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Crickets
"You won't want to put this book down." -SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEW
"A small-town psychological thriller with a big-time payoff. This stunning debut is a must-read for Gillian Flynn fans." -BEST THRILLERS
Kara Peterson last drove away from Paige, Ohio ten years ago after reporting a rape.
She thought she knew who was responsible. She thought it was over.
But she doesn't know everything that happened that night.
When her father passes away unexpectedly, Kara's forced to return to her hometown. Paige should be a safe little town, especially for the daughter of its favorite sheriff, but something's wrong with Kara's memories. There are times that have gone missing. In fact, there are more and more of them the longer she stays in town.
Maybe it's her hometown getting to her. Or maybe it's just him.
"Mind-blowing...[the ending] hits us like a ton of bricks." -LITERARY TITAN
"Chappel's ability to inject psychological tension and quiet revelations from the start will keep readers engrossed and on edge throughout the story. Well-stepped in a sense of place, purpose, and small town interconnections past and present, Crickets is a riveting suspense that won't disappoint."
-MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
"A true nail-biter that will keep you on the edge of your seat" -INDIES TODAY
"Spectacularly gripping...a must-read for lovers of finely-crafted psychological mysteries" -THE PRAIRIES
"Immensely satisfying" -BOOKVIEW
341 pages, ebook
Published September 13, 2021
5 people are currently reading
591 people want to read
About the author
Lee Chappel
2 books26 followersLee Chappel enjoys writing suspense and psychological mysteries but still can't handle the surprises in Scooby Doo. Visit leechappel.com or email lee@leechappel.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 2, 2022
Kara returns to her hometown after her father's unexpected death from a heart attack. She is there to get his affairs in order and sell the house. She has not been back since she was raped at a party ten years ago. She believes the rapist is Dalton Rolenfeld, who is from a prominent family and is now running for political office. Haunted by traumatic memories, she leans on her best friend Brent for support. Detective Kim Ellis has transferred to the town of Paige and has to work with an old boys' club in the Police Department that is heavily influenced by the wealthy local family, the Rolenfelds. Despite objections from other detectives who don't want to rock the boat and upset the prominent family, Kim begins to try and find out who assaulted Kara that night ten years ago.
This is a compelling and captivating psychological thriller. The villain of this story is well written and the mind games that they perpetrate will keep you turning the page. The foreshadowing and subtle hints woven into the story are excellent. The mystery is well thought out, and we follow Detective Ellis as she tries to piece it together. This story is told from multiple viewpoints, and each chapter is titled with the name of the person who is speaking. One of the viewpoints is that of the villain, and I found this a valuable and fascinating addition to the book. The typical prejudices, favoritisms, and rumors of a small town are very much existent in the town of Paige. The reader is kept in suspense throughout the book, and the ending is surprising and satisfying. This combination of trauma, deception, manipulation, and the quest for justice makes for a fascinating read.
I received a free copy of this book from Bleau Press. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is a compelling and captivating psychological thriller. The villain of this story is well written and the mind games that they perpetrate will keep you turning the page. The foreshadowing and subtle hints woven into the story are excellent. The mystery is well thought out, and we follow Detective Ellis as she tries to piece it together. This story is told from multiple viewpoints, and each chapter is titled with the name of the person who is speaking. One of the viewpoints is that of the villain, and I found this a valuable and fascinating addition to the book. The typical prejudices, favoritisms, and rumors of a small town are very much existent in the town of Paige. The reader is kept in suspense throughout the book, and the ending is surprising and satisfying. This combination of trauma, deception, manipulation, and the quest for justice makes for a fascinating read.
I received a free copy of this book from Bleau Press. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
October 31, 2021
4 Stars
After her father’s death, Kara returns to her hometown to settle his affairs. She hasn’t been back since she was sexually assaulted at a party 10 years ago. Her memories of the assault are jagged and broken and don't make sense. The man she accused has a powerful family and was never charged- and now he’s running for the US Senate.
A female detective named Sam is new in town, and she isn’t interested in joining the good ol’ boys club of already established police officers. While looking through the backlog of unsolved cases to get an impression of the new town she’s in, she finds the case for Kara’s unsolved sexual assault and decides to take it into her own hands to find justice for Kara.
I would like to see this book get more attention, I thought it was really good! It’s categorized as mystery/thriller but I would put this more into the mystery/suspense category.
Crickets was chock full of great characters and I loved that Kara was an unreliable narrator, I was questioning so many things while reading. While the ending didn’t come as a surprise to me, I was pleased to find that if you paid sharp attention, Chappel left a little breadcrumb trail of clues for you to figure out “whodunnit!” I had a hard time putting this one down and finished it in two days!
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-ARC!
After her father’s death, Kara returns to her hometown to settle his affairs. She hasn’t been back since she was sexually assaulted at a party 10 years ago. Her memories of the assault are jagged and broken and don't make sense. The man she accused has a powerful family and was never charged- and now he’s running for the US Senate.
A female detective named Sam is new in town, and she isn’t interested in joining the good ol’ boys club of already established police officers. While looking through the backlog of unsolved cases to get an impression of the new town she’s in, she finds the case for Kara’s unsolved sexual assault and decides to take it into her own hands to find justice for Kara.
I would like to see this book get more attention, I thought it was really good! It’s categorized as mystery/thriller but I would put this more into the mystery/suspense category.
Crickets was chock full of great characters and I loved that Kara was an unreliable narrator, I was questioning so many things while reading. While the ending didn’t come as a surprise to me, I was pleased to find that if you paid sharp attention, Chappel left a little breadcrumb trail of clues for you to figure out “whodunnit!” I had a hard time putting this one down and finished it in two days!
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-ARC!
October 8, 2021
Stunning
Crickets by Lee Chappel
Published: September 13, 2021
Bleau Press
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Lee Chappel enjoys writing suspense and psychological mysteries but still can't handle the surprises in scary children's cartoons.
“We can look so different when you change the light.”
Kara is returning to her small hometown to host her late father's celebration of life. She thinks she is prepared for the trip, but when past trauma flares and she finds herself struggling, she is thankful for her lifelong best friend, Brent, who is always willing to drop everything to be at her side. Returning home, Kara realizes there is a new face, a female detective at that, who takes an interest in what happened that night. Silence can be deafening.
This is a heavy one. But it is so delicately presented and so powerfully written. The uses of light and dark, sound, and the positive references for therapy make this such a brilliant read.
The characters were so well curated. Kara is such a beautiful character. She has deep, invisible scars and emotional trauma that everyone knows about but refuses to accept.
Brent is every bit the lifelong best friend you would expect. He is always willing to have Kara’s back, always ready to stay up all night watching cheesy movies, always there.
Cody is a well-intentioned acquaintance. He is a genuinely nice guy who just wants to help. He feels protective over Kara in ways he can’t quite explain, but he also knows he has to operate on her timeline.
Sam. Oh, Sam. She was a breath of fresh air. Everything about her character was perfect. She is intelligent, capable, quick-witted, and an absolute lioness.
Redemption comes in many forms, and I love how that was explored throughout this novel. The fact that trauma manifests differently in each person, and that was represented, was terrific.
There was a lot of factual information woven throughout this fictional story. And I love the fact that Sam, the new woman in town detective, was relentless in her pursuit for the truth.
This was such an unexpected read. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I am glad I accepted this novel. Beautifully written, powerfully delivered, and emotionally captivating, sometimes happiness finds you when you least expect it.
Crickets by Lee Chappel
Published: September 13, 2021
Bleau Press
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Lee Chappel enjoys writing suspense and psychological mysteries but still can't handle the surprises in scary children's cartoons.
“We can look so different when you change the light.”
Kara is returning to her small hometown to host her late father's celebration of life. She thinks she is prepared for the trip, but when past trauma flares and she finds herself struggling, she is thankful for her lifelong best friend, Brent, who is always willing to drop everything to be at her side. Returning home, Kara realizes there is a new face, a female detective at that, who takes an interest in what happened that night. Silence can be deafening.
This is a heavy one. But it is so delicately presented and so powerfully written. The uses of light and dark, sound, and the positive references for therapy make this such a brilliant read.
The characters were so well curated. Kara is such a beautiful character. She has deep, invisible scars and emotional trauma that everyone knows about but refuses to accept.
Brent is every bit the lifelong best friend you would expect. He is always willing to have Kara’s back, always ready to stay up all night watching cheesy movies, always there.
Cody is a well-intentioned acquaintance. He is a genuinely nice guy who just wants to help. He feels protective over Kara in ways he can’t quite explain, but he also knows he has to operate on her timeline.
Sam. Oh, Sam. She was a breath of fresh air. Everything about her character was perfect. She is intelligent, capable, quick-witted, and an absolute lioness.
Redemption comes in many forms, and I love how that was explored throughout this novel. The fact that trauma manifests differently in each person, and that was represented, was terrific.
There was a lot of factual information woven throughout this fictional story. And I love the fact that Sam, the new woman in town detective, was relentless in her pursuit for the truth.
This was such an unexpected read. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I am glad I accepted this novel. Beautifully written, powerfully delivered, and emotionally captivating, sometimes happiness finds you when you least expect it.
January 13, 2022
I received a review copy from BookSirens at my request and this is my honest opinion. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It was awesome, but the sad part is if I tried to explain exactly why I couldn't tell you. It uses my least favorite point of view - first person present. So you would think that would detract from my enjoyment of the story, but it doesn't. There is something about the way the different elements of it come together to make the sum greater than the total of its separate parts. There isn't a lot of action, per se, but what there is forms the basis of a great psychological thriller. I highly recommend this book and will be looking for more books by this author.
January 12, 2022
True psychological suspense that had me on the edge of my seat from the start. Strong female protagonists that were well developed. The storyline was great and I had no idea who the try antagonist was until the very end. This was a great read!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
November 4, 2021
Really good!
The title and blurb were intriguing, and though I didn’t like the (original) cover I decided to give this book a go - I’m so glad I did.
With the support of her childhood friend Brent, Kara Peterson returns to Paige some months after her father’s unexpected death and ten years after she was raped by the son of the town’s benefactor family, Dalton Rolenfeld. But Dalton had a cast iron alilbi, and the investigation went nowhere. With her imminent return, Kara receives an anonymous threat, and new memories of the assault rise to the surface. Sam Ellis, new to Paige’s sherrif’s department and still feeling her way in the community, picks up the case and is disturbed that her colleagues appear not to have followed basic procedure. So when Kara shares the new information with her, Sam is unsure if she can trust her fellow deputies to preserve and pursue the evidence. Sam needs a local she can trust to help her, and believes she finds that in construction engineer Cody; she also calls in the services of a forensic scientist friend from her former job. With all the original players back in town to celebrate Dalton’s election win, and further threats to Kara’s mental and physical health, Sam has to keep Kara safe and expose the truth once and for all.
This is a hugely accomplished debut. Believable characters, well-drawn small town vibes, a stark depiction of torn loyalties and victim prejudices. The pacing was spot on, I liked that Kara’s victimhood was not over-played, and I really liked Sam - I would love to see her in future outings.
I was pretty sure who the perpetrator was about a third of the way in, despite a somewhat clumsy attempt at misdirection towards the end, but I was so enjoying the read that it made no difference to me.
I strongly recommend this book and will definitely follow this author.
I received an ARC of this book for free through BookSirens. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
The title and blurb were intriguing, and though I didn’t like the (original) cover I decided to give this book a go - I’m so glad I did.
With the support of her childhood friend Brent, Kara Peterson returns to Paige some months after her father’s unexpected death and ten years after she was raped by the son of the town’s benefactor family, Dalton Rolenfeld. But Dalton had a cast iron alilbi, and the investigation went nowhere. With her imminent return, Kara receives an anonymous threat, and new memories of the assault rise to the surface. Sam Ellis, new to Paige’s sherrif’s department and still feeling her way in the community, picks up the case and is disturbed that her colleagues appear not to have followed basic procedure. So when Kara shares the new information with her, Sam is unsure if she can trust her fellow deputies to preserve and pursue the evidence. Sam needs a local she can trust to help her, and believes she finds that in construction engineer Cody; she also calls in the services of a forensic scientist friend from her former job. With all the original players back in town to celebrate Dalton’s election win, and further threats to Kara’s mental and physical health, Sam has to keep Kara safe and expose the truth once and for all.
This is a hugely accomplished debut. Believable characters, well-drawn small town vibes, a stark depiction of torn loyalties and victim prejudices. The pacing was spot on, I liked that Kara’s victimhood was not over-played, and I really liked Sam - I would love to see her in future outings.
I was pretty sure who the perpetrator was about a third of the way in, despite a somewhat clumsy attempt at misdirection towards the end, but I was so enjoying the read that it made no difference to me.
I strongly recommend this book and will definitely follow this author.
I received an ARC of this book for free through BookSirens. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
September 13, 2021
A Tightly Written Psychological Thriller
This giveaway winner kept me guessing until the end. Starkly chilling and just twisty enough without feeling contrived. A perfect fall read. One of my favorite picks!
This giveaway winner kept me guessing until the end. Starkly chilling and just twisty enough without feeling contrived. A perfect fall read. One of my favorite picks!
January 6, 2022
“Crickets is a book that makes you think twice about the sounds you hear when you’re alone. Are scratches on the window just a branch? Is there something watching you in the dark woods? You’ll never think about the quiet, darkness of night in the same way.”
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
About Crickets by Lee Chappel
Kara Peterson left home years ago after high school and after she was raped at a party. Only a few people believed her. Her dad was the sheriff, and the person she accused was from an influential family. When Kara left, she didn’t come back. Her friend from town, Brent, would go and see her sometimes. He and his mom were her only connection to the town. Her own mom had died from cancer, and now her dad was dead, too. She was going to have to go back.
Detective Sam Ellis, fairly new to town, is still getting to know everyone. Her friend, Cody, helps her learn who’s who. One thing Sam has decided after hearing about Kara is that she believes her. She’s done some looking into her case. Some protocols weren’t followed. Sam wonders why.
When Kara gets back to her dad’s place to start the long process of getting it ready to sell, she is flooded with memories. Some are terrifying, like reliving the night she was attacked. Seeing the clock, hearing sounds. Kara starts to believe she is going crazy when she hears scratching on the windows and crickets outside that just keep getting louder. She knows no one would ever believe her. Maybe she is going crazy.
Her friend, Brent’s mom, Bev, keeps bringing Kara food to eat. Bev is worried about her, she’s getting too thin, and her memories are at the surface. Kara and Brent spend evenings together to keep her brain occupied.
When a chance encounter leads to Kara needing medical attention, Detective Sam becomes even more interested in Kara’s past case. She begins to wonder if Kara is safe in her dad’s house. When Kara finally reveals more to Sam, things take another turn and lead to a secret Brent won’t like.
Is Kara safe? Why wasn’t her case investigated? Who is terrorizing her?
I was given an early copy of Crickets by Lee Chappel to read and review. Thank you!
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
About Crickets by Lee Chappel
Kara Peterson left home years ago after high school and after she was raped at a party. Only a few people believed her. Her dad was the sheriff, and the person she accused was from an influential family. When Kara left, she didn’t come back. Her friend from town, Brent, would go and see her sometimes. He and his mom were her only connection to the town. Her own mom had died from cancer, and now her dad was dead, too. She was going to have to go back.
Detective Sam Ellis, fairly new to town, is still getting to know everyone. Her friend, Cody, helps her learn who’s who. One thing Sam has decided after hearing about Kara is that she believes her. She’s done some looking into her case. Some protocols weren’t followed. Sam wonders why.
When Kara gets back to her dad’s place to start the long process of getting it ready to sell, she is flooded with memories. Some are terrifying, like reliving the night she was attacked. Seeing the clock, hearing sounds. Kara starts to believe she is going crazy when she hears scratching on the windows and crickets outside that just keep getting louder. She knows no one would ever believe her. Maybe she is going crazy.
Her friend, Brent’s mom, Bev, keeps bringing Kara food to eat. Bev is worried about her, she’s getting too thin, and her memories are at the surface. Kara and Brent spend evenings together to keep her brain occupied.
When a chance encounter leads to Kara needing medical attention, Detective Sam becomes even more interested in Kara’s past case. She begins to wonder if Kara is safe in her dad’s house. When Kara finally reveals more to Sam, things take another turn and lead to a secret Brent won’t like.
Is Kara safe? Why wasn’t her case investigated? Who is terrorizing her?
I was given an early copy of Crickets by Lee Chappel to read and review. Thank you!
November 12, 2021
Returning Home Was A Nightmare
Kara is home for the first time since the incident 10 years ago. The man she accused of her rape is now running for the Senate, never having faced any penalty for that horrific night. She turns to her childhood best friend, Brent, who is always there, willing to help her forget the past and get on with her life in their hometown. When strange things begin to happen, an anonymous note, strange sounds at home, and crickets chirping in the middle of the night, Kara is soon questioning her own sanity.
Crickets will slowly draw you into the complex world of injustice, mental instability, and strange occurrences as it unravels the mystery surrounding that fateful night. The characters are well developed, the story line is steeped in mystery, and you will soon be questioning your own conclusions as you try to pull all the happenings into a cogent solution. If you like a convoluted mystery, Crickets is the perfect book for you.
