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The Reyes Incident
A local legend gone haywire.
A small-town cop.
An impossible eyewitness testimony.
Which is easier to believe—that killer mermaids exist, or that one person is worth risking everything for?
For fans of THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and INTO THE DROWNING DEEP comes a chilling horror story steeped in urban rumor.
A small-town cop.
An impossible eyewitness testimony.
Which is easier to believe—that killer mermaids exist, or that one person is worth risking everything for?
For fans of THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO and INTO THE DROWNING DEEP comes a chilling horror story steeped in urban rumor.
150 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 31, 2022
146 people are currently reading
1752 people want to read
About the author
Briana Morgan
26 books337 followersBriana Morgan is a horror writer, editor, and author of The Tricker-Treater and Other Stories, which won a Godless 666 Award for Best Audiobook. With more than a decade of experience scaring herself and others, Briana has a fresh voice that shines through in her latest book, The Reyes Incident, which has sold more than 16,000 copies to date. Her other books include Mouth Full of Ashes, Unboxed: A Play, and more.
Briana has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University. She is also an active member of the Horror Writers Association. When not writing, Briana loves reading disturbing fiction, playing video games, and traveling with her husband.
Briana has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University. She is also an active member of the Horror Writers Association. When not writing, Briana loves reading disturbing fiction, playing video games, and traveling with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
August 4, 2022
Nothing makes me want to leave my wife and compromise my entire career like a lunatic talking about killer mermaids with a cute smile.
Anyways, this was silly.
Anyways, this was silly.
June 27, 2022
This was our first book for our Indie Horror Spotlight for the Spooky Curious Bookclub, and I had SO much fun with it!!
Best way I could describe this novella is Karin Slaughter meets Into The Drowning Deep. It gave me the same vibes as like a scifi original horror movie too if that makes sense. A quick, fun read!!
Best way I could describe this novella is Karin Slaughter meets Into The Drowning Deep. It gave me the same vibes as like a scifi original horror movie too if that makes sense. A quick, fun read!!
June 5, 2022
Horror Bookworm Reviews
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- A small group of amateur filmmakers search for evidential truth of the strange and unusual. Urbexploitation is the name of their show of investigative reality. Surrounded by rumors of strange sightings and mutations, their sleuthing leads them to an abandoned military bunker located within Dawsonville Forest. As the exploration gets underway the crew stumbles upon an unexpected discovery of true horror.
- Sergeant Andrea McCollum has been reassigned to a suspicious missing persons case with notes of homicide involved. Her investigation leads to confronting a failed marriage, oppressive sexual discrimination and a witness to a stomach churning testimony of terror.
Author Briana Morgan combines a relationship’s inner struggle of painful truths with the ultimate creature feature. Using emails and incident reports, Morgan’s multilayered story derives itself from a creative found footage vibe. The result is a crimson flow of believability entitled The Reyes Incident.
Let’s dive into the grotesque meat & bone of the story shall we? Don’t let the smooth taste fool ya, the fundamental essence of this underwater nightmare lunges from the depths of the authors creativity and grabs the reader by the throat. Morgan’s subterranean horror allows only an instant to surface and gasp for air before being pulled back into the intense plot. These cliffhanging moments of carnage keep an underlying feeling of doom and dread until the last page has been turned.
Think of The Raft by Stephen King, except with trigger warnings. It’s that good folks, not kidding. So if you wanna read some gore like you’ve never seen before, take a dip into this dark edgy “tail” of terror. A 100% Horror Bookworm Recommendation. Blew me away.
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- A small group of amateur filmmakers search for evidential truth of the strange and unusual. Urbexploitation is the name of their show of investigative reality. Surrounded by rumors of strange sightings and mutations, their sleuthing leads them to an abandoned military bunker located within Dawsonville Forest. As the exploration gets underway the crew stumbles upon an unexpected discovery of true horror.
- Sergeant Andrea McCollum has been reassigned to a suspicious missing persons case with notes of homicide involved. Her investigation leads to confronting a failed marriage, oppressive sexual discrimination and a witness to a stomach churning testimony of terror.
Author Briana Morgan combines a relationship’s inner struggle of painful truths with the ultimate creature feature. Using emails and incident reports, Morgan’s multilayered story derives itself from a creative found footage vibe. The result is a crimson flow of believability entitled The Reyes Incident.
