A River of Crows

by Shanessa Gluhm

In 1988, Sloan Hadfield's brother Ridge went fishing with their father and never came home. Their father, a good-natured Vietnam veteran prone to violent outbursts, was arrested and charged with murder. Ridge's body was never recovered, and Sloan's mother—a brilliant ornithologist—slowly descended into madness, insisting her son was still alive.

Now, twenty years later, Sloan's life is unraveling. In the middle of a bitter divorce, she's forced to return to her rural Texas hometown when her mother is discharged from a mental health facility.

Overwhelmed by memories and unanswered questions, Sloan returns to the last place her brother was seen all those years Crow's Nest Creek. There, she is shocked to hear a crow muttering the same syllable over and Ridge, Ridge, Ridge.

When the body of another boy is found, Sloan begins to question what really happened to her brother all those years ago. What she discovers will shock her small community and turn her family upside down.

A River of Crows is a tale of family secrets, deception, and revenge perfect for fans of Julia Heaberlin and Jennifer Hillier.

Praise for A River of Crows

"In A River of Crows, Shanessa Gluhm spins a complex web of murder and family revelation that propels the reader forward at a breakneck pace. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, she reveals another thread. If you haven't yet read Shanessa Gluhm, you need to put her on your to-be-read list."—Allen Eskens, USA Today bestselling author of The Life We Bury

"A twisted family dynamic and complex personal history combine with a touch of romance in Shanessa Gluhm's knockout second novel. A River of Crows grabs on with the opening pages and holds a reader tight to the very end."—Elena Taylor/Elena Hartwell, author of All We Buried and the Wait, Wait, Don't Query (Yet) series

"Shanessa Gluhm is one of the strongest new voices in mysteries. Weaving two stories in the past that intertwine with a shattering climax, Gluhm has invented what could be a new the family-driven mystery."—Rob Samborn, author of The Prisoner of Paradise and Painter of the Damned

"Shanessa Gluhm has created a complex world along the banks of Crow's Nest Creek that will completely absorb the reader. Gluhm peels away layers of family secrets in this dual timeline narrative, right up until the climatic final reveal, a twist that truly surprised me."—Laura Kemp, award-winning author of the Lantern Creek Series

"Shanessa Gluhm crafts a thought-provoking story of revelation, family ties, discovery, and murder. Readers who choose A River of Crows for its mystery will find an unexpected draw and value in the emotional components which keep the plot action-packed and charged with transformation."—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"Shanessa Gluhm, with literary panache, expertly shows what happens when a family strays from respect and honesty, with the consequence of it all, as dark as a crow's wing, unfurling, touching, and changing everything and everyone in its path."—Lone Star Literary Life

"Like the tumultuous river flowing at the center of this gripping tale, Shanessa Gluhm has crafted a pulsating story that is just waiting to pull you into its chilling depths and slowly reveal all its darkest secrets"—Indies Today

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Drama

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2023

About the author

Shanessa Gluhm works as a librarian at an elementary school in New Mexico where she lives with her husband and children. It was during her own elementary days when a teacher encouraged Shanessa to share a story she wrote with the class. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

Her debut novel, Enemies of Doves, was an IAN Book of the Year Finalist in the category of first novel, an NIEA Finalist for cross-genre fiction, and first place winner in the Chanticleer Clue Awards for mystery, suspense, and thriller fiction. Her second novel, A River of Crows, also won first place in the Chanticleer Clue Awards.

When Shanessa is not writing, she enjoys birdwatching, reading, and true crime podcasts.

The Bone Nest is her third novel.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become a super fan of books with crows in them. The cover and title for A River Of Crows by Shanesa Gluhm are fabulous and fit the book perfectly. The mother is an ornithologist and her son, Ridge, picks up her passion.

Shanessa Gluhm set me up from the beginning and led me on a wild goose chase through the entire story. I twisted and I turned, and I twisted again. I was very lackadaisical, thinking I knew what was happening. By the mid mark of the book, I knew that I knew nothing.