Kara is home for the first time since the incident 10 years ago. The man she accused of her rape is now running for the Senate, never having faced any penalty for that horrific night. She turns to her childhood best friend, Brent, who is always there, willing to help her forget the past and get on with her life in their hometown. When strange things begin to happen, an anonymous note, strange sounds at home, and crickets chirping in the middle of the night, Kara is soon questioning her own sanity.
Crickets will slowly draw you into the complex world of injustice, mental instability, and strange occurrences as it unravels the mystery surrounding that fateful night. The characters are well developed, the story line is steeped in mystery, and you will soon be questioning your own conclusions as you try to pull all the happenings into a cogent solution. If you like a convoluted mystery, Crickets is the perfect book for you.
October 19, 2021
Crickets is an outstanding thriller by Lee Chappel. This thriller tackles rape and its aftermath. Kara was raped ten years ago in Paige. Because the person Kara accused is the son of a Senator, nothing ever happened. Her best friend, Brent, came to Columbus after her father died. While Brent is visiting, Kara has a nightmare about the rape but this time she remembers hearing crickets. Crickets is a psychological thriller and it is scary and intense. I read as fast as possible because I just had to know what happened next. Lee Chapel did a masterful job of writing a very good story. He wrote outstanding characters that I loved and loved to hate! I don't want to spoil the book by giving spoilers, but, if you enjoy thrillers, you should read Crickets. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 27, 2021
Can you really know someone?
Kara returns to her hometown of Paige to settle her father's estate. She is haunted by the rape that took place 10 years before. Her friend Brent is still pressing her to solidify their relationship but she is still reluctant although she isn't sure why. Cryptic notes appear on her doorstep and when she's alone in the house the sound of crickets blasts - she feels she's losing her mind. Sam, a new female detective, quietly investigates the 10 year old case that involves Dalton, the town's fair-haired boy, newly elected and on his way to Washington DC and Sebastian, an unknown person. Many twists and turns kept this reader up late into the night reading to find out how it all fits together and does Sam help bring justice and closure.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I thank them for sending this story my way!
Kara returns to her hometown of Paige to settle her father's estate. She is haunted by the rape that took place 10 years before. Her friend Brent is still pressing her to solidify their relationship but she is still reluctant although she isn't sure why. Cryptic notes appear on her doorstep and when she's alone in the house the sound of crickets blasts - she feels she's losing her mind. Sam, a new female detective, quietly investigates the 10 year old case that involves Dalton, the town's fair-haired boy, newly elected and on his way to Washington DC and Sebastian, an unknown person. Many twists and turns kept this reader up late into the night reading to find out how it all fits together and does Sam help bring justice and closure.
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I thank them for sending this story my way!
November 10, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for granting me an ARC! All opinions are my own.
I have always been a thriller fan, but it takes a special author to add a level of heaviness with discussions of certain topics, like sexual assault, but still craft a story that’s sensitive to those topics and able to successfully pull off the mystery/suspense element seamlessly. Chapel is able to do just that. I was thoroughly impressed with how delicately, but sternly the topic is handled. As a survivor, I really appreciate this.
The story was full of suspense and thrill and kept me engaged for the most part! It’s definitely a page turner and will keep you engaged. There was a tiny lull at the beginning, but overall this is really well written and i highly recommend it!
I have always been a thriller fan, but it takes a special author to add a level of heaviness with discussions of certain topics, like sexual assault, but still craft a story that’s sensitive to those topics and able to successfully pull off the mystery/suspense element seamlessly. Chapel is able to do just that. I was thoroughly impressed with how delicately, but sternly the topic is handled. As a survivor, I really appreciate this.
The story was full of suspense and thrill and kept me engaged for the most part! It’s definitely a page turner and will keep you engaged. There was a tiny lull at the beginning, but overall this is really well written and i highly recommend it!
September 22, 2021
This was a tense psychological thriller that really gives you that uncomfortable feeling. I did guess who was behind it all about halfway through but that doesn't mean the enjoyment of the book is spoiled - it makes it more creepy in all honesty.
There was one twist that I didn't see coming and I liked that one for sure.
Kara is a strong protagonist but I think more could have been made about her feeling ‘crazy’. Even when she was having so-called panic attacks she seemed in too much control. But thats just my take on it. Everyone reacts differently to this in real life so why not as a.character. I just think it could have ramped up the tension a notch higher.
There was one twist that I didn't see coming and I liked that one for sure.
Kara is a strong protagonist but I think more could have been made about her feeling ‘crazy’. Even when she was having so-called panic attacks she seemed in too much control. But thats just my take on it. Everyone reacts differently to this in real life so why not as a.character. I just think it could have ramped up the tension a notch higher.
September 29, 2021
Crickets by Lee Chappel is a highly recommended novel of psychological suspense.
After reporting her rape ten years ago, Kara Peterson left Paige, Ohio, with no plans to ever return. She knew the man who raped her, Dalton Rolenfeld, but, as the son of a prominent family, he was never charged. Kara changed her whole life based on this crime. Now Kara's father, a well liked sheriff, has passed away and she has to return to Paige where everything reminds her of the crime against her. Her neighbor and childhood friend, Brent, is there to assist and support her as he has always been. Once she returns, things start to get odd. Her memories seem off, she loses track of time, and a threatening note is left on her doorstep. It doesn't help that everyone is getting ready to celebrate Dalton's election win.
However, there is now someone who is ready to reopen her case and the investigation. Sam (Samantha) Ellis is a new police officer and the only woman on the force has befriended Kara and is looking into the rape. Sam is there to look at the case and the new evidence and memories. She is concerned that basic police procedures weren't followed in the original case and she is not sure she can trust the locals to take the case seriously. Now that Kara is apparently being threatened again, it is clear that she needs Sam's help.
The narrative is told through the point of view of several characters, mainly Kara, Sam, and a few others in short chapters. Sam is smart and resourceful, going through Kara's case as well as that of her father. It seems that there are plenty of secrets and suspects in this small town and Sam is determined to get to the truth. She is helped by Cody, a local man she can trust, and a friend who is a forensic scientist. The plot moves along at a brisk pace and will hold your complete attention. At first, it is unclear if Kara is losing touch with reality or really being threatened, but as events unfold, it becomes more and more a concern that Kara is being targeted.
Kara, Sam, and Cody are all likable characters. Kara's friend Brent always seems a bit off. The small town of Paige is a character too, as the town spreads gossip and long-held alliances between citizens are still upheld. Everyone shares some clues and context around Kara's attack and who could be currently threatening her. Kara has a difficult time being back in Paige and is overwhelmed and emotional as she meets various people from town. Sam is understanding of Kara's emotional state and sees the clues to something nefarious happening rather than blaming Kara for being overly emotional.
The resolution and the person responsible is not a complete surprise, but reaching the final denouement follows an engaging investigation.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of the publisher/author.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2021/0...
After reporting her rape ten years ago, Kara Peterson left Paige, Ohio, with no plans to ever return. She knew the man who raped her, Dalton Rolenfeld, but, as the son of a prominent family, he was never charged. Kara changed her whole life based on this crime. Now Kara's father, a well liked sheriff, has passed away and she has to return to Paige where everything reminds her of the crime against her. Her neighbor and childhood friend, Brent, is there to assist and support her as he has always been. Once she returns, things start to get odd. Her memories seem off, she loses track of time, and a threatening note is left on her doorstep. It doesn't help that everyone is getting ready to celebrate Dalton's election win.
However, there is now someone who is ready to reopen her case and the investigation. Sam (Samantha) Ellis is a new police officer and the only woman on the force has befriended Kara and is looking into the rape. Sam is there to look at the case and the new evidence and memories. She is concerned that basic police procedures weren't followed in the original case and she is not sure she can trust the locals to take the case seriously. Now that Kara is apparently being threatened again, it is clear that she needs Sam's help.
The narrative is told through the point of view of several characters, mainly Kara, Sam, and a few others in short chapters. Sam is smart and resourceful, going through Kara's case as well as that of her father. It seems that there are plenty of secrets and suspects in this small town and Sam is determined to get to the truth. She is helped by Cody, a local man she can trust, and a friend who is a forensic scientist. The plot moves along at a brisk pace and will hold your complete attention. At first, it is unclear if Kara is losing touch with reality or really being threatened, but as events unfold, it becomes more and more a concern that Kara is being targeted.
Kara, Sam, and Cody are all likable characters. Kara's friend Brent always seems a bit off. The small town of Paige is a character too, as the town spreads gossip and long-held alliances between citizens are still upheld. Everyone shares some clues and context around Kara's attack and who could be currently threatening her. Kara has a difficult time being back in Paige and is overwhelmed and emotional as she meets various people from town. Sam is understanding of Kara's emotional state and sees the clues to something nefarious happening rather than blaming Kara for being overly emotional.
The resolution and the person responsible is not a complete surprise, but reaching the final denouement follows an engaging investigation.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of the publisher/author.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2021/0...
December 23, 2021
After reporting a rape, Kara Peterson leaves her hometown of Paige, Ohio, and never looks back. However, when her father dies 10 years later, she returns home and is confronted with fresh taunts and spotty memories about the incident.
This is a suspenseful page-turner – I read it all in a day because I couldn’t wait to find out who or what was haunting Kara. From panic attacks to seeking comfort from her childhood best friend, Brent, the author does a good job capturing the dizzying mix of emotions Kara feels being back home for the first time for a funeral.
As someone who grew up in a small town, the sense of place the book establishes is on point. I could really relate to the scenes where Kara had to make small talk with former acquaintances.
I wasn’t completely shocked by the ending, but there was enough mystery to hold my attention and make me see if my late building suspicions were correct. In my opinion, this book is a hidden gem that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good mystery/suspense story.
Thank you to the publisher, Bleau Press, for providing a free e-review copy. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
This is a suspenseful page-turner – I read it all in a day because I couldn’t wait to find out who or what was haunting Kara. From panic attacks to seeking comfort from her childhood best friend, Brent, the author does a good job capturing the dizzying mix of emotions Kara feels being back home for the first time for a funeral.
As someone who grew up in a small town, the sense of place the book establishes is on point. I could really relate to the scenes where Kara had to make small talk with former acquaintances.
I wasn’t completely shocked by the ending, but there was enough mystery to hold my attention and make me see if my late building suspicions were correct. In my opinion, this book is a hidden gem that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good mystery/suspense story.
Thank you to the publisher, Bleau Press, for providing a free e-review copy. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
October 7, 2021
the sound she heard most and loudest was betrayals.
what echoes most through the sounds of terror ? simple things? secrets that reveal deeper and horrifying connections? the sound of twisted laughter? belabored breaths? silence instead of support from those who would rather stand in judgment?
the littlest things can be so revealing, or lead to so much destruction
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
what echoes most through the sounds of terror ? simple things? secrets that reveal deeper and horrifying connections? the sound of twisted laughter? belabored breaths? silence instead of support from those who would rather stand in judgment?
the littlest things can be so revealing, or lead to so much destruction
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2021
I enjoyed the book. Just the right number of major characters to keep it interesting without becoming confusing. I liked the variable chapter lengths. The introduction of chapters by "Sebastian" and his mother were an excellent addition to the plot. I missed the Disney aspect of "Sebastian", but in view of the multiple references to Brent and Kara watching Disney movies perhaps Kara might have picked up on this?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
Crickets is the kind of psychological mystery that readers who enjoy mining for clues to “who dunit” will definitely enjoy. It centers on the sexual assault of Kara Pwrweaon, returned ten years after her attack at a high school party. Kara's move from the small town she grew up in is an attempt to put that trauma behind her, but she is forced to return to settle her father's affairs after his unexpected heart attack.
The well-written small-town atmosphere of the diner-as-meeting-place and neighbors who know each other well and watch out for each other also generates an ominous, confined setting as Kara takes up residence in her father' house again. But next door is her longstanding best friend Brent, whose presence Kara seeks increasingly as she experiences traumatic nightmares, reliving the attack. Added to this stress are unusual scratching sounds, possible blackouts, threatening notes, and the memory of the sound of crickets. Ultimately, Kara is at her mentl breaking point as she tries to stick it out until her father's memorial service is over and the house put up for sale.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, and the plot is moved along mainly through dialogue. Lee Chappel's skillful ability to create realistic dialogue throughout the novel is therefore appreciated..
The new detective in the town of Paige, Sam Ellis, becomes involved with Kara's traumatic experiences and wades through the old boy's club at the precinct to re-open Kara's unsolved sexual attack case. Sam is also faced with one good ol' boy who insistently and daily pries into her private life. Her good friend construction engineer Cody becomes concerned about Kara's situation and spends a lot of time talking to her and eventually helping her make several improvements to her house.
Although recognizing the perpetrator of the rape and the current psychological torment was not difficult, I found the final plot twists satisfying.
I received an early copy of this book from Bleau Press via BookSirens. This is an honest review.
The well-written small-town atmosphere of the diner-as-meeting-place and neighbors who know each other well and watch out for each other also generates an ominous, confined setting as Kara takes up residence in her father' house again. But next door is her longstanding best friend Brent, whose presence Kara seeks increasingly as she experiences traumatic nightmares, reliving the attack. Added to this stress are unusual scratching sounds, possible blackouts, threatening notes, and the memory of the sound of crickets. Ultimately, Kara is at her mentl breaking point as she tries to stick it out until her father's memorial service is over and the house put up for sale.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, and the plot is moved along mainly through dialogue. Lee Chappel's skillful ability to create realistic dialogue throughout the novel is therefore appreciated..
The new detective in the town of Paige, Sam Ellis, becomes involved with Kara's traumatic experiences and wades through the old boy's club at the precinct to re-open Kara's unsolved sexual attack case. Sam is also faced with one good ol' boy who insistently and daily pries into her private life. Her good friend construction engineer Cody becomes concerned about Kara's situation and spends a lot of time talking to her and eventually helping her make several improvements to her house.
Although recognizing the perpetrator of the rape and the current psychological torment was not difficult, I found the final plot twists satisfying.
I received an early copy of this book from Bleau Press via BookSirens. This is an honest review.
April 30, 2022
Thank you to the author Lee Chappel for my Goodreads Giveaway win! I'm sorry it took me so long to read it and write this review but I loved it!!
I have to say, I guessed it pretty early on but it didn't keep me from wanting to continue reading and there were still some times when I questioned if it was one or the other. I loved the way this was written. It kept me wanting to read it, it moved at a good pace and I'm a visual reader so some of the pictures I had in my head of some of the characters were quite sleezy and creepy! For me, when I can actually picture a face, a physique, personalities etc. to a character as if I'm watching a movie instead of reading a book I consider this as good writing. I was able to do all of that and towards the end, I was sitting on the edge of my seat.
This story proves my theory that you never really know someone like you think you know them!
I have to say, I guessed it pretty early on but it didn't keep me from wanting to continue reading and there were still some times when I questioned if it was one or the other. I loved the way this was written. It kept me wanting to read it, it moved at a good pace and I'm a visual reader so some of the pictures I had in my head of some of the characters were quite sleezy and creepy! For me, when I can actually picture a face, a physique, personalities etc. to a character as if I'm watching a movie instead of reading a book I consider this as good writing. I was able to do all of that and towards the end, I was sitting on the edge of my seat.
This story proves my theory that you never really know someone like you think you know them!
November 23, 2023
I really enjoyed the plot. All the key players out in the open and a new female detective with her own story. You were left with the dilemma of was Kara remembering facts about the assault or her subconscious filling in it's own blanks sending her crazy.
Unusually for me the chapters split into each character's viewpoint worked. I'm not a fan of this as I get lost but not with Crickets even though I was only reading it in my work breaks.
It came down to two suspects and I was not surprised by who it was. I had my suspicions and so glad I was right or I was ready to throw my phone. I really liked my other suspect and not sure I would have recovered from such a blow as this character being guilty.
Thank you to BookSirens and Lee Chappel for my ARC ebook.
Unusually for me the chapters split into each character's viewpoint worked. I'm not a fan of this as I get lost but not with Crickets even though I was only reading it in my work breaks.
It came down to two suspects and I was not surprised by who it was. I had my suspicions and so glad I was right or I was ready to throw my phone. I really liked my other suspect and not sure I would have recovered from such a blow as this character being guilty.
Thank you to BookSirens and Lee Chappel for my ARC ebook.
April 3, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 20, 2022
A psychological thriller set in a small town. Returning to your hometown is never easy and for Kara it is filled with sadness. She needs to attend to her father's business after his sudden death. While there she experiences flashes of memories from a rape ten years earlier. The man she believes is the rapist is now running for political office. A new detective begins to look into the case and the town is thrown into turmoil.
March 10, 2022
Interesting story, great plot line, unexpected ending. I liked it. I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2023
An intense, suspenseful thriller, that should be on your “Must Read,” list!
July 16, 2022
3.5 stars 🌟
I loved some things about this book, and others not so much.
It started out SO strong I couldn't put it down. I loved the beginning and the "settling in" feeling, getting comfortable. --- But golly, did it get repetitive. So repetitive that I began hating on it 😭 Literally everything was on a loop - everything.
Some examples:
*Kara: What was that sound? - panic! - red blotches - man to the rescue - repeat
*the amount of times Kara has to remind us that she sits with her legs over Brent's knees while they're on the couch... Over and over and over and over...
*running into someone at the grocery store... Again and again and again and, what do you know, again!
*sort through things, drink coffee, drink coffee, sort through things, drink coffee, drink coffee
*eat Mexican, eat Mexican, eat Mexican
*gargoyle perched on desk - uncomfortable chit-chat - take call from Lisa - repeat
It drove me bonkers!
~
The other major problem with this book is that all POVs sound EXACTLY the same (including Sebastian and the mother).
They all "speak/think" in exactly the same way, right down to all the "I think"s mid-thought and other thought and speech patterns. It's so bad to the point that I kept forgetting who I was reading, especially whenever Kara and Sam were together. I had to keep referring back to the name in the chapter heading.
~
The ending was a bit unsatisfying, I preferred the first half of the book.
I guessed whodunit at the very beginning. It was obvious. But the predictability didn't bother me.
I really liked the clock thing. And the ways the perpetrator got away with the crime that night. I do wish we'd seen more flashbacks of the party though.
Other things I liked:
*Light tone, even with a dark subject matter, making it easy to consume
*The way trauma was portrayed
*This >>>> "we talk about it, how women are raped like we go to the grocery store and do all the other things we do, not how a man rapes a woman".
*Decent set of characters
I appreciated how the way female victims are treated by the law and society in general was portrayed in this book. Having a female policewoman made it easy to show, though had it come from a man, it could have been even more impactful. It was still a real highlight of the book for me.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved some things about this book, and others not so much.
It started out SO strong I couldn't put it down. I loved the beginning and the "settling in" feeling, getting comfortable. --- But golly, did it get repetitive. So repetitive that I began hating on it 😭 Literally everything was on a loop - everything.
Some examples:
*Kara: What was that sound? - panic! - red blotches - man to the rescue - repeat
*the amount of times Kara has to remind us that she sits with her legs over Brent's knees while they're on the couch... Over and over and over and over...
*running into someone at the grocery store... Again and again and again and, what do you know, again!
*sort through things, drink coffee, drink coffee, sort through things, drink coffee, drink coffee
*eat Mexican, eat Mexican, eat Mexican
*gargoyle perched on desk - uncomfortable chit-chat - take call from Lisa - repeat
It drove me bonkers!
~
The other major problem with this book is that all POVs sound EXACTLY the same (including Sebastian and the mother).
They all "speak/think" in exactly the same way, right down to all the "I think"s mid-thought and other thought and speech patterns. It's so bad to the point that I kept forgetting who I was reading, especially whenever Kara and Sam were together. I had to keep referring back to the name in the chapter heading.
~
The ending was a bit unsatisfying, I preferred the first half of the book.
I guessed whodunit at the very beginning. It was obvious. But the predictability didn't bother me.
I really liked the clock thing. And the ways the perpetrator got away with the crime that night. I do wish we'd seen more flashbacks of the party though.
Other things I liked:
*Light tone, even with a dark subject matter, making it easy to consume
*The way trauma was portrayed
*This >>>> "we talk about it, how women are raped like we go to the grocery store and do all the other things we do, not how a man rapes a woman".
*Decent set of characters
I appreciated how the way female victims are treated by the law and society in general was portrayed in this book. Having a female policewoman made it easy to show, though had it come from a man, it could have been even more impactful. It was still a real highlight of the book for me.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Crickets is a debut novel by Lee Chappel that explores the themes of trauma, memory, and justice in a small town setting. The protagonist, Kara Peterson, returns to her hometown of Paige, Ohio, after the death of her father, who was the beloved sheriff. She hopes to settle his affairs and leave as soon as possible, but she soon realizes that the past is not so easy to escape. Ten years ago, she was raped by, the son of a powerful and influential family, who got away with his crime. Now, as Kara tries to piece together the events of that night, she discovers that there are gaps in her memory and secrets that someone wants to keep buried.
Chappel delivers a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. She creates a vivid and realistic portrait of a small town, where everyone knows each other and where appearances can be deceiving. She also portrays the psychological effects of trauma and the challenges of coping with it. Kara is a sympathetic and complex character, who struggles with her own guilt, anger, and fear, as well as the hostility and indifference of the townspeople. She is determined to find the truth, even if it means putting herself in danger.
The novel also features a secondary plotline involving Sam, a new detective who arrives in Paige to investigate a series of murders. He becomes interested in Kara's case and tries to help her, despite the resistance of the local authorities and the Rolenfelds (the family of the man who raped Kara).. Sam is a likable and supportive character, who provides a contrast to the corruption and complacency of the town. He also develops a romantic connection with Kara, which adds some warmth and hope to the story.
Crickets is a well-written and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries. It is a compelling and satisfying read that tackles important and relevant issues, such as sexual assault, victim-blaming, and power abuse. It also showcases the talent and potential of a new author, who deserves more recognition and praise. Crickets is a book that will make you think, feel, and cheer for the protagonist, as she faces her demons and fights for justice.
Crickets is a debut novel by Lee Chappel that explores the themes of trauma, memory, and justice in a small town setting. The protagonist, Kara Peterson, returns to her hometown of Paige, Ohio, after the death of her father, who was the beloved sheriff. She hopes to settle his affairs and leave as soon as possible, but she soon realizes that the past is not so easy to escape. Ten years ago, she was raped by, the son of a powerful and influential family, who got away with his crime. Now, as Kara tries to piece together the events of that night, she discovers that there are gaps in her memory and secrets that someone wants to keep buried.
Chappel delivers a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. She creates a vivid and realistic portrait of a small town, where everyone knows each other and where appearances can be deceiving. She also portrays the psychological effects of trauma and the challenges of coping with it. Kara is a sympathetic and complex character, who struggles with her own guilt, anger, and fear, as well as the hostility and indifference of the townspeople. She is determined to find the truth, even if it means putting herself in danger.
The novel also features a secondary plotline involving Sam, a new detective who arrives in Paige to investigate a series of murders. He becomes interested in Kara's case and tries to help her, despite the resistance of the local authorities and the Rolenfelds (the family of the man who raped Kara).. Sam is a likable and supportive character, who provides a contrast to the corruption and complacency of the town. He also develops a romantic connection with Kara, which adds some warmth and hope to the story.
Crickets is a well-written and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries. It is a compelling and satisfying read that tackles important and relevant issues, such as sexual assault, victim-blaming, and power abuse. It also showcases the talent and potential of a new author, who deserves more recognition and praise. Crickets is a book that will make you think, feel, and cheer for the protagonist, as she faces her demons and fights for justice.
October 5, 2021
Intriguing plot but the writing style is difficult to follow. Switching character perspectives is one way to reveal character traits and insights, but in this story, I feel confused when so little is revealed. This story is told through multiple character perspectives and a few sketchy memories. I kept hoping that the memories would help fill in the gaps, but too little is revealed leaving me with more questions. This technique does increase the mystery and suspense, but it also increased my frustration. Another confusing detail involves character name choices. The name for the new officer is Sam, a traditionally male name. She struggles to fit into a male dominated field in a small town as the only woman officer. So, why choose a name that can easily be mistaken for a man's name? Characters are inconsistently referred to by first or last names. Sometimes Sam and other times Ellis.
Although I enjoyed the overall story and plot twists, I feel like the story needs smoother transitions and more complete background information. Much of the story relies too heavily on reader inferences making this a hard to read story with an ending that feels incomplete. The whole incident around which the story is built is never completely disclosed. I enjoyed the ah-ha moment when I knew the other villain and could see the signs leading to the resolution. The plot twist was shocking and cleverly hinted at. I enjoyed the mystery, but I wanted it cleared up by the end of the novel. The conclusion feels rushed and unfinished. I want to rate this story higher for its intrigue and mystery, but I would need to read an improved version with smoother transitions and a complete reveal by the end. I received an advance review copy through Book Sirens and submit this review voluntarily.
Although I enjoyed the overall story and plot twists, I feel like the story needs smoother transitions and more complete background information. Much of the story relies too heavily on reader inferences making this a hard to read story with an ending that feels incomplete. The whole incident around which the story is built is never completely disclosed. I enjoyed the ah-ha moment when I knew the other villain and could see the signs leading to the resolution. The plot twist was shocking and cleverly hinted at. I enjoyed the mystery, but I wanted it cleared up by the end of the novel. The conclusion feels rushed and unfinished. I want to rate this story higher for its intrigue and mystery, but I would need to read an improved version with smoother transitions and a complete reveal by the end. I received an advance review copy through Book Sirens and submit this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2021
Thank you to Lee Chappel and Bleau Press for providing me with an ebook copy of Crickets for me to review. What an eerie, unputdownable book! Firstly, I am never one to judge a book by its cover, but Crickets has two cover versions and they are both gorgeous and very thoughtfully done. They instilled a sense of wonderment, anticipation and suspense in me before I even opened the book! The multiple points of view was done incredibly well, showing the events from all different perspectives. However, I did find it a bit hard to follow at the very beginning, as we hadn't learned very much about the characters yet. By about chapter 9 though I was hooked and fully invested in seeing where the story would go. There were a few wording errors that I noticed throughout the book, but not enough to detract from the story. Chappel did an outstanding job of creating a creepy vibe that ran as an undercurrent throughout most of the story, which had me doubting which characters could truly be trusted and suspecting almost everyone. So when the reveal of the rapist finally took place I wasn't totally shocked as I had already started to question and suspect almost everyone, due to the creepy, suspicious vibe created. I loved the way Chappel wrapped up the story with an empowering, overcoming the past, happily ever after scenario. I highly recommend this book for any psychological suspense lovers!
September 30, 2021
This is a strange one for me to rate. Whilst I did enjoy the book I didn’t love it. It was quite difficult to get into the storyline but once I did, it was ok. The plot is not really what I expected and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad! The characters were all a bit weak or strange and it didn’t flow well at times. Lots of typos throughout which I found off putting.
The twists near the end were quite good but could have been made much better. I still don’t understand some parts of the storyline or what certain characters role was.
The sheriffs etc were all a bit feeble and not portrayed very well - not running rape kits and not investigating sudden deaths on one of their own - not really believable. To get more stars the writer needs to make some of the characters more prominent- more vocal, devious or aggressive - or something to grab your attention.
Has the makings of a great story but needs some serious “ompf” and focus.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The twists near the end were quite good but could have been made much better. I still don’t understand some parts of the storyline or what certain characters role was.
The sheriffs etc were all a bit feeble and not portrayed very well - not running rape kits and not investigating sudden deaths on one of their own - not really believable. To get more stars the writer needs to make some of the characters more prominent- more vocal, devious or aggressive - or something to grab your attention.
Has the makings of a great story but needs some serious “ompf” and focus.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite the strange name of this book, which does make sense eventually, this was a fast-paced, page-turner … with a main character to doubts her memories, even though there are people around her that believe her.
Sadly, I was around halfway through the book and I already knew who it was, and I was proven right. However, I still enjoyed this book, the story that the author weaved and the way the characters were portrayed, was very cleverly done and added to the appeal of this book.
Recommended if you enjoy strong female leads in a story, and don't mind the twist not being a twist.
Despite the strange name of this book, which does make sense eventually, this was a fast-paced, page-turner … with a main character to doubts her memories, even though there are people around her that believe her.
Sadly, I was around halfway through the book and I already knew who it was, and I was proven right. However, I still enjoyed this book, the story that the author weaved and the way the characters were portrayed, was very cleverly done and added to the appeal of this book.
Recommended if you enjoy strong female leads in a story, and don't mind the twist not being a twist.
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