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The Swamps

Not yet published
Expected 27 Jan 26
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Some disappearances are tragedies. Others are warnings.

Macy and Ethan built their careers chasing the unknown, turning their YouTube channel, Ghost Patrol, into a viral sensation as they investigated the paranormal. But when they venture into the murky depths of the Louisiana bayou to investigate the disappearances of Emily Tremblay and Elizabeth Brockton alongside team members Tasha and Max, their latest case takes a lethal turn.

What begins as a routine hunt for answers quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Shadows move where they shouldn't. Secrets surface where none should exist. And when Macy stumbles upon a horrifying truth, she realizes they were never just hunting a story; they were lured here for a reason. As the swamp closes in and the line between hunter and hunted blurs, one thing becomes terrifyingly some secrets are better left buried.

200 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 27, 2026

979 people want to read

About the author

Seraphina Nova Glass

10 books3,250 followers
Seraphina Nova Glass is a two-time EDGAR AWARD nominated author. Hew novel, On A Quiet Street, was a New York Times Summer Read, a #1 Amazon Bestseller, and Editor’s Pick. It was also featured in the Boston Globe and Bustle.

Publisher’s Weekly has named her “a writer to watch.” She’s also an award-winning playwright and holds an MFA degree in
Dramatic Writing from Smith College, and a second MFA in Directing from the University of Idaho in Directing (theatre.)
 
She is a proud dog mom to Boston Terrier Spaghetti, and loves to travel the world with her husband, Mark. She resides in Dallas, TX.



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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Nilufer Ozmekik.
3,118 reviews60.6k followers
November 26, 2025
Okay, so this novella leans hard into that delicious blend of Southern urban legend meets psychological thriller, sprinkled with vivid paranormal energy—and honestly, that’s a combination I can never resist. Add to that the fact that it’s written by one of my go-to thriller authors, and I went in ready to be obsessed. I’ve devoured all her previous works, and she rarely misses. But this time… the story didn’t quite live up to the promise of its incredibly intriguing premise.

We follow Macy and Ethan, a charismatic YouTuber duo whose channel Ghost Patrol instantly gives off Mulder-and-Scully vibes—Ethan the true believer, Macy the hardened skeptic. Their brand revolves around investigating eerie sites and unraveling creepy urban myths, and now they’re on the brink of landing their dream gig: a true crime show on Netflix. Their latest case takes them deep into the Louisiana bayou, where two women have mysteriously vanished, sending shockwaves through the community.

The town is steeped in superstition—some locals are convinced something demonic is at play, while the church congregation fanatically echoes their preacher’s dogma. Others whisper that the disappearances might be linked to a recently shuttered asylum whose former patients have supposedly slipped back into town with sinister intentions. There’s so much juicy, atmospheric potential here.
Alongside Macy’s POV, we meet Tasha—who arrives with her boyfriend Max and Max’s encyclopedic brother Robert. Tasha is an aspiring actress with multiple master’s degrees, barely scraping by, and openly jealous of Macy and Ethan’s rising fame. She believes she’d handle the camera better and doesn’t shy away from stirring the pot.

The creepy, decaying cabin they’re renting, plus their bizarre landlord and even stranger handyman, deliver some of the book’s most fun and unsettling moments. And Robert, with all his niche paranormal knowledge, could’ve been a standout supporting character.

But here’s the problem: because the novella is so short, the story doesn’t have time to nurture its characters—or many of its fascinating ideas. Tasha’s POV, for instance, feels unnecessary; she comes across as self-centered and unlikeable, and her chapters don’t add much besides noise. Macy has some intriguing layers—especially her sleepwalking mystery—but the supporting cast needed far more fleshing out for their arcs to land.

The ending also feels rushed—almost like sprinting through the final chapters. The villain is revealed too quickly, the motive feels far-fetched, and the resolution doesn’t simmer long enough to deliver the gut-punch the twist deserves. Even the epilogue left me blinking, wondering if I missed something.

This story genuinely has a fantastic concept. Southern folklore, eerie Louisiana atmosphere, decaying houses with unseen watchers, paranormal rumors—it’s all there. And the final twist is clever. But the breakneck pacing, lack of character development, and too-quick reveals kept the impact from fully landing.

Honestly, it feels like reading the summary of an excellent novel rather than the novel itself. This story needed at least another hundred pages to breathe, deepen the characters, lean into the gothic tone, and let the tension simmer. With that space, it could have been phenomenal.

So, I’m giving this a solid three stars—a gripping, fast-moving read with incredible potential and great atmosphere, but ultimately too rushed to deliver the powerhouse effect it deserves. I’ll absolutely continue reading Seraphina Nova Glass’s work, and I hope the next one gives her wonderfully twisted ideas more room to unfold.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for sharing this gripping thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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Profile Image for SJARR ✨.
311 reviews44 followers
November 26, 2025
I don’t think swamp thrillers will ever get old…

This is a pretty quick and easy read.
It’s fairly simple, so I wouldn’t call it particularly “groundbreaking”. But with that being said, I still enjoyed it a lot and I thought it was a solid thriller.

This has “Where the Crawdad’s Sing” vibes (it actually gets a mention in this story).
That happens to be one of my top thrillers of all time (as I said, swamp thrillers will never die) so, I’m pretty happy to have gotten to have a similar-ish experience again.

I have to give some bonus points for the fact that this is quite short.
Sometimes thrillers tend to start dragging out for me. They get a bit extra, and I just want to know what happens in the end.
This one wasn’t like that though! The length and the pacing of this was awesome for me. I didn’t feel like it was being overly drawn out, or that there was too much filler information.
Honestly at no point did I have the “let’s wrap this up” thought that I usually do, so that is exciting!

Now, one slight downfall of the length- is that less time is spent on introducing the characters and giving them really distinct personalities and making them connectable.
In this case, I didn’t actually mind it too much (because I liked the actual plot enough to not be super concerned with each character as an individual).
But it may be notable for readers who find it very necessary to connect with the MCs to enjoy a story.

Not really a critique, but something I would have liked to see: a bit more showing to match the telling.
There are several points throughout where there are mentions of vooodoo practice and black magic going on here.
But, nothing was really done with it.
I think this would have been a perfect addition to the story.
I mean, we are in the Louisiana Bayou after all. It would have been so fitting to spook things up a bit more, with some local magic lore.
Adding in some more elements and scenes with that vibe probably would have pushed this to five stars for me.

Overall, I liked it and I think it’s worth the read- especially if you have some sort of interest/special love for the setting, or have enjoyed similar stories before!

Thank you to Netgalley, Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing and author Seraphina Nova Glass for providing me with the eARC of “The Swamps” in exchange for my
honest review!
Publication date: January 27, 2026
Profile Image for _blondebooknerd.
430 reviews137 followers
November 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Seraphina Nova Glass, and Podium Entertainment for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Swamps by Seraphina Nova Glass — is a creepy, atmospheric, modern paranormal thriller that had me hooked from the first page. And TWO Seraphina approvals in a row?? Feeling lucky… 🍀😉

🗓️ Publishing January 27, 2026

✨ What I Loved ✨
🌿 That eerie, heavy Louisiana bayou atmosphere
📹 A modern YouTuber paranormal-investigator angle that actually works
🏚️ The “glamping” Airbnb from your nightmares
🕯️ Tarot cards, asylum lore, paranormal touches
📈 Pacing SO tight I read all 200 pages in one sitting

Ethan and Macy, hosts of the viral Ghost Patrol channel, head to the bayou to investigate the disappearance of two women. What’s supposed to be a glamping trip becomes a full-blown horror show:
— creepy symbols hanging from trees
— no AC
— dilapidated everything
— a vibe that says: “turn around now”

But with their channel on the line (and a possible Netflix deal 👀), they call in their team and dig deeper. The deeper they go, the stranger it gets — shadows where shadows shouldn’t be, secrets bubbling up from the swamp, and a chilling realization that they aren’t just investigating a story… they’ve been pulled into one.

& The Verdict is..
This was compulsively readable, spooky in all the right ways, and delivered that signature Seraphina tension I always love.
The atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. 😮‍💨
The pacing? Perfect.
The blend of thriller + paranormal? Refreshing.

Seraphina Nova Glass remains a must-read author for me, and this one solidifies it even more.

