Loreth Anne White is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! Last year I read and loved In the Dark by her (if you haven't picked this one up yet you simply must!). I jumped at the chance to read this book and wasn't disappointed in the slightest. It just goes to show me how much I NEED to work on catching up on her backlist because wow! She is an author that definitely deserves more hype than I see her getting. This book had podcast elements to it which I really enjoyed. I liked the fact that the book was focused on a crime that was supposedly solved from years ago. I really enjoyed that the story was told from two different timelines - back when Detective Rachel Walczak was investigating the case and then in the present as podcaster Trinity Scott investigates what really happened all those years ago. I found this book to be a really compelling read. I wanted to know what really happened to Leena Rai and the why's behind it all. I had my guesses on who might have been behind it, but even then I definitely didn't see that ending coming. There's this one twist that just hits so perfectly. I felt like I should have seen it coming but yet it smacked me straight in the gut in the best way. Wow, she is such a talented author.

Overall, this is a book that definitely deserves more hype in my opinion. Readers who enjoy mysteries, true crime podcasts, and suspenseful reads need to pick this book up. And then talk about it with others so more mystery readers can find this author because I need her to write ALL of the books! Kidding....but kind of not because she's just so good! Highly recommended!

Bottom Line: A tense and suspenseful read that I just couldn't stop reading!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. Honest thoughts are my own.

Loreth Anne White, best known for her Pallorino series, has a new book out called Beneath Devil's Bridge. The book begins with the murder of Leena Rai in 1997. The story then jumps forward to the present day, where a true-crime podcaster interviews the accused and imprisoned Clayton Jay Pelley. Clayton Jay Pelley, who admitted to his crime and accepted his life sentence without a hearing, is unexpectedly speaking to Trinity Scott, a young podcaster. The podcaster is missing the most critical part of her show in which she is supposed to interview retired detective Rachel Walczak. So, what's the deal with Pelley suddenly speaking up? Is he an innocent victim or a perpetrator? Why did Rachel quit her work and staying silent?

The books' chapters are written in a chronological order that alternates between the past and the present. The reader will hear about the case from the viewpoint of the detective, the podcaster, and the real-time account from 1997. Thus the author retains both periods' twists and turns. The book catches you from the outset and compels the reader to turn the pages quickly. The book is written in the style of a fast-paced thriller. Character development is the book's strongest point. Although the book is told from Rachel and Trinity's perspectives, the reader can see the development of all the characters in it. The author's use of first-person narration aided in the development of the characters. Also, the author was able to convey the characters' feelings without difficulty. The book describes how a case can influence the detective's life and family, and how it can turn her life upside down. The book's suspense aspect is incredible. The plot twists and turns engross the reader. I was taken aback at times and admired the author's inventiveness. The plot, like any good thriller, ends with a surprising twist. The ending was unexpected, and the author did a good job of establishing it. The author's writing style is intriguing, and the reader can read without losing his attention. As I neared the end, I felt like Rachel was being sidelined a little, but that's okay because the author's ending twist is unexpected and mind-blowing.

In every way, Underneath Devil's Bridge is surprisingly fascinating and breathtaking. Thriller fans don't have to think twice before picking up this book because you will enjoy the writing style, plot, and thrills.

Thank You Loreth Anne White for sending me a copy of the well-crafted amazing thriller.

Beneath the Devil’s Bridge by Loreth Anne White is another spellbinding novel from the master storyteller who has the uncanny ability to push just the right set of buttons to keep the pages turning. I continue to be in awe of everything that Ms. White publishes, and it is a foregone conclusion at this point that she will continue to take readers where their comfort zones are pushed in the years to come.

The year is 1997, when 14 year old Leena Rai is found brutally beaten to death with indications of rough intercourse having happened prior to the murder. Investigators in the small town of British Columbia where the story takes place, are hard pressed to solve the case quickly. The investigation speedily concludes with the confession from Clayton Jay Pelley, the school’s guidance counselor.

