Audio book review - Adam Barr delivers in abundance putting the heart and soul in to this disturbing tale of a brutal murder and the painstaking attempts to clear the name of a wrongfully accused. The intricate detail of court and homicide investigations leaves no stone un-turned leaving you in fear of how justice can sometimes be subverted. The narrator, for me personally, made this a great story and one that I will be recommending.

Nice southern setting for a well written mystery. For fans of the Murdaugh murders Nice southern setting for a well written mystery. For fans of the Murdaugh murders Nice southern setting for a well written mystery. For fans of the Murdaugh murders Nice southern setting for a well written mystery. For fans of the Murdaugh murders Nice southern setting for a well written mystery. For fans of the Murdaugh murders Nice southern setting for a well written mystery. For fans of the Murdaugh murders Nice southern setting for a well written mystery. For fans of the Murdaugh murders

Being that I’m from South Carolina. I had HAD to get this book. And I’m so glad I did! So suspenseful! I couldn’t stop listening. The narrator did a great job and I was entranced. Great book!

This was a very suspenseful read and I could not put it down. I definitely recommend this book to patrons!

Thank you to the publisher, author and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book.

In the heart of South Carolina, where cicadas' songs herald the deep-seated secrets of a small town, Caroline Cleveland's "When Cicadas Cry" emerges as a gripping narrative that ensnares readers with its intricate plot and compelling characters. Narrated with fervor by Adam Barr, this novel is not merely a high-profile murder case; it's a journey through the murky waters of racial tension and unsolved crimes.

The story unfolds on Cicada Road in Walterboro, where a white woman's life is brutally ended by an altar cross. The prime suspect, Sam Jenkins, a Black man found at the scene, becomes the center of a racially charged investigation that threatens to ignite a community already simmering with discord. Cleveland masterfully captures the essence of a society grappling with prejudice and injustice, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those caught in the crossfire of public opinion and legal battles.

As if ripped from the headlines, the novel resonates with echoes of the Murdaugh murder trial, adding a layer of realism to the fictional tale. Readers familiar with the trial will find themselves drawn into the parallels, appreciating the authenticity with which Cleveland weaves real-world issues into her storytelling.

The narrative takes a chilling turn when Addie Stone reopens a haunting cold case involving two young women murdered at Edisto Beach. The connection between this decades-old mystery and the current case adds depth to the plot, keeping readers guessing at every turn. Cleveland's skillful handling of the dual timelines is commendable, as she maintains suspense while slowly unraveling the ties that bind past and present.

As a reader who stumbled upon this book by chance, I was taken aback by the sheer magnetism of the story. The characters are not mere pawns in a game of whodunit; they are fleshed out with care, their development pacing in harmony with the swift and suspenseful plot. Several times I believed I had pieced together the puzzle, only to be proven wrong by another unexpected twist. The ending, both surprising and satisfying, left me reflecting on the intricacies of small-town dynamics and the prejudices lurking within.

Cleveland's narrative is more than just a thriller; it's an insightful examination of human nature and the secrets we keep. The resolution for each character felt earned, providing closure to a tale that skillfully balances the thrill of the chase with the exploration of societal issues.

"When Cicadas Cry" stands tall among its peers in the mystery and suspense genre. Fans of Karin Slaughter's "Pretty Girls" or Stacy Willingham's "A Flicker in the Dark" will find a new favorite in Cleveland's work. It's a testament to the power of a well-crafted story that can captivate, challenge, and ultimately, entertain. This novel is a must-read for anyone who cherishes a story that stays with you long after the last page is turned.

* This southern suspense novel follows an attorney and his detective girlfriend as they become entangled with the small town’s past after a local Black man is accused of the murder of a white woman from a powerful family.

The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. I loved it, ate it up really. I honestly couldn’t stop listening. I had to know what was happening next.

This is SUCH a bingeable read! I adored everything from the dog to the killer. What a twist! At times, it was hard to read, but the unravelling the old case while investigating the new, all the while, planning the future was fun. So many times books are written as two or three isolated plot lines. This one was so well bound together it was almost seamless. I am proud to say I didn't figure it out and didn't really see it coming. And that is OKAY! I like it when an author gets by me! I highly recommend as a great summer read!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. Caroline Cleveland is a new author that is now on my one to watch list. This book was a thrilling ride. I loved all the drama of the case, old and new. The characters were real and heart felt. This is a must read.

Wow! This was a fun and quick read. I was gripped right from the start! I hope this turns into a series b/c I would read more books about the antics of Zach & Addie!! This was my 1st book by Caroline Cleveland but will not be my last, I am adding all of her books to my TBR!

#WhenCicadasCry
#NetGalley

As a fellow Charlestonian, I LOVED this book! If you like legal thrillers, this book is for you. It takes place in present day. A women is found dead in a church, with Sam Jenkins kneeling over her, covered in blood. Even though it is present day, race still plays a role in everything, as Sam is a black man. Even though this book does acknowledge race and how that places a roll in the legal environment, it is mostly a legal, police procedural, entertaining thriller! This story was so unique. The only cons to this book, I think, are the title and cover. I am so happy I was approved for this book or else I don’t think I would have read it. I assumed it was just a boring dramatic legal case that only talks about the political climate in the south. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good legal thriller!!

The narrator is Adam Barr. He did a fantastic job! He switched between different voices and southern accents, seamlessly! Adam made me love this story so much and it was so easy to follow along the entire book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook of When Cicadas Cry!

This legal thriller was a fast-paced story of a crime in a southern community., with racism and biases at the center. The killer whose identity is unknown to the reader, narrates portions, giving clues that really make you look in multiple directions as the drama builds. The current crime alongside a cold case adds another nice layer. The characters were interesting and I'd love to see this as a series!
Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the ARC.

I’m giving this book 3.5 stars but rounding up to 4 stars. I loved the writing style of the author and it kept me engaged and interested almost the entire time I was reading. However, there quite a few instances where I was kind of bored and just waiting for it to move on and get on with it. I believe the author did a great job bringing some much needed attention to the unfairness of the justice system and racial bias, as well as racism and the violence it brings with it. I definitely recommend this book, even though it is heartbreaking and at times hard to get through because it’s so sad. Also, a dog does die, so trigger warning.

When Cicadas Cry by Caroline Cleveland is a great debut novel. I love that the killer teases us throughout, slowly sharing their side of things. While something is said early on that made it (almost) clear who the guilty party is, Caroline does a good job of building tension and making readers/listeners question this certainly. After all is revealed, it becomes an action novel, which isn't my thing, so my interest waned.

I can't review this book without addressing the connection between race and policing. The writing seemed to lean toward supporting the police's perspective and Caroline's Goodreads page makes a point to say that she's a lawyer that represents law enforcement. (Everyone deserves to be fairly represented, but why is this on your Goodreads Author page??) At one point, two police officers (current and former) are talking about the contradiction of citizens wanting crime removed from their neighborhood while also claiming that when police are in said high crime areas, they are being profiled by the police. This is so inherently racist to say, which made me uncomfortable and not want to go on with the book.

Finally, I found the author's note interesting as it appears to conflict with their books supposed support for police. Everyone has the freedom to support or oppose anyone they choose. I am uncomfortable supporting someone that fails to recognize the historical roots of racism in policing, which is why I'm wanting to know where they lean given these contradictions.

As someone that prefers women narrators, I was able to enjoy the deep timbre of Adam Barr's voice.

In this legal thriller/ cold case mystery, we meet Zach Stander, a lawyer looking to redeem himself and his romantic and sometimes professional partner that works as an investigator, Addie Stone.
We follow Zach as he defends the black, but probably innocent, suspect, Sam Jenkins, in a high profile murder case. As Zach gets sucked in by the case and Addie gets bored doing nothing, she offers to help the local police station out by reopening a cold case.

This was a very fast-paced story that sucks you in right away. When one of the cases is dragging, the other picks right up. If this was not a book, but real life, it would probably have been less obvious that the two cases are connected, but reading the book, it became obvious pretty quickly. As we are nearing the end, the case also becomes a little more arbitrary and hints about the killer are being dropped more, obviously. The beginning of the book felt like a legal drama, then we have a cold case and the ending and the parts that are written from the killer's perspective felt like a thriller. I thought it was refreshing to read a thriller from a legal standpoint, especially if wrongful conviction is a possibility, as it just brings in a totally new form of angst. Obviously, there is also the topic of race, and I have seen some people say that the book is reminiscent of “To Kill a Mocking bird”. As someone that is not from the US, I don’t know if the depiction of the issue is accurate or how satisfying it will be to read, also depending on ones own background. Zach, being the well-meaning white guy that thinks that both sides essentially want the same, might be a bit too on the nose for some. Then again, this topic does not take up as much space within the book, as I thought it would.

Addie is such a badass, that it is almost unrealistic. I wish she would have gotten more appreciation from Zach, who just cuts her out of the case in favor of working with a retired local lawyer, Colleton Burns. Addie is a very loving partner that respects Zack’s decisions and supports him in any way she can. I just wish this was reciprocated by Zack, or that his lackluster approach to their partnership would bite him in the ass at some point. She’s a 10/10 while he’s only a 05/10. If this were to become a series (I think Zack & Addie have enough potential for that), I could actually see Addie being more of a main character than Zack.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for gifting me this ALC of the audiobook to review.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audio book. Great Southern Racial Murder Mystery! This book was slow and steady with a great crescendo at the end! This is told from multiple POV, including the guilty party.

