Scar the Sky

by J. Todd Scott

Lightning never strikes twice–until it does.

A killer is hunting down survivors of lightning strikes in this dark and twisting thriller perfect for fans of Christopher Golden and J. H. Markert.

Everything changed for Andi Ellis when she was struck by lightning and her heart stopped. Andi was resuscitated, but she was never the same—electronics strangely malfunction in her clocks can’t keep time; batteries swiftly die. And while many lightning strike victims are left with temporary "lighting tree" markings, on her they are permanent scars. 

Years later Andi, her eight-year-old daughter, and a fellow lightning strike survivor have fled Texas and Andi’s dangerous ex to go off the grid in a strange and secluded desert community. 

Meanwhile, two private investigators pursue a US senator's missing daughter who they find too late. When searching for information on the strange lightning scars on the girl's body, they find themselves pulled into an FBI investigation – people who have been struck by lightning are being murdered. 

As the death toll mounts, the task force traces the killer further west--closer and closer to Andi Ellis and her daughter, and the haven she's carefully created. 

Thriller and horror readers will be enthralled by the dark turns in The Lightning Tree Murders.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2025

About the author

A retired federal law enforcement agent with thirty years of experience, J. Todd Scott was a finalist for the 2024 International Thriller Writers Award for Best Paperback Original and is the critically acclaimed author of six crime, suspense, and thriller novels. He is also a film and TV producer and screenwriter, most recently for the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

Find Todd at JTODDSCOTT.COM.

Reviews

[Jason Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read a pre-pub copy of Scott's new one, and it is--apologies for the pun--electric. A twisty serial killer thriller with hints of the supernatural set in the vast, almost-alien American southwest. Scott might've been a DEA agent, and the procedural elements are tense and believable, but his true skill lies in the heart his characters show. Specifically, the relationship between Andi and her daughter. I devoured this over three days at an AirBNB in Vermont. You're going to love it.

[Jacquelyn Dohoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t even know where to start with this one. I am shocked that this is a debut. It was a fantastic book, written like a veteran of the craft! This is one of those stories that make you feel like you’re friends with the characters, so when it starts going down, you feel like you’re there right along with them. I thought for sure this would be a bit cheesy like the SyFy channel end of the world movies I love so much. But it wasn’t at all. The author clearly did a ton of research and it definitely shows in his writing. It kept me hooked from the very beginning, everything from the plot to tension and pacing was on point. I really didn’t want it to end. I can see this author going really far in his writing career and I will absolutely be there for every one of his future books!

Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

[David Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with J. Todd Scott’s other works, it would be helpful if Scar the Sky had a warning on the cover: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE NOVEL…IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN. Indeed, I began this book in the mid-afternoon, and ended up setting aside chores, errands, and other commitments until I completed the novel later in the evening. The story begins with a wallop when Andi, a 26-year old teacher, is stuck by lightning. Suffering from the pain and trauma of the experience, her life is never the same; and before she knows it, Andi flees an abusive relationship to find herself living in a remote desert community with other misfits and outcasts. At the same time, Rio and Linnea, two investigators with ties to the FBI, are on the search for a serial killer. Both of them, each with a different set of unusual skills, are two of the most fascinating characters I’ve encountered amidst the endless number of novels that I’ve read in recent years. Not surprisingly, their investigation eventually leads them into the orbit of Andi’s world.

Nearly all of the central characters have an aura of mystery around them, as well as a fascinating backstory explaining how they arrived at their current point in time. In addition, Scott does amazing work with foreshadowing; sometimes using a sentence or two, and other times with just a few words. At several times in the story, I was convinced that I had had identified the mysterious antagonist/serial killer; however, as the clues and evidence continued to shift my focus towards different characters, it wasn’t until the very end of the novel that everything was revealed. If Alfred Hitchcock were still directing films, Scar the Sky would have been tailor-made for his talents.

Of the 60+ books that I have read in 2025, Scar the Sky would definitely be among the top three of them. Along with being superbly well written, the characters and plot were everything that readers of crime/mystery/suspense/thrillers could ask for in a novel. Many thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicola Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rounded up)

Andi is a lightning strike survivor who’s on the run with her daughter, hiding out in a remote desert town where storms are rare. At the same time, Linnea and Adan—former FBI agents turned private investigators—are pulled into a missing persons case that soon connects to a serial killer targeting other lightning strike survivors. Their investigation eventually brings them back into the orbit of the FBI, thanks to their unique skill set.

The premise is really intriguing, and while the story started off a bit heavy for me, I’m glad I stuck with it. The pacing builds as it goes, and by the end the shorter, punchier chapters had me turning pages much faster.

I didn’t find most of the characters particularly easy to connect with, although as a mother I did resonate with Andi’s fierce drive to protect her daughter. Personally, I was more drawn to the FBI investigators’ storyline—it had more momentum and layers to unravel.

There were definitely some twists I didn’t see coming. Even though I had a suspicion about who the killer might be, the author kept me guessing with plenty of red herrings along the way.

Overall, a dark and original thriller with a clever premise and a strong finish.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of thrillers and let me tell you- this is a great one. Andi was struck by lighting while standing on a playing field in Virginia and brought back to life by Max. Now, though she's hiding in the Arizona desert with her daughter Ruby. Linnea was a brilliant consultant to the FBI until she was taken by a serial killer but rescued by her partner Rio. Now she's putting her ability to see patterns to work as a PI alongside Rio. Their hunt for Abby Walden opens can of worms and reveals that a serial killer is stalking those who survived a lightning strike. The two stories proceed in parallel until they link up in a wow fashion. This has terrific characters, not just Andi, Ruby, Linnea,and Rio, but also those they meet along the way. It's incredibly well paced and nicely twisty. And it kept me guessing. No spoilers! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. If you read one serial killer story this year, make it this.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was full of suspense and mystery. We are following Andi, as she tries to escape her past. Years earlier she died when she was hit by lightning. Thanks to the quick actions of Max, she got a second chance at her life. Now, she is hiding from her past with her daughter Ruby.

Also, there is a killer (LTK) targeting lightning strike survivors. All of the victims are female and around the same age/build. We also get the POV of the private investigators who are trying to find the killer.

Chapter 7 was pretty cool because it took place 10 minutes from my house. It was fun knowing exactly where it took place. I had fun trying to figure out who the killer was. I was wrong 😂.

The ending really ramped up with the suspense! I loved how it all played out and the ending was satisfying.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing. As in, I am not certain I am smart enough to
truly understand the consequences of Lightening ~ I have
been terrified of lightening from childhood, and remain so
as an adult. This story is very well constructed and the plot
line is absolutely original & terrifying.
I enjoyed the locales & scenery in Arizona & New Mexico.
The Author has his own style that is just perfect for this
fascinating, somewhat educational story ~ a superb thriller
from beginning to end! He owns the serial killer genre!
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for the
download copy of this book for review purposes.

[Pattyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Scar the Sky. I loved Scott’s previous novel so much that I had to read this book.
This is different and I will say complex and interesting.
The novel centers on a young woman who was struck by lightning. She dies but is brought back to life. Her name is Andi and she becomes part of a group of people who have been struck by lightning.
But her life is not normal and neither is she. She is soon on the run in fear of her life and that of a little girl named Ruby, her daughter.
Meanwhile two FBI agents are investigating the murder of a young woman. And their case soon intersects with Ands life.
There are many characters and subplot

[H. Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scar the Sky is a masterful work that blends grit, emotion, and atmosphere into an unforgettable reading experience. J. Todd Scott’s prose is both sharp and poetic, pulling you deep into the story from the very first page. The tension builds beautifully, the characters feel raw and real, and every twist lands with impact.

This is the kind of book that lingers long after you finish—haunting, powerful, and full of heart. Scott proves once again that he knows how to craft stories that cut to the bone and stay with you. Absolutely deserving of five stars.

[Melissa Doss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book yesterday and then woke up to thunder & lightning this morning. It’s was fun to read this lightning theme book during a small desert storm in Arizona. I loved that it was set in places I know and could really picture what was happening. I didn’t know who the lighting killer was til the end. I kept thinking it was going to be someone else. 🙈 It was a quick and fun read.

[Samantha Cosgrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scar the Sky by J. Todd Scott – 4 stars. Fast-paced and gripping, with plenty scenarios to keep you on edge. The characters are well drawn, and the stakes feel real, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Daryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good one from Scott. The LTK could’ve had a bit more of a presence in the novel but otherwise I really enjoyed it.

[Robyn]

Reading List 2025 #143

[Ben Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts a little slowly but builds into a satisfying and unusual serial killer thriller

[kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5! i'm glad that so many other people enjoyed this so far, but i'm going to have to be the outlier here. i like an original premise and i love a mystery/thriller with a law enforcement perspective, but this one just didn't do it for me. my review for this comes a few months after its publication (sorry!) but it was hard to want to pick this one up and keep reading it.

one of my biggest gripes is that the exposition made felt like i was constantly playing catch up. it's a standalone novel, but it made me feel like i had missed two or three novels worth of events that happened beforehand -- novels that i'd be super interested in reading! in media res was just a bit of weird choice for me in this particular story. this book was a decent length but i still feel like i didn't really get to know any of the characters very well, except for maybe andi. because i didn't have that kind of actual foundation, the killer reveal just fell really flat as well. i'd definitely give this author another chance, but this one just wasn't for me.

thank you to netgalley and crooked lane books for the advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!