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River Woman, River Demon: A Novel
Award-winning Mexican-American and Indigenous author Jennifer Givhan brings us an exquisitely written, spell-binding psychological thriller--weaving together folk magick with personal and cultural empowerment--that is perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic . When Eva's husband is arrested for the murder of a friend, she must confront her murky past and embrace her magick to find out what really happened that night on the river. Eva Santos Moon is a burgeoning Chicana artist who practices the ancient, spiritual ways of brujería and curanderisma, but she's at one of her lowest points--suffering from disorienting blackouts, creative stagnation, and a feeling of disconnect from her magickal roots. When her husband, a beloved university professor and the glue that holds their family together, is taken into custody for the shocking murder of their friend, Eva doesn't know whom to trust--least of all, herself. She soon falls under suspicion as a potential suspect, and her past rises to the surface, dredging up the truth about an eerily similar death from her childhood. Struggling with fragmented memories and self-doubt, an increasingly terrified Eva fears that she might have been involved in both murders. But why doesn't she remember? Only the dead women know for sure, and they're coming for her with a haunting vengeance. As she fights to keep her family out of danger, Eva realizes she must use her magick as a bruja to protect herself and her loved ones, while confronting her own dark history. River Woman, River Demon is a mysterious incantation of reckoning with the past and claiming one's unique power and voice.
376 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2022
1661 people are currently reading
23584 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Givhan
24 books586 followersJennifer Givhan is a Mexican-American and Indigenous poet and novelist from the Southwestern desert and the recipient of poetry fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and PEN/Rosenthal Emerging Voices. Her novel Salt Bones is coming this July 22, 2025 from Mulholland/Little, Brown.
She holds a Master’s degree from California State University Fullerton and a Master’s in Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College. She is the author of five full-length poetry collections, including Rosa’s Einstein (University of Arizona Press), and the novels Trinity Sight and Jubilee (Blackstone Publishing), which were finalists for the Arizona-New Mexico Book Awards and won The Southwest Book Award. Her newest poetry collection Belly to the Brutal (Wesleyan University Press) and novel River Woman, River Demon (Blackstone Publishing) both draw from her practice of brujería. Her latest novel was chosen for Amazon’s Book Club and as a National Together We Read Library Pick and was featured on CBS Mornings. It also won an International Latino Book Award in the Rudolfo Anaya Latino-Focused Fiction category.
Her poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction have appeared in The New Republic, The Nation, POETRY, TriQuarterly, The Boston Review, The Rumpus, Salon, Ploughshares, and many others. She’s received the Southwest Book Award, New Ohio Review’s Poetry Prize, Phoebe Journal’s Greg Grummer Poetry Prize, the Pinch Journal Poetry Prize, and Cutthroat’s Joy Harjo Poetry Prize.
Givhan has taught at the University of Washington Bothell’s MFA program as well as Western New Mexico University and has guest lectured at universities across the country. She was the 2024 Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at The University of New Mexico.
She would love to hear from you at jennifergivhan.com and you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for inspiration, prompts, and real talk about the publishing world and life as a mama writer.
https://www.instagram.com/jenngivhan/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEs...
https://www.facebook.com/jenn.givhan.3/
She holds a Master’s degree from California State University Fullerton and a Master’s in Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College. She is the author of five full-length poetry collections, including Rosa’s Einstein (University of Arizona Press), and the novels Trinity Sight and Jubilee (Blackstone Publishing), which were finalists for the Arizona-New Mexico Book Awards and won The Southwest Book Award. Her newest poetry collection Belly to the Brutal (Wesleyan University Press) and novel River Woman, River Demon (Blackstone Publishing) both draw from her practice of brujería. Her latest novel was chosen for Amazon’s Book Club and as a National Together We Read Library Pick and was featured on CBS Mornings. It also won an International Latino Book Award in the Rudolfo Anaya Latino-Focused Fiction category.
Her poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction have appeared in The New Republic, The Nation, POETRY, TriQuarterly, The Boston Review, The Rumpus, Salon, Ploughshares, and many others. She’s received the Southwest Book Award, New Ohio Review’s Poetry Prize, Phoebe Journal’s Greg Grummer Poetry Prize, the Pinch Journal Poetry Prize, and Cutthroat’s Joy Harjo Poetry Prize.
Givhan has taught at the University of Washington Bothell’s MFA program as well as Western New Mexico University and has guest lectured at universities across the country. She was the 2024 Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at The University of New Mexico.
She would love to hear from you at jennifergivhan.com and you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for inspiration, prompts, and real talk about the publishing world and life as a mama writer.
https://www.instagram.com/jenngivhan/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEs...
https://www.facebook.com/jenn.givhan.3/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,272 reviews
December 27, 2024
I realize it's unorthodox for an author to leave commentary in this section, and I've tried to promise myself I would only listen and learn here, but criticism has been lobbed against River Woman, River Demon that I've felt it incumbent upon me to contextualize and respond to because it misrepresents the deep core of my spirit and work.
Eva has been called an "awful mother" or some iteration for many reasons, and I understand the reasons readers may feel that way although that was not my experience living through many of Eva's emotions or writing her character. But one reader has said that it's because she talks with her children at the dinner table about a gruesome instance of police brutality against Black folks and that Black children should not be subjected to this fear at such a young age.
I absolutely hear this, and I have written and spoken from my experiences as a mother raising a biracial family.
But Eva does not bring up the instance at the table. The truth of my experience is that our Black children hear these stories on the schoolyard, see them on the news, and overhear them outside of the home. In River Woman, River Demon, Eva's 11-yo daughter Ximena brings up this incident to enlighten someone (an outsider) about Juneteenth and its importance. She is a precocious child who has been listening everywhere, and even though she's young, she's a social justice warrior who speaks the truth and stands up for her family and community.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have these conversations and to listen to Black women. And I would never negate the experiences that Black and Brown women have. I'm adding my voice to the conversation in a spirit of intersectional hope.
And I just needed to be able to respond here and say that Eva is navigating the sticky waters of protecting her children and herself as best she can, and that she's learning and growing, as am I.
I don't think she's an awful mother for allowing her daughter to say aloud what has been burning inside her, eating her up, for giving space to allow for the ugliness, and for helping her children navigate what's already being thrown at them as individuals and as a family.
I could go on and on with everything I feel here, but I just wanted to keep the discussion going and hope that readers will lend Eva the compassion and empathy with which I've tried to write her.
I wrote the best book I could then. If I could write it again today, it would be better. Every day I learn and grow. Every day I shed old selves and step closer to light, compassion, and understanding. But I can’t let yesterday’s mistakes keep me from writing today. I will keep writing what's hard to get closer to the truth of my experiences in this world, and to try and create a more beautiful place for my children and yours.
Thank you for listening and for your energy reading my heartwork.
All light in the shadow,
Jenn
Eva has been called an "awful mother" or some iteration for many reasons, and I understand the reasons readers may feel that way although that was not my experience living through many of Eva's emotions or writing her character. But one reader has said that it's because she talks with her children at the dinner table about a gruesome instance of police brutality against Black folks and that Black children should not be subjected to this fear at such a young age.
I absolutely hear this, and I have written and spoken from my experiences as a mother raising a biracial family.
But Eva does not bring up the instance at the table. The truth of my experience is that our Black children hear these stories on the schoolyard, see them on the news, and overhear them outside of the home. In River Woman, River Demon, Eva's 11-yo daughter Ximena brings up this incident to enlighten someone (an outsider) about Juneteenth and its importance. She is a precocious child who has been listening everywhere, and even though she's young, she's a social justice warrior who speaks the truth and stands up for her family and community.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have these conversations and to listen to Black women. And I would never negate the experiences that Black and Brown women have. I'm adding my voice to the conversation in a spirit of intersectional hope.
And I just needed to be able to respond here and say that Eva is navigating the sticky waters of protecting her children and herself as best she can, and that she's learning and growing, as am I.
I don't think she's an awful mother for allowing her daughter to say aloud what has been burning inside her, eating her up, for giving space to allow for the ugliness, and for helping her children navigate what's already being thrown at them as individuals and as a family.
I could go on and on with everything I feel here, but I just wanted to keep the discussion going and hope that readers will lend Eva the compassion and empathy with which I've tried to write her.
I wrote the best book I could then. If I could write it again today, it would be better. Every day I learn and grow. Every day I shed old selves and step closer to light, compassion, and understanding. But I can’t let yesterday’s mistakes keep me from writing today. I will keep writing what's hard to get closer to the truth of my experiences in this world, and to try and create a more beautiful place for my children and yours.
Thank you for listening and for your energy reading my heartwork.
All light in the shadow,
Jenn
November 16, 2022
River Woman, River Demon is a crime thriller combined with Chicana brujería and curanderismo practices. Crime thrillers are not my usual reading fare so it's really the latter that got my interest to request an ARC. Earlier in the year, I read a book of short stories Maria, Maria: Other Stories by Marytza Rubio showcasing Chicana culture and really liked it.
Unfortunately the character of protagonist Eva Santos Moon really put me off. I think the author wanted to show her decompensating during a time of crisis but unwittingly may have displayed Eva's narcissistic histrionic personality instead.
Scaring the bejeesus out of her children with her antics, waltzing in and out of their lives to experience the Kodak moments, leaving mundane tasks for mere mortals like cooking, cleaning and comforting the kids to her long suffering sister. And
the drinking....if one is experiencing blackouts to the point where one cannot remember making death threats at a woman who you suspect is sleeping with your husband, that you're not sure if you've drowned and murdered (and you suspect your husband is trying to protect you by taking the rap), then maybe I dunno, stop drinking? Not Bloody Marys, hot toddies with extra rum, many cups of sake etc. At the very least have to be clear-headed to be a source of strength and protection for the family. Instead she acts like a nine-year-old who needs instant gratification at every turn, her eleven-year-old daughter is making her breakfast while she 'needs her rest', she is taking cross country trips to have trysts with a married man, and when danger is in sight, she beseeches her 11 year old and 7 year old kid to protect her! Eva believes she is being haunted by spirits and yet plays with an ouija board with her kids for fun and giggles with shit predictably hitting the fan. When Eva chides her son mentally for not protecting her from her bad dating choices, one really wonders who is the adult here. Her poor son develops selective mutism from all the trauma and this poor excuse of a mother refuses to bring him back to the pediatric psychologist because of a signing of a document that whatever the son says to the psychologist is private and cannot be disclosed even with the parent. These are in place to guarantee confidentiality, especially in cases of domestic child abuse. All medical professionals are trained to recognize the signs of child abuse and the reporting of it is mandatory. The children are noted to be more mature than their age, not because of the outside world as Eva states, but as a result of coping with a neglectful irresponsible parent always putting her own needs first imo. When the going gets tough, she abandons the family to its own devices.
