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Rough Country
A young girl murdered. A town with a dark secret.
A young girl, Kasey, is murdered in the woods of northern New York, a strange symbol carved into her stomach.
Investigator Reed Raleigh, Major Crimes, is tasked with finding the killer.
Reed has his own troubles. He’s in therapy, divorced, estranged from his son. But he desperately needs to solve this case - his own stepdaughter vanished when she was a teenager and Reed knows all about the agony of having no closure. No way is he letting Kasey’s mother go through that.
But as Reed begins to dig, the case grows ever more complex. Why is Kasey’s boyfriend acting so strangely? And why is her mother lying to the police?
As evidence of Kasey’s bizarre secret life starts to emerge, Reed realises this case isn’t just about a dead girl. There’s something much bigger at play in this small rural town, a decades old secret that needs to be protected. At any cost.
A young girl, Kasey, is murdered in the woods of northern New York, a strange symbol carved into her stomach.
Investigator Reed Raleigh, Major Crimes, is tasked with finding the killer.
Reed has his own troubles. He’s in therapy, divorced, estranged from his son. But he desperately needs to solve this case - his own stepdaughter vanished when she was a teenager and Reed knows all about the agony of having no closure. No way is he letting Kasey’s mother go through that.
But as Reed begins to dig, the case grows ever more complex. Why is Kasey’s boyfriend acting so strangely? And why is her mother lying to the police?
As evidence of Kasey’s bizarre secret life starts to emerge, Reed realises this case isn’t just about a dead girl. There’s something much bigger at play in this small rural town, a decades old secret that needs to be protected. At any cost.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2020
247 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Brearton
46 books388 followersTimothy James Brearton lives in the Adirondack Mountains with his wife and three children. He's loved thrillers and police stories for most of his life. HABIT follows broken cop Brendan Healy down the rabbit hole of a human trafficking conspiracy. DEAD GONE delivers Florida cop Tom Lange into a criminal underworld and THE KILLING TIME introduces FBI agent Shannon Ames, a country girl in the big city.
http://tjbrearton.net/about
http://tjbrearton.net/about
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 4, 2022
3.5⭐
I love small-town mysteries. I'm lucky to have found T.J Brearton's Nowhere to Hide last year and was hooked!
Teenage Kasey Stevens' body was discovered with a symbol carved on her abdomen. A teacher walking her dog found Kasey near a brook in the woods of rural Alliston, New York. Reed Raleigh with Major Crimes is there to investigate and found there are more rotten things going on in this little town in the Adirondack mountains.
Reed Raleigh is a great character with family/personal issues and PTSD from the war. The case with the dead girl had affected him personally. Without giving too much away, I can't say why I like this one less than "Nowhere to Hide". I did enjoy the majority of the book until the first reveal. I think it comes down to personal preference of the plot.
This one was very suspenseful and grabbed my attention from the beginning. There are plenty of suspects and red herrings that kept me guessing. I would love to read more Reed Raleigh, but I think this is a standalone mystery. I hope I'm wrong.
George Newbern's narration is fantastic and I really enjoy his performance. I think the narrator's voice adds so much and can make you enjoy the characters even more.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for this DRC.
Audiobook published on Oct 4, 2022!
I love small-town mysteries. I'm lucky to have found T.J Brearton's Nowhere to Hide last year and was hooked!
Teenage Kasey Stevens' body was discovered with a symbol carved on her abdomen. A teacher walking her dog found Kasey near a brook in the woods of rural Alliston, New York. Reed Raleigh with Major Crimes is there to investigate and found there are more rotten things going on in this little town in the Adirondack mountains.
Reed Raleigh is a great character with family/personal issues and PTSD from the war. The case with the dead girl had affected him personally. Without giving too much away, I can't say why I like this one less than "Nowhere to Hide". I did enjoy the majority of the book until the first reveal. I think it comes down to personal preference of the plot.
This one was very suspenseful and grabbed my attention from the beginning. There are plenty of suspects and red herrings that kept me guessing. I would love to read more Reed Raleigh, but I think this is a standalone mystery. I hope I'm wrong.
George Newbern's narration is fantastic and I really enjoy his performance. I think the narrator's voice adds so much and can make you enjoy the characters even more.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for this DRC.
Audiobook published on Oct 4, 2022!
January 6, 2021
Very enjoyable suspense-filled story. I really liked main character Reed Raleigh who was investigating the murder of a teenage girl found in the woods in northern New York. What started out as one murder soon turns into so much more--suspicious suicides, links to unsolved cases in the past, and a town with many secrets. There were quite some characters in this book which provided plenty of suspects and made for interesting reading. And I loved the rural New York small town setting that added such atmosphere to the story.
November 13, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
ROUGH COUNTRY by T.J. Brearton is a murder mystery set in the rural hills of upstate New York. I read and enjoy the Shannon Ames Thriller series by this author, so I was looking forward to reading this new standalone book and I was not disappointed.
A young girl, Kasey Stevens is found murdered partially lying on a trail in the woods of upstate New York. She has been strangled and a symbol has been sliced with precision on her abdomen.
Reed Raleigh is an investigator on the Major Crimes Unit of the New York State Police and receives the early morning call to be the lead on the murder. Reed is razor focused on this case as his superior keeps close tabs on him and his state of mind because Reed is still trying to deal with the fact that he had no closure on the disappearance of his own step-daughter.
Initially, Reed and his fellow investigators are lead to believe it is a case of a distraught ex-boyfriend, but as the case continues Reed finds a tangled web of lies and relationships among many of the small towns’ inhabitants in the region.
Reed discovers there have been other missing and dead girls over the past years. There is something even bigger going on and it is a secret that many are willing to keep at any cost.
I was really caught up in this intricately plotted and paced mystery. Reed is an intriguing protagonist who is dealing with his own demons, but he is cognizant of his problems and the fact his superior is keeping tabs on his mental health as he works this case. Through everything though, Reed is determined to get to the truth and on top of every inconsistency in the case. All the secondary characters, good and bad, were fully fleshed and added to the realism of the story. The threads came together in the end for an interesting and satisfying conclusion.
I recommend this new standalone mystery by this author for an entertaining and satisfying read.
ROUGH COUNTRY by T.J. Brearton is a murder mystery set in the rural hills of upstate New York. I read and enjoy the Shannon Ames Thriller series by this author, so I was looking forward to reading this new standalone book and I was not disappointed.
A young girl, Kasey Stevens is found murdered partially lying on a trail in the woods of upstate New York. She has been strangled and a symbol has been sliced with precision on her abdomen.
Reed Raleigh is an investigator on the Major Crimes Unit of the New York State Police and receives the early morning call to be the lead on the murder. Reed is razor focused on this case as his superior keeps close tabs on him and his state of mind because Reed is still trying to deal with the fact that he had no closure on the disappearance of his own step-daughter.
Initially, Reed and his fellow investigators are lead to believe it is a case of a distraught ex-boyfriend, but as the case continues Reed finds a tangled web of lies and relationships among many of the small towns’ inhabitants in the region.
Reed discovers there have been other missing and dead girls over the past years. There is something even bigger going on and it is a secret that many are willing to keep at any cost.
I was really caught up in this intricately plotted and paced mystery. Reed is an intriguing protagonist who is dealing with his own demons, but he is cognizant of his problems and the fact his superior is keeping tabs on his mental health as he works this case. Through everything though, Reed is determined to get to the truth and on top of every inconsistency in the case. All the secondary characters, good and bad, were fully fleshed and added to the realism of the story. The threads came together in the end for an interesting and satisfying conclusion.
I recommend this new standalone mystery by this author for an entertaining and satisfying read.
November 17, 2020
Rough Country is a standalone police procedural, set in New York State. Detective Reed Raleigh of the Major Crimes Unit is called in to investigate when a teacher from Eastern Adirondack College, who had been taking her usual early morning dog walk, had found fifteen year old Kasey Stevens murdered in a forested area near the small hamlet of Carmen, NY. Arriving at the scene, Raleigh is greeted by Trooper Louise MacKinnon who guides him to the body. The victim has bruises around her neck, a sign of manual strangulation, and her stomach is bloody from cuts the killer had made. The etchings weren't just to inflict pain, though, as she was either dead or unconscious at the time and the incisions seemed to form a weird shape. She had no personal effects on her making it all the more difficult to quickly identify her. As Reed and his team scour the surrounding area, Kasey’s mother, Ida, turns up and seems distraught to learn that her daughter is dead. It is a complex case and one where Kasey’s family appear to obstruct the team at every turn. Can Reed and his team get to the bottom of what happened?
This is a captivating and compulsive read, which I enjoyed immensely, and mystery, intrigue and secrets and lies abound. I very much liked the fact that there were plenty of suspects once the police determined the direction to go in and the investigation team as a whole were proficient and worked exceptionally well together. From the opening pages, you are hypnotised by Brearton’s writing making it almost impossible to put down, and I raced through it in one sitting. It’s an easy, entertaining read and one that can be enjoyed by every type of crime reader as it has so much to offer in terms of plot, characterisation and endless reveals. We watch as slowly but surely the Stevens family secrets and indiscretions are unmasked. Our protagonist Reed Raleigh is a likeable, affable and intelligent investigator who knows his own mind and does things his way. Brearton is undoubtedly one of the best and most accomplished American crime writers working today, and I hope he soon gains the recognition he deserves. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Inkubator Books for an ARC.
This is a captivating and compulsive read, which I enjoyed immensely, and mystery, intrigue and secrets and lies abound. I very much liked the fact that there were plenty of suspects once the police determined the direction to go in and the investigation team as a whole were proficient and worked exceptionally well together. From the opening pages, you are hypnotised by Brearton’s writing making it almost impossible to put down, and I raced through it in one sitting. It’s an easy, entertaining read and one that can be enjoyed by every type of crime reader as it has so much to offer in terms of plot, characterisation and endless reveals. We watch as slowly but surely the Stevens family secrets and indiscretions are unmasked. Our protagonist Reed Raleigh is a likeable, affable and intelligent investigator who knows his own mind and does things his way. Brearton is undoubtedly one of the best and most accomplished American crime writers working today, and I hope he soon gains the recognition he deserves. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Inkubator Books for an ARC.
June 11, 2021
A young girl is found murdered with a strange symbol carved into her stomach. Investigator Reed Raleigh of Major Crimes is charged with finding the killer.
But this is a small town .. a town with decades old secrets. Some will protect these secrets no matter what it takes.
As Reed continues his investigation, he finds more questions than answers. Reed knows the pain and agony of losing a close family member and he wants justice and closure for the girl's mother.
What Reed finds is that the girl had a bizarre life..... and the case becomes more tangled in lies . Why is the mother lying to the police? Why is the boyfriend acting the way he is .. does he know more than he's telling?
it's a mystery wrapped in a cleverly written plot. The character are solidly drawn. Reed's' backstory involves a personal loss of his own, and PTSD as a result of his military secret. As residents of a small town, they are, in turn, secretive, quirky, with varied opinions of 'outsiders'. As in all books I've read by this author, this one is well-written with a touch of credibility. The fast-paced suspense holds steady and leads to an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Inkubator Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
But this is a small town .. a town with decades old secrets. Some will protect these secrets no matter what it takes.
As Reed continues his investigation, he finds more questions than answers. Reed knows the pain and agony of losing a close family member and he wants justice and closure for the girl's mother.
What Reed finds is that the girl had a bizarre life..... and the case becomes more tangled in lies . Why is the mother lying to the police? Why is the boyfriend acting the way he is .. does he know more than he's telling?
it's a mystery wrapped in a cleverly written plot. The character are solidly drawn. Reed's' backstory involves a personal loss of his own, and PTSD as a result of his military secret. As residents of a small town, they are, in turn, secretive, quirky, with varied opinions of 'outsiders'. As in all books I've read by this author, this one is well-written with a touch of credibility. The fast-paced suspense holds steady and leads to an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Inkubator Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 4, 2022
ROUGH COUNTRY by T.J. Brearton is a dark and disturbing crime thriller tale of a town of secrets with decades-old murders, suicides, evil and controlling sex, and religious cults with strange branding symbols.
Set in northern rural New York, Reed Raleigh is the protagonist of this unsettling novel. He is an investigator for Major Crimes and has been assigned the case of finding the killer who left a young woman, Kasey, with a strange symbol carved in her stomach dead in the forest.
Reed is a troubled soul. A veteran with PTSD, a divorce, and a recent separation from his son. He is still grieving the disappearance of his stepdaughter (missing for years).
The case becomes complicated when Kasey's mother and Kasey's boyfriend are not forthcoming with the investigation, and Kasey's appeared to have secrets.
However, after further investigation, it appears there is more to the story than just one murder.
Something bigger and more sinister involves other murders, suicides, and clues leading to religious and sex cults. From rape, sex with minors, control, witchcraft, carving, strangling, drugs, branding, molestation, conspiracy, blackmail, power, and more.
However, since they cannot make arrests for cults, they must find ways they are breaking the law. Similar cases go back 50 years.
Pros: I liked Reed Raleigh. That is about all.
Cons: I do NOT like Cults (religious or sex cults of any kind), nor do I want to read any books about Cults. This is why I am including this in my review. If someone had put this in the book description, I would never have requested the audiobook. None of the above is appealing to me. Slow-paced with multiple characters.
Audiobook: I have listened to narrator George Newbern before, but the way it was laid out was dull and mundane. I did not care for the audiobook at all. The same flat voice, the same throughout, like reading from a book. No change of voice and NOT engaging in any way. Because he does not change his voice, you have no clue who is talking. Not how I want to spend 8 Hours, 27 Minutes of my time.
Unfortunately, I would NOT recommend the book nor the audio.
My first book by the author. I am sure the author is talented indicated by other reviewers, and this book may appeal to other readers, I am just not one of them. Book publishers, please start adding CULTS in the description, so I can stay away.
Thank you to #DreamscapeMedia and #NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 2.5 Stars Rounded to 3 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 4, 2022
Set in northern rural New York, Reed Raleigh is the protagonist of this unsettling novel. He is an investigator for Major Crimes and has been assigned the case of finding the killer who left a young woman, Kasey, with a strange symbol carved in her stomach dead in the forest.
Reed is a troubled soul. A veteran with PTSD, a divorce, and a recent separation from his son. He is still grieving the disappearance of his stepdaughter (missing for years).
The case becomes complicated when Kasey's mother and Kasey's boyfriend are not forthcoming with the investigation, and Kasey's appeared to have secrets.
However, after further investigation, it appears there is more to the story than just one murder.
Something bigger and more sinister involves other murders, suicides, and clues leading to religious and sex cults. From rape, sex with minors, control, witchcraft, carving, strangling, drugs, branding, molestation, conspiracy, blackmail, power, and more.
However, since they cannot make arrests for cults, they must find ways they are breaking the law. Similar cases go back 50 years.
Pros: I liked Reed Raleigh. That is about all.
Cons: I do NOT like Cults (religious or sex cults of any kind), nor do I want to read any books about Cults. This is why I am including this in my review. If someone had put this in the book description, I would never have requested the audiobook. None of the above is appealing to me. Slow-paced with multiple characters.
Audiobook: I have listened to narrator George Newbern before, but the way it was laid out was dull and mundane. I did not care for the audiobook at all. The same flat voice, the same throughout, like reading from a book. No change of voice and NOT engaging in any way. Because he does not change his voice, you have no clue who is talking. Not how I want to spend 8 Hours, 27 Minutes of my time.
Unfortunately, I would NOT recommend the book nor the audio.
My first book by the author. I am sure the author is talented indicated by other reviewers, and this book may appeal to other readers, I am just not one of them. Book publishers, please start adding CULTS in the description, so I can stay away.
Thank you to #DreamscapeMedia and #NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 2.5 Stars Rounded to 3 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 4, 2022
November 18, 2020
This book was nothing like I expected. It started out as the usual police procedural – a teenage girl turns up dead with a strange symbol carved into her stomach. She’s been strangled. Not much else to go on. A jaded cop with a troubled background, divorced, in therapy, hardly ever sees his teenage son. His step-daughter vanished when she was a child – her body never recovered.
But then everything changed. And boy did it change. Suddenly we have two dramatic suicides, a town full of secrets, similar cases going back 50 years and Reed in the middle trying work out the connections. Almost everyone is a suspect. Or is that because they are all guilty? Is it about underage sex? Or drugs? Or pseudo-religious control? This is small town America at its worst and worse than its worst. And if you feel you need to suspend disbelief, then take a look at old newspaper clippings. This kind of thing really did happen and still does. It even happens in the UK. Scientology has around ten locations here.
But we are not just talking about David Koresh or Jim Jones or L Ron Hubbard – the big players who still make the national and international news to this day. Children of God – which became Family International in 2004 – not only permitted sex with children but actually encouraged it, believing it was ‘a divine right’. It still exists today but without the underage sex. Others include the Sullivanians and Heaven’s Gate. Most of these cults originated in the 1950s though I have no idea why that is.
I can’t say too much more or I will give away the plot and that would spoil things. Suffice to say that once Reed and his colleagues start to dig, what they discover is beyond anything they could have imagined.
This book is so well written and exciting that I read the whole thing in three sittings. I love this kind of thing. I am fascinated by cults and how people get drawn in. Rough Country explores these themes as well as being a traditional who-dunnit. Brilliant stuff.
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
But then everything changed. And boy did it change. Suddenly we have two dramatic suicides, a town full of secrets, similar cases going back 50 years and Reed in the middle trying work out the connections. Almost everyone is a suspect. Or is that because they are all guilty? Is it about underage sex? Or drugs? Or pseudo-religious control? This is small town America at its worst and worse than its worst. And if you feel you need to suspend disbelief, then take a look at old newspaper clippings. This kind of thing really did happen and still does. It even happens in the UK. Scientology has around ten locations here.
But we are not just talking about David Koresh or Jim Jones or L Ron Hubbard – the big players who still make the national and international news to this day. Children of God – which became Family International in 2004 – not only permitted sex with children but actually encouraged it, believing it was ‘a divine right’. It still exists today but without the underage sex. Others include the Sullivanians and Heaven’s Gate. Most of these cults originated in the 1950s though I have no idea why that is.
I can’t say too much more or I will give away the plot and that would spoil things. Suffice to say that once Reed and his colleagues start to dig, what they discover is beyond anything they could have imagined.
This book is so well written and exciting that I read the whole thing in three sittings. I love this kind of thing. I am fascinated by cults and how people get drawn in. Rough Country explores these themes as well as being a traditional who-dunnit. Brilliant stuff.
Many thanks to @damppebbles for inviting me to be part of #damppebblesblogtours and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2020
Set in New York State
Rough Country
is a standalone police procedural. I was keen to read it as I have read and enjoyed other works by T.J. Brearton including Buried Secrets and The Husbands.
The Major Crimes Unit's Detective Reed Raleigh is called in to investigate when a teacher from Eastern Adirondack College, on her usual early morning dog walk, finds murdered fifteen-year-old Kasey Stevens in a forest near the hamlet of Carmen, New York. The victim has bruises around her neck, and her stomach is bloody from incisions that appear to be strange symbols. Kasey’s mother, Ida arrives and seems distraught to learn that her daughter is dead but why are the Stevens family obstructing the team?
With secrets and lies in abundance, this was such a compelling read! The investigating team worked well together and there were plenty of suspects to ponder on. T.J. Brearton's writing style continued to impress me, making this novel a difficult one to put down. With a lot to offer, including a tight plot, great characters and endless reveals, choosing to read Rough Country was a good decision. The protagonist Reed Raleigh was an intelligent and affable investigator who had his own troubles of a personal nature to contend with and who liked to do things his own way. From the opening chapters, this was an entertaining read full of mystery and intrigue as the Stevens family secrets and indiscretions were gradually disclosed. The way in which T.J. Brearton brought everything to a conclusion was immensely satisfying and I highly recommend Rough Country.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Inkubator Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The Major Crimes Unit's Detective Reed Raleigh is called in to investigate when a teacher from Eastern Adirondack College, on her usual early morning dog walk, finds murdered fifteen-year-old Kasey Stevens in a forest near the hamlet of Carmen, New York. The victim has bruises around her neck, and her stomach is bloody from incisions that appear to be strange symbols. Kasey’s mother, Ida arrives and seems distraught to learn that her daughter is dead but why are the Stevens family obstructing the team?
With secrets and lies in abundance, this was such a compelling read! The investigating team worked well together and there were plenty of suspects to ponder on. T.J. Brearton's writing style continued to impress me, making this novel a difficult one to put down. With a lot to offer, including a tight plot, great characters and endless reveals, choosing to read Rough Country was a good decision. The protagonist Reed Raleigh was an intelligent and affable investigator who had his own troubles of a personal nature to contend with and who liked to do things his own way. From the opening chapters, this was an entertaining read full of mystery and intrigue as the Stevens family secrets and indiscretions were gradually disclosed. The way in which T.J. Brearton brought everything to a conclusion was immensely satisfying and I highly recommend Rough Country.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Inkubator Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 15, 2020
This is the second book I have read by this author. And whilst I did really enjoy the first one this book was even better. I loved the dark gritty intense atmosphere created by the location in a small rural town and the suffocating and desolate feel it creates. The small rural town gives you a real sense of the community the story is set in which makes it feel very believable. The lead investigator Reed Raleigh is a great lead character with an intensity of his own and a troubled history and I hope to meet him again sometime soon.
Kasey is found murdered in woods in the north of New York State, with a strange symbol carved into her stomach. Investigator Reed Raleigh, Major Crimes, is tasked with finding the killer. As Reed and his team start to get further into the investigation it becomes clear that this case is more complex than they originally thought and may well be linked to a decades old secret that people are still fighting to protect.
Kasey is found murdered in woods in the north of New York State, with a strange symbol carved into her stomach. Investigator Reed Raleigh, Major Crimes, is tasked with finding the killer. As Reed and his team start to get further into the investigation it becomes clear that this case is more complex than they originally thought and may well be linked to a decades old secret that people are still fighting to protect.
November 13, 2020
My review is on my blog
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
December 30, 2020
Excellent!
Really enjoyed the book! Plenty of twists that really kept the story interesting! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Really enjoyed the book! Plenty of twists that really kept the story interesting! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
November 12, 2020
Rough Country is one of those crime thrillers that stays with you. The emotions run high in this novel, and the twists and turns leave you guessing until the very end.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Completely glued to my seat, I was equal parts thrilled and frightened at the same time. T.J. Brearton has a way with words, and his storytelling style is easy to read.
My only complaint is that there were so many characters introduced at once that I had a hard time keeping them straight. While the descriptions of the characters are there, I couldn’t bring up a mental picture of them. While this did diminish my reading experience some, it wasn’t enough that I didn’t love it. I still mark it up with one of the best of the year.
I am happy to award Rough Country 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone with a love of crime thrillers will find something to love in this novel. There are some dark subjects, but Brearton deals with them compassionately.
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Completely glued to my seat, I was equal parts thrilled and frightened at the same time. T.J. Brearton has a way with words, and his storytelling style is easy to read.
My only complaint is that there were so many characters introduced at once that I had a hard time keeping them straight. While the descriptions of the characters are there, I couldn’t bring up a mental picture of them. While this did diminish my reading experience some, it wasn’t enough that I didn’t love it. I still mark it up with one of the best of the year.
I am happy to award Rough Country 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone with a love of crime thrillers will find something to love in this novel. There are some dark subjects, but Brearton deals with them compassionately.
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2022
When a young girl turns up murdered with a strange symbol carved into her, the police department has no idea what their about to uncover. Investigator Reed Raleigh is a veteran with PTSD, his life is kind of a mess but it turns out he is just what this case needs. Turns out quite a few people in this town have hidden second lives and that dead girl was just a small break in the dam of deviance and violence Reed is about to uncover.
I love a gritty cop drama. Reed is a great protagonist and this little town is full of unusual characters. I liked the turn this one took and how in depth of a view we got of what the town was really up to. Definitely not a thriller but rather a solid police procedural with a complex mystery at its core. I’d definitely read another story set in this town with Reed investigating.
I did this one on audio and the narrator’s performance was great for this style of novel. It gave me a bit of a podcasty feel that kept me wanting to listen.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media for access to the audiobook via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.
I love a gritty cop drama. Reed is a great protagonist and this little town is full of unusual characters. I liked the turn this one took and how in depth of a view we got of what the town was really up to. Definitely not a thriller but rather a solid police procedural with a complex mystery at its core. I’d definitely read another story set in this town with Reed investigating.
I did this one on audio and the narrator’s performance was great for this style of novel. It gave me a bit of a podcasty feel that kept me wanting to listen.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media for access to the audiobook via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.
November 16, 2020
This book grips your attention from the prologue and doesn’t let go! From its explosive opening right down to the satisfying ending, it’s the kind of thriller you can devour in one day. What starts out as a murder of a teenage girl soon evolves into something bigger, involving the community in the small town she lived in. The storyline of intergenerational beliefs is fascinating and relevant, especially if readers are up to date on real-life events involving cults and conspiracy theories.
I thought Reed Raleigh is a solid protagonist. While he carries the usual trope of a police officer with a traumatic past and broken relationships, he doesn’t go too far off the edge. He tries his best to get justice for the victim and has no problems asking for help. I also appreciated the scenes of him seeing a psychologist. While the book is fast-paced, I do wish it slows down enough at the end so I could see the full effect of the fallout from Reed’s investigation. But I hope this is not the last we see of Reed Raleigh!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
I thought Reed Raleigh is a solid protagonist. While he carries the usual trope of a police officer with a traumatic past and broken relationships, he doesn’t go too far off the edge. He tries his best to get justice for the victim and has no problems asking for help. I also appreciated the scenes of him seeing a psychologist. While the book is fast-paced, I do wish it slows down enough at the end so I could see the full effect of the fallout from Reed’s investigation. But I hope this is not the last we see of Reed Raleigh!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.
November 15, 2020
What do you get when you combine a state police detective who suffers from PTSD, a dead teenager and a small community that appears to be pretty tight knit? Rough Country, the new thriller from TJ Brearton takes these elements and spins a yarn that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Detective Reed Raleigh has to put aside the unresolved loss of his young daughter and his PTSD from his service in Afghanistan in order to investigate a murder that has a series of leads that all seem to lead to more unanswered questions. This story kept me guessing at the identification of the murderer due to evidence threads that when pulled lead to more questions than answers, until the moment when there was a resolution. If you are looking for a really good detective story with a very likeable lead character pick up a copy of Rough Country and give it look, I’m sure that’s all it will take to get you hooked on this story. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
October 31, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of Rough Country, a stand-alone set in upstate New York.
Kasey Stevens is found dead with a strange symbol carved on her stomach in the woods near the town of Ellison. Detective Reed Raleigh of the State’s Major Crime Unit is sent to investigate. What he finds and the strange behaviour of those closest to Kasey, lies, obfuscation and out of the ordinary acts, leads him to believe that he is investigating more than the murder of one teenager.
I enjoyed Rough Country which is the absorbing tale of simple, or maybe not, country folk, with big secrets. There are plenty of twists and turns, none of which I foresaw, so I was glued to the pages. I should, however, warn readers that a working knowledge of non-political conspiracy theories would be helpful at points, but I loved the way the author entwined them and worked them into his plot. It appealed to my sense of the ridiculous. The plot is fairly wide ranging in terms of time, linking events up to 50 years ago to the present, and in scope with a wide cast of characters, although the basic motivation is as old as life itself. It may rely on a few leaps of faith but it’s coherent, presents a puzzle and is easy to follow.
I like Reed Raleigh and would love to read more of his investigations. As befits any modern protagonist he has a troubled past, a missing child, divorce , PTSD from time in the navy, lonely, etc.. Much more interesting to me is his mostly even tempered and logical approach to his investigation. I like a professional who appears to know what he’s doing and covers all the bases. It makes for a smooth and calming read despite the mayhem going on around him.
Rough Country is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Kasey Stevens is found dead with a strange symbol carved on her stomach in the woods near the town of Ellison. Detective Reed Raleigh of the State’s Major Crime Unit is sent to investigate. What he finds and the strange behaviour of those closest to Kasey, lies, obfuscation and out of the ordinary acts, leads him to believe that he is investigating more than the murder of one teenager.
I enjoyed Rough Country which is the absorbing tale of simple, or maybe not, country folk, with big secrets. There are plenty of twists and turns, none of which I foresaw, so I was glued to the pages. I should, however, warn readers that a working knowledge of non-political conspiracy theories would be helpful at points, but I loved the way the author entwined them and worked them into his plot. It appealed to my sense of the ridiculous. The plot is fairly wide ranging in terms of time, linking events up to 50 years ago to the present, and in scope with a wide cast of characters, although the basic motivation is as old as life itself. It may rely on a few leaps of faith but it’s coherent, presents a puzzle and is easy to follow.
I like Reed Raleigh and would love to read more of his investigations. As befits any modern protagonist he has a troubled past, a missing child, divorce , PTSD from time in the navy, lonely, etc.. Much more interesting to me is his mostly even tempered and logical approach to his investigation. I like a professional who appears to know what he’s doing and covers all the bases. It makes for a smooth and calming read despite the mayhem going on around him.
Rough Country is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 28, 2020
Rough Country by T.J. Brearton
North Country Series
What a story! Caught up in the story from page one I was unable to go to sleep till the wee hours of the morning because I *had* to know what would happen. As a person who often reads the ending first, I have to say that I was still surprised at the twists this tale took! Not always easy to read but definitely un-put-down-able!
What I liked:
* Reed Raleigh: a New York death investigator with a backstory that was intense and intriguing. I like him and would love to see him on another case in the future.
* The plot, pacing and writing – excellent!
* It was believable
* I felt I was there
* I cared about the case and the people working it as well as the victims
* Virginia: a BCI investigator, mother, and perhaps future love interest for Reed?
* Crane: psychologist for veterans…someone that seemed dedicated even though only seen a few times
*Kruse, Pyle, and other supporting characters – each well fleshed out and interesting people I wouldn’t mind knowing better
* Being able to thoroughly dislike the bad guy(s)
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that what happened in this book has happened in the past, is probably happening now and will continue to happen in the future
* Not knowing if this is a one time event with this detective or if he might have a series of his own.
Did I like this story? YES!
Would I read more by this author? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
North Country Series
What a story! Caught up in the story from page one I was unable to go to sleep till the wee hours of the morning because I *had* to know what would happen. As a person who often reads the ending first, I have to say that I was still surprised at the twists this tale took! Not always easy to read but definitely un-put-down-able!
What I liked:
* Reed Raleigh: a New York death investigator with a backstory that was intense and intriguing. I like him and would love to see him on another case in the future.
* The plot, pacing and writing – excellent!
* It was believable
* I felt I was there
* I cared about the case and the people working it as well as the victims
* Virginia: a BCI investigator, mother, and perhaps future love interest for Reed?
* Crane: psychologist for veterans…someone that seemed dedicated even though only seen a few times
*Kruse, Pyle, and other supporting characters – each well fleshed out and interesting people I wouldn’t mind knowing better
* Being able to thoroughly dislike the bad guy(s)
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Knowing that what happened in this book has happened in the past, is probably happening now and will continue to happen in the future
* Not knowing if this is a one time event with this detective or if he might have a series of his own.
Did I like this story? YES!
Would I read more by this author? Definitely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 11, 2020
If the prologue of "Rough Country" doesn't get your pulse racing, I don't know what will. It's intense. What follows is so full of twists and turns, I ended up suspecting everybody. T.J. Brearton has written a superb book here (and written it superbly!), and I just found it fascinating from start to finish. The main character, Reed Raleigh, is crafted so well that I'm sure he must be based on a real person. I can't wait to get more books from this author.
This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. My thanks to @inkubatorbooks and @damppebblesblogtours
This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. My thanks to @inkubatorbooks and @damppebblesblogtours
August 27, 2022
Kindle Review: Pending
Audio Review: An engrossing audio version, well-narrated, which immediately captured my attention and maintained it throughout, with lots of red herrings and investigative sidetrack, and an engaging failed hero protagonist, nonetheless determined to persevere.
Audio Review: An engrossing audio version, well-narrated, which immediately captured my attention and maintained it throughout, with lots of red herrings and investigative sidetrack, and an engaging failed hero protagonist, nonetheless determined to persevere.
November 15, 2020
Once again, TJ has given us another page turner. He never fails me! And once again, I accused an innocent person of the crimes. If you have never read this author, it’s time you did so. You won’t be disappointed. I’m already eagerly awaiting his next offering.
November 15, 2020
I have been a fan of T. J. Brearton’s work for a little while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that he has written but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘Rough Country’ and it certainly sounded like I was going to be in for a treat. I was spot on, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Rough Country’ but more about that in a bit.
The main character is a man called Reed Raleigh. He used to be in the army but is no longer. He suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the various issues he is in his life. One big issue being the loss of his child. Raleigh is receiving therapy as a result of his issues but I am not sure how receptive he is to the whole ‘therapy’ idea. He doesn’t seem very enthusiastic shall we say. Raleigh is now employed as an investigator and he uses his experiences of his army career to help him in his current role. Raleigh is a bit of a mystery too.
I have to say that I was drawn into the story from start and from then on, I couldn’t get enough of the story. To say that reading ‘Rough Country’ became addictive is a bit of an understatement. If I wasn’t reading this book, then I would be thinking about the book. If I didn’t have the book in my hand then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if my theories were true or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. The pages of the book turned over at speed and at one point the page numbers became a blur. I soon reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Reed Raleigh.
‘Rough Country’ is well written. The author certainly knows how to start the story in a memorable way, which will stick fresh in my mind for a long time to come. From then one, I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Rough Country’ felt much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you could possibly imagine. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s all thanks to T. J. Brearton’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Rough Country’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The main character is a man called Reed Raleigh. He used to be in the army but is no longer. He suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the various issues he is in his life. One big issue being the loss of his child. Raleigh is receiving therapy as a result of his issues but I am not sure how receptive he is to the whole ‘therapy’ idea. He doesn’t seem very enthusiastic shall we say. Raleigh is now employed as an investigator and he uses his experiences of his army career to help him in his current role. Raleigh is a bit of a mystery too.
I have to say that I was drawn into the story from start and from then on, I couldn’t get enough of the story. To say that reading ‘Rough Country’ became addictive is a bit of an understatement. If I wasn’t reading this book, then I would be thinking about the book. If I didn’t have the book in my hand then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if my theories were true or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. The pages of the book turned over at speed and at one point the page numbers became a blur. I soon reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Reed Raleigh.
‘Rough Country’ is well written. The author certainly knows how to start the story in a memorable way, which will stick fresh in my mind for a long time to come. From then one, I was gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Rough Country’ felt much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you could possibly imagine. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s all thanks to T. J. Brearton’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Rough Country’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 13, 2020
Rough Country was an enjoyable read, with plenty of twists and turns throughout. It was also a book that I felt brought out the emotions of those involved in the situation, whether they were directly involved or spectators to the investigation, as this was a book that cut to the heart of the rural town and its occupants. Delving into their lives and beliefs and secrets, in the search for the truth of Kasey’s death. I felt the prologue was the strongest part of the book and does an excellent job of making you sit up in your chair and hooking you into the story.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that the plot wasn’t constrained to the immediate timeframe, instead exploring and linking events across decades and weaving them together into the present events. This added a depth to the story, that wasn’t necessary there at other points, especially in terms of the investigation that felt a little lost in the rest of what was happening at times.
There was a large cast of characters in this one that is introduced fairly quickly and closely together, and while some stood out more than others, it was difficult to keep track of them at times. That said Raleigh made for an interesting character, and while he was fairly typical in terms of modern detectives/protagonists having a somewhat troubled past, he was enjoyable to read. I liked his approach to the investigation, very methodical and calm in the face of everything that is happening, and I felt that he carried the investigation aspect of the book and gave it the sense of progress and professionalism.
Brearton has an easy, flowing writing style, and the pacing was excellent, and this is a well-plotted story with just the right amount of tension and plot twists to leave you needing to know what happened next. Creating an entertaining read, that fans of crime fiction will enjoy
What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that the plot wasn’t constrained to the immediate timeframe, instead exploring and linking events across decades and weaving them together into the present events. This added a depth to the story, that wasn’t necessary there at other points, especially in terms of the investigation that felt a little lost in the rest of what was happening at times.
There was a large cast of characters in this one that is introduced fairly quickly and closely together, and while some stood out more than others, it was difficult to keep track of them at times. That said Raleigh made for an interesting character, and while he was fairly typical in terms of modern detectives/protagonists having a somewhat troubled past, he was enjoyable to read. I liked his approach to the investigation, very methodical and calm in the face of everything that is happening, and I felt that he carried the investigation aspect of the book and gave it the sense of progress and professionalism.
Brearton has an easy, flowing writing style, and the pacing was excellent, and this is a well-plotted story with just the right amount of tension and plot twists to leave you needing to know what happened next. Creating an entertaining read, that fans of crime fiction will enjoy
November 13, 2020
4 Stars from me
Apologies all as I am a little late in the day posting this one!
Having enjoyed previous T J Brearton books I was greatly looking forward to reading Rough Country and I am glad to say the story did not disappoint!
I loved how the story appeared to be heading in one direction, jogging along nicely on the way to tracking down the killer of our victim, Kacey - mostly likely some kind of lovers quarrel - and then suddenly out of no where the story gets derailed a previous victim comes to light.
This changes the whole slant on the investigation and the story ramps up from this point onwards and more and more is discovered.
I loved the edginess around the key suspects, they were all so darn slippery and I would have been happy with any of them being identified as the killer as virtually everyone we were introduced to seemed to be hiding something!
I thought Reed Raleigh was a great character to carry the story - I know not every likes a troubled cop with demons but personally do. I like them having flaws and juggling their own battle scars along with the case.
Overall, a good satisfying read.
My thanks to Emma from @damppebbles and T.J. Brearton for letting me be a part of this tour. #RoughCountry #TJBrearton @inkubatorbooks @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours
Apologies all as I am a little late in the day posting this one!
Having enjoyed previous T J Brearton books I was greatly looking forward to reading Rough Country and I am glad to say the story did not disappoint!
I loved how the story appeared to be heading in one direction, jogging along nicely on the way to tracking down the killer of our victim, Kacey - mostly likely some kind of lovers quarrel - and then suddenly out of no where the story gets derailed a previous victim comes to light.
This changes the whole slant on the investigation and the story ramps up from this point onwards and more and more is discovered.
I loved the edginess around the key suspects, they were all so darn slippery and I would have been happy with any of them being identified as the killer as virtually everyone we were introduced to seemed to be hiding something!
I thought Reed Raleigh was a great character to carry the story - I know not every likes a troubled cop with demons but personally do. I like them having flaws and juggling their own battle scars along with the case.
Overall, a good satisfying read.
My thanks to Emma from @damppebbles and T.J. Brearton for letting me be a part of this tour. #RoughCountry #TJBrearton @inkubatorbooks @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours
November 21, 2020
Having really enjoyed Into Darkness and Road to Mercy, I jumped at the chance to review another T. J. Brearton book. Rough Country is a more straightforward police procedural than the Shannon Ames novels - no dead celebrities, bombs or cross-country chases this time - but is just as masterfully handled.
As with his other novels, in Rough Country, Brearton creates a real sense of place. This comes through not only in his vivid descriptions of the outskirts of a small town in upstate New York, where houses are few and far between and there’s a single diner sitting out on its own, but in the way he describes the area’s history and connections between its residents.
As investigator Reed Raleigh is unfamiliar with the town, these webs emerge to the reader largely as he (and his super-smart researcher colleague Virginia) uncovers them, which is very satisfying. Without giving too much away, Kasey’s murder links right back to the shared trauma of the local sawmill closing in the 1970s, and how the families who stayed in the area collectively responded to that.
Like Into Darkness, which dealt with the fallout of online shaming, Rough Country is very topical and timely. Many of the persons of interest interviewed by Raleigh spout conspiracy theories about the control eight super-rich families have over the rest of the population, pizzagate, and alien lizards masquerading as humans. A Guardian article about increasing belief in conspiracy theories among vulnerable people as a result of COVID-19 came out just after I started reading this book, and as I was reading, I was making connections between the story and the report.
While there’s a lot of worldbuilding and complex information in Rough Country, the author carries it lightly. There are no info dumps; it all comes out through conversations between Reed and the other characters, whether they’re locals he’s interviewing or colleagues letting him know their findings as they go along. The plot moves quickly, there’s a lot of suspense, and initially nefarious-seeming characters turn out to be decent people, and vice versa.
I liked Reed - he has issues, but he’s working on them, and he has good taste in music and a sense of humour. Also, going by Brearton’s descriptions of his appearance, I think I would enjoy watching him on screen if the book was adapted into a film or series!
Rough Country is another timely, vivid crime novel from an author who is rapidly becoming one to watch.
As with his other novels, in Rough Country, Brearton creates a real sense of place. This comes through not only in his vivid descriptions of the outskirts of a small town in upstate New York, where houses are few and far between and there’s a single diner sitting out on its own, but in the way he describes the area’s history and connections between its residents.
As investigator Reed Raleigh is unfamiliar with the town, these webs emerge to the reader largely as he (and his super-smart researcher colleague Virginia) uncovers them, which is very satisfying. Without giving too much away, Kasey’s murder links right back to the shared trauma of the local sawmill closing in the 1970s, and how the families who stayed in the area collectively responded to that.
Like Into Darkness, which dealt with the fallout of online shaming, Rough Country is very topical and timely. Many of the persons of interest interviewed by Raleigh spout conspiracy theories about the control eight super-rich families have over the rest of the population, pizzagate, and alien lizards masquerading as humans. A Guardian article about increasing belief in conspiracy theories among vulnerable people as a result of COVID-19 came out just after I started reading this book, and as I was reading, I was making connections between the story and the report.
While there’s a lot of worldbuilding and complex information in Rough Country, the author carries it lightly. There are no info dumps; it all comes out through conversations between Reed and the other characters, whether they’re locals he’s interviewing or colleagues letting him know their findings as they go along. The plot moves quickly, there’s a lot of suspense, and initially nefarious-seeming characters turn out to be decent people, and vice versa.
I liked Reed - he has issues, but he’s working on them, and he has good taste in music and a sense of humour. Also, going by Brearton’s descriptions of his appearance, I think I would enjoy watching him on screen if the book was adapted into a film or series!
Rough Country is another timely, vivid crime novel from an author who is rapidly becoming one to watch.
November 16, 2020
Rough Country by T.J. Brearton will keep the reader searching for clues to solve the question of "Who killed Kasey?" The opening scene of this book is heartbreaking and a prelude to the secrets, lies, and evil that lurks in this small community of the Adirondacks.
Detective Reed Raleigh is called to the brutal murder scene of a sixteen-year-old girl. She had been choked and then had an odd cult symbol carved into her stomach area. Reed is determined to find the meaning of the symbol hoping it will lead him to the person responsible for her murder. Soon there are other bodies to process, not murdered, but suicides. Something evil is happening among these people and he must find the answers.
I enjoyed this book and the character of Detective Reed Raleigh. He has his problems, but he does not give up until the case is solved.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Detective Reed Raleigh is called to the brutal murder scene of a sixteen-year-old girl. She had been choked and then had an odd cult symbol carved into her stomach area. Reed is determined to find the meaning of the symbol hoping it will lead him to the person responsible for her murder. Soon there are other bodies to process, not murdered, but suicides. Something evil is happening among these people and he must find the answers.
I enjoyed this book and the character of Detective Reed Raleigh. He has his problems, but he does not give up until the case is solved.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 17, 2020
Rough Country by T.J Brearton is a standalone crime thriller, set in New York State. A young girl, Kasey Stevens, is found dead with a strange symbol carved in her stomach. Detective Reed Raleigh from the Major Crime Unit is sent out to deal with the discovery. Reed and his team have the task to discover what happened and why? As the investigation unfolds it seems that there is more to Kasey's death than meets the eye. This case may possibly connected to something that someone is so concerned about they are willing to kill for.Can Reed get to the bottom of it or not?
As soon as I began to read, I immediately felt the atmospheric, intensity of the town this book is set in.It is a small town in which everyone knows everything and everyone too. I felt it lent to the realism of the story and I could sense the crushing heaviness that such a town can create. All of these different things made for a gritty read.
Reed Raleigh is a man who has his own issues. An ex- services man, he is struggling with PTSD, a divorce, and a missing child. He is a great character, I connected immediately with him. He is so calm and collected in his work and all the while inside he is struggling with his own stuff. He is determined to get to the bottom of it, and makes sure all bases are covered to do this.
I sped through this book with ease, couldn't put it down and would love to see Reed Raleigh with his issues and dealing with murders and crimes that need solving. Highly recommended reading for these dark yukky nights.
Thanks to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours, Booksprout and Inkubator Books for the copy of the book for my review today.
As soon as I began to read, I immediately felt the atmospheric, intensity of the town this book is set in.It is a small town in which everyone knows everything and everyone too. I felt it lent to the realism of the story and I could sense the crushing heaviness that such a town can create. All of these different things made for a gritty read.
Reed Raleigh is a man who has his own issues. An ex- services man, he is struggling with PTSD, a divorce, and a missing child. He is a great character, I connected immediately with him. He is so calm and collected in his work and all the while inside he is struggling with his own stuff. He is determined to get to the bottom of it, and makes sure all bases are covered to do this.
I sped through this book with ease, couldn't put it down and would love to see Reed Raleigh with his issues and dealing with murders and crimes that need solving. Highly recommended reading for these dark yukky nights.
Thanks to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours, Booksprout and Inkubator Books for the copy of the book for my review today.
November 24, 2020
This one was a quick and easy read. In a crime thriller, that can be both good and bad. There was quite a bit of good. The author did a fantastic job creating an atmosphere right from the beginning. It’s no spoiler to say that a girl is running through the forest (but why?). Simple enough. But the author’s use of imagery, similes, and other descriptive phrasing made the scene literally come alive. Once the real story takes hold, the author maintains the crisp writing. There were an awful lot of characters to keep track of. There were a few times that I had to go back and remind myself of who a person was and refresh their relationship to the investigation. There were other times that language choices seemed lazy. These jumped out at me because of the great descriptions early on. One instance was when the author referred to the “body-recovery people.” Really? How about the Coroner’s Office, or Rescue and Recovery team? Still a decent read. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to Damp Pebbles and Inkubator Books for a digital ARC of the book.
November 16, 2020
A strange story line involving etchings from the past and present cult involving a small community. Characters from the community appear to be working together to cover up a current murder and disappearance from the past. Well worth reading.
November 16, 2020
Kasey Stevens was found strangled and had a symbol carved into her body. Two apparent suicides of people that Reed Raleigh of the NY state police suspected of the crime. A similar murder in a town nearby and a cult. There is some twists and turns to keep you wanting to read to find out the conclusion.
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