When Clayton breaks his silence 25 years after he is incarcerated in a podcast series focusing on true crime, retired detective Rachel Walczak who was lead on the case is haunted and taunted by the fact that in their haste to bring a conclusion to the investigation, they may have overlooked many aspects of the case that did not particularly make sense even at the time. But in a small and tight knit community such as theirs, it is a challenge to overlook the ties that bind them, and see each individual as they truly are – where monsters may breed without one acknowledging the fact.

From beginning to end, this story is profound in the way it is told, taking readers between the year of the murder and how it had impacted the lives of all that were affected, to present time when the deep lingering effects of what had taken place still continue to fester in the wounds unhealed.

In the murder victim, we find the typical outcast in a high school setting where teenagers can be brutal in the way they form groups and bully those that do not fit in. A daughter of Indian immigrants, Leena had never had it easy, with a strict father and a mother who had followed wherever her husband led her. Patriarchal households in South Asian settings can be extremely difficult for daughters, especially when you move to a country that upholds more modern values and norms clashing with the traditional ones. Leena is the daughter that is torn between wanting freedom and popularity, between wanting to feel needed and acceptance, and ultimately the one who finds consolation and comfort in a place that she rightfully should not have.

In the alleged perpetrator, Ms. White has forged to life one of the most thought provoking characters she has written of late. A man who society would find it easy to blame and cast aside, whose own demons haunt and taunt him to a point where he was willing to give up everything to control his baser urges. It is difficult to remain detached from his character as Ms. White explores the psychology involved and takes readers on a journey where most may not be willing to be pushed. But I for one reveled in it and admire Ms. White for writing his character as it was told; raw and unadulterated in a way that refuses to give you any reprieve from who he is.

The most shocking elements of the story of course, lies in the “mundane” details of the lives of those in the community as the tale undfolds, traversing through the course of individual and collective lives that had been changed by the events that had unfolded that fateful night two and a half decades back. Rachel, in her bid to find the truth at long last, finds that often, a high price must be paid in the pursuit of it, secrets that many would go to extreme lengths to keep buried for eternity.

I also found myself astounded by and questioned how someone with such a violent streak within them managed to hide in plain sight for so long – after all, the character’s actions at certain points in life must have pointed to that villainous and extremely unhinged aspects within. I guess we would never know. But then again, that is what is so gripping about Ms. White’s work – you can never accuse her of taking on tried tropes and leaving you with the feeling that you have been cheated out on.

I continue to be amazed by how well Ms. White writes, how unique each of her books are, how powerful her characters and villains alike are, how difficult it to cast one character in the role of purely being a hero and the other a villain, and how unforgettable her stories are. Ms. White truly humbles me by pointing out time and yet again that life does not happen in black and white, but in the shades of grey within.

I marvel at the fact that she dares broach sensitive topics and does them justice, her innate ability to dig deep into the psyche of her characters from multiple perspectives. It is truly remarkable the diversity behind her books and I at times do not think that I am even worthy of reviewing such splendor that lies within the pages.

Definitely recommended for readers of all variety of fiction – if you like thrillers with in-depth characterization, Ms. White is a must read!

Final Verdict: Beneath the Devil’s Bridge is magnificent in the way it unfolds, crisp writing & page-turning suspense lending clarity to the shades of grey that rules our lives.

This book was so good! I absolutely loved it. I read this as a buddy read with my best reading buddy, we're working our way through thrillers. I've found reading it with someone else means I pay a lot more attention to what's happening and the clues that are thrown out . It also means I go back and double check facts as I go along, rereading many chapters.
What I found really fascinating with this book was there were paragraphs that were so beautifully written I had to stop reading just to appreciate them, but the same person who wrote that beautiful paragraph also wrote one of the most awful autopsy reports I've come across in a novel.
Leena, our victim, is 14 years old and so much of her reminded me of my niece, it made reading the book that little bit more harrowing as I could imagine my niece being in that same situation.
There's also some very deep thinking going on in this book, I'm paraphrasing now but along the lines of "if it takes a village to raise a child, does it also take a village to kill one".
I wish I could share the chat that we had going as we read this, so many theories and ideas that we had reading through the book, so many Ah Ha! moments, and so many times that we just went OMG XXXXX and named a character. There was a lot happening, and you kind of knew where to look for the answers but also, didn't really want to look there.
I've read a couple of other Loreth Anne White books but I'm now going back to read her back catalogue, I hope they're all as good as this one