Sloan. Bad things happened to her, time and time again. Her brother vanished. After her father’s conviction for the murder of Ridge, her mother goes into a downward spiral. When Sloan is given an opportunity to leave town and go to college, she takes it. She returns when her mother comes home after being in a private facility. Sloan takes it on herself to take care of her mother. With the help of friends, she makes ends meet.

Now dad is being released from prison and the secrets begin to leech out from the rocks they had been kept hidden under. Blow after blow comes to Sloan, and I am right there with her. We, pretty much, find out together and I never saw the convoluted tale that Shanessa Gluhm created.

Easthead River was known as Crow’s Head Creek because they had one of the biggest colony of crows. They were everyone, covering fence posts, telephone wires and trees. I have grown a fascination with crows and will grab any book that makes them a character in their story.

I love damaged, complex characters with secrets and we have our share. The psychological damage done to Sloan makes me wonder how she will piece her life back together. Betrayal, murder, kidnapping, lies, lies, and more lies.

I’m trying to figure out how to say how much A River Of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm surprise me, stunned me, and led me down a torturous path that filled me with surprise and satisfaction for a job well done. I want to share so much, but I would rather you find out for yourself. This may be my first book by Shanessa Gluhm, but I doubt it will be my last.

[Summer R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read! I love the unique perspective of this novel, it's like nothing I've read before. So many twists and turns, Gluhm takes her readers on a wild ride in River Of Crows. Highly recommend!
And when you are finished, pick up Enemies of Doves (also by Gluhm). If you enjoy River Of Crows, you'll like that one too!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I am drawn to any books with crows on the cover. I loved all the 80's nostalgia too!

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. Revenge. These are characteristics that will draw me in every time to a book.

This is the second book by this author, and I can safely say she brings a sense of intrigue to everything she touches. The books are filled with drama, family, mystery, and conflict.

This book has alternating timelines, much like her first book. We are taken back and forth in Sloan's life, where we see the pain she felt at losing her brother but not really knowing what happened to him, to 20 years in the future, where she is dealing with the fallout from the past. Not to mention the secrets about her past that are slowly introduced to us throughout the story. So many surprises that kept me guessing throughout.

I felt for Sloan and all she was enduring in the present. I think that much of her past impacted how she acted and reacted in the present. Especially as more details were coming out about missing boys from the past, was her brother one of them?

The author also addresses tough topics like PTSD, mental health, and trust. Nothing is held back, and we see Sloan work her way through the issues that are keeping her from living a happy life. She may not see it that way, but considering everything that happened in the past, it isn't surprising when her marriage doesn't last and her reactions to those from her past. She also must face her past when dealing with her mother and her mental health issues. That can be hard, and I didn't envy her in the least.

This book may resonate with some, and even if you cannot relate to portions of the story, it will hold you captive until you are left wrung out from the onslaught of emotions.

We give this book 5 paws up.

[Sarah Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing, great plot, and keeps you guessing

I was hooked from the opening drowning scene! Two of my favorite things about this book are the plot and the brilliant ways the author would end the chapters. You cannot put it down. There are excellent cliffhangers. I loved it! Little breadcrumbs are left along the way to help the reader solve the mystery while a beautiful maze of storytelling keeps you guessing.

Read it for the twists!

Also, read it for the beautiful writing. There is a poetic-like style to help slow the reader back down while navigating the fast-paced storyline. It also carries just the right amount of nostalgia. A River of Crows may seem like a mystery on the surface, but it delves into the dynamics of family, loyalty, and forgiveness.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am one of the few that didn’t like this book. Sloan drove me nuts, let’s pretend my mother doesn’t keep running around with a gun threatening to kill everyone, let’s let her go down to the river by herself, there is a good chance she won’t drown. Lets continue to hide Riley because we don’t want the mom who framed her husband for murder and talked her 10 yr old son into going along with faking his death to go to prison or an asylum. We need to keep letting her run around threatening every one with guns and destroying the house. But, finally her mom’s best friend can kill her. That takes care of everything, so we can all uncomfortably get together with everyone for Thanksgiving.

Sorry, in my opinion the only realistic, likable characters were the crows.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first by this author and I will certainly seek out more. I was pulled in right away (quote from the prologue: "When they find me—if they find me—they will say I slipped. No one will pay. No one except me, even though many are guilty. But the crows see my killer’s face. The crows see all they’ve done. And a crow never forgets.") Then I was unsure for a time as this seemed like a family drama. Yet it becomes so much more. A mystery, a thriller, an emotional ride, complex characters and a twisty, cleverly woven plot. Good reading, indeed!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another astounding novel by Shanessa Gluhm. This is her second novel, and just like the first, there are so many amazing twists and turns to keep readers guessing on what the final timeline will be.

She does an amazing job with detailing the complexities of familial relationships and outlining just exactly how far people will go within them.

Please read this as fast as you can!!

[Nicole McElwaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lies, revenge, family drama and dysfunction. Oh, and crows. 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛
This book drew me in from the beginning! The writing is beautiful and the plot was great. There were several twists, but they were not mind-blowing. The characters and their development was well done. I hope the best for Sloan and Ridge.

[Kathryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audibook of this. there were parts that was eh. this had no affect on me.

[Tausha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you on your toes! I was constantly guessing who was to blame but never guessed correctly. Such a good read that's hard to put down!

[Crystal Petersma Foster · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure if it was just the way the audiobook presented the main character’s thoughts but she comes off very selfish, childish and just generally not likable. The premise of the story almost works but just a few too many unnecessary twists. I almost didn’t finish hoping it would redeem itself with a mind-blowing ending but it was like the author couldn’t decide how to end it so kept adding little pieces for an anticlimactic finish.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a scene in this book that just hits so damn hard. At the end of chapter 16--I lived that kind of thing for a while, where you had to drop everything to take care of someone you loved, but who also genuinely needed help. More than you could provide. I also love that the characters in this scene don't shy away from how hard that sort of thing is.

[Nirmala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a page-turner. The first 50% of the book is from the pov of Sloan, of all that happened to her life. The second half is where the fun begins. A lot of twists and turns. Unexpected actually! Good read, indeed.

[Amy Rainone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awful. Too much explaining. Too many crow metaphors. Not enough mystery or suspense.

[Clueless Gent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people know after a few bites whether they’re going to enjoy their meal. After biting into the first few paragraphs of A River of Crows, I knew I was going to enjoy this story. I wasn’t wrong.

This book is a rave example of the talent of a good storyteller. For all I know, the initial premise of the story could have been a family of four sitting at a table, the brother, the sister, and the parents. The only odd fact would be that the parents weren’t married. To that premise, ask yourself: what could happen?

The story follows Sloan and her dysfunctional family. The two time periods of the story are 1988 and 2008. The chapters alternate between the two. I found it interesting that I could quickly discover the ramifications of something twenty years after it happened. The author did this so well.

The author took her time at getting into the characters. And she got pretty deep with some of them, such as Sloan and her mother. The author created her characters with a grace and elegance that were sometimes at odds with the true characters. That may be hard to understand, but it’s even harder to explain without spoilers. With that being said, and with all the dysfunction in this story, the character arcs are pretty amazing—especially Sloan’s.

I think the one thing that stands out to me in this story are the reveals. There are several of them, and if anyone says they saw them coming, I’d doubt their sincerity. The reveals start around the halfway point of the story, and they continue until the end. I still can’t get over how utterly clever this storyline is.

I have to make note of this in my review. The author had some wonderful analogies in the story. For example, when a male character discovered something very sad, the author wrote, “His entire face had fallen, like a boy who had just watched Santa Claus skip his house.” In another example, when an intoxicated character was speaking, the character felt “like she was speaking in slow motion, like a cassette getting chewed up by a boombox.”

This is a wonderful story, filled with emotion and secrets. I highly recommend it!

[Christena · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Did you know crows never forget a face?” Caroline asked quietly.

Wow! Just wow! There are books that become always memorable in your lifetime. The stories you will never forget even with the passage of time. They are books you do not need to re-read to remember. Then there are also stories that literally become unputdownable after you have gotten halfway through them.

Without a doubt, A River of Crows is this entire synopsis and so much more.

Author Shanessa Gluhm crafted a book that literally swept me away much like the river in her book. This twisting story weaves between the past and present with perfection. One chapter totally took me by surprise.

A River of Crows is rippled with revenge yet at its core is a story of love. This is a story unlike I have ever read. It is hard to believe revenge could run so cold and at the same time have the pages jumping out at you with love.

The story centers around Sloan who loses her brother Ridge early on in her life. Her father is accused of killing her brother. Sloan is left to pick the pieces when she moves back home to care for her mom. Then the story quickly progresses with its mind-blowing storyline that captivated me deeply that putting this book down was not an option until I finished it.

Well-written and equal parts enthralling and ingenious, Gluhm’s story is literally a first-rate suspense novel. If you want a book that takes you by surprise – then A River of Crows needs to be the next book you read. The great narrative and unforgettable characters will take you on a ride you will never forget.

A huge shoutout and fist bumps to Gluhm for referencing anting correctly!

[Colleen N · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, fellow readers if you were looking for a great story that will keep you on your toes with the twists and turns galore then this is the book for you. This is a very well written story where the author dives into so many aspects. It does not let up from page one to the last page and the secret will have you analyzing what could be about to happen, what already happened, and where you currently are. This book is a testament to that old saying a woman scorned. While, I figured out part of it early on I still found it to be an exquisite book. My heart broke so much for Sloan, and all she had to endure. I felt like no matter what she did or how she did it she kept getting the raw end of the deal. Each character has something unique and this is a great whodunit type novel. So many tense moments where I couldn’t wait to see what I would read on the next page. This author's writing style was very pleasant and I cannot wait to read other books by her like this one. I also had to comment on the fact that this cover is truly beautiful, intriguing, and inviting. I appreciate all of the effort this author did in history and knowledge, especially about crows, and I felt that it only enhanced the story.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author for an open and honest review.

Just like with Shanessa's debut novel, Enemies of Doves, I did not hesitate to give this book five stars. Although I will say that Shanessa's writing has matured with the authoring of her sophomore novel, I highly recommend both books.

In some places A River of Crows may feel the same as Enemies of Doves (both have dual timelines, both qualify as mystery, suspense), that is where the similarities end. A River of Crows has an ominousness to it that Enemies of Doves does not. A sense of foreboding looms over the novel - and I don't say this as a criticism. I say this because the sense of foreboding and Shanessa's excellent use of foreshadowing made me stay up late in the night reading so I could find out what comes next. The overused "unputdownable" phrase most definitely applies here. Once you start reading this book - with its believably flawed characters who are all searching for their own truth, their own healing, their own closure - it will keep you guessing with its river-like bends and curves until the very end. If you like this one, read Enemies of Doves, too. You won't regret it.

[Maria Colón · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this a new genre to me, as in I’ve mainly read romance the past several years, but this was a new author to me as well and…A River of Crows is most definitely a five-star read!

I read the last 87% in 4 hours with a few interruptions.

We are taken between past and present decades revolving around the mysterious death of Sloane’s younger brother Ridge. We learn quite a bit about her father, brother, best/ex-boyfriend and a few other characters but also get a glimpse into the minds of two other characters when you least expect it.

There is such a depth to the writing that makes you feel like you are in the mind of the characters. The author weaves the story drawing you in in such a manner that you feel like you are right there beside the characters.

