What do you think?
A River Remembers: A Red River Murders Mystery
A brilliant forensic entomologist returns to her small North Carolina hometown after her aunt’s suspicious death—and discovers a family she never knew existed, a string of brutal murders, and secrets someone will kill to protect.
Tegan McFarland, a forensic entomologist specializing in insect evidence, is pulled in to investigate as the bodies pile up. Every clue seems to point in a different direction. Old family feuds, hidden fortunes, and long-buried secrets collide until Tegan realizes the killer has been watching her all along.
Readers of Patricia Cornwell, Karin Slaughter, and Michael Connelly, will enjoy this blend of forensic science, Southern atmosphere, and twist-filled murder investigations.
A River Remembers is a Southern murder mystery featuring a forensic entomologist, a determined female investigator, hidden family secrets, a dangerous inheritance, a small-town sheriff, and shocking twists. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, police procedurals, forensic thrillers, and page-turning suspense.
Tegan McFarland, a forensic entomologist specializing in insect evidence, is pulled in to investigate as the bodies pile up. Every clue seems to point in a different direction. Old family feuds, hidden fortunes, and long-buried secrets collide until Tegan realizes the killer has been watching her all along.
Readers of Patricia Cornwell, Karin Slaughter, and Michael Connelly, will enjoy this blend of forensic science, Southern atmosphere, and twist-filled murder investigations.
A River Remembers is a Southern murder mystery featuring a forensic entomologist, a determined female investigator, hidden family secrets, a dangerous inheritance, a small-town sheriff, and shocking twists. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, police procedurals, forensic thrillers, and page-turning suspense.
298 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Lee Clark
11 books38 followers A self-professed chocoholic and coffeeholic, Lee Clark is a North Carolina native with family ties in Virginia as well. Originally from Raleigh, Clark still resides in the piedmont of North Carolina with spouse, two mostly grown children who are in and out, and a small petting zoo of dogs and cats.
Clark attended Campbell University, obtained a degree in Journalism from East Carolina University, and then a Master’s in Technical Communication from North Carolina State University. After working in the software technology industry for over 20 years, creating and building highly technical user information for software developers, Clark decided it was time to pursue a true passion: fictional writing.
Though the Matthew Paine character in the mystery series is fictional, he was inspired by two very important men in the author’s life, brother Sean and son Will. Both will see characteristics of themselves in the character and identify with some of Matthew’s struggles.
Clark attended Campbell University, obtained a degree in Journalism from East Carolina University, and then a Master’s in Technical Communication from North Carolina State University. After working in the software technology industry for over 20 years, creating and building highly technical user information for software developers, Clark decided it was time to pursue a true passion: fictional writing.
Though the Matthew Paine character in the mystery series is fictional, he was inspired by two very important men in the author’s life, brother Sean and son Will. Both will see characteristics of themselves in the character and identify with some of Matthew’s struggles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dr. Tegan McFarland, a Forensic Entomologist, returns to Piney Bluff, NC, where she grew up, for her aunt’s funeral. Tegan is very intuitive and feels as though things don’t quite add up in her aunt’s death. She is anxiously awaiting the autopsy results. In the meantime, Tegan is going to do her own investigating into her aunt’s death. Was it something more than natural causes? She intends to find out.
For many years, Carina Dawes, Tegan’s aunt, was the coroner for Stakely County. She currently ran the local mortuary in Piney Bluff, a very small community where everyone knew everyone. Had she made enemies as the coroner? Who would want her dead?
Jared was Tegan’s best friend since childhood and a local minister. He always stood by her side when they were growing up and when the students at school picked on her. Now would be no different. Tegan needed him and his support during her aunt’s death.
Ms. Elsie Givens, a sweet elderly woman, was found deceased in the river. A 2nd death. How did Elsie die? Why was her body in the river?
Trevor McCloud, former lawyer turned sheriff, wonders if Aunt Carina and Ms. Elsie’s deaths are connected somehow. It seems very odd that both ladies are found deceased in a short time span. He agrees to work with Tegan to determine the causes of death for Carina and Ms. Elsie. And he has the dreamiest green eyes Tegan had ever seen.
Ava Rice, aka Princess Baldwin of the infamous Baldwin family, has been Tegan's arch-enemy since childhood. Is she a relative of Tegan’s? Does Ava or any of her Baldwin relatives know who might harm or want to kill Aunt Carina? Are there dark family secrets lurking?
Gregory Mitchell died while riding his motorcycle one night. He was an excellent rider, so his death makes no sense. It is very suspicious. This is the 3rd death.
Another death - Maggie is the 4th death! Who was she? Is her death related to the others?
Something very strange is going on in the community of Piney Bluff and the surrounding area. Murder plots, threats, family secrets, the old brickyard, and more.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and trying to unravel the mystery. The intriguing characters, carefully hidden clues, and suspenseful twists kept me turning the pages. Plus, there’s a cliffhanger . I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
For many years, Carina Dawes, Tegan’s aunt, was the coroner for Stakely County. She currently ran the local mortuary in Piney Bluff, a very small community where everyone knew everyone. Had she made enemies as the coroner? Who would want her dead?
Jared was Tegan’s best friend since childhood and a local minister. He always stood by her side when they were growing up and when the students at school picked on her. Now would be no different. Tegan needed him and his support during her aunt’s death.
Ms. Elsie Givens, a sweet elderly woman, was found deceased in the river. A 2nd death. How did Elsie die? Why was her body in the river?
Trevor McCloud, former lawyer turned sheriff, wonders if Aunt Carina and Ms. Elsie’s deaths are connected somehow. It seems very odd that both ladies are found deceased in a short time span. He agrees to work with Tegan to determine the causes of death for Carina and Ms. Elsie. And he has the dreamiest green eyes Tegan had ever seen.
Ava Rice, aka Princess Baldwin of the infamous Baldwin family, has been Tegan's arch-enemy since childhood. Is she a relative of Tegan’s? Does Ava or any of her Baldwin relatives know who might harm or want to kill Aunt Carina? Are there dark family secrets lurking?
Gregory Mitchell died while riding his motorcycle one night. He was an excellent rider, so his death makes no sense. It is very suspicious. This is the 3rd death.
Another death - Maggie is the 4th death! Who was she? Is her death related to the others?
Something very strange is going on in the community of Piney Bluff and the surrounding area. Murder plots, threats, family secrets, the old brickyard, and more.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and trying to unravel the mystery. The intriguing characters, carefully hidden clues, and suspenseful twists kept me turning the pages. Plus, there’s a cliffhanger . I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
August 31, 2026
A River Remembers
A brilliant forensic entomologist returns to her small North Carolina hometown after her aunt’s suspicious death-and discovers a family she never knew existed, a string of brutal murders, and secrets someone will kill to protect.
My favourite character was the main character Tegan I found her very interesting and would love to hear more about her if there are any more books coming out about her as the main character. I enjoyed all of the characters and kept me in suspense to find out what the truth was. I really wasn’t sure what the ending would be like but I really loved this book. I would say the whole book was my favourite, I really enjoyed learning more throughout the book. I think the whole book was written very well all throughout the book. This book definitely kept me wanting to read more even to the end I just wanted to read more than there was and I hope this can continue as a series.
I wouldn’t say there is nothing I would like to change about the book and there was nothing I didn’t like.
I have always enjoyed and loved crime/thriller and mystery books. I love a great book that just keeps you in suspense and you want to keep reading. I would love to see the author keep continuing this into a series.
I would love to do another review of any of the books like this coming out soon.
I hope everyone that has bought the book I hope you all love it just as much as me happy reading.
A brilliant forensic entomologist returns to her small North Carolina hometown after her aunt’s suspicious death-and discovers a family she never knew existed, a string of brutal murders, and secrets someone will kill to protect.
My favourite character was the main character Tegan I found her very interesting and would love to hear more about her if there are any more books coming out about her as the main character. I enjoyed all of the characters and kept me in suspense to find out what the truth was. I really wasn’t sure what the ending would be like but I really loved this book. I would say the whole book was my favourite, I really enjoyed learning more throughout the book. I think the whole book was written very well all throughout the book. This book definitely kept me wanting to read more even to the end I just wanted to read more than there was and I hope this can continue as a series.
I wouldn’t say there is nothing I would like to change about the book and there was nothing I didn’t like.
I have always enjoyed and loved crime/thriller and mystery books. I love a great book that just keeps you in suspense and you want to keep reading. I would love to see the author keep continuing this into a series.
I would love to do another review of any of the books like this coming out soon.
I hope everyone that has bought the book I hope you all love it just as much as me happy reading.
September 11, 2026
This was my first read by Lee Clark, and it certainly will not be my last. Consider me officially caught in this author’s web.
When forensic entomologist Tegan McFarland returns to her small North Carolina hometown after her aunt’s suspicious death, she finds far more than grief waiting for her. A hidden family history, a dangerous inheritance, old grudges, and a string of murders quickly pull her into an investigation where the clues point toward secrets someone is desperate to keep buried.
There is so much to admire in this book. I especially enjoyed the entomology angle, which brings a fresh and delightfully creepy crawly perspective to the detective crime genre. Tegan is exactly the kind of protagonist I root for: sharp, observant, and far more comfortable in a lab than in a crowd. That makes her chemistry with the attractive new sheriff all the more intriguing. Their slow-burn dynamic is handled well, and the cliffhanger ending left me itching—in the best possible way—to read the next instalment in the Red River Murders series.
Clark’s writing is engaging, easy to follow, and supported by realistic dialogue and memorable characters. The story maintains a strong balance of suspense, action, and emotional investment, with enough twists to keep readers antennae-up from start to finish. I recommend A River Remembers to fans of forensic thrillers, atmospheric mysteries, and crime fiction in the vein of Karin Slaughter and Kathy Reichs.
When forensic entomologist Tegan McFarland returns to her small North Carolina hometown after her aunt’s suspicious death, she finds far more than grief waiting for her. A hidden family history, a dangerous inheritance, old grudges, and a string of murders quickly pull her into an investigation where the clues point toward secrets someone is desperate to keep buried.
There is so much to admire in this book. I especially enjoyed the entomology angle, which brings a fresh and delightfully creepy crawly perspective to the detective crime genre. Tegan is exactly the kind of protagonist I root for: sharp, observant, and far more comfortable in a lab than in a crowd. That makes her chemistry with the attractive new sheriff all the more intriguing. Their slow-burn dynamic is handled well, and the cliffhanger ending left me itching—in the best possible way—to read the next instalment in the Red River Murders series.
Clark’s writing is engaging, easy to follow, and supported by realistic dialogue and memorable characters. The story maintains a strong balance of suspense, action, and emotional investment, with enough twists to keep readers antennae-up from start to finish. I recommend A River Remembers to fans of forensic thrillers, atmospheric mysteries, and crime fiction in the vein of Karin Slaughter and Kathy Reichs.
September 7, 2026
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Tegan returning to the home that she grew up in after her parents were killed. She had lived with her aunt up to her senior year in high school. She had returned because her aunt had died. The original cause was identified as accidental, but on further analysis, it became a homicide. Later she was called to scene of a body found in the river and they wanted her help with trying to determine when the person died. On arriving, she discovered that the body was Elise, a friend of her aunt as well as hers when she was growing up. It was later determined that this death was also a homicide.
Tegan working with Trevor, the sheriff, then began searching for who was responsible for both of the deaths. In their investigation, they discovered another death which was believed as accidental also was a homicide. Follow the duo along as they pursued the small amount of clues as they slowly learned about how they were all connected. Learn who the killer was and how he was captured as well as what one word he said eventually was what was required to close the case.
The ending answers all the questions and brings the story to an end. This is a definite read, don't miss out!
The story begins with Tegan returning to the home that she grew up in after her parents were killed. She had lived with her aunt up to her senior year in high school. She had returned because her aunt had died. The original cause was identified as accidental, but on further analysis, it became a homicide. Later she was called to scene of a body found in the river and they wanted her help with trying to determine when the person died. On arriving, she discovered that the body was Elise, a friend of her aunt as well as hers when she was growing up. It was later determined that this death was also a homicide.
Tegan working with Trevor, the sheriff, then began searching for who was responsible for both of the deaths. In their investigation, they discovered another death which was believed as accidental also was a homicide. Follow the duo along as they pursued the small amount of clues as they slowly learned about how they were all connected. Learn who the killer was and how he was captured as well as what one word he said eventually was what was required to close the case.
The ending answers all the questions and brings the story to an end. This is a definite read, don't miss out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When forensic entomologist Tegan McFarland returns to her hometown to bury the aunt who raised her, local authorities seek her expertise in examining the body of a murdered woman well known to Tegan. Soon it is discovered that her aunt was also murdered, and a third killing is suspect. As Tegan collaborates with the new sheriff in town, long-held family secrets are unveiled, and she finds that her own life may be in danger.
This is the first installment of a new series by indie author Lee Clark. Clark’s atmospheric writing captures the essence of a small southern town as the mystery unfolds and secrets are revealed. The story is filled with red herrings and unexpected twists.
This may be the first book I have read that featured a forensic entomologist! I like the consistent use of chapter titles that relate to the content of each chapter. The development of the relationship between Tegan and the sheriff is intriguing, and I have to wonder if something will spark between them in the future.
As the first book in a series, this book left me wanting to read more. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @ibpalovesindies for the DRC.
This is the first installment of a new series by indie author Lee Clark. Clark’s atmospheric writing captures the essence of a small southern town as the mystery unfolds and secrets are revealed. The story is filled with red herrings and unexpected twists.
This may be the first book I have read that featured a forensic entomologist! I like the consistent use of chapter titles that relate to the content of each chapter. The development of the relationship between Tegan and the sheriff is intriguing, and I have to wonder if something will spark between them in the future.
As the first book in a series, this book left me wanting to read more. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @ibpalovesindies for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A River Remembers is the spectacular beginning of Lee Clark’s new series. It immediately pulls you in with its in-depth characters and complex plot. Lee keeps you guessing through the entire story at who the villain might be but, each time you think you’ve got it figured out, it seems you don’t!!
Piney Bluff was never particularly kind to Tegan McFarland as she grew up, orphaned and living with her aunt. However, returning home after her aunt’s murder, along with the murders of several other seemingly random people, Tegan figures out a little bit about family and a lot about learning who she can trust.
Tegan’s career in forensics should allow her to be an asset in solving these community murders. However, she learns quickly that being on the opposite side of a murder case limits the timing and flow of much needed information. And working with that new sheriff in town does not turn out at all as she had expected…
Family explosions, building explosions, and explosions of where, and in whom, to place your faith keep you eagerly turning every page to the end. Like every good series, as soon as you put down the book, you will immediately be ready to pick up the next!
Piney Bluff was never particularly kind to Tegan McFarland as she grew up, orphaned and living with her aunt. However, returning home after her aunt’s murder, along with the murders of several other seemingly random people, Tegan figures out a little bit about family and a lot about learning who she can trust.
Tegan’s career in forensics should allow her to be an asset in solving these community murders. However, she learns quickly that being on the opposite side of a murder case limits the timing and flow of much needed information. And working with that new sheriff in town does not turn out at all as she had expected…
Family explosions, building explosions, and explosions of where, and in whom, to place your faith keep you eagerly turning every page to the end. Like every good series, as soon as you put down the book, you will immediately be ready to pick up the next!
September 24, 2026
I River Remembers is the first of a great new novel series by Lee Clark. It is fast paced filled with interesting characters. A best friend from the past, rivals from the past and a good looking new sheriff.
If you are a fan of Kathy Reich’s (think tv show Bones) & Patricia Cornwell; you will love the Red River Murder Mysteries.
Tegan McFarland is a forensic entomologist protagonist.(She uses insect larvae to help solve murder crimes.
Tegan returns to her hometown of Piney Bluff NC for her aunt’s death. Her aunt’s friend has also been found dead. There is a third death that may be related.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more books about Tegan McFarland.
If you are a fan of Kathy Reich’s (think tv show Bones) & Patricia Cornwell; you will love the Red River Murder Mysteries.
Tegan McFarland is a forensic entomologist protagonist.(She uses insect larvae to help solve murder crimes.
Tegan returns to her hometown of Piney Bluff NC for her aunt’s death. Her aunt’s friend has also been found dead. There is a third death that may be related.
I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more books about Tegan McFarland.
September 6, 2026
Great story following Teagan McFarland a forensic entomologist returns to a North Carolina hometown after her aunt's death is thought to be accidental but Teagan thinks differently. As she investigates with the sheriff she realises her aunt was murdered.
Full of twists and suspense especially when she discovers a secret family she was not aware of will Teagan find out the truth.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Full of twists and suspense especially when she discovers a secret family she was not aware of will Teagan find out the truth.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars ⭐️ Another fantastic murder mystery from Lee Clark! I thought I had it all figured out, but once again, I was completely wrong. 😅 I loved all the twists, secrets, and small-town drama, and the forensic entomology aspect made this one especially interesting (if a little gross, as someone who hates bugs 😅). I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fascinating story!
Engaging, fascinating story that drew me in and kept me guessing about the murders throughout. Lots of clever misdirection along with twists and turns. A book worth reading!
I read this book as part of an advanced reader team reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
Engaging, fascinating story that drew me in and kept me guessing about the murders throughout. Lots of clever misdirection along with twists and turns. A book worth reading!
I read this book as part of an advanced reader team reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
September 8, 2026
Being the only relative, Tegan comes back to claim her aunt's residence only to find out that there was more to her death than just an accident.
The body count in the community keeps increasing and, when the newly appointed sheriff and Tegan start looking at these deaths, it leads down dangerous paths and danger that is unexpected.
Do no pass up this great Cozy mystery
The body count in the community keeps increasing and, when the newly appointed sheriff and Tegan start looking at these deaths, it leads down dangerous paths and danger that is unexpected.
Do no pass up this great Cozy mystery
August 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
This was such a fun and fast past mystery thriller, I didn’t want to put it down. Kept thinking I had it figured out, but I didn’t. Such an enjoyable read. Well written and a well thought out plot.
This was such a fun and fast past mystery thriller, I didn’t want to put it down. Kept thinking I had it figured out, but I didn’t. Such an enjoyable read. Well written and a well thought out plot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A really well written and fast paced mystery that keeps you totally engrossed throughout, I couldn't put it down, just had to keep turning those pages! The characters are great too and I love the budding relationship between Tegan and Trevor, hope I get to read more of this new series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews