Join Lou and the team as they take on their most sinister opponents yet. One Foot in the Grave is the tenth installment of the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
Louie Thorne uses her incredible gift to save two children, children who are far from ordinary. Unwilling to trust her with their secrets, Lou struggles to discover who they were running from and why.
As she searches for answers, she uncovers a cold case long buried. The story of a serial killer never captured. Someone ruthless enough to enter twenty homes and brutally murder the parents before abducting their infant children.
If Lou has found two of the missing kids, does that mean the other children are still alive? And can Lou save them before their time runs out?
Meanwhile, private investigator Robert King takes a case he knows he shouldn’t. But when a desperate mother begs for his help, he can’t turn her away. Still, it’s hard to believe her story about satanists and dark magic, the possibility of a cult thriving in the French Quarter, right on his doorstep. It’s the kind of thing he won’t believe until he sees it with his own eyes…
This supernatural thriller series is recommended for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, Jeff Lindsay's Dexter Morgan, and Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas.
USA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
One foot in the grave -Lou Thorne book by Kory M Shrum
Another fantastic story by this writer! I can’t tell if I like the characters in this book so much because they are very complex and interesting or if I just want them to be Real. Regardless, this story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end of story. Never, ever dull! Check out this writer Now.
Received as ARC book. First off I love these books and the characters. Lou is awesome and Konstitine is a doll! The others are great also. This book has an extra special surprise in it. Somebody is holding kids and doing horrible tho ha to them. Not much out there makes Lou madder than messing with kids! She ran int a couple of the kids and needs to get answers. They aren’t talking. With help she starts figuring some things out. She also gets the kids to talk to help her understand what’s going on and what has happened to them. I don’t like giving the story away so just read it because it is really good. I think this one maybe my fabric them all!!
One Foot in the Grave is the tenth Lou Thorne Thriller and tenth book in the Shadows in the Water series by my new favourite author, Kory M. Shrum. I have come to the conclusion that Bookbub has a lot to answer for, on one hand it is a fantastic way to ‘find’ new books/authors to read- but on the other hand I end up spending my entire yearly book budget in a matter of a few months lol. But if it weren’t for Bookbub, I would never have found Ms. Shrum’s books, which would have been a real tragedy, because she really knows how to weave a riveting tale. This is an awesome urban fantasy with so much going on- in a fantastic way. With plenty of action, adventure, mystery, danger, a different realm aspect, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, the mafia, serial killers, agendas, ‘hunting’, team work, friendship, family, investigation, time factors, gripping scenes, intense developments, twists, romance, and so, so, so much more- you really need to read it to fully appreciate this gem of a series as I doubt my words can really do this series the justice that it deserves. Louie Thorne is the daughter of assassinated DEA agent, Jack Thorne. He, along with her mother, were murdered by a drug cartel when she was just a young child- his death scarred her, in more ways than one. She has bided her time honing her skills, becoming a force to be reckoned with- one so powerful that the ‘bad guys’ will never see her coming. In the process of wreaking revenge, she builds a terrifying reputation that will strike fear into the hearts of her enemies- and it’s her secret ‘ability’ that gives her the upper hand- and gives this whole series a completely unique and addictive quality. So much action. With a lot of violence. And a huge helping of adventure. Resulting in a serious book addiction- while also set this book/series apart from others, and this is a book ‘high’ that will be hard to beat. I developed this addiction to Ms. Shrum’s stories when I stumbled on the Shadows in the Water series -> picking up one book, which then led to two, which then had me devouring the whole series, back-to-back (11 books) in a matter of days. Now I am on tenterhooks, excitedly anticipating the release of Book #12, which can’t come quickly enough for my liking lol. Each book in this series follows on from the previous one – with each instalment having its own ‘story’, but also adding to what has come before, thereby building a much bigger picture along the way- so the series really needs to be read in the correct sequence, to fully appreciate it- and prevent any kind of confusion. The books are available individually if you wish, as well as in Boxed Sets- which, again, is really great value for money. The Series consists of: -Shadows in the Water (Book #1) -Under the Bones (Book #2) -Danse Macabre (Book #3) -Carnival (Book #4) -Devil’s Luck (Book #5) -What Comes Around (Book #6) -Overkill (Book #7) -Silver Bullet (Book #8) -Hell House (Book #9) -One Foot in the Grave (Book #10) -Blood Rain (Book #11) -First Light (Book #12 -> coming soon) If you love highly original urban fantasies with plenty of action and adventure- then this is definitely a series you will want to sink your teeth into- but be prepared to develop a (Kory M.) Shrum addiction! Happy Reading…
Louie Thorne is back and I am absolutely delighted to review Kory M. Shrum’s latest release “One Foot in the Grave: A Lou Thorne Thriller”, which is Book 10 of her Shadows in the Water series.