🌙 Swampy, spooky, fast-paced, and absolutely worth picking up.
Profile Image for Heathers_readss.
854 reviews169 followers
November 21, 2025
As always seraphina Nova glass nails another novel, i can say at this point I honestly love all of her books 😂

If you are a fan of hauntings, ghost tv shows, mystery behind missing persons, creepy isolated small towns with sketchy residents please do yourself a favour and read this one!

The book immediately captured my interest and maintained momentum throughout. The scene where the FMC thinks shes waking up from a nightmare to find an actual strange man stood by her bed with a hammer 😳😳 I knew from that point this book was going to serve 😂

Thank you for the gifted copy this was such a fun read! All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Mandy K .
316 reviews39 followers
November 30, 2025
The Swamps 5⭐️

This novella was a great spooky quick read! Macy and Ethan have found success as YouTube paranormal investigators. Their schtick involves Ethan being the gung-ho ghost optimist and Macy as the skeptic. With a big Netflix break just out of reach, they decide to take a risk and expand to a real-time true crime case in Louisiana. If they can crack the case (with great footage, too, of course), they are sure to get the Netflix offer. So, they rent a rundown cabin in the middle of swampy Louisiana with their friends, Max and Tasha (and Max’s tag-a-long brother), who make up the rest of their small crew, and interview the locals in hopes of finding 2 missing women.

The story is told from 2 POVs: Macy and Tasha. Tasha is feeling jealous of Macy’s success when it’s what she always wanted and Macy is questioning the ethics of inserting themselves in an unscripted missing person’s case. I liked both perspectives and found each character unique and complex. The supporting small town characters were interesting and suspicious. Throw in an overly religious church/cult, the alligator infested swamps, and a creepy kid…and you have a perfect spooky-edge-of-your-seat suspenseful story!

The pictures at the beginning of chapters were a fun touch!

Pub Date Jan 27 2026

Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for this ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Profile Image for Stacy40pages.
2,197 reviews162 followers
November 23, 2025
The Swamps by Seraphina Nova Glass. Thanks to @thrillerbookloverspulse for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one was so atmospheric. I loved the setting and how the occult/voodoo was brought into it. The ghost hunter podcast background was fun, especially with the different hosts’ personalities and their banter. I could tell it would be a popular show. As a novella, every page counts and exudes suspense and intrigue. The illustrations were a nice touch as well.

“We may have come for the Netflix deal and fame of cracking the case, but now it’s so real. It feels different. Important. Urgent.”

Read this book if you like:
-Novellas
-Southern fiction
-Atmospheric reads
-Missing women trope
-Ghost hunter podcasts/shows
-Voodoo feels

The Swamps comes out 1/27.
Profile Image for Julie (JuJu).
1,165 reviews221 followers
November 11, 2025
ARC REVIEW: THE SWAMPS
TBP - January 27, 2026
200 Pages - 4.5 STARS

Seraphina Nova Glass first landed on my radar thanks to The Pulse crew on Instagram. Ever since, I’ve been snatching up her ARCs like they’re the last books I’ll get my hands on. Shoutout to Tonya for fueling my obsession.

I adored this spine-chilling tale. “The Swamps” is a pure bayou nightmare. Few things are scarier than drifting through gator-infested waters on a ghost hunt where voodoo is a familiar part of the scenery. This is the kind of adventure that’s thrilling to read about, but I’d never want to experience firsthand.

The length was spot-on for me. The author skips the filler and gets right to the good stuff. Macy and Ethan run a paranormal YouTube channel that’s basically Scooby-Doo for the TikTok generation.

I’ve read my fair share of this author’s stuff, but this one has its own wild, weird energy. I devoured it, loving every twist and every bit of delicious Louisiana weirdness. And it delivers a surprise ending. My socks are still floating somewhere in the swamp! Solid 4.5 stars from me.

Thanks to the author and Podium Publishing for the ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#TheSwamps #SeraphinaNovaGlass #PodiumPublishing #NetGalley #CapCut

Advanced Reading Copy - Thriller Book Lovers - Fortune Teller - Disappearance - Bed and Breakfast - Ghost Patrol
Profile Image for Jeff.
828 reviews27 followers
November 30, 2025
Podcasters Macy and Ethan head to the bayous of Louisiana to investigate the disappearance of two local girls in The Swamps. The story immediately grips you as the married team arrives at a decrepit BNB on a swamp near where one of the girls lived. There’s plenty of tension as the plot builds, and interviews with locals only add to the fear factor that the team experiences as they chase the story. This is a short and quick read, as a simple plot and minimal cast keeps the story moving and the reader engaged. After a great buildup, the ending felt a little contrived, and that affected the review outcome, but overall it’s an entertaining read. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for LibraryLaur.
1,716 reviews68 followers
September 13, 2025
Too much swearing and creepiness for my taste, and not enough character development...but definitely a fast read.

*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Janna (Bibliophile Mom).
226 reviews23 followers
November 28, 2025
The Swamps is a novella that explores paranormal elements while including some commentary on influencer culture and the lengths people will go for fame and money. It’s a fast-paced, straightforward read, and I was excited to dive in after enjoying the author’s previous works.

While the premise had potential, I found the story quite predictable and the characters didn’t leave a lasting impression. The writing style was okay, but the ending and overall turn of events felt underwhelming. That said, the isolated setting was a highlight for me as I’ve always enjoyed that trope, and the dynamic between the two couples, each with their own motives, added authenticity to the narrative.

What I Liked:
* Atmospheric swamp setting
* Whodunit vibe
* Quick, accessible read

What fell short:
* Predictable plot developments
* Motive behind the crime felt weak
* Overall lacked depth and substance

Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting: 3⭐️
❥ Character Building: 2⭐️
❥ Writing Style: 2⭐️
❥ Message: 2⭐️
❥ Overall: 2⭐️

In the end, The Swamps is a decent choice if you’re looking for a quick read to boost your reading goals. Just don’t expect shocking twists or layered character work as it’s more of a surface-level story. Personally, I wished it had been longer, as a full-length novel might have allowed the themes and characters to develop more fully.

Thanks to NetGalley, Podium Entertainment, and Seraphina Nova Glass for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

~JaNnA~
Profile Image for Samantha (bookstasamm).
1,007 reviews87 followers
November 21, 2025
When YouTube ghost hunters Macy and Ethan head into the Louisiana bayou to investigate two disappearances, their routine case twists into a deadly trap because someone lured them there, and the swamp isn’t the only thing stalking them. As shadows move and secrets rise, they realize some truths are far more dangerous than whatever they were chasing.

I’m a big fan of Seraphina Nova Glass, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy, and wow, this novella packs a punch. At just 200 pages, it’s the kind of story you want to devour in one sitting. Glass drops you straight into the eerie stillness of the Louisiana bayou, where the air feels heavy, the water hides secrets, and every shadow feels like it’s watching. Between the strange happenings in the swamp and the disappearance of two local women, the tension ramps up fast and never lets go.

I loved the dual POVs and kept thinking how incredible this would sound on audio with the right narrators. The pacing was razor-sharp, the atmosphere unsettling in the best way, and the suspense had me on edge. I did manage to piece everything together, but only a few pages before the reveal, which made it even more fun. If you’re a fan of Ghost Hunters-style paranormal investigations or love a thriller with a spooky, backwoods vibe, this one absolutely delivers. I can’t wait to see what Glass gives us next.

Thank you Podium Publishing and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Christina Faris (books_by_the_bottle).
871 reviews30 followers
November 24, 2025
Thank you to Podium Publishing for the ARC!!

Ghost hunters Macy and Ethan have made a living chasing the supernatural. Their newest investigation brings them to swamps of Louisiana, where they quickly find out this isn’t just a regular case. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this story! From the very beginning, there was this feeling of something being not quite right. The characters were easy to like as well. For a novella, the author really packed a lot in.
The illustrations between chapters were pretty cool too! We love Seraphina Nova Glass at The Pulse and were so excited to get our hands on this one!

“The Swamps” releases January 27, 2026. This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
Profile Image for Hannah.
47 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2025
This was my 2nd book by this author. The story was great and really kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading the book. It was creepy and scary in some parts. As it does take place in the swamps in darkness and with alligators.
Profile Image for Nurse Jackie.
276 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2025
This creepy, atmospheric novella by Seraphina Nova Glass was the perfect quick read! While visiting a small Louisiana town after the disappearance of two women a few weeks apart, YouTube ghost hunters Macy and Ethan set out to help with the investigation. Set deep in Louisiana culture where the line separating the paranormal is blurred, is this the result of a madman or could it be something more sinister?

I blew through this 200 page story so fast! Even for a novella, the author didn’t skimp on the details! The first few pages had visual imagery so clear I was right there in the bayou. The eerie, gothic background gave way for the creepy potential theories related to Emily and Elizabeth’s disappearance.

I have zero criticism for this book! That’s not to say everyone will think it’s perfect, just that any imperfections were overlooked because the the rest was that good! I loved how the ending was sped up to match my heart rate. Thank you NetGalley and Podium Publishing for this ARC!
1,497 reviews21 followers
November 12, 2025
At just 200 pages, this story really packs a punch with very eerie vibes. I started this one before bed and some of the descriptions literally made me shiver. I don't often get scared while reading but there were some parts of this story that had me peeking out of my blanket to check around the room to make sure no one else was there! The short chapters kept me engaged so much that I ended up finishing the story late at night.

I always enjoy reading this author and this one was fantastic.
Profile Image for Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm).
634 reviews21 followers
September 28, 2025
What in Dexter's world is going on here? Wow, it has been a while since I devoured a 200-page book! This was a quick and engaging read that I couldn't put down. The short chapters made it binge-worthy; it's not quite as brief as a novella, but definitely shorter than most full-length novels, making it a perfect middle ground.

Macy and Ethan, along with team members Tasha and Max, investigate the disappearances of Emily Tremblay and Elizabeth Brockton in the Louisiana bayou for their YouTube channel, Ghost Patrol. What begins as a routine case turns dangerous as they encounter unsettling shadows and dark secrets. Macy uncovers a horrifying truth that reveals they were lured there for a reason, blurring the line between hunter and hunted, and showing that some secrets are better left buried.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, particularly from Macy and Tasha, which enriches our understanding of the events. I also appreciated the accompanying illustrations, which were quite fitting and added to the atmosphere. While several characters were introduced, a few definitely got under my skin. The book offers some intriguing hints about who the perpetrator might be, but you won't find out for sure until the very end. Although the conclusion was somewhat anticipated, it provided a fresh perspective on how it impacts others—a touch that was handled with grace!

I absolutely loved the portrayal of southern charm throughout the book; it's so rural and rugged that you can truly feel it in your bones. The mentions of alligators resonated with me, especially since I lived in Florida for a few years and now reside in Texas, where encounters with these creatures are quite common. Surprisingly, this book hasn't garnered more positive reviews. I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery that kept me on edge, as life in the south isn't for the faint of heart. With an engaging mystery, quickly developed characters, and an unexpected twist, there are plenty of surprises to keep you turning the pages. You really feel like part of the podcast crew as you dive into the story.

If you enjoy eerie small-town settings, combined with some investigative work and a sprinkle of swampy dark humor, this book is definitely for you. I finished it in one afternoon because it was such a fast read—definitely a departure from this author's usual style, but I loved it nonetheless! I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jacklyn B.
1,253 reviews52 followers
November 23, 2025
Some disappearances are tragedies. Others are warnings…

This was a quick read at 200 pages - and creepy as hell!! This story is fast paced and definitely had me guessing. I really loved the Louisiana Bayou setting - it definitely added an extra creep factor. I would definitely consider this novella atmospheric (and that’s not something I say often.)

I really liked the premise of this book - Ghost Hunter YouTubers Macy and Ethan (their channel is called Ghost Patrol) are investigating the disappearances of Emily Tremblay and Elizabeth Brockton. Locals are calling her disappearance a curse…and they need a big case to try and take their case to the next level…but are they really chasing a story…or were they lured there for another reason?

Max and Tasha also work on the show and they join in the investigation and they had no idea what they were in for. I really liked how the author sprinkled in some dark humor into the story too!

I didn’t know there would be illustrations in the book - I loved them!

✨What To Expect:
🏡Small Town
🐊Swamps
🔪Murder Mystery
⚜️Louisiana Bayou Setting
👻Creepy AF
🎥Paranormal YouTubers
✌️Dual POV
Profile Image for Regina .
430 reviews12 followers
September 30, 2025
This novella-length thriller had the potential to be a five-star winner, but it severely lacked in depth and development. The story was mainly a surface read with paper doll-like characters that were just there on the page like placemats. There was no dimension to the characters nor the plot. I did enjoy the spooky Bayou setting and creepy town folk. The eerie atmosphere that the author portrayed was on point. It just wasn't long enough nor suspenseful enough for me to love it. Add in more depth to the characters and more plot points and this would have been a whole different ball game. I would still recommend for a fun, spooky read. It just missed the mark for me.

Thanks to Podium Entertainment for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Jessa Layne • readwithjessa.
301 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2025
This novella drops you straight into the eerie Louisiana bayou as a ghost hunting YouTube team searches for two missing women. They quickly realize the swamp is hiding far more than shadows. I loved how atmospheric the setting was because the writing made me feel like I was right there wading through the murky water. The whole idea of a paranormal channel getting tangled up in real crime was such a fun premise and it worked so well. I was so sure I knew exactly where the story was heading but the twist totally surprised me. Overall I really enjoyed this creepy little read and had a great time with it!
Profile Image for Sarah Harney.
242 reviews40 followers
September 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for an ARC of The Swamps.

I've loved all thee Seraphina Nova Glass novels I've read, so I'm really bummed to say that this novella did not work for me. I rarely say that a book needs to be longer, but in this case I think it did. It felt like being dropped right into the middle of the story without enough detail to give the main characters dimension. There were also several minor storylines that were just abandoned and not wrapped up in any way. Overall, it just felt like it needed a lot more work.

2.5 stars
Profile Image for booked.with.julia.
636 reviews38 followers
November 12, 2025
A crew of paranormal influencers head deep into Louisiana bayou to investigate two chilling missing persons cases. But what they find is far more sinister than any ghost!! The line between searching for ghosts and escaping a killer quickly blurs, and the swamp itself seems to be closing in.
There’s a creeping dread throughout that certainly does not let up. And the twists?! Sooo good. If you’re looking for an atmospheric thriller, look no further.
Profile Image for Calista Andrechek.
1,347 reviews19 followers
December 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Seraphina Nova Glass and Podium Entertainment for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I haven’t tried anything by this author since her very first novel and I couldn’t get into it so I really worried about this, but it sounded too good not to try. And it was! It’s a really short novel - like 200 pages and it was jam packed with action and murder and injuries! Loved it
Profile Image for Rachiebo.
377 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2025
I enjoyed the heck out of this book. It could have been longer and I would’ve been immensely happy

I have loved previous books by this author not only for the characters but also the interesting story as well. This book had all the things, I was roped into to the relationship issues, sleep walking possibly killer vibe and the whole ghost hunter trying to become famous theme.

Thank you NetGalley and podium entertainment for this arc.
Profile Image for Nikki | graciouslybooked.
447 reviews72 followers
November 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book and the bayou setting. It was a quick read and I was surprised at the ending. I didn’t see that coming. The story was suspenseful and kept my attention. I did not enjoy the religious cult vibes or the rushed ending. But Seraphina always delivers on a good twist and I am a fan of all of her books!

This early copy was received via NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amie.
991 reviews37 followers
December 5, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars

Thanks so much to Podium for a chance to read this one early! So lucky to be a part of The Pulse where we are able to get these books early and rave about them together!

Macy and Ethan run a youtube channel that investigates paranormal happenings. When they change trajectory slightly in attempts to snag a Netflix deal, they head down to the swamps of Louisiana to investigate the disappearances of two women, seemingly unrelated. They bring two friends/associates to assist with things.

The more the four dig around, the more things appear to be extremely off in this little town. As one of the crew uncovers the real truth - they were intentionally brought here, the clock starts winding down and they are in a race for survival before they end up like the missing girls.

I haven’t read all of Seraphina’s books, but I have read several and this one felt like a much different path than her more recent releases. I think it was risky, to venture more into a faster paced thriller that borders on horror, and there were parts that I really enjoyed but overall this one was lacking something that I typically rave about in her books - magnetic, quirky, lovable characters. I just really didn’t care for any of the characters in The Swamps. And while the side characters were Seraphina’s signature wacky style, overall that just really made me feel like this was missing something.

The story itself was good, I love podcasts/youtube channels as a catalyst for a story. And I loved that they were working towards a huge goal which adds to the desperation and eagerness of the characters and creates an extra layer of *why* they’re going so hard on this.

Overall this was a totally fine book and I did enjoy it - it was just a bit of a departure from what I’ve come to expect from Seraphina and I was caught off guard by that. It’s a quick read and would be great for anyone who enjoys mysteries, true crime storylines, & thrillers with a tinge of horror.
Profile Image for Jackie.
207 reviews15 followers
December 16, 2025
Really good read! Fast paced, quick, and spooky. I definitely didn’t see who the killer was till towards the end but overall very well written just wish it had been a little longer.
Profile Image for Jeff.
1,738 reviews162 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 14, 2025
Short Xennial Scooby-Doo Type Tale. This is one of those books that is great for an early-year release (and end of January certainly qualifies, in my mind), because it is a 200 page very quick read. Easy win to get moving on your reading goals for the year, even if those goals measure in the single digits or low double digits.

It is also a very fun tale squarely aimed at Xennials (those of us born between 1977 ish and 1984 ish) now solidly in their 40s who grew up with several great renditions of Scooby-Doo cartoons, as this is very much effectively an adult version of a Scooby-Doo mystery. Minus the van and the dog, and adding a bit more of a Scream/ I Know What You Did Last Summer vibe. Again, pretty *squarely* targeting a specific population... but this is also a fun enough book that more general audiences will likely enjoy it nearly as much, *perhaps* even more.

Now, there *is* a scene or two of jalapeno or so spiciness, so those that prefer their tales no more spicy than a warm glass of milk... you do you. That scene is only just the one scene really, and actually adds far more depth to the story overall than similar scenes in romance novels, so I thought it actually worked rather well in this particular tale.

Overall just some fun "turn your brain off and enjoy the ride" (oh, wait. maybe a little *too* meta there in the review, considering the last paragraph ;) ) type of tale that again, is a very quick read great for jumpstarting whatever annual reading goals you may have for yourself - if you have any at all. Or maybe you just need some pure escapism generally. This tale will work perfectly in that regard too.

Very much recommended.
Profile Image for Mercedes Narain.
218 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 15, 2025
The Swamps is a fast, high-intensity novella that wastes zero time pulling you in. At just around 200 pages, it’s packed with danger, mystery, and that eerie bayou tension that keeps you on edge. Podcasters Macy and Ethan head into the Louisiana swamps to cover the disappearance of two local girls, and the moment they arrive at the rundown BNB, you can feel the unease creeping in.

The setup is simple, but incredibly effective. The tight cast, quick pacing, and unsettling interviews with locals build a sense of dread that intensifies as the story unfolds. Everyone in town whispers about a “curse,” and the deeper Macy and Ethan dig, the more it becomes clear that they may not be there by coincidence. Are they uncovering a case… or stepping straight into a trap?

The atmosphere was my favorite part, humid, isolating, and tinged with something sinister. Even with its short length, the story feels full, and the visuals between chapters were such a fun surprise. I stayed glued to every short chapter, and the final twist genuinely caught me off guard.

Ghosts might be the reason they went into the swamp, but what they actually find is far more terrifying. The line between paranormal mystery and real-world danger blurs fast, and the tension never lets up. If you love atmospheric thrillers that deliver chills, twists, and a strong sense of place, this one absolutely hits the mark.

Thank you so much to @thrillerbookloversthepulse and the author @seraphinanovaglass for the complimentary copy of this!
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,167 reviews303 followers
November 26, 2025
Title: The Swamps
Author: Seraphina Nova Glass
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Publisher: Podium Entertainment -Podium Publishing
Pub Date: January 27, 2026
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 200

Macy and Ethan are Investigators. They investigated the paranormal and share their search of the unknown via their YouTube channel, ‘Ghost Patrol’.
Their latest takes them along with team members Tasha and Max to the Louisiana bayou to investigating the disappearances of two local women.
But what they soon find they need to escape a killer rather than searching for ghosts.

I went into this story knowing nothing about it other than I have read other Seraphina Nova Glass stories so was sure I would be okay also I really liked The Vacancy in Room 10.

Unfortunately it was only okay. I am not a fan of short stories however also not a fan of ones too long either – yes I am a ‘Goldilocks Reader’ and want a story to be ’just right’. This one was close but not ‘just right’.
I am lucky in that I have another Seraphina Nova Glass story on my TBR shelf Too Close to Home which I am looking forward to reading!

I want to thank Podium Entertainment -Podium Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 27, 2026.
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