Dead Redheads

by E.J. Findorff

When New Orleans FBI Agent Angel Blondeaux is called to investigate the ritualistic murder of six young woman, she is plunged into a world of darkness and mystery. As she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that this isn't just one twisted killer with a sinister motive - the conspiracy goes much deeper.

As the body count rises, Angel finds herself falling for the next victim, a beautiful and enigmatic woman named Sonja. But can she protect her from the dangers that lurk in the shadows, or will she be the next victim of the killer's twisted rituals?

Can Angel navigate through the treacherous waters of the occult without becoming one of the victims she’s trying to save? With twists and turns at every corner, this gripping mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

New Orleans and all its dark weirdness laid the foundation for every story I've written since high school up to present day. I was born and raised in the Crescent City, but now live in Chicago. I graduated from the University of New Orleans and served six years in the Louisiana National Guard.
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My mind easily delves into the twisted recesses, but I find to balance myself out, I watch a lot of comedies and love to make people laugh. I get into everything from witty British comedies to South Park and Family Guy. If you're easily offended... Sorry!

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this murder mystery involving FBI agent Angel Blondeaux. I didn’t read the two previous books yet found easy to follow and relate. Ritualistic murders of redheads grabbed and held my interest and moved along. As a woman the agent handled struggles of female in primarily male dominated field interestingly. I can’t wait to read next book! *I was given a copy via BookSirens and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Agent Angel Blondeaux is back in Dead Redheads, the third book in the series. Working in conjunction with NOPD, she is on the case when six young girls are found murdered. As she hunts for the killer, more bodies pile up. Not only does she have to find the twisted serial killer, but she also has her hands full in her personal life when a person she is attracted to is also involved in the case. Conspiracies, cults, rituals, they are all included in this well-written thriller. From well-defined characters to an incredible storyline, this novel, filled with twists and turns, will keep you reading late into the night. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fiction Majorette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full thoughts: https://fictionmajorette.blogspot.com...

As this is the third book in the series, there are slight spoilers for books 1 and 2. Each book does have a standalone investigation, but some of the fallout from those investigations does cross into the other books. In this case, we get Angel interacting more with some of her family members we saw in book 1 and with a friend we see in book 2. Being able to see these interactions and get some more details of Angel and her personal life is exactly the reason why I enjoyed this book more than book 2. And, based on the tease of a cliffhanger ending we got in book 3, it seems like we'll continue to get more family drama development into book 4.

I really enjoyed the way the investigation played out in regards to reader expectations. I found it incredibly obvious from the get-go what Sonja's connection to the case would be but the investigation plot hadn't gotten there yet. I was getting a bit worried that this connection would be the big twist reveal at the end. And while I think that would have worked pretty well from an overall plot perspective, I would have found it incredibly unsatisfying. Thankfully, Sonja's connection was uncovered around the 50% mark and from there on I didn't really have any guesses as to how the rest of the investigation would play out. I did really enjoy the solution to this mystery/investigation and enjoyed all the steps it took to get there.

The characters were fantastic and I think really shined in this book. I loved these established relationships and how much of a team they really felt like. There was some great banter and relationship development in the investigation team that felt more fun to read than a typical police procedural book. As mentioned above, we do get to see some characters that we saw in previous books and build on those relationships.

Overall, this was another great entry in the Angel Blondeaux series and thanks to the cliffhanger-y ending, I can't wait for book 4.

Thanks to BookSirens and the Author for the ARC. Publication date was January 1, 2023

