Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this eARC.
Jess Keeler, first introduced in Pruitt’s Something Bad Wrong as a novice podcaster, returns for a follow-up, an examination of how the true rime documentary is big bucks, loyalty to the badge works side by side with systemic police corruption and racial profiling and yet another marrying of the past with the present in her journey to find the truth.
While Jess is working hard to get the “story” of a black man who may or may not have been railroaded into a prison sentence for a shooting spree within the black community, she is directed to another unsolved murder scene from that same time forty years earlier involving old time bootleggers and an increasingly violent motorcycle gang subculture, and soon finds a connection. While attempting to unravel this and then piece it back together, she is maneuvering thru taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s and the murky waters of true crime documentary and its sensationalism.
This story flowed easier than the first book in this series. The characters had developed a bit and I felt that the dialogue was more genuine. I really enjoyed this book and I really think that Pruitt really invokes the small Southern town noir well.
Highly recommend.

"Blood Red Summer" is the perfect follow-up to Pruitt's first in the series and truly builds on the great characters and world from SOMETHING BAD WRONG. I loved the slow burn that the alternating POVs brought into the mix and ended up reading for hours longer than planned after some serious cliff hangers. This is a must read for anybody who loves southern fiction or mysteries in general.

A true-crime podcaster is asked by a prisoner’s family to investigate a possible miscarriage of justice. When a shooter went on the rampage in a rundown community and killed five black people over the course of a summer, police weren’t overly concerned. When the sixth victim was a white journalist, they arrested the first young black man who fitted the profile. Although it’s a modern-day story featuring a podcaster and a TV documentary crew, the flashbacks to 1984 have a hardboiled edge to them. This socially aware story might also appeal to fans of traditional American noir.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

A tale of justice delayed but not denied, Blood Red Summer elicits a bevy of emotions from heartbreak to inspiration, outrage to compassion, and frustration to satisfaction. Eryk Pruitt superbly crafts another fascinating novel featuring a relentless true crime protagonist.

After the success of her debut true crime podcast, Jess Keeler is now investigating the 1984 Lake Castor sniper case as a possible topic for a new documentary series. The sniper killed five people in the historically Black part of town with barely any attention from the police and hardly a mention in the local news. However, when a white journalist was killed in similar fashion, the wheels of justice spun quickly with a quick arrest and confession. But did this individual really do it? As Jess follows the evidence and looks for connections to another gruesome murder of three bootleggers, she will once again put herself in grave danger to uncover the truth. A truth many would prefer to stay dead and buried.

Blood Red Summer ambitiously and successfully tells a story spanning two timelines 40 years apart that tackles complex and challenging issues relevant to both eras. Racism, corruption, gang violence, the changing media landscape and impact on journalistic integrity all feature prominently. And by jumping back and forth between past and present, slowly dripping clues and critical information along the way, it cranks up the suspense to high levels before landing a crushing blow when the truth is finally revealed. All the while readers will be theorizing on what happened, who knew about it and how it impacted the communities on the different sides of the racial divide. Making it an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience. Another compelling and entertaining thriller from the pen of Eryk Pruitt.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Blood Red Summer is a sequel and sees the return of true crime podcaster Jess Keeler as she investigates of the events of the summer of 1984 in Lake Castor, Virginia. A great thriller

A few weeks ago, I scored an ARC (Advance Review Copy) of Blood Red Summer, the forthcoming Jess Keeler novel from Eryk Pruitt. I had very much enjoyed Something Bad Wrong, the first novel about true crime podcaster-turned-amateur-sleuth Keeler, and was glad to get a look at this one. The story begins with Keeler having a shot at moving from podcasting to major media, as a German production company is interested in using her as a host. This time, the story she pursues involves a 1984 series of sniper shootings in a nearby town's black neighborhood. While a mentally ill man confessed to the shootings and is imprisoned accordingly, Keeler's investigation and instincts lead her to doubt the official story. At the same time, a multiple slaying from the same period resurfaces, and it turns out that the sniper's final victim was a reporter investigating the mass killing. Unsurprisingly, the threads of the two cases intertwine.