True crime podcasts anyone?!🙋🏼‍♀️
This book was chilling to say the least. If you have kids it’s even more frightening. It was written alternating between the past and present. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. The lengths people will go to protect their secrets and family are disturbing. What really happened to LeeNa Rai?

Thank you @amazonpublishing for my gifted copy!

For those who are a fan of true crime, you will love this book!

Trinity is a true crime podcaster, when she meets with Kelley the man who admitted to raping and brutally murdering a teenage girl 20 years ago in a small town under Devil’s Bridge. He has now claimed he is innocent of these crimes. Why would a man admit to these horrendous crimes if he is now claiming he is innocent? Can Trinity’s podcast uncover new light to the many loose ends the police had, even though Kelley admitted his guilt? You don’t want to miss this explosive book and realize just how much the whole town had to play in the teenager’s murder!

This book has me hooked from the get go and I was shocked to realize just how far someone will go to end their darkness inside.

Beneath Devil’s Bridge is a tense, tightly-plotted and superbly-executed mystery that is very loosely based on a real-life murder that happened in British Columbia some twenty-four years ago. It’s a compelling, absorbing read that takes a look at the impact of a brutal crime on a small, close-knit community and asks some challenging questions about the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love or about what we are capable of doing to our fellow human beings. It comprises some difficult subjects, so potential readers should be aware that the murder itself is quite gruesome (although we don’t witness it directly) and the story contains references to bullying, grooming, paedophilia, underage sex and rape.

If it takes a village to raise a child, does it also take a village to kill one?

Fourteen-year-old Leena Rai is an outsider. Socially awkward and plain, all she really wants is what any teenage girl wants – to belong, to have friends, to be happy. Sadly, she has none of those things. She’s bullied relentlessly at school and on a cold November night she is brutally murdered when she’s on her way home from a “secret” bonfire festival in the mountains north of the small town of Twin Falls in the Pacific Northwest.

When her battered body is pulled out of the river a few days later, Detective Rachel Walczak is assigned to the case, along with Sergeant Luke O’Leary, a homicide detective from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – who will bring an outside perspective (and the considerable resources of the RCMP) to the investigation. But as Rachel and Luke start interviewing Leena’s schoolmates, and others who were at the bonfire, they immediately get the sense that something is being carefully hidden from them; the stories they’re hearing are too pat, as though they’ve been co-ordinated… but by whom? And why? This all becomes moot however, when someone – a teacher and guidance counsellor at Twin Falls Secondary school – confesses to the crime. The case is closed, there’s no trial and Clayton Jay Pelley goes to prison.

Twenty four years later, ambitious true-crime podcaster Trinity Scott decides to focus on the murder of Leena Rai in her latest series, and arrives in Twin Falls to speak to as many of the people involved in the original investigation as possible – including now-retired Rachel Walczak, whose health and family relationships deteriorated severely not long after the case concluded and who subsequently retired from the force. Rachel has steadfastly refused each of Trinity’s requests, and when Trinity tells her that Pelley has agreed to speak to her, she’s incredulous. Pelley has never spoken about the murder and the events of that night – and when, in the first of Trinity’s planned series of interviews, Pelley says he didn’t rape and kill Leena, and that her real killer is still out there, everything about the investigation is called into question. Long-buried secrets threaten to tear apart a community already blighted by tragedy, and Rachel finds herself sucked back in, questioning her decisions, asking questions perhaps she should have asked back then, and remembering things she’d rather forget.

Written from the points of view of Rachel and Trinity and interspersed with excerpts from the interviews and podcasts, the author spins a taut thriller that moves back and forth between “then” – following the initial investigation – and “now”, the tension and momentum building inexorably in the manner of a snowball rolling down a mountain so that it quickly becomes dangerous and unstoppable. Trinity’s interest in the Leena Rai murder opens a veritable Pandora’s Box, as layer upon layer of deception and betrayal is stripped away to reveal a truth more heartless and cold-blooded than anyone could have foreseen, and a small-town community bonded by trauma and deep, dark secrets.

At Devil’s Bridge is a powerful exploration of community, of what it means to be an outsider, of the unkindness and callousness we can so thoughtlessly offer our fellow man and of the way that only the truth – “Even if it hurts. Even takes you somewhere you don’t want to go” – can start to heal such deep-seated wounds. The author also questions the value of things such as true-crime podcasts; are they purely sensationalist entertainment, another form of trial by media? Or do they have something genuine to offer – a fresh perspective, a new insight?

This is a dark, unsettling book on many levels, and it isn’t always easy to read – not only when it comes to the details about the murder, but also in its skilful examination of the worst aspects of human nature. For all that, though, it’s absolutely riveting, the characters are well-drawn, the pacing is excellent with several good twists along the way (some I saw coming, others I didn’t), and the setting is expertly realised.

I don’t really have any negatives to offer; there’s one twist that felt just a little improbable, but I’m sure it’s no moreso than many of those found in other mysteries and it didn’t impact my enjoyment of the novel at all.

I don’t read many thrillers, but Loreth Anne White is one of my go-to authors, and I always make a point of looking out for whatever she’s coming up with next. In At Devil’s Bridge she once again delivers a thumping good read, a darkly atmospheric page-turner that had me glued to the pages, desperate to find out the truth, and running the gamut of emotions. It’s a masterful piece of storytelling and I’m only too happy to recommend it.

Why would someone admit to a terrible rape and murder? Why would someone more than 24 years later finally decide to tell the ‘true’ story of the murder using the modern media platform of the true crime podcast. Podcasts, the media platform that panders to our gullibility at its near worst, or brings important information or conclusions to the forefront at its best. Most importantly, how do you know the difference? In Beneath Devil’s Bridge the reader gets a chance to examine all the choices available to the host and listeners of "It’s Criminal", Trinity Scott.
Trinity Scott is hoping for a breakout success with her new crime podcast. She and her assistant producer, Gio Rossi, picked 14 old high school student Leena Rai’s story of rape and brutal murder from 24 years ago. The vicious rape, beating, and drowning of the high school student who only wanted to fit in.
Leena was the “other”, she always seemed to say wrong thing, make the wrong move. She was also a talented writer; but she just didn’t have a clue on how to navigate high school. Leena was lucky enough to fall under the kindness and encouragement of a popular school counselor, Clayton Jay Pelley.
Pelley, the man who confessed to raping and murdering Leena Rai; the man who 24 years later has finally decided to talk with Trinity Scott.
Trinity has all of her ducks in a row for her podcast. With Pelley willing to speak out, Trinity has all the makings of a breakout, all she is missing are the original detectives.
One of them is in hospice, the other, Rachel Walczak now Hart, retired soon after Pelley went to jail and her life spun apart, shattering to pieces. Now she has found a small measure of peace, living with her former psychologist and farming.
With Trinity’s first interview, Pelley makes jaw dropping revelations. Trinity and everyone in the little resource town of Twin Falls react with shock and anger: and fear.
For Hart, it is even worse, as she begins to doubt her own investigation. As Pelley makes more revelations Rachel begins to work with Trinity.
All of a sudden the question becomes: is this a case of the wrong man being in prison for the wrong reasons, or the right man being in prison for the wrong reasons or the wrong man being in prison for the right reasons. Could this even be a case of the right man being in prison for the right reason? Follow the walnut shells, but remember the hand is quicker than the eye.
Loreth Anne White smoothly handles the two timelines and the two narrators but gives the reader no special insight as the reader is right along for the devastating ride with Trinity and Rachel. We might make our guesses, but we will most probably have to change them. White doesn’t make it easy; we have to work for our conclusions.
White’s books aren’t always easy to read, she inserts almost immediately a small niggle of discomfort. Is that me? Could this be me or someone I know? Usually the discomfort changes to something else when we see the full scope of what people can do to one another; doesn't matter if they are friends, lovers, relatives or almost strangers.
Same with her settings, prosaic almost; beaches, lakes, forests but in exotic, extremely hard to survive locations. As those of us who have lived or experienced one of these-is there any place harder to survive than in a small town or in high school for a young girl?
Brilliant writing. Gasping, reading faster, reaching for Kleenex, biting a nail or two, staying up way late, looking for chocolate, shaking head, slowing toward the end; all behaviors associated with reading a Loreth Anne White book.
Especially Beneath Devil’s Bridge ; because at the end, it will really make the reader think and consider. Then do it again.
My thanks to NetGalley and Loreth Anne White for the ARC.

