What do you think?
Rate this book
Crimson Cobblestones
When a string of grisly deaths stalks Philadelphia's elite circles, Charlotte Scott finds herself drawn into a twisted world of depraved cults and dark secrets as she seeks the truth behind the murders. She peels back the veil shrouding the city's upper crust, plunging deeper into shadowy catacombs echoing with ancient incantations. With each gruesome ritual staged by sinister forces, Charlotte inches closer to a bloodthirsty cabal and a cunning murderer hiding in plain sight. To stop the depraved killings and seek justice, she must challenge oppressive conventions and reclaim her power before she, too, falls prey to the forces of evil. In this chilling tale, a young woman’s defiant quest to uncover the truth pits her against powerful forces of deception. Can she expose the secrets behind the deaths before she’s silenced forever? Vividly conjuring the macabre underbelly of colonial America, this spine-tingling gothic thriller will keep you guessing until its shocking finale!
321 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 22, 2024
Chilling, macabre, dark all wrapped up in the most gorgeous prose make Crimson Cobblestones a need for any gothic horror fan...or any reader who enjoys beautiful writing and bloodshed.
The setting was perfect, the storyline a twisting pairing of thriller and horror with a heart breaking dash of gothic romance.
The interior was just as beautiful as the writing, a book that will look gothicly gorgeous on any shelf.
The setting was perfect, the storyline a twisting pairing of thriller and horror with a heart breaking dash of gothic romance.
The interior was just as beautiful as the writing, a book that will look gothicly gorgeous on any shelf.
December 19, 2023
murder and cults and sex and mystery and history. this book has it allll. deliciously dark and beautifully written
February 23, 2024
Do you like horror, history, head scratching murderous cults? If so Crimson Cobblestones is for you. The twists and turns were like a Riley Sager novel on steroids and I devoured the book in one sitting. The pacing and writing was gripping and you didn't want to look away. Each character contributed something and developed beautifully and one even shocked me.
If you love Pride Prejudice and Zombies but wanted more horror aspects please pick this Ben Franklin who'dun it cult novel up. I promise you wont be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
If you love Pride Prejudice and Zombies but wanted more horror aspects please pick this Ben Franklin who'dun it cult novel up. I promise you wont be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
January 18, 2024
Ben Franklin, death cults, political intrigue, rich language, and some VERY inventive kill scenes make this a kickass read! Go get you a copy!
February 24, 2024
Fans of Horror and Pride and Prejudice unit. This novel had good pacing leading to suspense. The deadly cults and mysterious characters were intriguing to me. I liked the main characters and the story overall. I would recommend this novel to others. It also reminded me of Dread Nation.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
February 25, 2024
This is the story of a young woman named Charlotte living in 18th century colonial America. Her previously peaceful life is shattered by a series of brutal murders that appear to be ritual sacrifices. A serial killer is on the loose, and the threat of more murders intensifies the protagonist's existing traumas and tragic memories of the past.
I like historical fiction with speculative elements, so this book seemed like a perfect choice for me. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped. What I really liked was that it was set in colonial Pennsylvania, although I wish the specifics of the time and place in this book were more elaborated. I also liked the language, which was very rich and even poetic. However, when it comes to the plot, I think this book was just... too much? The mystery, the traumatic past, a secret cult, witchcraft, a romance with a historical figure from American history - to name the main tropes. The premise was great, but unfortunately I felt that none of these elements were really well developed. The murder mystery started well enough, but the solution was too pretextual and the shock element seemed really forced. Also, I knew who the villain was from the start, and I'm not much of a mystery/crime reader. The characters also seemed rather flat, so I didn't really care whether they lived or died. But what really bothered me was that the characters were not truly involved in trying to solve these murders - things were just happening to them. The female protagonist in particular seemed very passive throughout the book.
Anyway, I think the novel would benefit from being longer so that the crucial elements of the story as well as the characters could be better developed.