Let’s dive into the grotesque meat & bone of the story shall we? Don’t let the smooth taste fool ya, the fundamental essence of this underwater nightmare lunges from the depths of the authors creativity and grabs the reader by the throat. Morgan’s subterranean horror allows only an instant to surface and gasp for air before being pulled back into the intense plot. These cliffhanging moments of carnage keep an underlying feeling of doom and dread until the last page has been turned.
Think of The Raft by Stephen King, except with trigger warnings. It’s that good folks, not kidding. So if you wanna read some gore like you’ve never seen before, take a dip into this dark edgy “tail” of terror. A 100% Horror Bookworm Recommendation. Blew me away.
Read
July 24, 2024Buddy Read with Nefeli. The Reyes Incident has an amazing premise (killer mermaids!), great cover art, and was hyped up on social media. As such, I'm sad to report it didn't work for me.
There were some good points, for example the book was well-paced and I can honestly say I was never bored while reading it. I also appreciated the diverse representation (for example, there were queer characters and a character with chronic pain). But in general, it was too hard for me to suspend disbelief when it came to certain plot elements and character behaviors, which kept pulling me out of the story. None of the characters seemed to act in a logical-feeling way.
As for the ending, I actually liked the ambiguity. It's often more effective, particularly in the horror genre, to let the reader use their own imagination to determine the conclusion.
I'm always up for supporting indie writers, so I may try another one of her books in the future.
There were some good points, for example the book was well-paced and I can honestly say I was never bored while reading it. I also appreciated the diverse representation (for example, there were queer characters and a character with chronic pain). But in general, it was too hard for me to suspend disbelief when it came to certain plot elements and character behaviors, which kept pulling me out of the story. None of the characters seemed to act in a logical-feeling way.
As for the ending, I actually liked the ambiguity. It's often more effective, particularly in the horror genre, to let the reader use their own imagination to determine the conclusion.
I'm always up for supporting indie writers, so I may try another one of her books in the future.
November 10, 2022
Dang, I really wanted to like this, because killer mermaids. But omg, the mermaids were not intimidating at all. How can they be with the names they had 😂 The story was fine, but it wasn’t great, and the ending was really abrupt and didn’t really give any answers.
June 18, 2023
I don't usually like to leave negative reviews but this book was super disappointing. The way it was pegged to me was more of a horror. Which I guess we got some scenes of but honestly it seemed more concerned about the multiple romances it tried to cover throughout it.
On the positive note the initial idea was super good. I loved the idea of YouTube explorers investigating an old bunker and finding these eerie mermaids. I was super hyped when it started.
However, once we got to the mermaids it was a little lackluster. They seemed too human to be super scared of. Sure there were the gorey bits but it didn't have much build up.
As for the characters I didn't really vibe with any of them. I feel like the author tried to hammer in too many things In this short book. We have the main character who's in love with Alex and then later the cop (I think?) We have her old boyfriend who's also in love with Alex but that doesn't matter because he immediately dies.
As for the cop I had to have her own section of complaints because I really hated her. She's emotional and impulsive and I can't really imagine how she lasted this long as a cop. She falls in love with the main character while interrogating her for a possible murder case. It's screwed up because either she's falling in love with a possible murder, or she's dumping her feelings on to a person who just went through a traumatic experience. It's so unprofessional and almost creepy. Not to mention she already has a wife who she randomly dumps for this girl. To top it all off she brings her recently dumped wife with her to this place where multiple people were murdered, possibly by sirens, and purposely fails to fill her wife in on all of the details. She honestly just seems self centered and manipulative. It's pegged as romantic but it's honestly creepy to me.
None of these people really had any character and they all made stupid decisions in regards to the mermaids. There was one point where the main character thought that they could sway the mermaids by appealing to the idea of the male patriarchy. It was so stupid. You mean to tell me that you think that these mermaid sisters, who have been isolated in the bunker for who knows how long are likely to have experienced being oppressed by male counterparts. Sure it could be the case, but it wouldn't be the first conclusion I would jump to. And of course it doesn't work. The only reason the main character survived was because literally every single character that was with her either sacrificed themselves or accidentally got caught. And then she has the nerve to say "I'd trust my instincts now. Since they've got me this far." Or something along those lines. She didn't do anything. Which is fine but don't make it seem like she did.
Anyways it had potential but it lost me along the way. I'm not going to be super harsh I know some people liked it. It may have been how it was pitched to me more than anything. I had issues with some parts but feel free to read it if it's something you might be interested in. Just know there isn't as much horror in it.
On the positive note the initial idea was super good. I loved the idea of YouTube explorers investigating an old bunker and finding these eerie mermaids. I was super hyped when it started.
However, once we got to the mermaids it was a little lackluster. They seemed too human to be super scared of. Sure there were the gorey bits but it didn't have much build up.
As for the characters I didn't really vibe with any of them. I feel like the author tried to hammer in too many things In this short book. We have the main character who's in love with Alex and then later the cop (I think?) We have her old boyfriend who's also in love with Alex but that doesn't matter because he immediately dies.
As for the cop I had to have her own section of complaints because I really hated her. She's emotional and impulsive and I can't really imagine how she lasted this long as a cop. She falls in love with the main character while interrogating her for a possible murder case. It's screwed up because either she's falling in love with a possible murder, or she's dumping her feelings on to a person who just went through a traumatic experience. It's so unprofessional and almost creepy. Not to mention she already has a wife who she randomly dumps for this girl. To top it all off she brings her recently dumped wife with her to this place where multiple people were murdered, possibly by sirens, and purposely fails to fill her wife in on all of the details. She honestly just seems self centered and manipulative. It's pegged as romantic but it's honestly creepy to me.
None of these people really had any character and they all made stupid decisions in regards to the mermaids. There was one point where the main character thought that they could sway the mermaids by appealing to the idea of the male patriarchy. It was so stupid. You mean to tell me that you think that these mermaid sisters, who have been isolated in the bunker for who knows how long are likely to have experienced being oppressed by male counterparts. Sure it could be the case, but it wouldn't be the first conclusion I would jump to. And of course it doesn't work. The only reason the main character survived was because literally every single character that was with her either sacrificed themselves or accidentally got caught. And then she has the nerve to say "I'd trust my instincts now. Since they've got me this far." Or something along those lines. She didn't do anything. Which is fine but don't make it seem like she did.
Anyways it had potential but it lost me along the way. I'm not going to be super harsh I know some people liked it. It may have been how it was pitched to me more than anything. I had issues with some parts but feel free to read it if it's something you might be interested in. Just know there isn't as much horror in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2022
A girl, covered in blood, shows up at the police station claiming to be the witness to the murder of her friends. As she tells the story of what happens to her friends, it is almost too much to believe: an abandoned military bunker, top secret experiments, and killer mermaids.
Morgan crafts this tale through varying perspectives, ultimately telling two stories: the primary narrative concerning the mermaids, but also the final breaths of the investigating police officer's marriage. There is a lot of heart and turmoil in this story, but also lots of what you'd expect in a story about killer mermaids: blood, gore, suspense, and several watery deaths.
This was a quick, solid read, and stands up against everything else of Morgan's I've read thus far. She's a heck of a writer and knows how to pack a punch with just a few keystrokes. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I like that in a story. It gives the reader freedom to decide what happens next, which allows the story to live on.
This book should absolutely be on your TBR, and it will make you think twice about exploring abandoned buildings.
Morgan crafts this tale through varying perspectives, ultimately telling two stories: the primary narrative concerning the mermaids, but also the final breaths of the investigating police officer's marriage. There is a lot of heart and turmoil in this story, but also lots of what you'd expect in a story about killer mermaids: blood, gore, suspense, and several watery deaths.
This was a quick, solid read, and stands up against everything else of Morgan's I've read thus far. She's a heck of a writer and knows how to pack a punch with just a few keystrokes. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I like that in a story. It gives the reader freedom to decide what happens next, which allows the story to live on.
This book should absolutely be on your TBR, and it will make you think twice about exploring abandoned buildings.
May 3, 2022
GIVE ME ALL THE KILLER MERMAIDS! Yes, yes, yes! Remember Rolling in the Deep and Into the Drowning Deep? I fell in love with killer mermaids in those two related books and could NOT turn down THE REYES INCIDENT. Can you hear the sirens??? 😉
Bloody delightful, Morgan brings us yet another spectacular novella. This time we get a small-town cop who is on the case talking with Liv - the seemingly only survivor from her and her friends trip to an abandoned bunker that tells the tale of three mermaids trapped inside. Sure, it sounds like a GREAT idea to go, right? I mean, would YOU? I think that I would but also I've read enough horror books to know this is not going to probably end well at ALL.