It was a novel filled with familial dysfunction, heartache, mental health struggles, loss, dare I say second chances and also hope.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm takes place in two different times. In 1988 and 2008. In 1988 Sloan Hadfield's brother went fishing with their dad and never returned because of certain clues, Sloan's father was charged and sentenced with Ridge's murder even though a body was never found. He was suffering from PTSD from the Vietnam War and would act out at times

In 2008, Sloan is 20 years older and soon to be divorced. Sloan has come back home to take care of her mother who has been in a mental facility and is being discharged. Her father will soon be released from prison and she never did believe that he had anything to do with Ridge disappearing.

The river is known as Crow's Head Creek, where Ridge disappeared, where her mother often goes to study the crows that live there. She felt that there was a man who abducted children for many years may have been why Ridge disappeared, this man has just been apprehended and Sloan wants to talk to him to ask about her brother.

As time goes on, secrets are brought to light that enable Sloan to get a true understanding of her father and her brother and why her mother does crazy things. She forms relationships with people she never thought she would and the ones she trusted, she no longer does.

This is one of that kinds of books that really does hold your attention, plus things I never knew about crows, such that they have funerals for their deceased, and that they live up to 20 years in the wild and over 50 in captivity. Very interesting indeed.

I did enjoy this novel, I love a dual-time story, and I believe it takes a lot of research to be able to write this kind of story.

I give this novel 5 stars!
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only...

[Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! Gluhm has done it again. She created a roller coaster journey of perfection. I couldn’t put it down, I couldn’t predict the next turn, I couldn’t stop the feelings that arose on each page. When a character was sad, I felt it in my bones. When a character was feeling hope, I felt it to my core. Gluhm’s stories are a beautiful mix of mystery, thriller, and a love story. Hope, love, and family dynamics -both good and bad- were woven throughout this mystery. I have been waiting for this release since reading her debut novel, Enemies of Doves. Gluhm didn’t disappoint, but raised the bar. Now……we wait for the next release……impatiently…….because her writing is just THAT good.

[Tara Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, hands down, the best book I've ever read!
The twist and turns started at the beginning and did NOT let up until the very last page!!
I picked this book up and didn't put it down until it was finished.

What a messed up family. What a bunch of messed up characters!! But then you emphasize with all of them and wonder what YOU would do in this situation.

I audibly gasped so many times reading this book and had to put it down to collect myself.

I'm giving it 6 stars.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one for me. I was able to predict quite a few things that happened, but there were still quite a few surprises along the way.

But also, why do men suck? Pretty justification but still.

“I’ve learned there’s two kinds of love: there’s the kind that sets the world on fire and there’s the kind that walks with you through the fire. As sorry as I am, I can’t wish either away.” Ch 14

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler / trigger warnings

If you grew up with a narcissistic mother (who everyone thought was amazing in public), just beware. The author is incredible at flushing out the toxic personality and relationship between a narcissistic mother, their golden child, and the scapegoat, and then the guilt that glues them all together.

But altogether, this book was great at exploring the interconnectedness of relational family dynamics.

[Christen Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful mystery that encompasses so much in the winding twists and turns with every new page. Phenomenal writing and world building, it’s as if you live among the pages yourself. A near hook from the very first page, you’re enthralled as a reader and it was diabolical how fast the pages moved for me. Great book.

[Tammie Ohaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long am I gonna have to wait for the next one?

Shanessa is AMAZING!!!!! I hate when I read the last page. Guess I'll just have to read Enemies of Doves again, then read River of Crows again... rinse repeat. Amazing

[Shaelynn Shuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually a surprise find and I turned out to love it. I do believe Crows are interesting creatures. I never guess Libby to be the one to kill Caroline, I actually thought it was the one son that didn't care for her but I was glad to be wrong. Great read!

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing book! For the crime lovers this brings it. The twists and plots will blow your mind. I'm anxiously awaiting the next SG thriller.

[Cyndi Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book last night, only put it down to sleep. It was so good, I had to keep reading. If I could give it 10 stars I would.