Swallowtail

by Emily Ross

"A taut storyline that will keep you turning pages well into the night. Fans of Mare of Easttown will love this one!" –Edwin Hill, author of Who to Believe.

In the gritty seaside town of Quincy, Massachusetts, the killing of a teenager on her daughter’s dance team plunges Detective Samantha Star into the trauma of her abduction twenty years before. As clues point to a serial killer obsessed with Surrealism and Greek myth, Sam must unravel the mystery of her own kidnapping to solve the crime–before her daughter is next. At stake are not just the teenagers’ lives, but also Sam’s identity as a detective and an artist, and a community’s chance at healing. SWALLOWTAIL is the moving story of a woman’s journey to free herself from the trauma of her past, and a thought-provoking exploration of violent representations of women in myth and art.

"In Ross's striking novel, Greek mythology and small town New England go head-to-head in a page-turning thriller about the truths we work to keep buried, or can't bear to reveal. Ross blends gritty realism with heartbreak and loss in a story that will linger in your memory, led by a protagonist you'll want to revisit again and again."--Christine Murphy, author of Notes On Surviving The Fire

"Emily Ross powerfully and authentically reveals the gritty reality, disturbing history, and the fierce loyalties of small-town life. SWALLOWTAIL is gorgeously written, and is clearly born from a deep knowledge of those whose lives Ross so genuinely portrays—people whose hopes won’t quit, whose friendships endure, and whose dreams propel them into dangers they could never have predicted. Evocative, compelling, and utterly heartbreaking, this is an unforgettable story.” Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS

"SWALLOWTAIL is a haunting, dual-timeline mystery about how our pasts are never really forgotten and how we must wrestle with them in order to live fully in the present. Full of art and mythology, this eerie crime novel unfolds with grace and a big helping of suspense. A terrific read!" — Sarah Stewart Taylor, author of the Maggie D'arcy and Bethany, Vermont mystery series

"Emily Ross elevates the small-town murder mystery with complex female dynamics, a series of increasingly twisted crimes rooted in Greek mythology, and a New England community that bears scars. An artful exploration of trauma and obsession that delivers reveal after stunning reveal with narrative muscle and heart, SWALLOWTAIL is top-notch crime fiction." — Tessa Wegert, author of In the Bones

"Ross expertly mixes mythological tales, teenage longing, and thrilling murders for a result unlike anything you’ll ever read. Much like the art in her story, SWALLOWTAIL is a masterpiece that dives into what it means to find where you truly belong. You won’t be able to put this down!" —Amina Akhtar, Bestselling Author of Almost Surely Dead and Kismet

"Blending the disparate worlds of teen dancers and townie detectives, Ross has choreographed a mesmerizing pas de deux of past trauma and present-day terror in this chilling mystery, where everyone and everything is suspect–even memory."— Kelly J. Ford, Anthony-nominated author of Real Bad Things.

Emily Ross is the author of the International Thriller Writers Thriller Awards finalist, Half in Love with Death.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

About the author

Emily Ross is the author of International Thriller Writers Thriller Awards finalist, Half in Love with Death. Her mystery thriller, Swallowtail, is forthcoming from Galiot Press in November 2025. She won the Al Blanchard best story award for her short story, “Let the Chips Fall”, which appeared in Devil’s Snare: Best New England Crime stories 2024. She is a graduate of Grub Street’s Novel Incubator and lives in Quincy, MA, with her husband and Obi-Wan Kenobi, their very playful cat.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not even going to try to write a summary for this book. This was probably the worst book I've ever read, and it’s not because of the writing or the plot, even though there are some problems in those departments as well (I’ll get to that later). What ruined the book for me were the horrible, stupid characters that made me want to pull my hair out. Let me explain.

Everyone in this book had little to no sympathy, especially for Sam, who went through a horrendous situation and has trauma (which is only natural, people, good Lord), but no one seems to care about that because EVERYONE SUCKS. They were so unbelievably selfish and quick to judge. You couldn’t trust or depend on anyone, which I guess is a recurring theme in the book. Sam and Brian were all right, but I didn’t like them much either. But Sam’s daughter, Corrine, ooooh, don’t get me started on her. I have never hated a character as much as I hated her. I know teenagers are selfish and stupid, but she took it on a whole other level. She isn’t the only one, but she got more screentime, and I wanted her to lock herself in her room and stay there. You know why, Corrine? BECAUSE THERE’S A MURDERER OUT IN THE STREETS, GIRL! What part of that do you not understand? Your friends suck anyway. Why do you want to be around conceited, spoiled kids? Stop blaming your poor mother, who has enough to deal with–she doesn’t need your drama queen self to make her feel stressed. And their parents were just as bad as they were. ONG, I was about to chuck my device out the window and follow it to end my misery. Billy Currington was right, y’all. “God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.”
OMG, and the level of incompetence in not only the police department, but in everyone’s brains was absolutely baffling. No one talks! No one thinks! No one remembers anything about the first case, not even when girls are getting murdered left and right! And who cares that the girls are pretty! Just because they have a nice-looking face, it doesn’t mean they don’t have problems or can’t do evil things. Juice WRLD warned us when he sang, “Who knew evil girls have the prettiest face?” You can’t trust anybody, not in this book.

Ugh, I hate myself for finishing it!!!! 😭😭

Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, I’m going to move on to what disappointed/confused me. Sam is separated, right? I thought she was divorced, but turns out, she and her husband separated when he confessed to cheating on her. Wow. What a stand-up guy. 🙄 Anyway, she works alongside detective Brian, who rescued her when she was almost murdered several years prior. Okay, are you following along? Whenever she’s with Brian and he brushes his hand on hers or comforts her, she describes how she feels when he touches her or when he looks good in a shirt or whatever. Now, whenever Sam is with Jeff (her husband), she doesn’t feel anything at all, like nothing makes her feel shy, blush, or whatever. She’s hesitant to go back with him because of her trauma and what he did (which is understandable. I wouldn’t want to go back with him, either, but that’s because I have no sympathy for cheaters. ✨🎶I nEeD tHeRaPy🎶✨), but she goes back anyway. Wait, I thought you and Brian kinda liked each other? Do you even love Jeff? You never said so, and judging from your actions, it seems that you don’t. I mean, kudos to both of you for just sticking to working with each other, but I was kinda disappointed that she and Brian didn’t end up together. If she outright said he was like a brother to her or something, then okay. We can move on. But actions speak louder than words, Sam. Maybe I’m wrong on this, but it’s whatever. I’m not mad about that. I’ll get over it.

Another thing that kinda made this book disappointing was–I’m so sorry to say–the writing. 😭 Whoever edited this book needs to be fired. There were prepositions missing from sentences that I had to fill in to understand what I was reading. There’s also a part in the book where Sam is talking to Brian, and when her sentence ends, a paragraph starts without any transitions, an ending to the conversation, or even a space to show it’s a new sentence or paragraph! What? What happened? 😂 Also, the way it was written was kinda choppy, and it was more telling than showing. I know authors write differently from other authors; it’s called having their individual voice, and I get that. But this was…very different. I don’t know how to describe it, other than that the story felt dragged out to create tension and urgency to find the killer, but it only made the story feel longer and boring. I wanted to skip chapters so badly, but there were bits and pieces of info hidden among other parts of the story that were actually interesting and about the murder. In the end, I was kinda surprised at who the killer was, but I didn’t trust anyone in this book, so I didn’t throw my head back in shock or anything like that. The murder investigation was interesting, especially because mythology and art were involved, but it wasn’t enough to make me like this book.

Phew, is that all? I hope so because I hate writing bad reviews, and I feel so bad for hating this book. 😭 I’m not even going to recommend it. I think this might be a “it’s not you, it’s me” because all the other reviews for this book are 4 and 5 stars, so I’m probably just hating on this book for no reason, lol! 😂 But at least the cover is cool! ☺

Thank you to Galiot Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.

❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, blood, violence, illegal substances, sexual assault, animal death/cruelty, kidnapping/abduction, & a racist comment was said.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilled to read Emily's second novel!! As amazing as the first. Don't miss it.

[Kelly Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blending the disparate worlds of teen dancers and townie detectives, Ross has choreographed a mesmerizing pas de deux of past trauma and present-day terror in this chilling mystery, where everyone and everything is suspect–even memory.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Ross elevates the small-town murder mystery with complex female dynamics, a series of increasingly twisted crimes rooted in Greek mythology, and a New England community that bears scars. An artful exploration of trauma and obsession that delivers reveal after stunning reveal with narrative muscle and heart, SWALLOWTAIL is top-notch crime fiction.

[Pamela Loring · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the small town-like city of Quincy, MA, the murder of a young girl has haunting similarities to a murder that Detective Samantha Star is all too familiar with, sending her careening back to murky memories she'd rather forget. With a teenage daughter of her own now, whose friend is in the morgue, Star can't help but suspect that the killer has returned. From page 1, I was caught in the net of SWALLOWTAIL--I could not and did not put it down, reading it in one day. Untangling the mythological allusions of the murders, Ross investigates misogyny in Greek myth and the politics of fine art, in a gritty, accessible and fascinating page-turner with characters you will not forget. Oh, and the writing is gorgeous!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid thriller, with enough plot twists and turns to keep one engaged. Loved the local (Quincy) setting.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting thriller will keep you enthralled

Emily Ross has delivered a riveting masterpiece with this layered thriller. She has filled it with complicated characters who you will care about, especially Samantha and her work sidekick Brian. I loved this book and could not set it down. Readers can find many themes to connect to, including parenting and navigating friendships.

[Karen Wilfrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a reader of mysteries, but I didn't want to put this down! Complex and compelling characters, plenty of twists and turns, and a final revelation that I found both surprising and satisfying. Go check it out!

[Corey Darkwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swallowtail is a psychological thriller that combines a murder investigation narrative with a very atmospheric, artistic style that you’d normally associate with more literary genres of writing. It jumps back and forth in time, keeping you on edge not just for what has happened, but for what our protagonist can’t help but question in terms of their own memories. Samantha Watson is a protagonist who has to solve a case, but she also has to live alongside that case, which makes for a very claustrophobic narrative that a more traditional thriller can’t necessarily achieve.

The reflective style, however, can be a bit of a drawback in terms of pace, especially when you are in a hurry for a very plot-oriented thriller tale. What I loved most about it, in fact, was its deliberate use of symbolism. The art element, the myth element—isn't it because it’s trying to seem clever, really more of the symbolism or motivation or premise of the story. There’s definitely a creepy element of building fear from the list of characters, where it feels like some characters are getting maybe a little bit too close to center stage, and it's up to you to pick up on it. But sometimes, yes, it does feel a bit too much, as in, it’s trying too hard with its big, metaphoric ideas, when something simpler would have worked just as well.

Ultimately, Swallowtail delivers its surprise so well it becomes a moment of reinterpretation for virtually everything that has come before it, and it holds up because it's based on manipulation, trust, and control, not just surprise. The most negative concept presented within this novel is not merely a function of a crime taking place but a recognition of how a crime can inform entire narratives that are then projected on others with a belief that everyone else must live out those narratives as well. It's serious and could very well be disturbing for some readers, but it's a thriller with staying power because it has a message, not just information to reveal.

The Goods

- The dual timeline format makes the suspense constant and makes the reveals feel earned.
- Both art and myth components contribute significantly to the story and are not incorporated as a gimmick.
- The voice of the character, Samantha, is unique and engaging; hence, this book is not like any other thriller.
- The atmosphere is very creepy and engrossing, with a payoff that lands perfectly.

The Bads

- At times the pacing is glacial, and certain areas of the book seem more interested in conjuring atmosphere and metaphor than propulsion.
- There are moments when the symbolism becomes a tad pretentious, as if the book boasts about its cleverness.
- The memory-and-trauma structure may also cause the plot to be a fog machine, particularly when it becomes confusing for a better understanding.
- There are some drastic plot twists that rely on thriller convenience. If you are interested in reality and procedure, this may drag you away.

I would suggest this book to those who like their thrillers on the darker, more literary side, the kind that cares as much about psychology and iconography as it does about figuring out the mystery. Those readers who like their stories to feature symbolism that matters, characters who are messy and complex, and resolutions that call into question assumptions from earlier in the story will find it here. Just do not expect it to be easy or comforting.

Every book hits differently for every reader.
Thanks for reading my review.

- Corey

[Randi Whitcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swallowtail is a compelling thriller with a great premise (dormant serial killer reappears after staying quiet for 20 years) and a few twists toward the end that I didn't see coming. It's rare for me to rate a thriller beyond 3 stars and Swallowtail is probably a 3.5-star read that I'm bumping up to 4 because I think the story is great. If you read a lot of thrillers and mysteries, this book should be on your TBR.

My one issue with this book is the writing style -- it didn't click for me. Ross is big on the "tell" side of "show, don't tell" which -- from my perspective -- leads to choppy writing. It also drags down the pace a bit, unnecessarily lengthening the book. That said, I prefer a more fluid, literary writing style than one typically finds in mysteries, but if you love thrillers, it's likely you'll like Ross' technique more than I did.

If you're looking for a thriller that you can picture as a movie, Swallowtail is definitely worth reading. But if you desire literary excellence in a thriller, it might not be the book for you.

[Zakariah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The almost mythic cycle of death repeats itself in Quincy, Massachusetts, for a new generation of teens stalked by an emotionally stunted but deadly killer returned from the '90s to strike again. The best chance to stop him lies with his previous "last girl," Samantha "Sam" Star, now a Quincy homicide detective and mom to her own vulnerable teen. Fast-paced, lean, and taut, with more twists than the Mount Washington Auto Road, Ross* is a force to be reckoned with.

*My first introduction to Ross's brutal, imaginative crime writing was hearing her read at a "Noir at the Bar" event with a dozen other seasoned crime writers. It was remarkable to watch the room and listen as she read her piece, with every side conversation falling silent as the audience of professionals sat rapt, exchanging looks of "Oh, my God...Did she really say...Whoa..." as she read on in a calm, steady voice with words that commanded everyone's attention. Add her to your list of followed authors.

[Thebookwormrevue · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️Okay so I finally finished this book, and wow… what a ride. It follows a woman who survives a brutal attack that kills her friend in the most horrifying way, and the worst part? She remembers nothing about what actually happened.

What I liked:

The plot was genuinely interesting

Loved the way it started and the whole buildup

The creepy, mythological style of killing was so unique

The mystery kept me hooked

And a few lines actually made me laugh


What I didn’t like:

There were so many characters thrown in that I kept forgetting who was who

Some chapters felt unnecessarily long

I just couldn’t connect with the main character, so a few parts felt like a slog

[Jane Dietzel-Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swallowtail is a twisty, atmospheric novel set in gritty, tightly knit Quincy, Massachusetts, which Emily Ross renders with vivid authenticity. An intricate web of intergenerational relationships and buried personal histories shape every turn of the story. The mood and psychological depth are reminiscent of Tana French as much as Dennis Lehane, while the revelations are truly bonkers in the best possible way: daring, surprising, and impossible to predict. This is a book that rewards close attention and still manages to blindside you.

[Liz Esse Kahrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first page and I had to know what happened next. I love a book where the setting is a character- and Quincy, MA comes to life in this gripping, beautifully written novel. SWALLOWTAIL is a thriller and a mystery with fascinating characters. I was completely caught up in the life of Detective Samantha Starr--not only her journey to uncover the truth, but her emotional journey to recover herself. A compelling read!

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

When detective Samantha Star was a teenager,  she survived an abduction in which her best friend perished.  The unsub was never captured. Now several years later, Sam is caught up in a murder investigation that has a lot of similar characteristics,  only this time the killer is focusing on Sam's daughter's dance team. This was an extremely entertaining and fast paced story.  If you enjoy small town mysteries full of twists and turns, this might be for you.

[Cara Wood]

This is a mystery all about myth, mystery, and murder. Sam Star is many things: a survivor, a victim; a mother, a detective; and an artist. As this plot unwinds we learn more about Sam's memory and actions as well as the town of Quincy and who might be brutally murdering and staging the corpses of teens.

[Cameron Mcconnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing, but convoluted plot with police procedural interwoven with PTSD and art/dancing. Well written, but complexity was frustrating with wrong suspects booked a few too many times as the body count rose.

[Barondestructo]

The dialogue is stilted and expository. DNF

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and expertly paced story, evocative setting, and lyrical prose filled with lines that are pure poetry! Love all the mythological and artistic images throughout.