SOME TRUTHS ARE BETTER KEPT SECRET. SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER OFF DEAD. Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family--but weekends belong to the river. And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux. The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The "prince" of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch. He is also a psychopath. A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau's evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend's headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize. As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux. And that someone will pay with their life. AWARDS Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse/rape which could be upsetting.
Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/czfZYD
When you say "A high school version of American Psycho" I respond with "HELL YEAH"!!! I do love me a good psychopath.
Unfortunately this book fell flat for me.
Beau Devereaux is wealthy, the star quarterback, and the envy of everyone at St. Benedict High School. He dates the head cheerleader, Dawn. They are the picture of perfection. The only problem is that Beau is obsessed with Dawn's twin sister, Leslie, and he will stop at nothing to get her.
Everything about this should have worked for me but for some reason it almost seemed like it was trying too hard to be shocking which only proved to be unsuccessful.
This is marketed as a YA thriller and it definitely reads YA. I'm not a YA snob. I have read many twisty YA novels and loved them. This just lacked something that I can't quite put my finger on. I was hoping for a Patrick Bateman or a Joe Goldberg but that's not what I got with Beau Devereaux. He just wasn't interesting at all. Oh, and lots of talk of how he has a reputation to keep. The author really pounds that one into the readers head and now I have a headache. 2 stars and one is for the gorgeous cover that tricked me into thinking I needed this one!
Thanks to Edelweiss and Vesuvian Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a really engaging and captivating read. It really kept my attention. This book is written by two authors. Yet, I could not tell where one stopped and the next one picked up. When this happens, this is a really good thing. You don't want to really tell the parts two different authors wrote; otherwise, the story has a clunky feel to it.
Beau is definitely the monster in this story. He was despised by not just the women but by me as well. This was the whole point. So that when Beau was served his "justice", there was no love lost or tears spilled. Leslie is the stronger of the two sisters. She did not fall under Beau's spell like her sister.
Warning as there are a couple "rape" scenes. They are tough to read. The best part about this book is the ending. I never saw the twist coming. I look forward to reading more books from both of these authors.
I totally enjoyed this book. This guy was a shit, like a real shit. I loved to hate him. Like he needed what he got in a big way. All the time I wanted to punch his lights out. Beau is the richest guy in the town and all the people that work in the town, work for his father. Beau has had some incidents when he was younger and his father has him on a tight leash. For good reason. Beau is conniving and an ultimate narcissist. He thinks everyone can not see his true nature but there are those that can. He is dating the sister of the girl he wants in a bad way. It is his way of trying to get close to her, but she knows what he is and is not having it. All through the book, he is putting a wedge between Leslie and her sister to get to Leslie (his ultimate prize).
Leslie is just trying to live her life and has a really great boyfriend and is getting harassed by Beau all the time. She can't seem to make her sister realize what he is. So she just tries to keep her distance from him, but he keeps showing up like a bad penny. There will be horrific scenes in this one and you might want to only let older YA's read this one. But, it was totally worth it. I really enjoyed the book and hating the bad boy and loving Leslie. I recommend this one for its shocking ending (I didn't see it coming) and for the horror factor.
Holy…..whoa!! This is my first book by this macabre writing duo and I want to get my hands on everything they have written. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book. It was like the drama of Riverdale and Pretty Little Liars mixed with American Psycho. I wanted to slowly savor this story, yet I wanted to know so much what was going to happen. I was on the edge of my seat till the very end.
Beau Devereaux is a psycho. Well on the outside he is the quintessential boy next door with his good looks, tons of old money, popular and of course star quarterback. Everyone is his puppet even his girlfriend Dawn the head cheerleader. Deep inside something dark and sinister lurks inside Beau. Even his parents know he’s a bad seed. He thinks he is untouchable, and he proves that time and time again. He sets his sights on Leslie who is Dawns identical twin. When she shut him down he turned to revenge and boy does it get brutal.
Leslie hates Beau Devereaux. He torments her daily and makes her high school life a living Hell. She tries to warn her sister away from him, but she isn’t hearing it. She just wants to get through the days wit her boyfriend Derek. The only bright spot in the halls of her high school. When horrifying things start happening in their small town she knows who is to blame. She wants to bring justice to the ones he has wronged.
Beau is psychotic there is no other word for him. He had me on the edge of my seat clinging to the kindle so hard I’m surprised I didn’t break it.
This story flowed magically. I could almost see the story being played out in my head. I will admit this book might not be for a lot of people it might trigger feelings. For me it just became a part of a greater story and boy oh boy that ending. Phew read this story people and be prepared for a wild ride.
Death by the River will continue to haunt me. This psychological thriller left my nights tormented and my days filled with trepidation. This shocking YA masterpiece is not for the faint of heart. Despite that, or perhaps because if it, I could not put this book down. I had to know what made Beau tick.
Some truths are better kept secret. Some secrets are better off dead.
The blurb says is best, Beau Devereaux is an “American Psycho!” His twisted sense of self worth and penchant for pain oozes from the pages and leaves you feeling dirty for having shared space with him. He is the epitome of evil. This dark, twisted, thriller is quite the page turner from beginning to end.
The ending (no spoilers) is poetic. Karma is a BITCH!
TRIGGER WARNING it contains violence and rape scenes.
Picked up Death by the River at the right time and moment. My soul was hungry for something dark and thrilling to read and Death by the River freaking delivered!
With that out in the open, I want to address it first as these themes were handled tastefully. As it was the character’s way of coping for like mentioned from the premise we have a character who has such psychological tendency.
From the introduction, it was easy to lose touch with reality as you read. It has a captivating introduction that any psych-thriller would still later be obsessed with.
“Some truths are better kept secret. Some secrets are better off dead.”
It was alternately told in various characters’ point-of-view. Which can be confusing, especially coming from two different authors. But I love how these complement each of the points of views and scenes that run through the course of the novel. It was structured well. And enough to grit your teeth with strong distaste and lowkey rooting to what endgame it has in store for you.
With books like this, it’s really hard to trust anyone. And it was one hell of a ride. The characters’ development was on point, each, and everyone. Okay, not everyone, it’s just this one that’s like been forgotten for me. I felt this character was just “used”. But I am sure one can overlook.
Beau’s development from his “best image” persona to someone so, dark. He grew up, having everything and being known for the son’s owner of numerous business, firm, and places. Dawn and Leslie twin sisters that had grown apart from each other and became overly competitive with one another.
The build-up in the story was no surprise (as it was expected and) as per premise yet it was still topped by these twists later on within the novel. The vivid and eerie presence the river gave me was really creepy vibes, there were mention of ghosts and wild dogs that sure will scare the shizz out of people as if I having a person with psychological tendencies on the loose isn’t enough.
The storyline was filled with surprising twists, I swear up to the last page. Gods, Death by the River sure is something that would haunt me for a long time. It was chillingly dark and twisted.
If you’re up for some psychological thriller filled with grit, spine-chilling darkness, and characters that’ll make you root for the good ones, definitely pick-up or add Death by the River in your October Halloween TBR.s.
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
On the outside looking in, Beau Devereaux has it all. A set future to take over the family business, quarterback of the high school football team, upstanding student, and dating the cheerleading captain. With money and connections to throw around, no one has ever cared to see beyond the good guy persona. Only Leslie Moore knows better but no one believes her. Especially her twin sister, Dawn, who thinks the world of Beau when in actuality is just one of many puppets on a string to keep up a carefully crafted facade.
Death by the River follows three main characters but only one truly kept me in the story. Dawn is the cliche high schooler that thinks popularity is all the matters. And after getting together with Beau, her world seemed complete and that was enough for her. Leslie is the complete opposite and doesn't care what anyone thinks. But beyond wanting to break up Dawn and Beau, there wasn't much to her role. Already knowing what Beau was took out the wow factor but it was still interesting to learn how he managed to keep himself together and what made him tick.
I'm always up for a thrilling read which brought me to this book in the first place. For the most part I stayed interested but sometimes the writing seemed too tame for me to really get a grasp of certain situations and how the characters were feeling. I do have to say I was shocked how the ending played out. I can honestly say I never would have guessed at what happened. Beyond some abuse taking place Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor have brought about a good mystery with a great twist that added a nice final touch to all the suspense.
This book had me wanting to read it from the cover to the fact that it was a high school based novel as it sounded ominous and fascinating. This book takes us into the lives of twins Leslie and Dawn Moore and Beau Deveraux. Beau is the King of the school and dating Dawn but wants Leslie. He also has a dark side that he is finding it harder to contain and as you read this book, you also discover his nasty antics towards women. He thrives on the power, and as I write the review, I think Beau reminded me of Bryce Walker from 13 Reasons Why with the power of having money and being somewhat invincible. This book though Beau does get Karma back at him and I have to say OMFG the ending of this book blew me away, in a way it has the finish that you hope there will be a Book #2, but you know in your mind already that there won't be and the author or in this case authors have left you with an ending to think about and stew over. Death by the River was a little deceiving with the title, but there is, in fact, a Death by the River - not what you think immediately of when you see those few words. This was a good teen romantic suspense and though the cover has a gothic feel is more likened to a more modern and contemporary setting.
Very few books in my career make me stop and not only think but shock the hell out of me. Death by the River is that book. Not only is it flawless in its execution, you won't see the end coming. Well written with well developed characters, the authors obviously know about mental illness and sexual assault. Alexandrea Weis's nursing background is apparent. Everyone going to high school (and college) should use this as a road map of who to be wary of. And anyone who has experienced this level of violence will find new friends in some of these characters. Not to mention the story definitely exhibits your actions have consequences.
Blackwell series by Alexandrea Weis was amazing so I didn’t expect anything less from Death by the River. I was right. What a ride! Dark, twisted, heart pounding, a mind-blowing novel that will capture you from the beginning until the very last word.
DEATH BY THE RIVER by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor
5 stars
About the book: Release Date October 2,2018
A High School “American Psycho”
SOME TRUTHS ARE BETTER KEPT SECRET. SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER OFF DEAD. Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river. And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux. The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch. He is also a psychopath. A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize. As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux. And that someone will pay with their life. WARNING: Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse which could be upsetting to the reader. Abandon hope all ye who enter here ..
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REVIEW: DEATH THE BY RIVER by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is a YA, stand alone, thriller that follows high school seniors (and twins) Leslie and Dawn Moore, and high school quarterback Beau Devereaux.
WARNING: DEATH BY THE RIVER contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual abuse, and may not be suitable for all readers.
Told from several third person perspectives including Leslie, Dawn and Beau DEATH BY THE RIVER follows the tumultuous relationship between high school seniors Leslie and Dawn Moore, and Beau Devereaux. Months earlier star quarterback and spoiled rich son of the town's largest employer, Beau Devereaux found himself attracted to sassy and mouthy Leslie Moore but her rejection sent him into the arms of her identical twin Dawn. Seeking revenge for Leslie's brush-off, Beau begins to make life miserable for his girlfriend's sister, while pushing forward with his plans to take what he wants, at all costs.
DEATH BY THE RIVER is a startling, energetic and dramatic look at a psychopath in action. Long buried secrets come to the surface as Beau's violent tendencies leave broken bodies and broken souls in its' wake. There is only one way to stop Beau Devereaux but stopping Beau means, quite possibly, ending another life.
DEATH BY THE RIVER has most of the hallmarks of a YA story line including jealousy; mean girls; cliques; rich vs poor; semi-oblivious parents ensconced in their own personal hells, as well as a high-school population terrorized by repeated abuse from one of their own.
Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor pull the readers into a haunting nightmare of a psychotic mind. The premise is dark and powerful in its' presentation as the frenzy and hysteria begin to unfold.
Wow is all I can say this book was so riveting and good. My first book by this author and I really enjoyed reading it. I will certainly try more from them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys suspense thrillers.
What an OUTSTANDING! An absolutely captivating story line, filled with mystery and intrigue, this story will have you spell bound and will not release you from it's clutches until you reach the end...which I must say I was not expecting that ending at all. Spectacular!
This story about high school seniors waiting to finish their senior year, doing what all seniors do, study, go to football games on Friday nights, hang out and party with their friends, has one central character that is a narcissistic psychopath. Never have I read such a character before in YA story, but my lord..this boy was totally warped and terrifying. The story revolves around the lead characters, Leslie and Dawn Moore(twin sisters) and Beau Devereaux, closely supported by Leslie's boyfriend Derek Foster. Beau is the boyfriend of Dawn, and he is a piece of work. The boy is the quarterback of the football team - she is the head cheerleader. His family owns almost everything in town, but is know for the brewery and their wealth, as well as their donations to different things in the small town. Beau's father is a hard man and expects his troubled son to walk a fine line, never let the people see his true self, always remember the reputation of himself and the family. Never do anything to tarnish the name of his family. Always charming, Beau has another side of him that is truly dark and sinister, one that no one knows about, until he begins to show a couple of girls a good time in "his" cell at the Abby. He gets high off of their fear, off of the pain he inflicts, off of their struggles. The one he really wants is Leslie. In his head, she is to be his to do what he wants, to show her that she is his.
Soon, Beau finds it hard to maintain his control over everything as his paranoia begins to get the better of him and he begins to implode. His life begins to spiral out of control but his father steps in and punishes him, takes away his freedom. Beau is almost sure two of his victims have talked to each other and he is almost sure they have talked to Leslie, and this infuriates him even more. He needs to amp up his game and get the girl he has dreamed of having for so long. He can hardly wait to sense her fear, to smell her blood.
These characters are quite impeccably written with so much detail into their personalities and their backgrounds. These are normal teenagers, but then again, no they aren't.
A well written dynamic read that will have you telling all of your friends about it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
So, I knew going in that golden boy, Beau Devareaux, was a cruel twist. Being a star football quarterback, dating a popular cheerleader and having a bright future waiting for him should have been his dream come true. Bit he had other dreams. Much darker ones. And then he dared to make one of those dreams come true. And then another. There was no turning back, even if he wanted to. Which he didn’t.
Twin sisters, Dawn and Leslie, are both involved with Beau. Dawn dates him and thinks he hung the moon. Leslie sees through his mask. He stalks her, wanting the sister he can’t ever have. And Leslie wants her sister to open her eyes and see him for what he is.
A story that could be ripped from the front pages can really get under my skin. It’s been said you can’t really know a person. You can’t recognize evil. Now that scares me.
This was a bit slow in the beginning, but once Beau’s facade started to crumble it really picked up. And the ending. It’s one of those you won’t see coming. Twisted good.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I have been waiting to get my hands on this book. I had been hearing about it on social media, and this is the type of book that is right up my alley. Weis and Astor did a magnificent job with the character development and following the twisted mind of a psychopath. I won't leave any spoilers... just watch out for the hounds of hell.
Death by the River is a super creepy read! At first I didn't think I could finish it but it was so suspenseful that I needed to know what happens at the end. Very good and great characters. Great book!
Dark, thrilling and down right scary. Everything I have come to expect from this duo. I've heard this book referred to as American Psycho in high school. Bloody perfect description.
Beau Devereaux comes from a powerful and influential family. He is the golden boy, the star of the St benedict High School football team, he has the looks and the charm that keep him in good standing with the students, faculty and adults of his town. Beau has spent years cultivating his persona. The only person who sees right through Beau is Leslie Moore. She sees Beau for the psychopath he really is. But, can Leslie convince her twin sister, Dawn, that Beau is not who everyone thinks he is?
Beau’s only dating Dawn to get to her sister, Leslie. Leslie is the real prize he wants and he is determined to show Leslie why he is the King of the river. St. Francis Abbey is where Beau feels at home. It is a derelict abbey where the high school students come to party every weekend. It is also the place where Beau can finally be himself and do all of the secret things that have been in his mind for years.
Will Leslie become the ultimate prize or will she able to save herself and her sister Dawn from the hands of a psychopath?
What is wrong with me? OMG! Why is this the first book I have ever read by the fantastic writing duo Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor. I feel like I have been living under a rock and have only now discovered perfection. Weis and Astor just completely dominated the YA Thriller genre with Death by the River. I don’t think I have ever read a YA thriller that was so captivating and so chilling at the same time. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Beau is frightening. If you ever wondered what constitutes being a psychopath just look at Beau. You know how Ted Bundy looked like a normal guy from the outside? That is Beaux Deveraux. He is a chameleon of sorts, showing the “good” side (what he wants the world to see) to other people, faculty, his father and his friends, but when he is alone his true colors come out and boy do they shine. He is pure evil without a conscience.
Weis and Astor did such a great job of portraying seniors in high school. I often times find that teens portrayed in books sometimes do not seem authentic and tend to act much older than being in their teens. I am so glad that is not the case here. Leslie, Dawn, Beau and the rest of the characters all act their age. At times I felt myself screaming at Leslie wondering why she does not try to talk to an adult about what is going on with Beau. Then, I remember what it was like being a teenager and I can understand why Leslie only talks to her peers. Again, reiterating the fact that this group of characters really are just teenagers keeping secrets from parents and adults.
Death by the River really keeps the suspense building and I found myself not being able to put down this story. The story becomes very dark with scenes of abuse that may not be to every readers liking, but it really drove home how sick Beau really is. Weis and Lucas did not go easy, they show every last sordid and evil deed done by Beau and it is downright horrifying. I certainly did NOT see that twist coming at all. That truly was an incredible ending to am even more incredible story.
Death by the River is a gripping and shocking thriller that will have you biting your nails as you hang on to every glorious word written on these pages. It is an intensely terrifying thriller that will keep you up late at night unable to put it down. Absolutely terrific! Well deserving of 5 stars!! This is also another book added to my top of 2018 list.
There are books that require a certain sensation or moment. It’s not that they’re bad books, but that you have to be in the right space for them. In the case of Death by the River, I needed to be in the headspace to absorb the darkest of humanity, and the ways that woman are preyed upon in youth. Those two themes, which feel so of the moment in the age of True Crime and the confrontation of rape culture in the mainstream of our socio-political consciousness, play heavy in the novel, but at the same time, the path of the story follows a path of entertainment that is undeniably in the mold of Teen fiction from the late 1990s. Beau Devereaux is the stud star of the school football team, and has an amazing girlfriend, and money, and popularity. He’s everything a young man would ever want to be in high school. At the same time, he’s drenched in murderous rage, dripping in the privilege of his station. This has allowed him to become a monster, a rapist, an abuser of women. IN his interactions, he tries to ride the line between keeping the dark side in check, releasing only when he absolutely must. The way the story unfolds is somewhat pained. The writing is smart and flowing with hints of Carson McCullers and William Faulkner influences, while still being approachable by upper-range YA readers. The moments when we are given Dark Beau are incredibly painful to read, which only makes the way the story takes on elements of revenge more satisfying. The only reason I could keep myself reading was to see how Beau’s uppance would come, and the way it happens is both unexpected and an appropriate relief. I needed that. At times, the work is a bit lumpy, with great chunks of exposition flowing into might torrents of dialogue, both internal and external. I never wanted to stop reading, though. The prose had a density and clarity that I enjoyed, even if the subject matter wasn’t pleasant. Lines like “Why was hurting her so much fun?” need a trigger warning, maybe many many trigger warnings, but at the same time, it is a story that goes into depths of character and situation that allow a reader to find the light waiting at the end of the tunnel. There are elements to the story that will be painful to many, and lo to the person who goes into this blind, but if you know, then there is much to discover and it is strong indeed.
Death by the River is a marvelously pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat dark adventure that is sure to delight, shock, and eviscerate your calm world. In one fell swoop, you find yourself ensnaring in the clutches of a burgeoning evil that is only just beginning to breathe and spread its wings. Nothing can prepare you for the ultimate thrill ride that you will find within these pages. If you think you know how it will end, I guarantee you that it won’t even come close to the climactic terror that will haunt you long afterwards. While this is not my typical choice of reading material, I have to say that it appealed to me in very different yet intriguing ways that my normal story could not easily touch.
The poignant characters that you will find throughout this book are what you might expect and yet there is a thread of unpredictability that weaves its way into them and changes each one. Whether that change is good or bad is for you to decide, but I would caution those with particular sensitivity to be careful moving forward. You might not find what you want to see, but you will surely come across those things that will sour even the strongest of stomachs.
What I loved about this story was the multi-faceted views that we were given from various key characters at pivotal times. You were able to get into their heads and find out more about them and how they perceived what was going on. This made the story that much richer and more horrifying. The depth is where you find the true heart of this masterpiece. You will either shiver in fear or find yourself enthralled by its addicting nature.
Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor have created a phenomenal work of art! While this is not for every reader, it is crated with a tender touch and a meticulous eye to detail. This was a fabulous, one of a kind experience that rocked my world and yet challenged me to peer through the eyes of one that we have all encountered at one time or another. Life has it jagged edges, and this is one of those. Walk with caution, keep your heart pure, but above all, guard your emotions.
Well this is certainly a suspenseful and dark book. From the very start I was exceptionally intrigued by the characters and wondering how Beau’s game would play out.
The dynamic between Leslie and Beau certainly piqued my curiosity, and I wondered how he would play Leslie and Dawn off against each other or if he would be successful at it.
Beau is certainly a master of manipulation and at the start I was drawn to his scheming and his need for the perfect image. I knew he was not a nice guy but I found it interesting to get inside his head and see him without the facade. After that, I was captivated wondering how he was going to get away with everything that he had done and watching him unravel when things didn’t go his way.
Leslie as the only person who could see past the facade was engaging, especially because she was wanted Dawn to see what kind of person he was without losing her in the process, but actually, it was Dawn who stood out for me. The kind of character that you could easily write off as being the airhead cheerleader sister, was actually really complex and strong when we got to know her that bit better.
The book was very well written and I was definitely pulled in for the ride, however, it did lose me a bit in the middle, I know it was setting the scene but it just let down the tension a little in its repetitiveness and on focussing on things that really had no bearing on the outcome of the story.
Near the end, the book started to redeem itself and the pace and suspense were back to what I’d hoped they would be, I had guessed at a plot point but I was still enthralled wondering how things would resolve themselves. I did not expect the ending at all and it certainly left me reeling. I think I’ll be looking for some more books by these authors in the future.
Oh wow! Talk about a wicket twist at the end, I'm still trying to catch my breath.
If you love a good psychological thriller, then this book is for you. It has everything I love, mystery, murder, twisted personalities, and a good old shocking twist. I will say you will not see it coming, and I can't even right now.
I'm kind of speechless, this book got under my skin and it will probably give me nightmares. I will say if you're easily triggered by sexual assault scenes, then I would avoid this one, or just be aware that this book isn't for the faint of heart.
Overall this book was an fantastic read. The heart pounding plot, mixed with gritty, engaging writing made this book easy to follow and easy to fall into. You will not be disappointed, so please take my super high recommendation this you will get lost in this tale of "The golden" boy, and what happens when dreams become nightmares, and the attempt to recreate that "first high" becomes more than an obsession.
LOVED this book! High school drama and power play - what's more fun than that? Maybe a little twin competition!! Throw in the perfect creepy high school boy super villain - you've got yourself a great thriller! A page turner from beginning to end!
Excellent character development. I really felt like I was back in high school (not a great time for me!) including all the angst that goes along with it! Loved, loved Leslie!! She was great, definitely someone I would have liked in school - an individual, not afraid of being herself or standing up to people. I also loved that even through their differences sisters will always be sisters! :-)
Little added bonus - Loved the cover!!!
Great job! Would definitely love to read more by these "new to me" authors!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours ~ Thank You!
As I write this review I'm riding an overwhelming wave of emotions as I honestly was unprepared for not only the ending but the entire read. The progression of Beau's psychopathic tendencies was completely mind-boggling and showed just how well he was able to hide his true self from others. You could practically taste the fear of the ones he hurt. The characters were strong, well developed and worked well as a whole and the storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end. This tale will stay with me for a long time.
{I requested a review copy via Edelweiss and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}
This book is a thriller about a psychotic man. Beau was the popular boy at school, who had a dark side. He wantes Leslie to be his girlfriend but, she wasn't interestes. The end is a nail bitter. Great book.
From start to finished I was enthralled in this book. Death By The River is a fascinating psychological thriller that will keep you reading all day/night. Get the snacks and prepare yourself for the emotional ride. You will not want to quit reading until you reach the end.
Stunningly horrifically beautiful. Very well told. Characters who leap alive from the beginning to end. Twists, turns, held breaths. Everything you could ask for. Well worth your time and money.
Review: DEATH BY THE RIVER by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor
Very visually and sensorily detailed, this novel also carries a powerful emotional impact and a finely-tuned background of life in a class-ridden Southern community. The town is socioeconomically lopsided, with one small nuclear family at the top, some upper-class professional families significantly lower, and then the impoverished class as the base. The community is also a sterling example of how sociopathy thrives.
What i took away from DEATH BY THE RIVER was a furious despising of the antagonist, applause for the strong despite-all female protagonist and her almost equally strong boyfriend, and an immense gratitude for the Power of Poetic Justice. Yes!!