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Creed's Grave
Detective Lila Hart's only witness just crawled out of his grave.
When Detective Lila Hart responds to a ritualistic murder in New Orleans' most feared cemetery, she expects forensic evidence—not a witness emerging from a tomb in an expensive suit.
Talon Creed lives beneath the graveyard, speaks like he's from another century, and treats police authority as a suggestion. He's witnessed identical murders spanning decades across different cities, and he has surveillance footage to prove it. But his help comes with conditions that will force Hart to betray everything she's sworn to uphold.
With 72 hours before political pressure destroys her career, Hart faces an impossible trust a man who commands attack dogs and sleeps among the dead, or let a killer perfect his ancient art while her city burns.
In New Orleans, some partnerships follow you straight to the grave. And Detective Lila Hart is about to discover that working with the dead means joining them in the shadows—where survival depends on embracing the darkness.
CREED's GRAVE is the explosive first novel in the Creed-Hart Crime Thriller Series, where every case leads deeper into the supernatural underworld of New Orleans.
If you like Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series, Deborah Harkness's All Souls trilogy, or Neil Gaiman's urban fantasy, then Creed's Grave will keep you reading past midnight.
WHAT READERS OF CHASE AUSTIN THRILLERS ARE SAYING…
★★★★★ " I did not put this book down for any reason other than to eat." - Amazon Review
★★★★★ "One heck of an entertaining and intense ride... Fast, entertaining, suspenseful and action-packed!" - Amazon Review
★★★★★ "Fast paced read with a Kick-Ass hero you can’t help rooting for." - Amazon Review
When Detective Lila Hart responds to a ritualistic murder in New Orleans' most feared cemetery, she expects forensic evidence—not a witness emerging from a tomb in an expensive suit.
Talon Creed lives beneath the graveyard, speaks like he's from another century, and treats police authority as a suggestion. He's witnessed identical murders spanning decades across different cities, and he has surveillance footage to prove it. But his help comes with conditions that will force Hart to betray everything she's sworn to uphold.
With 72 hours before political pressure destroys her career, Hart faces an impossible trust a man who commands attack dogs and sleeps among the dead, or let a killer perfect his ancient art while her city burns.
In New Orleans, some partnerships follow you straight to the grave. And Detective Lila Hart is about to discover that working with the dead means joining them in the shadows—where survival depends on embracing the darkness.
CREED's GRAVE is the explosive first novel in the Creed-Hart Crime Thriller Series, where every case leads deeper into the supernatural underworld of New Orleans.
If you like Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series, Deborah Harkness's All Souls trilogy, or Neil Gaiman's urban fantasy, then Creed's Grave will keep you reading past midnight.
WHAT READERS OF CHASE AUSTIN THRILLERS ARE SAYING…
★★★★★ " I did not put this book down for any reason other than to eat." - Amazon Review
★★★★★ "One heck of an entertaining and intense ride... Fast, entertaining, suspenseful and action-packed!" - Amazon Review
★★★★★ "Fast paced read with a Kick-Ass hero you can’t help rooting for." - Amazon Review
588 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 3, 2025
Start of a new series of books with detective Lila Hart and Talon Creed, not sure what he is. Not my usual genre, but I liked this one very much. A lot of very strange things happen and the story makes you want to continue reading to see how the events develop.
Highly recommended, thanks for the ARC Chase.
Highly recommended, thanks for the ARC Chase.
September 10, 2026
The strangest, most fascinating, weird, farfetched, and unbelievable story I've EVER read!
It crosses several genres, but the law enforcement angle is really the only one we can relate to.
Creed is an enigma. His dogs are spooky, he walked out of a tomb, he appears to be immortal and is helping a detective with her case.
Seriously. It's awesome!
If I was ever in trouble, I'd want Creed in my corner. I'd probably spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, though....
I can hardly wait for the sequel, Creed's Dominion, to drop on September 26th!
It crosses several genres, but the law enforcement angle is really the only one we can relate to.
Creed is an enigma. His dogs are spooky, he walked out of a tomb, he appears to be immortal and is helping a detective with her case.
Seriously. It's awesome!
If I was ever in trouble, I'd want Creed in my corner. I'd probably spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, though....
I can hardly wait for the sequel, Creed's Dominion, to drop on September 26th!
October 11, 2025
Well Well this book is very different from Chase's normal writing. So buckle up buttercup because this Horror Thriller will have you gripping tightly to your book. Flipping the pages as fast as you can.
Lila Hart's life will never be the same again. Along with her fellow officers. Holy Moly Creed knows how to command a room and even dogs that were trying to kill the police when their owner died and no shelter would take them. Suddenly the dogs were calm, yet protective in Creed's presence. And Lila after discovering a ritualistic murder ends up being by his side as he orchestrates the investigation. Leading everyone into unknown horrors that no one knew existed in the underground world of New Orleans.
Yes there are some repeated things in this story. But knowing Chase, they will be remedied by the next book. Which I am totally looking forward to reading.
This story became real for Chase in a dream. What a dream it must have been.
If you are into horror, which I totally am. Then this book is one you will want to read.
Great job Chase. Love the playlist that goes with this wonderful horror thriller.
Lila Hart's life will never be the same again. Along with her fellow officers. Holy Moly Creed knows how to command a room and even dogs that were trying to kill the police when their owner died and no shelter would take them. Suddenly the dogs were calm, yet protective in Creed's presence. And Lila after discovering a ritualistic murder ends up being by his side as he orchestrates the investigation. Leading everyone into unknown horrors that no one knew existed in the underground world of New Orleans.
Yes there are some repeated things in this story. But knowing Chase, they will be remedied by the next book. Which I am totally looking forward to reading.
This story became real for Chase in a dream. What a dream it must have been.
If you are into horror, which I totally am. Then this book is one you will want to read.
Great job Chase. Love the playlist that goes with this wonderful horror thriller.
October 1, 2025
Creed's Grave - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Detective Lila Hart and her team are embroiled in a case that could be straight from 60s tv gothic crime series Dark Shadows.
With his mysterious and forceful personality, it's Talon Creed - the unknown equation in full control of all he encounters - who takes NOPD Detective Lila Hart from ostracism by her peers to work under his supernatural aegis, in their search for the serial-killer known only as 'The Teacher'.
Chase Austin introduces a spectacular, otherworldly relationship, between human...and whatever he is...which will haunt and fascinate you in ways, (and via places) you never imagined existed.
Grab Creed's Grave today and be sure to keep your senses open to the possibility of complete subjugation to the one and only Creed!
Detective Lila Hart and her team are embroiled in a case that could be straight from 60s tv gothic crime series Dark Shadows.
With his mysterious and forceful personality, it's Talon Creed - the unknown equation in full control of all he encounters - who takes NOPD Detective Lila Hart from ostracism by her peers to work under his supernatural aegis, in their search for the serial-killer known only as 'The Teacher'.
Chase Austin introduces a spectacular, otherworldly relationship, between human...and whatever he is...which will haunt and fascinate you in ways, (and via places) you never imagined existed.
Grab Creed's Grave today and be sure to keep your senses open to the possibility of complete subjugation to the one and only Creed!
October 9, 2025
This is not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it. I found it to be a fascinating mixture of a police procedural and science fiction. The protagonists detective Lola Hart and Talon Creed, who may be something other than human, make an interesting team.
There is non-stop action and danger. I dropped a star because I didn't like the ending. That will not deter me from wanting to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is non-stop action and danger. I dropped a star because I didn't like the ending. That will not deter me from wanting to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2025
Outstanding!
Things of the grave and beyond the grave are orchestrating ritualistic murders in New Orleans....The NOPD is working the case with the help of a "consultant" who lives beneath a.graveyard and may or may not be entirely human....But, then neither is what they are hunting....
Things of the grave and beyond the grave are orchestrating ritualistic murders in New Orleans....The NOPD is working the case with the help of a "consultant" who lives beneath a.graveyard and may or may not be entirely human....But, then neither is what they are hunting....
November 8, 2025
Creed's Grave is one of the most unusual books written by Chase Austin
New Orleans is the perfect location for this really weird story.
You first find that Detective Lila Hart was called to investigate an unorthodox murder in a New Orleans cemetery that most citizens fear to visit. While there, a man named Talon Creed mysteriously appears from a nearby crypt and tells Hart the she is standing on top of his domicile beneath the cemetery. He looks like and is dressed like someone who magically appeared from the 18th Century.
It appears that Detective Hart is now relatively forced to accept Talon as her partner in solving this crime. Then things really get weird. Talon begins to address everyone on the site, policemen as well as Detective Lila Hart, by their name. This is unbelievable because everyone knows that Creed has never seen nor spoken to anyone of them before. (How did he do that, everyone thought?)
Then, as our two partners leave the cemetery and enter the police station, two previously known to be vicious dogs follow Talon quietly through the station like they were protecting him. Everyone was totally shocked to see this sudden change in the behavior of these dogs.
As Talon and Lila were solving this murder, I was kept in rapt attention reading this book while finding myself amazed how well this strange story was unfolding! Other readers will definitely find themselves with similar actions as I did!
Yes, everyone should read this mysteriously great story by Chase Austin!
New Orleans is the perfect location for this really weird story.
You first find that Detective Lila Hart was called to investigate an unorthodox murder in a New Orleans cemetery that most citizens fear to visit. While there, a man named Talon Creed mysteriously appears from a nearby crypt and tells Hart the she is standing on top of his domicile beneath the cemetery. He looks like and is dressed like someone who magically appeared from the 18th Century.
It appears that Detective Hart is now relatively forced to accept Talon as her partner in solving this crime. Then things really get weird. Talon begins to address everyone on the site, policemen as well as Detective Lila Hart, by their name. This is unbelievable because everyone knows that Creed has never seen nor spoken to anyone of them before. (How did he do that, everyone thought?)
Then, as our two partners leave the cemetery and enter the police station, two previously known to be vicious dogs follow Talon quietly through the station like they were protecting him. Everyone was totally shocked to see this sudden change in the behavior of these dogs.
As Talon and Lila were solving this murder, I was kept in rapt attention reading this book while finding myself amazed how well this strange story was unfolding! Other readers will definitely find themselves with similar actions as I did!
Yes, everyone should read this mysteriously great story by Chase Austin!
November 8, 2026
An introduction into a whole new existence.
I haven't read anything by Chase Austen before but if this book is a reflection of his writing style then I will be correcting that oversight promptly! I loved the whole premise of the world according to Talan Creed. What an incredible character; enigmatic, menacing yet deeply charismatic in his own dark way. We are never sure, in this first outing, just who or even what he is outside of the overwhelming power that he exudes & the dark world he seems to inhabit. He enters the environs of the police investigation into the ritualistic murder of a young man whose body has been left in a cemetery by way of a tomb opening. He immediately appears to show interest in a female detective, Lila Hart, singling her out to communicate with in his frustratingly oblique manner. He seems to have in depth knowledge of the manner of the murder, claiming that it is far from an isolated case. He inserts himself into the investigation, to all intents & purposes, taking over the direction of it. He instills extraordinary levels of unease, even fear, in everyone around him & that's compounded by his knowledge of the most intimate & hidden parts of people's lives.
He is a truly magnificent creation & I can't wait to see how he develops in subsequent books but I fear the wait will be longer than I like. I haven't checked when the second book drops but I'm hoping it's not too far off. In the meantime, I am going to check out some of Chase Austin's other books, hopefully they will be of the same high quality.
I haven't read anything by Chase Austen before but if this book is a reflection of his writing style then I will be correcting that oversight promptly! I loved the whole premise of the world according to Talan Creed. What an incredible character; enigmatic, menacing yet deeply charismatic in his own dark way. We are never sure, in this first outing, just who or even what he is outside of the overwhelming power that he exudes & the dark world he seems to inhabit. He enters the environs of the police investigation into the ritualistic murder of a young man whose body has been left in a cemetery by way of a tomb opening. He immediately appears to show interest in a female detective, Lila Hart, singling her out to communicate with in his frustratingly oblique manner. He seems to have in depth knowledge of the manner of the murder, claiming that it is far from an isolated case. He inserts himself into the investigation, to all intents & purposes, taking over the direction of it. He instills extraordinary levels of unease, even fear, in everyone around him & that's compounded by his knowledge of the most intimate & hidden parts of people's lives.
He is a truly magnificent creation & I can't wait to see how he develops in subsequent books but I fear the wait will be longer than I like. I haven't checked when the second book drops but I'm hoping it's not too far off. In the meantime, I am going to check out some of Chase Austin's other books, hopefully they will be of the same high quality.
September 28, 2025
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Hart and Riley called to a cemetery where a dead body was found. At the cemetery they meet an individual cme out of a tomb by the name of Creed. It seems that Creed was living under the cemetery and was aware of the killing and even had a thumb drive that would show who was responsible. Hart was going to bring Creed to the station, but he told her he would drive himself. Once Hart got to the station and told Banks, her captain about what she discovered at the scene. Banks then told Hart that he was giving the case to Cole and assigned her and Riley to check out another crime scene. Once Creed arrived at the station, he asked for Hart, but was told that she was no longer on the case. Creed told Banks that he would only talk to Creed.
Read about what events happened at the station that concerned Creed as well as other individuals regarding getting Hart back on the case. Follow along and learn what Creed along with Hart, Riley, Cole and Aiden as they were given 72 hours to solve the case, Learn what steps Creed took in order to get information pertaining to a person known as "the Teacher". Read the exciting conclusion which will leave you wondering about Creed and Hart.
This is a new theme for Chase and if the remainder of the series is anything like this book, then it will be a definite winner.
This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
This story begins with Hart and Riley called to a cemetery where a dead body was found. At the cemetery they meet an individual cme out of a tomb by the name of Creed. It seems that Creed was living under the cemetery and was aware of the killing and even had a thumb drive that would show who was responsible. Hart was going to bring Creed to the station, but he told her he would drive himself. Once Hart got to the station and told Banks, her captain about what she discovered at the scene. Banks then told Hart that he was giving the case to Cole and assigned her and Riley to check out another crime scene. Once Creed arrived at the station, he asked for Hart, but was told that she was no longer on the case. Creed told Banks that he would only talk to Creed.
Read about what events happened at the station that concerned Creed as well as other individuals regarding getting Hart back on the case. Follow along and learn what Creed along with Hart, Riley, Cole and Aiden as they were given 72 hours to solve the case, Learn what steps Creed took in order to get information pertaining to a person known as "the Teacher". Read the exciting conclusion which will leave you wondering about Creed and Hart.
This is a new theme for Chase and if the remainder of the series is anything like this book, then it will be a definite winner.
This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
October 11, 2025
Curiosity kept drawing me in…
From the get-go I was hooked and excited to see where this story would lead. I didn’t want to put the book down. I can conceive of cities and populations within the earth and, by now, many may be aware of all the existing tunneling beneath the ground and oceans that have been used for nefarious reasons. So, I found the story line intriguing but then, somewhat disappointing. When we learn of the residents and of those in control it was just more of the same (but to a visual extreme) of the criminal and manipulative belief elements co-existing and running ramped on Earth for thousands of years. Did Chase intend this similarity to coincide with police investigations? I suppose so since the main theme is about crime and its dark side.
Despite a few repeated phrases and a drawn-out trek through the tunnels, I enjoyed Chase Austin’s writing – I always have. Lila Hart and Talon Creed steal the show. This is a new direction for the author and I am hoping he can create some fresh angles and more likeable characters if he stays with “Hell’s Hollow” below New Orleans…I am glad to have had the opportunity to read and to offer my honest and voluntary review.
From the get-go I was hooked and excited to see where this story would lead. I didn’t want to put the book down. I can conceive of cities and populations within the earth and, by now, many may be aware of all the existing tunneling beneath the ground and oceans that have been used for nefarious reasons. So, I found the story line intriguing but then, somewhat disappointing. When we learn of the residents and of those in control it was just more of the same (but to a visual extreme) of the criminal and manipulative belief elements co-existing and running ramped on Earth for thousands of years. Did Chase intend this similarity to coincide with police investigations? I suppose so since the main theme is about crime and its dark side.
Despite a few repeated phrases and a drawn-out trek through the tunnels, I enjoyed Chase Austin’s writing – I always have. Lila Hart and Talon Creed steal the show. This is a new direction for the author and I am hoping he can create some fresh angles and more likeable characters if he stays with “Hell’s Hollow” below New Orleans…I am glad to have had the opportunity to read and to offer my honest and voluntary review.
November 17, 2025
Detective Lila Hart is one of a kind but something of an outcast in the New Orleans Police Department where politics and external pressures conflict with the role of the sworn police officer.
As the nearest on duty officer to the scene of a murder in a local cemetery, when she presents, she does not expect to become involved with the supernatural when a witness, Talon Creed, emerges from a tomb and the bizarre story unfolds. Creed indicates he has seen similar murders over a long period of time and can assist the investigation. Then the politics in the force and the outside influence of the local mayor emerge, but Creed is adamant that he will only work with Lila Hart which leads to Hart having to consider the ethics of her sworn duties as obtuse facts come to light as the investigation proceeds to a surprise climax!
There are plenty of twists and turns as the supernatural is explored leading to a very different story from this author.
As the nearest on duty officer to the scene of a murder in a local cemetery, when she presents, she does not expect to become involved with the supernatural when a witness, Talon Creed, emerges from a tomb and the bizarre story unfolds. Creed indicates he has seen similar murders over a long period of time and can assist the investigation. Then the politics in the force and the outside influence of the local mayor emerge, but Creed is adamant that he will only work with Lila Hart which leads to Hart having to consider the ethics of her sworn duties as obtuse facts come to light as the investigation proceeds to a surprise climax!
There are plenty of twists and turns as the supernatural is explored leading to a very different story from this author.
October 3, 2025
Chase Austin Creed's Grave
Nowadays its rare when reviewing books that I come across a story that intrigues me but this one did, reading it continuously into the night. I loved the idea of an immaculate, suave 'person' not off this world living below it. In this case below the tombs of a New Orleans graveyard which act as one of the entrance to a parallel world. The author captures the varied human reactions to the individual well as his involvement in the solving of a ritualistic murder that knocks accepted norms out of kilter. The story carries on at pace and leaves you wondering how its going to develop due to the number of subplots.
Well worth reading .Intentionally I haven't said anything about the plot and leave that for you to enjoy. I love the 'attack' dogs.
Nowadays its rare when reviewing books that I come across a story that intrigues me but this one did, reading it continuously into the night. I loved the idea of an immaculate, suave 'person' not off this world living below it. In this case below the tombs of a New Orleans graveyard which act as one of the entrance to a parallel world. The author captures the varied human reactions to the individual well as his involvement in the solving of a ritualistic murder that knocks accepted norms out of kilter. The story carries on at pace and leaves you wondering how its going to develop due to the number of subplots.
Well worth reading .Intentionally I haven't said anything about the plot and leave that for you to enjoy. I love the 'attack' dogs.
October 3, 2025
(Format : e-b00k )
" Everything was a message when you arrange it like art "
Called to a body found in a cemetery (yes, I know! ) Detective Lila Hart finds herself enmeshed in a strange world she hadn't known existed in her New Orleans. This is a supernatural Police procedural unlike any I've previously read/ full of atmospheric menace which is even enhanced by occasional repetition. A very easy read (if you don't mind some gore)
I received this book as an ARC from the author and am reviewing it freely without conditions. Occasional editing mistakes in my copy are because this was a prepublication copy.
Recommended to those who enjoy quirky crime tales.
" Everything was a message when you arrange it like art "
Called to a body found in a cemetery (yes, I know! ) Detective Lila Hart finds herself enmeshed in a strange world she hadn't known existed in her New Orleans. This is a supernatural Police procedural unlike any I've previously read/ full of atmospheric menace which is even enhanced by occasional repetition. A very easy read (if you don't mind some gore)
I received this book as an ARC from the author and am reviewing it freely without conditions. Occasional editing mistakes in my copy are because this was a prepublication copy.
Recommended to those who enjoy quirky crime tales.
October 14, 2025
Eerie! Fast-paced! Riveting! Suspenseful! Compelling! This spine-tingler brings it ALL! It was an artful melding of twisted psychological thrills, chills and nail-biting suspense. THIS is how you start off a series and leave your readers anxiously awaiting the next one!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 30, 2026
Unknown
3.5 stars
This book started out good. It had me intrigued by Creed. Unfortunately, it devolves into repeated lines and unnecessary descriptions. It is the typical building of the back story. Despite the premise of Creed helping with a case, they don't start talking about the case until the last 20%. This book did not have to be as long as it was. It would have been more enjoyable if the redundancy was cut out.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and in a WTF way.
3.5 stars
This book started out good. It had me intrigued by Creed. Unfortunately, it devolves into repeated lines and unnecessary descriptions. It is the typical building of the back story. Despite the premise of Creed helping with a case, they don't start talking about the case until the last 20%. This book did not have to be as long as it was. It would have been more enjoyable if the redundancy was cut out.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and in a WTF way.
October 6, 2025
An intense crime thriller with a well-constructed storyline and a fully developed cast of outstanding characters. This new series supernatural police procedural deals with Talon Creed hunting down a seria killer in New Orleans. An action packed read that was very suspenseful, page turning, and enjoyable. A frightening story that I highly recommend and written by an outstanding author.
October 13, 2025
OMG...this was AWESOME!!!
I think it's Chase Austin's best tale yet.
The story is intriguing, the characters are really 'characters' - in all meanings - and the use of language and phrasing was a delight to read.
No spoilers...just saying that the mysterious and occult essence of New Orleans makes it the perfect backdrop for a police murder investigation gone weird.
I think it's Chase Austin's best tale yet.
The story is intriguing, the characters are really 'characters' - in all meanings - and the use of language and phrasing was a delight to read.
No spoilers...just saying that the mysterious and occult essence of New Orleans makes it the perfect backdrop for a police murder investigation gone weird.
October 17, 2025
A total change from the books i have read by Chase Austin. The story grabbed me from the first chapter and wouldn’t let go. A great blend of suspense and drama. The characters were great and so was their interaction with one another. I was never sure what Talon Creed would turn out to be and i’m still not sure. Kudos to Mr. Austin on a great read.
September 29, 2025
Start of another series of books . Another Excellent story line good strong characters, on the edge of your set reading . Supernatural crime not my usual genre of book but received as ARC read it and thoroughly enjoyed it and can recommend it very highly
October 4, 2025
Creed's Grave is a powerful, super intense and frightening novel based in New Orleans. The author has taken great pains to provide the reader with full character development throughout, and a plot so well constructed it made this reader's head spin. Be prepared for nightmares!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews