Briar County is in Southern Ohio - the gateway to Appalachia. People there move at their own pace. They hunt, they fish, they farm - but their secrets run deeper than the fishing holes that dot the countryside. And Dalton Edwards, DEA agent, is about to uncover a few of them after his boss sends him to Briar County on a low-priority assignment as punishment. There's something going on in this rural, sleepy county of only 28,000 people, and his higher-ups want Dalton to uncover it. Easier said than done! Dalton immediately discovers the community is tight-knit, and not easily infiltrated. His boss says it's a pot-growing operation, but Dalton thinks it's much bigger than that. Before his assignment is over, eight family members will be murdered under circumstances that Dalton knows have nothing to do with a hydroponic weed operation. As the mass murder makes international news, Dalton is determined to find the murder (or murderers) and expose the guilty to seek justice for the slain. It won't be easy, and in the end, one more local will perish. Dalton will not rest until those responsible are held accountable. *This novel is fictional, but based on true events that happened in Pike County, Ohio, in April of 2016.
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Brilliantly written! I couldn’t stop reading! This is a well written storyline, non-fiction. But, based from true events. 8 people murdered. I really enjoyed reading this book! I really like her Dedication ❤️ Agent Dalton Edwards finds himself in Briarton, Ohio. Trying to break a case, undercover. His character is a responsible young man. Trying to piece together a big problem that part of the state has. He also finds part time work for the McCoys, a very well to do and secretive family. Also, he finds work with the Hatfield, these families have been enemies for generations. But have been holding the peace. This is a gripping story, with interesting characters. I was feeling the storyline as it progresses, the suspense, the mystery and the daily but secretive lives of these families.
Tragic storyline and very real, still happening today all over USA! Such a compelling story and once again, well written! Bravo! Andrea Smith
Thank you for this ARC in return for an honest review.
4.5 stars - There's a different kind of Hatfields and McCoys going down here. The fact that it's based on a real event makes me sad but I know that some people are just bad. Either way, I did like the writing and storytelling.
There were a couple of areas that I would've liked more details, but the story was a compelling listen. One of those areas is more information on Dalton. I do like that he comes across very personable.
I received an author's copy of the audio book to accompany my book. The narrator is Alexander Cendese. This is the first book that I've listened to him. I do like him and the variety of characters he presented.
4.5 stars - There's a different kind of Hatfields and McCoys going down here. The fact that it's based on a real event makes me sad but I know that some people are just bad. Either way, I did like the writing and storytelling.
There were a couple of areas that I would've liked more details, but the story was a compelling listen. One of those areas is more information on Dalton. I do like that he comes across very personable.
I received an author's copy of the audio book to accompany my book. The narrator is Alexander Cendese. This is the first book that I've listened to him. I do like him and the variety of characters he presented.
Gosh, I absolutely loved this short murder mystery, a bit of a segue from my normal romance reads. Big city guy, Dalton Edwards has fun and games with the locals in Briar County as he tries his best to uncover the goings on in this small hill billy town where everyone knows everything, but no-one says anything. 8 bodies found dead, murdered execution style, and Dalton is determined to get to the bottom of it, the question is, who to trust? The fact that the story was based on real life events in Ohio in 2016 made it even more intriguing. I listened to the audio version with Alexander Cendese, who may now be a new favourite for me. I loved his voice and his accents, add in too, his singing voice (it was only a few lines, but still). I would love more of the same from both author and narrator. A great addition to my audio library.
Excellent Story & Narration🎧 Riveting & Superbly Written! 🎧📚🎧
Murders on the Ridge Mystery in Briar County By: Andrea Smith Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
This is an excellent crime drama murder mystery. I am a huge fan of Andrea Smith’s work, she is a gifted author, I enjoy her writing style and the stories and characters she creates. This book shows another side of her creative mind and I must say she did a superb job writing a novel in this genre. It is fiction based on true events and I just love how she keeps it all real. Dalton Edwards next undercover assignment takes him to Briarton, a small town in Briar County, Ohio. It is believed that there are illegal activities going on, possible links to drug cartels. Posing as a drifter he applies for and gets a job at the East Fork Ranch. His investigation is grabbing some intel which he relays back to his handler but only a month in he stumbles on the scene of a mass murder, 8 members of the Hatfield family, one whom he worked with and befriended. When the investigation he is working on gets halted he continues to stay on with is job working with the McCoys, whom happen to be rivals of the Hatfields. He is hoping to get to the bottom of everything including the murder case. Not trusting local law enforcement he is pretty much on his own, though he does find an unexpected ally or two amongst the locals. This story is cleverly plotted and detailed, it keeps you wondering what is going on, how will Dalton get what he needs to uncover the truths of not only the murders but what they are up to on that ranch. It has been a while since I enjoyed a crime drama murder mystery and it is definitely a winner, I could see this story become a blockbuster movie, with a great leading man playing Dalton’s role. Andrea Smith, thank you for another awesome book!
I listened to the audiobook edition, Alexander Cendese is a fabulously talented narrator and voice artist. He was perfectly casted to bring these character to life, giving each their own distinct voice and personality. His portrayal of the characters is spot on, sounding just as I picture them to sound, especially Dalton, he fell into his role with natural ease. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the awesome listen🎧
Murders on the Ridge Mystery in Briar County By: Andrea Smith Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
There is nothing better than sinking your teeth into a good mystery. When it has some historical basis, it makes the story even better. Andrea Smith has written Dalton Edward's mission to find reason behind the same day massacre of 8 Hatfield family members. Taking us into Briar County Ohio, the feud between the Hatfield and McCoys is still going strong. But can we blame the murders on a family with no proof? Edwards digs in and searches, getting himself in the thick of things, finding himself on the outs with his own and still trying to find the truth. It's intriguing and is a great play on the western enemy families creating a fantastic listen.
Alexander Cendese is fantastic. He creates a town of amazing characters, each voiced with a distinct characteristic. I love his accents, his ability to age his voice, his playfulness, and his venomous tone. He found something for each personality and brought them alive. Listening is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!
Following an undercover agent in a small town in America, Where the Crawfish Swim is an amazing blend of true crime and fictionalisation that is very respectful to the actual events. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys true crime and crime fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a crime drama story. I usually don't read these but Andrea writes great books and this was no exception. She did her research and is a great writer.
Where the Crawfish Swim By: Andrea Smith Narrated by: Alexander Cendese
There is nothing better than sinking your teeth into a good mystery. When it has some historical basis, it makes the story even better. Andrea Smith has written Dalton Edward's mission to find reason behind the same day massacre of 8 Hatfield family members. Taking us into Briar County Ohio, the feud between the Hatfield and McCoys is still going strong. But can we blame the murders on a family with no proof? Edwards digs in and searches, getting himself in the thick of things, finding himself on the outs with his own and still trying to find the truth. It's intriguing and is a great play on the western enemy families creating a fantastic listen.
Alexander Cendese is fantastic. He creates a town of amazing characters, each voiced with a distinct characteristic. I love his accents, his ability to age his voice, his playfulness, and his venomous tone. He found something for each personality and brought them alive. Listening is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!
Murders on the Ridge was a solid crime solver mystery. The book is well-written and I particularly liked the main character, Dalton. Perhaps because I read a lot of crime novels, I figured out the 'who' early on, but Smith did a good job of keeping the 'how' a secret until the ending chapters.
This book isn't particularly long and the pacing is good. All in all, I enjoyed the ride and am looking forward to checking out her other books.
Brilliantly written by Andrea Smith and well delivered by Alexander Cendese. The storyline is intriguing and based on a true event that took place in a rural community in southern Ohio. I had a hard time putting this book down my mind wondered along with Undercover agent Dalton Edwards as he painstakingly tried to uncover a drug ring which consequently lead to the horrific event. If you like murder mysteries snag this one today. This is an audio review.
It’s a modern-day the Hatfields & McCoy’s saga. Literally.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to review.
I DEVOURED this book! In less than 24 hours.
As a true crime buff, I didn’t know a lot about this case…just the basics. This fictionalization is fantastic. I would actually like to see follow up on where Dalton Edwards takes his career next!!
I will be picking up more of Andrea Smith’s books!
It’s a modern-day the Hatfields & McCoy’s saga. Literally.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to review.
I DEVOURED this book! In less than 24 hours.
As a true crime buff, I didn’t know a lot about this case…just the basics. This fictionalization is fantastic. I would actually like to see follow up on where Dalton Edwards takes his career next!!
I will be picking up more of Andrea Smith’s books!
This was a great story. I loved Dalton’s character, his grit and determination to solve the mystery. This felt like “where the crawdads sing.” If you love great story telling and a narrative dripping with clues that keep you turning the page, you’ll love this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I had just watched a documentary on this and some of the questions that came up were the same questions I had asked myself. This was a very good read and did give a different view on some things. I recommend it
Dalton Edwards is tasked with blending in with the locals in Briar County, easier said than done. This based on true events fiction reads, was excellent. I couldn't wait to find out who did what and why. Having grown up in a small town where everybody knows everyone's business (or so they think), this was a fascinating read. It's hard to believe that the events that this story is based on took place in 2016.
There were more areas that I would have liked more information and detail about it, but overall I really enjoyed this read!
Suspenseful, great listen - audiobook review 🎧 This book was inspired by a true crime drama from 2016. I went into this book not remembering the facts of that story so it all was new to me. It was fast paced and held my interest throughout the entire book. I couldn't stop listening and had to finish this book as quickly as I could so I could find out what happened. The story will keep you guessing through all the twists and turns. Narration was great. Alexander did a great job with the different voices and even the female voices. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it!
Exciting book to read & really held my interest. Although thus was fictional,it was loosely based on a very similar massacre of of a real life family, The characters in this story were very interesting & easy to accept. Thank you Net galley for offering me the opportunity to enjoy this book & get to read a book by a talented author "Andrea Smith."
Well done! I was easily drawn into this story and these characters. The author hit on my curiosity and it kept my ears on! I love a good suspenseful story. You know, one that I know how it’s going to end but then Surprise! Yep this is one of those. I liked that she used the Hatfield and McCoy names for these families. Really made it seem to be set in a rural area.
I listened to this on audio. Alexander Cendese was perfect to read this and in the role of Dalton.
I like that this is loosely based on actual events. There are so many news stories that should make national headlines but instead get brushed aside. I don't know the great differences between the actual story and the written one, but in any case, it was a hell of a horrible time in Briar County that deserved to be told.
This was a decent read. I was intrigued by it being based on a true crime--a mass murder in Ohio. I had never heard of the real story before. It was a bit predictable and I didn't connect with any of the characters.
"Where the Crawfish Swim" by Andrea Smith is a creative version of actual events in Pike County, Ohio.
As someone who has met a McCoy, I found this story interesting and want to share it with my friend. I'm sure he'd be delighted to read it.
The story is the Hatfields versus the McCoys, as it has been forever. Mix those in with the Mexican cartel, and you have a humdinger of a story. It was an intricate web of criminal activity that leaves you with many questions (especially after the catchup on actual events at the end).
The pace of the story is exceptional. Smith is assiduous in her character's creation and even more diligent in creating the plot. Yes, there was help with actual events inspiring the work, but the twists in the story make it evident that Smith took the time to do much research and put in her due diligence.
If you like "Hatefield's v. the McCoy's" and enjoy reading about drug cartels, then you will want to read this book.
In a story based on true facts, Murders on the Ridge tells of the premeditated, execution-style murders of the Hatfield family in Briar County, Ohio. The bodies are discovered strewn through their homes, one with hundred dollar bills all around him. There had been rumors and rumblings for a long time within the DEA, FBI and BCI that there was activity involving a Mexican Cartel in the area. To pursue this, Dalton Edwards is sent undercover to get close to the community and find out the facts. What follows is a complicated and elaborate scheme carried out by, at first glance, the most unlikely group of criminals ever. A wonderfully detailed, character-driven book, Murders on the Ridge offers an experience of reliving the murder mystery. In a clever piece of fiction, Ms. Smith uses the surnames of Hatfield and McCoy, two of the most recognizable, bitterly feuding families in history.
A DEA agent is sent to Ohio on an undercover assignment. He is able to blend in and become a part of this small “clannish” town and solves a drug smuggling case & mass murder. I loved that this was inspired by true events! The very first chapter grabs your attention. It was easy to follow with enough mystery/suspense to keep you guessing. Not easily predictable which I enjoyed.
I also loved that the author included the research and drug related facts that were used while writing the book. Also included were facts and links directing you to the actual investigation. Overall good fiction with a true crime feel
The way Andrea Smith wrote this book made me feel like I was watching a docuseries! She did such a fantastic job! I loved how the story was told through the undercover DEA agent’s POV, it definitely added something to the story.
An Absorbing Mystery set in Rural America. A DEA agent goes undercover to investigate a drug smuggling operation in Briarton Ohio. In the course of his investigation, he’s integrated into the community, and has to maintain his cover, deal with the pressure from his boss in the government, and look out for his own life.
The book features lots of local colour, and an unexpected twist at the end. An entertaining read, apparently based on true events.
Murders on the Ridge by Andrea Smith is a great book/listen. The story kept me captivated as it was very realistic. I hadn't initially guessed the killer or suspected the motive. The author wrote some great twists. Alexander Cendese was great bringing the characters to life with his voice. He inflected the right emotions and tone.
I am a big fan of ripped from headlines type novel. Andrea Smith seriously did her homework in putting this piece of fiction together. Starting with the bureaucracy of the alphabet divisions investigating the case and their mess of red tape, the way the mystery unravels is tremendous. Kudos to this new author.