It is clear though that this family is favoured and blessed by the author so I knew they would be protected by plot armor and come out unscathed. The crime thriller part was very clumsily concluded, depending on a series of implausible coincidences and some hand-waving tech explanation which the case hinges upon.
The childishness of Eva extends to name calling every woman she doesn't like a bitch, sometimes c***. I had whiplash with her. One moment the dead woman Cecilia is all kinds of nasty for seducing her husband, then she becomes 'our best friend,' 'fellow witch,' 'sister Wiccan.' The detective is another law enforcing 'Detective b****', until she becomes a POC heroine upholding the law. Those at school bullying her daughter for being fat are also little b****** while she has no problem with her teen self bullying and ostracizing an Asian kid for being studious.
Being a bruja (witch) according to Eva's practice appears to entail everything from tarot card reading, using an enemy's saliva and hair for sticking pins and needles into dolls, to herbology, to celebrating All Hallow's Eve and Samhain. At one point in explaining, Eva calls the non-magical people 'Muggles.' Huh? A HP reference?
The Hoodoo explanations in reference to her black husband Jericho's Magick practice were interesting but it constituted only a small portion of the book. The setting of this novel is mainly in New Mexico, United States although Eva and her sister grew up in Calexico, California, United States and she subsequently met her husband in San Diego. Despite my unpalatable experience with this book, I am still interested in reading more about being a Chicana bruja and curandera. Upcoming The Man Who Could Move Clouds: A Memoir by Ingrid Rojas Contreras, a memoir about her Columbian family's curandera and magic background as well as colonialism, may just fit the bill.
River Woman, River Demon's publication date is 4th October 2022. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately the character of protagonist Eva Santos Moon really put me off. I think the author wanted to show her decompensating during a time of crisis but unwittingly may have displayed Eva's narcissistic histrionic personality instead.
Scaring the bejeesus out of her children with her antics, waltzing in and out of their lives to experience the Kodak moments, leaving mundane tasks for mere mortals like cooking, cleaning and comforting the kids to her long suffering sister. And
the drinking....if one is experiencing blackouts to the point where one cannot remember making death threats at a woman who you suspect is sleeping with your husband, that you're not sure if you've drowned and murdered (and you suspect your husband is trying to protect you by taking the rap), then maybe I dunno, stop drinking? Not Bloody Marys, hot toddies with extra rum, many cups of sake etc. At the very least have to be clear-headed to be a source of strength and protection for the family. Instead she acts like a nine-year-old who needs instant gratification at every turn, her eleven-year-old daughter is making her breakfast while she 'needs her rest', she is taking cross country trips to have trysts with a married man, and when danger is in sight, she beseeches her 11 year old and 7 year old kid to protect her! Eva believes she is being haunted by spirits and yet plays with an ouija board with her kids for fun and giggles with shit predictably hitting the fan. When Eva chides her son mentally for not protecting her from her bad dating choices, one really wonders who is the adult here. Her poor son develops selective mutism from all the trauma and this poor excuse of a mother refuses to bring him back to the pediatric psychologist because of a signing of a document that whatever the son says to the psychologist is private and cannot be disclosed even with the parent. These are in place to guarantee confidentiality, especially in cases of domestic child abuse. All medical professionals are trained to recognize the signs of child abuse and the reporting of it is mandatory. The children are noted to be more mature than their age, not because of the outside world as Eva states, but as a result of coping with a neglectful irresponsible parent always putting her own needs first imo. When the going gets tough, she abandons the family to its own devices.
It is clear though that this family is favoured and blessed by the author so I knew they would be protected by plot armor and come out unscathed. The crime thriller part was very clumsily concluded, depending on a series of implausible coincidences and some hand-waving tech explanation which the case hinges upon.
The childishness of Eva extends to name calling every woman she doesn't like a bitch, sometimes c***. I had whiplash with her. One moment the dead woman Cecilia is all kinds of nasty for seducing her husband, then she becomes 'our best friend,' 'fellow witch,' 'sister Wiccan.' The detective is another law enforcing 'Detective b****', until she becomes a POC heroine upholding the law. Those at school bullying her daughter for being fat are also little b****** while she has no problem with her teen self bullying and ostracizing an Asian kid for being studious.
Being a bruja (witch) according to Eva's practice appears to entail everything from tarot card reading, using an enemy's saliva and hair for sticking pins and needles into dolls, to herbology, to celebrating All Hallow's Eve and Samhain. At one point in explaining, Eva calls the non-magical people 'Muggles.' Huh? A HP reference?
The Hoodoo explanations in reference to her black husband Jericho's Magick practice were interesting but it constituted only a small portion of the book. The setting of this novel is mainly in New Mexico, United States although Eva and her sister grew up in Calexico, California, United States and she subsequently met her husband in San Diego. Despite my unpalatable experience with this book, I am still interested in reading more about being a Chicana bruja and curandera. Upcoming The Man Who Could Move Clouds: A Memoir by Ingrid Rojas Contreras, a memoir about her Columbian family's curandera and magic background as well as colonialism, may just fit the bill.
River Woman, River Demon's publication date is 4th October 2022. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2023
Eva is a Chicana artist who also practices ancient magic that her husband excels at. But she’s not been able to create any new art lately and keeps suffering from blackouts. Even her magic doesn’t quite seem right. And then the unexpected happens – a family friend is found dead near their house and Eva’s husband is arrested for the murder. As the investigation begins, Eva finds herself under suspicion as well. Not knowing who to trust, she begins dredging up secrets from the past and trying to reconnect with her magic to save her family.
I liked the concept of this read but the execution wasn’t quite right. The crime aspect of the work wasn’t well written. There were too many coincidences or things with a glossed over explanation just because the plot needed it to work that way. There were also some rather large things that I assumed were going to be explained well, but instead were given throwaway explanations almost as asides. However, things that were absolutely unnecessary to know were overexplained constantly. The solution to the murder was also straightforward and predictable.
Eva was an unlikeable protagonist, but I don’t think the author wanted her to be. She’s selfish, hypocritical, changeable, and makes some questionable and stupid decisions. But the way the author writes about these things tries to put Eva in a sympathetic light despite her having no redeemable qualities. And despite the plethora of stupid decisions, guess what – Eva and everyone she truly cares about make it out unscathed. No comeuppance or character growth comes from any of this either, which makes it all the more frustrating. I think that the author maybe wanted to write her as a woman unraveling, scared, and confused, but instead made her narcissistic and insufferable. The rest of the characters pretty much just existed with no real personalities or development.
While there were some interesting things buried in this work, I didn’t feel that it was worth the effort to find them. Unfortunately, I don’t recommend reading this book despite its gorgeous cover and intriguing title.
I liked the concept of this read but the execution wasn’t quite right. The crime aspect of the work wasn’t well written. There were too many coincidences or things with a glossed over explanation just because the plot needed it to work that way. There were also some rather large things that I assumed were going to be explained well, but instead were given throwaway explanations almost as asides. However, things that were absolutely unnecessary to know were overexplained constantly. The solution to the murder was also straightforward and predictable.
Eva was an unlikeable protagonist, but I don’t think the author wanted her to be. She’s selfish, hypocritical, changeable, and makes some questionable and stupid decisions. But the way the author writes about these things tries to put Eva in a sympathetic light despite her having no redeemable qualities. And despite the plethora of stupid decisions, guess what – Eva and everyone she truly cares about make it out unscathed. No comeuppance or character growth comes from any of this either, which makes it all the more frustrating. I think that the author maybe wanted to write her as a woman unraveling, scared, and confused, but instead made her narcissistic and insufferable. The rest of the characters pretty much just existed with no real personalities or development.
While there were some interesting things buried in this work, I didn’t feel that it was worth the effort to find them. Unfortunately, I don’t recommend reading this book despite its gorgeous cover and intriguing title.
October 14, 2022
I hated this book. I was going to walk away from it halfway through but so many reviews here were glowing so I gave it a second chance.
The main character is just a terrible person and astonishingly obtuse but it’s not really a plot point. Though the people closest to her continue to suffer as a result of her actions and inaction, there is never a reckoning for her. Because of that the story has no depth at all. Even as a fun page-turner or beach read was too flat.
I find it ironic that Eva is so concerned for the well-being of her Black husband in the hands of police but as soon as he’s in custody she leaves him for dead. She really made no effort to get to the bottom of the mystery either to see if her husband was set up or if he was a liar. Nothing. The truth just falls in her lap following a wild series of perfectly timed coincidences. If her ex hadn’t tried murdering his wife, Eva was just going to… what? Blissfully move out of state with her children and leave Jericho to rot in prison? After 13 years with the guy it certainly didn’t take much for her to move on. It just didn’t ring very realistic to me for a protagonist that I’m supposed to be rooting for.
After the story she will continue to be a problem drinker, she will continue to allow her sister to mother her, and she will continue to distrust Jericho. All those complications could make for a more interesting character if they were acknowledged and brought into the story. Too bad they weren’t.
The main character is just a terrible person and astonishingly obtuse but it’s not really a plot point. Though the people closest to her continue to suffer as a result of her actions and inaction, there is never a reckoning for her. Because of that the story has no depth at all. Even as a fun page-turner or beach read was too flat.
I find it ironic that Eva is so concerned for the well-being of her Black husband in the hands of police but as soon as he’s in custody she leaves him for dead. She really made no effort to get to the bottom of the mystery either to see if her husband was set up or if he was a liar. Nothing. The truth just falls in her lap following a wild series of perfectly timed coincidences. If her ex hadn’t tried murdering his wife, Eva was just going to… what? Blissfully move out of state with her children and leave Jericho to rot in prison? After 13 years with the guy it certainly didn’t take much for her to move on. It just didn’t ring very realistic to me for a protagonist that I’m supposed to be rooting for.
After the story she will continue to be a problem drinker, she will continue to allow her sister to mother her, and she will continue to distrust Jericho. All those complications could make for a more interesting character if they were acknowledged and brought into the story. Too bad they weren’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
About the book: “A psychological thriller that weaves together the threads of folk magick with personal and cultural empowerment, River Woman, River Demon is a mysterious incantation of reckoning with the past and claiming one's unique power and voice.”
