In THE REAPING, the newest installment of the "Steinbeck and Reed" series, Jess Lourey creates a captivating fusion of mystery and horror that grabs readers from the very first page and doesn’t let go.

Set in the town of Alku, Minnesota, the story follows agents Harry Steinbeck and Evangeline Reed as they investigate a decades-old cold case that has resurfaced with terrifying new developments. Lourey skillfully crafts an atmosphere thick with suspense and dread, where every shadow in the town seems to conceal a dark secret. The intricately woven plot, full of unexpected twists and turns, keeps readers eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth behind the gruesome murders.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its deeply developed characters and their rich backstories. Harry Steinbeck, haunted by the unresolved disappearance of his sister, and Evangeline Reed, burdened by her traumatic past in a cult, form a compelling detective team. Their personal demons add layers of complexity to the narrative, making their pursuit of justice deeply resonant. Lourey’s portrayal of their partnership—marked by tension yet underscored by mutual respect—adds an emotional depth that draws readers in. The town of Alku, with its ominous history and enigmatic residents, becomes almost a character itself, enhancing the novel’s eerie and haunting atmosphere.

Lourey’s writing is sharp and evocative, skillfully capturing the unsettling mood of Alku. The pacing is expertly executed, with each revelation intensifying the suspense, leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated, adding to the horror without detracting from the central mystery.

Overall, THE REAPING is a standout novel that will appeal to fans of both mystery and horror, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.

The Reaping is book two in the Steinbeck and Reed series by Jess Lourey.
I enjoyed reading The Taken Ones and was eager to jump into book two which did not disappoint.
The book is a pretty quick read and it was hard to put down.
This was a very addictive and gripping read.
I love Lourey's writing. She never shies away from getting gritty and graphic and always manages to create such a strong sense of dread.

Steinbeck and Reed are a great duo, and The Reaping is a great follow up to The Taken Ones. Jess Lourey is a great writer of the atmospheric mystery, and returning to cold cases!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Reaping is the second book in The Steinbeck and Reed series,but having not read the first one, I did not have any issues reading book #2 as a stand alone. In this installment, Steinbeck and Reed are working a cold case that seems to have a strange connection to a new case. They have to head out to this small strange town but for Steinbeck it’s too close to his home town that holds a lot of ghosts for him.

The town itself is strange and secretive with tension towards outsiders. You know they are hiding something. Honestly, the town creeped me out, along with the founding families. I loved that sense that you just didn’t know what was going on but you’re sure the characters are keeping secrets! Add in the mystery of Steinbeck's family and the suspense was ramped up.

I plan to go back and read book 1 but this one is solid and ticked all of the boxes for suspense, thriller and just creepiness! Highly recommend.

Ｐｕｂ • Ｄａｙ

The Reaping
(Steinbeck and Reed, #2)
Jess Lourey
Pub: 9/3 (Available Now)
4.5☆

Jess Lourey writes the most creeptastic tales and I am SO here for every single moment of it. I loved the Taken Girls and could not wait to get my hands on the next Steinbeck and Reed novel. It did NOT disappoint.

Synopsis:
In 1998 an Alku, Minnesota, family of five was brutally murdered in their sleep. The event shook the insulated community but, without any solid leads, was relegated to the cold case files, where it moldered for twenty-five years. Until today.

Agent Harry Steinbeck hoped never to return to the northland, a place that holds terrible memories of his sister’s abduction. But when a recent homicide is connected to Alku’s unsolved mass murder, he and cold case agent Evangeline Reed have no choice but to investigate.

The case grows impossibly darker as, one by one, the children of Alku begin disappearing. And Harry and Van can’t shake the sensation that someone is watching every move they make.

As an elusive killer’s trail leads to a truth more sinister than either imagined, Harry knows there’s only one way to crack this he must finally face the secrets of his own past—even if doing so will cost him everything.

My Thoughts:
I loved it. Lourey had me on edge, and I’m not kidding when I say every single hair was standing on end with this book. I love the dynamic between Harry and Van, and I already cannot wait to see where we go next.

What I loved;
✨ Atmospheric Tale
✨ True Crime/Mystery/Horror/Folklore
✨ MN Setting
✨ The Twists!

While this can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest reading the Taken Ones first. You wont regret it.