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Redheads, by E.J. Findorff, is the third installment in his Angel Blondeaux series. After reading the first books this series, Blood Parish and The Alpha, I was excited to read this newest novel featuring the outspoken and accomplished FBI agent, Angel Blondeaux. As usual, Findorff provides a riveting beginning, a confident main character, and an eerie storyline.
Findorff doesn’t waste any time coaxing the reader in with an extremely vicious crime scene with multiple murders of young women that is leaning towards an occult ritual, complete with a full moon, a septagram, tattoos, and sacrifices. It’s at this horrific scene that we find FBI agent Angel Blondeaux who has been called in by the New Orleans Police Department to assist in the bewildering investigation.
Angel is a confident FBI agent who is sometimes a bit reckless, but very gutsy and fearless in her investigations. Findorff provides the reader with more information about Angel and her relationships, both personal and professional. It was interesting to watch as Findorff takes an already well developed character and actually develops her more.
With a storyline that is shocking and horrific Findorff meets all the elements of a true thriller, including a diabolical villain, a ticking clock, and a shocking twist, just to name a few. With another full moon coming Angel is determined to discover the identity of the killer before that next full moon and six more women are heinously murdered.
I am completely invested in this series featuring the exceptional character of Angel Blondeaux and look forward to reading more from this author. In fact, the ending of Dead Redheads definitely leaves an opening for the next novel in this terrific series. I received this ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Redheads is the third book in the Angel Blondeaux series. This can be a stand-alone read, but probably best to start at the beginning. When I first started reading it, I felt as if there were prior books, but I couldn't find that information until I finished and searched on Amazon where I found it under the author. I really wish that that information was included in the description that way we can decide if we want to jump in mid series or start at the beginning. Still, not knowing this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.

FBI Agent Angel Blondeaux is called to investigate the ritualistic murder of six young woman which are found lying on the ground in an odd circle.

New Orleans is known for its ties to the occult and this murder will drag her into a world of darkness and mystery. As she investigates with her partner from the local homicide department, Ramsey, they realize that there dealing with a cult and unsolved murders from the past.

Angel connects with Sonja, who escaped from the same cult they have been investigating. But Sonja and Angel are in more danger than they know.

I really liked this book. It was action packed and a real page turner. Angel is a strong, determined women but quirky in a way that is endearing. I especially enjoyed all the references to the food and restaurants referred to in New Orleans, made me wish I was there again.

I received an ARC from BookSirens for an unbiased review.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first two books in the series I was a bit surprised by this one. It was definitely more "out there" than the previous two books. It involves ritualistic occult murders and some truly psychotic killers. There's plenty of action, sometimes to the point I began to wonder exactly how many lives Angel has left. It seemed that every time she made a move there was someone there to knock her down, kidnap her, or beat her senseless. Not conducive to a productive investigation. But..I really do like the characters in this series. Angel and Ramsey work very well together and seem to have found a way to be good partners, and close friends, without crossing that line into romantic entanglements. Probably because Angel is exploring her bi-sexual nature at the moment.

I did have one issue that kept giving me grief. The story is written in my favorite 3rd person/past tense point of view. But periodically Mr. Findorff drops in a sentence that is in the first person point of view. It is very jarring. Otherwise, it is an enjoyable story and I am hopeful there will be more stories to come.

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.

[Amy Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back, Angel Blondeaux.

The third book about Angel is no longer focused around the FBI Agent’s sordid family, but it does provide a fascinating thriller In New Orleans.

Agent Blondeaux is working with the New Orleans Police Department to solve the ritualistic murder of six young women. Her investigation gets deeper and darker as she realizes that the six murders just scratched the surface of a conspiracy-laden dark arts practice spanning decades.

It’s easy to lose track of time while reading Dead Redheads. The chapters are short, and there are so many twists and turns in the story to capture your attention. When one loose tie is resolved, ten more sprout up in its place. The reader is drawn down in the depths with Angel and wants to find out what happens next.

Does Dead Redheads work as a standalone thriller? Yes, but I suggest reading the books in order. The first two books offer valuable insight into who Angel is and why others believe in her.

