Jess Loury is quickly becoming an auto read for me. I devoured and loved her earlier book Quarry Girls so I knew I had to have this is soon as I saw it was read now. And it did not disappoint. The writing is lyrical and the story gripping . Jess Loury had a way of sucking you in and keeping you there. You don't read her books. You experience them. Thank You to the publisher and NetGalley for making this available to read early. I'll be grabbing physical copies to annotate.

I guess now that the "rush" of the read has ebbed, I can now further articulate my thoughts on this book. Jess Lourey's writing makes me FEEL and empathize. No matter how horrible a character in the story is, I'd definitely get a handle on where they're coming from and not be too judgy about their mistakes. I also like the significance embedded in some character's actions towards their own life. I can not wait for the next in this series!

I am so happy this is the start of a series! Cold cases with a touch of paranormal, very creepy, and the suspense builds perfectly. It’s not gratuitous. Van is a great character - I was hooked the second she told off the other volunteer at the animal shelter - and I liked her rapport with the other characters. And obviously Harry! This was a fast read, twisty with red herrings, but it stayed on track and had a very satisfying ending. The second book will be on my must read list.

Thank you for NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy and a chance to read this early. All opinions are my own.

This book was fantastic! It has twists even near the very beginning of the book and I could not wait to solve the mystery. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Great read and I highly recommend it!

Hooked within the first line. Jess knows how to rope you in with her descriptive language and heartbreaking tone. This book speaks to you on a deep and personal level so few authors can muster. It’s the summer of 1980 and three young girls take a walk down near their local creek, not knowing that this would be a moment that everything changes. Mysteries swirl as only ever one girl is to re-emerge from the creek. 40 years later the case now cold a terrifying new case that could bring forward damning evidence but how are they connected?
A must read for thriller enthusiasts and for those who love a good twist

A wonderful start to a new series. I am not always a fan of mystery novels that revolve around a police investigation, but I really liked the main character, so I could definitely see myself continuing this series.

I am just blown away by this book, and I don't say that often. This is such a heartbreaking story that you find yourself immersed in right from the beginning. Three little girls are taking an innocent walk to their local creek in the hot July sun. They come to the forest and although it's spooky to them, they can't deny the urge to cool off in the water and hopefully meet with some other local kids. But shortly after they go in, only one comes out. She's completely traumatized and her feet are literally burning on the hot tar, as she just stands on the street, silent and staring. The town and her world will never be the same.

Now, forty-two years later, Evangeline "Van" Reed is investigating that case after a local woman is found buried alive. How are they connected? A necklace was found buried with the woman. A necklace they soon realize belongs to one of The Taken Ones from that day in the forest. Van wasn't even born when the girls disappeared, but everyone from that area remembers the case like it was yesterday. And most of them want to forget.

She works with her mentee, Kyle, and a forensic scientist, Harry, from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to go over every minute detail of the previous investigation. It's clear early on that the case was handled terribly; actually, barely handed at all. The detectives in charge had their sights set on one man when there were plenty of other suspects and possible witnesses that should have been questioned. It makes their job now so much harder. Van can't sleep, barely eats, and has increasing difficulty leading the investigation. Her nightmarish visions aren't helping and they are happening more often now, due to the effect the case is having on her. Will she be able to find justice for the girls before she completely breaks down?

This book is the definition of a 'must-read.' The characters are compelling and complicated, out for vengeance and atoning for their personal sins. The atmosphere is foreboding and forsaken yet you can't help holding out hope that somehow, good will overcome evil. Sometimes, that's the best you can hope for.

Jess has written another fabulous book with a mystery and twist that will leave you wondering what you just read. It's always good when a book can make you do that! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars from me!

When I saw Jess Lourey had a new book coming out I had to read it ASAP. This book was phenomenal. Like her other books I feel into this world and felt every emotion from the crime years ago. Our protagonist is damaged, brilliant, and special in so many ways. I’m so glad this is a series, I cannot wait to read more of Reed and Steinbeck. I don’t want to give anything away but the twist in the book is a next level twist, jaw on the floor, go back a few pages, what the heck did that just say, wake up my husband in the middle of the night and tell him kind of twist.

Jess you hit it out of the park! Again!!!

So excited to get the ARC of, “The Taken Ones”. I read it every free second I had. I couldn’t wait to get back into the story, which flew like a supersonic jet till the the ending that I hoped for.

Please loved the setting up for the next book in this series.

Five enthusiastic stars!

YES!! Thank you, Jess Lourey, for writing yet another fun, creepy, Minnesotan thriller! I absolutely loved everything about this book and devoured it in less than a day! A cold case of two missing girls from the 80s and a newly dead woman found buried alive connect and lead to an investigation that spirals out of control. Van Reed, a detective with nightmarish visions and otherworldly insight teams up with forensic scientist, Harry Steinbeck, to try and solve the case. I felt like I was in a time machine, looping back to my 80s childhood of playing in the creek, riding dirt bikes and watching Scooby-Doo. Lourey definitely knows how to set a scene. And the haunting rumors of the Bendy Man that lives in the woods scared the living crap out of me. My arm hairs are still standing on end! I hope that Lourey will continue with this series because I absolutely fell in love with the characters, and I want more! Also, the end left me hanging! Fingers crossed for book #2!!

SHOUT OUT to Tales from the Crypt!!

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for allowing me digital access in exchange for my honest opinion!

Good book! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, murder, mystery, A good who done it, and a few crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!