Superstition

Secrets of Van Buren University #1

by James Blakey

An umbrella is opened indoors. A black cat crosses your path. Three cigarettes are lit from one match. These are omens of bad luck that no one takes seriously. But at Van Buren University when these, and other superstitions, are broken… students die.

Sophomore Jerry Williams’ hard-hitting reporting has won awards for Van Buren’s school newspaper. But when he connects a series of campus deaths to bad luck, his editor questions Jerry’s judgment, kills the story, and suspends him from the paper. But the superstition-related havoc continues, and Darla, Jerry’s new girlfriend, barely escapes with her life.

When Jerry digs deeper into the mystery and publishes his findings in the school’s alternative newspaper, the university administration threatens him with suspension for causing a panic. But Jerry’s reporting instincts won’t let him stop. With his friends and everyone else on campus at risk, it’s not like Jerry has much of a choice.

As Friday the 13th approaches, Jerry fears a catastrophe. He must uncover who—or what—is behind these bad luck deaths and determine how to stop it.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Horror, Fiction

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

James Blakey is a three-time finalist for the Short Mystery Fiction Society's Derringer Award, winning in 2019 for his story "The Bicycle Thief." He leads critique groups in Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, and Shenandoah County. His paranormal thriller SUPERSTITION will be published by City Owl Press in September 2024. When James isn’t writing, he's on the hiking trail—he’s climbed forty of the fifty US state high points—or bike-camping his way up and down the East Coast. He lives in Broadway, Virginia.

Reviews

[Zoe Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, Just in time for spooky season.

This book, set in a university is a murder mystery, with thriller, romance and magic thrown in. To be honest, the beginning of the book didn’t pull me in, I found there were far too many characters, it was difficult to keep up and to make it more confusing sometimes they were addressed by their first names and other times by their second names. Once the story got going and you work out who the main players are though, that’s when I began to enjoy the book and raced through it.

Our main character Jerry is investigating freaky deaths that have happened at the university that seem linked with bad luck - opening an umbrella indoors, Friday the 13th etc. Jerry finds links to similar incidents in 1984 and as a journalist he delves deep to find out if that’s all linked to what’s happening now.

This was a fun read. I would say more YA, a good premise but I don’t think I would carry on with the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sabrina Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars !! ARC REVIEW - thank you so much to NetGalley and owl city press for an advanced copy of this wonderfully spooky book!

From the very beginning of this book I was hooked! The cover drew me in and the prologue immediately held my attention. I will say I was a bit underwhelmed about 25% in because I felt like we needed more background for the characters that were introduced, like I wasn’t super invested in the storyline at first bc the characters didn’t mean much to me yet.

I did end up falling in love with our main character, Jerry. And I adored the journalism aspect of this book so much! It was the perfect murder mystery with some witchy aspects!

I HATED Darla’s character so much and halfway through I was convinced that she was the girl from the prologue and was guilty of being behind everything, so when Jerry thought he figured it out I thought I had guessed the plot twist but I WAS WRONG! And I’ve never been so excited to be wrong, it’s so enjoyable when I don’t guess the twist! The last 10% had my jaw on the floor!


I finished this in two days which is unheard for me with an ebook! Super short and easy to read, fast paced with beautiful writing. Murder mystery with a side of romance! This is the perfect book to get your reading goal up & get you in the spooky season mood!

[Lianne Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the first day of fall, so it felt quite fitting that I finished today’s read. Superstition celebrates its publication date on September 24th, so be sure to pre order!

Superstition by James Blakey is going to be a really good fall read for anyone, but especially those millennials who grew up watching The Craft and Final Destination and well, that’s me wrapped up in one. I really enjoyed this read and right around the 50% mark is where everything really started to piece together in this story and I flew through the second half of the book unable to put it down.

The story follows sophomore Jerry who’s writing for the universities school newspaper, soon he starts to connect some rather sinister deaths happening on campus to what appears to be old wives tales of bad luck. His quest for the truth takes him on some unlikely turns, some you even begin to question their motives, but nothing deters Jerry once his mind is set on the truth.

I did see this badged on Net Gallery as Horror & Thriller, but I would have easily added this to some of the YA genres too, and that’s no slight on Blakeys writing style I thoroughly enjoy YA thrillers, I hope this reaches the best audience to consume this as it easily has a more modern feel of the Netflix version of Sabrina the teenage witch.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Horror Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise for this novel was intriguing. Horrible deaths caused from breaking certain superstitions. And while we do find some of that here, ultimately it became a hodge podge of ideas that didn't quite click for me.

Jerry is a reporter for his college newspaper. When three deaths occur in a very short time, he discovers they all had broken some superstitious rules (spilling salt, etc).

This concept is interesting but we find out later that some people don't die, they just get injured. Finding a string of deaths which all happened on Friday the 13th in 1984, he suspects they might be related. Since Friday the 13th is coming up in the present time, he thinks a massacre is about to happen.

This is the basic plot and it does require some investigative efforts to uncover the connection between past and present.

But the story gets bogged down in extras which don't add to the narrative. A romance angle, something about a homemade internet jammer that will stop the evil (?), and one dimensional side characters that don't add anything of substance.

And clothes. The author describes what any character is wearing every time we read about them. Almost every chapter has instances where they are introduced or reintroduced by describing what they're wearing. What brands, what colours, and how good they look. I found this annoying after awhile.

I won't spoil the ending but it didn't really have anything to do with bad luck because of superstition. It kind of felt anticlimactic with the rest of the narrative.

I wouldn't discourage anybody from reading this or any other book. You should make up your own minds. You might find this novel intriguing. This is just my personal opinion.

The author is very competent and writes really well. This book just wasn't for me.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[Jessica H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book in a day! This is not the kind of book I normally read. I'm more of a romance girlie, but I was intrigued by the premise when I saw it on NetGalley. I'm super glad I requested the ARC!

This was a super fast and interesting read. I did suspect the "who" in the "whodunit" fairly early, but it was still fun to get there in the end! I'm glad I wasn't stuck on the red herring. I'm super impressed this is debut novel.

As a journalist myself, I'm always so skeptical about going into books that have reporters in them, but I think this was pretty good representation. Much better than other books/shows/movies I've seen.

When the next VBU book comes out, I'll definitely read it.

**Thanks again to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.**

[Mary Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book based on the description - however, the overall writing style and level left me wanting!

I thought the concept - figuring out how bad luck was impacting a college campus - was really clever. However, the way the characters were written felt very juvenile to me. It was hard to believe they were actually college students. The MMC hopped from one relationship to the next, he felt no sense of obligation to take responsibility for some of his actions, and it always seemed like he was in the right place at the right time that he was the only character moving the plot.

I wanted there to be less set up and more action right away. The first 25% of the book felt disjointed to me, and a few points before the halfway point I considered not finishing.

All in all, I was let down by this book, and probably would not recommend to someone unless they were a younger reader.

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

[Kelsey Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This was fun! It felt like a YA Final Destination, if y’all catch my drift. Not a horror at all, however; more so a thriller and mystery. I truly didn’t see the little twist at the end coming! Not a spooky season worthy read, but it wasn’t a regret by any means.

Having said all that, it is definitely written by a man.. This statement will be understood by many who read this book and observe the main character. Y’all remember back in the 90s/ early 2000s when every show had a smoking hot woman and a painfully white toast man? And those women weren’t just hot, they were smart. And somehow they are also into the unbuttered bread Fred…
That ending was just silly lol.
Thank you for a great ARC NetGalley!

[Jayne (jaynesbookedheart) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly creepy, compelling, and hard to put down! It is a story with a chilling blend of campus drama and supernatural terror. As students die and dark secrets unravel, the author builds relentless anticipation that keeps you racing toward the end. This book unearths a hidden world within a quiet university, blending mystery, suspense, and the paranormal into a gripping tale. Twists, secrets, and complex characters kept me hooked—and left me hungry for the next installment! This is a must-read for fans of eerie mysteries and thrillers where the impossible feels terrifyingly real.

Thank you NetGalley and @cityowlbooks for the #gifted copy

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, it was a simple Halloween style horror. A black cat crosses paths and causes all types of chaos. It was an OK read.

There were a couple of random dropped lines in here that were really inappropriate and creepy.
1. Describing how a college cheerleader split at the "apex" ... you could have just said splits and the audience would have known what you were talking about

2. page 27, the author randomly compares boys' lacrosse to sex.... again, wasn't necessary

Both were typed out in the same connotation and style as someone trying to be funny and knowing how inappropriate they are

[Tom Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superstition was a fun read, even though it was a little cheesy. There were definitely some twists I didn't see coming, but there were others I spotted a mile away. The main character was alternatively brilliant and stupid, as most college students are.

I'd be interested in reading additional books in this series, but I'm having a hard time figuring out where the story could go next. Maybe that's a good thing…

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was in a psycho movie with so many young healthy students dying. It just felt so real and so very wrong! Darla was a total narcissist and played head games non stop. She was just over the top and too much. She annoyed the heck out of me. I didn't guess whodunit and that's half the joy for me. The reveal left me angry, but the ending was very good. I was beyond proud of Jerry for his inner strength of character and integrity. I see a brighter future for Jerry now!! What a read. Unputdownable. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf

[Kaitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jerry is a reporter who starts looking into all kinds of strange deaths that have superstitions linked to them. With Friday the 13th approaching, he is worried another tragic death will happen and is determined to figure out the mystery before something bad happens.

This book just wasn't quite what I was expecting. It was very slow and too many descriptions that didn't add anything to the story.

[Mike Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review from NetGalley and City Owl Press! Thanks so much!

Really enjoyed this one! The premise of the novel (what happens if you ignore rituals based on superstition) is something we all grew up with and had to work our own ways through. All the potential negative consequences appear to be coming to fruition. I love watching Jerry work his way through tense and dangerous predicaments as he works his way towards the final truth. The help he got from his friends along the way was hilarious, as well as nostalgia inducing - I remember being a college kid looking for an adventure. A fast and gripping ride! Would have been five stars for me except for the fact that the character arc one of the main female protagonists went through ended up feeling like “it was all for nothing.”

[Mona Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating

★★★★★

4.7 out of 5 Stars

Review

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing the ARC.

Superstition by James Blakey presents an exciting premise—a college campus plagued by mysterious deaths linked to broken superstitions like opening an umbrella indoors or crossing paths with a black cat. From the outset, the story promises a blend of thriller, mystery, and horror, which is undeniably intriguing. The idea that bad luck could actually kill is original, and Blakey crafts a world where superstition takes on a life-or-death significance. This concept alone hooked me, as it provides a fresh take on the typical campus murder mystery.

We follow Jerry as he investigates the series of deaths, his journalism instincts lead him down a twisting path that ties present-day events to a massacre on Friday the 13th in 1984. The tension builds as the plot thickens, with clues slowly revealing a more sinister force behind the deaths. The investigative element is where the book shines, as Jerry’s determination to uncover the truth becomes gripping, especially in the latter half. The plot twists, particularly towards the end, were well-executed and genuinely surprising. I enjoyed the sense of suspense that kicked in as the climax approached.

Superstition is an enjoyable, fast-paced read. It’s light on the horror and heavy on the mystery, which will appeal to fans of YA thrillers. The writing is solid, and the book offers enough twists to keep readers guessing until the end. However, I do wish it had leaned more into the horror elements and kept a tighter focus on the core mystery. With stronger character development and a more streamlined plot, Superstition could have been a standout in the genre.

Pros:

Intriguing Premise: The idea of bad luck and superstitions causing deadly consequences is fresh and interesting. As someone who doesn’t believe in superstitions, the idea of such severe consequences was actually quite fun. Every time a character died due to breaking one of these beliefs, I found myself imagining my own sorry fate had I been part of this world. This made the book very relatable and grabbed my attention to the characters actions very easily.

Pacing: The book is fast-paced and easy to read, making it a quick, engaging experience, particularly for fans of YA mystery-thrillers. Once the story picks up, around the halfway mark, it becomes hard to put down.

Journalism Angle: Jerry’s role as a student reporter adds an enjoyable investigative element. It brings in an intellectual layer, as he tries to piece together a complex puzzle from the past and present. Following the clue along with Jerry was quite a ride as we moved through speculations to confirmations to consequences.

Plot Twists: The twists and turns, especially towards the end, are satisfying and unexpected. It's refreshing when a reader’s assumptions are proven wrong, and the final revelations are surprising in a good way.

Cons:

Character Development: Many characters, including the main character Jerry and his girlfriend Darla, felt underdeveloped, especially early on. While Jerry becomes more relatable as the story progresses, Darla is frustratingly one-dimensional. More depth would have made the relationships and conflicts more compelling.

Excessive Details: The descriptions of clothing and other minor details distract from the main plot. Constantly describing what characters are wearing adds little to the atmosphere and takes away from the tension the mystery is supposed to build. The descritions feel like we are taking a break from the story to be told the information rathers than it being a part of the natural flow of the narrative. The book also introduced too many characters too quickly without spending much time with any of them. Essentially, there is too much telling rather than showing.

Disconnected Elements: Some elements of the story, like the internet jammer, feel disconnected from the central premise of superstitions causing death. These ideas don’t mesh well with the core narrative and create a sense of imbalance.

