Red River, KY: A Southern Gothic Horror

by Lumen Reese

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.

Genres: Horror

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 25, 2026

About the author

Writer 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.

Reviews

[JT · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mary Urban · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Jasmine Morrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Quetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jeffrey Kuehn · Rating 3 out of 5]

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⭐️