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The Crying Killer
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26A woman’s secret. A small town with a dark past. A serial killer bent on revenge. Lies kill in a shocking true crime–inspired thriller by the Edgar-nominated author of The Quarry Girls.
Tuesday Hendrickson has spent eight years running from memories of that night. Her sister’s screams. Blood on the walls. And Arsen Bauer, a monster known as the Crying Killer, shot down in a barrage of bullets as he fled. Case closed.
Intending to build a safe new identity out of the ashes, Tuesday changed her last name and moved away. She’s now a private investigator who guards herself and her daughter, Julia, like their lives depend on it. And maybe they do. Because unless she’s imagining things, Tuesday has seen Arsen on the streets of Saint Paul. She’d know her sister’s killer anywhere.
When bodies begin surfacing bearing the Crying Killer’s brutal and unmistakable signature, Tuesday is certain he’s coming for them. Except no one believes that but her. As her paranoia intensifies, she is left with a terrible unearth the shocking secret she buried with her sister, or become the Crying Killer’s next victim.
Tuesday Hendrickson has spent eight years running from memories of that night. Her sister’s screams. Blood on the walls. And Arsen Bauer, a monster known as the Crying Killer, shot down in a barrage of bullets as he fled. Case closed.
Intending to build a safe new identity out of the ashes, Tuesday changed her last name and moved away. She’s now a private investigator who guards herself and her daughter, Julia, like their lives depend on it. And maybe they do. Because unless she’s imagining things, Tuesday has seen Arsen on the streets of Saint Paul. She’d know her sister’s killer anywhere.
When bodies begin surfacing bearing the Crying Killer’s brutal and unmistakable signature, Tuesday is certain he’s coming for them. Except no one believes that but her. As her paranoia intensifies, she is left with a terrible unearth the shocking secret she buried with her sister, or become the Crying Killer’s next victim.
- GenresThriller
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Jess Lourey
51 books4,771 followersMy name is Jess Lourey, and I write about secrets.
The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.
I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.
p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.
The story of my first published novel is both devastating and transformative, something I speak about in my TEDx Talk (https://youtu.be/a5vSLh3oPXI). I've come a long way since then. I'm proud to call myself a bestselling, twice Edgar-nominated, and twice Goodreads Readers Choice Awards shortlisted author who has won the ITW Thriller, Minnesota Book, and Anthony Awards. I write crime fiction, young adult, nonfiction, children's books, and book club fiction.
I've reached over a million readers since 2020. I'm also a former writing and sociology professor who still loves to teach transformative creative writing workshops built around my Rewrite Your Life method.
I live in Minneapolis with a rotating batch of foster kittens (and occasional foster puppies, but man those goobers are a lot of work). Pop on over to Lourey's Literati, my VIP Reader group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/38538...) and/or sign up for my molasses newsletter (https://jessicalourey.com/newsletter) for the latest news, giveaways, and insider information.
p.s. You can find the Unspeakable Things epilogue here: https://jessicalourey.com/survey-two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⤷ 3/5 stars ── .✦
as someone who loses interest quickly if a chapter spans over dozens of pages, i loved how short the ones in this book were. the writing style was nice, and the characters were fairly solid. i personally loved julia, she was such a sweet little girl. bonus points for the diversity rep too.
that being said, for a thriller, this wasn't all that thrilling. i could see about 90% of the plot twists, with only one leaving me briefly surprised- and mostly confused, though maybe that's just a me problem. there were also multiple moments throughout the book where the main character frustrated me to no ends with her decisions, but then again, maybe that's just a me problem again.
a solid read, maybe even something i'll pick up for a second re-read like a decade later.
as someone who loses interest quickly if a chapter spans over dozens of pages, i loved how short the ones in this book were. the writing style was nice, and the characters were fairly solid. i personally loved julia, she was such a sweet little girl. bonus points for the diversity rep too.
that being said, for a thriller, this wasn't all that thrilling. i could see about 90% of the plot twists, with only one leaving me briefly surprised- and mostly confused, though maybe that's just a me problem. there were also multiple moments throughout the book where the main character frustrated me to no ends with her decisions, but then again, maybe that's just a me problem again.
a solid read, maybe even something i'll pick up for a second re-read like a decade later.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book kept me on my toes the entire time.
