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Red River, KY: A Southern Gothic Horror
Daphne Bellechère loses everything when the funding for her post-grad program at Vanderbilt University evaporates. Her dream of a PhD, of working in conservation, her subsidized housing for her and her six-year-old daughter. With no other choice, she moves back home to live with her mother and grandmother on the Red River. The same one which lured her in with a baby lamb as a child and nearly swallowed her, leaving her marked, leaving her othered.
Her mother is always working overtime at the soap factory, and her granny is half in the bag by the early afternoon. Her daughter is seeing a baby lamb, just like she did before she fell in. And to make matters worse, an FBI Agent shows up asking questions about Daphne's cousin Stacey.
Stacey lives in an old station wagon. She makes her money chasing storms and dealing drugs. Agent Shakir believes she witnessed -or perpetrated- a double homicide down in New Orleans during hurricane season, and has been evading authorities ever since.
With predators of different sorts closing in from all directions, the Bellechère women can only load their old rifle and lean on each other to make it through.
Her mother is always working overtime at the soap factory, and her granny is half in the bag by the early afternoon. Her daughter is seeing a baby lamb, just like she did before she fell in. And to make matters worse, an FBI Agent shows up asking questions about Daphne's cousin Stacey.
Stacey lives in an old station wagon. She makes her money chasing storms and dealing drugs. Agent Shakir believes she witnessed -or perpetrated- a double homicide down in New Orleans during hurricane season, and has been evading authorities ever since.
With predators of different sorts closing in from all directions, the Bellechère women can only load their old rifle and lean on each other to make it through.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2026
About the author
Lumen Reese
18 books153 followersWriter of science fiction, fantasy, horror and contemporary fiction from Michigan.
I think a story should be entertaining, but should handle social and class issues in order to be an accurate portrayal of our world. I value honest resolution over shock-value, and happy endings wherever possible, especially for my LGBT characters. None of my books will ever use artificial intelligence, because AI is theft. You can find me on Instagram @ZoominLumen
Or follow me on Goodreads for announcements.
The Crocus Trilogy will continue in 2026 with Book Three: Heroine Death March.
And the Honoré Sloane series will continue in 2026 with: TWO SPARROWS FOR A PENNY.
Also coming in 2026: RED RIVER; a southern-gothic horror.
I think a story should be entertaining, but should handle social and class issues in order to be an accurate portrayal of our world. I value honest resolution over shock-value, and happy endings wherever possible, especially for my LGBT characters. None of my books will ever use artificial intelligence, because AI is theft. You can find me on Instagram @ZoominLumen
Or follow me on Goodreads for announcements.
The Crocus Trilogy will continue in 2026 with Book Three: Heroine Death March.
And the Honoré Sloane series will continue in 2026 with: TWO SPARROWS FOR A PENNY.
Also coming in 2026: RED RIVER; a southern-gothic horror.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 25, 2026
I was so excited for this one. I had been really looking forward to reading it, especially because the premise felt incredibly relatable: a PhD student in her late twenties forced out of her PhD and back home to live with her mother. It felt, at least initially, like I was reading about myself. The struggles surrounding doctoral life, financial insecurity, ambition, uncertainty, and that strange feeling of being stuck while everyone around you seems to have already found their footing felt very true to the experiences of many PhD students.
Unfortunately, the book did not deliver on that potential for me. The first six or so chapters were genuinely engaging. The opening pulled me in quickly, established an interesting situation, and made me want to see where the story would go. I love murder mysteries, stories about killers, and horror, and I usually enjoy books that combine those elements with a more personal or character-driven story. Here, however, I gradually lost interest once the initial hook wore off. The book does a good job of getting your attention at the beginning, but I found it increasingly difficult to remain invested in what followed.
I also struggled with some of the book's approach to diversity and description. There were moments when the attention given to the racial or ethnic identity of certain characters felt conspicuous and overly deliberate. The protagonist repeatedly notices and identifies the skin colour or ethnic background of characters of colour, including a Middle Eastern man and a Black woman whose afro and skin colour are specifically described, while white characters generally receive no equivalent visual identification. As a Middle Eastern reader myself, I found some of these descriptions particularly distracting because they sometimes made characters of colour feel as though they were being presented as visual markers of diversity rather than simply as people occupying the same world as everyone else.
This became especially noticeable because the descriptions seemed to draw attention to difference without always giving that difference a meaningful function within the scene. It started to feel less like natural observation from the protagonist and more like the narrative was reminding me that these characters were diverse. That effect pulled me out of the story rather than making the world feel more representative. There was so much potential here, particularly in the premise and in the portrayal of a young academic whose plans have fallen apart. I wanted to connect with this book, and for a while I really thought I would. The opening gave me exactly the kind of story I was hoping for, but the later chapters gradually lost the momentum and emotional investment that had made me so excited to begin with. A disappointing read, especially because the premise felt so personally promising.