I like historical fiction with speculative elements, so this book seemed like a perfect choice for me. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped. What I really liked was that it was set in colonial Pennsylvania, although I wish the specifics of the time and place in this book were more elaborated. I also liked the language, which was very rich and even poetic. However, when it comes to the plot, I think this book was just... too much? The mystery, the traumatic past, a secret cult, witchcraft, a romance with a historical figure from American history - to name the main tropes. The premise was great, but unfortunately I felt that none of these elements were really well developed. The murder mystery started well enough, but the solution was too pretextual and the shock element seemed really forced. Also, I knew who the villain was from the start, and I'm not much of a mystery/crime reader. The characters also seemed rather flat, so I didn't really care whether they lived or died. But what really bothered me was that the characters were not truly involved in trying to solve these murders - things were just happening to them. The female protagonist in particular seemed very passive throughout the book.
Anyway, I think the novel would benefit from being longer so that the crucial elements of the story as well as the characters could be better developed.
July 16, 2024
Charlotte Scott is a young woman living in mid-18th century Philadelphia with her father, Thaddeus, and their housekeeper Nelly. Charlotte’s mother died mysteriously years ago. She is an avid reader, socially awkward, and introverted. Her life changes when she is invited to dine with none other than Benjamin Franklin and his family. Charlotte finds herself irresistibly drawn to Ben. Naive and trying to figure out herself and find her footing in society, she becomes entangled in a murder mystery. A serial killer stalks the streets of 18th-century Philadelphia and begins targeting her loved ones.
Crimson Cobblestones has something for everyone, romance, witchcraft, mystery, murder, conspiracies, and…erotica. While I’m not a fan of romance, Lestrange weaves in an intriguing murder mystery that held my attention. Lestrange also ends each chapter with a cliffhanger, which kept me turning the pages.
Lestrange doesn’t shy away from gory details as she writes chapters from the point of view of a killer. She’s also adept at crafting a compelling story with enough red herrings, twists, and turns to make one’s head spin. I admit, I did suspect who the killer was but wasn’t sure if this was the route Lestrange would go. She successfully turned my attention to other possible suspects. I wasn’t disappointed in the ending at all.
In Charlotte Scott, she created a sympathetic protagonist who embarks on a journey of both self-discovery and life discovery. Lestrange maintained a good balance between making Charlotte believable as a young woman living during the 18th century while not making her a two-dimensional stereotype. Charlotte is independent, intellectual, and assertive but still has characteristics typical of her time period. Her misjudgements are also a product of her naivete such as assuming all occultists are evil devil worshippers.
The book is a pleasure to read. Lestrange writes prose with a darkly poetic flourish. She effectively sets a mood that drips with dark gothic menace in appropriate places and is light-hearted and romantic in others.
Marie Lestrange’s Crimson Cobblestones has a little something for everyone. If you love murder mystery, supernatural horror, romance, and a bit of erotica, I recommend Crimson Cobblestones.
March 17, 2024
If you've ever had sexual fantasies about Benjamin Franklin, then this is the book for you! I want to note that I found this book in the horror section, and while it does have horror elements, it is pretty much a Dark Romance, which is probably my least favorite genre. I realize that it may have been listed under various genres, but I really wish that the description would have been more clear that this is more of romance than anything. I probably would not have read it. If you're not a fan of dark romance books, I would avoid this one. This book was not for me, but I'm going to try to rate it for it is is (a dark romance).
As far as the writing goes, I do think that Marie Lestrange is a better writer than almost all dark romance writers that I have read. I do think that she has some talent and I'd say if you're a fan of Anne Rice, maybe give this one a read. I did like some parts of this. I love cult themed books and this definitely has those elements. I also loved the slow burn atmospheric descriptions. There were definitely some creepy moments in this book.
There was a significant amount of spice. I don't mind a little spice but the scenes were a bit repetitive. In one scene the author uses the word "mound" to describe lady bits at least 4 times in a page and a half. Also, I think one or two twists are great, but the ending of this book had so many thrown at you so fast, that I forgot who was who and what was happening. I know some people really love that, though. Also, I'm sorry but I was pretty grossed out by the Ben Franklin sex scenes, haha! I tried to see if I could find portraits of him young, and I couldn't so it just made the scenes that much worse for me.
I love supporting indie writers, especially women, but I really wish that there was more emphasis on this book being a romance in the description. I hope that the things that I didn't like about it may help sell it to someone else!
As far as the writing goes, I do think that Marie Lestrange is a better writer than almost all dark romance writers that I have read. I do think that she has some talent and I'd say if you're a fan of Anne Rice, maybe give this one a read. I did like some parts of this. I love cult themed books and this definitely has those elements. I also loved the slow burn atmospheric descriptions. There were definitely some creepy moments in this book.
There was a significant amount of spice. I don't mind a little spice but the scenes were a bit repetitive. In one scene the author uses the word "mound" to describe lady bits at least 4 times in a page and a half. Also, I think one or two twists are great, but the ending of this book had so many thrown at you so fast, that I forgot who was who and what was happening. I know some people really love that, though. Also, I'm sorry but I was pretty grossed out by the Ben Franklin sex scenes, haha! I tried to see if I could find portraits of him young, and I couldn't so it just made the scenes that much worse for me.
I love supporting indie writers, especially women, but I really wish that there was more emphasis on this book being a romance in the description. I hope that the things that I didn't like about it may help sell it to someone else!
March 18, 2024
First off, if I can make a recommendation... please update the blurb. Based on the current one there is no indication of a romance (and ). It came out of nowhere and would have influenced my decision to read/review this book. Honestly, going in blind would have been better because based on the blurb I had a preconceived idea of what this book would be and it definitely was not that.
Trying to put that aside, unfortunately this book really fell flat for me. I appear to be in the minority based on my fellow reviewers, so don't let my opinion dissuade you, but this book was not for me. Overall this felt less like a horror and more like a dark thriller, but was disappointingly predictable with a plot that felt choppy. There were so many elements jammed in that it felt like the plot was jumping all over the place and wasn't cohesive. The main character also didn't really seem to do anything except stumble into situations to progress the story, which is disappointing from a murder mystery. She didn't really solve anything, it just sort of presented itself to her.
I will give props for some creative kill methods .
I also feel like the choice to use a real historical figure was an odd one. I think it would have added more to the story to have an original fictional character - every time the historical figure's name was mentioned it really took me out of the story, especially when used in the settings of this book.
(I also feel it pertinent to mention I AM a fan of horror books with gore and violence, so that aspect of this book did not negatively impact my review).
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an advance copy via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
Trying to put that aside, unfortunately this book really fell flat for me. I appear to be in the minority based on my fellow reviewers, so don't let my opinion dissuade you, but this book was not for me. Overall this felt less like a horror and more like a dark thriller, but was disappointingly predictable with a plot that felt choppy. There were so many elements jammed in that it felt like the plot was jumping all over the place and wasn't cohesive. The main character also didn't really seem to do anything except stumble into situations to progress the story, which is disappointing from a murder mystery. She didn't really solve anything, it just sort of presented itself to her.
I will give props for some creative kill methods .
I also feel like the choice to use a real historical figure was an odd one. I think it would have added more to the story to have an original fictional character - every time the historical figure's name was mentioned it really took me out of the story, especially when used in the settings of this book.
(I also feel it pertinent to mention I AM a fan of horror books with gore and violence, so that aspect of this book did not negatively impact my review).
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an advance copy via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
June 1, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Marie Lestrange for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Crimson Cobblestones coming out June 11, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In the shadow of Benjamin Franklin's elite circles, Philadelphia 1739 is gripped by a series of grisly deaths, weaving a tale so dark it can only be whispered along the gaslit cobblestones. This masterful Gothic Thriller is a mesmerizing blend of historical nuance and chilling suspense, where love intertwines with deceit, and murder stains the street.
At the center of this mystery is Charlotte, a young woman grappling with the violent loss of her mother. As the city's cobblestones run crimson with blood, she finds herself ensnared in a nightmarish realm of depraved cults and dark magic, uncovering a labyrinth of secrets that could spell doom for both she and her new enigmatic lover- Ben.
