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Blood River Witch
Set on Kentucky’s Blood River, a Sheriff’s Deputy investigates the death of her ex-fiance, whose brutal occultist murder strongly resembles a similar murder decades ago, for readers of Tana French, Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott, and fans of True Detective
Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is thrust into the center of a chilling murder investigation when she discovers a victim identifiable only by his hauntingly familiar tattoo—her name inked onto the knuckles of her ex-fiancé, Jake.
Years earlier, Alicia’s father, the then-Sheriff, had arrested a teenage occultist for a nearly identical murder, believed to be driven by the suspect’s worship of demonic entities. Now, with Jake’s murder mirroring that past crime, doubts arise about whether the true culprit was ever caught. The mystery deepens with the arrival of Lucas Masterson, a Criminology PhD student studying the confluence between religious trauma and occult crime, who is eager to lend his expertise to the investigation. As Lucas delves into the case, his profound knowledge of the town’s grim history and his outsider perspective strain the local social fabric, while Alicia grapples with her suspicion towards his unsettling familiarity with the crimes. Caught between her strained relationship with her father, the community’s watchful eyes on a female deputy, and her own harrowing ties to the case, Alicia must navigate a maze of potential occultists, convicts, corrupt officials, and clergy to prevent a gruesome history from repeating itself once again.
For what lies at the heart of Blood River – is it an ancient malicious force seeking to harm the townfolk, or is there a deeper prejudice in a town that continues to punish women in a way that it does not punish the men?
Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is thrust into the center of a chilling murder investigation when she discovers a victim identifiable only by his hauntingly familiar tattoo—her name inked onto the knuckles of her ex-fiancé, Jake.
Years earlier, Alicia’s father, the then-Sheriff, had arrested a teenage occultist for a nearly identical murder, believed to be driven by the suspect’s worship of demonic entities. Now, with Jake’s murder mirroring that past crime, doubts arise about whether the true culprit was ever caught. The mystery deepens with the arrival of Lucas Masterson, a Criminology PhD student studying the confluence between religious trauma and occult crime, who is eager to lend his expertise to the investigation. As Lucas delves into the case, his profound knowledge of the town’s grim history and his outsider perspective strain the local social fabric, while Alicia grapples with her suspicion towards his unsettling familiarity with the crimes. Caught between her strained relationship with her father, the community’s watchful eyes on a female deputy, and her own harrowing ties to the case, Alicia must navigate a maze of potential occultists, convicts, corrupt officials, and clergy to prevent a gruesome history from repeating itself once again.
For what lies at the heart of Blood River – is it an ancient malicious force seeking to harm the townfolk, or is there a deeper prejudice in a town that continues to punish women in a way that it does not punish the men?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 26, 2026
This was a very good surprise. There are a lot of books surfing on the success of True Detective S01 and centered on satanic murders, but I found this one is really above the mêlée.
I loved the narrator in the audiobook version. She made a fantastic work at capturing the characters and highlighting the writing.
The atmosphere alone is incredible, and to me was the best part. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and the characters were really interesting.
I loved the narrator in the audiobook version. She made a fantastic work at capturing the characters and highlighting the writing.
The atmosphere alone is incredible, and to me was the best part. The mystery kept me guessing until the end, and the characters were really interesting.
July 25, 2026
The setting along Kentucky's Blood River was atmospheric, the folklore surrounding the Blood River Witch was genuinely creepy, and the opening mystery had me completely hooked. I was invested in Alicia, the old case, and the connection between the murders twenty years apart.
Unfortunately, the ending completely unraveled the book for me.
By the time I finished, I wasn't left thinking about the themes or the characters. I was trying to figure out what had actually happened. Major plot points never came together in a satisfying way. I still don't understand why Alicia's father planted the hair tie, why Alicia destroyed evidence by burning the photograph, what Jake's true role was in the original murder, or why Houston's motive connected to recreating the Blood River Witch killings. The reveal answered who, but never clearly explained why.
Alicia also became an increasingly unreliable narrator, but instead of making the mystery more compelling, it made it difficult to know what was real. Even after replaying the final hour of the audiobook multiple times, I still felt like I was missing crucial pieces of the story.
There is a good mystery buried in here somewhere, and I loved the eerie atmosphere and Appalachian folklore, but I needed an ending that tied the threads together instead of leaving me with more questions than answers.
Unfortunately, the ending completely unraveled the book for me.
By the time I finished, I wasn't left thinking about the themes or the characters. I was trying to figure out what had actually happened. Major plot points never came together in a satisfying way. I still don't understand why Alicia's father planted the hair tie, why Alicia destroyed evidence by burning the photograph, what Jake's true role was in the original murder, or why Houston's motive connected to recreating the Blood River Witch killings. The reveal answered who, but never clearly explained why.
Alicia also became an increasingly unreliable narrator, but instead of making the mystery more compelling, it made it difficult to know what was real. Even after replaying the final hour of the audiobook multiple times, I still felt like I was missing crucial pieces of the story.
There is a good mystery buried in here somewhere, and I loved the eerie atmosphere and Appalachian folklore, but I needed an ending that tied the threads together instead of leaving me with more questions than answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2026
The beauty of BLOOD RIVER WITCH, the latest work of literary horror by T.J. Martinson, is in the way he works a sentence. The reader is not so much brought into a story but immersed in it and all of its’ varied senses. From the very first page which allows us to step inside a scene of human horror, the reader is hooked by a thriller that will not let go of you.
The small town that sits upon Kentucky’s Blood River is about to relive a past horror that they are still fighting to put out of their minds. Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is called late one evening at home by her colleague, Deputy Jackson, to a tobacco barn located deep in the muddy woods where he has come across a grisly sight. A body, riddled with flies and torn open, hung upside to rot in the obvious misery that had claimed its’ life. What makes this find especially difficult for Alicia is that it takes her directly back to a satanic ritual type of murder that she was a serious suspect in --- a fact that many residents of the town have not forgotten as they still refer to her mockingly as the Blood River Witch.
It turns out to not just be anybody but that of Alicia’s ex-fiancé Jake, who had also been a suspect in the satanic murders that had once rocked the foundations of the small town. Alicia plows forward with the case, not knowing if she was looking at a serial killer returned, copycat killer, or someone committing a random murder seeking to make it look like one of those options. She begins with Jake’s current wife, Delilah, who ends up having a valid alibi and is quickly taken out of consideration.
As much as she would like to avoid it, the comparisons to the seemingly random, ritualistic killing of Colton Marshall --- a truck driver who found himself in the wrong place --- from 2005 ring loudly. So loud in fact that the current Sheriff brings in out of town resources to take over the case, much to Alicia’s chagrin. She also must deal with her own father, the former Sheriff, who has still never had a relationship with her since the events of 2005 as he has never been able to bring himself to fully believe her innocence in that murder.
What Martinson has spun together is a deadly spider-web of a novel, full of thriller and supernatural aspects, that will keep the reader guessing at every turn and wondering just which Alicia is actually at play --- the potential satanic murder from 2005 or the upstanding law enforcement officer we see before us now. I will leave the answer to that open ended, as this novel will take you many places before you are able to realize what has really happened and who is to blame.
Alicia has been haunted by dreams she had about Jake that began about a week before he died, and she is not sure how to interpret them. Her investigation includes time speaking with his father, a local Pastor, who wants justice for his son just as much as he seems to care about saving Alicia’s tragic soul. When she hooks up with a young British researcher who is intrigued with Jake’s death and claims he may have some theories about it, in addition to the murder of Colton Marshall, she is at first uninterested but slowly becomes intrigued. It makes for some of the most interesting scenes in the novel, and there are many to savor.
BLOOD RIVER WITCH toes the line between satanic supernaturally themed murder and the horrors that exist inside very human killers and the ending is both surreal and utterly memorable. T. J. Martinson has written what is easily one of the best novels of 2026 and I will not soon forget.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
The small town that sits upon Kentucky’s Blood River is about to relive a past horror that they are still fighting to put out of their minds. Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is called late one evening at home by her colleague, Deputy Jackson, to a tobacco barn located deep in the muddy woods where he has come across a grisly sight. A body, riddled with flies and torn open, hung upside to rot in the obvious misery that had claimed its’ life. What makes this find especially difficult for Alicia is that it takes her directly back to a satanic ritual type of murder that she was a serious suspect in --- a fact that many residents of the town have not forgotten as they still refer to her mockingly as the Blood River Witch.
It turns out to not just be anybody but that of Alicia’s ex-fiancé Jake, who had also been a suspect in the satanic murders that had once rocked the foundations of the small town. Alicia plows forward with the case, not knowing if she was looking at a serial killer returned, copycat killer, or someone committing a random murder seeking to make it look like one of those options. She begins with Jake’s current wife, Delilah, who ends up having a valid alibi and is quickly taken out of consideration.
As much as she would like to avoid it, the comparisons to the seemingly random, ritualistic killing of Colton Marshall --- a truck driver who found himself in the wrong place --- from 2005 ring loudly. So loud in fact that the current Sheriff brings in out of town resources to take over the case, much to Alicia’s chagrin. She also must deal with her own father, the former Sheriff, who has still never had a relationship with her since the events of 2005 as he has never been able to bring himself to fully believe her innocence in that murder.
What Martinson has spun together is a deadly spider-web of a novel, full of thriller and supernatural aspects, that will keep the reader guessing at every turn and wondering just which Alicia is actually at play --- the potential satanic murder from 2005 or the upstanding law enforcement officer we see before us now. I will leave the answer to that open ended, as this novel will take you many places before you are able to realize what has really happened and who is to blame.
Alicia has been haunted by dreams she had about Jake that began about a week before he died, and she is not sure how to interpret them. Her investigation includes time speaking with his father, a local Pastor, who wants justice for his son just as much as he seems to care about saving Alicia’s tragic soul. When she hooks up with a young British researcher who is intrigued with Jake’s death and claims he may have some theories about it, in addition to the murder of Colton Marshall, she is at first uninterested but slowly becomes intrigued. It makes for some of the most interesting scenes in the novel, and there are many to savor.
BLOOD RIVER WITCH toes the line between satanic supernaturally themed murder and the horrors that exist inside very human killers and the ending is both surreal and utterly memorable. T. J. Martinson has written what is easily one of the best novels of 2026 and I will not soon forget.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
June 29, 2026
This was a pacy little murder mystery with the tiniest dash of creepy and I really enjoyed it.
Deputy Alicia Moore is a wonderfully unreliable protagonist. She's a fully realised, complex female character (written by a man, which I didn't even know until I had finished, and that says a lot). The mystery had twists and turns aplenty and I never did guess whodunnit. The writing is strong and the fact that it left me still wondering is actually kind of wonderful.
I went into this totally blind. I've never read anything by the TJ Martinson before but I saw this pop up and it looked interesting. I'm glad I gave it a shot and I'll probably pick up another one by him in the future.
Deputy Alicia Moore is a wonderfully unreliable protagonist. She's a fully realised, complex female character (written by a man, which I didn't even know until I had finished, and that says a lot). The mystery had twists and turns aplenty and I never did guess whodunnit. The writing is strong and the fact that it left me still wondering is actually kind of wonderful.
I went into this totally blind. I've never read anything by the TJ Martinson before but I saw this pop up and it looked interesting. I'm glad I gave it a shot and I'll probably pick up another one by him in the future.
July 29, 2026
I will admit I wanted more from this (especially in terms of secondary characters and the occult beliefs) but i really enjoyed it and I always give an extra star when I’ve met the author. I mean his baby was airlifted to a hospital how could I not give 5 stars?!
July 19, 2026
TJ Martinson can undeniably write. I think the writing itself was my favorite part of this story, actually. That, and how he captures the small town vibe necessary for a murder mystery like this one. Very enigmatic.
I do wish there had been more context regarding the history of the main character, and how/why she was viewed by the town the way she was.
I do wish there had been more context regarding the history of the main character, and how/why she was viewed by the town the way she was.
July 4, 2026
Rounded 4.5. I need to admit up front when I go to an event and meet an author I feel like it gives them a leg up when it comes to my rating.
All of that said, I really enjoyed this book. I am all about a small town where everyone has secrets and the gossip is heavy. This was a great small town mystery with secrets from the past blending with secrets in the present. Bit of a culty vibe to top it off.
Editing to add that I was distracted by the main character's name because, despite being a common sounding name, it is the full name of the singer, Pink, but I'm just going to choose to believe T.J. Martinson is a huge Pink fan.
All of that said, I really enjoyed this book. I am all about a small town where everyone has secrets and the gossip is heavy. This was a great small town mystery with secrets from the past blending with secrets in the present. Bit of a culty vibe to top it off.
Editing to add that I was distracted by the main character's name because, despite being a common sounding name, it is the full name of the singer, Pink, but I'm just going to choose to believe T.J. Martinson is a huge Pink fan.
June 30, 2026
I didn’t think men could write female characters this well honestly. Beautifully written with the perfect dash of stifling, southern murder mystery and small town eeriness.
June 22, 2026
I didn't think this one would be for me (I really liked his previous one, which was very different) but ended up really enjoying this one, too. The writing is excellent, and the mystery element is very engaging. I don't tend to enjoy "scary" novels, but I'd say this was less scary than it was unsettling, which I appreciated. Overall, 5/5, highly recommend.
July 4, 2026
I have an admiration for the manner in which TJ Martinson writes a female protagonist. I read a review that said this novel smacks a bit of the legend, herself, Gillian Flynn, and I can definitely see some resemblance. The story-telling allows for detailed imagining to such an extent I felt I was a fly on the bloody walls.
BRW is a captivating story with an enjoyable depth. I could not put it down.
BRW is a captivating story with an enjoyable depth. I could not put it down.
July 27, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.25 Stars
This one gave me serious True Detective Season 1 vibes, and I was hooked. I spent the entire book building my own theories, connecting clues, and convincing myself I'd figured it out... only to be wrong every single time. I love when a mystery can keep me guessing like that.
Jeannie Sheneman did a fantastic job with the narration. She kept the tension high and held my attention from start to finish, making it easy to stay invested in the investigation and the eerie atmosphere.
My only small complaint was the ending. It felt a little rushed, and I actually went back and listened to the final chapters twice because I thought I had missed something. Even so, it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed the ride.
If you're a fan of Nora Roberts' mystery thrillers, Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, or books by Freida McFadden, I think you'll have a great time with this one.