Unfortunately, the book did not deliver on that potential for me. The first six or so chapters were genuinely engaging. The opening pulled me in quickly, established an interesting situation, and made me want to see where the story would go. I love murder mysteries, stories about killers, and horror, and I usually enjoy books that combine those elements with a more personal or character-driven story. Here, however, I gradually lost interest once the initial hook wore off. The book does a good job of getting your attention at the beginning, but I found it increasingly difficult to remain invested in what followed.
I also struggled with some of the book's approach to diversity and description. There were moments when the attention given to the racial or ethnic identity of certain characters felt conspicuous and overly deliberate. The protagonist repeatedly notices and identifies the skin colour or ethnic background of characters of colour, including a Middle Eastern man and a Black woman whose afro and skin colour are specifically described, while white characters generally receive no equivalent visual identification. As a Middle Eastern reader myself, I found some of these descriptions particularly distracting because they sometimes made characters of colour feel as though they were being presented as visual markers of diversity rather than simply as people occupying the same world as everyone else.
This became especially noticeable because the descriptions seemed to draw attention to difference without always giving that difference a meaningful function within the scene. It started to feel less like natural observation from the protagonist and more like the narrative was reminding me that these characters were diverse. That effect pulled me out of the story rather than making the world feel more representative. There was so much potential here, particularly in the premise and in the portrayal of a young academic whose plans have fallen apart. I wanted to connect with this book, and for a while I really thought I would. The opening gave me exactly the kind of story I was hoping for, but the later chapters gradually lost the momentum and emotional investment that had made me so excited to begin with. A disappointing read, especially because the premise felt so personally promising.
September 27, 2026
3.5⭐
This multi pov eerie Gothic take of a malicious River that rules this small town. The Bellechere women have a notorious reputation in small town Red River. Their house is on the river, near the floating island.
Daphne had to come back home due to her grant drying up. She's not able to get her PhD. She takes a job as a surveyor for a company. Her grandma Blair spends her day drinking and smoking cigarettes. Her mom Bev works long shifts at the soap factory. Her cousin Stacey is a well known Internet storm chaser. The river over the years has taken many a life, everyone knows to not go near the dark waters. But the river is not the only monster looking to harm this family.
This story is lush and dark and eerie. You can feel the foreboding atmosphere, it's very tangible. The author has a way to draw you in. The multiple pov helps to show the long standing relationship this family has with the river. The added aspect of the murder mystery and the serial killer amps up this twisted tale.
I don't want to give too much away, suffice it to say this is one you should read for this spooky season.
Tropes and triggers: cat and mouse, damsel in distress, demonic creatures, family drama, floating island, intergenerational trauma, kidnapping, multi pov, murder mystery, paranormal, protective mmc, serial killer, single mom, small town, women in stem
I was given an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
This multi pov eerie Gothic take of a malicious River that rules this small town. The Bellechere women have a notorious reputation in small town Red River. Their house is on the river, near the floating island.
Daphne had to come back home due to her grant drying up. She's not able to get her PhD. She takes a job as a surveyor for a company. Her grandma Blair spends her day drinking and smoking cigarettes. Her mom Bev works long shifts at the soap factory. Her cousin Stacey is a well known Internet storm chaser. The river over the years has taken many a life, everyone knows to not go near the dark waters. But the river is not the only monster looking to harm this family.
This story is lush and dark and eerie. You can feel the foreboding atmosphere, it's very tangible. The author has a way to draw you in. The multiple pov helps to show the long standing relationship this family has with the river. The added aspect of the murder mystery and the serial killer amps up this twisted tale.
I don't want to give too much away, suffice it to say this is one you should read for this spooky season.
Tropes and triggers: cat and mouse, damsel in distress, demonic creatures, family drama, floating island, intergenerational trauma, kidnapping, multi pov, murder mystery, paranormal, protective mmc, serial killer, single mom, small town, women in stem
I was given an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
October 7, 2026
This Southern Gothic Horror story took me on a wild ride. Each section is told from a different character's point of view. It begins with a young mother moving back to her childhood home to get back on her feet. What concerns her the most is going back to that river, which appears to be sentient and takes the lives of the unfortunates ones who enter it's banks.
But the river isn't the only thing to fear. Soon she learns her cousin is on the lam, running from the FBI and a serial killer.
As the story is told, it all comes together into a frightening and bizarre fashion. I could not put the book down.
But the river isn't the only thing to fear. Soon she learns her cousin is on the lam, running from the FBI and a serial killer.
As the story is told, it all comes together into a frightening and bizarre fashion. I could not put the book down.
September 20, 2026
I was expecting a gothic horror story, what I got was so much more entertaining.
Red River, Ky is a story about 4 generations of Bellechere women (+ a bonus Felice cousin) and the river running alongside the ancestral home. Which is a true statement but gives the ramshackle 100 yr. old house airs of grandeur it most definitely doesn’t live up to.
It’s a story about women who love hard, choose unwisely and stand tall with the consequences. Oh yeah, and the river that loves them a little too well for comfort. Throw in a deranged serial killer after the cousin and a too true for comfort corporation and you’ve got a story that’s hard to put down.
I was a little thrown by the initial viewpoint change but got used to it quickly and appreciated each of the Bellechere families own singular point of view. Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Red River, Ky is a story about 4 generations of Bellechere women (+ a bonus Felice cousin) and the river running alongside the ancestral home. Which is a true statement but gives the ramshackle 100 yr. old house airs of grandeur it most definitely doesn’t live up to.
It’s a story about women who love hard, choose unwisely and stand tall with the consequences. Oh yeah, and the river that loves them a little too well for comfort. Throw in a deranged serial killer after the cousin and a too true for comfort corporation and you’ve got a story that’s hard to put down.
I was a little thrown by the initial viewpoint change but got used to it quickly and appreciated each of the Bellechere families own singular point of view. Highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Red River, KY by Lumen Reese opens on a super eerie tension and it was amazing and terrifying and all those feelings in between. I like the history it embraces with family dynamics and the shifts or lacks there of through generations is well painted and the impacts shared. The Red River is the question of the entire novel for me. It kept me guessing and hoping and a bit anxious if I am honest. The book while stretching my idea of myth and reality is so believable that it was hard to put down. The 4 stars rating is for the drag that feels like takes place in the first third of the book. I found myself saying come on what next frequently. The fact that it kept me engaged to finish and write this review says that not putting it down and reading another option was a great decision on my part. I appreciate the ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily. It is not my usual genre or even story line that I lean into. I am glad that I read this one. I will add Lumen Reese to my authors to read list.
Review of advance copy
The story follows the women of the Bellechère family, their tenacity to survive, and their mystical relationship with the Red River.
The beginning hooked me, but the story lost some momentum. The plot is engaging, and the killer is genuinely horrifying, but the protagonists vary in character depth, which makes the story lose some of its luster.
At no point did I want to stop reading, but the mix of supernatural elements with the serial killer storyline didn’t work for me this time, even though that combination is usually what I like best. In this case, it felt like two disconnected stories that are forced together at the end, in a way that’s closer to fantasy than horror. I probably would have enjoyed it much more if the author hadn't included any supernatural elements at all.
I liked the book, and I recommend it if you’re looking for an unpretentious Southern Gothic novel that leaves you with a good feeling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The beginning hooked me, but the story lost some momentum. The plot is engaging, and the killer is genuinely horrifying, but the protagonists vary in character depth, which makes the story lose some of its luster.
At no point did I want to stop reading, but the mix of supernatural elements with the serial killer storyline didn’t work for me this time, even though that combination is usually what I like best. In this case, it felt like two disconnected stories that are forced together at the end, in a way that’s closer to fantasy than horror. I probably would have enjoyed it much more if the author hadn't included any supernatural elements at all.
I liked the book, and I recommend it if you’re looking for an unpretentious Southern Gothic novel that leaves you with a good feeling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2026
The cover of this book builds a promise of an eerie, gothic story with the river providing the background. It delivers. The story opens with Daphne Bellechere leaving Vanderbilt University's post-grad program when her funding runs out. The only option she has now is to take her six-year-old daughter and move back to Red River, KY, to live with her mother and grandmother. Lumen Reese does an excellent job of building Daphne's frustration and depression as she struggles to find a means to support the future she has planned for her child. The tension builds as she tries to protect her daughter from the challenges she faced as a child in Red River. Throughout the story, a sense of dread feeds the tension building in this river community. Each chapter moves a little closer to revealing the darkness that feeds on the character's attempts to break free of the river's secrets. This is the first Lumen Reese title I've read. It's stirred my curiosity enough to check out her other titles.
August 9, 2026
Thankyou to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
A beautifully eerie story revolving around 4 generations of women, living amongst the Red River Ky.
We start with a young Daphne from the past and read about her run in with the river, which then leads to present time as she struggles as a studying, single mum.
The book is separated into multiple POVs, and we witness a serial killer perform some questionable work. The women come together to protect their nearest and dearest.