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was thrilled to be approved for an ARC of Jess Lourey’s “The Reaping,” the second book in her Steinbeck and Reed series. The reason for the excitement was because of how she ended the first book. As soon as I finished the first book, I immediately checked GoodReads to see if there would be a second book and, if so, when it was due to be published. This book focused more on Harry Steinbeck’s history whereas the first book gave the reader background on Evangeline (Van) Reed.

A family of five had been murdered in Alku, Minnesota back in 1998, but the case had gone cold. A murder occurs in present day and, based on the crime scene, Steinbeck and Reed are asked to investigate if it is connected to the 1998 murders.

While they’re investigating the circumstances around the murders, being in Alku is hard for Steinbeck. Alku is near Duluth, where Steinbeck grew up, and where his younger sister disappeared about twenty five years ago.

As the book progresses, the reader learns more about Alku’s history, its residents, and traditions. More of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Steinbeck’s sister are also revealed. Those circumstances are given as a few children of Alku go missing during the murder investigation.

There is definitely a paranormal/horror aspect to the town. Having visited a town in Virginia years ago similar to Alku, I drew on that experience to understand the atmospheric aspect the author infused in her writing.

Overall, I recommend this book. Based on how this book ended, the author definitely set-up a potential plot for a third book in the series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

This is the second in the Steinbeck and Reed series, although to be honest I completely forgot that I'd read the first book in the series until I went to review this. So it can easily be read as a standalone!
*
Harry and Van are called in because a recent murder looks very similar to a murder from 25 years earlier (which might be unsolved...or might have been committed by a man already in prison.) While investigating, they find the town is just super creepy, and clearly has more secrets than just this murder.
*
This was good, nothing amazing, but it was quick and I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of the town. It had some midsommar vibes, with this town made up exclusively of descendents of 7 Finnish families (I feel like there should have been some suspicion of in-breeding!)
*
There was one twist toward the end that was just fantastic, although it ended up not being quite as creepy as I was hoping. I liked the flashbacks into Harry's past, showing why he's as haunted as he is, although it got a tad repetitive. The ending was completely satisfying. And the epilogue! I'm actually really excited to see what happens in the next book.
*
A good mystery, although I think I liked the first book in the series better (after re-reading my own review)

3.5 rounded up. Thank you so much to netgalley for an advance copy!

I absolutely loved The Taken Ones and was anxious to get my hands on this. Unfortunately, it did have a slow movement, but still a solid police procedural with Steinbeck and Reed! Even though this one wasn't my favorite - I'll continue to read the series & the author!

As an elusive killer’s trail leads to a truth more sinister than either imagined, Harry knows there’s only one way to crack this he must finally face the secrets of his own past—even if doing so will cost him everything.
Our favorite character is back solving another mystery. While I did enjoyed this second instalment it wasn't as good as the first book. Thank you Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Okay yes this is everything I needed!! I was a bit iffy on book one but I know better than to doubt this author!! Everything about this felt much more settled than book 1. Harry as our main POV was a good switch-up. Van is still compelling as a side character.

The setting was phenomenal, the town was creepy, the case was gruesome and the reveals were top notch. And yet again we have a crazy cliffhanger. Can’t believe I will probably have at least a year to wait for book 3.

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In 1998 an Alku, Minnesota, family of five was brutally murdered in their sleep. The event shook the insulated community but, without any solid leads, was relegated to the cold case files, where it moldered for twenty-five years. Until today.

Whew, this book was CREEPY, and chilling! I genuinely had no idea “who dun it” until it was revealed. It’s an interesting story with plenty of twists and turns, and the two main characters make a great team.

Also, the epilogue…I need book 3 now!

The Reaping is not an easy read but it's thrilling and engaging! I just could not put it down as I wanted to understand what was going on in such a bizarre small town with its strange inhabitants and its peculiar behaviors and I was rather surprised when I read that the author has based the story on some true facts! Van and Harry make an interesting and complementary duo, both with their demons and fights, but that make things work as they above all, search for justice. The story is well-written, it grows bit by bit, and has an incredible ending! Loved it!
I thank Ms. Lourey, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you Netgalley & Thomas&Mercer Publishing for an eARC ♥️

The story's like a twisty puzzle that keeps you guessing until the very end. I loved how the author connected the past and present in unexpected ways - it was like a big aha! moment.

Harry, the main guy, is super relatable. His personal struggles and demons make him feel like a real person, you know? I found myself rooting for him from the start. And the way his history ties into the mystery? I absolutely loved that, pure genius! It's like Jess Lourey took all these threads and wove them into this intricate tapestry.

Oh, and I had no clue it was the second book in a series! I dove in blind and still got totally sucked in. Now I'm gonna go back and read the first one, 'cause I need more Harry in my life. I'm invested!😍

Anyway, if you're into mysteries with a personal touch, you'll love this. It's got all the twists and turns you want, plus characters that feel real. Just be ready to lose some sleep - it's a page-turner! And don't worry if you haven't read the first book, like me. This one stands on its own, but trust me, you'll want to read the rest of the series too.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

A detective pairing with mismatched investigative styles, The Reaping (2024) by Jess Lourey is the second in the Steinbeck & Reed series. Harry Steinbeck (forensic scientist) and cold case Agent Evangeline Reed work for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. They are sent to the insulated community of Alku to investigate a murder that has similarities to a historic case decades earlier. As they struggle to advance the case, the locals' lack of assistance and the strangeness of Alku's history of disappearances and deaths, raise even more questions. Then a young girl goes missing, requiring Harry to confront his own dark secret and grief. The links to the 1998 Korhone family murder create a foreboding atmosphere and possible supernatural mystery. It's an enjoyable detective team and a fine standalone tale with a three stars read rating. With thanks to Thomas & Mercer and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

The Taken Ones is one of my favorite detective style thrillers and this twisty follow up was quite good as well. With more focus on Steinbeck in this book I will admit I was less invested. I enjoyed the folklore of the Finnish community in this book.

I love Steinbeck and Reed. They both have elaborate and interesting backstories tied to what led them to become BCA Agents. The plotting of the mystery surrounding multiple murders that happen years apart is intricate with clues and red herrings. Making the story even more interesting is the fact that it takes place in a secluded community within a group of families tied together by history. I strongly recommend this book for fans of police procedurals.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐲

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵? 𝘐𝘯 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩?

Agents Evangeline Reed and Harry Steinbeck reunite to solve a new murder mystery in a town built on secrets. This time, Steinbeck’s past haunts him as he returns to the place where he grew up.

When I saw the book on NetGalley, I was thrilled because I love Jess Lourey, and I loved The Taken Ones. The Reaping started off interestingly but became confusing as I read further. By 35%, the identity of the murderer was predictable, which is disappointing for this genre.

At some point it started to feel slow paced, and it took a while to fully engage me—specifically, around 85% into the book. Despite this, the book was still good, with a great ending that managed to surprise me.

This is the second book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, and I recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. Although I enjoyed the sequel, I must admit it wasn’t as good as the first book.

I rate this ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Reaping comes out on September 3, 2024 and preorders are available now.

Huge thanks to netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What an interesting ride! I have found that I love thrillers set in Minnesota and this was no exception! I didn’t read the first book in the series but I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. This particular book features gruesome murders, missing children, and basically an assisted living prison for serial killers. I mean, what more could you ask for? It was well written and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters.

Jess Lourey has done it again! She is amazing at writing character-driver thrillers that keep you on the edge of your
After 1.5 books of looking at things from Van's side (which I loved of course), it was time for Harry's POV in "The Reaping". It was nice getting to know him while the duo investigated such an interesting case.

I love how there is a case for the book and longer mysteries that'll carry the series on (like perhaps parts of the characters themselves). I'd recommend the book and series to all thriller fans.

My only trouble was with Harry's perception of Van and vice-versa. They have this perfect view of her which can get annoying and unrealistic. When two characters are this different, it's okay for them to be annoyed with each other once in a while. *Spoiler* And I hope this will be a platonic relationship going forward too.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-copy!

4.5/5

After finishing The Taken Ones, I couldn’t wait to get to The Reaping, and it was just as good!

This book was just as creepy and atmospheric as the first, if not more so. I think this series is making me want to visit Minnesota also lol. This one had a wonderfully folk lore ish vibe that hit the mark so well and it was a lot of fun learning more about Finnish culture and traditions, as dark as this particular family was. It was a bit slower, but the end point was crazy good.
We got this case from Harry’s POV while The Taken Ones was from Van’s POV and I loved that we get to alternate and learn more about each of these characters as we go on.
The ending was a massive cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!

The Reaping was an amazingly creepy read that left me wanting way more of this series. I hope Jess Lourey is on it because I’m ready for more Van and Harry already.

Thank you to the author and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC through NetGalley.
Publication date 9/3/24