I just love this striking cover. River Woman, River Demon is the perfect book to add to your creepy reads this fall. It’s a refreshingly unique story that’s pretty hard to categorize.
Eva is an artist, mom, and bruja, and her story is complex, quite dark at times, and has touches of magick. It’s also thrilling and chilling. I loved that the author addressed relevant social issues.
I’m talking around Eva’s story because I don’t want to share too much of the goodness that’s within it because the discovery is part of what makes this such a dynamic tale. You simply have to meet Eva and learn about her life and the culture of bruja witchcraft, grounded in an authentic way.
Overall, River Woman, River Demon is a beautifully-written, indelible, eerie, engaging, and memorable story.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
I just love this striking cover. River Woman, River Demon is the perfect book to add to your creepy reads this fall. It’s a refreshingly unique story that’s pretty hard to categorize.
Eva is an artist, mom, and bruja, and her story is complex, quite dark at times, and has touches of magick. It’s also thrilling and chilling. I loved that the author addressed relevant social issues.
I’m talking around Eva’s story because I don’t want to share too much of the goodness that’s within it because the discovery is part of what makes this such a dynamic tale. You simply have to meet Eva and learn about her life and the culture of bruja witchcraft, grounded in an authentic way.
Overall, River Woman, River Demon is a beautifully-written, indelible, eerie, engaging, and memorable story.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 27, 2022
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina meets Stephen King. I couldn't put this down - partly because the writing was immersive and atmospheric, partly because of how the loveable-yet-flawed characters drew me into their lives and I didn't want to leave, and party because I was too scared to stop reading!
Eva Santos Moon, artist, wife, mother, and bruja, is already going through it - dealing with blackouts and depression on the anniversary of her childhood best friend's death - when she finds her husband Jericho over the corpse of their now best friend Cecilia.
When the police turn to Jericho as a suspect, and when her involvement is put into question, Eva doesn't know if she can trust herself. She is fragmented and broken. Is the Magick Jericho helped her to conjure really strong enough to protect her? Is it the cause of everything that has gone wrong?
This psychological thriller is steeped in Magick, but not as you'd see in a Hollywood movie. There is bruja witchcraft, curandera healing, Hoodoo, all of it claimed by the cultures that formed the practices over generations of folk wisdom and tradition. The inequalities of our criminal justice system are called out, and the ancestral strength of women, particularly women of color, is celebrated and revered. The writing was superb, with a unique voice that is lyrical, sensual, and dark with a touch of grunge. I don't usually go for thrillers, but the magic, mystery, and social commentary had me intrigued - and I am SO glad I picked this up.
Thanks to BookSirens and Blackstone publishing for this ARC to read and review.
Eva Santos Moon, artist, wife, mother, and bruja, is already going through it - dealing with blackouts and depression on the anniversary of her childhood best friend's death - when she finds her husband Jericho over the corpse of their now best friend Cecilia.
When the police turn to Jericho as a suspect, and when her involvement is put into question, Eva doesn't know if she can trust herself. She is fragmented and broken. Is the Magick Jericho helped her to conjure really strong enough to protect her? Is it the cause of everything that has gone wrong?
This psychological thriller is steeped in Magick, but not as you'd see in a Hollywood movie. There is bruja witchcraft, curandera healing, Hoodoo, all of it claimed by the cultures that formed the practices over generations of folk wisdom and tradition. The inequalities of our criminal justice system are called out, and the ancestral strength of women, particularly women of color, is celebrated and revered. The writing was superb, with a unique voice that is lyrical, sensual, and dark with a touch of grunge. I don't usually go for thrillers, but the magic, mystery, and social commentary had me intrigued - and I am SO glad I picked this up.
Thanks to BookSirens and Blackstone publishing for this ARC to read and review.
April 17, 2025
"This book is truly magical! The characters, storytelling, and the author's brilliant skill in blending folklore and ancient bruja witchcraft into a psychological thriller-meets-murder mystery with paranormal vibes were impeccable.
My stomach tightened, the hair on the back of my neck stood up, and my eyes popped out during my reading—it kept me on the edge of my seat!
Here's a quick plot summary without giving away too much to preserve the thrill of your reading adventure:
Eva Santos Moon, an unreliable heroine with foggy perception, blackouts, and lingering depression surrounding her best friend's death anniversary. Her incomplete memory of that day haunts her into adulthood as she questions the unnatural circumstances of her drowning incident.
Now a wife, an aspiring artist, and still a bruja inheriting knowledge from her ancestors, she practices rituals. Her life takes a drastic turn when she discovers her husband, Jericho, holding the lifeless body of their new best friend and his boss, Cecilia. Jericho becomes a person of interest, and suspicions arise about Eva's involvement in the murder case.
Could their conjuring magic result in something unexpected? Are they truly protected?
Through the author's guidance, I learned a great deal about bruja witchcraft, curandera practices, and Hoodoo, which piqued my interest!
This is a rich, well-written, captivating, and unputdownable addiction that I highly recommend!
A special thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing this amazing digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions."
My stomach tightened, the hair on the back of my neck stood up, and my eyes popped out during my reading—it kept me on the edge of my seat!
Here's a quick plot summary without giving away too much to preserve the thrill of your reading adventure:
Eva Santos Moon, an unreliable heroine with foggy perception, blackouts, and lingering depression surrounding her best friend's death anniversary. Her incomplete memory of that day haunts her into adulthood as she questions the unnatural circumstances of her drowning incident.
Now a wife, an aspiring artist, and still a bruja inheriting knowledge from her ancestors, she practices rituals. Her life takes a drastic turn when she discovers her husband, Jericho, holding the lifeless body of their new best friend and his boss, Cecilia. Jericho becomes a person of interest, and suspicions arise about Eva's involvement in the murder case.
Could their conjuring magic result in something unexpected? Are they truly protected?
Through the author's guidance, I learned a great deal about bruja witchcraft, curandera practices, and Hoodoo, which piqued my interest!
This is a rich, well-written, captivating, and unputdownable addiction that I highly recommend!
A special thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing this amazing digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions."
March 21, 2023
Thanks to this book, I have learned something about myself.
I really don't like the spelling of "Magick" which is supposed to connote real magic, not that fake stuff those other unpowered people think exists.
It's used a lot in fantasy, often by the elitist magic-users who want to define their powers as superior but also by authors who want to add a bit of purple into their prose.
It has leaked over into real-world, everyday use over the past few decades.
I feel like Magick is for Instagram.
Anyway.
The reader travels through this story in the head of Eva Santos Moon, an unreliable narrator who has experienced two drowning deaths and can't be sure she's not responsible for either.
She's married to a Black man several years her senior whom she met through art circles because she's a glassblower and he's a professor maybe related to art? I don't remember what his day job is. He also co-owns and runs a shop that caters to the santeria/curanderismo/brujeria/witchcraft/rootwork/hoodoo/occultist crowd.
She comes from bruja roots but didn't really know anything about it until she met the man who became her husband and now she's a practitioner, although she doesn’t actually believe in “Magick” despite relying on it to help her through all her troubles.
She has two children, both of whose names begin with the letter X so she calls them The Xs and it causes confusion, much to her delight.
The trauma of her best friend's drowning at age 15 stunted her emotional growth and now here she is, 18 years later, an adult in age and circumstance only, dealing with the fallout of her rootworker/university professor husband getting arrested for their best friend's murder via drowning.
My thematic expectations were as follows:
--Eva will find out whether she's been blacking out/possessed by a river spirit and doing things she doesn't remember, like killing her best friends.
--Eva will be able to reconcile the past through what is happening in the present and will grow into the adult she hasn't been able to become until now.
--Eva will gain, and share with the reader, insight regarding the justice system, especially as it pertains to black men in the United States.
--Supernatural stuff.
Those thematic expectations were addressed as secondary or tertiary points but not met, which was a disappointment.
Mostly, the focus is on Eva spinning out of control and creating justifications for her increasingly poor or illogical decisions and actions and then
Also, the writing made my brain hurt.
I flip the next card, lay it beside the first, and like clockwork in a broken clock, it glowers up at me: Death.
I turn on the Firestick, click on net streaming, and select the local news channel because, as she explains to the reader who doesn’t know how streaming works, they don’t really have TV in the house, they would prefer the kids play outside, thus the Firestick and the explanation of how they get news.
She leads me down a hallway and into an interrogation room, leaving the door slightly ajar. I wish I could’ve brought the Xs with me; nothing is as frightening with my staunch little soldiers by my side…But still, I wish I had a hand to hold as I perch on an ugly brown industrial office chair.
Do most moms want their kids with them at the police station as they perch on ugly brown industrial office chairs, as opposed to the cushy, well-appointed chairs you see in other public service buildings?
Karma’s bangs scraggled into her beige eyes, and I reached out to brush a stray piece behind her ear, almost forgetting how scared we were. She was the strangest, most lovely girl I’d ever known - the kind of strange and lovely where you have to keep looking, hard, but once you see it, it never leaves you. Her apples for cheeks splotched ruddy, her hair so ash it appeared to have once been lit on fire. And her marble eyes, the most striking kind of strange you’ve ever seen.
When I asked him what he’d been doing all night, he lifted a pant leg and revealed his calf, where he’d carved an Anarchy symbol, an A in a circle, red and raw droplets of blood.
BABY GOAT NURSERY with a list of various goats for sale and their prices: AFRICAN PYGMY GIRLS $300-$350 or BOYS $200-$225. I don’t know this neighbor but I’ve always admired the feminist streak of her pricing.
That's...not feminist pricing? That's standard?
Then he lavishes his arms around me, and his sleeves, still rolled from clearing the sink after dinner, expose the ropey cords of muscle in his forearms, which ripple like fish at the surface of a pond.
What does this mean?!?!?
For me, reading this was an exercise in frustration and disappointment for what could have been a stellar story.
Regardless, I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoyed Sawkill Girls.
I really don't like the spelling of "Magick" which is supposed to connote real magic, not that fake stuff those other unpowered people think exists.
It's used a lot in fantasy, often by the elitist magic-users who want to define their powers as superior but also by authors who want to add a bit of purple into their prose.
It has leaked over into real-world, everyday use over the past few decades.
I feel like Magick is for Instagram.
Anyway.
The reader travels through this story in the head of Eva Santos Moon, an unreliable narrator who has experienced two drowning deaths and can't be sure she's not responsible for either.
She's married to a Black man several years her senior whom she met through art circles because she's a glassblower and he's a professor maybe related to art? I don't remember what his day job is. He also co-owns and runs a shop that caters to the santeria/curanderismo/brujeria/witchcraft/rootwork/hoodoo/occultist crowd.
She comes from bruja roots but didn't really know anything about it until she met the man who became her husband and now she's a practitioner, although she doesn’t actually believe in “Magick” despite relying on it to help her through all her troubles.
She has two children, both of whose names begin with the letter X so she calls them The Xs and it causes confusion, much to her delight.
The trauma of her best friend's drowning at age 15 stunted her emotional growth and now here she is, 18 years later, an adult in age and circumstance only, dealing with the fallout of her rootworker/university professor husband getting arrested for their best friend's murder via drowning.
My thematic expectations were as follows:
--Eva will find out whether she's been blacking out/possessed by a river spirit and doing things she doesn't remember, like killing her best friends.
--Eva will be able to reconcile the past through what is happening in the present and will grow into the adult she hasn't been able to become until now.
--Eva will gain, and share with the reader, insight regarding the justice system, especially as it pertains to black men in the United States.
--Supernatural stuff.
Those thematic expectations were addressed as secondary or tertiary points but not met, which was a disappointment.
Mostly, the focus is on Eva spinning out of control and creating justifications for her increasingly poor or illogical decisions and actions and then
Also, the writing made my brain hurt.
I flip the next card, lay it beside the first, and like clockwork in a broken clock, it glowers up at me: Death.
I turn on the Firestick, click on net streaming, and select the local news channel because, as she explains to the reader who doesn’t know how streaming works, they don’t really have TV in the house, they would prefer the kids play outside, thus the Firestick and the explanation of how they get news.
She leads me down a hallway and into an interrogation room, leaving the door slightly ajar. I wish I could’ve brought the Xs with me; nothing is as frightening with my staunch little soldiers by my side…But still, I wish I had a hand to hold as I perch on an ugly brown industrial office chair.
Do most moms want their kids with them at the police station as they perch on ugly brown industrial office chairs, as opposed to the cushy, well-appointed chairs you see in other public service buildings?
Karma’s bangs scraggled into her beige eyes, and I reached out to brush a stray piece behind her ear, almost forgetting how scared we were. She was the strangest, most lovely girl I’d ever known - the kind of strange and lovely where you have to keep looking, hard, but once you see it, it never leaves you. Her apples for cheeks splotched ruddy, her hair so ash it appeared to have once been lit on fire. And her marble eyes, the most striking kind of strange you’ve ever seen.
When I asked him what he’d been doing all night, he lifted a pant leg and revealed his calf, where he’d carved an Anarchy symbol, an A in a circle, red and raw droplets of blood.
BABY GOAT NURSERY with a list of various goats for sale and their prices: AFRICAN PYGMY GIRLS $300-$350 or BOYS $200-$225. I don’t know this neighbor but I’ve always admired the feminist streak of her pricing.
That's...not feminist pricing? That's standard?
Then he lavishes his arms around me, and his sleeves, still rolled from clearing the sink after dinner, expose the ropey cords of muscle in his forearms, which ripple like fish at the surface of a pond.
What does this mean?!?!?
For me, reading this was an exercise in frustration and disappointment for what could have been a stellar story.
Regardless, I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoyed Sawkill Girls.
March 12, 2023
3.5 Stars rounding down because I'm having a hard time placing this one on a scale. There were things I really enjoyed and things I really didn't.
What I liked:
I go into as many books as I can blindly (not even reading the back cover) I like not knowing exactly what I'm in for. So it's as I'm reading that I realize this takes place in Los Lunas, NM where I lived for a good portion of my 20s... Then they travel to Texas where I was born, raised and live again now.. not only Texas but exactly the area I'm from in Texas. So I absolutely loved that and it was a surprise. Some things were off of course but the references were pretty spot on and made me smile. I liked the culture, the spiritual elements and magical realism a lot.
What I didn't like:
Eva. My dislike for Eva only grew worse as the story progressed and not in any kind of redeemable or "you're not supposed to like her" kind of way. You're definitely supposed to like her.. but she just kept getting more unlikable. When her best friend drowns and her husband is accused of and arrested for murder, does she try to clear her husband's name? Nope, she immediately thinks he's guilty and actually makes things look worse for him.. Does she try to solve the mystery? Nope... Does she comfort her children? Nope... What does she do? Leave her kids at home, fly to Texas, ignore the investigation, and has divorce papers drawn up, as she repeatedly screws her long lost childhood crush who is also married... She sees no problem with this and once everything comes to light she has no consequence for any of it either.
What I liked:
I go into as many books as I can blindly (not even reading the back cover) I like not knowing exactly what I'm in for. So it's as I'm reading that I realize this takes place in Los Lunas, NM where I lived for a good portion of my 20s... Then they travel to Texas where I was born, raised and live again now.. not only Texas but exactly the area I'm from in Texas. So I absolutely loved that and it was a surprise. Some things were off of course but the references were pretty spot on and made me smile. I liked the culture, the spiritual elements and magical realism a lot.
What I didn't like:
Eva. My dislike for Eva only grew worse as the story progressed and not in any kind of redeemable or "you're not supposed to like her" kind of way. You're definitely supposed to like her.. but she just kept getting more unlikable. When her best friend drowns and her husband is accused of and arrested for murder, does she try to clear her husband's name? Nope, she immediately thinks he's guilty and actually makes things look worse for him.. Does she try to solve the mystery? Nope... Does she comfort her children? Nope... What does she do? Leave her kids at home, fly to Texas, ignore the investigation, and has divorce papers drawn up, as she repeatedly screws her long lost childhood crush who is also married... She sees no problem with this and once everything comes to light she has no consequence for any of it either.
January 29, 2024
2.5 stars. reading vlog: https://youtu.be/thjGtgXcNyY
September 29, 2023
I jumped on "River Woman, River Demon" as a buddy read with celestemcolon when it was offered through the Together We Read program. While I can't say I fully regret reading it, I feel pretty certain I wasn't the intended audience.
Eva is a bruja (witch), working to embrace her inner feminine powers while living with her two children and husband. She's also prone to drinking a bit too much, and after dozing off following a few glasses, she startles awake to hear cries for help. It's her husband, who has found their good friend drowned in the river. Upon calling the police, her husband is immediately suspected and arrested. From there, questions swirl around nearly nonstop — was her husband having an affair with the deceased? Could Eva's blackouts be an ominous sign that she herself played a role?
Who this book is good for: Those who love magical feminine power and a touch of mysticism in their mysteries. It's also great for those who enjoy the feel of an unreliable narrator; whether or not she is unreliable is a central part of this book. I did personally appreciate the taste of culture that's served alongside this plot as well.
Where it went wrong for me: Ultimately, I just couldn't stand the character of Eva, who seems deeply rooted in her self-centered perspective, with virtually no personal growth throughout the book. While her children are processing the trauma of having their father on trial for a murder, she's leaving town and catering to her own whims and fantasies. I found it really difficult to emotionally relate to any of the characters in this book, and it seems this was true even for Eva herself. The ending was not entirely surprising, but also didn't feel complete, as I felt there were several details left unexplained.
Eva is a bruja (witch), working to embrace her inner feminine powers while living with her two children and husband. She's also prone to drinking a bit too much, and after dozing off following a few glasses, she startles awake to hear cries for help. It's her husband, who has found their good friend drowned in the river. Upon calling the police, her husband is immediately suspected and arrested. From there, questions swirl around nearly nonstop — was her husband having an affair with the deceased? Could Eva's blackouts be an ominous sign that she herself played a role?
Who this book is good for: Those who love magical feminine power and a touch of mysticism in their mysteries. It's also great for those who enjoy the feel of an unreliable narrator; whether or not she is unreliable is a central part of this book. I did personally appreciate the taste of culture that's served alongside this plot as well.
Where it went wrong for me: Ultimately, I just couldn't stand the character of Eva, who seems deeply rooted in her self-centered perspective, with virtually no personal growth throughout the book. While her children are processing the trauma of having their father on trial for a murder, she's leaving town and catering to her own whims and fantasies. I found it really difficult to emotionally relate to any of the characters in this book, and it seems this was true even for Eva herself. The ending was not entirely surprising, but also didn't feel complete, as I felt there were several details left unexplained.
July 8, 2023
River Woman, River Demon by Jennifer Givhan. is a mystery thriller was a well written book with a strong plot. The one thing I did not like was Sam the protagonist. He was hated, unlikeable and fake as Fk. I knew from the beginning something was off with him. He was built to be despised. He disappeared from Eva's life 13 years ago. he suddenly appeared after her husband was arrested for murder. From the start it was very obvious something is off. She doesn't think before jumping right back into "something" with him. He is dangerous and crazy and has a way of killing women that casts suspicion onto others and makes him innocent.
March 7, 2023
The main character spends the entire novel cheating on her husband, getting drunk, and not even bothering to mother her children and then at the end is rewarded for it???? There's NO CONSEQUENCES FOR HER ACTIONS. Her husband just, gets out of jail and returns to her and there's no discussion about her rampant cheating and ignoring him and their children while she goes off to another state to her have her affair and forcing her sister to be their mother instead. Instead it's all "oh we all live happily ever after now and I'm Super Good At Magic and we all live our happy lives all together, let's not mention the ugly details of my cheating and abandoning my children, ever."
Does he know? Is he aware how terrible his wife is, or will that come up some time in the future? She literally was about to let him rot in jail to go back to her highschool boyfriend, and if circumstances were just SLIGHTLY different, if he didn't decide to try to kill his wife and instead divorced her instead, she'd just have married him and moved on and never once questioned anything while letting her loving and caring husband rot in jail for a crime he didn't commit.
The epilogue should have resulted in him divorcing her and taking the children with him. She had absolutely no consequences for acting like an immature child the entire novel and forcing her sister to be the mother to both her and her children, or for ignoring her husband while he's in jail to the point that the LAWYER SHE HIRED HAS TO SHOW UP AT HER HOUSE UNANNOUNCED BECAUSE SHE WON'T TAKE HER CALLS.
Why does the detective like her? She's done nothing to earn her trust. What causes her to be like "I don't believe the husband did it, and somehow this unstable woman openly sleeping with the boyfriend she had when she was accused of ANOTHER drowning, is a good source of information and I trust her." What.