With echoes of ancient incantations and the sinister plot of a Luciferian cult lurking in the shadows, she must navigate a world where the occult and her own haunted past are inextricably linked.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thought the writing was really atmospheric and dark. I loved the time period and setting. It was definitely spooky and chilling. I think Charlotte was a strong-willed character and definitely endured a lot. I loved all of the mystery and intrigue. There were definitely some crazy things that happened, but I loved the plot! I’m definitely excited if there are more books coming out in the series!
I would recommend this books to anyone who enjoys macabre, dark historical mysteries!
In the shadow of Benjamin Franklin's elite circles, Philadelphia 1739 is gripped by a series of grisly deaths, weaving a tale so dark it can only be whispered along the gaslit cobblestones. This masterful Gothic Thriller is a mesmerizing blend of historical nuance and chilling suspense, where love intertwines with deceit, and murder stains the street.
At the center of this mystery is Charlotte, a young woman grappling with the violent loss of her mother. As the city's cobblestones run crimson with blood, she finds herself ensnared in a nightmarish realm of depraved cults and dark magic, uncovering a labyrinth of secrets that could spell doom for both she and her new enigmatic lover- Ben.
With echoes of ancient incantations and the sinister plot of a Luciferian cult lurking in the shadows, she must navigate a world where the occult and her own haunted past are inextricably linked.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thought the writing was really atmospheric and dark. I loved the time period and setting. It was definitely spooky and chilling. I think Charlotte was a strong-willed character and definitely endured a lot. I loved all of the mystery and intrigue. There were definitely some crazy things that happened, but I loved the plot! I’m definitely excited if there are more books coming out in the series!
I would recommend this books to anyone who enjoys macabre, dark historical mysteries!
July 11, 2024
Do you like your American historical novels with a horror twist? If so, you’re going to want to keep reading. This story has all the twists and spice you could possibly need, with a touch of spooky vibes.
We know the drill already; I am all for American history so of course I was intrigued. This story does a good job of painting a fairly realistic picture of colonial life in Philadelphia. I would have liked more world-building but the amount that we get is good and does a good job at keeping the reader grounded in the story (To be honest I’m just picky and love all the world-building I can get). There is a handful of astoundingly good imagery throughout the novel, and I fully appreciated the gothic vibes.
The cast of characters is fairly large, but not at all confusing. If anything, it helped create the community atmosphere within the story. It was refreshing to have so many personalities to wrangle into the story, especially with the premise being a murder mystery. I would say there wasn’t a lot of development aside from Charlotte. It was more so waiting to see everyone’s true personalities shine through. Which let me tell you, the wait is not disappointing in the slightest. I think you’ll be pretty surprised about all the twists just as I was.
If you a fan of gory horror done well, this one is for you. Just be warned of the dark trigger warnings! It was more gruesome than scary, but still a bit shock-worthy. The spice is not spicy at all. But honestly, I think that’s to be expected based on the time period.
We know the drill already; I am all for American history so of course I was intrigued. This story does a good job of painting a fairly realistic picture of colonial life in Philadelphia. I would have liked more world-building but the amount that we get is good and does a good job at keeping the reader grounded in the story (To be honest I’m just picky and love all the world-building I can get). There is a handful of astoundingly good imagery throughout the novel, and I fully appreciated the gothic vibes.
The cast of characters is fairly large, but not at all confusing. If anything, it helped create the community atmosphere within the story. It was refreshing to have so many personalities to wrangle into the story, especially with the premise being a murder mystery. I would say there wasn’t a lot of development aside from Charlotte. It was more so waiting to see everyone’s true personalities shine through. Which let me tell you, the wait is not disappointing in the slightest. I think you’ll be pretty surprised about all the twists just as I was.
If you a fan of gory horror done well, this one is for you. Just be warned of the dark trigger warnings! It was more gruesome than scary, but still a bit shock-worthy. The spice is not spicy at all. But honestly, I think that’s to be expected based on the time period.
March 7, 2024
Book review: Crimson Cobblestone by Marie Lestrange.
Crimson Cobblestone is a thriller/ historical fiction novel set in the 1800s. The protagonist, Charlotte is left rightfully scared by the murder of her mother. Years later more murders pursue in front of Charlotte, leaving her to try and figure who is behind all these murders.
Rating: 3.75/5 stars ⭐️ (rounded up to 4 stars)
Opinion: when I saw this on Netgalley, I was instantly interested. A thriller and historical fictions? Absolutely up my alley.
This book had many beautiful lines and was written well. The pacing is slightly off, especially towards the end. I was like “wait, why is this happening all of the sudden,” for many of the event.
I liked the main protagonist, and as traumatized as she was, I felt she could have shown a bit more emotion.
Kind of a spoiler, but this book does have smut, which I wasn’t expecting. It came out of nowhere honestly, and I was shocked. I have no problems with smut, but it just caught me off guard.
Overall, this is a fun book and it reads really quickly. I also liked the decals on the pages and the few images we get to see in the ARC. I hope to read this again after it’s published.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Crimson Cobblestone is a thriller/ historical fiction novel set in the 1800s. The protagonist, Charlotte is left rightfully scared by the murder of her mother. Years later more murders pursue in front of Charlotte, leaving her to try and figure who is behind all these murders.
Rating: 3.75/5 stars ⭐️ (rounded up to 4 stars)
Opinion: when I saw this on Netgalley, I was instantly interested. A thriller and historical fictions? Absolutely up my alley.
This book had many beautiful lines and was written well. The pacing is slightly off, especially towards the end. I was like “wait, why is this happening all of the sudden,” for many of the event.
I liked the main protagonist, and as traumatized as she was, I felt she could have shown a bit more emotion.
Kind of a spoiler, but this book does have smut, which I wasn’t expecting. It came out of nowhere honestly, and I was shocked. I have no problems with smut, but it just caught me off guard.
Overall, this is a fun book and it reads really quickly. I also liked the decals on the pages and the few images we get to see in the ARC. I hope to read this again after it’s published.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 31, 2024
So, this is the first Lestrange novel I've read. And honestly, it's kinda not my usual thing. I'm not really a historical fiction lover, and I only rarely read mysteries.
And yet...
Lestrange does a lot of really good things here. First off, there's a killer on the loose, and there's a complete mystery about which one of a bunch of likely lads the murderer may be. Lestrange keeps you guessing pretty much until the end (though, there was one particular scene that, for me, immediately told me who it was).
Lestrange is also very good at building both the characters and making them real, fleshed out people, as well as setting the stage, both in the time of Philadelphia in 1739 as well as the various settings, such as the very upscale Franklin house, or Charlotte's humble home with her father.
Oh, if you like some spice with your bloodthirsty killer story, Lestrange has you covered there as well.
And I just have to point out that, overall, the narrative voice throughout was exceptionally well done.
So, great mystery, great story, great characters and setting, some spice, and blood. A lot of blood. What more could you want?
And yet...
Lestrange does a lot of really good things here. First off, there's a killer on the loose, and there's a complete mystery about which one of a bunch of likely lads the murderer may be. Lestrange keeps you guessing pretty much until the end (though, there was one particular scene that, for me, immediately told me who it was).
Lestrange is also very good at building both the characters and making them real, fleshed out people, as well as setting the stage, both in the time of Philadelphia in 1739 as well as the various settings, such as the very upscale Franklin house, or Charlotte's humble home with her father.
Oh, if you like some spice with your bloodthirsty killer story, Lestrange has you covered there as well.
And I just have to point out that, overall, the narrative voice throughout was exceptionally well done.
So, great mystery, great story, great characters and setting, some spice, and blood. A lot of blood. What more could you want?
March 10, 2024
Holy Shit tho…😳🔥
Marie Lestrange's "Crimson Cobblestones" beckons readers into a world shrouded in shadows and mystery, where every step on the crimson cobblestones leads deeper into a realm of dark secrets and evil whispers. This book is a hauntingly atmospheric journey that will leave you captivated (and a little bit horrified) from the very first page.
Lestrange's words weave a tapestry of intrigue and suspense, drawing readers into a web of secrets and deception. The characters are as colorful as the world they inhabit, each with their own hidden agendas and dark pasts that add layers of complexity to the narrative.
If you crave a book that will immerse you in a world of shadows and intrigue, "Crimson Cobblestones" is a must-read. Prepare to be transported to a place where darkness reigns and mysteries abound, where every twist and turn reveals new layers of complexity and danger. Definitely look out for spice and gore-with just enough and not TOO much. Dive into this enigmatic tale and uncover the secrets hidden within the crimson cobblestones - but be warned, once you enter this mysterious world, you may find it difficult to escape!
Marie Lestrange's "Crimson Cobblestones" beckons readers into a world shrouded in shadows and mystery, where every step on the crimson cobblestones leads deeper into a realm of dark secrets and evil whispers. This book is a hauntingly atmospheric journey that will leave you captivated (and a little bit horrified) from the very first page.
Lestrange's words weave a tapestry of intrigue and suspense, drawing readers into a web of secrets and deception. The characters are as colorful as the world they inhabit, each with their own hidden agendas and dark pasts that add layers of complexity to the narrative.
If you crave a book that will immerse you in a world of shadows and intrigue, "Crimson Cobblestones" is a must-read. Prepare to be transported to a place where darkness reigns and mysteries abound, where every twist and turn reveals new layers of complexity and danger. Definitely look out for spice and gore-with just enough and not TOO much. Dive into this enigmatic tale and uncover the secrets hidden within the crimson cobblestones - but be warned, once you enter this mysterious world, you may find it difficult to escape!
February 25, 2024
Lestrange's writing is nothing short of spellbinding, weaving together intricate plotlines and complex characters with effortless grace. The story unfolds at a perfect pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you eagerly turn each page to uncover the next twist or revelation.
The vivid descriptions of the crimson cobblestones under moonlit skies will stay with you long after you've finished reading, creating a sense of immersion that is truly captivating. The characters are vibrant and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and secrets that add layers of depth to the narrative.
If you're looking for a book that will ignite your imagination and leave you craving more, look no further than Crimson Cobblestones. Marie Lestrange has crafted a masterpiece that will appeal to the niche, adult audience she is after, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey through a world where Horror and history collide in the most spectacular ways.
The vivid descriptions of the crimson cobblestones under moonlit skies will stay with you long after you've finished reading, creating a sense of immersion that is truly captivating. The characters are vibrant and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and secrets that add layers of depth to the narrative.
If you're looking for a book that will ignite your imagination and leave you craving more, look no further than Crimson Cobblestones. Marie Lestrange has crafted a masterpiece that will appeal to the niche, adult audience she is after, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey through a world where Horror and history collide in the most spectacular ways.
November 21, 2024
Y’all! I had the best time reading this story. I’m going to call it historical fiction with an emphasis on the fiction. Marie Lestrange took me on a wild ride through mid-eighteenth century colonial America and I loved it!
It’s 1739 in Philadelphia and a serial killer is on the loose. The highest of the elite, The Franklins, yes, as in Benjamin Franklin, are there. Commerce is thriving and hope is in the air, but one brutal murder after another takes place. Who could be the killer? Surely, not a member of wealthy families that live in the grand estates just outside downtown.
This wonderful tale has so much packed into the pages, grandiose fashion, witchcraft, true love, total debauchery, political power, the church, orgies, loss, murder, revenge, and blood. So much blood. There is a reason the cobblestones are crimson.
I had a blast and the last 50 or so pages are untamed violence and ritualistic sex. Will young Charlotte survive, unlike the rest of her family? Read it and find out.
It’s 1739 in Philadelphia and a serial killer is on the loose. The highest of the elite, The Franklins, yes, as in Benjamin Franklin, are there. Commerce is thriving and hope is in the air, but one brutal murder after another takes place. Who could be the killer? Surely, not a member of wealthy families that live in the grand estates just outside downtown.