Conclusion

Superstition starts with an intriguing concept—superstitions becoming deadly—but gets bogged down by too many characters, unnecessary details, and underdeveloped subplots. While the pace picks up in the latter half and offers some exciting twists, the overall narrative feels disjointed. James Blakey is clearly a talented writer with great ideas, but the execution here leaves something to be desired. For readers looking for a spooky, fast-paced YA read, it’s a fun ride, but it may not leave a lasting impression.

[Ashley Reindeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're in the mood for a fast-paced thriller with a unique twist, Superstition is for you! This book is a clever blend of college drama, relationships, investigative journalism, and a touch of the paranormal that'll have you side-eyeing every black cat in your vicinity!

Students at Van Buren University start dying after breaking common superstitions. It's a setup that feels both familiar and fresh - who hasn't joked about bad luck after spilling salt or stepping on a crack? But Blakey takes these old wives' tales and dials them up to deadly.

Our main character, Jerry Williams, is the kind of character you root for, but also get irritated with. He starts the story with his girlfriend Busby, immediately moves on to Darla after that sours, and gives mixed signals to both throughout the whole book. In my opinion, both girls were insufferable, but that's just me. Jerry is the kind of guy I'd like to give a swift kick in the ass to in the real world, but I found myself liking him in this book. He's sharp, determined, and stubborn to a fault - a classic journalist archetype, but with enough vulnerability to make him relatable. When Jerry gets suspended from the university's paper, "The Chronicle", due to clashing with the editor when all of his stories get shut down, he starts writing for "The Underground" which is the school's secret paper. With his new girlfriend Darla's help, together they risk everything to expose the truth of the deaths on campus before it's too late.

Blakey excels at building tension. The stakes escalate with each broken superstition, and by the time Friday the 13th looms closer, you're shouting at your book telling the characters to stop tempting fate! The pacing is relentless in the best way, keeping you hooked as Jerry and his friends dig deeper and deeper into the mystery. The mix of skepticism and belief among characters adds depth, making you question whether the deaths are really supernatural or the work of a deranged killer.

What makes Superstition stand out is the atmosphere. Blakey paints VBU as a vivid setting, from the bustling campus to the shadowy corners where danger lurks. The superstitions themselves feel like characters, adding a creepy, almost omnipresent threat.

My reasoning for this book getting 4 stars instead of 5, is some of the side characters could use a bit more development. They're memorable enough, but a few feel more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out people. Some of them could have added so much more to the story. That said, the novel was gripping so it's easy to overlook this.

Superstition is a fun, spooky read perfect for Halloween- a blend of classic superstitions with modern-day suspense. Whether you believe or are a hardcore skeptic, you'll find yourself second-guessing everything and everyone as you dive into this. Perfect for fans of campus mysteries, witchy reads, and the paranormal, you'll be kept at the edge of your seat from start to finish!

Don't break a mirror before reading this one - you won't want any bad luck interrupting your reading time! I can't wait for the second book to come out!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, City Owl Press, for providing this eARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on an uncorrected proof which did not sway my opinion either way.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Blakey’s Superstition is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that turns everyday superstitions into deadly omens. With its blend of investigative journalism, campus intrigue, and supernatural suspense, the novel weaves a tale that keeps readers hooked from its eerie opening to its pulse-pounding conclusion.

Content Overview

The story follows Jerry Williams, a driven sophomore journalist at Van Buren University, whose curiosity lands him in the middle of a chilling mystery. Students are dying in bizarre, seemingly unrelated accidents—but Jerry uncovers a startling connection: each victim has broken a common superstition. Despite resistance from his editor, university administrators, and even his friends, Jerry risks everything to uncover the truth. As the deaths escalate and Friday the 13th looms, Jerry must act quickly to prevent a catastrophe.

Strengths

Blakey excels at creating a tense, foreboding atmosphere. The campus setting, with its shadowy corners and mounting sense of dread, becomes a character in its own right, perfectly amplifying the book’s sinister tone. The superstitions—ordinary and seemingly harmless—are transformed into chilling harbingers of doom, adding a unique twist to the thriller genre.

Jerry is a compelling protagonist. His relentless pursuit of the truth, despite personal and professional risks, makes him both admirable and relatable. His relationships, particularly with his girlfriend Darla, add emotional stakes to the story, making the threat of danger feel even more urgent.

The pacing is another highlight. Blakey masterfully balances investigative journalism, character development, and suspense, building the tension as the stakes rise with each broken superstition. The climax, centred on the ominous arrival of Friday the 13th, is satisfyingly intense and keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Themes

Superstition explores themes of fear, belief, and the power of tradition. It questions whether our adherence to superstitions is irrational—or if there’s something darker lurking behind them. The novel also delves into journalistic integrity and the courage it takes to pursue the truth in the face of opposition.

Critique

While the book’s concept is fresh and its execution strong, some readers might find the explanation behind the deaths a bit far-fetched, especially if they lean toward logical resolutions. Additionally, certain side characters, such as Jerry’s editor or members of the university administration, could have been developed further to provide more depth to the story’s conflicts.

Conclusion

Superstition is a chilling and original thriller that turns everyday bad luck into a deadly curse. With its intriguing premise, relentless pacing, and a protagonist readers will root for, James Blakey delivers a story that’s as eerie as it is entertaining. Fans of supernatural mysteries and campus thrillers will find this book hard to put down. Be warned: you may never look at a broken mirror or spilled salt the same way again.

[Karolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is my review for Superstition by James Blakey

I got into this book quite quickly as it’s about superstition and I’m interested in that subject. Whether you believe in it or not, this book looks at a university where three students have all flouted three superstitions and died soon after, could it be coincidence? Or superstition working? Another Friday 13th is coming up, Jerry wants to stop any more deaths if possible, can he work out what is going on? This book is an intriguing read, it has Jerry doing his journalism and looking into superstition or bad luck which is very interesting and has him chasing age old details, then writing a far fetched story which he is hauled over the coals for by the editor of the school paper. It sets him off on a new track and is the basis of the story. I haven’t read a book like this before and it interests me, as the subject must have been researched to have so much detail in the book. The author has done a good job detailing superstition well enough to incorporate it in such a fashion that the story works well. I really enjoyed this story and thought it could be believable in some ways although I know it’s fiction. I like the synopsis of the story and I adore the cover with the black cat sitting on the front. I think that goes perfectly with the name of the book. I believe this is going to be a series so I’m looking forward to the next book.

Blurb :

An umbrella is opened indoors. A black cat crosses your path. Three cigarettes are lit from one match. These are omens of bad luck that no one takes seriously. But at Van Buren University when these, and other superstitions, are broken… students die.
Sophomore Jerry Williams’ hard-hitting reporting has won awards for Van Buren’s school newspaper. But when he connects a series of campus deaths to bad luck, his editor questions Jerry’s judgment, kills the story, and suspends him from the paper. But the superstition-related havoc continues, and Darla, Jerry’s new girlfriend, barely escapes with her life.
When Jerry digs deeper into the mystery and publishes his findings in the school’s alternative newspaper, the university administration threatens him with suspension for causing a panic. But Jerry’s reporting instincts won’t let him stop. With his friends and everyone else on campus at risk, it’s not like Jerry has much of a choice.
As Friday the 13th approaches, Jerry fears a catastrophe. He must uncover who—or what—is behind these bad luck deaths and determine how to stop it.

[Cassandra Bivens · Rating 5 out of 5]

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🎓✨ **Superstition** (The Secrets of Van Buren University, Book 1) by James Blakey ✨🔮

*A thrilling blend of mystery, dark secrets, and the paranormal that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.*

🌟✨ **Review:** ✨🌟

*Superstition* is an exciting, fast-paced novel that introduces readers to Van Buren University, a prestigious institution hiding secrets that go far beyond the ordinary. James Blakey weaves an intriguing story filled with mystery, supernatural elements, and dark academia vibes, creating a world where nothing is as it seems.

The protagonist’s journey into the hidden corners of the university is gripping, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The author does a great job building suspense, and the paranormal elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The characters are well-developed, and their complex relationships add depth to the story.

Though *Superstition* is the first in a series, it sets up the universe well, leaving readers eager to dive into the next installment. While there are moments where the pacing slows, the overall plot is compelling enough to keep you hooked until the very end.

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🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Dark Academia**: Perfect for fans of stories set in elite universities with hidden secrets and dark undertones.
- **Supernatural Mystery**: The blend of paranormal elements with a mystery-driven plot makes for a unique and captivating read.
- **Complex Characters**: Well-rounded characters with hidden motives keep the narrative dynamic and engaging.

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💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"In a world built on whispers and shadows, sometimes the only way to uncover the truth is to believe in the impossible."* - A fitting line that captures the essence of the supernatural mystery at the heart of the novel.

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🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)

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*Superstition* is a captivating start to *The Secrets of Van Buren University* series, offering a perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. James Blakey’s writing pulls you in, and the dark secrets of the university will leave you eager for more.

