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Karma
Though she has long suspected, at age twenty-four, Kali discovers she is adopted. The search for her birth parents brings both joy and crippling heartache. Her newfound grandparents are lovely people, but she soon learns the tragic history of her biological mother...
Over two decades before, a young woman was raped and brutalized by four unknown men. She survived, but discovered she was pregnant. The young woman's name was Jessica.
But she went by…Jinx.
Years later, while six-year-old Kali lived her best life across the country with her adoptive parents, Jinx was viciously and mysteriously murdered. There was no justice. A small-town sheriff with clout and connections made sure of that.
Kali adores her new family, but after hearing Jinx's story, she knows she needs to make things right. And she's not afraid to get her hands dirty - or bloody - for the mother she never knew.
People reap what they sow. And Karma knows no deadline.
***
From the two-time Splatterpunk Award-winning author of Red Inside, comes a novel of savage vengeance. Intense and heartbreaking, but with her trademark moments of wit, this novel elevates Bridgett Nelson to the next level of her already notable writing career.
Karma is the standalone sequel to the Splatterpunk Award-winning short story, "Jinx," which is included as bonus content at the end of this book.
The foreword was written by Splatterpunk and Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Jeff Strand.
Over two decades before, a young woman was raped and brutalized by four unknown men. She survived, but discovered she was pregnant. The young woman's name was Jessica.
But she went by…Jinx.
Years later, while six-year-old Kali lived her best life across the country with her adoptive parents, Jinx was viciously and mysteriously murdered. There was no justice. A small-town sheriff with clout and connections made sure of that.
Kali adores her new family, but after hearing Jinx's story, she knows she needs to make things right. And she's not afraid to get her hands dirty - or bloody - for the mother she never knew.
People reap what they sow. And Karma knows no deadline.
***
From the two-time Splatterpunk Award-winning author of Red Inside, comes a novel of savage vengeance. Intense and heartbreaking, but with her trademark moments of wit, this novel elevates Bridgett Nelson to the next level of her already notable writing career.
Karma is the standalone sequel to the Splatterpunk Award-winning short story, "Jinx," which is included as bonus content at the end of this book.
The foreword was written by Splatterpunk and Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Jeff Strand.
- GenresHorror
545 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
5 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Bridgett Nelson
41 books614 followersOnce an operating room registered nurse, Bridgett Nelson so enjoyed playing with human organs, she decided to turn her macabre interest into a horror writing career. She loves bubble baths (because nothing says spooooky writer like orange-scented bubbles), hates not knowing what’s swimming in the water with her, lives for Halloween season (but loathes chainsaw-wielding dudes in haunted houses), adores her West Virginia University Mountaineers, is very pro-Oxford comma, and thinks bananas are absolutely disgusting.
Her first collection, A Bouquet of Viscera, is a two-time Splatterpunk Award winner, recognized both for the collection itself and its standout story, "Jinx." Deadgirl, the novelization of the cult classic film, is now available from Encyclopocalypse Publications and includes forewords from the film's actors, Noah Segan and Shiloh Fernandez, a Q&A from screenwriter, Trent Haaga, and a fan fiction piece from noted horror author, Jeff Strand. Her latest collection, Embracing the Profane, includes fifteen extreme stories that play on Bridgett's dark humor and twisted brain. She is also the author of Poisoned Pink, What the Fuck Was That?, Sweet, Sour, & Spicy, and Red Inside, a finalist in the 2025 Books of Horror Indie Brawl.
Her work has appeared in multiple anthologies, including the iconic Deathrealm Spirits, Crystal Lake's Hotel Macabre, Edward Lee's Erotic Horror for Horny Housewives, The Rack, GhabaGhoul, To Hell and Back, Evil Little Fucks, Y'all Ain't Right, Splatterpunk's Basement of Horror, Dark Disasters, October Screams, American Cannibal, A Woman Unbecoming, and the legendary Splatterpunk Zine.
Bridgett is working on her first original novel, a sequel novel to her most popular short story, and a collaborative novel with a very funny writer.
When Edward Lee read her story "Giggly," available in the Poisoned Pink collection, he said to her:
"Giggly kicked my ass. Outstanding job! I need therapy now."
Bridgett is mom to Parker and Autumn, three pugs, a Saint Bernard, and a ball python. She is a 2022 Michael Knost WINGS award nominee, won second-place in the '22 Gross-Out contest at KillerCon in Austin, Texas, and third-place in the ’23 Gross-Out contest.
She's a freelance editor. Audiobook proofer. Bookworm. Dog lover. Tarantula whisperer. Bra avoider. ENJF. Amaretto Sour obsessor. She/her.
Bridgett currently lives in Duluth, Minnesota, with Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Jeff Strand, and their ball python, Indie Hellspawn McFangy Serenity Strand.
Visit her website at www.bridgettnelson.com.
Her first collection, A Bouquet of Viscera, is a two-time Splatterpunk Award winner, recognized both for the collection itself and its standout story, "Jinx." Deadgirl, the novelization of the cult classic film, is now available from Encyclopocalypse Publications and includes forewords from the film's actors, Noah Segan and Shiloh Fernandez, a Q&A from screenwriter, Trent Haaga, and a fan fiction piece from noted horror author, Jeff Strand. Her latest collection, Embracing the Profane, includes fifteen extreme stories that play on Bridgett's dark humor and twisted brain. She is also the author of Poisoned Pink, What the Fuck Was That?, Sweet, Sour, & Spicy, and Red Inside, a finalist in the 2025 Books of Horror Indie Brawl.
Her work has appeared in multiple anthologies, including the iconic Deathrealm Spirits, Crystal Lake's Hotel Macabre, Edward Lee's Erotic Horror for Horny Housewives, The Rack, GhabaGhoul, To Hell and Back, Evil Little Fucks, Y'all Ain't Right, Splatterpunk's Basement of Horror, Dark Disasters, October Screams, American Cannibal, A Woman Unbecoming, and the legendary Splatterpunk Zine.
Bridgett is working on her first original novel, a sequel novel to her most popular short story, and a collaborative novel with a very funny writer.
When Edward Lee read her story "Giggly," available in the Poisoned Pink collection, he said to her:
"Giggly kicked my ass. Outstanding job! I need therapy now."
Bridgett is mom to Parker and Autumn, three pugs, a Saint Bernard, and a ball python. She is a 2022 Michael Knost WINGS award nominee, won second-place in the '22 Gross-Out contest at KillerCon in Austin, Texas, and third-place in the ’23 Gross-Out contest.
She's a freelance editor. Audiobook proofer. Bookworm. Dog lover. Tarantula whisperer. Bra avoider. ENJF. Amaretto Sour obsessor. She/her.
Bridgett currently lives in Duluth, Minnesota, with Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Jeff Strand, and their ball python, Indie Hellspawn McFangy Serenity Strand.
Visit her website at www.bridgettnelson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 19, 2025
Karma’s a b*tch
“Karma” by Bridgett Nelson is everything I love about indie horror: bold, bloody, and absolutely fearless. As a longtime fan of Nelson’s work, I went in with high expectations — and she still managed to blow me away (once again).
This book serves as a continuation of her award-winning short story “Jinx” from A Bouquet of Viscera, and it expands that world with confidence and razor-sharp purpose. We follow Kali, a girl who discovers she’s adopted and sets out to uncover the truth about her biological family. What she finds is the brutal fate of her mother, Jinx — and the kind of revelation that can only lead to vengeance. And trust me: Nelson does not hold back when it comes to delivering that vengeance in all its gory, satisfying detail.
What makes the story hit even harder is Nelson’s command of pacing. She keeps the narrative tight and punchy, but still finds room for emotional undercurrents that give the violence real weight. It’s splatter, yes — but splatter with a heartbeat. I devoured the book in one sitting because I had to know how far Kali would go… and how far Nelson was willing to push the story. (Spoiler: pretty damn far.)
“Karma” is proof that Bridgett continues to level up with every new release. It’s grizzly, gripping, and grimly cathartic — exactly the kind of horror I look for.
If you liked "Jinx", this is a must-read. And if you haven’t read Nelson before, well… this is one hell of a place to start.
“Karma” by Bridgett Nelson is everything I love about indie horror: bold, bloody, and absolutely fearless. As a longtime fan of Nelson’s work, I went in with high expectations — and she still managed to blow me away (once again).
This book serves as a continuation of her award-winning short story “Jinx” from A Bouquet of Viscera, and it expands that world with confidence and razor-sharp purpose. We follow Kali, a girl who discovers she’s adopted and sets out to uncover the truth about her biological family. What she finds is the brutal fate of her mother, Jinx — and the kind of revelation that can only lead to vengeance. And trust me: Nelson does not hold back when it comes to delivering that vengeance in all its gory, satisfying detail.
What makes the story hit even harder is Nelson’s command of pacing. She keeps the narrative tight and punchy, but still finds room for emotional undercurrents that give the violence real weight. It’s splatter, yes — but splatter with a heartbeat. I devoured the book in one sitting because I had to know how far Kali would go… and how far Nelson was willing to push the story. (Spoiler: pretty damn far.)
“Karma” is proof that Bridgett continues to level up with every new release. It’s grizzly, gripping, and grimly cathartic — exactly the kind of horror I look for.
If you liked "Jinx", this is a must-read. And if you haven’t read Nelson before, well… this is one hell of a place to start.
November 23, 2025
If you have read Bridgett’s short story Jinx, or even if you haven’t, Karma is a must read. This is a follow up to Jinx and Bridgett’s first original full length novel. I will say without a shadow of a doubt, she absolutely KILLED IT!
This story is brutal, bloody and visceral. Definitely not for the faint of heart. But it is also a story of love, revenge and triumph. Kali is one of the most passionate, fierce and all around badass female characters I have come across. She’s already tired of the men around her getting away with their disgusting behavior. When she finds out the trauma her birth mother went through and the pain her birth family suffered with NO accountability, she takes matters into her own hands.
In this story Bridgett perfectly balances intense grief, amazingly detailed characters, humor and deep-seated rage. We all have intrusive thoughts, especially relating to injustices and personal heartache. Bridgett crafts a story where the characters act on these thoughts and believe it or not she leaves you cheering for the violence. Karma is a bitch, and she is coming for you.
🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪/5
This story is brutal, bloody and visceral. Definitely not for the faint of heart. But it is also a story of love, revenge and triumph. Kali is one of the most passionate, fierce and all around badass female characters I have come across. She’s already tired of the men around her getting away with their disgusting behavior. When she finds out the trauma her birth mother went through and the pain her birth family suffered with NO accountability, she takes matters into her own hands.
In this story Bridgett perfectly balances intense grief, amazingly detailed characters, humor and deep-seated rage. We all have intrusive thoughts, especially relating to injustices and personal heartache. Bridgett crafts a story where the characters act on these thoughts and believe it or not she leaves you cheering for the violence. Karma is a bitch, and she is coming for you.
🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪/5
December 9, 2025
First there was Jinx, a girl brutally assaulted and unavailable to move on from that night. Now, there’s Karma. After unearthing the truth of her tragic origin, Karma sets out to right the wrongs visited on her mother years ago. Revenge is best served bloody, especially when its delayed by a generation. This is violence, catharsis, and beauty all rolled into one. Not for the faint of heart, be sure to give Karma a read if you're looking for a bloody good time.
November 24, 2025
Bridgett Nelson never disappoints me in anything she writes.
Perfect thriller/horror and definitely will make a male squirm that’s not use to reading horror.
For us females it feels like perfect revenge.
Grab yourself a nice cup of tea, warm blanket, and curl up with this hard to put down book.
Perfect thriller/horror and definitely will make a male squirm that’s not use to reading horror.
For us females it feels like perfect revenge.
Grab yourself a nice cup of tea, warm blanket, and curl up with this hard to put down book.
November 28, 2025
Reading this, has been like having my heart torn out of my chest, squeezed to a pulp and then pieces of it thrown to the walls until it sticks. 🥺🥺🥺🥺
Fuckdammit, I dont cry at books but I ugly cried so bad at this!
Fuckdammit, I dont cry at books but I ugly cried so bad at this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
“Something sick and diseased had brewed beneath Amethyst Cove’s pristine surface for decades. It was time to excise the rot.”
This was a perfect revenge story led by a very cool, very bad ass female lead in Kali Belo Walsh. From the very beginning, you know that she can take care of herself which was so refreshing to me because it always seems like a FMC has to be pushed around before she picks herself up and fights back. But with Kali, she takes matters into her own hands almost immediately and I loved that.
Definitely a lot of moments that made me squeamish, this is not for the faint of heart. There are moments that will make a reader cringe but also left satisfied and cheering on the karmic retribution. Overall, a great story with a memorable character.
This was a perfect revenge story led by a very cool, very bad ass female lead in Kali Belo Walsh. From the very beginning, you know that she can take care of herself which was so refreshing to me because it always seems like a FMC has to be pushed around before she picks herself up and fights back. But with Kali, she takes matters into her own hands almost immediately and I loved that.
Definitely a lot of moments that made me squeamish, this is not for the faint of heart. There are moments that will make a reader cringe but also left satisfied and cheering on the karmic retribution. Overall, a great story with a memorable character.
December 8, 2025
On the whole, this is a sterling novel with a lot to like about it. The main focus of the quest to uncover the truth about her past and the discovery of what happened to her mother, the series of gruesome encounters that result, and trying to uncover the connection with her own murderous tendencies, offers a genuinely thrilling story with more depth than expected. Some of it ties back into events explored in a secondary writing experience that gives everything the kind of spin that brings her mission of vengeance around full circle. With everything coming along at a quick and steady pace as the revelations unfold in equal measure alongside the brutality present, this leaves the story to develop in an immersive manner, with the fast pace providing quite a lot to like as we follow along on this journey.
The vengeance that gets carried out, here depicted against a slew of wholly deserving victims, not just because of what’s happened to her but the revenge for what happened to her mother, keeps this going along quite well. This is where the book really hits its stride as the brutal, bloody encounters take place, not just with the carnage inflicted, described in graphic detail, but also the creativity of the setpieces, which are featured here. That we’re all cheering on this action with the storyline connotations here, making everything feel more connected due to a solid backstory that works in these great callbacks to give weight to what she’s doing. This might be a bit more graphic and extreme than some might be comfortable with, as the details are explicit and well-drawn out, but that becomes the main issue within this one.