This wonderful tale has so much packed into the pages, grandiose fashion, witchcraft, true love, total debauchery, political power, the church, orgies, loss, murder, revenge, and blood. So much blood. There is a reason the cobblestones are crimson.
I had a blast and the last 50 or so pages are untamed violence and ritualistic sex. Will young Charlotte survive, unlike the rest of her family? Read it and find out.
February 5, 2024
Marie was kind enough to send me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I requested it because I'm doing a rainbow reading challenge and needed a book that was a shade of red.
Now.
A lot of things can go wrong when you're picking books based purely off the title, and aside from knowing Marie is a lovely person and I was in need of a "crimson book" I went into the book completely blind. I did not know the plot or subgenre or anything when I started.
I cannot recommend a better book to have that experience with.
I was in for so many surprises. I never knew who was going to show up, or what they'd do, or what kind of things were around the corner. If you are so inclined, I highly recommend jumping into this one with the least amount of information possible because this was absolutely the ride of my life.
I was not prepared, but I would absolutely do it again.
Now.
A lot of things can go wrong when you're picking books based purely off the title, and aside from knowing Marie is a lovely person and I was in need of a "crimson book" I went into the book completely blind. I did not know the plot or subgenre or anything when I started.
I cannot recommend a better book to have that experience with.
I was in for so many surprises. I never knew who was going to show up, or what they'd do, or what kind of things were around the corner. If you are so inclined, I highly recommend jumping into this one with the least amount of information possible because this was absolutely the ride of my life.
I was not prepared, but I would absolutely do it again.
February 3, 2024
When I started this book, I was not sure what I was going to read. Enraptured by the language within the pages, I was soon caught up in a time that was both inviting and chilling. I enjoy books set in the earlier time periods. The descriptions of the forest, the bakery and Charlotte’s home decidedly encouraged myself to follow along in hopes of joining this intricate group of people. The scenes of the murders were indeed gruesome. I do not think blood could be anymore disgustingly explained. I could just feel the waves of evil emanating from those who followed a darker path. I did not see the end coming at all. I was shocked as Charlotte was at finding out the truth. My only hope is that there will be more to come of this group.
June 25, 2024
This book was the best of gothic fiction and historical fiction all rolled into one. Not only did you have a serial killer on the loose, you also had a crazy cult that made me think of the film "Eyes Wide Open.
In the book we follow a young lady named Charlotte, who is still very much not over the murder of her mother, as it still haunts her, as more grizzly murders start to take place again in Philadelphia in the 1800's. As she is trying to figure out what is happening around her, she ends up catching the eye of Ben Franklin and begins a love affair with him. As their love begins to blossom, more murders keep happening and she keeps seeing more images of her late mother.
This book will keep you on your toes, it was one I could not put down.
In the book we follow a young lady named Charlotte, who is still very much not over the murder of her mother, as it still haunts her, as more grizzly murders start to take place again in Philadelphia in the 1800's. As she is trying to figure out what is happening around her, she ends up catching the eye of Ben Franklin and begins a love affair with him. As their love begins to blossom, more murders keep happening and she keeps seeing more images of her late mother.
This book will keep you on your toes, it was one I could not put down.
January 26, 2024
*Potential spoilers*
History, check. Murder mystery, check. A beloved historical figure wrapped in violent and torturous madness, big check.
Crimson Cobblestones was one of those reads where given the historical element you kind of know where the story is heading, but getting there is no less surprising. A bloody-good spin on a man we think we all know. Perhaps the bifocals were an invention born of murderous necessity...ensuring clarity of the victims at hand as well as a path to escape far away...
History, check. Murder mystery, check. A beloved historical figure wrapped in violent and torturous madness, big check.
Crimson Cobblestones was one of those reads where given the historical element you kind of know where the story is heading, but getting there is no less surprising. A bloody-good spin on a man we think we all know. Perhaps the bifocals were an invention born of murderous necessity...ensuring clarity of the victims at hand as well as a path to escape far away...
February 25, 2024
Secret societies, witches, and murder at every turn - a true horrific delight.
“Crimson Cobblestones is not just a book-it's an experience, a chilling dance with darkness that will leave you breathless until its shocking finale.”
It delivered the above, and even more. The detail of the depravity the killer enacted was at times uncomfortable. Many authors leave this to the imagination, but every sick detail and thought was documented in this book.
Unexpected plots throughout - this is one not to be missed. However, be warned - it is graphic.
“Crimson Cobblestones is not just a book-it's an experience, a chilling dance with darkness that will leave you breathless until its shocking finale.”
It delivered the above, and even more. The detail of the depravity the killer enacted was at times uncomfortable. Many authors leave this to the imagination, but every sick detail and thought was documented in this book.
Unexpected plots throughout - this is one not to be missed. However, be warned - it is graphic.
February 25, 2024
Secret societies, witches, and murder at every turn - a true horrific delight.
“Crimson Cobblestones is not just a book-it's an experience, a chilling dance with darkness that will leave you breathless until its shocking finale.”
It delivered the above, and even more. The detail of the depravity the killer enacted was at times uncomfortable. Many authors leave this to the imagination, but every sick detail and thought was documented in this book.
Unexpected plots throughout - this is one not to be missed. However, be warned - it is graphic.
“Crimson Cobblestones is not just a book-it's an experience, a chilling dance with darkness that will leave you breathless until its shocking finale.”
It delivered the above, and even more. The detail of the depravity the killer enacted was at times uncomfortable. Many authors leave this to the imagination, but every sick detail and thought was documented in this book.
Unexpected plots throughout - this is one not to be missed. However, be warned - it is graphic.
February 2, 2024
‘Crimson Cobblestone’ is an aberrant historical horror written by Marie Le Strange. She’s an extremely talented storyteller with the ability to keep you wondering who the dirty deeds had been done by. You will continue guessing through out and until the very end. I highly recommend adding this to any twisted individuals TBR list that are looking for an american historical horror with a true crime vibe or anyone that enjoys a twisted tale brilliantly told.
July 9, 2024
A wonderful dark tale, where Charlotte having lost her mother, finds herself ensnared between cults and dark magic.
This was quite a riveting read. The story was a set in Philadelphia in 1739 and was both atmospheric with a dash of horror. The characters were believable and the plot contained sufficient twists to keep the reader engaged. This was the first time that I had read this author and based on this book will be looking out for more of their work
This was quite a riveting read. The story was a set in Philadelphia in 1739 and was both atmospheric with a dash of horror. The characters were believable and the plot contained sufficient twists to keep the reader engaged. This was the first time that I had read this author and based on this book will be looking out for more of their work
October 20, 2025
This book hooked me from the very first page. I told myself I’d just read a few chapters to start, and before I knew it, I’d finished the whole thing. It’s dark and eerie in the best possible way, and keeps you turning pages just to see what happens. Even after I finished, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s been a long time since a book made me feel that way!
April 15, 2026
I had hopes for this book, as I like mysteries, historical fiction, and traditional gothic stories (PG-13). The story was suspenseful; however, it was too graphic and sadistic for me. I finished the book in order to give a fair review for others. In my mind, the story could have been told with just as much suspense, but with less sadism and gore.
December 8, 2023
Easily the most twisted book I've ever read. Marie Lestrange has a gift for the macabre, and this intertwines American history and American horror as good as anything I've read. If you love horror, this is a book you need!
December 8, 2023
If you like American History + Horror, this is the book for you. Not for the faint of heart, but just right for those who enjoy their horror twisted and dark. Marie is one talented and brave storyteller.
March 8, 2024
I loved this story it was amazing. The cover is gorgeous and I think whoever picked it has good taste. The beginning was kind of difficult to get into but the further and further I go in I loved it. I would definitely recommend this book to someone else.
July 28, 2024
Historical fiction, murder, witchcraft, and a sex cult! What more could you really as for. Even though I knew who the killer was from the beginning, this book kept me intrigued. The writing is beautiful and almost poetic and I just couldn't put this down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews