Where the Crows Feed: Dark secrets resurface in a chilling tale of memory and betrayal.

by Robert W. Kirby

"Seriously, this book is phenomenal. Where the Crows Feed is a gripping, complex, and utterly mind bending thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page." – Goodreads Reviewer.

What if your entire life was a lie?

On her fourteenth birthday, Elsie Hurley and her friends entered Blightwood Hollow to search for her missing dog. What happened in those woods changed all of them forever. One of them never came back, and the rest have never truly let the past go.

Decades have passed, and Elsie no longer feels any connection to the people who were with her that day. Their lives have drifted apart. In fact, she finds them all incredibly difficult to tolerate. Yet every two years, on that same day, they reunite and pretend they are still friends. For Elsie, these gatherings are strained and uncomfortable, but she always turns up, and no one dares to break tradition.

When the next meeting falls on her fiftieth birthday, Elsie chooses Hollowden, the town they all left behind. The place where it happened. She tells herself it is just another reunion, but deep down she knows this time is different.

Going back triggers a chain of events that leads to devastating consequences. The past resurfaces with terrifying force, and as Elsie uncovers secrets that shatter everything she thought she knew, her quiet life begins to crumble around her.

Unsure who to trust, she is drawn into a web of deception and long-buried truths.

But what if the worst part is what she has forgotten?

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

I was born in 1979 and live in Kent with my wife and children. I ran a private investigation agency for over fifteen years, dealing in cases that involved breach of contract claims, commercial debt recovery, and process serving. My agency also specialised in people tracing, so much of my work revolved around tracking down debtors, dealing in adoption matters and locating missing persons. At times, I worked on some pretty bizarre cases and dealt with plenty of interesting and sometimes colourful individuals.
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I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
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If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...

Reviews

[Teressa Oliverio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story weaves a masterful tapestry of secrets, lies, and shocking twists that kept me guessing at every turn. Elsie’s journey from a traumatized fourteen-year-old to a woman confronting a buried past is both heartbreaking and thrilling.

The way the author slowly peels back layers of decades-old mysteries is brilliant. Just when you think you understand what happened in those woods, another revelation flips everything on its head. Every character carries hidden motives, long-held grudges, and devastating secrets, making you question who, if anyone, is trustworthy.

I loved how the past and present collided in Hollowden, with tension building to a climax that is as terrifying as it is heartbreaking. The story lingers long after the last page, making you wonder how well you really know the people in your own life.

If you crave suspense, jaw-dropping plot twists, and a dark, psychological exploration of friendship, guilt, and memory, this book is a must-read. I devoured it in one sitting and can’t stop thinking about it. Simply phenomenal.

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I want to start by thanking the author and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. This story was so good that every chapter left me with the intense desire to keep reading until the end. It's a tale of lies, deceit, and betrayal."
​"Every character is extremely well-designed, and their individual stories truly left me speechless. This is the type of dark and chilling narrative that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. The ending left me highly satisfied, as I always say that nobody leaves this world without paying the bill. 5 stars without hesitation! Totally recommended."

[Jamie Rincker · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With friends like these, who needs enemies?" You'll hate this poor woman's friends and then hate them some more, but it works to make this a great story. It's full of suspense, it's full of drama, you'll want to literally jump into this story and help her out of the situation, if not kick some butt and take names. This was a thoroughly enthralling read and I loved every last page as she finally finds her voice and speaks up. Cheers to this underdog!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

I was thoroughly impressed with this book. The writing was superb, and the story was intriguing. Elsie is a well-developed character, and her bravery is admirable. The surprising twist involving Patrick and Lawrence was a masterful stroke.

I highly recommend

Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[Jackthedad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens and Cold Alley Fiction for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

This is an unusual story with a well-written plot. It's very easy to read with lots of short chapters and there are twists and turns aplenty. I look forward to the author's next book.

[Kristen C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really solid read! The writing has this quiet intensity that I loved, and the atmosphere sticks with you even after you’re done. It’s one of those books that makes you think and feel at the same time. Not a perfect read, but definitely one that stands out and lingers in the best way.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.

Where the Crows Feed is one of the most hauntingly dark, poignant and profound books I've read on a long time. Elsie and her friends were changed the day they were in the woods around their hometown that they wish didn't exist... everything ended in tragedy that no amount of time could bury. Elsie finally wants the truth laid bare; it opens Pandora's Box of not only the death of their friend but a spider web of secrets and lies that shatters every once of trust Elsie had put into a group of people that should have her... let alone each other band together when their lives were not longer innocent.

For fans of Jessica Huntley's The Darkness Series.

Highly recommend.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is truly amazing. I read it all in one day I simply could not put it down. It hooks you in right at the beginning and consistently keeps your attention, you just crave more and more with each page you read. I love how the twists weren't in the final few pages they were scattered throughout, but you never guessed in which direction the book was going next. It really kept me guessing the entire time. Best book for curing a reading slump. 10/10

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nikki Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a solid three stars. I would give it 3.5 if I could! It was an easy read with a good storyline. There were some very surprising twist and times where it almost felt creepy. I enjoyed reading this book and will def look into other books by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well-paced, and multi-layered, with plenty to keep you engaged - and relieved that this bunch are not your “friends.” It is easy to read and I read it over two days.

Thank you to BookSirens, Cold Alley Fiction and the author for providing this book free of charge for review. All opinions are my own.

[Makayla Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve rated this book based on the CAWPILE method. This book averaged 5 stars.

CHARACTERS- 9/10

The characters in this book are written very well. They have clear voices and believable motives.

********SPOILER******

Patrick is the one that doesn’t sit right with me, and that’s because I feel like his aggression should’ve been able to peak out more, plus, the total 180 personality change was a little jarring.

ATMOSPHERE/SETTING- 9/10

The atmosphere was great. The right mix of paranoia and calm, making the reader feel off kilter. I only wish that there was a bit more of a ‘show not tell’ in the places they went throughout the book. Example, the splintering wood of a beam on the house, or the smell of cedar, something like that.

WRITING STYLE- 10/10

Love this writing style! It’s easy to read, quick to get through, and it flows very nicely. Some of the chapter breaks felt unnecessary but that’s not a big thing.

PLOT- 10/10

The plot kept me guessing. From the lack of credibility of the main character what with her previous drug problems and her overarching paranoia, to having to question LITERALLY every character, it was written in such a way that you were never 100% sure where it was going. Even when the reveal happened. Even in the last 10-15 percent. The hits kept coming. (Pun intended)

INTRIGUE- 10/10

To say I was intrigued would be an understatement. I read this whenever I could. If the ‘I don’t need sleep, I need answers’ meme was a book, this would be the one.

LOGIC/RELATIONSHIPS- 10/10

The totally eerie thing about this book is that it’s something that’s totally plausible. It could really happen. And if that doesn’t give you the shivers… man, what does?

ENJOYMENT- 10/10

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m happy to have gotten an ARC. Totally underrated author. I would definitely recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pheadra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I must confess I was attracted to this book by the title. It reminded me of Where The Crawdads Sing. Needless to say the stories are completely different but equally enjoyable.

Short punchy chapters keep one turning the pages of this told in two timelines decades apart story.

A group of friends enter the woods at Hallowden to search for Elie's dog. One never exited. Since then every two years the group meets up in different locations. This year Elsie is turning 50 and chooses their rendezvous back at Hallowden. She barely tolerates these meet-ups and has developed a deep dislike for these
' friends' but hasn't the courage to decline these meetings. This year secrets are unearthed that shatter lives. Filled with unexpected twists, good pace and the portrayal of deceipt, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 5 stars.

[Abdelmadjid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterclass in Psychological Suspense.


Seriously, this book is phenomenal. Where the Crows Feed is a gripping, complex, and utterly mind bending thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Robert W. Kirby delivers a deeply unsettling atmosphere, intricate plotting, and a truly unforgettable main character in Elsie, whose fight for truth is captivating. This is a wonderfully paced, dark, and utterly compelling read that hooks you from the first page and delivers an explosive, satisfying conclusion. The layered betrayal among the group of friends is simply brilliant.

If you want a book that demands your attention and delivers major thrills, pick this one up immediately. Loved it.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They had gone into the woods together but one did not come back. They all drifted apart and they will meet every 2 years for her although the others are not so sure. They will meet where it all happened and things will change yet again. See where they are taken this time round
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a spooky but great read

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way this author develops his stories and this one definitely has some big reveals throughout it. The only character I liked in the story is Elsie and it turns out there was good reason.
An absolute page turner and I especially loved the ending, the past definitely didn't deserve to stay in the past.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of lies, deceit, and betrayal. Each chapter kept me engaged and wanting more. I did not expect the twist at the end.

Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC book. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.