I absolutely adore books that have a podcast element and this one is no exception. The case was heartbreaking (especially because it was based off a true story), and I enjoyed the procedural aspect of the story. My one qualm was the ending. It was wrapped up a bit too neatly considering the tone of the plot.

BENEATH DEVIL'S BRIDGE by Loreth Anne White
Publication Date: 5/18/21 *Out Now*

This is an Amazon First Reads selection for May! If you haven't picked yours, go grab an e-copy! I really liked this one a lot! This was my first book by this author and from what i gather, she is loved!

The plot is interesting, the characters are well developed, though I did have trouble remembering who was who since we are introduced to a pretty large cast. I tend to forever struggle with that but it was worth the extra patience! Not to mention...the twists. They were awesome! The book alternates between past & present. This was a great true crime/podcast murder mystery to get lost in.

Thank you to Jessica P. over at @amazonpublishing for sending me this gifted ARC!

24 years ago, the tiny town of Twin Falls was rocked by the brutal murder of teenager Leena Rai. Her killer Clayton Pelley confessed and the case was closed, but there were things that never sat quite right with investigating detective Rachel Walczak. Now, a true crime podcaster has scored a massive scoop; Pelley is talking, and what he’s saying throws everything Rachel thought she knew into doubt… because Pelley says he didn’t do it. That Leena’s killer is still out there. Free to kill again.

Retired from the force, estranged from her family after the damage investigating the Rai case did to her psyche, Rachel finds herself inexorably sucked back in again, asking questions she never got answers to all those years ago. And slowly, it becomes apparent that although Pelley is utter scum - a collector of child porn and a molester of teenage girls - he really didn’t kill Leena Rai.

So who did? Why did Pelley confess? And just how did he know details that were never released outside the police department? Rachel can’t rest until she knows the truth - because deep down inside, she knows it lies much too close to home. And she needs to find the answers before the true crime podcaster does - or risk losing everything she loves.

Loreth Anne White is a master storyteller, and this is absolutely no exception. The past and the present collide in this fascinating crime thriller, with some deeper questions asked about how ‘real-time’ reporting in a true crime podcast like this can influence the actual outcome, even in cases years old. I did not see any of the big twists (yes, there are several) coming; though it was obvious from early on Rachel’s daughter was far more deeply involved than Rachel wanted to admit, I was still startled when we discovered just what her role was, and that was one of the smaller reveals. It’s such a good story, one I couldn’t put down until I was done, and everything satisfyingly wrapped up. Five stars.

I absolutely loved this book! As with all of Loreth's books it kept me guessing right up until near the end. The characters are well developed and the plot was engaging, I loved how she included the podcast transcripts including the music cues so it was almost like I was listening to it. I often have trouble putting her books down and this one was no exception to that, 100% recommend reading it!

The Lies that bind…

When true crime podcaster Trinity Scott shows up at retired detective Rachel Walczak’s hide-away-from-the-world hobby farm, she sets into motion a series of events that will flip Twin Falls on its back- baring the town’s carefully hidden secrets.

Twenty-four years earlier, fourteen-year-old Leena Rai was brutally beaten and murdered under Devil’s Bridge. Detective Walczak and RCMP Detective Luke O’Leary investigate. They find enough to bring in guidance counsellor Clayton Jay Pelley, who then admits to the crime. Signed, sealed, delivered, except there are elements to the case that go unexplained.

Trinity has managed to score the interview of the decade with the murderer, who now says he didn’t commit the crime. In a series of podcast episodes, Scott reveals new information that reopens old wounds and throws the small town into turmoil.

This story is based on a true story that took place only blocks from my home. It is horrendous, sad, and unacceptable. We need to work harder to connect with our teens and learn when they are in trouble. I feel like this is an issue with working parents; children are left to raise themselves at a time when they need the most guidance.

Loreth tackled a tough subject matter with her signature journalistic style, shedding a light on diversity and bullying- a must read!

“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”

W-O-W! I have been a fan of Loreth Anne White for a while now, I have read all eleven (now twelve!) of her psychological suspense/crime stories. I was lucky enough to receive this copy as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Can I honestly say I LOVED IT?!

Prior to Beneath Devil's Bridge I adored the Angie Pallorino series best. If you haven't tried them out yet, I highly recommend! They were the first titles I recommend to any reader I could find. This one takes the cake though.
I began highlighting favorite passages right away. Loreth's ability to evoke such vivid imagery with her prose continually astounds me. For example, "I can't quite shake the feeling that something has been awakened, and is being churned up from where it has been lying dormant in the black soils of memory and time." and "She catches hold of the railing and laughs. Her emotion stems from a toxic mix of anxiety and a thrilling, daring sort of anticipation." This is something I have personally felt; like static from the TV underneath my skin, its an exhilarating and nauseating feeling and Loreth's words brought it right back to the tangible present for me.

The characters in Beneath Devil's Bridge vary across diverse backgrounds, and are inextricably tied by these gossamer strings, binding them each in a perilous web of lies and destruction. Every turn I thought I knew, I didn't. Every page turned had me craving more. I ended up reading this entire book in one day, scrolling through a small smart phone screen just so I could keep it going.

Honestly, I will probably have to come back and edit this review over and over as I think of more details to gush about, but to put it succinctly... pre-order it today. You will NOT regret this one.

Edit: 3/14/21 - As promised, I had to come back to say more! I think I've just realized why I loved this particular story more than others. The characters, which are all so richly developed, are ALL dynamic characters. Not one is static, there is not a singular protagonist or antagonist either. This story follows zero of the typical tropes you've read before and reinvents the usual character arcs. I have not realized how predictable it is to see a protagonist face challenges, recognize self-deficits, reach a climax and then come out victorious in the end. Beneath Devil's Bridge will surprise you, and if you're like me - you won't even realize why until the next day when you are STILL thinking about it. Love, love, loved it.

What a ride Beneath Devil’s Bridge was. The story revolves around a podcast focusing on the Murder of a teenage girl years ago. The host and the officer who was originally assigned the case work on resurfacing the decades’ old crime. Uncovering long buried memories, the two solve the previous cold case. Loreth’s ability to weave such an intricate tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat is a rare talent. This why she is one of my favorite authors.
Thank you, Loreth, for the galley and the opportunity to read this
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Releases June 1, 2021

There is a certain type of author that creates a story that leaves you fully engaged till the very last word. Loreth Anne White is that kind of author! And this book was no exception. Centered around a podcast delving into the horrific and brutal death of a 14 year old girl, the story weaves seamlessly between the past and present, told from both Trinity, the podcaster and Rachel, the detective in charge of the case. All the way through the book, there is the underlying feeling nothing is quite as it seems. I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but if you do read it, you will need to make sure you have several hours spare, because once you start it, you'll not be able to put it down.

White is a very skilled storyteller, and I'm thrilled I was given the chance to read this. This is a flawless story