Lou will have to face one of her deepest fears and make a life changing decision all while trying to rescue children who have been taught how to fight and kill from the time they were still in the cradle. It’s like the street kids who were raised by Fagin in the Charles Dickens novel, “Oliver Twist”, but with a more sinister intent. Lou finds herself having to defend herself from a little girl who swipes one of Louie’s own knives and deeply slashes Louie’s arm before she even realizes it. These kids are out for blood, and they’ll get it any way they can.
A woman shows up at King’s PI office and says she has been having dark dreams about her daughter and begs King to find her. Having dealt with a premonition within a dream in the past with Mel he isn’t quick to dismiss the woman’s fears and eventually he agrees to try and find her daughter. The trail to find the missing girl will find King and Piper deep beneath a stone crypt during a Satanic ritual involving a blood sacrifice. A dead cat lies upon the altar, but King realizes this is just a warmup to a human sacrifice and now it’s a race to find the girl and her kidnapper.
Romance seems to be on King’s mind as he finds himself very aware of Mel’s presence. Mel hasn’t realized the depth of King’s affection, nor has he for that matter, so it will be interesting to see where Kory takes this new twist to the lives of two of our favorite secondary characters.
I have been totally in love with Kory’s various characters as I’ve followed along throughout her different series, starting in 2014 with “Dying for a Living”. (Which is free on Amazon BTW) And the thing that captured me right from the start was her style of writing.
Right from the first page you are drawn in as she spins an amazing fantasy thriller that just seems to come alive. The conversations are smooth and realistic and conveys just the right touch of emotion. Plus, every scene is detailed enough to where you can see in your mind’s eye where the characters are at throughout the story.
I love Lou’s wit, and the conversations she has as she interacts with the people she loves and especially with those that she doesn’t are just perfect. Everything that happens adds to the story. There's no unnecessary and bloated filler as the tension, worry, fear and action will have you turning the pages and keeping you up way past your bedtime.
I found this book to be perfectly edited, zero text bumps to navigate so it’s a smooth ride from start to finish. So, order your own copy today of “One Foot in the Grave” by author Kory M. Shrum and as Chef John would say: “Enjoy!”
I was given a free ARC and am freely leaving this honest review.
Read the Amazon blurb, it's quite good. One Foot in the Grave is the 10th novel in the “Shadows in the Water” series. It would be most enjoyable to start with “Shadows in the Water”, the first book and read in sequence, if you haven’t already. There is a very complete and comprehensive backstory that is really important to the full enjoyment of this book. I wouldn’t consider it a stand-alone, there are frequent references to incidents in previous books and the characters’ relationships have been fleshed out. Lou is pregnant! She is surprised to learn this after being treated for two gunshot wounds and other minor injuries. While trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of two traumatized children she rescued, she comes to grips with being pregnant, what that will mean to her lifestyle, her relationship with Konstantine, and her other teammates. The team discovers the mystery of the children is deeper and more sinister than they imagined. It takes the combined action and cooperation of the whole team, plus full media coverage and Konstantine’s army, to face evil, powerful, lethal foes, rescue the kidnapped children, and bring the miscreants to justice.
This is the tenth book in this series. Once again the team took on various cases but also worked together to solve them with satisfying results. King, Piper, and Mel were investigating a missing 19 year old and satanic practices. As usual, Lou was also called upon to help. Lou, Konstantine, and Dani were investigating a psychopath who was involved in the abduction of children. These were all interesting and engaging storylines. But I think the emotional struggles Lou was going through- a life altering decision- took this story to an even deeper emotional level.
Overall, this was another enjoyable and entertaining read from start to finish. If you are a fan of this author, you will not want to miss this tenth book.
Since this is part of a series, I would also recommend reading the others to get an overall understanding of this storyline.
I'm a huge fan of Kory Shrum's work and the Lou Thorne books are some of my favorites. However, I have been disappointed in the last couple books and this most recent one especially because I feel like Lou is getting soft.
I understand that it's hard to have a character be likable and a cold blooded killer but I think if you push the balance too far into her humanity, she loses what's unique about her.
I'm also not liking what feels like two different stories, what's going on with Lou, what's King working on? Maybe if there was more cohesion it would feel less scattered.
I loved the story of the children and I wish that would have been explored more about what they went through and what will happen to them next. I hope those characters can return in future books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've been following Lou and Co. since book 1, and I have to say this was a grand read. As the 10th book in the series you really want to start reading earlier books. Don't worry, Lou is around and waiting for you to read all about her. Of course, being Lou, you never know exactly WHERE she is. (That can be worrisome if you're a bad person... but you're reading this review of a fine book, so of course you're not!)
I enjoy the storylines of these novels where the various characters are each doing something, and it all weaves together into a satisfying whole.
The pacing is good and the descriptive writing is lovely.
Every new Lou Thorne book I read is the best one. Book 10 is now the best one. I think I am onto something here. Ms. Shrum knows how to write a slam-bang thriller with a very unusual heroine who gets the bad guys and saves the good ones. Along with some help from her friends, sometimes. No spoilers and no details here. The characters are amazing and developing and the plots are so righteous - you know, saving people - and fascinating ways Ms. Shrum creates these unique stories. Urban Fantasy, Paranormal thriller, whatever. The series is great reading. Each and every book is a standout.
The best Lou Thorne book yet (personal opinion obviously)! Great characters, extraordinary range of people, excellent production. A must read! Real thriller, hang on to your seat! Full of drama, non-stop action. By now I expect good to win in the end… but there were times when I didn’t see how the narrative would succeed in making it ok! I’m still amazed at how such diverse people could come together, care for and support each other, and achieve spectacular outcomes. The definitions of “good” and “evil” are explored in the background. I received this book as an arc and this review is entirely voluntary.
One Foot In The Grave - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The amazing Kory M. Shrum's spine-tingling, supernatural Lou Thorne Thrillers series returns, with One Foot In The Grave.
The dangerous rescue of two strangers and a vital visit to a wise friend, followed by a stunning realisation occur in just the first few pages - and you'll already be hooked by events that draw you in and grip you firmly by the imagination throughout. Grab a copy today - and keep out of the shadows if you're not on La Strega's side!
I love, LOOOOOVE this series. This book is easily the best of 10. But then every book in the series just seems to get better. I don’t know how to give a review w/o spoilers. So I’ll just say: Many similar series just seem too sappy and too predictable lately. This series is not afraid of occult/horror with some smart romance or plain ol anxiety inducing situations for the entire cast of characters to tackle. They are all tough, capable and throughly enjoyable. Complete recommendation. You won’t regret it.
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series! Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story. Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more of these. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Oh. My. God. This is the most intense book yet! I kept holding my breath and getting lightheaded. I am so very excited to find out how Lou’s secret will affect her abilities. This was also her biggest case. What a horrible creature Dr. Gein is. What he did is frankly deplorable. I do hope the children will get the help they need and can go on to live happy lives. I loved this book. I love this series. I love this author.
The Shadows in the Water Series continues to be the best series I ever read. One Foot in the Grave is the tenth book of the series and Lou Thorne and her friends continue to have trilling adventures. In this book as in the others the author Miss Shrum depicts several story lines with ease. In this book Lou Thorne's story takes an unexpected twist. I can't wait for the next book to come out in October to see where this story line goes.
I loved this latest addition to the Shadows in the Water Series. It is exciting, with drama, chemistry, suspense, mystery, and wonderful secondary characters. The MCs are developed, complex, and have problems to work through. These books are enjoyable, entertaining, and engaging. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
I love the cast of characters in this series, their good points and bad points, their fears, their loves; I can't get enough. This story was especially suspenseful and thrilling, with multiple investigation lines going and the dangerous villains. Kory Shrum's books are addicting.
I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
Lou's life was going great until she met two kids who changed everything. Between her friends, her lover and these two kids, her life is going to the very edge of what she thought was possible. Will she be able to survive this ordeal? Or will ultimately be her undoing? Don't wait. Pick this one up and find out!!
Omg every time I think Kory can’t top her last book. I’m wrong (tyg) if you never read anything by this author shame on you. Her first book in this series is free. What’s stopping you. All her characters are so real. You love them, worry about them, get mad at them, and give a tremendous YES when the book is over. But is it? Hmmm. Great writing. Go Kory !!!
I just love Louie Thorne and her friends. These novels have everything romance, action, horror, drama, supernatural, occult, bad guys and the good guy heroes that win out in the end. Come join Louie and her friends for their adventures. Thank you Kory m. Shrum I can’t get enough of this series.
Could this series get any better! Of course it can! This series just keeps exploding right out if the gate! No spoilers from this girl, but if you have read the rest of the series then you won't be able to put this one down either.
Fresh and non-stop action. Lou's story carries on in the same vein, but great storyline's and characters. A great series you just can't put down. A satisfying end leaves you warm inside and waiting for the next adventure to start.
This series is brilliant and One Foot in the Grave is no exception. Couldn't put it down, didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the next one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It starts with craziness all around, ends up with a HUGE surprise! And that's just the first chapter! This book is so awesome, I love how the characters are being developed and after this one things are changing and I can't wait for the next!
Yet another shadows in the water series and boy is it good. Lou Thorne goes from strength to strength with both her gifts and her relationships. The accompanying characters add much likewise. The oddest family dynamic but it works. Absolutely loved it!
Kory Shrum has done it again. Another "CANNOT PUT IT DOWN" masterpiece with characters I've come to respect, admire, and appreciate for their individuality, talents, empathy, courage and humanity.
Another outstanding suspenseful story that will keep you trying to guess what happens next. Lou saves two children, but what secrets do they have. Who is after them. Don’t miss out on this well written book.
And… what a story! These stories just keep better and better, bolder and bolder and what a finish. Easy to get hooked on the exploits of Lou and her entourage, getting into all kinds of difficult situations, not excluding life and death ones.