Tropes/Themes:
🔎 Murder mystery
👮 FMC detective
🌲 Small-town secrets
⛪ Occult / ritualistic crime
🩸 Cold case meets present-day investigation
🤫 Family secrets
🧩 Red herrings
🌫️ Atmospheric suspense
🕯️ Gothic / Southern Gothic atmosphere
🏚️ Rural noir
🧠 Unreliable perceptions (you're questioning everyone and everything)
💀 Crime thriller with supernatural ambiguity
Thank you to T.J. Martinson, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
This one gave me serious True Detective Season 1 vibes, and I was hooked. I spent the entire book building my own theories, connecting clues, and convincing myself I'd figured it out... only to be wrong every single time. I love when a mystery can keep me guessing like that.
Jeannie Sheneman did a fantastic job with the narration. She kept the tension high and held my attention from start to finish, making it easy to stay invested in the investigation and the eerie atmosphere.
My only small complaint was the ending. It felt a little rushed, and I actually went back and listened to the final chapters twice because I thought I had missed something. Even so, it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed the ride.
If you're a fan of Nora Roberts' mystery thrillers, Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, or books by Freida McFadden, I think you'll have a great time with this one.
Tropes/Themes:
🔎 Murder mystery
👮 FMC detective
🌲 Small-town secrets
⛪ Occult / ritualistic crime
🩸 Cold case meets present-day investigation
🤫 Family secrets
🧩 Red herrings
🌫️ Atmospheric suspense
🕯️ Gothic / Southern Gothic atmosphere
🏚️ Rural noir
🧠 Unreliable perceptions (you're questioning everyone and everything)
💀 Crime thriller with supernatural ambiguity
Thank you to T.J. Martinson, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2026
I saw T.J Martinson at an event with SA Cosby to promote this book and Cosby's inspiration on his writing is evident, a well crafted mystery with supernatural undertones à la True Detective.
The protagonist Alicia is a fascinating lead who is very complex and flawed, I especially appreciated her contentious and relationship with her father and how that unravels over the course of the book.
The conclusion was unpredictable but like all good mysteries it makes perfect sense in the context of the whole story.
Highly Recommend!
The protagonist Alicia is a fascinating lead who is very complex and flawed, I especially appreciated her contentious and relationship with her father and how that unravels over the course of the book.
The conclusion was unpredictable but like all good mysteries it makes perfect sense in the context of the whole story.
Highly Recommend!
July 26, 2026
Maybe I’ll come back to this, but I’ve been spoiled by my last few novels. The dialogue wasn’t believable, and there were too many overwritten sections (and I hadn't even reached the 4th chapter). I expected a man with straw hanging out of his mouth to jump out of a bush and declare, “Hoooooooeeeeeeey!” 😬
And why could the protagonist’s husband not be able to finish a sudoku puzzle (it implied that he couldn’t finish a sudoku book, but it made it seem like he couldn’t even work through one)? She made it seem endearing, but like…what’s wrong with him? The real mystery, I guess.
And why could the protagonist’s husband not be able to finish a sudoku puzzle (it implied that he couldn’t finish a sudoku book, but it made it seem like he couldn’t even work through one)? She made it seem endearing, but like…what’s wrong with him? The real mystery, I guess.
June 21, 2026
Wow! Definitely has vibes of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, and a little Paul Tremblay. Loved it! Engaging, literary, philosophical, and scary
June 26, 2026
Twists and turns that kept me guessing and an ending that left me wondering. Excellent read
July 17, 2026
I’m not too sure what to make of this—Interesting premise—but I felt a little lost at the end.
July 13, 2026
The beauty of BLOOD RIVER WITCH lies in how T.J. Martinson works a sentence. We are not so much brought into the story as we are immersed in it and all of its varied senses. From the first page, which allows us to step inside a scene of human horror, we are hooked by a thriller that will not let go of us.
The small town that sits upon Kentucky’s Blood River is about to relive a past horror that they are still fighting to put out of their minds. Late one evening, Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is summoned to a tobacco barn located deep in the muddy woods. A body that is torn open and riddled with flies is hung upside down to rot in the obvious misery that had claimed the life of this individual. What makes this find especially difficult for Alicia is that it takes her back to a satanic ritual type of murder in which she was a serious suspect. Many of the town’s residents have not forgotten about this as they still refer to her mockingly as the Blood River Witch.
It turns out that the victim is Alicia’s ex-fiancé, Jake, who also had been a suspect in those same murders. Alicia plows forward with the case, not knowing if she is looking at a serial killer who has returned, a copycat, or someone committing a random murder seeking to make it look like one of those scenarios. She begins with Jake’s wife, who has a valid alibi and is quickly ruled out as a suspect.
As much as she would like to avoid it, the comparisons to the seemingly random, ritualistic killing of Colton Marshall --- a truck driver who found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time --- ring loudly. It’s so loud in fact that the current sheriff brings in out-of-town resources to take over the case, much to Alicia’s chagrin. She also must deal with her father, the former sheriff, who has not had a relationship with her since the events of 2005 as he has never been able to bring himself to fully believe in her innocence.
What Martinson has spun together is a deadly spider-web of a novel, full of thriller and supernatural aspects, that will keep readers guessing at every turn and wondering just which Alicia is actually at play --- the potential satanic killer from two decades ago or the upstanding law enforcement officer we see before us now. I will leave the answer to that open-ended as the book will take you many places before you are able to realize what has really happened and who is to blame.
Alicia has been haunted by dreams she has about Jake that began about a week before he died, and she is not sure how to interpret them. Her investigation includes speaking with his father, a local pastor, who wants justice for him just as much as he seems to care about saving Alicia’s tragic soul. When she hooks up with a young British researcher who is intrigued by Jake’s death and claims he may have some theories about it, along with Colton Marshall’s murder, she is not interested at first but slowly becomes intrigued. It makes for some of the most compelling scenes in the novel, and there are many to savor.
BLOOD RIVER WITCH toes the line between satanic, supernaturally themed murder and the horrors that exist inside very human killers. The ending is both surreal and utterly memorable. T.J. Martinson has written what is easily one of the best novels of 2026, and I will not forget it any time soon.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The small town that sits upon Kentucky’s Blood River is about to relive a past horror that they are still fighting to put out of their minds. Late one evening, Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is summoned to a tobacco barn located deep in the muddy woods. A body that is torn open and riddled with flies is hung upside down to rot in the obvious misery that had claimed the life of this individual. What makes this find especially difficult for Alicia is that it takes her back to a satanic ritual type of murder in which she was a serious suspect. Many of the town’s residents have not forgotten about this as they still refer to her mockingly as the Blood River Witch.
It turns out that the victim is Alicia’s ex-fiancé, Jake, who also had been a suspect in those same murders. Alicia plows forward with the case, not knowing if she is looking at a serial killer who has returned, a copycat, or someone committing a random murder seeking to make it look like one of those scenarios. She begins with Jake’s wife, who has a valid alibi and is quickly ruled out as a suspect.
As much as she would like to avoid it, the comparisons to the seemingly random, ritualistic killing of Colton Marshall --- a truck driver who found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time --- ring loudly. It’s so loud in fact that the current sheriff brings in out-of-town resources to take over the case, much to Alicia’s chagrin. She also must deal with her father, the former sheriff, who has not had a relationship with her since the events of 2005 as he has never been able to bring himself to fully believe in her innocence.
What Martinson has spun together is a deadly spider-web of a novel, full of thriller and supernatural aspects, that will keep readers guessing at every turn and wondering just which Alicia is actually at play --- the potential satanic killer from two decades ago or the upstanding law enforcement officer we see before us now. I will leave the answer to that open-ended as the book will take you many places before you are able to realize what has really happened and who is to blame.
Alicia has been haunted by dreams she has about Jake that began about a week before he died, and she is not sure how to interpret them. Her investigation includes speaking with his father, a local pastor, who wants justice for him just as much as he seems to care about saving Alicia’s tragic soul. When she hooks up with a young British researcher who is intrigued by Jake’s death and claims he may have some theories about it, along with Colton Marshall’s murder, she is not interested at first but slowly becomes intrigued. It makes for some of the most compelling scenes in the novel, and there are many to savor.
BLOOD RIVER WITCH toes the line between satanic, supernaturally themed murder and the horrors that exist inside very human killers. The ending is both surreal and utterly memorable. T.J. Martinson has written what is easily one of the best novels of 2026, and I will not forget it any time soon.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was thrilled to receive the #gifted 𝑩𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑫 𝑹𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑹 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑪𝑯 𝒃𝒚 𝑻.𝑱. 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒏 from @counterpointpress and after the first chapter, I knew it would be an intense read. When I requested the audio from @brilliancepublishing on @netgalley I was holding my breath, and luckily, I was able to add it to my physical reading!
Alicia Moore is the Deputy Sheriff along Kentucky's Blood River which comes with its own challenges, not least of which her father's shadow from his stint as Sheriff in her youth when the first harrowing murder occurred. Now with a body that looks to point to the past, Alicia can't escape the whispers, especially since the newest victim was her ex-fiancé.
I love a good mystery, and this was more than just that. The brooding atmosphere kept tension taut, the characters had a rawness that cast suspicion everywhere, the possibility of something truly otherworldly kept me on edge, and as a reading experience, the writing felt superb.
I felt the initial themes of carving out a sense of self in a small community that already has decided who you are. The feelings of disappointment from the elders for choosing a different path, especially as a woman, resonates. Honestly, though, I didn't ruminate too long on these as the story was deeply engrossing. I read the last pages twice.
The audio was an interesting addition. I often forget about accents when I am physically reading, so hearing a strong Kentucky accent was both weirdly surprising at first, and then settled into what felt to be the right feel. Jeannie Sheneman did a fantastic job conveying the sharp intellect of Alicia while tying her to the place.
I definitely recommend this darker detective tale for crime fiction fans. It comes out July 28th.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Alicia Moore is the Deputy Sheriff along Kentucky's Blood River which comes with its own challenges, not least of which her father's shadow from his stint as Sheriff in her youth when the first harrowing murder occurred. Now with a body that looks to point to the past, Alicia can't escape the whispers, especially since the newest victim was her ex-fiancé.
I love a good mystery, and this was more than just that. The brooding atmosphere kept tension taut, the characters had a rawness that cast suspicion everywhere, the possibility of something truly otherworldly kept me on edge, and as a reading experience, the writing felt superb.
I felt the initial themes of carving out a sense of self in a small community that already has decided who you are. The feelings of disappointment from the elders for choosing a different path, especially as a woman, resonates. Honestly, though, I didn't ruminate too long on these as the story was deeply engrossing. I read the last pages twice.
The audio was an interesting addition. I often forget about accents when I am physically reading, so hearing a strong Kentucky accent was both weirdly surprising at first, and then settled into what felt to be the right feel. Jeannie Sheneman did a fantastic job conveying the sharp intellect of Alicia while tying her to the place.
I definitely recommend this darker detective tale for crime fiction fans. It comes out July 28th.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 1, 2026
Thank you to Brilliance Audio for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is haunted. The locals in the town of Blood River have branded her a witch ever since a suspicious occult-style murder from her teenage years had everyone looking in her direction despite an arrest. Her life is upended again when another murder happens in Blood River, this time the body has her name tattooed on its knuckles. An outside criminology researcher digging into the town's occult history complicates the case further, while Alicia contends with a fractured relationship with her father and a community that's never stopped watching her. Set in a fog of small-town suspicion, Southern Gothic dread, and simmering questions about faith, gender, and justice, the novel asks whether something genuinely otherworldly haunts Blood River or whether the real evil is far more human.
This slow-burn story was a little too creepy and occult-heavy for me, but I think it will work for a lot of readers. The setting is extremely atmospheric and fans of Southern gothic books will enjoy it. Alicia is a very well-developed character and easy to connect with. Narrator Jeannie Sheneman gave a fantastic performance - her accent and pacing were spot on and made for a great listening experience. Audiobook is the way to go for this one if you're looking for an atmospheric, slow-burn, Southern occult mystery.
Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is haunted. The locals in the town of Blood River have branded her a witch ever since a suspicious occult-style murder from her teenage years had everyone looking in her direction despite an arrest. Her life is upended again when another murder happens in Blood River, this time the body has her name tattooed on its knuckles. An outside criminology researcher digging into the town's occult history complicates the case further, while Alicia contends with a fractured relationship with her father and a community that's never stopped watching her. Set in a fog of small-town suspicion, Southern Gothic dread, and simmering questions about faith, gender, and justice, the novel asks whether something genuinely otherworldly haunts Blood River or whether the real evil is far more human.
This slow-burn story was a little too creepy and occult-heavy for me, but I think it will work for a lot of readers. The setting is extremely atmospheric and fans of Southern gothic books will enjoy it. Alicia is a very well-developed character and easy to connect with. Narrator Jeannie Sheneman gave a fantastic performance - her accent and pacing were spot on and made for a great listening experience. Audiobook is the way to go for this one if you're looking for an atmospheric, slow-burn, Southern occult mystery.
July 29, 2026
When Deputy Sheriff, Alicia Moore investigates a murder that has happened in her Kentucky community, she realizes two things. First, this murder has uncanny similarity to a murder from 20 years ago. Second, she knows the victim.
This story is compelling, propulsive, and very dark. There are some gruesome descriptions of murders so check your trigger warnings. What fascinated me was the possibility of these murders being associated with occult activities and the exploration of that topic. Religion and religious fervor is a predominant theme, as is family relationships, overcoming a problematic past, and corruption. I enjoyed especially how Alicia worked to navigate negative public opinion in a small town where rumors spread like a contagious disease.
Ultimately, towards the end, specifically in the climax scene, there was one thing (avoiding spoilers here) that made me roll my eyes in disbelief. That is the only thing that prevented me from rating this atmospheric and well-written novel with 5 stars. I really enjoyed the audio, too, as it was well done. Fans of Karin Slaughter will eat this up.
This story is compelling, propulsive, and very dark. There are some gruesome descriptions of murders so check your trigger warnings. What fascinated me was the possibility of these murders being associated with occult activities and the exploration of that topic. Religion and religious fervor is a predominant theme, as is family relationships, overcoming a problematic past, and corruption. I enjoyed especially how Alicia worked to navigate negative public opinion in a small town where rumors spread like a contagious disease.
Ultimately, towards the end, specifically in the climax scene, there was one thing (avoiding spoilers here) that made me roll my eyes in disbelief. That is the only thing that prevented me from rating this atmospheric and well-written novel with 5 stars. I really enjoyed the audio, too, as it was well done. Fans of Karin Slaughter will eat this up.
July 26, 2026
Set on Kentucky’s Blood River, a Sheriff’s Deputy investigates the death of her ex-fiance, whose brutal occultist murder strongly resembles a similar murder decades ago, for readers of Tana French, Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott, and fans of True Detective
Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is thrust into the center of a chilling murder investigation when she discovers a victim identifiable only by his hauntingly familiar tattoo—her name inked onto the knuckles of her ex-fiancé, Jake.
For what lies at the heart of Blood River—is it an ancient malicious force seeking to harm the townsfolk, or is there a deeper prejudice in a town that continues to punish women in a way that it does not punish the men?
This is a plot twisting and story that is a triller. This audiobook is being told with efficient and effective design of the story. I was so on edge that when I thought was about done the story takes a turn. I enjoyed this audiobook and the narrator Jeannie Sheneman did amazing job telling.
Deputy Sheriff Alicia Moore is thrust into the center of a chilling murder investigation when she discovers a victim identifiable only by his hauntingly familiar tattoo—her name inked onto the knuckles of her ex-fiancé, Jake.
For what lies at the heart of Blood River—is it an ancient malicious force seeking to harm the townsfolk, or is there a deeper prejudice in a town that continues to punish women in a way that it does not punish the men?
This is a plot twisting and story that is a triller. This audiobook is being told with efficient and effective design of the story. I was so on edge that when I thought was about done the story takes a turn. I enjoyed this audiobook and the narrator Jeannie Sheneman did amazing job telling.
July 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy.
Blood River Witch was a really enjoyable listen and one that blended crime, folklore and just enough of the supernatural to keep me wondering what was really going on.
I quickly became invested in Deputy Alicia Moore. Returning to investigate the murder of her former fiancé, confronting things from her past. Her partnership with Lucas Masterson worked well, bringing a different perspective to the case.
The small-town setting was one of my favourite parts of the book. I found myself questioning what had happened and whether there was a rational explanation for the strange events unfolding.
The narration was excellent and really added to the experience. Each character had a distinct voice, and the narrator captured both the emotional moments and the growing sense of unease, making it very easy to become immersed in the story.
A slow-burning, atmospheric thriller with engaging characters, an intriguing mystery and just the right amount of eerie suspense. I’d happily return to this world again.
Blood River Witch was a really enjoyable listen and one that blended crime, folklore and just enough of the supernatural to keep me wondering what was really going on.
I quickly became invested in Deputy Alicia Moore. Returning to investigate the murder of her former fiancé, confronting things from her past. Her partnership with Lucas Masterson worked well, bringing a different perspective to the case.
The small-town setting was one of my favourite parts of the book. I found myself questioning what had happened and whether there was a rational explanation for the strange events unfolding.
The narration was excellent and really added to the experience. Each character had a distinct voice, and the narrator captured both the emotional moments and the growing sense of unease, making it very easy to become immersed in the story.
A slow-burning, atmospheric thriller with engaging characters, an intriguing mystery and just the right amount of eerie suspense. I’d happily return to this world again.
August 4, 2026
🚔 Me: “I’ll read one chapter before bed.”
📖 Blood River Witch:
“Cute. You’re staying up until 2 a.m.”
This book had me suspicious of literally everyone.
The sheriff?
Suspicious.
The criminology student?
Suspicious.
The random person walking through town?
Definitely suspicious.
Even the river felt suspicious.
Every time I thought I’d cracked the case, the story casually looked at me and said,
“That’s adorable.”
What I loved most was how much atmosphere this book packed into every chapter. Blood River isn’t just the setting it feels alive. The mystery unfolds layer by layer with occult symbolism, family secrets, emotional baggage, and enough twists to keep thriller lovers glued to the pages.
Alicia is a fantastic lead who refuses to back down, even when every answer seems to create three new questions.
If you’re a fan of:
* 🔮 Occult mysteries
* 🚔 Crime investigations
* 🌫️ Small town secrets
* 🌲 Southern Gothic vibes
* 🕯️ Slow burning suspense
* 📚 Gillian Flynn or True Detective style atmosphere
…you’ll want to add this one to your TBR immediately.
📖 Blood River Witch:
“Cute. You’re staying up until 2 a.m.”
This book had me suspicious of literally everyone.
The sheriff?
Suspicious.
The criminology student?
Suspicious.
The random person walking through town?
Definitely suspicious.
Even the river felt suspicious.
Every time I thought I’d cracked the case, the story casually looked at me and said,
“That’s adorable.”
What I loved most was how much atmosphere this book packed into every chapter. Blood River isn’t just the setting it feels alive. The mystery unfolds layer by layer with occult symbolism, family secrets, emotional baggage, and enough twists to keep thriller lovers glued to the pages.
Alicia is a fantastic lead who refuses to back down, even when every answer seems to create three new questions.
If you’re a fan of:
* 🔮 Occult mysteries
* 🚔 Crime investigations
* 🌫️ Small town secrets
* 🌲 Southern Gothic vibes
* 🕯️ Slow burning suspense
* 📚 Gillian Flynn or True Detective style atmosphere
…you’ll want to add this one to your TBR immediately.
July 22, 2026
3 song playlist:
— my dog by honeycrush
— class of 2013 by mitski
— family tree (intro) by ethel cain
dr. tj martinson does it again. i cannot even begin to explain how amazing this book is and how well it caters to my interests; southern gothic? dog motifs? religious motifs, good and bad, strewn through the narrative? this is what i adore.
bonus points for being set near where i grew up. what a strange sensation to read about places and things that i know and recognize. especially coming from a small southern town that is doused in baptists and gossip.
deputy alicia moore is a wonderful protagonist, not straight and narrow, but full of grief and self-pity that makes you understand her ways yet realize that pitying yourself and what happened in the past is detrimental to your growth.
martinson does something cool with the POV in two chapters that i've only seen once with stephen graham jones so it was a delightful surprise to find it.
— my dog by honeycrush
— class of 2013 by mitski
— family tree (intro) by ethel cain
dr. tj martinson does it again. i cannot even begin to explain how amazing this book is and how well it caters to my interests; southern gothic? dog motifs? religious motifs, good and bad, strewn through the narrative? this is what i adore.
bonus points for being set near where i grew up. what a strange sensation to read about places and things that i know and recognize. especially coming from a small southern town that is doused in baptists and gossip.
deputy alicia moore is a wonderful protagonist, not straight and narrow, but full of grief and self-pity that makes you understand her ways yet realize that pitying yourself and what happened in the past is detrimental to your growth.
martinson does something cool with the POV in two chapters that i've only seen once with stephen graham jones so it was a delightful surprise to find it.
August 2, 2026
This audiobook was okay at best for most of the story, but the ending completely caught me off guard and made the journey worth it. The mystery took its time to unfold, and while there were moments where the pacing felt slow, the final twists were genuinely surprising.
The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. Their storytelling kept me engaged even during the slower parts and made for an enjoyable listening experience. The different characters were easy to distinguish, and the suspense came across well in the narration.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with occult elements, small-town secrets, and plenty of suspects, this may be worth checking out. While it wasn't a standout favorite for me, the shocking ending and strong narration made it an entertaining listen overall.
The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. Their storytelling kept me engaged even during the slower parts and made for an enjoyable listening experience. The different characters were easy to distinguish, and the suspense came across well in the narration.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with occult elements, small-town secrets, and plenty of suspects, this may be worth checking out. While it wasn't a standout favorite for me, the shocking ending and strong narration made it an entertaining listen overall.
July 26, 2026
This was an excellent small town thriller. A murder mystery with occult implications are eerily similar to a murder several years prior. Add in a criminology student, and you have a very fast paced and creepy thriller. Alicia Moore (a deputy) recognizes a tattoo on a murder victim, all eyes turn to Alicia. As she delves in the town secrets, ties to a religious cult, the lines are sometimes blurred between her instincts and the law. With bits of supernatural and occult this one will please you until the very end.
July 30, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Jeannie Sheneman does a great job narrating this story!
I really enjoyed this fast paced, well written thriller! I was completely immersed in the world of Alicia and the horrific killings. Loved it!
I really enjoyed this fast paced, well written thriller! I was completely immersed in the world of Alicia and the horrific killings. Loved it!
July 8, 2026
Grabbed an ARC out of a little free library and ended up enjoying this way more than I expected to. I really liked the writing and the Southern gothic vibes, though I’ll say I didn’t totally love the ending
July 26, 2026
First, thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ALC!
Once i started, I finished this listen in one day. It was so good, I couldn’t stop. This storyline had my jaw dropping at several points and the narrator gave me that immersive atmospheric experience!
Once i started, I finished this listen in one day. It was so good, I couldn’t stop. This storyline had my jaw dropping at several points and the narrator gave me that immersive atmospheric experience!
August 1, 2026
Have you ever seen the TV show Wynnona Earp?
I'm talking sheriffs investigating small town secrets, the cruel and wild Midwestern landscape, sinister murders afoot.... those are the vibes I went into. Thankfully, there were no revenants in this one!
And while the book are so super atmospheric and the plot mysterious, it was a tad slow for me.
But for someone that really loves that smoky, wood and whiskey ambiance, overly independent and stubborn townspeople, and lots of hidden tea, this is the one for you!
I'm talking sheriffs investigating small town secrets, the cruel and wild Midwestern landscape, sinister murders afoot.... those are the vibes I went into. Thankfully, there were no revenants in this one!
And while the book are so super atmospheric and the plot mysterious, it was a tad slow for me.
But for someone that really loves that smoky, wood and whiskey ambiance, overly independent and stubborn townspeople, and lots of hidden tea, this is the one for you!
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