Gloam: A Gritty Dystopian Revenge Thriller

by Jennifer Withers

A father with secrets...
Frank has kept his past hidden for years.
A daughter turned mercenary...
Harlow is hunting her father’s killer.
A series of brutal murders...
Their bodies gruesomely marked – the calling card of a feared gang.
A city of shadows...
Behind which stalks a man with a dangerous obsession.

Welcome to Gloam, where no one is safe.

Genres: Fiction

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2024

About the author

I've loved writing since I was a child. It has always been my dream to write a novel and publish, which I did in 2016 with my debut, The War Between. My second novel, Gloam, is currently available for pre-order through Amazon, and will officially release on September 7, 2024. It's about a woman who leaves her life of safety to hunt her father's killer in Gloam, a city known for corrupt cops and unsolved murders.

I live in Pretoria, South Africa, with my husband of 16 years, and our 6-year-old son, Tristan. I work full time as an accounts and admin person for our one company, Urban Tribes, and in between, I make the time to plot, write, create and (sometimes) sob (good for creative outlet, I've found). I'm obsessed with anything written by Stephen King, and although I intensely dislike reading books of any kind in the fantasy genre, I absolutely devour games in the same genre (go figure). You can find me here, on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Reviews

[James George · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gloam" is Jennifer Withers' second novel, and it's a winner. Here are my thoughts, in no particular order:

1. I love seeing the sophomore effort from writers, musicians, and artists. Often times, they learn a lot from their debut work, and the follow-up effort comes through with greater strength and confidence. That's definitely the case here. Although "The War Between" was very good, Withers has really eclipsed her first novel with this work.

2. Jennifer Withers writes the books that readers want to read. Her first book resided in the sci-fi/dystopian realm, and now we're treated to a gritty murder/mercenary tale with a terrific twist and a strong female lead.

3. I kind of wish the novel was called something different that 'Gloam", which is really a commonly used title for books these days. A casual search will reveal somewhere around 10 novels named Gloam, or with some variation.

4. I found myself enjoying Markham's tale quite a bit more that Harlow's, and I was prone to skimming ahead to get back to Markham. His character was really good writing -- intense, powerful, and engaging.

5. Mild spoiler ahead -- I thought the financial situation that launched Harlow's quest was not very compelling. I don't know if burials and cremations are more of a thing in South Africa? It just seemed like an odd thing to risk one's life for. I think the plot would have resonated more if the family was in danger of losing their home or some such thing.

6. I'm not a fan of long subtitles filled with marketing blurbs, and by the time something is subtitled "a gritty dystopian revenge murder mystery" I think we're approaching parody.

7. The ending seemed a little...well...you decide.

8. Minor complaint -- when someone mentioned calling an "Uber", it just seemed a little out of place in this dystopian tale.

9. Bottom line, this book is excellent, and Jennifer Withers has truly arrived. This is a superbly written tale with a strong young protagonist, and this author is giving the people what they want. Five stars!

[P. Pherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery is not my typical Genre, but I enjoyed Gloam. I liked following Harlow as she dealt with her problems and pushed on to try and find her father's killer. I think the strongest part of the story was the atmosphere of the city of Gloam itself, which was like a seedy back alley with a corrupt and uncaring police force, and hard boil characters who would help, but only for money. Harlow was well-placed as not quite as gruff as some of the others and having to grow into the role of mercenary get to the bottom of this mystery. I felt her struggle to adjust to the way things were in Gloam while keeping to her purpose.

I thought Jennifer Withers did a great job bringing the characters to life, having each be interesting, while not at all being the same. I thought she also captured well the struggle of characters with their lack of resources and trying to solve problems both small and large. I thought she excelled at making the city seem like a not so safe place to be, and I thought she had a fun mystery at that.

If I had any issue with the story, it was only that I felt a little confused in the opening. I would have liked a clearer indication that the first person POV is Harlow. I was slow to catch on to that.

[Jithran · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the unhinged dystopian world of Gloam, where the police have long since laid down their last law, we meet Harlow. After a series of dramatic events, Harlow decides to trade in her relatively safe existence for the gritty, gun-slinging streets of the most badass city around. Her goal? To become a hired gun and seek justice for the upheaval in her life.

I love a good dystopian setting, the world is intriguing, but with a bit more context of the world it would help the story really come to life. Nonetheless I liked this adventure and the progression that Harlow experiences throughout the story. I give this ook 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to BookSirens and Jennifer Withers for the ARC.

