for. You have a gift, and you—we—will never have another moment’s peace if you don’t use it to help." Despite Sam being an all around successful working man, the message in this book is that despite that, you can still be unfairly accused of something due to the color of your skin without authorities looking into the real details of the case.
From the very first page, this book had me hooked. I was fully invested from the get-go, finding it nearly impossible to put down—even in the wee hours of the night. And let's not forget, this is Cleveland's debut novel, which makes it all the more impressive. One of the things I loved most was trying to guess who the killer was throughout the story. Cleveland kept me guessing until the very end, and when the truth was finally revealed, my jaw hit the floor.
The backdrop of a small southern town added to the charm of the story, making me feel like I was right there, solving the mystery alongside the characters. ALSOOO can we discuss how this is the same town the Murdaugh murders occurred in?! Sold.
In conclusion, "When Cicadas Cry" is a gripping debut that hits all the right notes. With its strong characters, compelling storyline, and thought-provoking themes, it's a must-read for fans of the genre. Caroline Cleveland has certainly made a splash with her first novel, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next.
Thank you to the publisher, the author & NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2025
Like 3.8! Slow to start but a plot twist I didn’t see coming! Nice read 😝
October 12, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
I almost dnf’d this book so many times, but I powered through. it felt way too drawn out. the characters one dimensional as fuck. and the dog? are you kidding me? completely unnecessary
I almost dnf’d this book so many times, but I powered through. it felt way too drawn out. the characters one dimensional as fuck. and the dog? are you kidding me? completely unnecessary
February 16, 2024
A murder mystery/legal drama with racial injustices, a small town atmosphere, emotional reveals, and witty dialogue. This was the palate cleanser I needed. Immediately upon starting this, I was seeing a movie playing out in my head. A murder in a small town church with a man kneeling over the body, claiming he didn't do it. This then turns to the point of view from Zach receiving a phone call late in the night from the suspect's grandfather asking him to take the case. Around halfway through, we see more of Zach's girlfriend Addie's point of view, feeling bored and lonely she starts to delve into a cold case from the same town. The whole premise and plot were done well, the author weaving this tale together seamlessly. However, while this ran deep the majority of the time, the last quarter seemed to lose some of the emotion I felt for all the characters and the things they were going through. I would have also liked to see a little more character development in order to fully connect and be invested in this. Overall, this was a great read, and I rate it four stars.
Thank you, Netgalley and Union Square and Co. for this ARC.
Thank you, Netgalley and Union Square and Co. for this ARC.
June 15, 2024
Duplicitous, intense, and atmospheric!
When Cicadas Cry is a fast-paced, sinister tale that finds small-town attorney Zach Stander defending Sam Jenkins, a local Black man who, after being found near the body of a white woman covered in the victim’s blood, suddenly becomes the number one suspect until Zach’s partner, PI Addie Stone manages to stumble across some strange connections between this present case an unsolved cold case from three decades ago.
The prose is fluid and tight. The characters are multilayered, relentless, and resourceful. And the plot unfolds quickly into a menacing tale of mischief, mayhem, corruption, manipulation, racism, coercion, deception, heinous violence, and murder.
Overall, When Cicadas Cry is a tight, intricate, engrossing debut by Cleveland that is highly entertaining and the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a good mystery threaded with ongoing social issues and injustices.
Thank you to Manda Group for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
When Cicadas Cry is a fast-paced, sinister tale that finds small-town attorney Zach Stander defending Sam Jenkins, a local Black man who, after being found near the body of a white woman covered in the victim’s blood, suddenly becomes the number one suspect until Zach’s partner, PI Addie Stone manages to stumble across some strange connections between this present case an unsolved cold case from three decades ago.
The prose is fluid and tight. The characters are multilayered, relentless, and resourceful. And the plot unfolds quickly into a menacing tale of mischief, mayhem, corruption, manipulation, racism, coercion, deception, heinous violence, and murder.
Overall, When Cicadas Cry is a tight, intricate, engrossing debut by Cleveland that is highly entertaining and the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a good mystery threaded with ongoing social issues and injustices.
Thank you to Manda Group for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2024
I enjoyed the writing and the story, do NOT get me wrong. This was intriguing and I wanted to love it. This is about a murder case from the law investigation side. There is a suspect in custody and he is going to stand trial, even though he adamantly maintains his innocence. This is also one part of a bigger story that I found interesting.
My issue with the book was that it centers more around the dangers the white lawyers face taking on the case, as opposed to the danger the Black man is facing as the accused of the murder of a white woman. This is written by a white woman, so the centering white danger as much as it did seemed like a missed opportunity. If you’re going to write Black characters in your stories, you have a responsibility to not make them stereotypical.
