Mud Lake

by T.J. Buck

An ex-priest and a former porn star move to a small lake town where a serial killer is at large. A sheriff's department detective leads the investigation as the lives of more young girls and the future of the tourist town hang in the balance. Will evil be stopped?
- Good cops, bad cops, love, murder, and a priest’s redemption. Father Joe—part Francis Mulcahy, part Pale Rider. Love him. Buck has written a gem." - Douglas Osgood, Western short story writer.
- “A wild ride of murder, suspense, a priest and a porn star. This novel hits all the feels and keeps you guessing! A must read.” – D.M. Swanson, children’s author.
- "Mud Lake tells the tale of Father Joe, a priest fresh from the cooler, and Dawn, formerly porn star Destiny Starchild, in a serial killer mystery. Great characters with depth. Good dialogue and action. Short chapters keep the pace quick and moving. An excellent read." - Coy Hall, author of A Seance For A Wicked Death King and The Switchblade Svengali.
- "Mud Lake weaves a gripping tale of suspense, redemption, and unlikely heroes, as an ex-priest and a former porn star navigate a chilling serial killer mystery, what happens when past sins collide with the urgent need to stop evil?" - best selling romance author Taylor Jenkins Reid.

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Coy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mud Lake tells the tale of Father Joe, a priest fresh from the cooler, and Dawn, formerly porn star Destiny Starchild, in a serial killer mystery. Great characters with depth. Good dialogue and action. Short chapters keep the pace quick and moving. An excellent read.

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Unique Thriller That Stays with You

Mud Lake stands out not only for its suspenseful plot but for its incredible character work. Father Joe and Dawn are such unconventional heroes, yet their struggles make them relatable and endearing. The way their paths intersect with the murder investigation is brilliantly executed.
The short chapters keep the story moving at a breakneck pace, and the climax is both shocking and satisfying.
This is a thriller that doesn’t just entertain it makes you think. Highly recommended for fans of dark, character-driven mysteries.

[D.A. Wysong International Author Paranormal Author - Screenwri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Crossed Heros

Mud Lake Doesn’t disappoint if you love true crime stories. Joe is an Ex Priest and Dawn is an ex prostitute who are a very unconventional and unlikely duo. The two end up being a great team of unlikely partners and hero’s.

The story is fast paced as they face many struggles along the way.
The way their paths intersect with an investigation of a murder is very entertaining.

This is a thriller that doesn’t just entertain it makes you think. Highly recommended if you live crime & surprise plot twists.

[M Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping Tale of Redemption, Love, and Chilling Suspense


Wow, where do I even start with this one? This book completely took me by surprise in the best way possible. I mean, an ex-priest, a former porn star, and a serial killer all tangled up in a small lake town? It sounds like a setup for a wild ride—and trust me, it absolutely is—but what really hit me was how much heart and depth this story has.

Let’s talk about Father Joe. He’s one of those characters you can’t help but root for. He’s flawed and struggling with his past, but he’s also compassionate and determined to make a difference. Think part gentle soul, part badass, with just enough grit to keep things interesting. His dynamic with the former porn star is honestly one of the most refreshing relationships I’ve read in a while. There’s no judgment, just two people trying to figure out life while dealing with a whole lot of baggage. It’s raw, it’s real, and it gives the story so much heart.

Now, the mystery. The serial killer plot had me hooked from the start. Buck does an amazing job keeping the tension high, throwing in twists and turns that kept me guessing right up to the end. The small-town vibe adds this extra layer of claustrophobia—everyone’s watching, everyone’s whispering, and you never know who to trust. The sheriff’s department, with its mix of good and not-so-good cops, adds to the drama, and the lead detective? A total standout.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a murder mystery. It’s a story about redemption, forgiveness, and what it means to be human. Buck doesn’t sugarcoat anything—these characters have messy, complicated lives, and that’s what makes them so relatable. The themes of love and second chances hit hard, and I found myself genuinely moved by the way these characters grow and change throughout the story.

The writing is sharp and engaging, with just the right balance of suspense, humor, and emotional punch. And the pacing? Perfect. I couldn’t put it down—every chapter pulled me deeper into the story.

If you’re into thrillers with complex characters and a lot of heart, you’ve got to pick this one up. It’s dark, it’s hopeful, and it’s got just the right amount of edge. Buck has written something truly special here. Do yourself a favor and dive in—you won’t regret it.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

This is more than just a murder mystery—it's a wild, emotional ride that tugs at your heartstrings and keeps your mind racing. With a cast of richly developed characters and a plot full of twists and turns, this book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, drama, and stories of profound personal transformation.
The unlikely duo of an ex-priest and a former porn star offers a depth of humanity and vulnerability that draws you in, while the gripping investigation led by the determined sheriff’s detective keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Buck’s storytelling is a rare blend of grit and grace, delivering raw emotion alongside nail-biting suspense. The author’s vivid descriptions and keen understanding of human nature make this story not just a thriller, but a poignant exploration of the choices that define us.
Readers will find themselves rooting for his redemption while marveling at the sharp contrasts he represents part wise mentor, part tormented soul.

[P.J. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mud Lake by T.J. Buck

'Mud Lake' is an exciting thriller that blends murder, suspense, and redemption together in an unexpected, interesting story. Father Joe, an ex-priest seeking a fresh start, and Dawn, a former porn star, settle in a small lake town plagued by a sinister serial killer who preys on young women.
The writing is fast-paced, with very short chapters, which keep the tension high and frantic as the mystery of the serial killer deepens. The descriptions create an eerie, hunted atmosphere that pulls the reader into the murders.
I recommend this book to fans of crime thrillers and atmospheric mysteries!

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. A lot." - Is a great line to open a novel.
The story opens with a porn star facing repercussions, and a preacher trying to shield her from a dangerous man. In the early portion of the book, it ends up costing him the old life he built up.

The majority of the story leads to both of them burying the past and moving on...or trying to. But this new town has a serial killer planning to strike again. Good and bad cops, small town concerns and rumors, misbehaving teenagers, threats and bigotry are just some of the ingredients in the mix.

The pace went fast and the suspense kept me plowing through chapters to the end.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murders in a small town

Joe is an ex-priest and ex-con, arrested for punching a cop. Dawn is a former porn star. When they get the chance to open a bookshop together they take it. But things get scary when teenage girls end up dead. A task force is formed but there are no leads. And then the lead they do have comes to a tragic end. But the killer has a target and it just might get him caught.

An intriguing story from start to finish.

[Ashton Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mud Lake is a gritty, unconventional murder mystery that drips with small-town rot and raw humanity. It’s like if Raymond Chandler wrote True Detective with a splash of pulp Western flair. The pairing of an ex-priest and a former adult film star as amateur sleuths feels weird at first, until it doesn’t. They’re broken, real, and ultimately the heart of the story. If you want a mystery with soul and a bit of sin, this one’s for you.

[Alicia Pavlova · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Literary Critic’s Take

In Mud Lake, Buck offers a character-driven thriller that explores the weight of redemption and the human need for connection amidst chaos.
The prose is spare yet evocative, the pacing cinematic, and the setting becomes a character in itself.
While the mystery plot satisfies genre fans, it’s the quiet moments between Father Joe and Dawn that elevate this story into something profound.
A surprisingly tender novel wrapped in a gritty thriller.

[Josee Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏👏
Centered around a disgraced priest and a reformed adult film star, the story unravels in a quiet town haunted by a brutal killer.
The characters are raw, layered, and unforgettable, while the plot is fast-moving and full of unexpected turns.
It’s a chilling yet human tale of confronting inner demons while trying to stop something far more sinister lurking in the shadows.
A powerful read that explores guilt, hope, and redemption in the face of evil.

[John Willems · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't take long, but it does hold your attention. It starts off by explaining how Joe, a priest by calling, ends up running a bookstore in Mud Lake right before a series of murders takes place. Then, it's a murder mystery as the town has to determine who the killer is before someone else dies and their tourism industry dries up. There's a surprise twist ending. Highly recommend.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This book had me hooked! I picked it up expecting a typical crime mystery but got something way deeper. Father Joe is not your average priest, and Dawn totally surprised me.

The way their stories unfold alongside the serial killer plot kept me flipping pages late into the night. Super fast-paced, with twists I didn’t see coming.

[Marina Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mud Lake reads like a perfect screenplay waiting to happen. The dialogue is snappy, the pacing is tight, and the characters practically walk off the page. I can see the whole thing playing out on HBO or Netflix: dark lakeside cinematography, emotionally rich characters, and just enough blood and betrayal to keep viewers on edge. Somebody option this book now.

[Denise Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget the serial killer Father Joe and Dawn stole the show for me. The way Buck writes them, they feel so human. Joe’s crisis of faith and Dawn��s fight to reclaim her identity give the novel emotional weight. Their relationship is delicate, sometimes funny, sometimes painful, and always real. I’d read a whole series with just these two solving small-town crimes.

[Nico Moreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to pin Mud Lake down, and that’s exactly what makes it so good. It’s part crime thriller, part redemption story, part dark satire. Somehow, Buck balances the creepy atmosphere of a serial killer hunt with heartfelt character arcs and even a few laughs. If you like your mysteries a little messy, deeply human, and impossible to predict, give this one a try.

[Ace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, entertaining read. Fast paced murder mystery with relatable characters. I started reading this book on a plane during a business trip. Before I knew it, I was at my destination. That’s how I know it’s a great read; one you can become immersed in. Definitely recommend!

[Henry Geller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Secrets Beneath Still Waters
Mud Lake delivers a chilling murder mystery wrapped in sharp dialogue and emotional depth. The chemistry between the leads unexpected and moving makes this thriller a standout in the genre.

[Cori Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Unlikely Allies, Unforgettable Story"

Mud Lake is a bold, genre-blending thriller that explores redemption, justice, and morality with razor-sharp twists.
A truly original page-turner.