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave, feisty, female protagonist called Low

After fleeing the lawless town of Gloam, Low (for Harlow) must return to avenge her father's death and hire out as a merc ( mercenary) to raise enough money for her father's funeral and burial. I enjoy a brave, feisty, female protagonist and Low fits the bill. She must revisit the traumatic place where she was kidnapped and held for days as a child, in order to manipulate her father in gang related activity. She meets many interesting characters in Gloam; like her mentor, Jesse and love interest, Denny and sympathetic badass Markham to make for a solid storyline. Some of the background details and plotline context have been glossed over, leaving the town feeling a little one dimensional. But a solid story.

[Leo Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent crime thriller which keeps the pages turning. Most of the action happens in the Gotham-like city of Gloam, a high-rise metropolis of indeterminate location in which crime, poverty and drug-abuse are rampant. It’s hard to get a real sense of detail, however, because the author chooses to highlight only a few locations: The Dive, a strip-bar which takes centre stage in the various sub-plots and story development; PI Carter’s office; and one or two bedrooms, apartments and back-alleys.

The police are portrayed as lazy and inept, the private investigator as competent but overworked. A criminal gang called The Natives appear to walk the streets with relative impunity while mercenaries or mercs are free to operate a parallel justice system. It is obvious that despite the frequent allusions to inner-city decay, poverty and various social ills, that the city is vibrant and bustling. The streets heave with people, the buildings tower upwards. Thus, one gets the sense of contradictory realities existing at various levels of the narrative. Given the dystopian nature of the city, it need not be a problem, but the details do not always ring quite true.

Okay, given the background, let me highlight the best aspects of the book. The central female character, Harlow (Low) is well fleshed-out. I really felt I got to know her in all aspects of her character, especially since the author writes in the first person. We see the world through her eyes and how she analyses and experiences it in an emotional sense. She’s vulnerable but strong, taking on an important role as family caretaker in the wake of her father’s sudden death. The picture of Low’s close-knit family living in a small community, The Sands, outside the city limits, conveys warmth and mutual affection. A good staging point for the heroine’s brave foray into the murky Gloam.

The character of Markham, the central criminal figure, is also well-portrayed. Likewise vulnerable, he is hollowed out and emotionally scarred. The author’s profile of a serial killer is convincing.

A word on two of the other supporting characters, a merc named Jesse, and Private Investigator Carter. The latter comes across as a tough, no-nonsense broker, something of an archetypal New York PI. He is worked into the story well. I can’t say the same of Jesse, who I find contradictory on several levels. He hangs out at the Dive, and his first encounter with Harlow is brash and unapologetic. Once he gets to know her a little better, he suddenly becomes a gentleman, displaying a sunny humour, empathy and compassion, a little at odds with his professional persona. More the friendly barman than the ruthless mercenary everyone tiptoes around.

Also worthy of mention are his amazing powers of regeneration. He gets punched in the face by a hulking gangster. There is a suggestion that his nose is broken, yet a scene later he’s happily knocking back a beer at the Dive, no mention of the nose. Towards the end of the book, he’s also stabbed in the chest from which a fountain of blood emerges. A short-while later he’s back combing the streets for Low. I’m not sure it stacks up.

Anyway, I liked the book, critique aside. There’s probably scope for a sequel or two if the author were to focus on Harlow, PI Carter, and perhaps even Jesse, but in a diminished role. Harlow and Carter: sounds the makings of something to me…

PS The author’s given place of residence, Pretoria, is very interesting. Having lived and studied there I can see how it could inspire aspects of her dystopian vision of Gloam. The last time I was there, eight years ago, the city proper was in a state of obvious decline: rubbish on the streets; broken down tenements, cracked pavements; beggars, both white and black. And yet the suburbs were, and probably are still, plush, green and affluent. The townships supplying much of the labour are out of sight beyond the flanking hills.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

[sexism, nudity, adult situations, premarital sex, sexually explicit, rape, offensive language, drug/alcohol/smoking, gangs, violence, domestic violence, graphic violence, violence against women, murder, mature themes, technically inaccurate errors that could cause harm, lying, dysfunctional family, depression, psychosis/ sociopathy, parental disrespect, PTSD]

Gloam by Jennifer Withers is a crime novel set in a city that reminded me of Chicago. Harlow has PTSD from when a family friend kidnaped her as a child. When her father is shot on the doorstep of their suburban home, she decides to travel back into the city where her childhood trauma occurred to make quick money as a mercenary so she can give him a proper burial. Unfortunately, she learns that some of the cases she is working on as a mercenary tie back to her father’s murder. Will she be able to find his killer?

Jennifer Withers has a great imagination and the plot summary is intriguing, but I felt like I was reading a book by someone who had led a sheltered life and used the Internet to research. I found it difficult to connect with a novice mercenary who couldn’t even get her own hotel room in the rough part of town. About 1/3 of the way through Gloam, I wondered why Harlow didn’t just become a pole dancer for a few days (something she had considered) and get the fast cash she needed before returning to her comfy suburban home. I like action books like this, especially with female heroes, but as Harlow kept making dumb mistake after mistake—from filling her car battery with watered-down aspirin (which might turn it over but which would destroy it) to pointing her loaded rifle at a crowd of people on a shooting range—I found this one hard to stomach. There were some typos, unanswered questions (what happened to Skylar's kid?), and a predictable ending, but none of these bothered me as much as the naïveté of the main character. I received this book for free on Goodreads.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gloam got my attention from the start, and it was difficult to put down.

Gloam is the name of the town that Harlow (Low) grew up in until she was kidnapped by Matt, a good friend of her father’s. The family moved to The Sands after the kidnapping, a place not far from Gloam, but far enough that they could stay hidden. When her father is murdered, Low decides that she has to go back to Gloam to find out who murdered him.

Low is an extraordinary woman. She has two older brothers, yet she is the one who insists on going to Gloam, which is not a city for the faint of heart. She is resourceful and is able to make contacts quickly. Jesse becomes her mentor as a mercenary, and Carter agrees to investigate her father’s death. She also meets Denny, a cute bartender, whom she really likes.

The main characters each have interesting and diverse backgrounds. I enjoyed the description of some of the other characters, especially those in the Natives, a gang in Gloam.

Markham is the antagonist. He had a horrible childhood, abused by his stepfather, Matt. He’s determined to make those who knew about, but ignored, his abuse to pay.

There are some great descriptions in this book. For example, Low observes, “The only people out were carousers like us or homeless people littering the street like confetti.”

This book needs to be proofread. There are a lot of punctuation errors, but the biggest problem is the conversations. There are often two people speaking in the same paragraph, which can make the story difficult to follow.

There’s a big twist near the end. The ending was satisfying and is written so that the author could (hopefully) write a sequel in the future.

I definitely recommend Gloam if it is proofread.

[Roger Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review 📚
Gloam
By
Jennifer Withers
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gloam is set in a dystopian scenario, in a time and place where lawlessness prevails, and to survive, you must be able to take the necessary risk. The story revolves around a young woman, Harlow, and her family, two brothers and a mother who live in a place called The Sands. Harlow’s father was brutally murdered, but why? Not having enough money to bury her father, Harlow decides to venture to a city named Gloam, to seek a job as a “merc” to make fast coin, hired to track down criminals. Harlow soon learns that her father had been a police officer in Gloam, but became part of a criminal gang. Harlow is determined to track down her father's murder, but just how is the big question.
When I initially started reading Gloam I wasn’t sure if this was a book for me. As I read further into the story, I became intrigued with Harlow and her mission. The characters were well-written and the inter-character relationships were at times confusing but developed nicely. The storyline moved at a steady pace, with enough action to keep the reader turning pages. I also found the story suspenseful as the FMC develops in her experience as a merc, in her relationships, and in her abilities as an investigator. I ended up enjoying reading Harlow’s story, finding it entertaining and fulfilling, and would recommend it to readers of this genre. This story did include graphic violence and sexual content, so readers beware. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy

[Teresa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent mystery/thriller with engaging characters, ongoing suspense, and enough action to get any thriller reader eager for more. Harlow is a determined, capable woman trying to find her way in a strange and dangerous world. And she does a great job of it.

However, I did have two issues with the book. First, there's no defined setting, which left me feeling ungrounded. Granted, the story is set in Gloam and the area of The Sands, but I never knew if this was an actual place, if it was supposed to be a made-up country, or exactly where it was supposed to be. Several times I felt that the story was set in the UK, but something else would make me think it wasn't. I know it's a minor detail, but it bothered me. My other issue was the sex scenes. I don't read erotica because I don't enjoy it, so having to deal with it, even in a mild form in my mysteries irritates me. It's just not necessary in my opinion, and doesn't add anything to the story.

So, with all of that, would I read something else by Ms. Withers? I definitely will. Her stories draw the reader into the world she has created and doesn't let go until she's ready.

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review is my honest opinion.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't understand what I was 'walking into' when I started this book, but it didn't take long to catch on to the setting - a dystopian future earth, rough and lawless. And I'll just say this right up front - I do not enjoy books in that setting, so for me to like it is a tough sell. And in many respects, I did! The writing was smooth, the plot was clear and the characters were well fleshed out. And the story that carries through the book was really interesting with enough twists to keep things moving. On the down side, I would have liked more background upfront on Gloam, The Sands and other areas. The main character, Harlow, is a bit babied by her brothers but at the same time needs to help the family financially. And she rides into Gloam expecting to be a mercenary and to make enough money to pay a large bill - right away. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I recommend it.

This ARC was provided by the publisher and BookSirens, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

[D W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopian✔
Mystery/Thriller✔
Mercenaries✔
Gangs✔
Corrupt Cops✔
Multiple POVs✔
Memorable characters✔

I'm a huge reader of mystery books and while I was able to figure out who the killer was from fairly early on, it didn't take away from the suspense and action packed read that was 'Gloam.' The vivid descriptions made the world feel dark and gritty, which in turn made it easier to picture the city and it's darker elements.

Gloam offers a blend of multiple povs, in first and third person, which aren't usually my first choice of reading material, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book at all. While I did find some dialogue formatting confusing and disruptive, it was likely due to me not being accustomed to this sort of writing style.

There was a couple of loose ends left by the end of the book, which I'm hoping was to leave room for potential sequel! 🤞

Overall it was an enjoyable read and i'll be keeping my eyes peeled for more from this author in the future!

[Amber Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlow is a strong, resourceful woman. After her father is murdered, she and her family are left with funeral bills they can’t cover. The police have given her a few leads in who might be responsible for her father’s death, but they aren’t going to do anything about it. So Harlow takes matters into her own hands and goes to the big city of Gloam to find work as a mercenary. Quick cash for the funeral and answers to who killed her dad—that’s all she wants. Instead, she finds so much more.
This dystopian story was very interesting. Harlow and the people around her are flawed, conflicted, fleshed-out characters. However, I would’ve liked more detail about the time and setting (I’m not sure if this dystopian era was set in the future or in our current time). There are a few grammar issues, like missing commas and two characters speaking in the same paragraph, but on the whole, the book is well-developed and entertaining.
Readers who love female main characters and dark, violent settings should enjoy this book.
4 Stars

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlow was a very spunky character. Her father had been in law enforcement and she was kidnapped as a child to try to force him to continue working with a gang. They moved and then she was followed home from a trip back to the city. That was when everything went south for her, her father was murdered and her friend attacked.

Her family couldn't afford to bury her father or pay bills, so she decides to hire as a merc in the city. As she tries to find her father's killer, more murders occur. There are several that help her, but are they all on her side? How does her family and the history of her father play into the story?

I gave this a lower rating because the setting wasn't very clear and made the reader not sure about the conditions. Some of the murders seemed a bit far fetched on how he managed not to be caught in the process.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up from 4.5 stars

The plot for this book was engaging and different from others than I've read in this genre. I enjoyed the characters of Harlow, Jesse, and Carter. I would like to read a series based on these characters working together, but for now this appears to be a standalone novel.

I deducted from my rating because of a few plot holes and what I felt was a lack of information. I was able to overlook the plot holes, but the ambiguous setting was very distracting to me. When does this take place? Current day? In the future? How far in the future? Where does this take place? Is this just a completely fictional world with no background? I kept looking for clues in the book that didn't exist.

Overall, once I was able to look past the lack of background information, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I'd be interested in reading more from this author in the future.

Thank you to Book Siren and Jennifer Withers. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of murder-mystery and continuous action, Gloam is a gripping tale of criminals, gangs and corrupt policemen. Harlow gets sucked into the mire of Gloam after her father is murdered. She wants to give him a respectable burial but has no money. Her determination and grit help her in reinventing herself. She resolves to get justice and believes “revenge is the only justice I know.”

The story keeps you invested till the end and moves at a moderate pace. The characters are crafted according to the need of the plot and they fit well. The suspense keeps building up, but if you are an alert reader, there are enough clues to figure out much before Withers chooses to reveal it. Emotional aspects of the story - the bonding of siblings and the respect for the father despite his past have been handled in a sensitive manner. If you like dark murder mysteries and a feisty woman protagonist, this could be an interesting book for you.

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Past Comes Back with a Vengeance!


In this gripping noir thriller, Jennifer Withers pulls us into the shadowy world of Gloam, a city that's as dangerous as it is mysterious.

When Harlow's father is murdered, she's forced to confront the very past she's been running from, diving headfirst into a cesspool of violence and long-buried secrets.

The story hits hard with its raw portrayal of Harlow, a tough-as-nails protagonist who's not afraid to get her hands dirty in pursuit of justice for her old man.

The real knockout is Markham, a villain whose tragic backstory of abuse makes him both terrifying and weirdly relatable, proving that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones we help create.

Finally, trust me, this book is like your favorite dive bar – rough around the edges but absolutely worth your time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Brittany Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me reeled in from start to finish. There were certain times I simply could not put the book down and was hanging on the edge of my seat. The plot was very well written with a surprising twist, and descriptive vocabulary painted a vivid picture as you read along. The characters were well developed. The only negative I have about the book is I wish we were given a little more background on Gloam and there were certain parts of the story I wish we had a little more context on, like the main character's father and the even that happened to her when she was a child. Other than that, it was a great read and would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller/suspense story.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gloam did not disappoint!

Beautifully written and filled with such poignant imagery that you are transported into a story that will resonate on some level or other. From the heart wrenching grief of a daughter’s love to the questions that plague us in our darkest moments: How well can we really know someone? How far will you go for those you hold dear? Who will you be after the world has buried you in pain, loss, betrayal and despair?

Withers has a way of grabbing your attention from the first sentence and not letting you go until the very end. She has skillfully managed to keep the story unfolding at a captivating pace with the
perfect placement of red herrings to keep you enthralled.

Gloam is a definite must-read!

[Chasity · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. We follow the FMC as she tries to find the person who unalived her father. There are things that are left unsolved at the end so a cliff hanger of sorts. I was able to figure out who the villian was before the end of the book. I would have been interested in seeing more of the mercenary jobs and the investigation. Those felt a little rushed to me. Overall not a bad story.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the dystopian future of Gloam where senseless violence is part of daily life Harlow leaves home to search for her father's killer without really grasping what means to be a merc and which is the price she'll pay. There's a lot of action, of violence which at times seemed senseless, the story is fast-paced and I could make the culprit before they were revealed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denzel Struchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the future wherever cop's are useless. If want a crime solvedyou need to hire a mercenary or PI and sometimes both. After Harlow and Cloe go into Gloam for a night of drinking their lives are forever changed. Can Harlow put the puzzle together of who killed her father before she ends up dead?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC - 3.5 stars rounded up.

I found the overall plot predictable, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of reading about Jesse and Carter, both of whom felt like really believable characters. I also liked Harlow, but I didn't find her particularly intriguing. I liked the setting and the author's writing style.

[J.R. Gibson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, but this was not by style at all. Found it very difficult to read and did not finish. I generally don't read crime/thriller books as it isn't usually my genre, so unfortunately couldn't get very far with this one. Not meaning to be disrespectful to the author at all, because I'm sure that there are plenty of people who enjoy this genre, it just wasn't for me I'm afraid.

[Laura Koerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark thriller in a dystopian setting, this book features as strong female lead. There's violence, but not gratuitously--the story is really about relationships. The writing is workmanlike and effective, and the dialog usually feels authentic. The plot is more interesting than most thriller plots. I'm not a reader of thrillers, but I think this one will appeal a great deal to people who are.

[Jennifer Lowmass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was transported into this novel, feeling I was part of the action as if I were the characters themselves, who were portrayed in great detail. The story was well written and the plot twist was EPIC! I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Thanks Jennifer, for an awesome read!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will several different characters who have very different aims and secrets. There is also a killer who is ready to strike again. What is going to happen? How will they all get on? A brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Nikki B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
When I picked up this book, I didn't realized that it was dystopian setting. This isn't really my type of genre, however, the story was still great.
We have Harlow, who was kidnapped when she was in her teens. Her father and his partner rescues her and he moves her away and raises her and her family away from where that happened. Years later, her father is murdered. Harlow becomes a mercenary and tries to find out who killed him and why and whether it was linked to what happened to her back then. As a merc, she's also hired to find criminals.
I was very confused by the setting of the story. There were also a few times where I felt like the story was slightly boring and losing my attention, but then it would pick back up with another twist. The story was pretty intriguing and was overall a good read.

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read. I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down. The characters pulled me in right from the start. It has a little bit of everything that y'all are gonna love. Enjoy. Happy reading.

[SilverRibbonReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gloam was a good read. I did find at time hard to keep up with but overall it was a good story line, worth the read. This is a book I will suggest to others and you'll really love the main character Harlow.

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This was such a great thriller. I loved every second of this book. I did not see the twists coming. The fact that the author had multiple perspectives and still made it make complete sense and not overwhelming was great. I can't wait to read more.