Honestly, I think I side with the mermaids in this one. I could've done without the multiple outbursts of love and Andie's weird moves as a cop. But the deathly visuals and blood spurts made it A-Ok for me! I'm also going to need a sequel (ahem, ahem, ahem) because WHAT. W H A T?! It's like she high fived me down low and I was too slow. I'm legit not quite sure how I feel about this ending. However, what I DO know is that mermaids (killer or not) freaking rule and I'll read about them ALL DAY LONG. Uff, can't wait to see what Morgan has for us next!!
Bloody delightful, Morgan brings us yet another spectacular novella. This time we get a small-town cop who is on the case talking with Liv - the seemingly only survivor from her and her friends trip to an abandoned bunker that tells the tale of three mermaids trapped inside. Sure, it sounds like a GREAT idea to go, right? I mean, would YOU? I think that I would but also I've read enough horror books to know this is not going to probably end well at ALL.
Honestly, I think I side with the mermaids in this one. I could've done without the multiple outbursts of love and Andie's weird moves as a cop. But the deathly visuals and blood spurts made it A-Ok for me! I'm also going to need a sequel (ahem, ahem, ahem) because WHAT. W H A T?! It's like she high fived me down low and I was too slow. I'm legit not quite sure how I feel about this ending. However, what I DO know is that mermaids (killer or not) freaking rule and I'll read about them ALL DAY LONG. Uff, can't wait to see what Morgan has for us next!!
August 27, 2022
This was just not it. The main problem for me was the characters. All of the characters acted so weird, unnatural. Not like people act in real life. The way they apparently act when they see mermaids with very sharp teeth, the way they react to the first and subsequent deaths, even just the way they act to the cameras. If this group have been making YouTube videos for years then they bloody suck.
And then the cops. Does it really take a month of recurrent tiny interviews to get a complete statement from a person? Like really?
The story itself had issues too. Disjointed timing being a big one. And that ending, what even was that.
Not it.
And then the cops. Does it really take a month of recurrent tiny interviews to get a complete statement from a person? Like really?
The story itself had issues too. Disjointed timing being a big one. And that ending, what even was that.
Not it.
November 26, 2023
Killer mermaids? Count me in! This was a fun and fast paced little book. The story follows Liv Reyes. She goes to her local police station and proceeds to tell a fantastical tale of murderous mermaids and what happened to her and her friends. She is the sole survivor but she is also a suspect.
It's gory, fun, and makes a big splash!
It's gory, fun, and makes a big splash!
August 23, 2022
3.5 Stars~
"Grief is funny. It teaches you things about yourself you otherwise wouldn’t have noticed. For me, I learned that numbness doesn’t equal nothingness; that emptiness isn’t the absence of pain."
HUZZAH FOR SOME FIBROMYALGIA REP (ESPECIALLY IN HORROR!)
"Grief is funny. It teaches you things about yourself you otherwise wouldn’t have noticed. For me, I learned that numbness doesn’t equal nothingness; that emptiness isn’t the absence of pain."
HUZZAH FOR SOME FIBROMYALGIA REP (ESPECIALLY IN HORROR!)
September 23, 2022
This was a quick little read, perfect for kicking off spooky season!
November 5, 2022
A solid novella, drenched in Blood.
This is my first book from Briana Morgan. I enjoyed the story, even if the ending was a bit abrupt. The kill scenes were well done and gory and characters great. I'll be reading more from Morgan in the future.
This is my first book from Briana Morgan. I enjoyed the story, even if the ending was a bit abrupt. The kill scenes were well done and gory and characters great. I'll be reading more from Morgan in the future.
May 10, 2022
THE REYES INCIDENT by Briana Morgan is tons of fun and checks so many of my boxes!
Killer mermaids? ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY.
Small town? YES!
Reliable vs unreliable narrator? You gotta decide!
And can we talk about these mermaids for a second? They are cunning and vicious! There are some brutal, gory death scenes and I am here for all of that. Sometimes it felt like The Ruins if it took place at Mermaid Lagoon in Neverland if, you know, we have agile mermaids with a bloodlust and sharp teeth instead of plants. I thought it was great!
I enjoyed all the different relationships in the book whether it be professional, parent/child, friend/friend, lovers, unrequited lovers, etc. There was a lot to see and it was a well-rounded approach in framing the whole story.
I tore through this book by the beach and pool and I can't imagine a better setting to read it. But you just read it and decide that for yourself. Pick this one up!
Killer mermaids? ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY.
Small town? YES!
Reliable vs unreliable narrator? You gotta decide!
And can we talk about these mermaids for a second? They are cunning and vicious! There are some brutal, gory death scenes and I am here for all of that. Sometimes it felt like The Ruins if it took place at Mermaid Lagoon in Neverland if, you know, we have agile mermaids with a bloodlust and sharp teeth instead of plants. I thought it was great!
I enjoyed all the different relationships in the book whether it be professional, parent/child, friend/friend, lovers, unrequited lovers, etc. There was a lot to see and it was a well-rounded approach in framing the whole story.
I tore through this book by the beach and pool and I can't imagine a better setting to read it. But you just read it and decide that for yourself. Pick this one up!
May 7, 2022
Saw this on BookTwitter and jumped in on “killer mermaids”.
Actually really enjoyed the horror and the escapism this book gave me. However, it feels rather rushed/unfinished. The writing is slightly cringey at times and the phasing seems a bit rushed. Also, the love arc felt very forced and frankly, quite irrelevant.
Still kept me entertained though!
Actually really enjoyed the horror and the escapism this book gave me. However, it feels rather rushed/unfinished. The writing is slightly cringey at times and the phasing seems a bit rushed. Also, the love arc felt very forced and frankly, quite irrelevant.
Still kept me entertained though!
August 3, 2022
I don't really know how to rate this. The story itself was okay enough but all of the forced ridiculous relationships were awkward and unnecessary. The ending was wishy washy. It felt like it was written by a 13 year old for a school assignment. 1.5* because I did finish it and it only took just over an hour.
July 13, 2022
the way i hate abrupt endings with no explanation........ this was not it
February 14, 2023
DNF - 22%
Life's too short to waste time on a boring book.
Life's too short to waste time on a boring book.
June 27, 2022
3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.
This newest novella from author Briana Morgan has a lot of grisly ingredients that make up a fast-paced summer horror read. You’ve got loads of queer representation, a suspenseful crime procedural, plenty of blood, and killer mermaids!!!
A small group of amateur urban-exploitation filmmakers—known for capturing strange and abandoned locations on camera—suddenly find themselves trapped in a flooded military bunker that is home to ravenous sirens. Later, Sergeant Andrea McCollum is given a strange missing persons case laid out in detailed testimony by suspect and sole survivor, Liv Reyes. As readers are bounced back and forth between McCollum's investigation and Reyes' chilling recollections, the pages fly by and the body count gets higher.
This was easily a one-sitting read with just enough gore, mystery, and mermaids to keep me invested. If I had to find a complaint, it would be that this book should definitely be longer. It had so many compelling elements I wanted more depth on. But I highly recommend you pick this book up and take it on a beach trip. (Just remember to stay out of the water!)
This newest novella from author Briana Morgan has a lot of grisly ingredients that make up a fast-paced summer horror read. You’ve got loads of queer representation, a suspenseful crime procedural, plenty of blood, and killer mermaids!!!
A small group of amateur urban-exploitation filmmakers—known for capturing strange and abandoned locations on camera—suddenly find themselves trapped in a flooded military bunker that is home to ravenous sirens. Later, Sergeant Andrea McCollum is given a strange missing persons case laid out in detailed testimony by suspect and sole survivor, Liv Reyes. As readers are bounced back and forth between McCollum's investigation and Reyes' chilling recollections, the pages fly by and the body count gets higher.
This was easily a one-sitting read with just enough gore, mystery, and mermaids to keep me invested. If I had to find a complaint, it would be that this book should definitely be longer. It had so many compelling elements I wanted more depth on. But I highly recommend you pick this book up and take it on a beach trip. (Just remember to stay out of the water!)
September 30, 2022
“They brought us deeper into the bunker. Deeper than we ever should’ve gone. Deeper than anyone needed to go.”
The Reyes Incident took me places I wasn’t expecting it to. Every time something happened, I thought, well the worst must be over now, right? Nope. This story allowed for no mercy. The atmosphere is haunting and wet, like being trapped inside an enclosed cave at high tide. The mermaids were both enthralling and horrifying. My only critique is that since the story is so short, I didn’t have much investment in our characters. Reading what happens to them was terrifying not necessarily because I cared for them but because no living being should suffer through these deaths. I would’ve liked to have known them for a bit longer but alas, the sirens did not give us that chance.
And that ENDING! It blew my mind and honestly made the book for me. I don’t want to say anything more, I don’t want to give you any idea as to what the ending is like, because the experience of it kicking your feet out from under you was too wonderful.
If you’re looking for a shorter read with a monster I don’t see written too much about that’s visceral, sapphic, and haunting, this one’s for you! 🧜🏼♀️🩸
The Reyes Incident took me places I wasn’t expecting it to. Every time something happened, I thought, well the worst must be over now, right? Nope. This story allowed for no mercy. The atmosphere is haunting and wet, like being trapped inside an enclosed cave at high tide. The mermaids were both enthralling and horrifying. My only critique is that since the story is so short, I didn’t have much investment in our characters. Reading what happens to them was terrifying not necessarily because I cared for them but because no living being should suffer through these deaths. I would’ve liked to have known them for a bit longer but alas, the sirens did not give us that chance.
And that ENDING! It blew my mind and honestly made the book for me. I don’t want to say anything more, I don’t want to give you any idea as to what the ending is like, because the experience of it kicking your feet out from under you was too wonderful.
If you’re looking for a shorter read with a monster I don’t see written too much about that’s visceral, sapphic, and haunting, this one’s for you! 🧜🏼♀️🩸
June 1, 2022
Another amazing read by Briana! This creepy tale had me pulled in from the start. I really loved the back and forth aspects of chapters (alternating between Andie and Liv). The transitions were smooth...it almost felt like a movie! The mermaids/sirens were creepy and quite vicious, which is always a plus. My only downside to this story (and it's super minor)...that ending!! You can't do that to me!! I need to know what happens! I have a pretty good idea, but I still need that resolved. Morgan knows how to weave a terrifying story that'll keep you in it from beginning to end.
June 17, 2022
I enjoyed this read though it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. The sirens were badass and not to be messed with which I liked. I didn't really connect deeply with any of the characters except maybe the lead investigator and her situation. The ending was a bit abrupt and did leave me wanting more. 3.5 rounded up to 4 skulls 💀
October 29, 2022
I was SO frustrated with all the stupid decisions the characters constantly made throughout this book. It’s almost like they wanted to be murdered 🙄
Andie and Joy’s relationship was the only part I was really invested in and, unfortunately, Morgan abandons it for an unsatisfying insta-love, cop-witness storyline.
I really wanted to like this one more. 1.5 rounded up for Goodreads.
Andie and Joy’s relationship was the only part I was really invested in and, unfortunately, Morgan abandons it for an unsatisfying insta-love, cop-witness storyline.
I really wanted to like this one more. 1.5 rounded up for Goodreads.
July 9, 2022
The Reyes Incident is a not-quite-found-footage-but-close-enough novella that utilized a great setting and format. I absolutely loved the cuts between present-day interviews about what happened in the bunker to the flashbacks of what happened.
September 5, 2022
Sapphic horror? Check.
Killer mermaids? Check.
Creepy water-based setting? Check.
Kickass woman indie author? Check.
Really enjoyed this fun short horror novel! I was completely sucked in by Liv’s POV in the bunker, and each time was desperate to get back to it when it would switch to Andies POV. I definitely would have read another 100-150 pages of this story but still enjoyed it at the short length it was.
This was my second Brianna Morgan book and I’m looking forward to picking up more of her work!
Killer mermaids? Check.
Creepy water-based setting? Check.
Kickass woman indie author? Check.
Really enjoyed this fun short horror novel! I was completely sucked in by Liv’s POV in the bunker, and each time was desperate to get back to it when it would switch to Andies POV. I definitely would have read another 100-150 pages of this story but still enjoyed it at the short length it was.
This was my second Brianna Morgan book and I’m looking forward to picking up more of her work!
October 19, 2024
This had an amazing premise but for me this just didn't work out for me.
I hate reviewing indie books in this way but I'd rather be honest about my experience. The characters were all unlikable and felt it a really odd decision for Andie (FMC) to leave her wife for a chance with someone she'd just met through interviewing as a police officer. I don't know, it just left me feeling a little disconnected to the story.
I hate reviewing indie books in this way but I'd rather be honest about my experience. The characters were all unlikable and felt it a really odd decision for Andie (FMC) to leave her wife for a chance with someone she'd just met through interviewing as a police officer. I don't know, it just left me feeling a little disconnected to the story.
November 23, 2025
3.5 stars
July 3, 2022
This was a quick & fun read for me while at the beach. I really enjoyed it. Thw book was fast paced and featured some lgbtq characters, a detective investigation, and killer mermaids. This was my first book from indie author Briana Morgan and I'll be looking into some of her other works to read.
August 31, 2023
I’ve been toying with what to rate this one, and so I must go with my gut and say for right now I feel it’s a 4 I really like Brianas writing, and as far as the story being told, I think it’s her best work, as a matter of fact I was ready to give it 5 stars but there were a few things that really bothered me. I don’t think I can mention them without spoilers, so please read the book before you read my review. Many people like this book a lot, and I do think it’s a good book, and worth your time.
So let’s talk about what I like. The story, the atmosphere. I liked the story Morgan is telling and I liked the interactions between the characters, it felt like I was there, and it felt like I knew these characters. The story also felt wildly different than what I’ve read. I also really loved the ending.
I thought Andi falling for Liv was something that could be seen as possible, so don’t tell me it wouldn’t happen. I’ve worked in the realm of law enforcement long enough to know that things like that can and do happen, it made me dislike the character for getting too personal, because things like that put lives in danger and compromise the work, but again, it is a realistic depiction of something that can and does happen in real life.
I had one issue which I find difficult to talk about without spoiling, it doesn’t ruin the story, or Briana’s always excellent writing. Highly recommend
So let’s talk about what I like. The story, the atmosphere. I liked the story Morgan is telling and I liked the interactions between the characters, it felt like I was there, and it felt like I knew these characters. The story also felt wildly different than what I’ve read. I also really loved the ending.
I thought Andi falling for Liv was something that could be seen as possible, so don’t tell me it wouldn’t happen. I’ve worked in the realm of law enforcement long enough to know that things like that can and do happen, it made me dislike the character for getting too personal, because things like that put lives in danger and compromise the work, but again, it is a realistic depiction of something that can and does happen in real life.
I had one issue which I find difficult to talk about without spoiling, it doesn’t ruin the story, or Briana’s always excellent writing. Highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2022
2.5
•
I really wanted to love this novella. Small town horror, tons of queer rep, and killer mermaids…it should’ve been right in my wheelhouse. Unfortunately, it just fell short of the mark for me.
•
What worked:
Did I mention killer mermaids already? Loved those three sirens and the terror and gore they brought with them. I also liked the dual points of view that helped maintain the mystery of what truly happened.
•
Where I struggled:
I think there was too much going on for a novella. There were past romantic relationships, crushes, a jealous friend rivalry, a crumbling marriage, an awkward father/daughter boss/employee dynamic, and a new love story. The queer rep was great and I like bringing emotional depth in with the horror, but it became too distracting.
While I loved the alternating points of view, I wish Liv’s portion would have read like an actual police interview (i.e., Delores Claiborne).
I think if the interviews were conducted over days vs weeks it would have been more realistic and impactful.
•
Overall thoughts:
If this story had been simplified to Liv’s communication in interview style and the downward spiral of Andie’s marriage, it would have made for a much more compelling novella. Alternately, this could be expanded into a full length novel which would give the interpersonal relationships room to breathe and allow for a deeper dive into the history of the mermaids and the bunker which is something I’d definitely be interested in reading.
•
I really wanted to love this novella. Small town horror, tons of queer rep, and killer mermaids…it should’ve been right in my wheelhouse. Unfortunately, it just fell short of the mark for me.
•
What worked:
Did I mention killer mermaids already? Loved those three sirens and the terror and gore they brought with them. I also liked the dual points of view that helped maintain the mystery of what truly happened.
•
Where I struggled:
I think there was too much going on for a novella. There were past romantic relationships, crushes, a jealous friend rivalry, a crumbling marriage, an awkward father/daughter boss/employee dynamic, and a new love story. The queer rep was great and I like bringing emotional depth in with the horror, but it became too distracting.
While I loved the alternating points of view, I wish Liv’s portion would have read like an actual police interview (i.e., Delores Claiborne).
I think if the interviews were conducted over days vs weeks it would have been more realistic and impactful.
•
Overall thoughts:
If this story had been simplified to Liv’s communication in interview style and the downward spiral of Andie’s marriage, it would have made for a much more compelling novella. Alternately, this could be expanded into a full length novel which would give the interpersonal relationships room to breathe and allow for a deeper dive into the history of the mermaids and the bunker which is something I’d definitely be interested in reading.
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