I have previously read Litani by this author and like that book, both Bloodline and The Quarry Girls are set in small towns in Minnesota where the author grew up.

I thought the books were well written and in some places disturbing to read. It took me a while to finish reading both the books myself and I kept switching between the ebooks and audiobooks.

The idea that underneath the facade of a well respected and safe community (and in the case of The Quarry Girls a literal underground network of tunnels connecting homes), something evil, cultish and deplorable was brewing in these communities, victimising women and young girls/boys/children, without any repercussions was disturbing and chilling.

Both these books are based on true crimes that occurred in the author's hometown but while the books show some sort of closure/justice for the victims and comeuppance for the culprits, the actual crimes were never solved.

Rating for both books: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Thomas and Mercer and the author for the e-Arc of the books.

This book made me look over my shoulder and made my skin crawl at times. Jess Lourey really makes you feel like you're there with Beth through those chapters. In the alternating narrative, you're constantly questioning every single man and wondering which one is the killer. Based on true events in Minnesota in the 70s, this is a good book for any true crime lover.

First book by this author and I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a book that walks the line between suspense/horror and feels like some of the old style books I read when I was younger. Considering it's set in the 60s, that may be a deliberate writing style. The book is creepy and I enjoyed it enough to give the writer another chance.

Bloodline is set in the late 1960's before all the distractions of cell phone and emails. Joan and her fiance Deck leave Minneapolis for a quieter, simpler life in Lilydale. But we soon learn things are not what they seem. People are friendly, but maybe way TOO friendly. Everyone seems to be watching your every move. Joan is a journalist and the main story she is researching is based on a true story so it makes this book even creepier! This book certainly stays with you even after you're done reading it!

I don't know if it as the main characters or the fact I was surprised / not a fan of the book taking place in the 60s, but I just could not get into this book. I unfortunately ended up DNF'ing it.

Many people seemed to like this book, I thought it would be good since it was among the books nominated for a Goodreads award. I did not like the book, the story was laughable with paper-thin characters. Avoid, pick something else if you want to be entertained.

Slow Burn Menace…
A tale inspired by true events, with a both sinister and suspenseful feel, although often bordering on sheer horror. It’s a potentially complex tale but handled well and with some good character development and a creeping, slow burn menace.

Bloodline is based on a real case and is a page-turner. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop, the author - Jess Lourey - has a unique way of writing, designing her characters full of quirks and small details that it's just impossible not to take note of. She has an easy-to-read writing style and the story provides good entertainment.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

3.5 ⭐️ Rounded up for this entertaining tale from the PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR GENRE. BUT, if you enjoy reading horror on occasion, you might have some fun with this one!

Intriguing, twisted and gripping, that’s how I would describe this book. Unlikely to actually make “friends “ with any of the characters, but a very interesting story overall that kept me entertained and invested throughout the chapters. Looking forward to read more by the author in the future.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

Joan is an aspiring journalist from Minneapolis. On her way home she is mugged and falls pregnant. She ends up moving to Minneapolis with her fiance to his small hometown. His parents gift them their old house, Joan lands a job as a journalist it all has seemingly fallen into place.

But there is something off, Joan has a feeling of being watched, something doesn't seem right in this town. Is she overthinking it? She starts to wonder who can she really trust. The psychological thriller will keep on your toes, its super creepy and eerie atmosphere takes this book to the next level.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2022 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2022/01/readers-advisory-announce-2022-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

Great book. Highly recommend and will most defiantly read more by this author and suggest to others!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I've heard great things about Jess Lourey but somehow I have never read any of her books before today.
"Bloodline" was a chilling & addictive thriller that had me racing to finish it.
I enjoyed everything about it &
I can't wait to read her newest novel,
"Litani" which will be released later this month.

Reading Between the Wines book review #93/115 for 2021:
Rating: 4 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book 🎧: Bloodline
Author: Jess Lourey
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
RELEASED on January 1, 2021!!!

Sipping thoughts: Wow Bloodline puts the EEP in CREEPY! The synopsis seemed pretty intriguing but it did not do justice for the actual story. I was shaking my head for most of this story due to the actions of the characters, mainly Joan. Joan is in a town that literally puts The Stepford Wives, The Truman Show and The Twilight Zone to shame. If you are reading this review you really need to read this book so that you can share in the what in the twilight zone did I just read. AND this is actually based off true events so now all I can do is scratch my head and 😲.

Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley and @ThomasAndMercer for an advanced copy of @Bloodline

#Bloodline #JessLourey #ThomasAndMercer #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThriller #GeneralFictionAdult

Oh my gosh, I devoured this! A couple decide to visit the guy's home town. He describes it as a sleepy homey feeling, but she is getting a different vibe. Cultish, disappearances, and unwelcome glances. I could see this being an HBO show like "Sharp Objects".

Bloodline was my first book to read by Jess Lourey and it won’t be my last! This was a fun and well written mystery story, full of twists and turns. I enjoyed the book, and will read some more in future. Recommended.

Bloodline was my first book to read by Jess Lourey and it won’t be my last! What a fun and creepy read! I got a lot of Get Out vibes from this, and I loved it! Joan moves with her fiancé to his home town and finds that there’s something not quite right about this small community. Joan seemed a little too clueless for her own good sometimes, but I loved her best friend and her moxie! There were so many layers to the story as we learned more about the history and operation of the small town. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and wanted it to continue! It blows my mind that this book was inspired by a true story! Overall, such an enjoyable book with devious characters and a winning mystery! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publisher for my advanced review copy!

4.5 stars, rounding up to 5!

Had I not been so busy over the last month, I probably would have read this in one day! It’s SO good & SO unlike any other thriller I’ve read before. Every single time I picked it up, I had a hard time putting it down.

It’s a *very* creepy thriller - one of the creepiest, most unsettling ones I've read in a while. Being a Minnesotan, I was beyond excited to read this book (and I still look forward to reading Lourey's previous book, "Unspeakable Things," too). My favorite thing about reading a book that takes place in MN, is knowing all the places, cities, and things the author mentions - and this was no exception! (I grew up just about 25 minutes west of Paynesville, where the true story of the disappearance of Jackie Theel took place. So I know that area well. which also gave me a better idea of what this book's fictional version of Lilydale was supposed to look like.)

The chilling plot lines are very reminiscent of “Rosemary's Baby” and “The Stepford Wives” (naturally, both Ira Levin books) & most definitely, Jordan Peele’s (amazing) movie, “Get Out.” So ultimately, I loved the vibe. I really enjoyed the storyline & loved how fleshed out the main characters were. And of course, the MN setting (Lourey is from MPLS). There were a couple unresolved plot holes, but nothing that took away from the story. So all in all, this is a thriller that’s definitely worthy of your time! Can’t wait to read more of Lourey’s books!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, Jess Lourey, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about this.

It’s incredibly suspenseful and I completely adored the vintage feel to it. Think Stepford Wives meets Rosemary’s Baby, but with a vibe all its own.

From the first page, I was completely lost in this book and I was so sorry when it was over.

I’ll happily read the author again!