As a teenager, Violet Crisp almost lost her life in a storm. Her best friend was swept away. And she saw a man murdered. No one believed her sighting of a local legend, The Storm Reaper, but she’s spent the past decade trying to prove that a serial killer lurks on Fire Island.
Now a police officer on the island, Violet helps lost children in the day while obsessing over a murder board in the evenings. Until this summer. A storm washed a body onto the beach. A man with familiar injuries, from more than just a storm. The new police chief listens to Violet’s concerns. Recognizes her research. Agrees to let her investigate.
But another storm is coming. Another body is found. And Violet realizes The Storm Reaper must be local. Someone she knows. Someone she might care for.
And someone who realizes how close Violet is getting to the truth…
About the Author Kristen Van Nest is a viral comedian and the author of Where to Nest (Dreamscape Media, 2024), a coming-of-age travel memoir about living all over the world and eating great cheese. The Storm Reaper is the first thriller in the Violet Crisp series, set on Fire Island, New York, where Kristen spent every childhood summer getting sunburnt, chasing minnows, and nearly drowning that one time. The book interweaves her love of nature, the beach, and small-town petty drama. She writes dark humor crime fiction about women who notice too much and get dismissed for it.
With a career spanning from New York to Luxembourg (as a Fulbright Scholar) to Shanghai (where she lived and worked for 3.5 years) to now L.A., Kristen has a unique perspective of the world and how humans relate. She brings this vision to all her projects.
Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
A storm is not the only thing closing in, as fear begins to blur the line between hunter and hunted.
‘The Storm Reaper’ pulls the reader straight into a suffocating atmosphere where danger feels constant and silence is never truly empty. The pacing builds steadily, layering tension through shifting perceptions and unsettling discoveries that keep the ground beneath the story unstable.
What stands out most is the psychological pressure woven through the narrative. Nothing feels entirely secure, not even the protagonist’s own understanding of what is real. The story thrives on that uncertainty, letting paranoia and instinct clash in a way that keeps the tension tight without relying on constant action.
While some sections lean more into atmosphere than progression, the slow burn intensity ultimately pays off in moments where everything tightens at once. The balance between revelation and restraint gives the story its grip.
A tense, immersive thriller that lingers in the mind long after the final page, like the quiet after a storm that never fully feels safe again.
The real dangers lurk beneath the storms on Fire Island and Violet is the only one who sees them, but no one believes her…. Yet.
""I know who killed Bobby Vito. I know the pattern. I know the wound. I know the profile. "It’s the Storm Reaper," I blurt out"".
I have not read such a thrilling murder mystery in a long time. The storm aspect of the story and the way Violet's character was written to be very knowledgeable in regard to barrier islands, storms and the overall impact of such storms on a barrier island added a layer to the story that had me hooked from the first chapter.
Fire Island is a 31-mile-long barrier island in the state of New York, calling the island home her whole life is Violet Crisp. As a teenager, Violet claimed to have seen something disturbing, only, having the reputation as the town drunk's daughter, no one believed Violet, her reputation followed her into adulthood and her job as a policewoman. Violet sees patterns where no one else does and a new chief of police and a dead body discovered after a storm may be the breakthrough she needs for her and her theory to be taking seriously. With another storm bearing down on the island can Violet get to the bottom of her storm reaper theory before anyone else falls victim.
A dark, twisted thriller combining the dangers of storms and the danger of someone moving and disguising themselves under the storms.
Violet's character was developed well through the story, making her relatable in the sense of past mistakes following you around and trying to move on from them and be seen in a different light.
This was a thoroughly thrilling read. I enjoy weather phenomena so much which is why this book stood out to me in the first place, and it did not disappoint. It had some very interesting twists throughout which really added to the mystery of it all. I would really recommend Storm Reaper to those who enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers, but also those who enjoy weather phenomena. The story itself is suitable and enjoyable by most ages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From its very first pages, The Storm Reaper pulls you under like the tide itself—relentless, disorienting, and impossible to escape.
Van Nest opens with a harrowing prologue that sets the tone for everything that follows: survival, loss, and the kind of trauma that doesn’t stay buried. What begins as a tragic accident quickly spirals into something far darker, threading together folklore, memory, and the unsettling possibility that the past isn’t just haunting the protagonist—it’s hunting her.
At the heart of the story is Violet Crisp, a flawed and compelling main character whose voice feels raw and real. Her obsession with the so-called “Storm Reaper”—a myth most dismiss as island lore—walks a fine line between paranoia and intuition. You’re constantly questioning: is she chasing ghosts, or is everyone else ignoring a pattern hiding in plain sight?
Fire Island isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing force. The author’s attention to detail—from storm surge patterns to small-town politics—adds a layer of authenticity that grounds even the most eerie elements of the story. The isolation of a barrier island, especially in the off-season, amplifies the suspense.
It’s part mystery, part psychological thriller, with strong threads of folklore and crime procedural woven throughout. The pacing is steady, building tension rather than relying on cheap shocks, and the storm motif—both literal and emotional—keeps everything tightly coiled.
The Storm Reaper is a crime thriller that will capture your attention right from the start. This is book 1 in the Violet Crisp Series. Violet witnessed the death of her friend during a storm at the age of 16. What she also witnessed was her friends father being murdered. But when she told police her account of what happened, she was accused of being stressed by grief, maybe slightly delusional, and most of all, people thought that she was lying. Now, 10 years later, Violet is working as a police officer and notices a pattern. People going missing right before a storm approaches, only for their bodies to be washed back up from sea. Their deaths are marked as storm related. But there's a new chief in charge and he wants to listen to Violet's version of things. Another storm is on the way and another body has washed up. And the realization that the serial killer has to be someone local, someone in town, someone she probably know. The story is pretty thrilling and enjoyed it. I thought the premise of a killer using storms to cover his tracks was pretty smart. I love that Violet was such a strong character, didn't give up on what she felt was right, even though she was talked down to and made fun of. She stayed true to who she was the entire way. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. This was a great start.
Hurricanes and Serial Killers, what could be better? Just in time for the start of hurricane season The Storm Reaper is released. When Violet and her friend, Cindy, sixteen-year-olds are swimming a major storm comes up. Violet survives, but her friend is taken. Cindy's dad comes out on the beach to find her and while Violet goes to get help, she sees Cindy's dad get hit over the head by a man she doesn't recognize. Fast forward 10 years, and Violet is a police officer in her hometown. She still lives with the guilt of Cindy and the fact that no one believes her about the man she saw. Now with a new chief in town, the wheels start to move and old theories she had, start to catch on. This story has a very small police force, an executor (Asha), that is wanting to run for governor, buried secrets and hidden corruption. This book had me sucked in from the beginning and I am very excited to learn that this is #1 in a series. I actually loved all the characters. (I mean except Asha, but there has to be that one in every story, right?) I can't wait to see what the next chapter brings about for the residents of Fire Island. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such a gripping read! It's an atmospheric blend of everything I love in a mystery. It weaves together folklore, a chilling serial killer case, and a grounded police procedural, all set against the ticking clock of an approaching hurricane.
What begins as a tragic accident quickly unravels into something far darker, threading memory, myth, and the eerie sense that the past is hunting Violet Crisp. Violet is a flawed yet captivating protagonist, with a voice that feels raw, honest, and deep. Her fixation on the “Storm Reaper” dismissed by most as island folklore, keeps you constantly questioning: is she spiraling, or is she the only one seeing the truth?
Fire Island itself is unforgettable here—more than a setting, it feels alive. The vivid details, from storm surges to tight-knit local politics, ground the story in realism while amplifying its tension. The isolation of the island, especially with the storm looming, adds a claustrophobic edge that keeps the suspense simmering.
Blending mystery, psychological thriller, crime and folklore, this story builds tension steadily keeping everything tightly wound until the very end. I enjoyed it, it's a great addition to your TBR.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest review.
I love a good psychological thriller and this book hit the spot. The setting is a small, island community that tends to have sensational storms. There also is the added issue of bodies found and missing. Violet has evidence of a serial killer but no one wants to take her seriously. Because of a terrible tragedy when she was a teen, Violet became a policemen to offer help to people and protect her island community. Reading about the frustration Violet felt as her peers and family dismissed her claims of a killer loose on the island was frustrating to say the least. She handled the looks and discouraging comments with more calm than I think I could. She was very persistent even with the indirect threats to her safety. The author did an awesome job of keeping the twist undiscovered until the end of the story. When she learned of the killer’s identity, I was shocked as well as Violet. I was really involved with this book and hope to read more by this author.
The Storm Reaper was a fast paced easy read that kept pulling you in with the “who done it” theories.
Violet Crisp is a police officer in her hometown called Fire Island. When she was younger she witnessed a murder and has been trying to get all the townspeople to take her seriously. When another person is found dead after a hurricane, Violet knows the storm reaper has hit again and hopes to find the killer before another hurricane hits Fire Island.
I really enjoyed this book and was able to finish it pretty quickly. It pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading to see what happens next.
I will say it was repetitive at times and made me think I was reading the same paragraph over again.
Overall, it was a really good book and would recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ok so this was a new to me author and honestly I have been really off reading new mystery thrilllers as they all feel formulated - several very popular authors pump out the same story arc every book and call it something new. This was a fresh breathe of air!
If you loved where the Crawdads sing you will thoroughly enjoy this first book of a new series! Our MC is NOT the bad guy sorry small spoiler I suppose - it she has that special knowledge of landscapes and tides and birds - the descriptions of the surroundings to Fire Island paint beautiful pictures of what we are seeing. Her knowledge of small details and how the water moves and the terrain is used and explained as she hunts the killer and solves the crime… I am excited to read the second and continue the ride with Office Crisp.
A body washes up after a storm, and then it happens again. Violet (cop) is putting the pieces together, and thinks it's a serial killer
(over the years) of missing people.
This story sucks you in and holds you hostage until the last word. I couldn't stop reading. Unputdownable! I wanted more clues and answers. I felt like I was in a frenzy for information, and Violet is forever tenacious in her searches for truth and justice. The lies, betrayal, and corruption was astounding. This was a very dynamic, gripping story and author , and I can't wait to continue the journey .
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
I am in two minds about this book. Maybe the way it started with a bang, built up an unrealistic expectation that the rest of the book would follow with the same intensity.
At point I found myself struggling to push through, and at other points not being able to turn the page fast enough.
So perhaps it is a situation of "It's not the book, it's me"?
This is my reason for my middling rating. Read other reviews and then decide whether you would want to read this book. I can't recommend it as I can't even decide whether I enjoyed it or not.
Thank you to the author and Book Sirens for this advance review copy that I received for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a wonderful book, linking past events to present day investigations. I am a fan of the police procedures and medical examiner uncovering great pieces of evidence. Violet sees her friends father murdered when she is 16 year old and no one believes her. She becomes a police officer and continues the search for the killer. This was a great read with excitement, I would recommend this book. You will be hooked from the start.
This was a complimentary ARC read that I reviewed honestly.
This was such a compelling read! It was a blend of so many different things that I love in a mystery. It combined folklore, serial killer mystery, police procedural, and had an urgency to solve the murders before a major hurricane. I was blown away by the knowledge of the island and how much research must have had to go into understanding the movements of water. Van Nest’s descriptions made it feel like I was personally walking down the streets and beaches of Fire Island.
This was a fast paced story perfect for thriller lovers!
The opening book of the Violet Crisp series of crime thrillers is both gripping and haunting. Violet's past family history and reputation on Fire Island are cleverly interwoven with her present career as a police officer. The way she tries to show that a serial killer is operating is tangled up with life in such a small community, with underlying loyalties and suspicions. The setting is interesting, the tension is palpable, and the outcome is unexpected. A great read! I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.
2.5 -- I didn't really like/care what happened to the FMC (she was a bit of an NLOG 🙄), and my enjoyment of the storyline really struggled against the writing's overall pacing issues. I know that a lot of editors are telling their writers they need to kind of "dumb down" their plot, and newer books are suffering from a lot of telling rather than showing--but you can still trust your Reader to do a little bit of critical thinking. I cannot recommend this book. I barely finished and was left feeling annoyed.
Kristen Van Nest’s The Storm Reaper is a tense, atmospheric thriller that blends island folklore with the dread of being trapped during a hurricane while a serial killer hides in plain sight. Violet Crisp’s decade‑long obsession with proving what she saw at sixteen finally collides with rising tides, washed‑up bodies, and the realization that the killer is someone she knows, which gives the story a tight, claustrophobic edge. The storm setting, the isolation, and the hunt for a murderer who uses nature as cover make this a gripping, original read, and I loved every bit of it.
Violet is a police officer on a small barrier island. Life is good for her until the violent storms start coming. She knows that there’s a serial killer but everyone discounts her theory. Every time a violent storm comes, someone dies. Can she convince her captain before the next storm, or will the storm reaper strike again??
I loved this book!! Plenty of suspense and mystery. The characters were vivid and realistic. A must read for fans of mystery/suspense/ police procedural fiction!!
Kristen Van Nest has proven herself as a compulsively readable author in the thriller space. I was sucked into this book right away, just as I felt reading her debut fiction work PERFECT MODERN WIFE last year. Not only is she a talented comedian who tackles real-life challenges, but boy can she write a compelling thriller. I love that Kristen releases new books every year. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
A powerful intense story that leaves you on the edge. Kristen brings us Violet, who survived a storm that killed her best friend and also saw a murder. When Violet grows up, the Storm Reaper returns and she's determined to solve who or what is happening. The story is suspenseful and tight. Great characters and action. A little slow burn to get into the story, but it takes off with a bang. Can't wait to see what else Kristen has out next.
I really enjoyed this book. The setting and twists. A unique story that kept me interested. Stayed up too late to see what happened. Look forward to more books by the author.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily
I enjoyed the story, but the pacing meant at times it felt a bit of a slog, and at others it was a page turner where I was eager to know more. I'd read more if it becomes a series. Thanks to the author for the arc ebook.
What starts as a sleepy vacation town and a down-on-her-luck police officer quickly turns into a twisty detective mystery page turner! Great read mystery detective thriller with a female protagonist!
Absolutely gripping plot that I couldn't put down, great characters and twists I didn't seI received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.e coming. A must read