Over the course of the novel, Pruitt handles multiple viewpoint characters and timelines gracefully, without ever losing momentum. In fact, the stories actually gain momentum as the book moves along. If I have any complaints, I would have liked to see more of Jess's family and personal life, but that's what sequels in a series are for, I guess.

In any case, Blood Red Summer is an entertaining read, and should make a lot of folks happy when it comes out on May 24. Check it out!

Warren Moore

I really enjoyed this book! I did not initially know this was a sequel, but I do not think that impacted my overall enjoyment of the story. I enjoyed the way the author used dual timelines to tell the story, and how those timelines converged by the end. Overall, I think this is a very solid thriller and I would definitely recommend it! (long form review can be found in the links below)

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a great novel. The storylines are fantastic, the characters are believable, and the twists are perfect.

The story is struggling to overcome its flaws, which include an overly complex narrative, an excess of viewpoints, and a lackluster portrayal of Jess Keeler, despite its potential. It's loosely written and unrefined for a criminal thriller. Although it's an ambitious try, it's not as thrilling to read as it is mediocre.

2.75 stars rounded up

"Blood Red Summer" by Eryk Pruitt, the second installment in the Jess Keeler Thrillers series, takes readers on a moody and gripping journey through a former mill town's dark past. True crime podcaster Jess Keeler, hot on the heels of her successful debut, embarks on a new investigation with a documentary crew in tow, delving into the haunting events of the summer of 1984 in Lake Castor, Virginia.

The story unfolds as Jess encounters a handsome stranger with a compelling tale of wrongful conviction related to the Lake Castor sniper, who terrorized the historically Black part of the town, claiming five lives. As Jess investigates, she uncovers a web of motorcycle gangs, police corruption, and racism that marked the summer of '84. The narrative weaves dual timelines and three voices—Jess in the present, journalist Hal Broadstreet, and deputy Ennis Worthy in 1984.

Pruitt skillfully captures the atmospheric tension of a small town grappling with unsolved mysteries, police misconduct, and racial tensions. Jess's internal struggles, the complexities of her family life, and her determination to uncover the truth add depth to the narrative. The storytelling alternates between Jess's contemporary investigation and the accounts of Hal and Ennis during the blood-soaked summer of '84.

The plot is driven by layers of corruption, false confessions, and a relentless quest for justice. The dual timelines offer a nuanced perspective on the events, with Hal's on-the-ground reporting providing a particularly fascinating insight into the era.

As the TV crew's plans clash with Jess's vision for the podcast, Pruitt explores the delicate balance between storytelling, journalistic ethics, and the pursuit of justice. The interconnected tales of the sniper and the bootlegger massacre create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the final revelation.

"Blood Red Summer" stands out as a powerful and unforgettable Southern Noir thriller. Eryk Pruitt's storytelling prowess shines through as he seamlessly blends mystery, true crime, and social commentary, making this a must-read for fans of the genre. The novel is a testament to Pruitt's ability to craft intricate narratives that leave a lasting impact on readers.

Second in the Jess Keeler Thrillers series, this moody installment follows the podcaster’s investigation of one brutal, bloody summer in a former mill town and the shocking truths brought to light.

This was really good. I didn't know what to expect going into it, but I was pleasantly surprised. A well-written mystery with interesting characters and plot twists.

In the sequel to Something Bad Wrong, true crime podcaster Jess Keeler learns what can go wrong when you lose control of everything, the story you want to tell, and even your family life. Blood Red Summer is the story of the events of the summer of 1984 in Lake Castor, Virginia. It’s a story of motorcycle gangs, police corruption, and racism, and several people who tried to tell the truth.

After the success of her podcast, “Something Bad Wrong”, a TV crew is eager to work with Jess Keeler to tell her next true crime story. But, Jess is used to doing her own research, and finding her own story, and the team’s plans make her uneasy. They start out to tell the story of a sniper who targeted the Black community in 1984 because Ricky Lee Patience’s family says he’s been falsely incarcerated for forty years for the five deaths. But, while Jess is eager to free Ricky Lee, the show’s producer wants to focus on him as a killer who pleaded guilty.