See more reviews at:
Casla Reads

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*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*

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[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Superstition by James Blakey

Rating: 3 Stars

So, I just finished Superstition by James Blakey and I’d give it a solid 3 stars. Let me break it down for you.

The story kicks off at Van Buren University, where a bunch of seemingly harmless superstitions—like opening an umbrella indoors or having a black cat cross your path—start to take a dark turn when they lead to actual deaths on campus. Our protagonist, Jerry Williams, is a sophomore journalist who’s super passionate about his reporting. He connects the dots between these gruesome happenings and the superstitions, but his editor isn’t having it. She shuts him down, and he finds himself suspended from the school newspaper. Talk about a buzzkill!

As the body count rises, Jerry’s girlfriend Darla gets caught up in the chaos, barely escaping with her life. This pushes Jerry into full-on detective mode as he decides to publish his findings in an alternative newspaper. But of course, the university administration isn’t thrilled about that either and threatens him with suspension for causing panic. It’s a race against time as Friday the 13th approaches, and Jerry has to figure out who—or what—is behind these bad luck deaths before it’s too late.

Now, onto my thoughts. Honestly, the beginning didn’t really grab me. It took a little while to get into the groove, but once I did, it was a fun read. The premise is intriguing—who doesn’t love a good murder mystery mixed with a bit of romance? The writing is beautiful and flows nicely, making it a quick read. However, I felt like the story got bogged down with too many extra tropes that didn’t quite fit together. There were all these cool ideas about superstitions leading to horrible deaths, but somehow it turned into a bit of a mishmash that didn’t fully click for me.

In the end, while I enjoyed the fast pace and the engaging writing style, I’m not sure I’m ready to dive into more books in this series. It was definitely entertaining but left me wanting something more cohesive. If you're looking for a light YA mystery with a sprinkle of romance, this might be right up your alley!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down to three because I found the plot a little predictable. However, the premise was intriguing, and I liked the way the author tied in the superstitions to the deaths in the story, it was very Final Destination-like.

Journalism major Jerry Williams is trying to follow in his father's footsteps by hoping to land a sensational story that will garner him lots of attention from bigwigs, despite the dwindling days of glory journalism and printed newspapers. He has written several stores for the Van Buren University Chronicle but unfortunately, the best stories are shot down by the editor in chief, likely due to how it paints the university in bad lighting but mostly to cover her own tush.

When several random deaths occur on campus, he starts to piece together the victims had a connection to a superstition that causes bad luck. And then the actual bad luck occurs in the form of a freak accident. The more Jerry puts together the more the university wants to silence him before he supposedly causes mass panic (what's unsaid is mostly panic among the major donors pulling funding... yay capitalism).

Like I said, the plot was promising but Jerry is such a self-absorbed jerk when he hops from one girlfriend to the next was completely off-putting. However, the girls weren't much better. This felt a lot more like high school than college and the whole OMG I got the cheerleader thing smacked of immaturity.

Also, note to the male author. You don't need to tell me what every single character is wearing when they appear in the scene. If it's not relevant to the plot, I don't care what color someone's sneakers are or the Addidas logo on their shirt. However, the outfit you put Jerry in for his big date with the cheerleader sounds like it doesn't match in the slightest. Yellow shirt and burgundy tie? Ewww.

I was impressed by the accuracy of Jerry's first aid skills but there was one glaring error (may be fixed in edits since this is an advance copy) that made me literally yell at my kindle. However, that's just me being picky.

Thank you to City Owl Press and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superstition, the first book in The Secrets of Van Buren University series by James Blakey, spins a chilling tale where age-old superstitions have life-or-death consequences. Blakey takes something as seemingly harmless as bad luck omens—like black cats and umbrellas opened indoors—and turns them into a gripping, supernatural thriller that will leave you on edge.

As a lover of mysteries and suspenseful narratives, this book hit all the right notes. Jerry Williams, the protagonist, is the kind of character you root for from the start. His relentless pursuit of the truth, even when it costs him his spot on the school newspaper, makes him both courageous and flawed. His determination is relatable, especially as he fights against skepticism from the university and faces danger head-on.

The tension heightens as Jerry unravels the connections between the mysterious deaths and broken superstitions. It’s not just a simple case of campus bad luck; there’s something far darker and more sinister at play. Blakey expertly builds suspense with each new piece of the puzzle Jerry uncovers. The stakes are real—students are dying, and even Jerry’s girlfriend, Darla, is pulled into the fray, raising the emotional intensity of the story.

What I especially enjoyed was how Superstition blends a supernatural mystery with campus life, making the story feel both grounded and eerie. Van Buren University comes alive as a backdrop, a place where every step and decision could be the one that breaks a superstition and spells doom.

As Friday the 13th looms closer, Blakey masterfully amps up the suspense, and you can’t help but race to the end, desperate to know how Jerry will stop the madness—or if he even can. For readers who love a mix of intrigue, high stakes, and supernatural elements, Superstition delivers an unforgettable journey. If you enjoy stories where the impossible becomes all too real, you’ll love unraveling the secrets of Van Buren University.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Superstition, James Blakey's debut speculative novel, the protagonist, Jerry, is a young man who exudes modern-day virtue that I long to see in real life, and it was pure pleasure to follow his journey. He grabbed me early and held me fast as he tries to save his college campus and fellow students from disaster while tying together at first seemingly unconnected superstitious events. The story is linear, tightly written with a natural flow that moves rapidly, without gratuitous sex, foul language, and car-chase scenes as filler: The story IS the story. It is a literary ride well worth taking-it is authentic, at times heartwarming and funny, blood-pressure raising, and very well written It draws you in. And it keeps you.
Jerry and a coterie of college students with academic ambition and the desire to do right, whatever the personal cost, lead you on a full-in quest to an unforeseen yet clear conclusion. Jerry connects students' injuries and deaths to superstitious events and he races to solve the mystery as to why they happened and who's behind them as Friday the 13th quickly approaches. Law enforcement, college faculty, and Jerry's current girlfriend aid and at times hinder, his efforts to prevent future calamities. Not only does he need to convince his pals of what may lie on the horizon, he must also recruit their technology skills to save the day, all while trying to impress his latest love interest: Darla, a hot, brainy cheerleader.
The energetic and ambitious cast of characters has great series potential, and the totality of the book--physical scenes, story line, and characters--give it tremendous screen-play potential. I eagerly await the next installment of Jerry's adventures.
Five stars and two thumbs up!
(I was provide an ARC.)

[Theodore J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever “who-done-it” wrapped in the occult. Set in the present on a fictional college campus, an intrepid student news reporter, Jerry, and his hot cheerleader girlfriend, Darla, try to piece together a string of coincidences linking serious injury or death to the violation of common superstitions. For example, a character opens an umbrella indoors only to soon be struck unconscious by lightning. Another character spills salt only to be subsequently killed in a car accident. Coincidence or is nature retaliating?

While magic and superstition long explained the world, today they tend to be merely parlor amusements. Mr. Blakey deftly straddles two worlds: the world of reality and the world of mystery. His list of characters at the beginning is reminiscent of 19th century literature further anchoring the novel across two eras. He has crafted an easy to follow, well-written story with touches of humor.

Though some of the characters are skeptical of the connection of superstition and their consequential events, others are not. The belief in superstition is not always convincing. Sometimes Jerry uses a “radio voice” when talking with one of his friends. This device seems a little forced but does advance the plot. Finally, there is an electronic device called a “jammer” developed by Mike, Jerry’s dorm roommate. Not so sure why anyone would develop such a device, but it is useful to the story.

Though, overall, I recommend this intriguing “who-done-it," creating three-dimensional characters as well as tangible stakes for them could elevate the story. You never really get the sense there is real danger or serious consequences. But the story is fun, nevertheless.

[Your_bookish_fantasy Kerri-louise Whitham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really dissapointed and just gutted about this one.

I love the cover and the idea of the book but it just screams juvenile and almost like a school assigned project. I really wish it was better as it had so much promise!

It really annoyed me that the author kept describing what every single character was wearing, even the side characters got introduced and then immediately there was a detailed paragraph on their clothes, brands, colours, style etc.. just thrown at you, it was just not needed! And it wasn't written into the story at all, it was just plonked into the middle, so you're reading about something and then your stopped in your tracks with this monstrosity of description.

i was really underwhelmed about 20% in because I felt like we needed more background for the characters and better world building, i just couldnt get hooked or invested in the storyline because the characters didn’t mean anything to me.

To be honest, the beginning of the book didn’t pull me in. I found there were far too many characters thrown right at you all at ince, it was difficult to keep up and to make it more confusing sometimes they were addressed by their first names but on the next page they were being called by their second names. The story gets really bogged down in extras which don't add to the narrative either. A romance angle, something about a homemade internet jammer that will also jam magic, and one dimensional characters with no real substance.

the plot was promising and i like the reporter angle but Jerry is such a self-absorbed so and so, he swaps from one girlfriend to the next but the girls weren't much better hence such an immature high school story rather than college. the cheerleader thing was off putting and written poorly.

The book was centred around superstition and leant in towards Witchcraft but it didn't really have anything to do with bad luck and there was pretty much no witchcraft in it. It felt anticlimactic with the rest of the narrative and like i previously said something I'd expect to read from a teenagers school project.

I kept thinking it's going to get better, a coven of witches is going to come into play or something and it just didn't. Not for me but maybe a much younger reader?

[Gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A string of campus deaths linked to superstitions. A college journalist trying to earn his place out of his famous father’s shadow. Dodgy AF faculty staff with their own agendas. Superstition is a fun, well-written whodunnit with paranormal elements, perfect for mystery lovers and YA fans alike.

The prologue captured my attention right away, I do love a bit of witchiness and magic! While the rest of the book does revolve around superstitions and the apparently fatal consequences of breaking them, I would have liked a more paranormal ending than this one - while I thought it was a good ending it really doesn’t have anything to do with superstition or magic.

Jerry is an interesting main character; his determination to hunt down and reveal the truth regardless of consequences puts him firmly in the good books, but his fickle - and often shallow I thought - attitude towards women is less pleasant. Hopefully he’ll mature a little in future books 😋

Plenty of red herrings and twists in this to keep you guessing as to who is behind all of the tragedies, along with clues dug up by Jerry as he races to find the culprit before the next Friday the 13th arrives.

Overall an easy and fun read, the perfect cosy mystery to lead you into the spooky season 👻

Thank you @lovebookstours for my #gifted copy of Superstition to read and review 🙏🏻

[Catherine Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blacks cats crossing your path, opening umbrellas indoors, Friday the 13th… we’ve all heard the superstitions, but what if they had real life consequences? Well, at Van Buren University, they do! When reporter Jerry Williams notices a strange pattern to the recent string of tragedies at his college, he is determined to uncover the truth behind what’s going on, whatever the cost.

This was such a fun read! Superstition is perfect for fans of stories with large casts of quirky characters, amateur sleuths, and supernatural elements. The author plays with different stereotypes of people you might find in a college setting—the ace reporter, the beautiful cheerleaders, the football players—and creates memorable characters that often surprise you.

I really enjoyed the shifts in POV, particularly when we got to see the “villain cam” of what was going on in the background, outside of our main characters’ knowledge. Looking forward to a sequel and spending more time with Jerry and Darla and seeing how they both grow across the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press for the ARC. Opinion is my own!

[Roz Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for this book had me intrigued, and I wasn't disappointed. The story mainly focuses on Jerry and his group of friends... There are a lot of characters, but I found it easy to keep up with them all.  The story felt like a movie from the late 90's, early 2000's where teens were dealing with someone or something terrorising them, and I loved that vibe. It is a slower build, and for me, the pacing could have been quicker with some details left out... BUT I really liked the writing style, and the interwoven stories kept me invested. It is a fun read, and there are lots of things to like about it. 


The story had some twists and turns, and it was fun trying to piece things together along with Jerry to figure out who was behind everything. For me, the main thing I liked was the setting and the characters and seeing what was going to happen next!


I will definitely look out for more books by this author. With thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.

[Christine Jetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway. I’ll give it a 3.75. It was a bit of a slow build, took a little while to get into the story. I’d say the first 40ish percent of the book you’re being introduced to the (laundry list of) characters and setting up for the main story. Once you really get into the main plot, it moves pretty quickly. It’s a fun book to read for spooky season especially if you’re superstitious. There were a few times I felt super old (these college students were class of 2026…I graduated high school in 2007) but this is definitely on the younger side of what I’m willing to read, I typically won’t read anything if the MC’s are younger than college age. This may not have been something I would have picked up on my own but it was a fun and easy read. As far as trigger warnings, none really, a couple of mentions of sexual assault, mentions of drinking, mentions of suicide and method, mentions of murder and methods, but nothing graphic, no spice or romance scenes. Safe for young adults probably 14 ish and older.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was t one of my absolutely favorite books, but it was pretty good. It flowed really nicely and moved quickly. The characters were all fairly interesting as individuals and worked well together. A few were not as likable, but they worked well in the story and I can see how they played an important part to the storyline.

When it came to the ending, I was honestly surprised. This person was never in my radar and I’m still left wondering why the author chose them. They didn’t seem to have the connection I was looking for to tie the past and present events together. Of their connection had been made in my mind, I think I would have been more likely to give 5 stars. It was the missing piece for me.

But overall the author did a good job with the ebbs d flow of the book, I read it within a day or two b/c it was easy to enjoy for long, relaxing spans.

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