I can’t wait to find out what Angel’s next case will be. E.J. Findorff, don’t make us wait too long.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Loved the story about the occult type groups that likely exist in our everyday life. The first chapter or two had a great deal of background and people that initially made it a tad bit confusing, but as time went on it became much clearer. The main character is FBI agent Angel Blondeaux who is assigned a case of 6 dead young women under a ritual that everyone is unaware the typical who, what, where and how it all came about. She finds herself attracted to Sonja a person who is an enigma as to what she knows and thinks. She was raised in a cult and finds the “real world” a bit difficult to navigate at times due to others’ expectations. Angel finds herself physically attracted to Sonja and as a part of the case is reaching out to delve into her mind as to what the cult is doing. It’s a really good book just wish I had read the prior ones to get a better understanding of the characters and what drives them. I’d say read them in order as it will certainly help, but it did not diminish the book and its story in any way. I’d still recommend it as a good read.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. New Orleans FBI agent Angel Blondeaux grew up in one of Louisiana's notorious crime families but she abandoned her roots to work for the good guys. She is called to an abandoned warehouse where the bodies of 6 young women have been killed in a horrific ritualistic murder. The investigation leads her and her team into the shadowy world of the occult and a cult with a sinister game plan. She begins to suspect that one of the leaders could be close. Angel is an interesting quirky protagonist and the interaction with her colleagues adds humor and interest. Although this third entry works as a standalone, bread crumbs for her backstory and other cases piqued my interest enough to search out the first book "Blood Parrish." Although not a believer I am fascinated with occult themes and legends such as those in the case. Trigger warning contains graphic scenes and gore and lesbian relationships. Overall a solid plot line with well developed charactes.

[Fred Masek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Angel Blondeaux, an FBI agent with a past, assigned as a consultant to the New Orleans Police Department to help solve the ritual killing of 6 young girls. Days later a 7th girl –redheaded is found. During the investigation skeletons of sets of 6 young girls from 10 years and from 20 years ago are found. A long established and powerful group believes that sacrificing the 6 girls and impregnating the seventh girl, who must be a redhead, will result in a superchild. They get their girls from a secluded cult. Angel meets a new friend/fwb named Sonja who escaped the cult. The group wants Sonja to voluntarily be the 7th girl in their ritual. Angel tries to stop the group before they sacrifice another 6 young girls.
I liked this book and recommend it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. J. Findorff does a great job in creating a good mystery novel and a overall great series so far. I had enjoyed the previous two books Blood Parish and The Alpha, and Dead Redheads was a great continuation of the series. Angel Blondeaux felt like the same character from the previous books, and the rest of the cast was what I was looking for. I was invested in the mystery and trying to figure out what was going on.

"Someone else always bought my clothes.” Her voice was light and timid. The lack of strength in her manner of speaking was in stark contrast to her intense gaze. “You ever get a sense of someone? A feeling?” “As an agent, I’m used to reading people.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angel Blondeaux is back, this time trying to find the people responsible for the ritualistic murders of 6 young girls. Set in New Orleans, there are hints of black magic or satanism, well outside her normal investigations.

I’m glad I’d read the previous book in this series, but it’s still a good standalone read. The story and pacing were good, although the topic is fairly dark and sometimes not an easy read with the subjects being written about. I enjoyed Angels relationships with both Maggie and her work partner, Ramsey, but not so much the one with Sonja, however broken she is because of her past. All in all a recommended read, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. 3 1/2 ⭐️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Darren Bourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in return for an honest review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Dead Redheads is another novel in his series with the protagonist Angel Blondeaux, an FBI agent assigned in her home state of Louisiana, as she works in conjunction with the NOPD to solve a series of ritualistic murders that delve into cults, underage sex, and infiltration of the military by high ranking cult leaders.

I enjoyed this book and found it to be an interesting tale of police procedure set in New Orleans. I would easily rate this book a solid four stars and would recommend it to fans of police procedurals.

As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thrilling Angel Blondeaux adventure!

Someone, or some group, is killing young women in an occult ritual performed on a full moon. A cult is involved and also a fortified compound. The murders are performed as part of an ancient rite that requires a red-haired woman for success. The woman the cult has in mind just happens to be someone Angel is attracted to.

There are many twists and turns in the plot. There are also twists and turns in Angel's personal life. All of which makes it hard to write a review without providing spoilers.

I did not give a fifth star as there were more typos than usual in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erica Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Redheads is the third in the series featuring FBI Agent Angel Blondeaux. The book is chock full of occult rituals, dead bodies and cult conspiracies. It builds on the first two books really well, but be warned, if you haven’t read the first two then following some of the relationships will be challenging.

The book moves on from FBI Agent Angel Blondeaux family, although they do crop up every now and again. The great thing about this is we get to see her a little more independently and in a fresh environment.

Like the first two books, Dead Redheads is intense, very well written and features some questionable decisions by our heroine. Give it a read, you won’t be disappointed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t like this as much as the other Blondeaux books. Several things Angel did made no sense for a savvy FBI agent. Also, there were too many references to personal relationships: Angel and Sonja, Angel and Maggie, and Ramsey and Gail. A lot of other characters came and went. Hard to keep track of it all.

There were quite a few typos. One example: Each chapter begins with a date. Chapter 38 starts with April 17th. That was a mistake, since Chapter 37 started with June 16th. A few times, the narrator’s voice changed from third person to first person: “I raised my eyebrows.” This was distracting. The version I read is an advance review copy, so I hope the typos were fixed in the final publication.

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bette Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Redheads is the third book in the Angel Blondeaux series by EJ Findorff. In this book a ritualistic murder of six young women is found, but the police can find no clues as to who they are. As always, she leaves no stone unturned to find the murderers. But, before she gets to far, they find an identical site with the same type of young women. Soon she is in the middle of the unexpected. Will she be able to solve this before another ceremony? I look forward to more from this author. Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC of this book.

[Terri McClean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this series from the beginning and look forward to each installment. I'm already looking forward to the next book.

Even though this is a series you could read it as a standalone. You might miss a few references to earlier works but the main story holds up.

There are enough twists and mysterious happenings going on to keep you turning pages long past your intended reading time, and then you find you've finished the book.
Angels story along with the family history will keep you rooting for her and hoping that she can find her place.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Redheads is the third book in the FBI Agent Angel Blondeaux series by E. J. Findorff.

Angel is called to investigate the ritualistic murder of six young woman which are found lying on the ground in an odd circle. As she investigates with her partner from the New Orleans PD, Ramsey, they start to realize that there dealing with a cult and unsolved murders from the past.
An outstanding thriller with a superb plot and characters.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for an unbiased review.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book centers around cults and their rituals. The ritual they are currently trying to complete has dire consequences. The NOPD and FBI are trying desperately to find the leaders of the cult but time is running out. The book is suspenseful and has a few twists you don't see coming. The storyline is good but the book needs some editing. I did read an ARC so the final published version could have made the corrections. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my honest voluntary review.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thrilling 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.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angel Blondeaux is a complex character, born into a family of criminals, she joins the FBI and is then considered a black sheep by her kin.

The author creates a well written thriller, which is fast paced and with balanced characterisation. The storyline is a journey into depravity, drawing the reader in to follow the trail of those responsible and to ensure that justice is served.

I received a complimentary advance review copy of the book and am willingly submitting my honest review

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book for an honest review. Another gripping tale following Agent Blondeaux as she finds trouble, or does trouble seek her out? After an encounter with an alluring girl at a bar, Angel finds herself tracking a group intent to taking as many victims as it takes to make their end game. Can Angel stop it before the next full moon? I read this in two sittings as I could hardly put it down!

[Michael Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly engrossing read. The characters are well defined and interact perfectly. The plot is exciting and well paced. The storyline exposes the depths of depravity humans can reach and how good may not always win. I definitely recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great story that surprizes you when you find out who the leader of the bad guys really is. I was unable to put this book down until the last page. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kindlelover 1220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Agent Angel is sent to a scene of a crime. The victims are six young ladies. They appear to be victims of a ritual crime. Angel has to deal with a cult, dark secrets and a conspiracy. An outstanding thriller with a superb plot and characters.

[Carol Stefanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angel Blondeaux is a great character. Strong female character. There are a few unfortunate typos. I like the tension between all the characters. Some of it is sympathetic some antipathetic which makes the story stronger. The teasers for what sits in Angel's future make you want to read the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good mystery that I enjoyed reading.
I highly recommend reading it...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. I hope the author keeps up the good work. His characters all seem like they could jump out in real life. The action is good and the crimefighting makes you cheer for the good guys.