Built heavily on context, we learn about each individual character, which I loved. My only negative is that I wish the writing style was different with each woman, to differentiate each one (especially the 6 year old!)
Other than that it was a chilling thriller with a bunch of kick ass women!
A beautifully eerie story revolving around 4 generations of women, living amongst the Red River Ky.
We start with a young Daphne from the past and read about her run in with the river, which then leads to present time as she struggles as a studying, single mum.
The book is separated into multiple POVs, and we witness a serial killer perform some questionable work. The women come together to protect their nearest and dearest.
Built heavily on context, we learn about each individual character, which I loved. My only negative is that I wish the writing style was different with each woman, to differentiate each one (especially the 6 year old!)
Other than that it was a chilling thriller with a bunch of kick ass women!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As always thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of the book.
3.5 stars! This book had me in the first third, confused me the rest of the way. I felt that the details, descriptions, and characters were well written and I enjoyed seeing their interactions. The interactions felt real and like I could picture the family dynamics as thet occurred in front of me. However, I felt like this book was trying to be 3 books in one. Between the evil river, the serial killer, and the savior river, possible witch vibes, there felt like too much going on. I really would have loved to see this as a series following the family or as seperate books because I felt like they deserved their own story and then things would feel less rushed. But honestly I really did enjoy this book and hope to see more from the author!
3.5 stars! This book had me in the first third, confused me the rest of the way. I felt that the details, descriptions, and characters were well written and I enjoyed seeing their interactions. The interactions felt real and like I could picture the family dynamics as thet occurred in front of me. However, I felt like this book was trying to be 3 books in one. Between the evil river, the serial killer, and the savior river, possible witch vibes, there felt like too much going on. I really would have loved to see this as a series following the family or as seperate books because I felt like they deserved their own story and then things would feel less rushed. But honestly I really did enjoy this book and hope to see more from the author!
August 8, 2026
The story pulled me in and was an enjoyable read. A little over half way through the book I was wondering where the story would end up, as it seemed like a lot of separate parts trying to converge together. I appreciated the multiple POVs of the family members. Thank you for the author for the ARC ✨ Would be interested in future southern gothic work by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW from NetGalley.
3.75⭐️
Releases
I decided to read this book while vacationing/hiking in Red River Gorge Ky. What a fun & spooky surprise. I don’t typically lean towards books labeled as horror but this book took my interest quickly.
The first part of the book was a fast read. It had a couple slow parts but overall it kept me turning the page.
The story was strange, creepy & gave me goose bumps. I would definitely read other books by this author.
3.75⭐️
Releases
I decided to read this book while vacationing/hiking in Red River Gorge Ky. What a fun & spooky surprise. I don’t typically lean towards books labeled as horror but this book took my interest quickly.
The first part of the book was a fast read. It had a couple slow parts but overall it kept me turning the page.
The story was strange, creepy & gave me goose bumps. I would definitely read other books by this author.
July 18, 2026
Red River, KY by Lumen Reese
Received as an ARC..
Daphne had a horrible experience as a young girl when Red River tried to devour her. Her mom and grandmother shrug it off.
Many years later she returns home at 22 with a daughter Emma in tow. She couldn’t keep up with her post grad classes and take care of her daughter.
Her mom and grandmother welcome them back until she can get back on her own feet.
Daphne gets a job but has her own agenda.
She gets asked by the FBI about her cousin Stacey.
Her cousin Stacey is a storm chaser who lives in her very old Ford Escort.
She’s in New Orleans during hurricane Helen.
Something horrific happens to new friends there and she is being setup as a serial killer. She’s on the run trying to keep others safe from her attacker.
As the book progresses we get POV of Bev Daphne’s mother, Emma her daughter, and grandmother Blair.
Each generation’s struggle and connection to Red River.
3⭐️
Received as an ARC..
Daphne had a horrible experience as a young girl when Red River tried to devour her. Her mom and grandmother shrug it off.
Many years later she returns home at 22 with a daughter Emma in tow. She couldn’t keep up with her post grad classes and take care of her daughter.
Her mom and grandmother welcome them back until she can get back on her own feet.
Daphne gets a job but has her own agenda.
She gets asked by the FBI about her cousin Stacey.
Her cousin Stacey is a storm chaser who lives in her very old Ford Escort.
She’s in New Orleans during hurricane Helen.
Something horrific happens to new friends there and she is being setup as a serial killer. She’s on the run trying to keep others safe from her attacker.
As the book progresses we get POV of Bev Daphne’s mother, Emma her daughter, and grandmother Blair.
Each generation’s struggle and connection to Red River.
3⭐️
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews