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Crone
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Expected 22 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 10:49:27
25 copies available
U.S. only
A haunting, fearsome story of a father searching for his missing daughter and finding darkness—both human and not—at every turn, from the “mind-blowingly good” (Stephen King) author of Coffin Moon and Fever House
“Let there be no Keith Rosson is the reigning champ of horror noir, fists down.”—Clay McLeod Chapman, author of Ghost Eaters and Devil Inside
Eli Lamp is a broken man. An ex-detective, ex-addict, and long-grieving father whose daughter, Hannah, disappeared a decade before, Eli decimated his old life investigating her abduction and is now indebted to the Crooked Wheel, a local drug gang, as an enforcer. He lives in a rundown trailer at the edge of the woods, where he keeps Hannah’s room in pristine condition and tries to make it through one day at a time.
But when the son of the Crooked Wheel’s boss is found viciously murdered in a crime scene that doesn’t seem to add up, Eli receives a new Find out who the killer is and your debt to the Crooked Wheel is clear forever. You’re free. This pursuit brings him into the orbit of Avery Bryant, Hannah’s best friend and the last person to see her before she went missing. Soon, Eli and Avery are entwined in a hunt for answers that spans decades, stretches the realm of possibility, and brings churning to the surface a conspiracy linking not only these current tragedies but the buried sorrows of Eli’s past.
And though none of them dare say the word witch, at least not out loud, something lurks in the woods, bent-backed and black-eyed, clawed and vengeful, looming ever closer. . . .
“Let there be no Keith Rosson is the reigning champ of horror noir, fists down.”—Clay McLeod Chapman, author of Ghost Eaters and Devil Inside
Eli Lamp is a broken man. An ex-detective, ex-addict, and long-grieving father whose daughter, Hannah, disappeared a decade before, Eli decimated his old life investigating her abduction and is now indebted to the Crooked Wheel, a local drug gang, as an enforcer. He lives in a rundown trailer at the edge of the woods, where he keeps Hannah’s room in pristine condition and tries to make it through one day at a time.
But when the son of the Crooked Wheel’s boss is found viciously murdered in a crime scene that doesn’t seem to add up, Eli receives a new Find out who the killer is and your debt to the Crooked Wheel is clear forever. You’re free. This pursuit brings him into the orbit of Avery Bryant, Hannah’s best friend and the last person to see her before she went missing. Soon, Eli and Avery are entwined in a hunt for answers that spans decades, stretches the realm of possibility, and brings churning to the surface a conspiracy linking not only these current tragedies but the buried sorrows of Eli’s past.
And though none of them dare say the word witch, at least not out loud, something lurks in the woods, bent-backed and black-eyed, clawed and vengeful, looming ever closer. . . .
Audible Audio
Expected publication September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤💚🖤
Keith Rosson captured my heart and my full attention last year with Coffin Moon. There was something so devilishly-good about that book. The setting, the grittiness of the plot, the characters; it was a whole mood. It all worked for me and has remained in my mind ever since.
To say that I was excited to get an early-copy of this novel, Crone, would be putting it so mildly it wouldn't even register. I was stoked for this and as you can tell from my rating, I wasn't disappointed for a moment.
This novel matches Coffin Moon in tone, so if you also enjoyed that one, I would highly recommend reading this as well. The big difference would be while Coffin Moon is a bit of a vampiric romp, Crone is for the witches in the crowd.
This continues the classic dark Crime Fiction feel that Coffin Moon brought, and is actually even set in the same area of the United States, just in a later time period.
This story follows Eli Lamp, an ex-detective, turned addict, turned ex-addict, whose daughter disappeared 10-years ago. Eli's battled his emotions since Hannah's been gone, but the guilt and grief frequently overwhelm him.
Due to a certain incident Eli got himself involved in while investigating Hannah's disappearance, he's also now indebted to a local drug gang, the Crooked Wheel. They utilize his skills as an enforcer. It's a dark road he's traveled.
We also follow a young woman named Avery. Avery was actually Hannah's best friend, and the two were together on the night that Hannah disappeared. Like Eli, Hannah has also really struggled since that night. The guilt and shame she's felt since Hannah disappeared has definitely defined the trajectory of her life so far.
Avery fled their small town as soon as she graduated high school, unable to stand the whispers and looks any longer. Recently though, she's been having extremely vivid dreams of Hannah calling her back.
After the boss of the Crooked Wheel's son is found brutally murdered, he asks Eli to investigate it, so they can bring the killer to justice. If Eli's successful, he won't owe them any longer. He'll be a free man.
His investigation brings him into the orbit of Avery, recently returned to town, a girl he never thought he'd see again. Soon the two are entwined in a search for answers that all link back to the night their dear Hannah disappeared.
Contrary to everything they might believe in, signs point to a mysterious something lurking the woods. A something with a bent back, black eyes and claws. No one wants to say witch, but it's a thought...
This is such a beautifully-devastating story. My heart aches with the weight of it. It's gritty and violent, showcasing the worst acts that humans can do unto each other.
There's also a rawness to it all, with humanity just bleeding off the page. Rosson does such an incredible job of examining dark emotions, such as guilt, grief and self-doubt, even hate. This is vengeance-fueled story, much like Coffin Moon, and I was completely invested.
I loved the direction Rosson ultimately went with this. I will say the way he laid it all out, it's not a path I would typically enjoy, but I think in this case, just because of the overall emotion of the story, it actually worked. He pulled it off.
If you've never read Rosson before, you've got time. Pick up Coffin Moon before this one releases in September. If you like that vibe, you should absolutely pick this one up as well.
Also, I definitely recommend this for fans of Witchy stories, particularly if you're itching for something opposite of all the Cozy Witchy vibes we seem to be getting lately.
This is full stop a Horror novel. It's violent, gory and full of complicated topics and emotions. It's absolutely stellar and I cannot wait for a hard copy to take residence on my shelves.
Thank you to the publisher, Random House, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This will definitely be making my Best Books of 2026 list!!!
Keith Rosson captured my heart and my full attention last year with Coffin Moon. There was something so devilishly-good about that book. The setting, the grittiness of the plot, the characters; it was a whole mood. It all worked for me and has remained in my mind ever since.
To say that I was excited to get an early-copy of this novel, Crone, would be putting it so mildly it wouldn't even register. I was stoked for this and as you can tell from my rating, I wasn't disappointed for a moment.
This novel matches Coffin Moon in tone, so if you also enjoyed that one, I would highly recommend reading this as well. The big difference would be while Coffin Moon is a bit of a vampiric romp, Crone is for the witches in the crowd.
This continues the classic dark Crime Fiction feel that Coffin Moon brought, and is actually even set in the same area of the United States, just in a later time period.
This story follows Eli Lamp, an ex-detective, turned addict, turned ex-addict, whose daughter disappeared 10-years ago. Eli's battled his emotions since Hannah's been gone, but the guilt and grief frequently overwhelm him.
Due to a certain incident Eli got himself involved in while investigating Hannah's disappearance, he's also now indebted to a local drug gang, the Crooked Wheel. They utilize his skills as an enforcer. It's a dark road he's traveled.
We also follow a young woman named Avery. Avery was actually Hannah's best friend, and the two were together on the night that Hannah disappeared. Like Eli, Hannah has also really struggled since that night. The guilt and shame she's felt since Hannah disappeared has definitely defined the trajectory of her life so far.
Avery fled their small town as soon as she graduated high school, unable to stand the whispers and looks any longer. Recently though, she's been having extremely vivid dreams of Hannah calling her back.
After the boss of the Crooked Wheel's son is found brutally murdered, he asks Eli to investigate it, so they can bring the killer to justice. If Eli's successful, he won't owe them any longer. He'll be a free man.
His investigation brings him into the orbit of Avery, recently returned to town, a girl he never thought he'd see again. Soon the two are entwined in a search for answers that all link back to the night their dear Hannah disappeared.
Contrary to everything they might believe in, signs point to a mysterious something lurking the woods. A something with a bent back, black eyes and claws. No one wants to say witch, but it's a thought...
This is such a beautifully-devastating story. My heart aches with the weight of it. It's gritty and violent, showcasing the worst acts that humans can do unto each other.
There's also a rawness to it all, with humanity just bleeding off the page. Rosson does such an incredible job of examining dark emotions, such as guilt, grief and self-doubt, even hate. This is vengeance-fueled story, much like Coffin Moon, and I was completely invested.
I loved the direction Rosson ultimately went with this. I will say the way he laid it all out, it's not a path I would typically enjoy, but I think in this case, just because of the overall emotion of the story, it actually worked. He pulled it off.
If you've never read Rosson before, you've got time. Pick up Coffin Moon before this one releases in September. If you like that vibe, you should absolutely pick this one up as well.
Also, I definitely recommend this for fans of Witchy stories, particularly if you're itching for something opposite of all the Cozy Witchy vibes we seem to be getting lately.
This is full stop a Horror novel. It's violent, gory and full of complicated topics and emotions. It's absolutely stellar and I cannot wait for a hard copy to take residence on my shelves.
Thank you to the publisher, Random House, for providing me with a copy to read and review. This will definitely be making my Best Books of 2026 list!!!
March 16, 2026
HOLY 😱😱😱😱! That was a killer read! I’m emotionally wrecked inside. I’m speechless, so, just let me catch my breath a minute here.
😭😭😭😭😭
Oh, and guess what? You don’t really need a synopsis when it comes to this author. Nope. You just read it! If you loved Coffin Moon, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll be obsessed with Crone!
Rosson has a style to his writing that has grit and a whole lot of heart. He allows the reader to feel a connection to his characters and gets you feeling all kinds of sh**!
Imagine part Sons of Anarchy, a creature feature, grief horror, and stir that up with some diabolical witchery. I was hooked from page one! I couldn’t get my eyes to read fast enough.
Crone is addictive and brutal while pulling at your heartstrings. I didn’t want it to end and neither will you! And let me clarify this is the third horror novel I’ve ever weeped over. 😭 Get ready folks, this stunner of a novel will hold you hostage.
5 GLORIOUS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 9/26
Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and Keith Rosson for the gifted copy.
😭😭😭😭😭
Oh, and guess what? You don’t really need a synopsis when it comes to this author. Nope. You just read it! If you loved Coffin Moon, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you’ll be obsessed with Crone!
Rosson has a style to his writing that has grit and a whole lot of heart. He allows the reader to feel a connection to his characters and gets you feeling all kinds of sh**!
Imagine part Sons of Anarchy, a creature feature, grief horror, and stir that up with some diabolical witchery. I was hooked from page one! I couldn’t get my eyes to read fast enough.
Crone is addictive and brutal while pulling at your heartstrings. I didn’t want it to end and neither will you! And let me clarify this is the third horror novel I’ve ever weeped over. 😭 Get ready folks, this stunner of a novel will hold you hostage.
5 GLORIOUS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 9/26
Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and Keith Rosson for the gifted copy.
August 23, 2026
A fantastic dark, gritty, bleak novel that will grip you from page one and not let you up for air.
I don’t even know where to begin! I absolutely loved every bit of this. It starts out with a missing teenager to then move on to rival motorcycle gangs, corruption, drug abuse, and finally witches. You read all of that correctly! Motorcycle gangs and witches! I loved how it all was woven together seamlessly and worked really well together. I also enjoyed the nod to Coffin Moon!
My only quibble was that it felt like the ending was a wee bit drawn out, but not too much to affect my reading experience. I appreciate the fact that I was given answers! This is my second novel by this author and hands-down, my favorite so far.
Highly recommend this, especially just so as a reader, you can experience how all the genres were wonderfully blended together. Can you tell I loved it?!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t even know where to begin! I absolutely loved every bit of this. It starts out with a missing teenager to then move on to rival motorcycle gangs, corruption, drug abuse, and finally witches. You read all of that correctly! Motorcycle gangs and witches! I loved how it all was woven together seamlessly and worked really well together. I also enjoyed the nod to Coffin Moon!
My only quibble was that it felt like the ending was a wee bit drawn out, but not too much to affect my reading experience. I appreciate the fact that I was given answers! This is my second novel by this author and hands-down, my favorite so far.
Highly recommend this, especially just so as a reader, you can experience how all the genres were wonderfully blended together. Can you tell I loved it?!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I don’t usually like witch shit. Something about their stories makes me check out faster than a runaway broomstick. But Crone broke the mold for me. Probably because it wasn’t a witch book at all.
It was a beautiful exploration of addiction, guilt, loneliness, and the fucked up-ness of families. The witch was purely a literary device that elevated the themes to a supernaturally-charged level.
Rosson is a gifted writer, and he can pen scenes that pull me into its world with ease. I am always transported into the griminess and rawness of them, and his characters jump off of the page with their believability.
Crone was a really good read, and Rosson has reached auto-read status for me.
I don’t usually like witch shit. Something about their stories makes me check out faster than a runaway broomstick. But Crone broke the mold for me. Probably because it wasn’t a witch book at all.
It was a beautiful exploration of addiction, guilt, loneliness, and the fucked up-ness of families. The witch was purely a literary device that elevated the themes to a supernaturally-charged level.
Rosson is a gifted writer, and he can pen scenes that pull me into its world with ease. I am always transported into the griminess and rawness of them, and his characters jump off of the page with their believability.
Crone was a really good read, and Rosson has reached auto-read status for me.
March 16, 2026
5⭐️ I loved Keith Rosson’s last book Coffin Moon and was so excited to receive an arc of Crone! It is Amazing! Horror at its best!!! I was hooked right away and could not put it down! It’s fast paced, emotional, tragic, tense, creepy and gorey.
The story starts with the disappearance of 15 year old Hannah. Her drug addicted dad Eli a former cop, gets clean and dedicates himself to looking for her. After an incident with a motorcycle gang he becomes indebted to Dave Novak their leader.
Some creepy things begin to happen starting with the brutal murder of Dave’s son Anton.
Who is the supernatural force behind the murder? How far will Eli go after years pass to find Hannah? This story is dark and has some really bloody scenes, but it is a story of love and redemption and about as perfect of a horror story as I’ve read!
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishers, and Keith Rosson for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story starts with the disappearance of 15 year old Hannah. Her drug addicted dad Eli a former cop, gets clean and dedicates himself to looking for her. After an incident with a motorcycle gang he becomes indebted to Dave Novak their leader.
Some creepy things begin to happen starting with the brutal murder of Dave’s son Anton.
Who is the supernatural force behind the murder? How far will Eli go after years pass to find Hannah? This story is dark and has some really bloody scenes, but it is a story of love and redemption and about as perfect of a horror story as I’ve read!
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishers, and Keith Rosson for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
August 24, 2026*Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital ARC!*
I'll admit I'm late to the Keith Rosson reading game. Somewhere on my Kindle lies his collection 'Folks Songs for Trauma Surgeons' but I've just not managed to get to it. When people told me I HAD to read 'Fever House' I checked it out, but I'd read a lot of rockstar character books over the last few years and needed a break, so I've not gotten to it. Then 'Coffin Moon' arrived & sadly, I'm vampire-d out as well lol. So much so, that when I was writing my own novel, 'Churn the Soil,' I started with vampires as the forest guards but swapped them to ancient-earth entities that resemble dimorphodon's because I couldn't bring myself to do vampires. Now, this may all sound negative - and I promise I'm trying not to sound negative - I'm just letting you know why I've not read a Rosson book yet.
And then came 'Crone.' The synopsis had me hooked, I loved the cover and the title made me intrigued over what Rosson would do with something in the woods. And by now you should know I love all things 'something in the woods.'
What I liked: The novel, for the most part, follows Eli Lamp. A former detective who lives near Portland, his wife died during childbirth and when his daughter was a teen, Hannah disappeared, taken by someone in a van on the outskirts of town. Since then, his life has fallen apart, but he's rebuilding. Though no longer an addict, he's still beholden by the drug gang he grows for, in their debt for keeping him alive after he sought retribution in Portland.
All is ticking along. Until the son of the gang leader turns up dead in a river. And after he's buried, he returns. And all hell breaks loose.
Rosson sets things up nicely in the first quarter. We get the lay of the land, the constant uncertainty of life under the thumb of a deranged ruler and we see how Eli keeps chasing ghosts while keeping the deals in place between the law and those living on the other side of it. We grow to tolerate Eli, though I found I never was able to fully like the man. Why? I'm not sure. But it made for an interesting experience and kept me riveted as the story progresses.
The other portion of the novel is told through Avery's POV. Avery was Eli's daughters friend, with her on the night she was taken. Avery's returned to town, strung out on drugs after having stolen a bunch of cash from her boyfriend. She's returned because she saw her friend in a dream and her friend said she needed to come back.
Avery's storyline works well to not only show us how Hannah's disappearance created a ripple effect around those who loved her most, but also a way to introduce the crone, the thing that lurks in the trees.
As the story progresses, more and more truths are revealed and its in these moments that Rosson highlights the human element of the story, which really makes this one hum along. In lesser hands, these moments may not be even included, which would've kept this novel fairly surface level when it came to emotions and progression.
The final quarter was solid and when the shit hits the fan, it hits the fan solidly. We get answers to questions each reader will definitely have and we learn the history behind the thing in the woods, which was great to learn.
What I didn't like: While I really enjoyed Eli's storyline, I personally don't enjoy the whole backwoods drug gang stuff. It kind of felt a bit like Sons of Anarchy, which I really struggled with watching. So, keeping focused on Eli and Avery, made sure this one hit the right notes. Additionally, (slight spoiler aspect FYI) we do learn about Hannah's disappearance, and I almost wish we hadn't, though it did make for a really great section.
Why you should buy this: If you're already a Rosson fan, then this one's a no-brainer and you'll be all over it. If you've never read anything from Keith yet, I think this one's a great jumping in place. Tight, explosive and repulsive in the right amounts, this novel hooks in and keeps you hooked. The pacing was spot on and the atmosphere throughout was really well done. And most importantly, this isn't your tried and true familiar crone or witch character. This one was fantastically transformed. This book will keep you up long after you should've gone to bed. And you won't even regret it.
I'll admit I'm late to the Keith Rosson reading game. Somewhere on my Kindle lies his collection 'Folks Songs for Trauma Surgeons' but I've just not managed to get to it. When people told me I HAD to read 'Fever House' I checked it out, but I'd read a lot of rockstar character books over the last few years and needed a break, so I've not gotten to it. Then 'Coffin Moon' arrived & sadly, I'm vampire-d out as well lol. So much so, that when I was writing my own novel, 'Churn the Soil,' I started with vampires as the forest guards but swapped them to ancient-earth entities that resemble dimorphodon's because I couldn't bring myself to do vampires. Now, this may all sound negative - and I promise I'm trying not to sound negative - I'm just letting you know why I've not read a Rosson book yet.
And then came 'Crone.' The synopsis had me hooked, I loved the cover and the title made me intrigued over what Rosson would do with something in the woods. And by now you should know I love all things 'something in the woods.'
What I liked: The novel, for the most part, follows Eli Lamp. A former detective who lives near Portland, his wife died during childbirth and when his daughter was a teen, Hannah disappeared, taken by someone in a van on the outskirts of town. Since then, his life has fallen apart, but he's rebuilding. Though no longer an addict, he's still beholden by the drug gang he grows for, in their debt for keeping him alive after he sought retribution in Portland.
All is ticking along. Until the son of the gang leader turns up dead in a river. And after he's buried, he returns. And all hell breaks loose.
Rosson sets things up nicely in the first quarter. We get the lay of the land, the constant uncertainty of life under the thumb of a deranged ruler and we see how Eli keeps chasing ghosts while keeping the deals in place between the law and those living on the other side of it. We grow to tolerate Eli, though I found I never was able to fully like the man. Why? I'm not sure. But it made for an interesting experience and kept me riveted as the story progresses.
The other portion of the novel is told through Avery's POV. Avery was Eli's daughters friend, with her on the night she was taken. Avery's returned to town, strung out on drugs after having stolen a bunch of cash from her boyfriend. She's returned because she saw her friend in a dream and her friend said she needed to come back.
Avery's storyline works well to not only show us how Hannah's disappearance created a ripple effect around those who loved her most, but also a way to introduce the crone, the thing that lurks in the trees.
As the story progresses, more and more truths are revealed and its in these moments that Rosson highlights the human element of the story, which really makes this one hum along. In lesser hands, these moments may not be even included, which would've kept this novel fairly surface level when it came to emotions and progression.
The final quarter was solid and when the shit hits the fan, it hits the fan solidly. We get answers to questions each reader will definitely have and we learn the history behind the thing in the woods, which was great to learn.
What I didn't like: While I really enjoyed Eli's storyline, I personally don't enjoy the whole backwoods drug gang stuff. It kind of felt a bit like Sons of Anarchy, which I really struggled with watching. So, keeping focused on Eli and Avery, made sure this one hit the right notes. Additionally, (slight spoiler aspect FYI) we do learn about Hannah's disappearance, and I almost wish we hadn't, though it did make for a really great section.
Why you should buy this: If you're already a Rosson fan, then this one's a no-brainer and you'll be all over it. If you've never read anything from Keith yet, I think this one's a great jumping in place. Tight, explosive and repulsive in the right amounts, this novel hooks in and keeps you hooked. The pacing was spot on and the atmosphere throughout was really well done. And most importantly, this isn't your tried and true familiar crone or witch character. This one was fantastically transformed. This book will keep you up long after you should've gone to bed. And you won't even regret it.
September 10, 2026
Keith Rosson perfectly blends folk horror, crime detective noir, and witchy supernatural elements in Crone. The book is visceral, gritty, and unflinching, which makes for an entertaining and intense read. The Pacific Northwest backdrop creates an atmospheric, eerie setting. With flawed characters who have plenty of depth and themes of addiction, grief, and atonement make for an extra gripping story.
I truly couldn't find a reason not to love Crone, it's such an original and impressive story that horror readers are going to love!
I alternated between reading the book myself and listening to the audiobook. The audiobook is narrated by Pete Cross who did an excellent job. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
Crone by Keith Rosson will be available on September 22.
I truly couldn't find a reason not to love Crone, it's such an original and impressive story that horror readers are going to love!
I alternated between reading the book myself and listening to the audiobook. The audiobook is narrated by Pete Cross who did an excellent job. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
Crone by Keith Rosson will be available on September 22.
May 29, 2026
Grit, dirt, terror.
The Blair Witch Project meets Sons of Anarchy meets Snatch.
A small town, desolate highway, dingy motel rooms, despair. A missing girl and a father’s mistakes.
This is an authentic and real horror. Storytelling at its upmost. Bikers, drugs, crime. Layer upon poetic layer of deplorable and sketchy shit. The horror was vivid, visceral and terrifying. This was a wild ride. I loved the Coffin Moon references; the clever weaving of stories. It turned into something complex, human and broken.
Quite possibly one of my favourites ever.
‘That they might use a heart or a liver of an animal besmirched in thorns to call upon an enemy to suffer.’
‘“Old sails, old bodies, old souls. Grasp the mast and fill the hole”. He laughed his child’s laugh…’
‘Whatever’s making that noise, I don’t want to see it.’
‘He stood there, felt the weight of all his wasted years howling around him.’
‘rain, the canopy of night above her, all these trees…’
5 STARS
(Thanks to Netgalley for the arc)
The Blair Witch Project meets Sons of Anarchy meets Snatch.
A small town, desolate highway, dingy motel rooms, despair. A missing girl and a father’s mistakes.
This is an authentic and real horror. Storytelling at its upmost. Bikers, drugs, crime. Layer upon poetic layer of deplorable and sketchy shit. The horror was vivid, visceral and terrifying. This was a wild ride. I loved the Coffin Moon references; the clever weaving of stories. It turned into something complex, human and broken.
Quite possibly one of my favourites ever.
‘That they might use a heart or a liver of an animal besmirched in thorns to call upon an enemy to suffer.’
‘“Old sails, old bodies, old souls. Grasp the mast and fill the hole”. He laughed his child’s laugh…’
‘Whatever’s making that noise, I don’t want to see it.’
‘He stood there, felt the weight of all his wasted years howling around him.’
‘rain, the canopy of night above her, all these trees…’
5 STARS
(Thanks to Netgalley for the arc)
April 23, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my Advanced Reader’s Copy. This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it did not disappoint. Brutal, gritty, terrifying, heartbreaking. It grabs you and won’t let you go. A must read in modern horror (and an instant read author for me). Don’t sleep on this one, coming 9/22/26.
July 29, 2026
Thank you Random House for my free ARC of Crone by Keith Rosson — out September 22!
» READ IF YOU «
🩸 love your horror gritty, brutal, and grief-soaked
🐦⬛ want folk-horror creatures that feel otherworldly
🔪 are here for crime noir with a whisper of the supernatural
» SYNOPSIS «
Eli is a broken man. He’s kicked the drugs but lost his job, and has been grieving his missing daughter for a decade. His former detective skills come in handy for the Crooked Wheel, a local drug gang, to whom he’s more or less permanently indebted. But the boss's son turns up murdered in a bizarre scene, and Eli's given one final offer: find the killer, and his debt is cleared. The search pulls him back to the disappearance of his daughter, and into the path of something far darker—and far less human—than he bargained for.
» REVIEW «
Keith Rosson is the king of dark and gritty crime horror—this isn't atmosphere as set dressing, it's a whole world founded in grief, violence, and imperfect characters. The paranormal bits, when you get a glimpse, are unsettling in a way that keeps you flipping pages faster and faster, but maybe with the light on, mkay? Rosson always manages to perfectly balance the otherworldly with the stark humanity of crime noir, and it’s what makes his books so unique.
Eli is exactly the kind of flawed protagonist I want carrying a story like this. He’s broken, complicit, corrupt, but still trying his best. Nobody here is squeaky clean, not even our saintly missing daughter, which is exactly what makes the characters feel so real and why it all hits that much harder. This is grief horror and small-town noir fused together at the core, and it does not pull a single punch. My fave from Rosson so far!
» RATING «
🏃♀️ I’m Breathless 🏃♀️
» READ-A-LIKES «
• King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
• The Removed by Brandon Hobson
• Sons of Anarchy (TV show)
• Disappearance at Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay
» READ IF YOU «
🩸 love your horror gritty, brutal, and grief-soaked
🐦⬛ want folk-horror creatures that feel otherworldly
🔪 are here for crime noir with a whisper of the supernatural
» SYNOPSIS «
Eli is a broken man. He’s kicked the drugs but lost his job, and has been grieving his missing daughter for a decade. His former detective skills come in handy for the Crooked Wheel, a local drug gang, to whom he’s more or less permanently indebted. But the boss's son turns up murdered in a bizarre scene, and Eli's given one final offer: find the killer, and his debt is cleared. The search pulls him back to the disappearance of his daughter, and into the path of something far darker—and far less human—than he bargained for.
» REVIEW «
Keith Rosson is the king of dark and gritty crime horror—this isn't atmosphere as set dressing, it's a whole world founded in grief, violence, and imperfect characters. The paranormal bits, when you get a glimpse, are unsettling in a way that keeps you flipping pages faster and faster, but maybe with the light on, mkay? Rosson always manages to perfectly balance the otherworldly with the stark humanity of crime noir, and it’s what makes his books so unique.
Eli is exactly the kind of flawed protagonist I want carrying a story like this. He’s broken, complicit, corrupt, but still trying his best. Nobody here is squeaky clean, not even our saintly missing daughter, which is exactly what makes the characters feel so real and why it all hits that much harder. This is grief horror and small-town noir fused together at the core, and it does not pull a single punch. My fave from Rosson so far!
» RATING «
🏃♀️ I’m Breathless 🏃♀️
» READ-A-LIKES «
• King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
• The Removed by Brandon Hobson
• Sons of Anarchy (TV show)
• Disappearance at Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
✨✨✨Gritty crime + Horror✨✨✨
This is my second book by Keith Rosson and to be honest, I had a difficult time getting into this one. I was intrigued by the plot but at the same time some of it just felt a bit weighed down.
There was a lot going on with drug addiction and poverty which I found was written very well and engaging. However, it did seem like some of the plot really did drag. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is very well done and sets the atmosphere wonderfully. The portrayal of addiction seemed especially well done. It was all just a bit slow paced for me.
The meat of the story reads as gritty crime detective and closer towards the end of the book was when we really got to the Crone stuff. Which I loved, but just seemed very drawn out to get to that point. Also, I was expecting more witch horror than crime. The last like 1/3 was spectacular and that ending I LOVED!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 22, 2026.
✨✨✨Gritty crime + Horror✨✨✨
This is my second book by Keith Rosson and to be honest, I had a difficult time getting into this one. I was intrigued by the plot but at the same time some of it just felt a bit weighed down.
There was a lot going on with drug addiction and poverty which I found was written very well and engaging. However, it did seem like some of the plot really did drag. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is very well done and sets the atmosphere wonderfully. The portrayal of addiction seemed especially well done. It was all just a bit slow paced for me.
The meat of the story reads as gritty crime detective and closer towards the end of the book was when we really got to the Crone stuff. Which I loved, but just seemed very drawn out to get to that point. Also, I was expecting more witch horror than crime. The last like 1/3 was spectacular and that ending I LOVED!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released September 22, 2026.
July 14, 2026
First of all, thank you to Keith who saw me being mentally ill about Coffin Moon and asked if I’d like an arc of Crone. A top 5 moment of my life for sure.
Second of all, what a ride. This book is bleak and brutal and incredibly depressing. A large helping of crime fiction with thoughtful, wildflower-y(do not expect me to explain) prose with that ever creeping hint of the supernatural that builds up until it can’t be ignored.
Third, I loved the callbacks to sEVERAL backlist items, especially the one I was doing backflips over.
Fourth I know they’re fictional but I’m killing the crooked wheel with my mind!!!!
Second of all, what a ride. This book is bleak and brutal and incredibly depressing. A large helping of crime fiction with thoughtful, wildflower-y(do not expect me to explain) prose with that ever creeping hint of the supernatural that builds up until it can’t be ignored.
Third, I loved the callbacks to sEVERAL backlist items, especially the one I was doing backflips over.
Fourth I know they’re fictional but I’m killing the crooked wheel with my mind!!!!
April 14, 2026
A perfectly unsettling and disturbing read interweaving normal day to day life with the supernatural and it just working. More than working, it flowed and kept me hooked from start to finish. I wanted better for most of the characters and by reading this I feel like it gave them a voice when theirs had been stolen. Enchanting and disturbing in equal measure.
April 15, 2026
This is for the girls who have ✨daddy issues✨
Picture it.. missing teen, devastated dad, biker gangs, small town worthless cops, witchcraft, and a sprinkle of little details from the Rosson multiverse.
That’s it. That’s the review. Oh, and I cried.
Picture it.. missing teen, devastated dad, biker gangs, small town worthless cops, witchcraft, and a sprinkle of little details from the Rosson multiverse.
That’s it. That’s the review. Oh, and I cried.
September 5, 2026
Review to come, but WOW, what a book.
August 3, 2026
Thank you Random House for the gifted ARC to read and review.
Eli Lamp is an ex-addict, ex-cop, and grieving father at the end of his rope. His daughter, Hannah, disappeared years ago after getting into a strange van on the highway, and Eli has never forgiven himself for allowing it to happen. He spends his days repaying a debt to a local drug dealer, Dave Novak. When Dave’s son is found murdered, he enlists Eli’s help, and that’s all I want to say because you just have to read this one.
Wow. Keith Rosson has done it again. His writing style, and I cannot overstate this, has me in a complete chokehold from the time I pick up one of his books until I put it back down again.
Crone is so immersive, and just like Coffin Moon, it’s the perfect balance of the devastating realities of being a human and spine tingling supernatural aspects. I was so invested in this story, especially its vivid (and sometimes downright disgusting) imagery and visceral descriptions.
I felt so deeply for the main character, Eli, and all of the things that he did in his desperation. The book is as heartwrenching as it is horrifying.
This is going to be the perfect spooky season, or any season, read. Don’t miss it when it comes out in September.
August 1, 2026
4.5⭐️ - RTC
April 22, 2026
Crone by Keith Rosson
Ok, here is another brillant novel by Keith Rosson. Crone is gritty crime novel in a rundown town full of criminals, corrupt cops and drug addicts. If this was all the story was about, it would still be a 5 star read. But with a title like Crone, you know the story is interlaced with supernatural horror. Eli Lamp is an ex-detective who is forced to work for the local motorcycle club as an enforcer and drug runner. A moment in his past has him indebted to the boss. But he is offered the chance to wipe the slate clean if uses his old detective skills to find out who murdered the gang leaders son. Eli, like most of the characters in this book, is a fuck up. He lost his wife not long after the birth of his only child. This led him down the path of drug addiction and losing his job with local police. Then years later his daughter Hannah goes missing and to this day no one knows what happened to her. Eli just trudges through life in despair and alcoholism, barely holding on. There are not a lot of redeeming qualities to Eli Lamp. But Rosson’s amazing character work is on display yet again. You can’t help but root for and sympathise with Eli (and some of the other characters). You are in their heads, feeling what they are feeling. It’s the best part of the book. I won’t go into spoilers about the horror aspects of this book. There are no cackling old ladies with pointy hats and warts on their noses. When Rosson writes horror themes (witches with Crone, vampires with Coffin Moon) you know you are getting unique interpretations from his twisted imagination. Rosson expertly weaves multiple POV’s and two different timelines so well together it reminded me of the narrative structure of the movie Weapons. If you can’t tell, I loved Crone. The characters and emotion. The unique twists. The brutal and gory horror. Crone is due to release on 22nd September. Preorder your copy now. Thanks to Black Crow Books and NetGalley for allowing me to review an ARC copy.
Ok, here is another brillant novel by Keith Rosson. Crone is gritty crime novel in a rundown town full of criminals, corrupt cops and drug addicts. If this was all the story was about, it would still be a 5 star read. But with a title like Crone, you know the story is interlaced with supernatural horror. Eli Lamp is an ex-detective who is forced to work for the local motorcycle club as an enforcer and drug runner. A moment in his past has him indebted to the boss. But he is offered the chance to wipe the slate clean if uses his old detective skills to find out who murdered the gang leaders son. Eli, like most of the characters in this book, is a fuck up. He lost his wife not long after the birth of his only child. This led him down the path of drug addiction and losing his job with local police. Then years later his daughter Hannah goes missing and to this day no one knows what happened to her. Eli just trudges through life in despair and alcoholism, barely holding on. There are not a lot of redeeming qualities to Eli Lamp. But Rosson’s amazing character work is on display yet again. You can’t help but root for and sympathise with Eli (and some of the other characters). You are in their heads, feeling what they are feeling. It’s the best part of the book. I won’t go into spoilers about the horror aspects of this book. There are no cackling old ladies with pointy hats and warts on their noses. When Rosson writes horror themes (witches with Crone, vampires with Coffin Moon) you know you are getting unique interpretations from his twisted imagination. Rosson expertly weaves multiple POV’s and two different timelines so well together it reminded me of the narrative structure of the movie Weapons. If you can’t tell, I loved Crone. The characters and emotion. The unique twists. The brutal and gory horror. Crone is due to release on 22nd September. Preorder your copy now. Thanks to Black Crow Books and NetGalley for allowing me to review an ARC copy.
July 21, 2026
“Crone” - “Sister, Mother, Daughter, Crone, Keeper.”
★★★★☆ (4,5)
This story felt like a Wire Dream (and they are supposed to be good dreams, but this dream was definitely not about happy memories, sunshine or rainbows.)
“Crone” was my first (but definitely not my last) novel by Keith Rosson and I was hooked from the get go. The atmosphere is this book is so heavy and dark that it feels like a constant black fog surrounding you and pulling you deeper into the story until there is no way out. Grief comes in many forms, shapes and sizes, so does guilt, vengeance and pain. They’re all woven into a raw heartbreaking tale and I will be thinking about this one for a while.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
★★★★☆ (4,5)
This story felt like a Wire Dream (and they are supposed to be good dreams, but this dream was definitely not about happy memories, sunshine or rainbows.)
“Crone” was my first (but definitely not my last) novel by Keith Rosson and I was hooked from the get go. The atmosphere is this book is so heavy and dark that it feels like a constant black fog surrounding you and pulling you deeper into the story until there is no way out. Grief comes in many forms, shapes and sizes, so does guilt, vengeance and pain. They’re all woven into a raw heartbreaking tale and I will be thinking about this one for a while.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2026
Keith Rosson is a master storyteller who intertwines grit with heart to create incredible characters in unputdownable stories. Crone, like Coffin Moon and the Fever House duology follows in this vein. I found the characters and the dark and gritty story mesmerizing. Crone feels like Sons of Anarchy blended with a witch story and it works beautifully. As a fellow Portlander, I am always thrilled to see a local author thrive and Keith Rosson deserves every accolade for his body of work. He is a must read author for me and I highly recommend Crone
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley following providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley following providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2026
This book was everything I hoped for and more. I already knew I enjoyed this author’s writing, but the thrill, imagery, and gore in this book are beyond.
I think I’m still in shock with how much I loved it that I can’t write a full detailed review at this moment, but I loved it from the prologue until the last page. Loved the Coffin Moon plot shoutout - this man loves his biker gangs!
Would absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone - I cannot wait for its release. I will read anything Keith writes moving forward.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think I’m still in shock with how much I loved it that I can’t write a full detailed review at this moment, but I loved it from the prologue until the last page. Loved the Coffin Moon plot shoutout - this man loves his biker gangs!
Would absolutely recommend this book to any and everyone - I cannot wait for its release. I will read anything Keith writes moving forward.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
August 31, 2026author of one of my favorite books last year: Coffin Moon!
super excited for this one! Pub date: 9/2026
super excited for this one! Pub date: 9/2026
August 20, 2026
A Dark, Bleak Descent Into Folk Horror
Crone by Keith Rosson
Crone is a grim, atmospheric fusion of crime noir, folk horror, and supernatural mystery that intensifies in darkness the further you delve into it.
At its core is Eli Lamp, a former detective and recovering addict haunted by the thirteen-year-old disappearance of his teenage daughter, Hannah. When the son of a local drug gang boss is brutally murdered, Eli is allowed to clear his debt by finding the killer. His investigation reconnects him with Hannah’s former best friend, Avery, revealing strong links between the murder and Hannah’s vanishing.
What initially appears to be a gritty crime story rapidly evolves into something far stranger and more unsettling. Disturbances in the woods, whispers of a sinister, almost witch-like presence, and a sense that ancient, malevolent forces lie just beneath the surface all underscore the story's growing dread.
Rosson merges human and supernatural elementswith ease. The crime narrative is brutal and realistic, while the folk-horror scenes become increasingly eerie and surreal. Themes of grief, addiction, guilt, and the longing for closure impart genuine emotional depth to the horror.
The book’s strongest asset is its atmosphere. It exudes an oppressive, bleak sense of impending doom, making it impossible not to feel that something terrible is imminent. Rosson also does a great job of maintaining the supernatural mystery, avoiding overexplanation and keeping you guessing.
If you appreciate folk horror, dark crime fiction, missing-person mysteries, or stories thick with dread, Crone is an essential read. It is a bleak, violent, and unsettling journey, but beneath the horror lies a powerful story of loss and the relentless pursuit of answers.
A potent blend of crime noir and folk horror filled with atmosphere.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an E-arc and the opportunity to share my honest opinion.
Crone by Keith Rosson
Crone is a grim, atmospheric fusion of crime noir, folk horror, and supernatural mystery that intensifies in darkness the further you delve into it.
At its core is Eli Lamp, a former detective and recovering addict haunted by the thirteen-year-old disappearance of his teenage daughter, Hannah. When the son of a local drug gang boss is brutally murdered, Eli is allowed to clear his debt by finding the killer. His investigation reconnects him with Hannah’s former best friend, Avery, revealing strong links between the murder and Hannah’s vanishing.
What initially appears to be a gritty crime story rapidly evolves into something far stranger and more unsettling. Disturbances in the woods, whispers of a sinister, almost witch-like presence, and a sense that ancient, malevolent forces lie just beneath the surface all underscore the story's growing dread.
Rosson merges human and supernatural elementswith ease. The crime narrative is brutal and realistic, while the folk-horror scenes become increasingly eerie and surreal. Themes of grief, addiction, guilt, and the longing for closure impart genuine emotional depth to the horror.
The book’s strongest asset is its atmosphere. It exudes an oppressive, bleak sense of impending doom, making it impossible not to feel that something terrible is imminent. Rosson also does a great job of maintaining the supernatural mystery, avoiding overexplanation and keeping you guessing.
If you appreciate folk horror, dark crime fiction, missing-person mysteries, or stories thick with dread, Crone is an essential read. It is a bleak, violent, and unsettling journey, but beneath the horror lies a powerful story of loss and the relentless pursuit of answers.
A potent blend of crime noir and folk horror filled with atmosphere.
My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an E-arc and the opportunity to share my honest opinion.
September 3, 2026
4.5✨
i am so thankful i got to read this as an ARC! thank you times a million!! 💚🖤
i know i almost always start off my reviews by saying “wow” but truly wow! i had no clue what to expect from this book but it just got better and better as i kept reading it!
id say it was a bit of a slower start but it had to work up to what was really going on! this was much more heartbreaking of a story than i thought it would be (which was zero!). but the story was also SOOO gory and freaky with the involvement of drugs and gangs and unknown creatures
i had so many differing feelings about so many of the characters, eli especially, wondering why he chose the paths he chose but also how desperate he was, as a father, to find answers about hannah’s disappearance so long ago, with the absolute most unexpected answer behind it!
speaking of unexpected, THE CRONE!!!! the title of this book, the complex character of the crone!!! i think i love her tbh, i think she is so bad ass and loving and caring and misunderstood. i think you can see some of that throughout the book but it really hits your towards the end
the last few chapters honestly destroyed me!! if i wasnt in a public setting i think i wouldve sobbed, but i think it was a beautiful way to end such a gruesome, brutal book about loss, love, grief, addiction, and revenge
i am so thankful i got to read this as an ARC! thank you times a million!! 💚🖤
i know i almost always start off my reviews by saying “wow” but truly wow! i had no clue what to expect from this book but it just got better and better as i kept reading it!
id say it was a bit of a slower start but it had to work up to what was really going on! this was much more heartbreaking of a story than i thought it would be (which was zero!). but the story was also SOOO gory and freaky with the involvement of drugs and gangs and unknown creatures
i had so many differing feelings about so many of the characters, eli especially, wondering why he chose the paths he chose but also how desperate he was, as a father, to find answers about hannah’s disappearance so long ago, with the absolute most unexpected answer behind it!
speaking of unexpected, THE CRONE!!!! the title of this book, the complex character of the crone!!! i think i love her tbh, i think she is so bad ass and loving and caring and misunderstood. i think you can see some of that throughout the book but it really hits your towards the end
the last few chapters honestly destroyed me!! if i wasnt in a public setting i think i wouldve sobbed, but i think it was a beautiful way to end such a gruesome, brutal book about loss, love, grief, addiction, and revenge
September 11, 2026
Well, this book just killed me dead. Keith Rosson just busted my heart into tiny pieces. I’m sobbing. Crone started off as more of a grief filled crime thriller, but once the crazy shit started happening I couldn’t stop listening. Pete Cross was a fabulous narrator too, performing the voices of all the characters. I felt so much for Eli, what he went through, and what he did for vengeance making him a slave for the rest of his life just broke my heart. But for all the violence in this book, (there was a lot justifiably) the tenderness underneath is what really spoke to me. There was so many times in this book I just broke out in tears, so many I lost count but man, the authors note is what completely devastated me. Please don’t skip it, it’s very important. This was my first Rosson and it definitely won’t be my last.
September 12, 2026
Keith Rosson is ridiculously delightful to read.
Like Coffin Moon, Crone grabbed me immediately and just moved. Wild, earthy, fucked up, and completely unburdened by any ‘trying too hard’ vibes. The story is intense, the prose vibrates. Rosson can describe a completely “…batshit supernatural thing…” happening and make you see exactly what he means.
Beneath the insanity is a story about what people will do for the ones they love, and how badly we sometimes need answers. Daughter. Father. Parenthood. Life. People hunting for clues, justice, peace. All of it raises the emotional stakes, especially in this world that has gone completely off the rails.
Electrifying, witchy horror pulsing with heart.
I’m officially at the point where every time I finish a Rosson book, I immediately want another one.
Like Coffin Moon, Crone grabbed me immediately and just moved. Wild, earthy, fucked up, and completely unburdened by any ‘trying too hard’ vibes. The story is intense, the prose vibrates. Rosson can describe a completely “…batshit supernatural thing…” happening and make you see exactly what he means.
Beneath the insanity is a story about what people will do for the ones they love, and how badly we sometimes need answers. Daughter. Father. Parenthood. Life. People hunting for clues, justice, peace. All of it raises the emotional stakes, especially in this world that has gone completely off the rails.
Electrifying, witchy horror pulsing with heart.
I’m officially at the point where every time I finish a Rosson book, I immediately want another one.
August 20, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the arc!
This was my second Keith Rosson book I've read in a month and I think I'm officially obsessed. Crone was a 5 star read for me. Like, this is going to be THE book I recommend to everyone.
Crone was dark, gritty and creepy. Plus being set in Oregon?? You can't beat that. We follow Eli, an ex cop and ex addict who is struggling with the very harsh reality of his missing daughter Hannah and is indebted to the local motorcycle gang leader. You also get a duo POV with Avery, Hannah's best friend, who was with her when Hannah ultimately got into a strange van and disappeared. The reader also gets insights into Avery's life and why she's suddenly back in their hometown, along with how the impact of Hannah's disappearance affected her.
This book felt heavy with grief and emotional/mental turmoil, it had some really unsettling moments, and I really loved the turn that it took. This is not your typical "witch" book whatsoever.
This was my second Keith Rosson book I've read in a month and I think I'm officially obsessed. Crone was a 5 star read for me. Like, this is going to be THE book I recommend to everyone.
Crone was dark, gritty and creepy. Plus being set in Oregon?? You can't beat that. We follow Eli, an ex cop and ex addict who is struggling with the very harsh reality of his missing daughter Hannah and is indebted to the local motorcycle gang leader. You also get a duo POV with Avery, Hannah's best friend, who was with her when Hannah ultimately got into a strange van and disappeared. The reader also gets insights into Avery's life and why she's suddenly back in their hometown, along with how the impact of Hannah's disappearance affected her.
This book felt heavy with grief and emotional/mental turmoil, it had some really unsettling moments, and I really loved the turn that it took. This is not your typical "witch" book whatsoever.
July 11, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A true masterpiece!!
I’ve been a big fan of Keith Rosson‘s since the Fever House and The Devil By Name duology, but it was Coffin Moon that showed me that he is one of the great horror writers of our time. Like his previous books, The Crone is set in Oregon. It has a similar feel to Coffin Moon, but is completely original.
The story is set in Salt Point, a small coastal town in Oregon, and as an Oregonian I can attest that Rosson completely captures the poverty and feelings of hopelessness, as well as the beauty of the coast (you can almost taste the salt air and smell the forests).
In that small town, Eli Lamp is a former police officer and addict whose daughter, Hannah, has been missing for years. He is deeply mourning her and in the aftermath of her disappearance he has become involved with a local outlaw motorcycle gang. Avery Bryant was Hannah’s best friend and was with her the night she disappeared. She returns to town, now an addict and on the run from a rival biker gang. Both she and Eli are damaged people who are trapped by the past. Then the leader of the local biker gang loses his son in an unimaginably horrific manner. Whoever did it can’t possibly be human. The death sets everything in motion for an awful, violent collision that answers long asked questions and reveals that sometimes the monsters are human.
As much as I loved Coffin Moon, this is Rosson’s best book yet. It’s a true masterpiece. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. HIGHLY recommend.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A true masterpiece!!
I’ve been a big fan of Keith Rosson‘s since the Fever House and The Devil By Name duology, but it was Coffin Moon that showed me that he is one of the great horror writers of our time. Like his previous books, The Crone is set in Oregon. It has a similar feel to Coffin Moon, but is completely original.
The story is set in Salt Point, a small coastal town in Oregon, and as an Oregonian I can attest that Rosson completely captures the poverty and feelings of hopelessness, as well as the beauty of the coast (you can almost taste the salt air and smell the forests).
In that small town, Eli Lamp is a former police officer and addict whose daughter, Hannah, has been missing for years. He is deeply mourning her and in the aftermath of her disappearance he has become involved with a local outlaw motorcycle gang. Avery Bryant was Hannah’s best friend and was with her the night she disappeared. She returns to town, now an addict and on the run from a rival biker gang. Both she and Eli are damaged people who are trapped by the past. Then the leader of the local biker gang loses his son in an unimaginably horrific manner. Whoever did it can’t possibly be human. The death sets everything in motion for an awful, violent collision that answers long asked questions and reveals that sometimes the monsters are human.
As much as I loved Coffin Moon, this is Rosson’s best book yet. It’s a true masterpiece. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. HIGHLY recommend.
April 18, 2026
When it comes to reading, there’s not much better than a book you can’t put down. Flying through the pages, eager to experience what’s next, but also not ready for it to end. That’s been my experience with each book I’ve read from Keith Rosson, and I need to devour every word he’s written.
I’m rusty with reviews and was surprisingly blessed with a review copy of CRONE, courtesy of Netgalley and Random House. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Rosson’s writing more than I did with Coffin Moon, I was proven wrong with Crone.
Rosson’s characters come alive and it’s impossible not to become entrenched in their world. He writes some of the best stories featuring flawed, human characters. Crone has excellent pacing, plot, and atmosphere. I’ve never been to the pacific northwest but I was transported to the environment in this novel.
Rosson is a front runner among authors writing heartfelt horror, and just like in Coffin Moon, with Crone, he shines a light on the horror of humanity with the perfect balance of the supernatural.
I laughed, cried, and felt the tension as I followed this story. I’d file this under “grief horror with grit” and cannot wait to see what this author does next. In the meantime I’ll be snagging copies of his previous work to tide me over.
I’m rusty with reviews and was surprisingly blessed with a review copy of CRONE, courtesy of Netgalley and Random House. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Rosson’s writing more than I did with Coffin Moon, I was proven wrong with Crone.
Rosson’s characters come alive and it’s impossible not to become entrenched in their world. He writes some of the best stories featuring flawed, human characters. Crone has excellent pacing, plot, and atmosphere. I’ve never been to the pacific northwest but I was transported to the environment in this novel.
Rosson is a front runner among authors writing heartfelt horror, and just like in Coffin Moon, with Crone, he shines a light on the horror of humanity with the perfect balance of the supernatural.
I laughed, cried, and felt the tension as I followed this story. I’d file this under “grief horror with grit” and cannot wait to see what this author does next. In the meantime I’ll be snagging copies of his previous work to tide me over.
March 31, 2026
Keith Rosson’s unflinching ability to create brutal and bleak worlds that move at 100mph is something that should see him rise to the top of the horror writing genre.
Crone is the fourth book I’ve read of his, after the Fever House duology and Coffin Moon, and I think Crone is my favourite.
As a father, it drives into the fears of not being able to protect your child. The horror of not knowing what happened after the disappearance of the main character’s daughter, and the brutal nature of how his life turned paints a grim but fascinating tale.
I had previously described reading a Keith Rosson book as like being punched in the face for a few hundred pages, I’d now add the twist of a knife in the gut to that analogy in the best possible way.
Crone is the fourth book I’ve read of his, after the Fever House duology and Coffin Moon, and I think Crone is my favourite.
As a father, it drives into the fears of not being able to protect your child. The horror of not knowing what happened after the disappearance of the main character’s daughter, and the brutal nature of how his life turned paints a grim but fascinating tale.
I had previously described reading a Keith Rosson book as like being punched in the face for a few hundred pages, I’d now add the twist of a knife in the gut to that analogy in the best possible way.
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