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27 days and 05:54:57
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There Used to Be People Here
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Expected 3 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
27 days and 05:54:57
5 copies available
U.S. only
In 1970s Mississippi, a Black detective and his temporary partner are assigned to a case that shifts from murder to paranormal conspiracy with life-altering repercussions.
Wenton, Mississippi: A man enters the bathroom of a local gay bar and doesn't come back out. Instead he's found cold, on the floor, and facing the wall. And no one seems to know how this happened.
Samuel Barkley is Wenton's only Black detective. Assigned to the case, Samuel's one goal is to keep his head down with eyes on moving up in the police ranks. But it's not easy with Harvey, a new, temporary partner who Samuel can't seem to like...or hate. Nor with the cold, questioning eyes and fake smiles from those in town. Persistent. Judging. Wrong. Samuel is reaching his breaking point.
As his investigation leads him to a curious plane crash cover-up, Samuel's placid existence is turned on its head. Because what crashed in Wenton isn't a plane. There are others here. They like it here. And if Samuel can't stop them, they will find a way to stay.
With shades of The X-Files and S. A. Cosby, There Used to Be People Here deftly explores race, queerness, and existing as other in a society that demonizes everything different.
Wenton, Mississippi: A man enters the bathroom of a local gay bar and doesn't come back out. Instead he's found cold, on the floor, and facing the wall. And no one seems to know how this happened.
Samuel Barkley is Wenton's only Black detective. Assigned to the case, Samuel's one goal is to keep his head down with eyes on moving up in the police ranks. But it's not easy with Harvey, a new, temporary partner who Samuel can't seem to like...or hate. Nor with the cold, questioning eyes and fake smiles from those in town. Persistent. Judging. Wrong. Samuel is reaching his breaking point.
As his investigation leads him to a curious plane crash cover-up, Samuel's placid existence is turned on its head. Because what crashed in Wenton isn't a plane. There are others here. They like it here. And if Samuel can't stop them, they will find a way to stay.
With shades of The X-Files and S. A. Cosby, There Used to Be People Here deftly explores race, queerness, and existing as other in a society that demonizes everything different.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy
Let it be known that I am the first person to review this book on good reads, and also among the first people to read this book. Kennedy I love you and Samuel and Harvey! Me and Samuel have the same nervous tick and therefore we’re twinsies.
Now being for real. This is one of THE BEST scifi and horror novels I’ve ever read! Kennedy is a master of balancing a tense, high-stakes atmosphere with beautiful and fully realized character moments. I cannot express how genuinely fantastic this book is!!! I CANNOT WAIT for it to hit the shelves!
Now being for real. This is one of THE BEST scifi and horror novels I’ve ever read! Kennedy is a master of balancing a tense, high-stakes atmosphere with beautiful and fully realized character moments. I cannot express how genuinely fantastic this book is!!! I CANNOT WAIT for it to hit the shelves!
May 26, 2026
Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Scott Sigler’s Infected with a hearty dose of In the Heat of the Night. How great to see a big publisher take on a young writer’s first novel with a gay, black, neurodiverse main character that blends sci-fi and horror, and the civil rights era. I’m surprised this is being released in November, it would have made a great summer read. One of the streamers needs to option the book ASAP as it would make a great limited series.
Thanks to NetGalley and thee publisher for an early look.
Thanks to NetGalley and thee publisher for an early look.
August 2, 2026
(Review of an ARC)
Certainly a striking debut!!!
Samuel was a great main character. Quiet, brave, and unapologetically himself, despite facing severe racism and lack of opportunity as a Black police officer in 1970s Mississippi.
The eeriness of each scene was unsettling. Kennedy Cole crafts every sentence so well. Either I was disturbed by what Samuel and Harvey were uncovering, or felt defeated right along with them for every setback.
The last chunk of the book is the best: urgent and heartbreaking and will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Can’t wait to read more by this author!
Certainly a striking debut!!!
Samuel was a great main character. Quiet, brave, and unapologetically himself, despite facing severe racism and lack of opportunity as a Black police officer in 1970s Mississippi.