We get murder, stalking, dangerous situations, paranoia (or not?) and that constant “am I losing my mind right now?” feeling ...
As the blurb says, eight years earlier Tuesday Hendrickson survived an attack from the serial killer known as the Crying Killer, while her sister unfortunately did not. The killer supposedly died that same night after being shot by police while fleeing the scene. They knew the killer very well though, it was their friend and her sister's on and off bf, Arsen.
Case closed… oooor maybe not.
Because Tuesday never fully believed the police killed the real Arsen Bauer. The man shot that night was wearing his clothes, yes, but his face was completely destroyed, making identification impossible. Everyone else accepted it and moved on. Tuesday didn’t.
So for years she’s lived with paranoia and fear that one day he would come back.
And tbh, after bodies start appearing again with the exact same signature, I started questioning my own sanity alongside her.
At some point I was basically like:
“Okay but ARE we imagining seeing Arsen across the street or not??”
The suspense in this book worked really well for me. Tuesday’s uncertainty and fear felt believable, especially because no one around her truly trusted her instincts anymore.
I also liked that the story constantly kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another twist showed up, especially toward the end.
And huhhh, some of those reveals genuinely surprised me.
This was one of those perfect late-night thrillers where you keep saying “one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3am or 7am...
I genuinely don’t think I have major complaints here.
⭐ 5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
We get murder, stalking, dangerous situations, paranoia (or not?) and that constant “am I losing my mind right now?” feeling ...
As the blurb says, eight years earlier Tuesday Hendrickson survived an attack from the serial killer known as the Crying Killer, while her sister unfortunately did not. The killer supposedly died that same night after being shot by police while fleeing the scene. They knew the killer very well though, it was their friend and her sister's on and off bf, Arsen.
Case closed… oooor maybe not.
Because Tuesday never fully believed the police killed the real Arsen Bauer. The man shot that night was wearing his clothes, yes, but his face was completely destroyed, making identification impossible. Everyone else accepted it and moved on. Tuesday didn’t.
So for years she’s lived with paranoia and fear that one day he would come back.
And tbh, after bodies start appearing again with the exact same signature, I started questioning my own sanity alongside her.
At some point I was basically like:
“Okay but ARE we imagining seeing Arsen across the street or not??”
The suspense in this book worked really well for me. Tuesday’s uncertainty and fear felt believable, especially because no one around her truly trusted her instincts anymore.
I also liked that the story constantly kept me guessing. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another twist showed up, especially toward the end.
And huhhh, some of those reveals genuinely surprised me.
This was one of those perfect late-night thrillers where you keep saying “one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3am or 7am...
I genuinely don’t think I have major complaints here.
⭐ 5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an incredible read this was, this author is pretty new to me but came highly recommended from a good friend of mine. I was immediately drawn into this one from the synopsis and let me tell you this one didn’t disappoint. I thought I knew what was happening but nope I was way off 😅
May 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC!
I’ve loved every Jess Lourey book I’ve read so far and this one was no exception. Jess is genuinely such a mastermind because HOW does she come up with these twists?? I did not see them coming at all. This was one of those thrillers where I kept thinking I had things figured out and then immediately realized I absolutely did not 🤣 The suspense and paranoia throughout the story were so well done and I flew through this.
I also really liked that the story followed both a survivor and the family member of a victim. I have a degree in criminal justice, so I’ve done a lot of research and written way too many papers on serial killers over the years, and I thought that aspect of the story was especially interesting.
The flashbacks worked really well for me too. They added so much to understanding Tuesday and everything she was carrying from her past. Overall, this was twisty, intense, and impossible to predict. Definitely another great thriller from Jess Lourey for me.
I’ve loved every Jess Lourey book I’ve read so far and this one was no exception. Jess is genuinely such a mastermind because HOW does she come up with these twists?? I did not see them coming at all. This was one of those thrillers where I kept thinking I had things figured out and then immediately realized I absolutely did not 🤣 The suspense and paranoia throughout the story were so well done and I flew through this.
I also really liked that the story followed both a survivor and the family member of a victim. I have a degree in criminal justice, so I’ve done a lot of research and written way too many papers on serial killers over the years, and I thought that aspect of the story was especially interesting.
The flashbacks worked really well for me too. They added so much to understanding Tuesday and everything she was carrying from her past. Overall, this was twisty, intense, and impossible to predict. Definitely another great thriller from Jess Lourey for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If Jess Lourey writes it, I’m reading it.
Once again, she pulled me straight into a world of mystery, darkness, and the kind of evil that lurks just beneath the surface of everyday life. One of the things I love most about her books is how she takes inspiration from true crimes and creates stories that feel unsettlingly real.
Lourey has a gift for creating eerie small-town settings where secrets fester and danger hides in plain sight. Her descriptions are vivid and atmospheric, painting scenes and towns so clearly that it makes your own skin crawl.
This was a fast past read for me and with all her thriller crime books had me quickly swiping pages at each twist and turn and every time I thought I’d had it figured out (or when I was hoping I was wrong) wanting another piece of the mystery being woven knowing it would come. I love a dual time line especially when it’s done well, and this one wove between the two seamlessly and the 90’s came alive!
I struggled to connect with Tuesday’s character at times. She often felt guarded and difficult to fully understand, which left me questioning her motives and wondering what she was truly hiding, and from whom. While that uncertainty certainly added to the mystery, it also made it harder for me to become emotionally invested in her.
My one other minor critique was the frequent emphasis on the name changes of Tuesday and Julia. Since both women remained in the general area and only changed their last names, I found myself questioning how effective those new identities would be.
Even so, The Crying Killer is another solid crime thriller. Dark, atmospheric, and full of twists, that kept me guessing right up until the end.
Jess Lourey continues to prove why she’s one of my favorite thriller authors. Blending true-crime inspiration with compelling fiction, she creates stories that are as unsettling as they are impossible to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
Once again, she pulled me straight into a world of mystery, darkness, and the kind of evil that lurks just beneath the surface of everyday life. One of the things I love most about her books is how she takes inspiration from true crimes and creates stories that feel unsettlingly real.
Lourey has a gift for creating eerie small-town settings where secrets fester and danger hides in plain sight. Her descriptions are vivid and atmospheric, painting scenes and towns so clearly that it makes your own skin crawl.
This was a fast past read for me and with all her thriller crime books had me quickly swiping pages at each twist and turn and every time I thought I’d had it figured out (or when I was hoping I was wrong) wanting another piece of the mystery being woven knowing it would come. I love a dual time line especially when it’s done well, and this one wove between the two seamlessly and the 90’s came alive!
I struggled to connect with Tuesday’s character at times. She often felt guarded and difficult to fully understand, which left me questioning her motives and wondering what she was truly hiding, and from whom. While that uncertainty certainly added to the mystery, it also made it harder for me to become emotionally invested in her.
My one other minor critique was the frequent emphasis on the name changes of Tuesday and Julia. Since both women remained in the general area and only changed their last names, I found myself questioning how effective those new identities would be.
Even so, The Crying Killer is another solid crime thriller. Dark, atmospheric, and full of twists, that kept me guessing right up until the end.
Jess Lourey continues to prove why she’s one of my favorite thriller authors. Blending true-crime inspiration with compelling fiction, she creates stories that are as unsettling as they are impossible to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Crying Killer instantly caught my eye with its wintery cover, featuring an isolated Victorian house buried in snow that really captures the book’s cold, eerie atmosphere. Inspired by the real-life crimes of the Weepy-Voiced Killer, this psychological thriller sets a dark tone right from the start and had me hooked immediately.
That feeling of unease runs through the novel, with the Victorian house setting adding to a constant sense of paranoia and isolation. Alongside the serial killer storyline, Lourey also explores themes like childhood trauma, survival, resilience, and the darker side of seemingly ordinary communities, giving the story a heavier emotional edge.
There are quite a few characters and names to keep track of at times, but I still found the cast really compelling, mostly because they’re all flawed, morally messy, and constantly making you second-guess their motives. The pacing leans more slow-burn in places, but it steadily builds and becomes darker and more tense as the story goes on.
I did clock a couple of the twists before they landed, but there were still some genuinely surprising moments that made me go back and rethink earlier chapters and notice the clues I’d missed the first time round.
Overall, I think this will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and true-crime-inspired serial killer stories, particularly readers who enjoyed The Butcher or The Nothing Man.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That feeling of unease runs through the novel, with the Victorian house setting adding to a constant sense of paranoia and isolation. Alongside the serial killer storyline, Lourey also explores themes like childhood trauma, survival, resilience, and the darker side of seemingly ordinary communities, giving the story a heavier emotional edge.
There are quite a few characters and names to keep track of at times, but I still found the cast really compelling, mostly because they’re all flawed, morally messy, and constantly making you second-guess their motives. The pacing leans more slow-burn in places, but it steadily builds and becomes darker and more tense as the story goes on.
I did clock a couple of the twists before they landed, but there were still some genuinely surprising moments that made me go back and rethink earlier chapters and notice the clues I’d missed the first time round.
Overall, I think this will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and true-crime-inspired serial killer stories, particularly readers who enjoyed The Butcher or The Nothing Man.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked this book and felt truly surprised by some of the twists but for some reason was not fully invested in the characters. The story centers on Tuesday, who is trying to get on with her life and protect her daughter about a decade after her sister was brutally murdered. Tuesday believes the killer is still on the loose and coming for her even though he was pronounced dead at the scene. The story is told in before and after timelines so you get the backstory as well as the current situation.
Tuesday’s paranoia made sense but for some reason ot didn’t really connect with me (though her dynamics with those around her did). I struggled with the fact that the book said multiple times that she changed her last name in order to stay safe but she was only an hour from where she grew up and she kept her first name of TUESDAY?!?? I thought that was weird. I was legitimately surprised by the twists at the end and most of them made me like the overall book better. There was one twist that I didn’t like but I was still surprised by it.
Overall, the story was good, as was the mystery- it’s hard to trick me! I can’t put my finger on why I wasn’t more invested in the characters but I enjoyed the read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tuesday’s paranoia made sense but for some reason ot didn’t really connect with me (though her dynamics with those around her did). I struggled with the fact that the book said multiple times that she changed her last name in order to stay safe but she was only an hour from where she grew up and she kept her first name of TUESDAY?!?? I thought that was weird. I was legitimately surprised by the twists at the end and most of them made me like the overall book better. There was one twist that I didn’t like but I was still surprised by it.
Overall, the story was good, as was the mystery- it’s hard to trick me! I can’t put my finger on why I wasn’t more invested in the characters but I enjoyed the read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2026
Tuesday is a private investigator, certain that she’s seeing her sister’s killer around town even though he was killed the same night he killed her sister years ago. She knows it can’t be possible, but if Arsen Bauer is dead, why are bodies being found that were killed the same way as his victims? Is there a copycat out there who’s also trying to make her lose her mind? Why? And why now, eight years later? And will she be able to keep herself and her daughter safe before it’s too late?
I have to say, the author got me with this one. I was so focused on the emotional aspects of the story and how Tuesday was breaking down that I missed the signs of the twists to come! And with no big fanfare or cliff hangers, just a casual, “Oh, by the way…” and more than once! So don’t settle in thinking you know how this is going to go, because you don’t.
I appreciated the author’s foreword about the real-life perpetrator she based this story on. She took that truth and spun it into this fictional story and made it her own. This book is about the victim and their family left behind, not the killer. So if that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t find it here. And what is here is far superior.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
I have to say, the author got me with this one. I was so focused on the emotional aspects of the story and how Tuesday was breaking down that I missed the signs of the twists to come! And with no big fanfare or cliff hangers, just a casual, “Oh, by the way…” and more than once! So don’t settle in thinking you know how this is going to go, because you don’t.
I appreciated the author’s foreword about the real-life perpetrator she based this story on. She took that truth and spun it into this fictional story and made it her own. This book is about the victim and their family left behind, not the killer. So if that’s what you’re looking for, you won’t find it here. And what is here is far superior.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Crying Killer by Jess Lourey
Life hadn't been easy for Tuesday Hendrickson when she was growing up. Her father abused her sister, her mother, and her and it was a blessing once she never saw him again. Then things really blew up badly one night when the Crying Killer murdered Tuesday's sister. Arsen Bauer, the killer and her sister's boyfriend, was shot by police and Tuesday could move on with her life.
Moving on with her life also meant moving on with her sister's newborn baby girl. It was very difficult but Tuesday managed to go to college and become a police officer. Now though, just eight years on from her sister's murder, Tuesday works as a private investigator. Tuesday and her daughter are now surrounded by people who care about them, her PI boss and her landlord, both who would do anything to keep Tuesday and her daughter safe and well cared for. Also, Nic, the best friend of Tuesday and her sister back in the day, is back in her life again, helping Tuesday to handle life better on a daily basis.
But, nothing is as it seems! Maybe nothing has ever been as it seemed. Tuesday is seeing Arsen again, the guy who is supposed to be dead and she is getting threats and signs that she and her daughter are in danger. The story is frightening, confusing, and it's hard to not think that Tuesday might be losing her mind, at times. This is truly a thriller, both physically and psychologically, and it's impossible to think that Tuesday or anyone else is safe. I suspected certain things but could never be sure and I so enjoy a story that is so intriguing and surprising.
Expected publication August 18, 2026
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
Life hadn't been easy for Tuesday Hendrickson when she was growing up. Her father abused her sister, her mother, and her and it was a blessing once she never saw him again. Then things really blew up badly one night when the Crying Killer murdered Tuesday's sister. Arsen Bauer, the killer and her sister's boyfriend, was shot by police and Tuesday could move on with her life.
Moving on with her life also meant moving on with her sister's newborn baby girl. It was very difficult but Tuesday managed to go to college and become a police officer. Now though, just eight years on from her sister's murder, Tuesday works as a private investigator. Tuesday and her daughter are now surrounded by people who care about them, her PI boss and her landlord, both who would do anything to keep Tuesday and her daughter safe and well cared for. Also, Nic, the best friend of Tuesday and her sister back in the day, is back in her life again, helping Tuesday to handle life better on a daily basis.
But, nothing is as it seems! Maybe nothing has ever been as it seemed. Tuesday is seeing Arsen again, the guy who is supposed to be dead and she is getting threats and signs that she and her daughter are in danger. The story is frightening, confusing, and it's hard to not think that Tuesday might be losing her mind, at times. This is truly a thriller, both physically and psychologically, and it's impossible to think that Tuesday or anyone else is safe. I suspected certain things but could never be sure and I so enjoy a story that is so intriguing and surprising.
Expected publication August 18, 2026
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Crying Killer” is one of those books that you will want to read in the house with the lights down low, no music in the background (or may I suggest “Halloween” 2018 soundtrack?), while you are home alone. Kidding. Don’t do that. Turn up the lights, something masking the creaking in the house, and maybe with a security guard protecting you.
This. Book. Is. Creepy.
And that is all a testament to the author, Jess Lourey. This book is well written.
Yes, there are a couple of twists. One of them, I figured out early. Honestly, I read a book back in January that had a similar plot twist. It wasn’t groundbreaking and you may catch it early on. However, there is one coming towards the very end that was all like, “No Way!!!! Ahhhh!”.
Great book and one that will have you staying up late reading.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
This. Book. Is. Creepy.
And that is all a testament to the author, Jess Lourey. This book is well written.
Yes, there are a couple of twists. One of them, I figured out early. Honestly, I read a book back in January that had a similar plot twist. It wasn’t groundbreaking and you may catch it early on. However, there is one coming towards the very end that was all like, “No Way!!!! Ahhhh!”.
Great book and one that will have you staying up late reading.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⚠️ CHILLS. LITERALLY CHILLS. ⚠️
If you love a high-stakes small-town thriller with a badass PI main character, a terrifying serial killer, and a 'is he actually dead?' plot twist that will keep you up until 2 AM, add this to your TBR immediately.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/4 Stars!)
The Vibes:
🕵️♀️ Small Town PI
🤫 Secret Identity & Hidden Past
🪓 Serial Killer MO
⛓️ Dark Family Secrets
⏳ Past vs. Present Timelines
Quick Review: The tension in this book is insane! Tuesday is such a resilient main character, balancing being a protective guardian to her niece Julia while tackling a literal ghost from her past. The mystery keeps you guessing the entire time. My only tiny critique is that the back-and-forth between the past and present timelines got a little heavy at times, but the plot itself? Pure adrenaline.
My full review on this book can be found here; https://cindieslibrary.com/the-crying...
If you love a high-stakes small-town thriller with a badass PI main character, a terrifying serial killer, and a 'is he actually dead?' plot twist that will keep you up until 2 AM, add this to your TBR immediately.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/4 Stars!)
The Vibes:
🕵️♀️ Small Town PI
🤫 Secret Identity & Hidden Past
🪓 Serial Killer MO
⛓️ Dark Family Secrets
⏳ Past vs. Present Timelines
Quick Review: The tension in this book is insane! Tuesday is such a resilient main character, balancing being a protective guardian to her niece Julia while tackling a literal ghost from her past. The mystery keeps you guessing the entire time. My only tiny critique is that the back-and-forth between the past and present timelines got a little heavy at times, but the plot itself? Pure adrenaline.
My full review on this book can be found here; https://cindieslibrary.com/the-crying...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holy twists!! This gripping, suspenseful thriller will keep you guessing until the very end and then leave you mind boggled for a bit. I refuse to spoil any part of this story with my thoughts, so I'll keep this short. You will never be able to guess. The ending was completely unexpected and unpredictable. Your mind will be all over the place with different theories. All I can say is good luck with that. Jess Lourey really displayed her talent with this one. I was captivated from start to finish. I felt every bit of fear and anxiety that Tuesday portrayed. And the shock value was on point. I loved it! Another fantastic thriller by Lourey that you won't want to miss. It's a MUST read!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for granting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 23, 2026
The Crying Killer pulled me in quickly and I thought the writing was strong from the start. The mystery grabbed my attention immediately and I kept turning pages wanting to know where everything was headed. The twists were definitely twisty and there were several reveals I did not see coming.
That said, while I appreciated the writing and pacing, this one ended up being a good but not great read for me. I stayed engaged and curious throughout, but I never found myself fully invested in the story on a deeper level. I enjoyed the ride, but by the end I was left wanting a little more overall impact.
A solid thriller with plenty of surprises, even if it ultimately was not a standout read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Crying Killer.
That said, while I appreciated the writing and pacing, this one ended up being a good but not great read for me. I stayed engaged and curious throughout, but I never found myself fully invested in the story on a deeper level. I enjoyed the ride, but by the end I was left wanting a little more overall impact.
A solid thriller with plenty of surprises, even if it ultimately was not a standout read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Crying Killer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Crying Killer was such a dark and addictive thriller that had me hooked immediately! The atmosphere was tense, and there was this constant feeling of paranoia that made it hard to put down. I really liked following Tuesday because she felt layered and believable, especially with how protective she was of her daughter while still dealing with her past trauma. The small town secrets mixed with the true crime vibe made everything feel extra creepy and unsettling. Jess Lourey did a great job making me question what was real, who could be trusted, and what actually happened all those years ago! If you like psychological thrillers with messy secrets and suspense this is definitely one to add to your list!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What I loved most was the constant feeling of paranoia and dread. Lourey is so good at writing small-town secrets, damaged characters, and that creeping sense that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface. Tuesday was such a compelling main character . She’s protective, traumatized, and determiend. I felt invested in her from the very beginning.
The twists genuinely surprised me, and the pacing kept me flying through chapters. It had the same unsettling atmosphere and true crime inspired feel that made The Quarry Girls so memorable, but this one felt even more intense. If you love psychological thrillers with messy secrets, emotional depth, and serial killer tension, this is absolutely worth the read.
The twists genuinely surprised me, and the pacing kept me flying through chapters. It had the same unsettling atmosphere and true crime inspired feel that made The Quarry Girls so memorable, but this one felt even more intense. If you love psychological thrillers with messy secrets, emotional depth, and serial killer tension, this is absolutely worth the read.
May 22, 2026
Jess Lourey is one of those authors that is an auto read for me. I don't need to know what the book is about, I just go into it knowing that there's a pretty solid chance I'm in for a good time. The Crying Killer did not disappoint! This author does a fantastic job of creating tension and really drawing you in. The story is told in both past and present tense so you get snippets of backstory strewn in throughout and the pieces slowly start to come together. Or so you think. I was convinced I had everything figured out. Some twists I predicted and some caught me way offguard! It was a quick, didn't want to put it down type of book and I loved it!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if Jess Lourey writes it, I’m going to read it. Even better if I can get an ARC of it (thanks, NetGalley!).
This book was insane, in the best way. A compelling cast of characters, an intriguing killer, and tangible feeling of being trapped that will have you as the reader questioning your own learning of the story, and it all leads to some spectacular twists. I thought I had it all figured out and I was completely wrong!
Jess Lourey fans may recognize the “Before” setting, and it’s interesting (and dark) to revisit Lilydale again!
Another Jess Lourey masterpiece that had me hooked from page 1. If you like true crime thrillers with small town settings, definitely add this one to your TBR!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if Jess Lourey writes it, I’m going to read it. Even better if I can get an ARC of it (thanks, NetGalley!).
This book was insane, in the best way. A compelling cast of characters, an intriguing killer, and tangible feeling of being trapped that will have you as the reader questioning your own learning of the story, and it all leads to some spectacular twists. I thought I had it all figured out and I was completely wrong!
Jess Lourey fans may recognize the “Before” setting, and it’s interesting (and dark) to revisit Lilydale again!
Another Jess Lourey masterpiece that had me hooked from page 1. If you like true crime thrillers with small town settings, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas&Mercer and Jess Lourey for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was so good! This psychological thriller did an amazing job at making my anxiety spike through the roof. It is a bit slow at some places but that was very necessary to build the tension. This book explores themes like trauma, mental health issues, grief and fear so well. I did see most of the plot twists coming but I think that's because my brain works different. This book is partly inspired by the wheepy voiced killer so if you like true crime I think you're gonna like this book!
This was so good! This psychological thriller did an amazing job at making my anxiety spike through the roof. It is a bit slow at some places but that was very necessary to build the tension. This book explores themes like trauma, mental health issues, grief and fear so well. I did see most of the plot twists coming but I think that's because my brain works different. This book is partly inspired by the wheepy voiced killer so if you like true crime I think you're gonna like this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I can tell she’s someone I’ll be reading more in the future. The writing was fluid and I can tell she’s an experienced mystery/thriller author. The pacing was great, I was invested most of the time. There’s always a few lulls, but that makes the intense parts more intense. The characters were well developed and the atmosphere was vivid. The mystery was solid and definitely thrilling. I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something quick paced to get your engines firing.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Serial killer stories that have characters who change their names? A mystery wrapped in mysteries and multiple twists? Sign me up!
I fully expected to love this but it was just good. Fine. Decent. It was hard to connect with any of the characters and I didn’t find Tuesday all that likeable so it lowered my interest in the book a bit but I enjoyed it enough to finish it. Some of the twists were pretty predictable but there was one I didn’t catch on to until right before it was revealed which was a fun surprise. Overall a solid thriller.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read an early copy.
I fully expected to love this but it was just good. Fine. Decent. It was hard to connect with any of the characters and I didn’t find Tuesday all that likeable so it lowered my interest in the book a bit but I enjoyed it enough to finish it. Some of the twists were pretty predictable but there was one I didn’t catch on to until right before it was revealed which was a fun surprise. Overall a solid thriller.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read an early copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5, a fast paced thriller that kept me turning pages so quickly it was almost a one sitting read. Jess Lourey books always have that creepy atmosphere and this one was full of twists and red herrings. I loved the late 90s setting and the found family. As this was very loosely based on the hook of a true case, I very much appreciated the author’s note at the start of the book that acknowledged the real victims of real crimes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy and a chance to read this early. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy and a chance to read this early. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great book. I was a little timid at first with it, there was a lot of details that weren’t lining up and I almost thought it was written wrong? But then they lined up and it was really well done. It was a long build up to get to the big few plot twists, but I didn’t mind the build up this time because it was well written. Lots of mentions of different mental health struggles, a LGBTQ character which I loved and a strong mother daughter bond. I am pleasantly surprised! I’d recommend reading this for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jess Lourey has the ability to capture your attention and keep it!
This is an extremely dark, tense thriller and the characters are well developed.
Jess had fears that kept her unbalanced but perfectly capable of bringing up her daughter and protecting her.
It is creepy, twisty and sad in a way, because Jess carried the burden alone for many years, until she had the support of someone totally unexpected.
The suspense builds up slowly and then suddenly BAM - the action hots up.
Excellent read, be prepared for surprises.
This is an extremely dark, tense thriller and the characters are well developed.
Jess had fears that kept her unbalanced but perfectly capable of bringing up her daughter and protecting her.
It is creepy, twisty and sad in a way, because Jess carried the burden alone for many years, until she had the support of someone totally unexpected.
The suspense builds up slowly and then suddenly BAM - the action hots up.
Excellent read, be prepared for surprises.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I came up with all sorts of wild theories at to what was happening in this one, and I wasn't disappointed when all was revealed.
There were a few good twists as we sped towards the end.
Interesting character, who is lugging SO much baggage around with her. I like those kind of people in my stories.
It was decently paced, and kept me guessing.
I also like that in a book.
Enjoyable.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
There were a few good twists as we sped towards the end.
Interesting character, who is lugging SO much baggage around with her. I like those kind of people in my stories.
It was decently paced, and kept me guessing.
I also like that in a book.
Enjoyable.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4⭐️ I really enjoyed the other Jess Lourey books I’ve read so I was excited I got to read this early. It was a quick read that kept me engaged the entire time. I always enjoy books with a serial killer storyline and this did not disappoint. I liked the main storyline and I thought the flashbacks were helpful to really understand the main character and what was happening. Even though I guessed all but one of the twists prior to the ending I still liked them.
May 24, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jess Lourey is one of my immediate reads when she releases new books. This one had all of the usual elements to her writing - the beginning with information on serial killers, a story that you think you’ll know the ending to, and a twist that you’ll never guess. I was shocked at the twist in this one! If you’re looking for a fast-paced crime thriller, look no further!
Jess Lourey is one of my immediate reads when she releases new books. This one had all of the usual elements to her writing - the beginning with information on serial killers, a story that you think you’ll know the ending to, and a twist that you’ll never guess. I was shocked at the twist in this one! If you’re looking for a fast-paced crime thriller, look no further!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay this book has now made me an official fan of Jess Lowery!
4.5 star read!
I definitely got thru this book easily in a day because the suspense had me dying to see how this ended. I was hooked after a few chapters. This is a very fast paced addicting suspense thriller. The ending did not disappoint. I loved the twist.
Highly recommend. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read of this book for me to review!
4.5 star read!
I definitely got thru this book easily in a day because the suspense had me dying to see how this ended. I was hooked after a few chapters. This is a very fast paced addicting suspense thriller. The ending did not disappoint. I loved the twist.
Highly recommend. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read of this book for me to review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Crying Killer had me right from the beginning. I was immediately drawn into the story. There’s plenty to unpack with Tuesday, Trixie, Nic, and Arsen from their troubling childhoods leading up to the Crying Killer.
I thought I had it all figured out and where the author was going. This book had a creepy cold feel with it all going down in cold dark Minnesota.
If you’re thinking of reading, go ahead and grab it. It’s a roller coaster read.
I thought I had it all figured out and where the author was going. This book had a creepy cold feel with it all going down in cold dark Minnesota.
If you’re thinking of reading, go ahead and grab it. It’s a roller coaster read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a little bit of a slow start for me, but once I got about 15 percent, I really got invested! There were twists and surprises throughout, and the story flowed really well. I finished this book in a day, that’s how much I enjoyed it. Once I got into the story, I didn’t want to put it down. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Read
May 23, 2026The Crying Killer by Jess Lourey published by Thomas & Mercer is a full length thriller that packs a punch.
The story spans many years, is twisty in the best way andd had me in suspense til the very last page.
The heroine is always, always on high alert with good reason.
The story jumps from past to present and back, deals with sensitive subjects and is incredibly gripping.
The story spans many years, is twisty in the best way andd had me in suspense til the very last page.
The heroine is always, always on high alert with good reason.
The story jumps from past to present and back, deals with sensitive subjects and is incredibly gripping.
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