This book would have been 2 stars instead of 1 if the main character faced even ONE SINGLE CONSEQUENCE for her terrible actions. But instead she's rewarded for them.
Does he know? Is he aware how terrible his wife is, or will that come up some time in the future? She literally was about to let him rot in jail to go back to her highschool boyfriend, and if circumstances were just SLIGHTLY different, if he didn't decide to try to kill his wife and instead divorced her instead, she'd just have married him and moved on and never once questioned anything while letting her loving and caring husband rot in jail for a crime he didn't commit.
The epilogue should have resulted in him divorcing her and taking the children with him. She had absolutely no consequences for acting like an immature child the entire novel and forcing her sister to be the mother to both her and her children, or for ignoring her husband while he's in jail to the point that the LAWYER SHE HIRED HAS TO SHOW UP AT HER HOUSE UNANNOUNCED BECAUSE SHE WON'T TAKE HER CALLS.
Why does the detective like her? She's done nothing to earn her trust. What causes her to be like "I don't believe the husband did it, and somehow this unstable woman openly sleeping with the boyfriend she had when she was accused of ANOTHER drowning, is a good source of information and I trust her." What.
This book would have been 2 stars instead of 1 if the main character faced even ONE SINGLE CONSEQUENCE for her terrible actions. But instead she's rewarded for them.
January 6, 2024
RIVER WOMAN, RIVER DEMON by Jennifer Givhan ✨
..
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Mexican-American & Indigenous author
-Psychological/Murder-Mystery Thriller
-Folk Magick, brujería, curanderisma
-Cast of BIPOC characters
-Strong cultural influence on the powerful storytelling voice
..
I did a combo of audiobook and eBook. Highly recommend the audio—the narrator’s accent is beautiful but as the mystery intensified and the story escalated, I had to get the eBook so I could enjoy this at a faster pace.
..
I LOVED THIS 🌛✨
It has all the elements I’m looking for in a book. Yummy food, strong, fiery female protagonists, layered plot development, and a complicated murder mystery. Absolutely recommend. And now to journal 📝
..
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Mexican-American & Indigenous author
-Psychological/Murder-Mystery Thriller
-Folk Magick, brujería, curanderisma
-Cast of BIPOC characters
-Strong cultural influence on the powerful storytelling voice
..
I did a combo of audiobook and eBook. Highly recommend the audio—the narrator’s accent is beautiful but as the mystery intensified and the story escalated, I had to get the eBook so I could enjoy this at a faster pace.
..
I LOVED THIS 🌛✨
It has all the elements I’m looking for in a book. Yummy food, strong, fiery female protagonists, layered plot development, and a complicated murder mystery. Absolutely recommend. And now to journal 📝
March 2, 2023
Bestie, I tried so hard to care about this story, but, alas, I could not. The main character is "not like other girls," she's way worse. I don't mind an unlikable protag, but it really just makes the book bad to read and doesn't serve the story. Sammy is such a gross creep from the moment he showed up that it made me want to puke the entire time. The frankly lackluster mystery falls completely to the wayside for the gross romance between two people that suck so fucking bad while Eva's husband just rots in jail?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
Every character is a horrible person and completely unlikable.
Especially the main character.
1. The main character calls lots of women b*t*h and c*nt.
2. She mocks her sister who dropped everything to take care of her (the main character’s) kids as she (the main character) parties - drinking and having sex - while her husband is in jail for murdering his mistress/her best friend.
3. She rolls her eyes and mocks her daughter (that she narcissistically calls her ex) for feeling upset when she walks in on her mom having sex with a stranger in her parents’ bed. Eww. (You can’t even lock the door? Seriously?)
I picked this book up because it was supposed to be about a powerful woman. It’s not. It’s about a pathetic party girl who will excuse/enable any bad male behavior and still sleep with them, but who is absolutely vicious to the women in her life. Truly a woman who hates women and venerates bad men.
Sometimes you read a book and think: “This is a trainwreck, but a fun trainwreck to read!”
In this case, you start the book and feel there’s nobody interesting enough or worth enough to root for.
By the end of the book, you’re left with a vague sense of disgust and strong sense of dislike.
Especially the main character.
1. The main character calls lots of women b*t*h and c*nt.
2. She mocks her sister who dropped everything to take care of her (the main character’s) kids as she (the main character) parties - drinking and having sex - while her husband is in jail for murdering his mistress/her best friend.
3. She rolls her eyes and mocks her daughter (that she narcissistically calls her ex) for feeling upset when she walks in on her mom having sex with a stranger in her parents’ bed. Eww. (You can’t even lock the door? Seriously?)
I picked this book up because it was supposed to be about a powerful woman. It’s not. It’s about a pathetic party girl who will excuse/enable any bad male behavior and still sleep with them, but who is absolutely vicious to the women in her life. Truly a woman who hates women and venerates bad men.
Sometimes you read a book and think: “This is a trainwreck, but a fun trainwreck to read!”
In this case, you start the book and feel there’s nobody interesting enough or worth enough to root for.
By the end of the book, you’re left with a vague sense of disgust and strong sense of dislike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
It’s very difficult to like a murder mystery in which the main character is plain stupid and uninterested in solving either the murder or the mystery. This book is trying so hard to be different that it ends up being a ridiculous and incomprehensible string of cliches and tropes.
March 3, 2023
2.5⭐️
« What does one do when she finally understands that her husband has been wrongly accused of murder? What does one do when she finally accepts that she’s wrongly accused him of murder? I was drowning for so damn long. […] But now I’m breathing air again. »
Well, it’s official. I hate pretty much every single character in this psychological thriller. Including our main character, Eva : artist, wife, mother, bruja - and terrible person. The mind games the true killer was playing fucked with her head, sure. But the way she treated her husband and some of her actions? There’s no excuse for that.
Let’s recap, shall we?
- Making herself believe that he was guilty because the only other possibility (to her) was that she had done it and didn’t remember it. She was even the one who wanted to cover up Cecelia’s murder and lie to the police. The audacity? And that’s not even the end of it.
- Leaving him to rot in jail without fighting more to find out the truth.
- Cheating on him so soon afterwards without feeling even a little bit guilty about it and acting like nothing happened when he was discharged. I really can’t stand this character.
- And the fact that she’s supposedly so great with Magick but letting her kids mess around with the Ouija Board and pretending to be shocked with the aftermath? Girl, have some sense.
I also thought this book was a little bit too predictable. Obviously, it couldn’t be the husband because he was convicted so early in the books - and the insanity plot with Eva was entirely too simple to be used.
When Samuel (Sammy) was introduced, I knew right away we had our killer. Eva’s so called best friend who vanished right after Karma’s death all those years ago and who suddenly pops up again so soon after Cecelia’s death? Already sketchy. But the man was a walking red flag and it was so obvious! All the cringey lines he fed Eva? The bullshit he told her about his wife and the way he talked about women in general? The way he called them « star-crossed », or the way he was so clearly narcissistic - all of that counts. And then came the disrespect to Eva’s nature, the mocking her husband for being pious, and the homophobic comments about Karma (the reason why he killed her, might I add). Girl should have run the other way from the first time she ran into him again. Or she should have suspected, instead of being so quick to jump into bed with him and have mediocre sex.
However, I can’t lie and say I hated the book. I didn’t love it, sure, but the writing was alright, and I liked the pace. So it wasn’t entirely a waste of time.
« What does one do when she finally understands that her husband has been wrongly accused of murder? What does one do when she finally accepts that she’s wrongly accused him of murder? I was drowning for so damn long. […] But now I’m breathing air again. »
Well, it’s official. I hate pretty much every single character in this psychological thriller. Including our main character, Eva : artist, wife, mother, bruja - and terrible person. The mind games the true killer was playing fucked with her head, sure. But the way she treated her husband and some of her actions? There’s no excuse for that.
Let’s recap, shall we?
- Making herself believe that he was guilty because the only other possibility (to her) was that she had done it and didn’t remember it. She was even the one who wanted to cover up Cecelia’s murder and lie to the police. The audacity? And that’s not even the end of it.
- Leaving him to rot in jail without fighting more to find out the truth.
- Cheating on him so soon afterwards without feeling even a little bit guilty about it and acting like nothing happened when he was discharged. I really can’t stand this character.
- And the fact that she’s supposedly so great with Magick but letting her kids mess around with the Ouija Board and pretending to be shocked with the aftermath? Girl, have some sense.
I also thought this book was a little bit too predictable. Obviously, it couldn’t be the husband because he was convicted so early in the books - and the insanity plot with Eva was entirely too simple to be used.
When Samuel (Sammy) was introduced, I knew right away we had our killer. Eva’s so called best friend who vanished right after Karma’s death all those years ago and who suddenly pops up again so soon after Cecelia’s death? Already sketchy. But the man was a walking red flag and it was so obvious! All the cringey lines he fed Eva? The bullshit he told her about his wife and the way he talked about women in general? The way he called them « star-crossed », or the way he was so clearly narcissistic - all of that counts. And then came the disrespect to Eva’s nature, the mocking her husband for being pious, and the homophobic comments about Karma (the reason why he killed her, might I add). Girl should have run the other way from the first time she ran into him again. Or she should have suspected, instead of being so quick to jump into bed with him and have mediocre sex.
However, I can’t lie and say I hated the book. I didn’t love it, sure, but the writing was alright, and I liked the pace. So it wasn’t entirely a waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2022
Everything about this book on paper screamed that I should love it.
Except..... I hated it. It was horrible to suffer through, and it felt like suffering.
The concept was so, so cool, but I just could not vibe with the writing style at all. And Eva? Honestly - up there with the worst main characters I've read lately. I'm feeling a little extra salty writing this review, so maybe this is unnecessarily harsh, but I just had no desire to pick this book up each time I put it down. Eva obviously has a drinking problem and is incredibly useless - she relies so much on everyone else; her sister, her young children, Jericho. I don't know - I was just so disappointed in something I truly thought I would love.
10/10 beautiful cover. 2/10 character(s). Also - was anyone else's copy weirdly heavy? It was physically awkward to hold to read considering its size.
Except..... I hated it. It was horrible to suffer through, and it felt like suffering.
The concept was so, so cool, but I just could not vibe with the writing style at all. And Eva? Honestly - up there with the worst main characters I've read lately. I'm feeling a little extra salty writing this review, so maybe this is unnecessarily harsh, but I just had no desire to pick this book up each time I put it down. Eva obviously has a drinking problem and is incredibly useless - she relies so much on everyone else; her sister, her young children, Jericho. I don't know - I was just so disappointed in something I truly thought I would love.
10/10 beautiful cover. 2/10 character(s). Also - was anyone else's copy weirdly heavy? It was physically awkward to hold to read considering its size.
December 22, 2022
4.3 Stars
Well this was GOOOOOOD! I LOOOVED reading this book!
A well written unputdownable paranormal crime mystery that also caters to many of the current literary trends: POC-ownvoice, spiritually and culturally diverse, gender/sexuality diverse, feminist... you name it, it has t!
You'd probably love this book as much as I did if you like diverse, witchy, paranormal mysteries like The Diviners, Ninth House, Like Water for Chocolate, The Hacienda and Cemetery Boys
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I wished some of the social commentary on race, colonialism, white supremacy etc. had been more organically folded into the plot, more shown that told. Some of this content came off a little "in your face" and preachy.
I very much recommend the audiobook!
The first person POV makes the story feel so authentic, well... it is an Ownvoice after all!
Also loved the spiritual/paranormal aspects, very diverse and unique! Different POC cultures and spiritual believes were well represented and weaved together,
I'm VERY MUCH looking forward to more from this author!
Well this was GOOOOOOD! I LOOOVED reading this book!
A well written unputdownable paranormal crime mystery that also caters to many of the current literary trends: POC-ownvoice, spiritually and culturally diverse, gender/sexuality diverse, feminist... you name it, it has t!
You'd probably love this book as much as I did if you like diverse, witchy, paranormal mysteries like The Diviners, Ninth House, Like Water for Chocolate, The Hacienda and Cemetery Boys
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I wished some of the social commentary on race, colonialism, white supremacy etc. had been more organically folded into the plot, more shown that told. Some of this content came off a little "in your face" and preachy.
I very much recommend the audiobook!
The first person POV makes the story feel so authentic, well... it is an Ownvoice after all!
Also loved the spiritual/paranormal aspects, very diverse and unique! Different POC cultures and spiritual believes were well represented and weaved together,
I'm VERY MUCH looking forward to more from this author!
March 7, 2023
I read this as part of the Libby Together We Read book club. I was really interested in the folk magick elements of this novel but…that was the only thing that held my interest. The main character Eva is insufferable to the point that you do not even really care what happens; I think the author was attempting to show a woman at her wits end but what came through was an immature, selfish shell of a women. I’m sad to say I truly did not enjoy the reading experience and I would not recommend it to a friend.
May 4, 2022
Wow! I grabbed River Woman, River Demon from Reedsy on an impulse because the cover looked SO good. I'm ecstatic to have taken the risk here because this was a phenomenal read. Written by Jennifer Givhan, this is not a book to miss out on.
Eva thought she was making progress, moving on from the nightmare of her childhood. But when her husband is arrested for the murder of her best friend, it all comes back to the surface. Quite literally.
Eva's childhood best friend died by drowning when they were very little. Now, her adult best friend has died under very similar circumstances, and it doesn't take long for the police to take notice of this fact. Now Eva will have to find the source behind her pain, delving into her past. It is the only way to protect herself and her family.
“When I shut my eyes again, the moon disappears. How long did Karma hold her breath—I wonder every time as I hold my own—before she too vanished from this world.”
Can I say wow again? It seriously feels appropriate here, as River Woman, River Demon blew me away (I'll resist the temptation to say it blew me out of the water. That feels too soon). This was such an intense read, but it is SO well done. I honestly can't get it out of my head.
Eva's story is dark and compelling. She has to tackle a horrible past while coping with a traumatic event in her present. It's a lot, and there are times when it makes her question herself (and thus, we question her narrative). It makes for a complex read that takes so many twists and turns.
The inclusion of Magick only helped to make the story all the more complex. It added layers to the world, the plot, and the characters. All while helping to obfuscate the truth behind it all. It was perfect.
I've read several books courtesy of Reedsy now, and I honestly think that River Woman, River Demon is my favorite so far. It was terrific, and I will be recommending it to all my reader friends (especially those that like thrillers/fantasy). So, go read it!
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and #Reedsy for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Eva thought she was making progress, moving on from the nightmare of her childhood. But when her husband is arrested for the murder of her best friend, it all comes back to the surface. Quite literally.
Eva's childhood best friend died by drowning when they were very little. Now, her adult best friend has died under very similar circumstances, and it doesn't take long for the police to take notice of this fact. Now Eva will have to find the source behind her pain, delving into her past. It is the only way to protect herself and her family.
“When I shut my eyes again, the moon disappears. How long did Karma hold her breath—I wonder every time as I hold my own—before she too vanished from this world.”
Can I say wow again? It seriously feels appropriate here, as River Woman, River Demon blew me away (I'll resist the temptation to say it blew me out of the water. That feels too soon). This was such an intense read, but it is SO well done. I honestly can't get it out of my head.
Eva's story is dark and compelling. She has to tackle a horrible past while coping with a traumatic event in her present. It's a lot, and there are times when it makes her question herself (and thus, we question her narrative). It makes for a complex read that takes so many twists and turns.
The inclusion of Magick only helped to make the story all the more complex. It added layers to the world, the plot, and the characters. All while helping to obfuscate the truth behind it all. It was perfect.
I've read several books courtesy of Reedsy now, and I honestly think that River Woman, River Demon is my favorite so far. It was terrific, and I will be recommending it to all my reader friends (especially those that like thrillers/fantasy). So, go read it!
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and #Reedsy for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
March 18, 2023
Ruined by an unlikeable, selfish, stupid protagonist.
April 10, 2022
I want to be clear that I do not typically read thrillers (although I have been known to) and I would consider this book a Paranormal Thriller, that being said, I was blown away. I could not put this book down, I was lost in Eva's confusion and along with her, I just wanted to know the truth
Eva lost her best friend to drowning under mysterious circumstances when they were teenagers. Her memory of the incident is foggy with trauma and colors what happened then and also what happens now, when her husbands business partner is found (by her) drowned, with her husband holding the body and the situation escalates exponentially. I do not want to spoil anything so I will just say this, as with any mystery, things are not always what they seem.
This book left me with closure, which is a big positive for me so I think it's worth mentioning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eva lost her best friend to drowning under mysterious circumstances when they were teenagers. Her memory of the incident is foggy with trauma and colors what happened then and also what happens now, when her husbands business partner is found (by her) drowned, with her husband holding the body and the situation escalates exponentially. I do not want to spoil anything so I will just say this, as with any mystery, things are not always what they seem.
This book left me with closure, which is a big positive for me so I think it's worth mentioning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 27, 2024
A witchy and dark thriller that twists and turns and takes you on a mind bending journey of trying to figure out who the guilty party is.
I loved the atmospheric writing. It curls around you like the tendrils of fog slowly drawing you into this dark and disturbing story. Is the husband guilty? Is the main character guilty? Who drowned the woman in the river?
I loved this book from beginning to end and it took me quite a while to figure out the who done it in this story. I love when I can't figure it out right away, it always makes the story more enjoyable for me.
Shadowy, eloquent, witchy, and magical. An author I will definitely be reading more of in the future.
I loved the atmospheric writing. It curls around you like the tendrils of fog slowly drawing you into this dark and disturbing story. Is the husband guilty? Is the main character guilty? Who drowned the woman in the river?
I loved this book from beginning to end and it took me quite a while to figure out the who done it in this story. I love when I can't figure it out right away, it always makes the story more enjoyable for me.
Shadowy, eloquent, witchy, and magical. An author I will definitely be reading more of in the future.
March 14, 2023
My Selling Pitch:
Do you want to read a predictable thriller about a narcissistic mother who is somehow not the villain and is instead someone the audience is supposed to root for? Do you want forced virtue signaling and wokeness from a character who is arguably a misogynist and racist herself? Are you willing to accept the paranormal as an explanation?
Pre-reading:
Part of the together we read free borrows on Libby. I’ve seen this book advertised so much this month.
Thick of it:
Ew.
Oxbow
I don’t understand this metaphor at all.
Oh, I don’t think I’m the audience for this book. I’m not a magic girl. (I was so not the audience for this book.)
brujería
curanderismo
I feel like I’ve heard the name Jericho Moon before. (Maybe Shadow Moon from American Gods?)
If you don’t trust him-leave. Don’t breed that resentment and distrust in your relationship.
So I basically have no sense of smell, but leather is one of the few things that I can smell, and I adore the smell of it.
Why would you name your children for X-Men? That’s really cringe.
Rain does not smell like death.
Why are you proud of all the stuff you can’t do and that you don’t take care of your family? (That’s it. That’s the book. Screaming.)
Is it possible for a book to feature tarot cards and not have the main character draw the death card and then immediately explain that it doesn’t really mean death?
bosque
I don’t know maybe it is for me? Is it just a murder mystery? I can read a murder mystery. (Anyone can read this book. It’s just stupid, so they shouldn’t.)
Ew, another gross-out line with the egg.
Why is she so obsessed with her? Is she involved? Does this weird pinup detective know her? (No, she just acts odd because the author said so.)
Also, her name is Detective Lowrider. This is a porno.
polemic
Do preteens smell yeasty? Or like sourdough? Has she tried buying them deodorant?
cabal
I thought Harry Potter invented muggles. So how are you going to use this fictional term to make fun of other people? Like Bestie, you’re just screaming that you’re a fan girl.
So many body image issues. Please stop. (It does not. That’s the book.)
That’s not feminist. Females give you more goats and technically milk while the other is just meat. And meat you have to castrate immediately to not make it taste funny.
rosbif
Eating disorders in women are so tired. Especially when they’re offhand comments like this and not a plot point or shown as something to be healed.
athame
What fucking kind of language is that to talk about your 11-year-old? How many comments have there been about her 11-year-old’s breast at this point? (At least 3. Ew. Ew. Ew.)
What do you mean you set laundry on fire, you lunatic? You need therapy.
I’m so not into paranormal as explanation.
Replete feels out of place.
I’m so not into this book. I want it to be over. I don’t care about this mystery.
I LIKE white girl shit.
refulgent
Bestie, no one needs help to make you look crazy. You lit laundry on fire. You believe your children turn invisible. You named them after X-men. Your son is so traumatized he’s gone mute. You drink so much you black out. Your 11-year-old is cooking breakfast.
This man is so sketch. He’s like 100% one of those murderous escaped convicts. He researched her bc he left something valuable with her? Or wants the ranch? And like he and his buddies murder the other girl but idk why?
This bitch is such a hypocrite. She’s all mad that he MIGHT have cheated on her, and she cheats on him the instant her ex shows up. Unprompted.
Do not tell me this is going to pull a Staircase, and the bitch was attacked by an owl and fell into the river. (I mean no, but people do get attacked by owls in broad daylight, so that’s pretty stupid.)
I hate this main character. She’s so hateful and toxic.
If a man ever disparages other women to compliment you, run so fucking far.
This book is so fucking stupid and annoying.
Bloodys are my favorite drink, but not with Clamato.
The Sam guy murdered the friend, right? (Yes.)
How many books am I gonna read this year with my name in them? She said she’s a narcissist. (But not a narcissist like our main character here.)
Her sister is an actual angel and deserves better.
EW.
aureola
Sam is her baby daddy? (Yup.)
How traumatized are these poor kids gonna be? (Beyond. Permanent damage, besties.)
All this book is is eating disorders and internalized misogyny. I’m not into it.
You are a druggie deadbeat and a liar and a manipulator.
And like yeah basically confirmed Anis is his.
Thriller hates rare meat check. It makes me so mad. Let people eat a proper steak.
chancla
He got buff in prison? (No, the author just wanted more body image problems.)
Your man’s ain’t got no teeth. (Where’s that Dr. Phil quote?)
Exactly. Grow the fuck up. (She will not.)
planchette
aventurine
Can she stop hating on other women for a single minute? (No. In fact, she can’t.)
If she’s asking for autopsy photos, I don’t think you need to trigger warning her. They’re autopsy photos. It’s the dead body of your friend all cut open. The trigger warning is redundant.
chingona
Oh look, it’s the drug thing from the beginning that we all knew was gonna happen. Oh look, he’s the murderer like we all knew he was gonna be. I’m so bored.
piloncillo
I will say this book makes me hungry. But @all these thrillers, we don’t need food porn. It’s not a cookbook. I don’t need to know what they eat for dinner if it doesn’t relate to the murder. I don’t care. It’s not giving atmosphere when you do it 70 times. If you must do it, do it once, maybe twice, but couple it with dialogue or a scene that’s gonna add something to the rest of the book. Don’t just throw it in like a sprinkle of culture. It’s just annoying.
You’re like 30 or 40 with your own children and you still haven’t recognized that your sister working multiple jobs to keep you out of foster homes wasn’t a giant sacrifice. What’s wrong with you?
sopes
Men don’t text like that.
Replete still doesn’t fit here.
In what world does a mother call her children to come save her and bring her children towards danger?
Post-reading:
This was fucking awful. The main character is heinous and the author has the gall to expect the audience to root for her because she’s traumatized. She’s a narcissistic, hypocritical drunk. A lot of this book is spent talking about racism but not in any meaningful way, and the main character displays such hatred for races other than her family’s. She literally admits to bullying an Asian girl for her race and being studious in school. Like what’s wrong with you? White people are all stupid. The POC cop is obviously corrupt and can’t do her job and is out to get the main character. She’s like a 40-year-old mother who does not take care of her children and her husband and is proud of this? Why is your 11-year-old cooking breakfast to take care of you because you’re drunk? Why does your sister have to move in with you to take care of you and your children while your husband is on trial for murder that you don’t give a shit about? Why won’t you let your poor traumatized son go to therapy? Why do you ask your children to save you from a murderer? They’re 11 and 7. She constantly comments on her daughter’s breasts and body and has a warped body image for herself and toxic eating habits. She constantly disparages other women. And this is the woman we’re supposed to like and want to have a happy ending. No.
The mystery itself is super predictable and relies on a hand of God technology explanation. Also, the paranormal. I am not a paranormal girlie. I will never be on board with the paranormal as an explanation.
We also get no follow-up as to how her husband got out of jail and how they mended their relationship after you know, she cheated on him the whole book with the man who framed him for murder.
Don’t read this.
Who should read this:
No one
Predictable paranormal thriller fans
Do I want to reread this:
I wish I could unread this.
Similar books:
* All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers-awful crime thriller
* Someone Else’s Life by Lyn Liao Butler-main character is friends with the whodunnit villain
Do you want to read a predictable thriller about a narcissistic mother who is somehow not the villain and is instead someone the audience is supposed to root for? Do you want forced virtue signaling and wokeness from a character who is arguably a misogynist and racist herself? Are you willing to accept the paranormal as an explanation?
Pre-reading:
Part of the together we read free borrows on Libby. I’ve seen this book advertised so much this month.
Thick of it:
Ew.
Oxbow
I don’t understand this metaphor at all.
Oh, I don’t think I’m the audience for this book. I’m not a magic girl. (I was so not the audience for this book.)
brujería
curanderismo
I feel like I’ve heard the name Jericho Moon before. (Maybe Shadow Moon from American Gods?)
If you don’t trust him-leave. Don’t breed that resentment and distrust in your relationship.
So I basically have no sense of smell, but leather is one of the few things that I can smell, and I adore the smell of it.
Why would you name your children for X-Men? That’s really cringe.
Rain does not smell like death.
Why are you proud of all the stuff you can’t do and that you don’t take care of your family? (That’s it. That’s the book. Screaming.)
Is it possible for a book to feature tarot cards and not have the main character draw the death card and then immediately explain that it doesn’t really mean death?
bosque
I don’t know maybe it is for me? Is it just a murder mystery? I can read a murder mystery. (Anyone can read this book. It’s just stupid, so they shouldn’t.)
Ew, another gross-out line with the egg.
Why is she so obsessed with her? Is she involved? Does this weird pinup detective know her? (No, she just acts odd because the author said so.)
Also, her name is Detective Lowrider. This is a porno.
polemic
Do preteens smell yeasty? Or like sourdough? Has she tried buying them deodorant?
cabal
I thought Harry Potter invented muggles. So how are you going to use this fictional term to make fun of other people? Like Bestie, you’re just screaming that you’re a fan girl.
So many body image issues. Please stop. (It does not. That’s the book.)
That’s not feminist. Females give you more goats and technically milk while the other is just meat. And meat you have to castrate immediately to not make it taste funny.
rosbif
Eating disorders in women are so tired. Especially when they’re offhand comments like this and not a plot point or shown as something to be healed.
athame
What fucking kind of language is that to talk about your 11-year-old? How many comments have there been about her 11-year-old’s breast at this point? (At least 3. Ew. Ew. Ew.)
What do you mean you set laundry on fire, you lunatic? You need therapy.
I’m so not into paranormal as explanation.
Replete feels out of place.
I’m so not into this book. I want it to be over. I don’t care about this mystery.
I LIKE white girl shit.
refulgent
Bestie, no one needs help to make you look crazy. You lit laundry on fire. You believe your children turn invisible. You named them after X-men. Your son is so traumatized he’s gone mute. You drink so much you black out. Your 11-year-old is cooking breakfast.
This man is so sketch. He’s like 100% one of those murderous escaped convicts. He researched her bc he left something valuable with her? Or wants the ranch? And like he and his buddies murder the other girl but idk why?
This bitch is such a hypocrite. She’s all mad that he MIGHT have cheated on her, and she cheats on him the instant her ex shows up. Unprompted.
Do not tell me this is going to pull a Staircase, and the bitch was attacked by an owl and fell into the river. (I mean no, but people do get attacked by owls in broad daylight, so that’s pretty stupid.)
I hate this main character. She’s so hateful and toxic.
If a man ever disparages other women to compliment you, run so fucking far.
This book is so fucking stupid and annoying.
Bloodys are my favorite drink, but not with Clamato.
The Sam guy murdered the friend, right? (Yes.)
How many books am I gonna read this year with my name in them? She said she’s a narcissist. (But not a narcissist like our main character here.)
Her sister is an actual angel and deserves better.
EW.
aureola
Sam is her baby daddy? (Yup.)
How traumatized are these poor kids gonna be? (Beyond. Permanent damage, besties.)
All this book is is eating disorders and internalized misogyny. I’m not into it.
You are a druggie deadbeat and a liar and a manipulator.
And like yeah basically confirmed Anis is his.
Thriller hates rare meat check. It makes me so mad. Let people eat a proper steak.
chancla
He got buff in prison? (No, the author just wanted more body image problems.)
Your man’s ain’t got no teeth. (Where’s that Dr. Phil quote?)
Exactly. Grow the fuck up. (She will not.)
planchette
aventurine
Can she stop hating on other women for a single minute? (No. In fact, she can’t.)
If she’s asking for autopsy photos, I don’t think you need to trigger warning her. They’re autopsy photos. It’s the dead body of your friend all cut open. The trigger warning is redundant.
chingona
Oh look, it’s the drug thing from the beginning that we all knew was gonna happen. Oh look, he’s the murderer like we all knew he was gonna be. I’m so bored.
piloncillo
I will say this book makes me hungry. But @all these thrillers, we don’t need food porn. It’s not a cookbook. I don’t need to know what they eat for dinner if it doesn’t relate to the murder. I don’t care. It’s not giving atmosphere when you do it 70 times. If you must do it, do it once, maybe twice, but couple it with dialogue or a scene that’s gonna add something to the rest of the book. Don’t just throw it in like a sprinkle of culture. It’s just annoying.
You’re like 30 or 40 with your own children and you still haven’t recognized that your sister working multiple jobs to keep you out of foster homes wasn’t a giant sacrifice. What’s wrong with you?
sopes
Men don’t text like that.
Replete still doesn’t fit here.
In what world does a mother call her children to come save her and bring her children towards danger?
Post-reading:
This was fucking awful. The main character is heinous and the author has the gall to expect the audience to root for her because she’s traumatized. She’s a narcissistic, hypocritical drunk. A lot of this book is spent talking about racism but not in any meaningful way, and the main character displays such hatred for races other than her family’s. She literally admits to bullying an Asian girl for her race and being studious in school. Like what’s wrong with you? White people are all stupid. The POC cop is obviously corrupt and can’t do her job and is out to get the main character. She’s like a 40-year-old mother who does not take care of her children and her husband and is proud of this? Why is your 11-year-old cooking breakfast to take care of you because you’re drunk? Why does your sister have to move in with you to take care of you and your children while your husband is on trial for murder that you don’t give a shit about? Why won’t you let your poor traumatized son go to therapy? Why do you ask your children to save you from a murderer? They’re 11 and 7. She constantly comments on her daughter’s breasts and body and has a warped body image for herself and toxic eating habits. She constantly disparages other women. And this is the woman we’re supposed to like and want to have a happy ending. No.
The mystery itself is super predictable and relies on a hand of God technology explanation. Also, the paranormal. I am not a paranormal girlie. I will never be on board with the paranormal as an explanation.
We also get no follow-up as to how her husband got out of jail and how they mended their relationship after you know, she cheated on him the whole book with the man who framed him for murder.
Don’t read this.
Who should read this:
No one
Predictable paranormal thriller fans
Do I want to reread this:
I wish I could unread this.
Similar books:
* All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers-awful crime thriller
* Someone Else’s Life by Lyn Liao Butler-main character is friends with the whodunnit villain
November 20, 2022
River Woman, River Demon had a strong plot and I really enjoyed the magical realism of the voodoo type of magic. I loved all of the cultural detail the author wrote, it was strong and defined and really added to the ambiance. The mystery of the murderer’s identity really had me second guessing nearly every single character in the book and changing my mind on who-dun-it pretty rapidly. What did take away from my enjoyment is a little hard to get into without a lot of spoilers but I was pretty disappointed how quickly some of the characters turned on each other and the characters overall were not likeable for me.
Thank you to Librofb for the gifted audiobook!
Thank you to Librofb for the gifted audiobook!
March 17, 2023
The brujería and curanderisma in this had my heart breaking and then had me gasping and then had me feeling so incredibly empowered. I love women and I love this book.
I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into, but I enjoyed the ride. Some commentary at the beginning had me feeling some time of way, but I think it served to show our MC’s personality and the reason behind the decisions made. The plot twist really fooled me, but in totally makes sense in hindsight lmao. GIVE IT A READ!
I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into, but I enjoyed the ride. Some commentary at the beginning had me feeling some time of way, but I think it served to show our MC’s personality and the reason behind the decisions made. The plot twist really fooled me, but in totally makes sense in hindsight lmao. GIVE IT A READ!
March 23, 2023
I had to wait to review this book because it made me so angry. This might legit be my first hate-read. Why did I put myself through this?? Warning: this review is as unspoilery as I could manage, but still outlines a lot of the plot and characters.
This book could've been a home run. Our main character and her husband are both POC, she's got a fascinating family history, and magic tangibly exists in this world. In fact the magick is fantastically represented here, and I nearly wept for joy the way voodoo, hoodoo etc were explained. The social commentary is crisp and on point. This is an own-voices author. Much of the text-level writing was fantastic, the atmosphere tense and unsettling, with the possibility of the paranormal.
But. I take issue with almost everything else.
#1 Eva -
I found the main character increasingly intolerable. Full discloser: I'm prejudiced against irresponsible, alcoholic parents, regardless of how affectionate or loving they are in other regards.
As with many (maybe all) alcoholics, she has suffered legitimate trauma. She's emotionally immature and the side effect of her attempting to escape her demons is a pervasive selfishness. She can't trust what she sees because she's usually chemically compromised, and with her being our POV character, she is a consummate unreliable narrator.
Even though I understood her, I found her impossible to empathize with. On top of everything I listed above, it's unfortunate that the author chose to write her as unreasonably insecure concerning her marriage, a hypocrite about marital fidelity, and sexist attitudes towards women. Also, she compulsively lies and stonewalls. What a piece of work.
#2 Her family -
Her entire family is extremely, inhumanly tolerant and supportive. This woman is immersed in rich, unconditional love, and still manages not to grow. This level of tolerance and support is simply not believable.
For example. When her 12 year old daughter discovers something awful her mother has done, the natural response would be shock, hurt, confusion, disgust, a sense of betrayal and massive sense of insecurity in her entire world. All we get is shock, an extremely short period of alienation between her and her Mom, then everything goes back to normal. Really?
Eva passionately loves her husband. Her husband is truly wonderful. Yet, she abandons him as soon as "evidence" is found that defects him as a liar. She lives in a world of magic, yet instantly embraces mundane information as immutable fact. Where is her skepticism? In a plot-convenience black hole. It was so obvious that one of the two pieces of "evidence" could've been planted.
Her sister, (who is another inhuman perfect being) who selflessly raised her while still being barely an adult herself, is underappreciated and taken advantage of. She arrives to help and basically takes over all household management and parenting while Eva f*cks off being Eva.
#3 Eva's observations about her 12 year old daughter -
One or two observations about her child becoming a woman would've be fine. But she repeatedly thought about her daughter's body and pubescence; it became freaking creepy. You'd think this was written by a man the way it kept focusing on her chest. Between this and the drinking I began disliking the author as much as Eva.
#4 The Ex, Sam / #5 Eva's parenting -
On old flame/ BFF shows up and instantly insinuates himself into her family. She's oblivious to her children's distress about this strange man coming into their home for dinner. Then she guilts them into being polite about his weird and unwelcome gifts, then helping out in the kitchen. No respect for their boundaries. SHE'S having fun but cares nothing for the emotional burden she's putting her children through. But the author chooses to quickly gloss this all over with the kids soon giggling and getting along with this guy. UNREALISTIC.
Sam is waving so many red flags it's mind boggling. Eva not reacting to said red flags is bizarre, even taking into account her emotional immaturity. I disliked him so much that perversely I began hoping that she would end up with him, and therefore leave her wonderful family free to go on without her. That can't be with the author intended, right?
#6 The plot twist / big reveal
One of the reveals was something I should've put together early on but didn't. She got me on that one. The others explain the plot, but otherwise were pretty unbelievable. The world is small, but not THAT small.
In conclusion: I don't recommend this at all. Just reviewing this has made me angry all over again. Verity by Colleen Hoover made me pretty angry, too, so if you liked that one, this book might be a homerun for you.
I won't be reading anything else by this author.
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
This book could've been a home run. Our main character and her husband are both POC, she's got a fascinating family history, and magic tangibly exists in this world. In fact the magick is fantastically represented here, and I nearly wept for joy the way voodoo, hoodoo etc were explained. The social commentary is crisp and on point. This is an own-voices author. Much of the text-level writing was fantastic, the atmosphere tense and unsettling, with the possibility of the paranormal.
But. I take issue with almost everything else.
#1 Eva -
I found the main character increasingly intolerable. Full discloser: I'm prejudiced against irresponsible, alcoholic parents, regardless of how affectionate or loving they are in other regards.
As with many (maybe all) alcoholics, she has suffered legitimate trauma. She's emotionally immature and the side effect of her attempting to escape her demons is a pervasive selfishness. She can't trust what she sees because she's usually chemically compromised, and with her being our POV character, she is a consummate unreliable narrator.
Even though I understood her, I found her impossible to empathize with. On top of everything I listed above, it's unfortunate that the author chose to write her as unreasonably insecure concerning her marriage, a hypocrite about marital fidelity, and sexist attitudes towards women. Also, she compulsively lies and stonewalls. What a piece of work.
#2 Her family -
Her entire family is extremely, inhumanly tolerant and supportive. This woman is immersed in rich, unconditional love, and still manages not to grow. This level of tolerance and support is simply not believable.
For example. When her 12 year old daughter discovers something awful her mother has done, the natural response would be shock, hurt, confusion, disgust, a sense of betrayal and massive sense of insecurity in her entire world. All we get is shock, an extremely short period of alienation between her and her Mom, then everything goes back to normal. Really?
Eva passionately loves her husband. Her husband is truly wonderful. Yet, she abandons him as soon as "evidence" is found that defects him as a liar. She lives in a world of magic, yet instantly embraces mundane information as immutable fact. Where is her skepticism? In a plot-convenience black hole. It was so obvious that one of the two pieces of "evidence" could've been planted.
Her sister, (who is another inhuman perfect being) who selflessly raised her while still being barely an adult herself, is underappreciated and taken advantage of. She arrives to help and basically takes over all household management and parenting while Eva f*cks off being Eva.
#3 Eva's observations about her 12 year old daughter -
One or two observations about her child becoming a woman would've be fine. But she repeatedly thought about her daughter's body and pubescence; it became freaking creepy. You'd think this was written by a man the way it kept focusing on her chest. Between this and the drinking I began disliking the author as much as Eva.
#4 The Ex, Sam / #5 Eva's parenting -
On old flame/ BFF shows up and instantly insinuates himself into her family. She's oblivious to her children's distress about this strange man coming into their home for dinner. Then she guilts them into being polite about his weird and unwelcome gifts, then helping out in the kitchen. No respect for their boundaries. SHE'S having fun but cares nothing for the emotional burden she's putting her children through. But the author chooses to quickly gloss this all over with the kids soon giggling and getting along with this guy. UNREALISTIC.
Sam is waving so many red flags it's mind boggling. Eva not reacting to said red flags is bizarre, even taking into account her emotional immaturity. I disliked him so much that perversely I began hoping that she would end up with him, and therefore leave her wonderful family free to go on without her. That can't be with the author intended, right?
#6 The plot twist / big reveal
One of the reveals was something I should've put together early on but didn't. She got me on that one. The others explain the plot, but otherwise were pretty unbelievable. The world is small, but not THAT small.
In conclusion: I don't recommend this at all. Just reviewing this has made me angry all over again. Verity by Colleen Hoover made me pretty angry, too, so if you liked that one, this book might be a homerun for you.
I won't be reading anything else by this author.
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
March 6, 2023
My friend Laura and I read this as a Libby Together We Read book. Not sure how they select these titles, but this isn’t a book that I think most people would chose, let alone run off telling a friend to read it. There is so much that happened which made me question the MC, I can only assume she is trying to run away from her life but we all know that never works out. This had a great start and could have been different if the focus was pulled back to helping her husband instead of the journey it took.
*There is lots of references to the MC’s boobs - like really? At least 30 times over approximately 330 pages. This isn’t an erotic novel, so most readers don’t want to know about the sweatiness, sagginess, or other sadnesses you might have about your breast including that they cause yoga poses to be awkward. It honestly added nothing to the novel other than my eye rolling causing me to lose my place on the page.
*There is lots of references to the MC’s boobs - like really? At least 30 times over approximately 330 pages. This isn’t an erotic novel, so most readers don’t want to know about the sweatiness, sagginess, or other sadnesses you might have about your breast including that they cause yoga poses to be awkward. It honestly added nothing to the novel other than my eye rolling causing me to lose my place on the page.
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