The eeriness of each scene was unsettling. Kennedy Cole crafts every sentence so well. Either I was disturbed by what Samuel and Harvey were uncovering, or felt defeated right along with them for every setback.
The last chunk of the book is the best: urgent and heartbreaking and will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Can’t wait to read more by this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! I had to sleep on this before I wrote this review because There Used to Be People Here (TUTBPH) was just SO GOOD. It’s difficult to convey how amazing this book is in a vague way, but I try to keep my reviews spoiler free, because that’s part of the beauty of horror. The twists and turns that keep you up at night, not just because you’re terrified to sleep, but because you have to know what happens next and who is going to make it out alive. And I absolutely could not put TUTBPH down.
The intent of some horror is to terrify, and it gets stuck in the surface level jump scares and thrills, but really great horror is terrifying because it makes you think and reevaluate. And that’s what makes TUTBPH a great horror novel. It has so many layers below the initial body horror and creepy murders, that it makes you question everything you know to be true and whether or not the powers that be can be trusted.
TUTBPH manages to achieve this in a way that also endears the main characters to you. While you’re reading you will find yourself so scared for them because you love them and what they’re finding in each other so much that you don’t want anything bad to happen to them. And you get attached in spite of yourself, knowing full well they might not make it out alive.
On top of the luscious prose and page-turning plot, Kennedy Cole has also naturally crafted commentary on racism and homophobia in the American South in the 1970s. Although as a Southerner myself, I might argue many people in tiny, backwoods towns still face a similar experience as Samuel and Harvey and this will resonate with a lot of readers. The commentary isn’t in your face. It’s baked into the character struggles and the story, especially through the eyes of Samuel, a Black detective (who I suspect is also neurodiverse) in a time when the South was barely desegregated. His badge and status doesn’t gain him any respect and really puts a target on his back by the white folk around him who feel threatened by his achievements. Cole leaves the reader and the main character questioning what’s more horrific: the outcome the monster brings or the world Samuel and Harvey have been living in already.
I am a fan of a lot of things that I would comp this book to, so it’s not a shocker that I love it. If you’re a fan of X-files, Supernatural, Sinners, Unsolved Mysteries, or any kind of police procedural media and can deal with the gruesomeness of body horror, then read this book. Warning: Chapter 1 isn’t for the faint of heart, so be prepared. If you can make it through that, you are in for an unstoppable ride that will make your heart pound, bring you to tears, and also, from time to time, make you laugh and feel all warm and fuzzy.
An amazing debut. I cannot wait to read what Cole writes next.
The intent of some horror is to terrify, and it gets stuck in the surface level jump scares and thrills, but really great horror is terrifying because it makes you think and reevaluate. And that’s what makes TUTBPH a great horror novel. It has so many layers below the initial body horror and creepy murders, that it makes you question everything you know to be true and whether or not the powers that be can be trusted.
TUTBPH manages to achieve this in a way that also endears the main characters to you. While you’re reading you will find yourself so scared for them because you love them and what they’re finding in each other so much that you don’t want anything bad to happen to them. And you get attached in spite of yourself, knowing full well they might not make it out alive.
On top of the luscious prose and page-turning plot, Kennedy Cole has also naturally crafted commentary on racism and homophobia in the American South in the 1970s. Although as a Southerner myself, I might argue many people in tiny, backwoods towns still face a similar experience as Samuel and Harvey and this will resonate with a lot of readers. The commentary isn’t in your face. It’s baked into the character struggles and the story, especially through the eyes of Samuel, a Black detective (who I suspect is also neurodiverse) in a time when the South was barely desegregated. His badge and status doesn’t gain him any respect and really puts a target on his back by the white folk around him who feel threatened by his achievements. Cole leaves the reader and the main character questioning what’s more horrific: the outcome the monster brings or the world Samuel and Harvey have been living in already.
I am a fan of a lot of things that I would comp this book to, so it’s not a shocker that I love it. If you’re a fan of X-files, Supernatural, Sinners, Unsolved Mysteries, or any kind of police procedural media and can deal with the gruesomeness of body horror, then read this book. Warning: Chapter 1 isn’t for the faint of heart, so be prepared. If you can make it through that, you are in for an unstoppable ride that will make your heart pound, bring you to tears, and also, from time to time, make you laugh and feel all warm and fuzzy.
An amazing debut. I cannot wait to read what Cole writes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kennedy Cole’s There Used to Be People Here opens with the structure of a murder investigation, but it is clear early on that the novel is more interested in what the case reveals about the people carrying it out. Set in 1970s Mississippi, it centers a Black detective working with a temporary partner as they move through a landscape shaped by fear, violence, and the pressure of being watched. The paranormal element enters gradually, but the book never treats it as separate from the social reality around it.
What stays with me most is the way Cole lets character and setting do so much of the work. The detective’s position as both investigator and outsider gives the story a natural tension, and the temporary partnership sharpens that feeling by introducing an unstable human dynamic into an already uneasy case. Their interactions matter because they are not just solving a mystery; they are navigating class, race, authority, and the limits of trust in a place where history feels actively present.
The novel’s horror comes less from abrupt shocks than from accumulation. Cole gives the reader enough detail to make the world feel lived in, then steadily introduces elements that disturb that familiarity. The result is a story where the murder plot and the paranormal conspiracy begin to reflect each other. The supernatural does not overwrite the social concerns; it deepens them.
I also appreciated how the book handles queerness and belonging without isolating those themes from the larger historical moment. The characters are moving through a community where identity can feel dangerous, private, or difficult to name, and that tension gives the story emotional weight. Instead of turning those concerns into statements, Cole folds them into the detective work, the atmosphere, and the relationships at the center of the novel.
This is a strong fit for readers who like historical horror that pays attention to character psychology and setting as much as plot. It is eerie, grounded, and carefully controlled, with a sense of dread that builds through consequence rather than spectacle.
What stays with me most is the way Cole lets character and setting do so much of the work. The detective’s position as both investigator and outsider gives the story a natural tension, and the temporary partnership sharpens that feeling by introducing an unstable human dynamic into an already uneasy case. Their interactions matter because they are not just solving a mystery; they are navigating class, race, authority, and the limits of trust in a place where history feels actively present.
The novel’s horror comes less from abrupt shocks than from accumulation. Cole gives the reader enough detail to make the world feel lived in, then steadily introduces elements that disturb that familiarity. The result is a story where the murder plot and the paranormal conspiracy begin to reflect each other. The supernatural does not overwrite the social concerns; it deepens them.
I also appreciated how the book handles queerness and belonging without isolating those themes from the larger historical moment. The characters are moving through a community where identity can feel dangerous, private, or difficult to name, and that tension gives the story emotional weight. Instead of turning those concerns into statements, Cole folds them into the detective work, the atmosphere, and the relationships at the center of the novel.
This is a strong fit for readers who like historical horror that pays attention to character psychology and setting as much as plot. It is eerie, grounded, and carefully controlled, with a sense of dread that builds through consequence rather than spectacle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a creature feature set in a small Mississippi town in the '70s with the only black detective in the police department. It blends a deliciously disgusting creature, racism, and homophobia while also delivering a truly hideous "thing" seeking to take over.
Yes, this novel combines the worst aspects of bigotry and homophobia which were pretty standard down south at the time and, for the most part, it works. After being partnered with another detective, Samuel and Harvey uncover something not natural after a brutal murder at a gay club. But this won't be the only murder by a longshot.
A heavily guarded secret in the woods, the FBI not being cooperative, and a grisly body count is going to lead to something bigger and more horrifying than it first appears.
The relationship which develops between Samuel and his white partner Harvey is rocky at first but they'll have to trust one another if they want to survive what's coming. While there is some foretellling as to where the relationship is heading, it does change their personal feelings in the later stages of the book.
There are a couple of twists which might catch you off guard but in a good way! And the very first chapter is not for the squimish. I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Yes, this novel combines the worst aspects of bigotry and homophobia which were pretty standard down south at the time and, for the most part, it works. After being partnered with another detective, Samuel and Harvey uncover something not natural after a brutal murder at a gay club. But this won't be the only murder by a longshot.
A heavily guarded secret in the woods, the FBI not being cooperative, and a grisly body count is going to lead to something bigger and more horrifying than it first appears.
The relationship which develops between Samuel and his white partner Harvey is rocky at first but they'll have to trust one another if they want to survive what's coming. While there is some foretellling as to where the relationship is heading, it does change their personal feelings in the later stages of the book.
There are a couple of twists which might catch you off guard but in a good way! And the very first chapter is not for the squimish. I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺!
I'm not sure an opening line or chapter for that matter has ever hooked me as much as this novel's did. Mind you, I haven't ever read a police procedural or any cosmic horror, so it was new territory for me. And I truly couldn't ask for a better introduction. I laughed. I cried. I couldn't keep my jaw off the floor. It was that good!
Samuel and Harvey live rent-free in my head—like give them the deed! Their dynamic was such a standout element for me, rightfully pulling on the heartstrings while bringing joy to a grim plot. And the asexual rep?! My little ace heart! Beyond our main men, the side characters are 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 well-rounded and bring something unique to the table in every situation, courtesy of Kennedy’s incredible prose and dialogue.
Speaking of Kennedy's writing, can we talk about how incredibly rich and atmospheric it was? I couldn't stop annotating even the most minute of scenic details. Then there's, of course, our plot which, if you're a fan of science fiction and horror, you'll love. This paranormal conspiracy illuminates the central themes in such a fascinating way, complimented by the human troubles our main character's encounter because, at the end of the day, some monsters are just human.
Kennedy's debut is truly phenomenal and a book you don't want to miss. Thank you so much to Kennedy Cole and Berkley for the gifted copies! I will be indulging in many rereads of this over the years just you wait.
I'm not sure an opening line or chapter for that matter has ever hooked me as much as this novel's did. Mind you, I haven't ever read a police procedural or any cosmic horror, so it was new territory for me. And I truly couldn't ask for a better introduction. I laughed. I cried. I couldn't keep my jaw off the floor. It was that good!
Samuel and Harvey live rent-free in my head—like give them the deed! Their dynamic was such a standout element for me, rightfully pulling on the heartstrings while bringing joy to a grim plot. And the asexual rep?! My little ace heart! Beyond our main men, the side characters are 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 well-rounded and bring something unique to the table in every situation, courtesy of Kennedy’s incredible prose and dialogue.
Speaking of Kennedy's writing, can we talk about how incredibly rich and atmospheric it was? I couldn't stop annotating even the most minute of scenic details. Then there's, of course, our plot which, if you're a fan of science fiction and horror, you'll love. This paranormal conspiracy illuminates the central themes in such a fascinating way, complimented by the human troubles our main character's encounter because, at the end of the day, some monsters are just human.
Kennedy's debut is truly phenomenal and a book you don't want to miss. Thank you so much to Kennedy Cole and Berkley for the gifted copies! I will be indulging in many rereads of this over the years just you wait.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Travel back to 1970s Mississippi and meet Samuel and Harvey, two detectives charged with solving the murder of a man at the town's only gay bar. Samuel, the department's only Black detective, is used to being given the jobs no one else seems to want, while Harvey, his new temporary partner, just goes with the flow. What seems like a simple murder devolves into a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top. Have you heard of Wenton, Mississippi? There used to be people there.
This felt like a full-length feature film version of an X-Files episode, and I absolutely loved it. Cole was able to vividly paint a picture of the climate inside Mississippi during a time when being different could get you killed. I was able to see everything happening pretty vividly, which doesn't happen very often for me. Samuel and Harvey were so well-rounded and human that they felt like people you could meet in real life. Samuel's inner turmoil over fitting in while staying invisible was palpable, and Harvey's willingness to break through his shell to become friends was touching.
While the story and plot were great, there were certain times when the writing confused me, and I felt like there could've been a less clunky way to convey what was being said. But overall, the story was able to make up for that in my eyes. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to what Cole writes next.
This felt like a full-length feature film version of an X-Files episode, and I absolutely loved it. Cole was able to vividly paint a picture of the climate inside Mississippi during a time when being different could get you killed. I was able to see everything happening pretty vividly, which doesn't happen very often for me. Samuel and Harvey were so well-rounded and human that they felt like people you could meet in real life. Samuel's inner turmoil over fitting in while staying invisible was palpable, and Harvey's willingness to break through his shell to become friends was touching.