4.5/5
The vengeance that gets carried out, here depicted against a slew of wholly deserving victims, not just because of what’s happened to her but the revenge for what happened to her mother, keeps this going along quite well. This is where the book really hits its stride as the brutal, bloody encounters take place, not just with the carnage inflicted, described in graphic detail, but also the creativity of the setpieces, which are featured here. That we’re all cheering on this action with the storyline connotations here, making everything feel more connected due to a solid backstory that works in these great callbacks to give weight to what she’s doing. This might be a bit more graphic and extreme than some might be comfortable with, as the details are explicit and well-drawn out, but that becomes the main issue within this one.
4.5/5
December 2, 2025
After reading Jinx, I’m genuinely glad I picked it up before starting Karma. Jinx acts as the perfect introduction to this world, setting the tone and giving just enough insight to make Karma hit even harder.
I’m currently about 60% through Karma, and it’s already shaping up to be something special. Bridgett Nelson’s writing is incredibly strong — intense, emotional, and so immersive that you don’t just follow the characters, you feel everything they’re going through. There’s a rawness and honesty in the way their experiences unfold that makes the story stay with you long after you put the book down.
Even though I’ve paused my reading to jump on the horror-advent bandwagon for December, I’m still thinking about these characters constantly. They’ve already become the kind of characters you know you’ll miss when the book is over — the ones who linger because the author made them feel real, flawed, vulnerable, and worth caring about.
Karma is powerful, beautifully written horror with genuine emotional depth. If the final 40% is anything like what I’ve read so far, I already know it’s going to be a book I’ll remember — and one I’ll be recommending to other horror fans. Bridgett Nelson has created a world I’m genuinely excited to return to.
Highly recommended.
I’m currently about 60% through Karma, and it’s already shaping up to be something special. Bridgett Nelson’s writing is incredibly strong — intense, emotional, and so immersive that you don’t just follow the characters, you feel everything they’re going through. There’s a rawness and honesty in the way their experiences unfold that makes the story stay with you long after you put the book down.
Even though I’ve paused my reading to jump on the horror-advent bandwagon for December, I’m still thinking about these characters constantly. They’ve already become the kind of characters you know you’ll miss when the book is over — the ones who linger because the author made them feel real, flawed, vulnerable, and worth caring about.
Karma is powerful, beautifully written horror with genuine emotional depth. If the final 40% is anything like what I’ve read so far, I already know it’s going to be a book I’ll remember — and one I’ll be recommending to other horror fans. Bridgett Nelson has created a world I’m genuinely excited to return to.
Highly recommended.
December 9, 2025
TW: SA, brutality, murder, vindication
I made the mistake of starting this after suppertime. Not because it made me sick but because I could not put it down!!! I was up until 2am to read through it!
If you read Bridgett's collection of short stories (Bouquet of Viscera), you read the prequel to this story, Jinx. But if you didn't read it first, all good. The storytelling brings you up on what you've missed and develops such compelling characters. You start to fall in love with the family that Kali learns of after finding out she was adopted as an infant. She learns of how she was conceived, how her mother's SA was covered up, and continues into how she handles small town wealthy families and corrupt police!
The story is VERY dark and you easily understand how Bridgett is a Splatterpunk Award Winning author! My only advice is to start it early in the day unless you're a super speed reader!!!!
I made the mistake of starting this after suppertime. Not because it made me sick but because I could not put it down!!! I was up until 2am to read through it!
If you read Bridgett's collection of short stories (Bouquet of Viscera), you read the prequel to this story, Jinx. But if you didn't read it first, all good. The storytelling brings you up on what you've missed and develops such compelling characters. You start to fall in love with the family that Kali learns of after finding out she was adopted as an infant. She learns of how she was conceived, how her mother's SA was covered up, and continues into how she handles small town wealthy families and corrupt police!
The story is VERY dark and you easily understand how Bridgett is a Splatterpunk Award Winning author! My only advice is to start it early in the day unless you're a super speed reader!!!!
December 3, 2025
We all know that karma is a b*tch!!
Bridgett has crafted a splatterpunk narrative that's rich in bloody imagery, gore, and a fierce feminine fury. It's definitely a book that will push readers out of their comfort zones. The story is an emotional rollercoaster, and the female lead character is undeniably a force to be reckoned with.
In this tale, the author introduces Kali, who uncovers the truth about her adoption and the circumstances surrounding her birth, which resulted from a sexual assault. Additionally, Kali learns that her biological mother, Jinx, was murdered, and the incident was swept under the rug. Now, the time has come for payback.
Bridgett has crafted a splatterpunk narrative that's rich in bloody imagery, gore, and a fierce feminine fury. It's definitely a book that will push readers out of their comfort zones. The story is an emotional rollercoaster, and the female lead character is undeniably a force to be reckoned with.
In this tale, the author introduces Kali, who uncovers the truth about her adoption and the circumstances surrounding her birth, which resulted from a sexual assault. Additionally, Kali learns that her biological mother, Jinx, was murdered, and the incident was swept under the rug. Now, the time has come for payback.
November 28, 2025
Holy shit.
This book is going to stay with me for a good long while. After needing some vindication after reading Jinx, I can very much so say that this did not disappoint. Are you in the market for some very solid gore and feminine rage? Because this certainly fits the bill. This book was an emotional rollercoaster that had me feeling depressed deep in my bones to wondering if I was a psychopath and then realizing I wasn’t when I had too many emotions at the same time, and most of those were just sad.
This was such a wonderfully told story and a great follow up for Jinx. The first work of Bridgett’s that I read was Red Inside which was just so much fun. And her work just continues to become better and better. I will absolutely read anything that she releases and I was so stoked to be apart of the ARC group for this.
This book is going to stay with me for a good long while. After needing some vindication after reading Jinx, I can very much so say that this did not disappoint. Are you in the market for some very solid gore and feminine rage? Because this certainly fits the bill. This book was an emotional rollercoaster that had me feeling depressed deep in my bones to wondering if I was a psychopath and then realizing I wasn’t when I had too many emotions at the same time, and most of those were just sad.
This was such a wonderfully told story and a great follow up for Jinx. The first work of Bridgett’s that I read was Red Inside which was just so much fun. And her work just continues to become better and better. I will absolutely read anything that she releases and I was so stoked to be apart of the ARC group for this.
December 5, 2025
First, thank you Bridgett Nelson for the ARC of your upcoming release of Karma!!
Second, if you are triggered by sexual assualt, this may not be the book for you.
With that said, BRAVO!!!! With everything going on today with Epstein, Diddy, and every day assualts that happen to too many women and men, this story is epic! For those that want revenge, or justice for others, Bridgett has made your dreams come true and amplified it by 1000%. Also, really had to ask some friends if Femicide was a real word???
And while it is a splatterpunk story, this is also a story about finding ones' self, what family can be, and who or what shapes us.
Lastly, I don't recommend reading the last half of it while you're eating on your lunch break..... oops!!
Overall, it's impactful, full of dread and heartbreak. Bridgett Nelson, chef's kiss!!
Second, if you are triggered by sexual assualt, this may not be the book for you.
With that said, BRAVO!!!! With everything going on today with Epstein, Diddy, and every day assualts that happen to too many women and men, this story is epic! For those that want revenge, or justice for others, Bridgett has made your dreams come true and amplified it by 1000%. Also, really had to ask some friends if Femicide was a real word???
And while it is a splatterpunk story, this is also a story about finding ones' self, what family can be, and who or what shapes us.
Lastly, I don't recommend reading the last half of it while you're eating on your lunch break..... oops!!
Overall, it's impactful, full of dread and heartbreak. Bridgett Nelson, chef's kiss!!
November 24, 2025
This book is fantastic and so satisfying. I highly recommend that you read the short story Jinx first. It is not needed to understand the book but you will really enjoy the book so much more if you do. If you enjoy horror books with strong female characters (love Kali!), sexual predators getting what is coming to them, mixed in with a heart warming family story, then this is the book for you. I would love to see more of Kali and her family in the future!
December 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this one! Bridgett Nelson does it again with this killer splatterpunk story. It’s bloody, brutal, disturbing and emotional. It pushes boundaries in all the best ways all while delivering a powerful dose of female rage and revenge. It’s extremely well written and the main character is strong, fierce and unforgettable. This is seriously a must read for splatterpunk and extreme horror readers!
December 2, 2025
Ahhhhh!!! I loved this book so much. Revenge is my favorite thing to read about. Karma is such a great character and I loved all of her family as well.
Bridgett Nelson added so much stuff to this book that I know about her that it made it even more personal. She has a snake and a spider. Very cool to have stuff like that in a book you write. There’s so much I want to say but don’t want to give anything away!
Loved it !
Bridgett Nelson added so much stuff to this book that I know about her that it made it even more personal. She has a snake and a spider. Very cool to have stuff like that in a book you write. There’s so much I want to say but don’t want to give anything away!
Loved it !
November 26, 2025
Hello! Are you like me tired of living in a world with terrible men behaving terribly who never seem to get their comeuppance? Well, then, does Bridgett Nelson have a world for YOU.
I've known Bridgett and her work since the beginning. Overall, the novel reminded me of the story that introduced me to her, Political Suicide. If you wished that story was an entire novel, then Karma is your huckleberry.
On a personal note, I am so proud of Bridgett. I know this was so much work for her, reflecting a very exciting but very exhausting period in her life. I got to listen while she made the sausage and all of it, the joys, the frustrations, the grief, everything, made its way into Karma, which is what genuine writers are born to do. Check out what that looks like. NOT for the squeamish.
I've known Bridgett and her work since the beginning. Overall, the novel reminded me of the story that introduced me to her, Political Suicide. If you wished that story was an entire novel, then Karma is your huckleberry.
On a personal note, I am so proud of Bridgett. I know this was so much work for her, reflecting a very exciting but very exhausting period in her life. I got to listen while she made the sausage and all of it, the joys, the frustrations, the grief, everything, made its way into Karma, which is what genuine writers are born to do. Check out what that looks like. NOT for the squeamish.
December 8, 2025
Spectacular, gritty, revenge story! Bridgett Nelson holds nothing back. This story will make you squirm, cheer, groan and cringe. The horror world needs to stand up and take notice of this terrific author. I have enjoyed everything she has written.
November 24, 2025
This is the second book read by Bridgette Nelson and again wasn’t disappointed. Karma was a really well-written, fantastic story and look forward to more from the author.
December 9, 2025
From the time I finished reading the short story 'Jinx' by Bridgett Nelson I was dying to start reading her novel "Karma". For anyone who hasn't read my review of 'Jinx', I reviewed it without relaying the horrific things that happened to Jessica (later, Jinx). Now, in order to provide context for "Karma", I will go into that a bit. Jessica was gang raped and left to die by four sick, nasty men when she was 15. The descriptions are brutally and realistically graphic. Bridgett spares no details in describing the atrocities visited upon Jessica, and you want immediate justice for her. Jessica had ended up changing her name to Jinx and I'll try to use each name as it applies to her along the way here, or both, as needed. Jinx and her partner, Elle, suffer at the hands of the same disgusting men later.
Fast forward 24, going on 25, years. A young woman (a junior editor who is is trained in self defense and is mom to a king cobra and a French bulldog in Seattle), Kali, needs her birth certificate for work, and when she finds it, it reveals that she was adopted. If you've read 'Jinx' you realize right away from the physical description of Kali that the gang rape resulted in a pregnancy and that she is Jinx's daughter. Her parents had been meaning to tell her but had never found the right time.
Armed with this information and the loving support of her parents and her best friends, Kali gets some DNA testing that specifies her biological lineage. Then she leaves her doggy, Tipsy, with her parents, prepares her king cobra, Bindi, for travel and packs up enough of her things to last a while. As she's packing her car, she meets her neighbor, Brad, a kind, divorced dad who offers some help. They become fast friends and they exchange numbers to keep in touch while Kali is away. Kali then goes on a road trip mission to find her biological maternal grandmother, Heidi, across the country in Maryland.
A lengthy drive over more than a few days results in a few restful hotel/motel stays, a few fun check ins with Brad (who has some of the 'groaniest' dad jokes I've heard in a while!), one interaction with a creep at a rest stop (who Kali stops in his tracks, quite effectively and very satisfyingly, I might add, as he attempts to assault her) and finally, her arrival in Baltimore, the major city near Amethyst Cove, where Heidi lives. Kali meets a sweet valet guy, Freddy, at the hotel in Baltimore who helps her get Bindi inside and they bond a bit over his reaction to Bindi (which we find out later is a bit surprising since he also has an exotic pet of his own).
As soon as Heidi answers the door it's clear that she knows Kali is Jessica's daughter and she welcomes her with open arms which, at that moment, satisfies my soul. Things progress quickly as Kali meets Jinx's family and begins to know her biological mother through stories and information from them and from Jinx's diary, which they give to her. Some of the diary entries are heartbreaking and Jinx's pain and resulting depression and hopelessness are palpable. Bridgett has you feeling Kali's pain, anguish and need for vengeance more intensely at each turn as Kali progressively learns more and more, confronts her biological father, Shawn, who is, unsurprisingly, less than kind, realizes that the corrupt Amethyst Cove sheriff is the father of another of the rapists, and pieces everything together. Kali knows what she must do and she sets out to do it.
This setup of Bridgett's is artful, careful, and clear. The characters are richly drawn and fleshed out, the good (Kali, her families, and her friends including the lady at her hotel, the lady who helps her and her new family film a documentary, and a podcast lady), the bad and the ugly (the rapists, the sheriff, and the rest stop creep), alike. Kali's budding romance with Freddy is so sweet, and a further up note is that its end brings something good in the way of a colorful tarantula named Banshee.
Kali's pursuit of justice is specific and well executed. Knowing that help from the authorities is not possible since they are in the sheriff's pocket, Kali painstakingly takes matters into her own hands. Each rapist is made to suffer in a creative way akin to how he made Jessica suffer and appropriately dispatched. The details are fantastically bare, specific, disgusting and, to me, delightfully deserved. Telling you more would segue into too much spoiler territory and I've told you a lot already. As I read this series of events I marveled at Kali's methods and well thought out procedures. I started calling her a female Dexter in my mind, which I was going to proudly crow out in this review, but then after Brad ends up becoming involved due to a snag in one of the plans, he brings that up... beat me to it, dad jokes guy (Bridgett!)!
Another wonderful thing comes out of one of the rapist's 'dispatches' in the form of a baby kitty (immediately named Bijou by Kali who considers her a little jewel, which she is!). I absolutely love when Kali tells Brad that she's not a sociopath, a psychopath or any other kind of 'path' and I agree with that. Things proceed at first smoothly and then with some complications and I worried for Kali on more than one occasion, but mission(s) accomplished.
Bridgett has put this all together so clearly and beautifully and leaves nothing behind. The pieces fit and they create the perfect jigsaw puzzle of Jessica/Jinx's legacy.
I think you can already see one reason why this piece has its title, but there is a bit more to it, which I'll let you discover as you read this triumphant, satisfying, amazing novel.
Fast forward 24, going on 25, years. A young woman (a junior editor who is is trained in self defense and is mom to a king cobra and a French bulldog in Seattle), Kali, needs her birth certificate for work, and when she finds it, it reveals that she was adopted. If you've read 'Jinx' you realize right away from the physical description of Kali that the gang rape resulted in a pregnancy and that she is Jinx's daughter. Her parents had been meaning to tell her but had never found the right time.
Armed with this information and the loving support of her parents and her best friends, Kali gets some DNA testing that specifies her biological lineage. Then she leaves her doggy, Tipsy, with her parents, prepares her king cobra, Bindi, for travel and packs up enough of her things to last a while. As she's packing her car, she meets her neighbor, Brad, a kind, divorced dad who offers some help. They become fast friends and they exchange numbers to keep in touch while Kali is away. Kali then goes on a road trip mission to find her biological maternal grandmother, Heidi, across the country in Maryland.
A lengthy drive over more than a few days results in a few restful hotel/motel stays, a few fun check ins with Brad (who has some of the 'groaniest' dad jokes I've heard in a while!), one interaction with a creep at a rest stop (who Kali stops in his tracks, quite effectively and very satisfyingly, I might add, as he attempts to assault her) and finally, her arrival in Baltimore, the major city near Amethyst Cove, where Heidi lives. Kali meets a sweet valet guy, Freddy, at the hotel in Baltimore who helps her get Bindi inside and they bond a bit over his reaction to Bindi (which we find out later is a bit surprising since he also has an exotic pet of his own).
As soon as Heidi answers the door it's clear that she knows Kali is Jessica's daughter and she welcomes her with open arms which, at that moment, satisfies my soul. Things progress quickly as Kali meets Jinx's family and begins to know her biological mother through stories and information from them and from Jinx's diary, which they give to her. Some of the diary entries are heartbreaking and Jinx's pain and resulting depression and hopelessness are palpable. Bridgett has you feeling Kali's pain, anguish and need for vengeance more intensely at each turn as Kali progressively learns more and more, confronts her biological father, Shawn, who is, unsurprisingly, less than kind, realizes that the corrupt Amethyst Cove sheriff is the father of another of the rapists, and pieces everything together. Kali knows what she must do and she sets out to do it.
This setup of Bridgett's is artful, careful, and clear. The characters are richly drawn and fleshed out, the good (Kali, her families, and her friends including the lady at her hotel, the lady who helps her and her new family film a documentary, and a podcast lady), the bad and the ugly (the rapists, the sheriff, and the rest stop creep), alike. Kali's budding romance with Freddy is so sweet, and a further up note is that its end brings something good in the way of a colorful tarantula named Banshee.
Kali's pursuit of justice is specific and well executed. Knowing that help from the authorities is not possible since they are in the sheriff's pocket, Kali painstakingly takes matters into her own hands. Each rapist is made to suffer in a creative way akin to how he made Jessica suffer and appropriately dispatched. The details are fantastically bare, specific, disgusting and, to me, delightfully deserved. Telling you more would segue into too much spoiler territory and I've told you a lot already. As I read this series of events I marveled at Kali's methods and well thought out procedures. I started calling her a female Dexter in my mind, which I was going to proudly crow out in this review, but then after Brad ends up becoming involved due to a snag in one of the plans, he brings that up... beat me to it, dad jokes guy (Bridgett!)!
Another wonderful thing comes out of one of the rapist's 'dispatches' in the form of a baby kitty (immediately named Bijou by Kali who considers her a little jewel, which she is!). I absolutely love when Kali tells Brad that she's not a sociopath, a psychopath or any other kind of 'path' and I agree with that. Things proceed at first smoothly and then with some complications and I worried for Kali on more than one occasion, but mission(s) accomplished.
Bridgett has put this all together so clearly and beautifully and leaves nothing behind. The pieces fit and they create the perfect jigsaw puzzle of Jessica/Jinx's legacy.
I think you can already see one reason why this piece has its title, but there is a bit more to it, which I'll let you discover as you read this triumphant, satisfying, amazing novel.
December 8, 2025
After the emotion gut punch that was Jinx, we now get Karma. And holy hell, this is an intense, ferociously wild ride. We follow Kali, who is determined to find her birth family after learning she is adopted. He finds that and so much more, becoming entangled in a web of secrecy, corruption, and pure evil.
This book is extreme splatterpunk feminine rage at its best. I’m a guy and I started hating men by the end of this book, that’s how good of a job Bridgette does getting the reader in the mind of Kali as she goes on this journey of revenge against the men who brutalized her mother and so many others. And some of the scenes in this book are not for the squeamish. This. Book. Is. BRUTAL! I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. The writing is excellent, each character feels so real and I found myself dying to know what would happen next. Easy 5/5! Highly recommended!
This book is extreme splatterpunk feminine rage at its best. I’m a guy and I started hating men by the end of this book, that’s how good of a job Bridgette does getting the reader in the mind of Kali as she goes on this journey of revenge against the men who brutalized her mother and so many others. And some of the scenes in this book are not for the squeamish. This. Book. Is. BRUTAL! I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. The writing is excellent, each character feels so real and I found myself dying to know what would happen next. Easy 5/5! Highly recommended!
November 24, 2025
Karma is what's coming for you and Bridgett brings it to us in spades in this novel. She introduces us to Kali, who find out she is adopted and that her birth mother had her because off a sexual assault. She also learns her birth mother, Jinx, was murdered and it was covered up. Now it's time for payback. This is a follow-up to the short story--Jinx that shows the reader what happened to her and how she was treated. Not that you have to read it first, but it's definitely recommended and included as a bonus content with this story. Bridgett gives us a splatterpunk story that is full of blood, revenge, loss, and wit. It's a fast and fun read and you can see why she is considered a trendsetter in the horror industry. I can't wait to see what she brings to the table next.
December 10, 2025
Karma by Bridgett Nelson
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an excellent dark and extreme horror story! There’s blood, intensity, vivid imagery and strong emotions too!!
At the age of 24, Kali finds out that she was adopted as a baby and seeks out her biological birth parents. The information she finds about them is quite a story and a lot to digest! Kali won’t rest without all the facts answers! She's on the hunt for revenge and knows that karma catches up to you!
She’s a kick ass character!! 💪🏻
This author really knows how to dive into strong storytelling!! It’s very well written and is truly an amazing story!!
I was lucky to read an arc of this book and I highly recommend it!!
This book is a standalone sequel to a short story Jinx.
*Karma is out now!! Go grab it!!*
🔪🩸🐍🩸🐍🩸🔪
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is an excellent dark and extreme horror story! There’s blood, intensity, vivid imagery and strong emotions too!!
At the age of 24, Kali finds out that she was adopted as a baby and seeks out her biological birth parents. The information she finds about them is quite a story and a lot to digest! Kali won’t rest without all the facts answers! She's on the hunt for revenge and knows that karma catches up to you!
She’s a kick ass character!! 💪🏻
This author really knows how to dive into strong storytelling!! It’s very well written and is truly an amazing story!!
I was lucky to read an arc of this book and I highly recommend it!!
This book is a standalone sequel to a short story Jinx.
*Karma is out now!! Go grab it!!*
🔪🩸🐍🩸🐍🩸🔪
December 10, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! If you love a badazzz FMC, revenge, and splatter.. you won’t want to miss this one. As always, Bridgett’s writing sucked me right in. I seriously look forward to everything she writes. In this new release, Kali, our FMC isn’t just a revenge seeking queen, she has depth and you can’t help but love her. So so happy to add this one to my highly recommended Splatterpunk book list! Thank you for the early read in exchange for my honest review, Bridgett.. this was exactly what I needed in my life 😍
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https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8UcffPc/
December 29, 2025
Holy smokes!!
This story is like a Trainwreck!!! You can't look away!!
This book follows a short story called Jinks
While I don't normally read splatterpunk, Bridgett Nelson is quickly changing that for me.She grips you by the throat and puts you through an amazing, well told, messed up ride! You are going to love it!!!
This story is like a Trainwreck!!! You can't look away!!
This book follows a short story called Jinks
While I don't normally read splatterpunk, Bridgett Nelson is quickly changing that for me.She grips you by the throat and puts you through an amazing, well told, messed up ride! You are going to love it!!!
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