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The Crane Diaries #7
Bayou Reckoning
Serial Killers.
Vengeful Ghosts.
Soul Eaters.
Fallen Angels.
Rougarous.
Primordial Evils.
These are just some of the big bads Emma Rose Crane has survived. She always comes out the other side a little more broken, but she hides it from the world. No one knows how vulnerable she really is. Not even Officer Dan, who loves her more than she thinks she deserves.
But a new danger has entered her world that threatens to destroy everything she’s fought so hard to build and protect—Kristoff, a psychotic vampire who’s fixated on her. He’s one of the few things she’s afraid of because he knows her greatest fears.
And he has no problem using them against her.
He’s cut her off from everyone she loves, everyone who could help her, and she’s back to where she began.
Alone.
Now she must use all the skills she learned in foster care to survive the hell Kristoff has thrust her into, but will it be enough?
Vengeful Ghosts.
Soul Eaters.
Fallen Angels.
Rougarous.
Primordial Evils.
These are just some of the big bads Emma Rose Crane has survived. She always comes out the other side a little more broken, but she hides it from the world. No one knows how vulnerable she really is. Not even Officer Dan, who loves her more than she thinks she deserves.
But a new danger has entered her world that threatens to destroy everything she’s fought so hard to build and protect—Kristoff, a psychotic vampire who’s fixated on her. He’s one of the few things she’s afraid of because he knows her greatest fears.
And he has no problem using them against her.
He’s cut her off from everyone she loves, everyone who could help her, and she’s back to where she began.
Alone.
Now she must use all the skills she learned in foster care to survive the hell Kristoff has thrust her into, but will it be enough?
373 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2020
140 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Apryl Baker
79 books1,827 followersSo who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 28, 2020
Bayou Reckoning continues where Bayou Revelations left off. Mattie/Emma has been kidnapped by Kristoff, the evil serial killer vampire who has been murdering woman in the area for way too long.
All Matties friends and family gather together in an attempt to rescue her and bring her home. They all have their part to play in the rescue.
While in Kristoff’s hideout, Matties guardian angel, Eli comes to her aid and keeps her from falling over the edge. All the while, Kristoff is playing mind games with her while stealing her magical blood. In doing so, something happens to Mattie that reeks havoc on those around her at the time. Will Matties friends get to her in time? What happens to Mattie that unleashed the beast and how will the story unfold? You’ll have to read it to find out. This is part of the Crane Diaries series and in order to understand the storyline I recommend reading the earlier books in the series to get the most out of this book.
All Matties friends and family gather together in an attempt to rescue her and bring her home. They all have their part to play in the rescue.
While in Kristoff’s hideout, Matties guardian angel, Eli comes to her aid and keeps her from falling over the edge. All the while, Kristoff is playing mind games with her while stealing her magical blood. In doing so, something happens to Mattie that reeks havoc on those around her at the time. Will Matties friends get to her in time? What happens to Mattie that unleashed the beast and how will the story unfold? You’ll have to read it to find out. This is part of the Crane Diaries series and in order to understand the storyline I recommend reading the earlier books in the series to get the most out of this book.
September 6, 2020
After all these books I hate to say I didn’t love this one but it’s true. I felt so separated from the story with it being months from reading the last one. Throw in so many POVs and newish characters and I was lost for so much of the book. I wish the author did more of a reminder on who they all were. There’s also a lot of side stories happening here that the main focus (Mattie) takes a more backstage role. And please tell me this wasn’t the actual final book? There’s so much left unsaid not to mention there was literally zero feeling of finality or happy conclusion to a series that’s been going on for 10+ books including the Ghost Files series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2025
Well we definitely unpacked A LOT of things in this book. I felt crazy just as much as Mattie ngl and I didn't know what to feel or what to think during the scene before Kristoff was captured.
July 30, 2020
What an EPIC ensemble conclusion to the three part Bayou series. Every book is better than the last.
To take down the evil vampire serial killer Kristoff all of Matty/Emma Rose's family, the Malone's, Cass and his family of Hunters and all the characters from the Bloodlines series band together.
So many threads were wrapped up from both the Crane Diaries and Bloodlines series by the end of this book. More than half of the very large cast of characters lives had also changed in one from or another. I am curious to see what's next and the author also did a great job of now tying this series to her new Wolfpack University series.
To take down the evil vampire serial killer Kristoff all of Matty/Emma Rose's family, the Malone's, Cass and his family of Hunters and all the characters from the Bloodlines series band together.
So many threads were wrapped up from both the Crane Diaries and Bloodlines series by the end of this book. More than half of the very large cast of characters lives had also changed in one from or another. I am curious to see what's next and the author also did a great job of now tying this series to her new Wolfpack University series.
August 14, 2020
This was another great book by Apryl. Mattie/Emma always gets herself and her friends in a some "pinches". The book ended with me wanting more. I loved all the action and I also loved learning more about the other families. I am glad Apryl added some new characters because I think it was great. Can't wait for the next book!
August 31, 2020
Well this series has lost the horror and is now more of a paranormal romance. I don't mind but it's not what I'm used to with this author. I liked the story and how Rose's family grows from book to book. I like how her grand dad doesn't care and does what's needed to help her. I love the fact that she brings so many people together even those that are supposed to hate each other come together for her. I'd like to think that now she's get married and have a happy life with a big family but unfortunately she doesn't have much Luck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2020
4.5 Cranky Stars
I will first off say that ending got to me. I’ve followed Emma Mattie Hathaway Crane since we first met her. She has come extremely far in all these books, but I think this was her biggest fight yet. Emma has so much to lose between Dan and the friends she made her family along the way. This book was at times hard to follow as it’s told from different POVs throughout the book. I haven’t read Bloodlines Legacy, but you will in this story because they are woven into Emma’s story effortlessly. It might be a series I’ll have to pick up just to meet some new faces since Emma’s story is at its end. I think.
Emma is trapped with Kristoff the vampire. They met in the last book when everything went down. He is in her head and it’s not a good place for her. It unlocks happy memories and makes them sad. He uses everything against her. Meanwhile everyone including the characters from the Bloodlines Legacy are trying to find her. When Emma thinks she has hurt the one person she loves the most it unlocks her dark side and it isn’t pretty. She snaps and goes on a rampage and leaves carnage in its wake. When she finally makes it home covered in blood dragging an injured vampire behind her. It will take the love of family and friends to bring her back, but it will take her accepting what happened to fully heal her.
I can’t say too much because it will feel like I’m giving the story away. I love Emma and Dan and I’ve even come to love Zeke and Silas. I know we are at the end because where else can her story go. It’s time for her to rest and build her life but of course Emma will never rest. The different POVs are nice but kind of distracting because you are like wait whose story is this again and placing who belongs to who. All in all, a good story with some heart. You will cheer for her and you will feel sad with her. I would recommend this series and the series where we meet her and the crew to anyone who loves paranormal.
I will first off say that ending got to me. I’ve followed Emma Mattie Hathaway Crane since we first met her. She has come extremely far in all these books, but I think this was her biggest fight yet. Emma has so much to lose between Dan and the friends she made her family along the way. This book was at times hard to follow as it’s told from different POVs throughout the book. I haven’t read Bloodlines Legacy, but you will in this story because they are woven into Emma’s story effortlessly. It might be a series I’ll have to pick up just to meet some new faces since Emma’s story is at its end. I think.
Emma is trapped with Kristoff the vampire. They met in the last book when everything went down. He is in her head and it’s not a good place for her. It unlocks happy memories and makes them sad. He uses everything against her. Meanwhile everyone including the characters from the Bloodlines Legacy are trying to find her. When Emma thinks she has hurt the one person she loves the most it unlocks her dark side and it isn’t pretty. She snaps and goes on a rampage and leaves carnage in its wake. When she finally makes it home covered in blood dragging an injured vampire behind her. It will take the love of family and friends to bring her back, but it will take her accepting what happened to fully heal her.
I can’t say too much because it will feel like I’m giving the story away. I love Emma and Dan and I’ve even come to love Zeke and Silas. I know we are at the end because where else can her story go. It’s time for her to rest and build her life but of course Emma will never rest. The different POVs are nice but kind of distracting because you are like wait whose story is this again and placing who belongs to who. All in all, a good story with some heart. You will cheer for her and you will feel sad with her. I would recommend this series and the series where we meet her and the crew to anyone who loves paranormal.
July 30, 2020
When we last left our heroine in the prior book in this series, she was kidnapped by a serial killer vampire. Thankfully she has a support group willing to step in, set aside their differences and drama, and work together to rescue Emma. Kristoff, the sadistic serial killer vampire, is Emma's toughest challenge yet. He puts her in situations that force her to reminisce on the very dark parts of her past when she was utterly alone. Ms. Baker did a phenomenal job of capturing the good and bad layers of Emma. It was like her character development in all the other books was leading to this. This story captured some very dark moments in Emma's life. Readers will find themselves taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions and unexpected twists as they're taken through the chapters being told from different character's points of view. For me, this was the best one in the series yet.
Bayou Reckoning picks up where the previous installment left off in the series. This is not a standalone book and those interested in reading this one should go back and read the others in the series.
Bayou Reckoning picks up where the previous installment left off in the series. This is not a standalone book and those interested in reading this one should go back and read the others in the series.
August 1, 2020
I didn't know until I knew how amazing this series truly is. There's so much going on here that it's almost impossible to write any description without spoilers. Basically, Mattie/Emma's family and friends have come to help stop the evil serial killer vampire, Kristoff, for good. Then there's Dan who has a connection to our girl. There are so many twists that got turned out, while those intense turns were all twisted up so what's a girl to do?! Drop loud f-bomb after loud f-bomb after loud f-bomb. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and had to remind myself to breathe more than once. I've just started getting into paranormal again, and after reading this book & a few previous ones, I'm going to have to get me more of Apryl Baker's paranormal books to devour. So in conclusion, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 18, 2021
I'm no runner, but i imagine that reading this series of books and finishing them (the SECOND series after reading the Ghost Files series... not that I'm bitter) must feel akin to what they experience after running a grueling marathon and reaching the finish line.
Except it is not all cheers and hugs from family that was waiting for you at the end. The feeling I have after reading all of these books is nothing short of exasperation and a feeling of all things terrible.
Why did I stick with the series? I don't know. Ask my stupid monkey brain why it decided, at this time, to have to see something through to the end. Where is that part of my brain when I have actual real life challenges that I need to stick to? Dieting? No sign of that monkey brain. Exercise? Still no sign of it.
But a 13 book series that just steadily angers you more and more as you go? Monkey brain activated.
Except it is not all cheers and hugs from family that was waiting for you at the end. The feeling I have after reading all of these books is nothing short of exasperation and a feeling of all things terrible.
Why did I stick with the series? I don't know. Ask my stupid monkey brain why it decided, at this time, to have to see something through to the end. Where is that part of my brain when I have actual real life challenges that I need to stick to? Dieting? No sign of that monkey brain. Exercise? Still no sign of it.
But a 13 book series that just steadily angers you more and more as you go? Monkey brain activated.
July 20, 2020
OMG I love these books so much! I love the characters and I love that in this spinoff type series we get to see the ghost files world mix witht he blackbourne world. I love all the growth of the characters, we get to see them grow mentally and emotionally and it's really awesome. I love the connections they have to one another. I love all the twists and turns that we have in this story, the ups and the downs. I admit there were some moments where I yelled at my kindle and then I releasing the breath I was holding. I adore the love story of Emma and Dan and the unconditional acceptance that they have for one another. I love how we get to see strength through vulnerability. Obviously, I just love it all so much!
October 7, 2020
While these are getting a bit repetitive and the number of people Mattie-Emma considers 'family' is growing to ridiculous proportions I still enjoy visiting with these characters. Personally I enjoyed the reappearance of the Mattie side as I always loved Mattie and never considered her a monster. Sure I love the journey and growth she has had to become Emma but I loved Mattie too. She did what she had to and survived some pretty shitty things. Others may enjoy the cross over and half book told from Saidie's POV but not having read the Blackthorne series I just found it annoying as it took away from the already limited page time (these books are SHORT) with Mattie-Emma and the crew.
August 16, 2020
Words will not do it justice...
I’ve been a fan of Apryl since the first Ghost Girl book. I feel like I’ve grown up with these characters... they are family. This book stole my breath with the first sentence and I still don’t feel like I have it back well after reading it three times. I don’t know that I have ever been so stunned, heart broken, and relieved all at once before. I cried more times than I can count. Do not miss this book. While you’re at it, go grab all of the books, starting with Ghost Girl. You will not be disappointed.
I’ve been a fan of Apryl since the first Ghost Girl book. I feel like I’ve grown up with these characters... they are family. This book stole my breath with the first sentence and I still don’t feel like I have it back well after reading it three times. I don’t know that I have ever been so stunned, heart broken, and relieved all at once before. I cried more times than I can count. Do not miss this book. While you’re at it, go grab all of the books, starting with Ghost Girl. You will not be disappointed.
January 30, 2021
I've always loved those books, The Ghost Files and The Crane Diaries are one of my favorite book series.
So it's sad that I have to say I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others. While it has it's moments, it feels like everything's rushed, some characters appear out of nowhere just to help in dangerous situations and there are too many POVs and too much happening for barely 200 pages.
I wish we got more time with some characters. I wish many things weren't that rushed. Mattie and her family deserved more than this.
So it's sad that I have to say I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others. While it has it's moments, it feels like everything's rushed, some characters appear out of nowhere just to help in dangerous situations and there are too many POVs and too much happening for barely 200 pages.
I wish we got more time with some characters. I wish many things weren't that rushed. Mattie and her family deserved more than this.
August 4, 2020
There’s a whole lot going on in a short amount of time (and a short number of pages). There are so many characters that even though we’ve met them all before, it’s hard to remember who’s who and what their place is in the mystical world. It’s a good story, but this one felt rushed to end. I think it could have benefitted from a glossary of characters or something that would remind you of who they are and what they can do.
July 30, 2020
“Okay just wow! I really don’t know what to say without giving spoilers. We have mystery, twist and turns. The story is full of ups and downs that kept me on the edge. I laughed, got frustrated and fall in love with Emma and Dan connection. We had a strong friendship, some loyalty moments and jaw dropping situations. I absolutely loved it.”
July 23, 2020
Omg this has got to be the best book yet!
I can’t believe how amazing the story has gotten. There was so much happening it totally blew my mind. I loved loved every moment reading this. I can not wait for the next book.
I highly highly recommend this series. It is awesome!
I can’t believe how amazing the story has gotten. There was so much happening it totally blew my mind. I loved loved every moment reading this. I can not wait for the next book.
I highly highly recommend this series. It is awesome!
July 30, 2020
Wow
This was intense! And amazing. And wow she hurt me there. It was there is just no words and I can’t wait for the next book. Mattie and dan forever. I love that we got to see Eli and just everything. New relationships were made and hope has come.
This was intense! And amazing. And wow she hurt me there. It was there is just no words and I can’t wait for the next book. Mattie and dan forever. I love that we got to see Eli and just everything. New relationships were made and hope has come.
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July 31, 2020Absolutely Amazing
This was an amazing conclusion and the crossover OMG, I loved every single thing about this book! I did not want it to end and I read it in one sitting! Can not wait for more and I hope to see more of the crossover in future books!
This was an amazing conclusion and the crossover OMG, I loved every single thing about this book! I did not want it to end and I read it in one sitting! Can not wait for more and I hope to see more of the crossover in future books!
August 2, 2020
Fantastic
Another wonderful emma/mattie story. I cried, was shocked and had so much emotion thrown at me in thos one.
It was a truly wonderful book, my only criticism is there was too much lovey dovey stuff.
Can't wait for the next one.
Another wonderful emma/mattie story. I cried, was shocked and had so much emotion thrown at me in thos one.
It was a truly wonderful book, my only criticism is there was too much lovey dovey stuff.
Can't wait for the next one.
August 9, 2020
Awesome
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and this series. Even though this is the last book in this series, I hope somehow Kane (reaper) gets his HEA mentioned in perhaps a spinoff series. I liked his character. This was exciting and I thought it ended well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and this series. Even though this is the last book in this series, I hope somehow Kane (reaper) gets his HEA mentioned in perhaps a spinoff series. I liked his character. This was exciting and I thought it ended well.
August 10, 2020
The end?
I believe this is supposed to be the last book in the Crane Diaries and all I can say is Whaaaaa! I don't want this to end. Its a great series and I would love to have more!
I believe this is supposed to be the last book in the Crane Diaries and all I can say is Whaaaaa! I don't want this to end. Its a great series and I would love to have more!
September 28, 2020
Wow
What an ending! People you thought we’re safe died in this book. It had twists & turns I didn’t expect. Great series & I wish it was longer. I guess all good things must come to an end ☹️
What an ending! People you thought we’re safe died in this book. It had twists & turns I didn’t expect. Great series & I wish it was longer. I guess all good things must come to an end ☹️
October 14, 2020
It has been a long time since a book has brought a tears to my eyes. What Mattie/Emma had to go through was heart wrenching but she did grow and will continue to grow. I can't wait to see what else come for Mattie/Emma and Dan. I can't wait for the wedding.
February 7, 2021
Awesome book, I just adore this series!
This was a great book, I couldn't put it down most of the time. I love the characters, the different personalities and abilities. I can't wait for the next book...
This was a great book, I couldn't put it down most of the time. I love the characters, the different personalities and abilities. I can't wait for the next book...
February 19, 2021
Meh
As a fan of this series, I’m not sure how I feel about this one. I felt like it was too many story lines going on and the ending felt incomplete. I hope there is another part coming soon.
As a fan of this series, I’m not sure how I feel about this one. I felt like it was too many story lines going on and the ending felt incomplete. I hope there is another part coming soon.
February 19, 2021
I am so in love with this series, I wish it would never end. I know all good things must come to an end, but this entire series is such a great read. I recommend to anyone who likes to read, even out and about i start talking about this series and how great it is.
May 25, 2021
That was one heck of a conclusion to the Crane Diaries/Bloodlines Legacy crossover. And it did not disappoint at all. I was so unsure with the way it was all unfolding, if and how they would rescue Mattie. It certainly unfolded in such twists and turns that I very often was knocked for a loop. Which after over a dozen books between the two story lines, does not happen often.
But this story takes you on such a ride that every time you think you know what is next, it makes a sudden hairpin turn into a direction you would never expect
But this story takes you on such a ride that every time you think you know what is next, it makes a sudden hairpin turn into a direction you would never expect
January 3, 2022
Yes!
Emma was found by her peaches Eric and Ethan together all is right in Emma’s world after all the things she’s gone through. She did it got her way with everything . I loved how all the loose ends got an ending. I’ll miss Emma now that this series is over.
Emma was found by her peaches Eric and Ethan together all is right in Emma’s world after all the things she’s gone through. She did it got her way with everything . I loved how all the loose ends got an ending. I’ll miss Emma now that this series is over.
July 11, 2022
I am so dreading finishing this series and I know it's coming to an end :( Not sure where I will go after reading Reflections. Will have to see what else I can find. So far, this series had been amazing. Full of unexpected turns, plots that keep you reading far longer than you should, especially when you have to work the next day lol I will miss Mattie and Dan and the gang. They have been a huge part of the story and now that I am reading Reflections, I can almost see what's coming. (I think lol you never know with these books...)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews