In the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, citizens of Jessup begin to experience strange encounters in and around the Amen Swamp, a haunted tract of land with an unforgiving history. When a local recluse, Ned Crosby, hits what is believed to be a large bear with his car, people soon start disappearing. After a stranger from Montana mysteriously shows up with theories of his own, Sheriff Ross Pickett is faced with a disturbing premonition that something evil might be lurking about. Afraid to confide in those who are closest to him for fear of being ridiculed, Pickett must battle his own inner demons and confront his destiny within the confines of the Amen.
Too many unimportant characters, not enough creature interaction with humans, very angry main character - he's not very likeable. Author repeats certain phrases way too often. I found myself skipping to the parts with the actual Bigfoot and barely skimming the rest after the first 8 or 9 chapters.
Let me state for the record, "I hate Amen Swamp!" But I did enjoy the darkness of souls in the poetry verses scattered through out the chapters. The story seem to drag when the Mayor and his seedy personality came into the story. I don't know why he didn't get offed! The story picked up at 50% and then lots of gory drama bled from the pages. Such strong script that you could almost smell the stench! Pick this book. Read this book!
This may have been starting out slowly. But once you get into its a really good book. So many twists and turns and a really remarkable book. Whose to say the Upper Peninsula doesn't have Bigfoot there. Why not? I recommend you read this as it held my attention for 2 days. Amazing.
The Rogue was recommended by a good friend and is set in the UP of Michigan so I gave it a try...and am I glad I did.
The plot is multi-layered and flows evenly throughout the story. The characters, with their strengths and flaws, develop throughout the story without becoming overwhelming.
Unlike others, I could put it down. I read it a chapter at a time over the course of a couple of weeks with a couple of mugs of morning coffee.
There are a few typos and minor factual inaccuracies but the storyline is well coordinated and easy to follow. You won’t burn a lot of brain cells but this is a fun ride.
I’ll be keeping an eye out to see if the author, Jeff Rienstra, has another book.
The audio version of this book is well narrated. James R. Tepin Jr., the narrator, was easy to listen to; each character is given a unique voice with none of them being jarring. I especially appreciated the sound effect representing the characters in the upcoming scene. (Spoilers) The book offers an unexpected and fulfilling first-hand depiction of the life of 'the creature.' The chilling murder moments were intricately detailed; quite vivid. As another reviewer mentions, I, too could smell her. This book perfectly supplemented a weekend of cleaning and errand-running; easy to binge-listen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I generally don’t read these types of novels, but it was recommended to me by a friend. I literally could not put it down! The multiple storylines were very well constructed, and kept me intrigued until they all came together for a dramatic climax. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are a Bigfoot enthusiast. The author has created a realistic premise that made me think these creatures might really be out there.
This book kept me turning the pages. I could not put it down. The author has an awesome way of keeping you reading. What is going to happen next? Is anyone going to survive? I just had to keep reading. I certainly hope this author keeps writing. I cant wait for his next book. Please write a series. I look forward to the next book very impatiently.
Way too many origin/life stories for minor characters.
30 pages of Bigfoot. The rest was blah blah life stories of bit players. This was a chore to read. The repetitive Amen poem or quotes got really tiresome. Where was the writer's editor or advance readers? Felt like all the 5 stars were paid reviews and friends/family.
What an amazing story...... now that I started the right book
Kindle is terrible when it comes to letting you know which book is the first so i actualy started reading the 3rd book first and was wondering what the hell is this author smoking lol finally found the right book and was blown away totally. There's horror plenty of intestines being stepped on literally and in the middle of it all the author somehow makes a crime story work in between all this horror as well and frankly it worked! Normally that's a turn off but it worked so well and was surprised very surprised. I also liked the point of view of the creature that's another plus for me it's not just a mindless killer killing redshirts it's as much a victim too which makes it even sadder. Anyway wonderful job can't wait for the next one!
this should have been two books i was confused most of the time was i reading a monster book or a crime novel. the tedious detail in the background people seemed to go on and on. WARNING this book is i think very racially insulting and many who read it will agree. was glad when i got to the end