While the story and plot were great, there were certain times when the writing confused me, and I felt like there could've been a less clunky way to convey what was being said. But overall, the story was able to make up for that in my eyes. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to what Cole writes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What the what just happened? I ended up liking this a lot more than I expected.
Once I got about a third of the way in, I couldn't put it down. The writing is fantastic, the pacing kept me hooked, and the author fully committed to the atmosphere from the very first page. There is absolutely no slow build here—you know immediately what kind of story you're stepping into.
The body horror and gore are intense, and the descriptions are incredibly vivid. I could picture every scene, whether I wanted to or not, which is honestly a testament to how strong the writing is.
The biggest surprise for me was realizing this is much more horror than thriller. Horror had never really been my genre...which also made me stop and wonder, when did I become a horror junkie?
The first several chapters had me genuinely uncomfortable and taking breaks, but that's completely on me, not the book. Once I settled into what the story was doing, I was all in.
If you're a horror fan who enjoys graphic body horror, unsettling imagery, and a story that refuses to pull its punches, I think you'll have a great time with this one. This is not a fluffy romance... If you are dipping your foot in to horror, this may not be the pool for you - yet!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. #ThereUsedtoBePeopleHere #NetGalley
Once I got about a third of the way in, I couldn't put it down. The writing is fantastic, the pacing kept me hooked, and the author fully committed to the atmosphere from the very first page. There is absolutely no slow build here—you know immediately what kind of story you're stepping into.
The body horror and gore are intense, and the descriptions are incredibly vivid. I could picture every scene, whether I wanted to or not, which is honestly a testament to how strong the writing is.
The biggest surprise for me was realizing this is much more horror than thriller. Horror had never really been my genre...which also made me stop and wonder, when did I become a horror junkie?
The first several chapters had me genuinely uncomfortable and taking breaks, but that's completely on me, not the book. Once I settled into what the story was doing, I was all in.
If you're a horror fan who enjoys graphic body horror, unsettling imagery, and a story that refuses to pull its punches, I think you'll have a great time with this one. This is not a fluffy romance... If you are dipping your foot in to horror, this may not be the pool for you - yet!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the advance copy. #ThereUsedtoBePeopleHere #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kennedy Cole's debut paranormal thriller is a fast-paced ride through 1970s Alabama and all the socioeconomic realities of that time of place to boot. While the plot hits beats that are familiar to fans of stories like The X-Files, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Jordan Peele movies, the book is best when exploring the broken emotions of its main character, Samuel, and his growth from a desire to be invisible to living life more fully.
I appreciated that Cole explored themes of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia, and found that those themes fit well with the mechanics of her sci-fi thriller plot. I'll admit to being more invested and intrigued in the earlier sections of the novel, when much of the goings-on were still mysterious and alarming, but I still found the book as a whole entertaining. Cole's prose work is oftentimes overly didactic in telling rather than showing, but the core ideas were strong enough to keep me reading.
I also enjoyed reading the author's afterword where she spoke to her lifelong desire to be a published author and how she is clearly overjoyed at having reached that goal. Way to go, Kennedy! Keep writing.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel in exchange for my honest review!
I appreciated that Cole explored themes of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia, and found that those themes fit well with the mechanics of her sci-fi thriller plot. I'll admit to being more invested and intrigued in the earlier sections of the novel, when much of the goings-on were still mysterious and alarming, but I still found the book as a whole entertaining. Cole's prose work is oftentimes overly didactic in telling rather than showing, but the core ideas were strong enough to keep me reading.
I also enjoyed reading the author's afterword where she spoke to her lifelong desire to be a published author and how she is clearly overjoyed at having reached that goal. Way to go, Kennedy! Keep writing.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There Used to Be People Here is such a smart mash-up of genres. Take a slow-burn 1970s Mississippi murder mystery, drop in a Black detective who's just trying to survive the racism and homophobia baked into small-town policing, and then let it all tip sideways into full-on paranormal conspiracy, and somehow it works. Samuel is a great lead, weary and guarded in a way that makes total sense given who he is and where he's stationed, and his prickly dynamic with his temporary partner Harvey gave the book a nice slow-burn tension that kept me hooked even before the "what crashed in Wenton isn't a plane" reveal kicks things into gear. I loved how the horror elements never feel like they're just there for shock value because they're doing real work exploring otherness, suspicion, and what it means to not belong in a place that's already decided you don't. If I'm nitpicking, the back half moves fast enough that a couple of side characters and threads felt a little underdeveloped compared to how rich the setup was. Still, this is a confident, atmospheric debut with a killer premise, and I'd easily recommend it to anyone who likes their mysteries with a side of the uncanny. 4 stars! It's smart, eerie, and worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW! This book took my breath away in all the best ways! The stellar writing, the brilliant character development, and the eerie horror elements all worked together to create an unforgettable book for me. Samuel and Harvey were absolutely incredible characters, and I adored the way their relationship developed throughout the course of events. Both characters felt so real, and I connected so much with their emotional journeys. The author expertly blended fictional horror with the real impacts of homophobia and racism. The best word I can think to describe the horror elements in this book is unsettling, and that’s my favorite kind of chilling. The descriptions at times were genuinely grotesque, but it all lended itself to the atmosphere of the book and made me satisfyingly apprehensive while reading. Samuel and Harvey are the beating heart of this book, and you care so deeply about them. There is so much I want to say, but I really don’t want to spoil anything, and so I will simply say that this an incredible debut and one I will be recommending to anyone who will listen! I cannot wait to see what Kennedy Cole writes next.
WOW! This book took my breath away in all the best ways! The stellar writing, the brilliant character development, and the eerie horror elements all worked together to create an unforgettable book for me. Samuel and Harvey were absolutely incredible characters, and I adored the way their relationship developed throughout the course of events. Both characters felt so real, and I connected so much with their emotional journeys. The author expertly blended fictional horror with the real impacts of homophobia and racism. The best word I can think to describe the horror elements in this book is unsettling, and that’s my favorite kind of chilling. The descriptions at times were genuinely grotesque, but it all lended itself to the atmosphere of the book and made me satisfyingly apprehensive while reading. Samuel and Harvey are the beating heart of this book, and you care so deeply about them. There is so much I want to say, but I really don’t want to spoil anything, and so I will simply say that this an incredible debut and one I will be recommending to anyone who will listen! I cannot wait to see what Kennedy Cole writes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Real rating: 4.25
This book is not even close to what I was expecting.
I was expecting a thriller. This leans more towards horror, which I, unfortunately, am not a fan of at all.
However, I am aware enough to know that my only real problems with this novel entirely have to do with the fact that I do not like horror.
From a subjective standpoint, I would rate this 4 stars. From an objective standpoint, I think this is about 4.5 stars.
The book itself is actually really good. Very well written.
The first, I want to say, 7 or so chapters had me really uneasy. I kept stopping. There was no such thing as “easing” the reader into this novel. From the first page, in fact, the tone is set. There’s a lot of body horror and gore and the author does not shy away from describing it. Shout out to her because I could imagine everything whether I liked it or not.
But once I got about a third-way in and got accustomed to the vibes of the novel, I couldn’t put it down.
This is excellent (and disgusting). I would highly recommend it.
Real rating: 4.25
This book is not even close to what I was expecting.
I was expecting a thriller. This leans more towards horror, which I, unfortunately, am not a fan of at all.
However, I am aware enough to know that my only real problems with this novel entirely have to do with the fact that I do not like horror.
From a subjective standpoint, I would rate this 4 stars. From an objective standpoint, I think this is about 4.5 stars.
The book itself is actually really good. Very well written.
The first, I want to say, 7 or so chapters had me really uneasy. I kept stopping. There was no such thing as “easing” the reader into this novel. From the first page, in fact, the tone is set. There’s a lot of body horror and gore and the author does not shy away from describing it. Shout out to her because I could imagine everything whether I liked it or not.
But once I got about a third-way in and got accustomed to the vibes of the novel, I couldn’t put it down.
This is excellent (and disgusting). I would highly recommend it.
July 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
There are elements of this book I liked and a few I did not. This book follows Detective Samuel Barkley, a newly appointed detective who is without a doubt the best law enforcement officer at his station but is relentlessly threatened/beaten/looked down on from the other officers, solely because of the color of his skin. Set in a deeply racist and homophobic town in 1970’s Mississippi, my heart broke a thousand times for Samuel while reading this book. Samuel is paired up with Harvey, his new temporary partner and essentially his opposite. The two investigate an extremely peculiar murder case, and soon find there is much more to the story than an open and shut case. I had fun with the sci-fi elements of this story. Kennedy Cole is a master at setting an unnervingly eerie scene.
I was not crazy about the writing style of this book. I felt there was a lot of telling me what’s happening rather than showing me what’s happening. The writing was almost a little too descriptive at times. It just wasn’t for me. With that said, I do think many other horror/sci-fi lovers would love this book!
There are elements of this book I liked and a few I did not. This book follows Detective Samuel Barkley, a newly appointed detective who is without a doubt the best law enforcement officer at his station but is relentlessly threatened/beaten/looked down on from the other officers, solely because of the color of his skin. Set in a deeply racist and homophobic town in 1970’s Mississippi, my heart broke a thousand times for Samuel while reading this book. Samuel is paired up with Harvey, his new temporary partner and essentially his opposite. The two investigate an extremely peculiar murder case, and soon find there is much more to the story than an open and shut case. I had fun with the sci-fi elements of this story. Kennedy Cole is a master at setting an unnervingly eerie scene.
I was not crazy about the writing style of this book. I felt there was a lot of telling me what’s happening rather than showing me what’s happening. The writing was almost a little too descriptive at times. It just wasn’t for me. With that said, I do think many other horror/sci-fi lovers would love this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the advanced copy of There Used to Be People Here by Kenneth Cole, which publishes in November 2026.
I don’t typically gravitate toward sci-fi, but this one completely caught me by surprise. Kenneth Cole’s writing immediately pulled me in, blending science fiction with haunting horror elements that created a deeply unsettling and unforgettable atmosphere.
Dark, emotional, and intensely atmospheric, this story explores race, personal struggles, grief, and humanity while weaving in a creeping sense of horror that never lets up. The tension builds steadily, making every chapter feel heavier than the last, and the emotional depth gives the story far more weight than I expected.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking horror novel with sci-fi elements that leans into atmosphere, emotion, and psychological dread rather than nonstop action, this is one to keep on your radar when it releases in November 2026.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSy1FWcv/
I don’t typically gravitate toward sci-fi, but this one completely caught me by surprise. Kenneth Cole’s writing immediately pulled me in, blending science fiction with haunting horror elements that created a deeply unsettling and unforgettable atmosphere.
Dark, emotional, and intensely atmospheric, this story explores race, personal struggles, grief, and humanity while weaving in a creeping sense of horror that never lets up. The tension builds steadily, making every chapter feel heavier than the last, and the emotional depth gives the story far more weight than I expected.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking horror novel with sci-fi elements that leans into atmosphere, emotion, and psychological dread rather than nonstop action, this is one to keep on your radar when it releases in November 2026.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSy1FWcv/
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There's a lot to like in this book, even though I rated 3 stars (we'll get to that in a bit). First off, the characters were well conceptualized and our MC was truly interesting to read about/from their perspective. The science fiction and horror elements were awesome, if you liked watching The Thing you're going to live for this book. I thought the pacing and overall plot were well done too.
I did dock some stars here because I felt like Cole's writing style needs a little assistance. As I was reading I frequently felt like Cole was leaving a thought half written, a few more words and I would have had a better sense of the scene/atmosphere/character/plot. It also felt like, at times, too much was just being told to me; rather than actually described with meaningful detail.
All in all, a great debut novel. I'm excited to see what Kennedy Cole puts out in the future!
I did dock some stars here because I felt like Cole's writing style needs a little assistance. As I was reading I frequently felt like Cole was leaving a thought half written, a few more words and I would have had a better sense of the scene/atmosphere/character/plot. It also felt like, at times, too much was just being told to me; rather than actually described with meaningful detail.
All in all, a great debut novel. I'm excited to see what Kennedy Cole puts out in the future!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for an eARC of There Used to Be People Here by Kennedy Cole. I loved reading There Used to Be People Here, which is a very unique blend of body horror, historical, and detective fiction. Samuel is a wonderful main character that gets paired up perfectly with Harvey. As a team investigating this seemingly isolated yet gruesome incident, I was completely engaged in their story and was behind them fully. The novel's greatest asset, in my opinion, however, is how it used the horror aspect as a metaphor for the racism and homophobia lurking in the town. I definitely recommend There Used to Be People Here, if you love any of the genres discussed, it will be one of my favorites released this year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This wasn't really what I was expecting (but to be fair, I have no idea what I was expecting from this). And I, sadly, didn't love it.
This sounded like it would be really interesting and unique, but I really struggled to get invested. None of the characters really grabbed my attention or favor.
And there was just something about the writing style that didn't work for me. Yes, it was really easy to read and read pretty fast. But I just didn't feel any sort of flow or connection. It just felt vey matter of fact.
This just wasn't for me. But I think a lot of readers will enjoy this. I can see fans of Steven Graham Jones really liking this. They have a similar kind of tone and eeriness.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This sounded like it would be really interesting and unique, but I really struggled to get invested. None of the characters really grabbed my attention or favor.
And there was just something about the writing style that didn't work for me. Yes, it was really easy to read and read pretty fast. But I just didn't feel any sort of flow or connection. It just felt vey matter of fact.
This just wasn't for me. But I think a lot of readers will enjoy this. I can see fans of Steven Graham Jones really liking this. They have a similar kind of tone and eeriness.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy! All thoughts are my own:
This was a good horror/sci-fi mashup set in Mississippi! There Used to Be People Here follows the only black detective in the fictional town of Wenton, Mississippi, where he is investigating a murder, only to uncover a much larger paranormal conspiracy.
This was very well written and the setting felt realistic. There's a good plot to drag you along, but paired with Mississippi race relations and a queer main character in the heart of Mississippi, you get attached to the characters.
I'd definitely recommend this one to people and can't wait for it to hit the shelves.
+Mississippi setting
This was a good horror/sci-fi mashup set in Mississippi! There Used to Be People Here follows the only black detective in the fictional town of Wenton, Mississippi, where he is investigating a murder, only to uncover a much larger paranormal conspiracy.
This was very well written and the setting felt realistic. There's a good plot to drag you along, but paired with Mississippi race relations and a queer main character in the heart of Mississippi, you get attached to the characters.
I'd definitely recommend this one to people and can't wait for it to hit the shelves.
+Mississippi setting
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It is hard to believe it's Kennedy Cole's debut. This story is so good. Page one sucks you in, and it doesn't let go until the very end. The rollercoaster of a journey that Harvey and Samuel venture on is incredible. The things that they experience are insane. This story is the perfect blend of horror, sci-fi, thriller, and mixed with true emotions. I’m not sure which I enjoyed more, the uncovering of something unnatural after the “first” body was discovered, or the writing style of this author. This story is unlike anything I've read before. Even the world around the plotline is easy to imagine and get drawn into. I will be reading the next story Kennedy Cole writes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I do not usually read books from the detective or horror genre, but this book might make me start. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, totally invested. I love the descriptive language used in the book, and the concept was fascinating. I cannot wait to see this book hit the shelves in the library, and to be able to recommend this to patrons.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
kennedy cole's there used to be people here is the black-led, queer, historical, x-files adjacent novel i didn't know i needed. with her sharp prose, beautiful characters, and harrowing story, cole is one of the most exciting debut authors to watch right now, and i can't wait to see where she leads us next. i absolutely loved this!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A thrilling debut that combines a unique premise, heartwarming love story and biting social commentary all in one. I deeply connected with the main character of Samuel, torn between his drive for acceptance and career progression, and his desire for authenticity and social justice. And the imagery of the "visitors" to Wenton are absolutely chilling, and stayed with me long after I finished!!
June 17, 2026
I went into this totally blind and it was so fun! There were definitely some parts where I was a little squeamish, but I was rooting for Samuel so hard.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending me this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending me this book!
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