I don’t want to sound overly critical. I thought the book was good. The ending was satisfying, popping up with things I wasn’t expecting at all.
My issue with the book was that it centers more around the dangers the white lawyers face taking on the case, as opposed to the danger the Black man is facing as the accused of the murder of a white woman. This is written by a white woman, so the centering white danger as much as it did seemed like a missed opportunity. If you’re going to write Black characters in your stories, you have a responsibility to not make them stereotypical.
I don’t want to sound overly critical. I thought the book was good. The ending was satisfying, popping up with things I wasn’t expecting at all.
October 15, 2024
Oh my goodness I LOVED this book. It gave everything I needed from beginning to end. I thought I knew everything and I was lead astray lol. I will say South Carolina has become close to my heart so I really enjoyed knowing some of the places that were mentioned. (Also who didn’t hear about the Murdaugh Murders) I will say that this author didn’t exactly nail race relations BUT was very tender and diligent about the way she described it. I also appreciate that she didn’t use the actual “ N word “ and just used the letter when referring to it. That made me respect her a lot. Definitely felt like a modern telling of To Kill A Mockingbird. One of my favorites that I read this year.
May 30, 2025
This was fast paced and well written. I never guessed who was the bad guy. I enjoyed how the two cases were intertwined. The author does a great job taking on issues that are still present today in our world unfortunately. I will definitely be reading other books by her.
June 14, 2024
Love a good legal thriller!! Predicable in some ways but caught me by surprise, too. This was a nice fast read to get out of a little slump.
July 11, 2024
Story family book club. My aunt is friends with the author - SO good, cannot believe this was her doubt novel.
April 18, 2024
When Cicadas Cry by Caroline Cleveland. Thanks to @mbc_books for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A high profile murder case where a white woman has been bludgeoned, and a haunting cold case are found to have possible connections.
This was a very fast paced story that sucks you in right away. It was reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird and I enjoyed the legal portions. I didn’t connect with the deeper racial undertones of the plot, as it was mostly focused on the white lawyer and a few political comments disagreed with me personally (equating CNN and Fox News- completely different). The pages still flew by and I think many will enjoy this one.
“I never meant to kill the first one.”
When Cicadas Cry comes out 5/7.
A high profile murder case where a white woman has been bludgeoned, and a haunting cold case are found to have possible connections.
This was a very fast paced story that sucks you in right away. It was reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird and I enjoyed the legal portions. I didn’t connect with the deeper racial undertones of the plot, as it was mostly focused on the white lawyer and a few political comments disagreed with me personally (equating CNN and Fox News- completely different). The pages still flew by and I think many will enjoy this one.
“I never meant to kill the first one.”
When Cicadas Cry comes out 5/7.
May 4, 2025
I would have liked it better if I hadn't read A Time to Kill by John Grisham. After that, this book feels like a cheap knock-off. Setting A Time to Kill aside, it's a good book but it wraps up to quickly.
August 26, 2024
Great, quick read! Could not put it down trying to solve the murder. Having a male narrator was an interesting perspective. Overall, highly recommend!
May 22, 2025
Honestly really LOVED this book. I felt like I had an idea of who did it but then second guessed throughout the story. It was a little predictable towards the end but thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down!
June 24, 2025
Probably the best book I've read all year out of almost 50 novels. Didn't solve the mystery by any means, and absolutely loved the bittersweet ending.
January 20, 2024
This book had me at the beginning but slowed down. The wrap up was good though. I really enjoyed it and will read more from this author.
January 27, 2025
I’m all about this Southern mystery that has its setting in a small low country South Carolina town.
This book does a great job of mixing a legal thriller with a racially charged theme. It also has a past unsolved crime and a main character who is a lawyer trying to revive his tarnished career. The lawyer’s girlfriend is a private investigator and plays a pivotal role in the book.
This one is fast moving and twisty. This is the author’s debut and I could see her becoming an auto-buy for me.
This book does a great job of mixing a legal thriller with a racially charged theme. It also has a past unsolved crime and a main character who is a lawyer trying to revive his tarnished career. The lawyer’s girlfriend is a private investigator and plays a pivotal role in the book.
This one is fast moving and twisty. This is the author’s debut and I could see her becoming an auto-buy for me.
March 29, 2024
This was a great book. I wasn't really sure where the end was gping, but I'll have to say that it was a surprise. This legalistic mystery is definitely worth reading!
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