That story is sidetracked when two former sheriffs won’t cooperate, but they do want to tell the story of the massacre of a bootlegger and two other men that same summer. Jess learns she’s following in the footsteps of Hal Broadstreet, a journalist who covered both stories in 1984. But, Hal, who considered himself closer to the criminals than the cops, took an unusual direction in the stories that appeared in a newspaper that was already on its last legs.

Blood Red Summer is told in dual timelines, and three voices. Jess gets to tell her story as she researches the cold cases, but Hal Broadstreet and a deputy, Ennis Worthy, relate their accounts of that bloody summer of 1984. To be honest, it was Hal’s account, on the streets and at the time, that I found most interesting. But, the final results of the podcast and Jess’ story won’t come as too much of a surprise to anyone who reads Southern Noir. It’s a powerful, unforgettable story.

Starred Review:

Jess Keeler returns this time with a film crew hoping to continue her success in finding a true crime for a streamer to buy. The crew doesn’t see eye to eye on multiple possibilities and again Jess is left on her own to seek the truth.

Pruitt is a master at multiple story lines and connecting all the dots. Into a true suspense novel. Very gifted. Great sophomore novel with Jess back.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Wonderful police procedural, a crime tale that spans decades, with justice elusive and buried beneath layer of racism, the brutality of biker gangs and vigilantism.

This novel has something for everyone, as a amateur true crime investigator (podcasts, etc.) innocently and painstakingly begins to peel back the years of lies, coverups, regret, fear and trauma that have grown over the unalterable truth of a series of murders in the "back back".

A five-star mystery that will appeal to a wide range of fans, ranging from those who enjoy modern novels (such as Elle Marr releases) to those who enjoy a more classic detective mystery where the solid slow burning flame of the truth is finally unveiled.

After reading Something Bad Wrong I knew I had to dive into Blood Red Summer by Eryk Pruitt.
Book two in the Jess Keeler Series was just as great as the first.
A well crafted book with some interesting characters and scenes that really kept my attention and interest.
The writing is wonderfully descriptive and the character descriptions were so realistic.
Suspenseful and finely crafted its well written, thrilling and impossible to put down.
The well-developed characters, fast-paced plot, and the exploration of complex themes make it a book that's insanely entertaining.

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Blood Red Summer by E. Pruitt, published by Thomas & Mercer is the second stand alone in the Jess Keeler Series.
For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous book is Something Bad Wrong.
Reading this second book was an absolute delight.
Jess is in for another wild ride. The true crime podcaster of Something Bad Wrong gets accosted and asked to investigate the case of Ricky Lee, being in prison for murdering 5 people many years ago.
She's intrigued and together with an old friend she' stirring up old ghosts and trouble too.
Welcome back to Lake Castor where everything started and where she's about to stirr a hornets nest.
A complex, complicated read with a great storyline and fantastic characters.

This wasn't quite what I'd expected. It had the true crime aspect and the podcast mystery but it felt more like a detective novel. I also had no idea it was part of a series. Not bad by t not totally my cup of tea.

In this second book of the series it packs a lot of suspense, thriller, and true crime fella. Jess uncovers evidence that points to a false confession and a possible connection to other murders within the town.

Blood Red Summer is a book about an unsolved mystery.

Jess is a podcaster who works on unsolved crimes. She finds one about a 1984 Lake Castor sniper. The sniper killed 5 men in the Black part of an old mill town. One of the men is a journalist, whose murder finally gains the interest of the police.

They capture the sniper -- or did they. It is up to Jess to solve the mystery while staying alive without attracting the attention of the real sniper.

Podcaster Jess Keeler is looking for the subject of her next podcast when she’s approached by a man in a bar who wants her to re-examine the 1984 Lake Castor sniper case. Five people were killed, and while a suspect was arrested, convicted, and jailed, there is some speculation that the wrong person is sitting behind bars. Is this a case of police incompetence? Or was there a cover-up? The closer Jess gets to the answer, the more she puts her own life at risk. This is the second book in the series and brings wrongful convictions and false confessions are under a microscope