#WhenCicadasCry #NetGalley

Huge fan of this one! I listened to the audiobook and was immediately hooked from the first chapter. I loved the author’s writing style- character descriptions, scenery and especially the storylines. I would love to see this as a series, I would read every single one. Highly recommend!

EXCERPT: 2017 - I never meant to kill the first one. She was an accident - her own fault, for the most part. And that second one? She was a casualty of necessity. Wrong place, wrong time. But this one . . . this one was different.

ABOUT 'WHEN CICADAS CRY': Zach Stander, a lawyer with a past, and Addie Stone, his indomitable detective and lover, find themselves entangled in secrets, lies, and murder in a small Southern town.

A high-profile murder case— A white woman has been bludgeoned to death with an altar cross in a rural church on Cicada Road in Walterboro, South Carolina. Sam Jenkins, a Black man, is found covered in blood, kneeling over the body. In a state already roiling with racial tenson, this is not only a murder case, but a powder keg.

A haunting cold case— Two young women are murdered on quiet Edisto Beach, an hour southeast of Walterboro, and the killer disappears without a trace. Thirty-four years later the mystery remains unsolved. Could there be a connection to Stander's case?

A killer who's watching— Stander takes on Jenkins's defense, but he's up against a formidable solicitor with powerful allies. Worse, his client is hiding a bombshell secret. When Addie Stone reopens the cold case, she discovers more long-buried secrets in this small town. Would someone kill again to keep them?

MY THOUGHTS: When Cicadas Cry is an absolutely stunning debut novel. Atmosphere oozes from every page. The tension in the final chapters left me with half-moons dug into my palms. I feared for Addie's life.

Caroline Cleveland is one of those rare authors who can hit the ball right out of the park in all three elements of the successful novel - characters, setting and atmosphere. It is impossible to read this without coming to care greatly for the characters: Zach, who really needs to figure out just what he wants; Eli, the accused Sam's grandfather; Colleton Burns, Eli's great friend and a respected retired lawyer; Sam who is overly economical with the truth to his own detriment; and Addie with the big heart, quick mind and an ambition Zach isn't currently sharing. Honestly, there were times I wanted to give Zach a quick slap upside his head - he can be extremely obtuse!

Cleveland captures the racial tensions around the BLM movement and uses it to great advantage in when Cicadas Cry. We have the two opposing factions, each wanting their very own brand of justice, never mind whatever the truth happens to be.

Pressures arising from the case cause tension between Zach and Addie, causing Addie to volunteer to investigate a cold case from some thirty odd years earlier, never dreaming to do so might put her life in danger. Now, I thought I had this all figured out, but was I ever wrong! Yes, I'm eating Humble Pie (with lashings of ice cream 😉)

The story is told from multiple points of view, including that of the killer, as in the excerpt above. This added another layer of mystery and even more tension to the storyline.

When Cicadas Cry is a beautifully written novel that held me entranced from beginning to end. The author's notes at the end are particularly interesting so don't be tempted to skip them.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#WhenCicadasCry #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Caroline Cleveland is the founding partner of the law firm Cleveland & Conley, LLC, where she represents private and public employers, including law enforcement. A native South Carolinian, she inevitably writes from a Southern perspective. She gravitates -- both as a writer and a reader -- toward mystery and suspense, and she cannot resist a character with a dark secret.

She lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, David.

DISCLOSURE: I was privileged to receive both a digital and audio ARC for review. My thanks go to both Union Square & Co., a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing and Dreamscape Media respectively. The audiobook is ablely narrated by Adam Barr.

All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

When Cicadas Cry is an atmospheric mystery set in rural South Carolina. When a white woman is found brutally murdered, a Black man is found kneeling over her body. This man, Sam Jenkins, asserts his innocence and the quest to prove it begins. But soon two cold case murders from over thirty years ago come to the attention of Zach Stander, the lawyer defending Sam Jenkins. Untangling the past and present is complicated and dangerous as family alliances and old secrets are strong in these isolated communities.

The strengths of this novel are its descriptions of the scenery and way of life in the deep South, and the narrator artistically brings each character to life. As a resident of the South, I am picky about Southern accents and even regional differences and his vocal abilities were impressive. The combination of the character development and writing with the audiobook was a great experience. I loved the main cast of characters and Sam's grandfather is just incredible. Zach was not as evenly developed as I would have liked, but I enjoyed his perspective and character.

However, I have several issues with this novel. My antennae went up early on when there were frequent references to the motto "Heritage, not Hate" in regards to the Civil War. The question was repeated, "Is so and so on the side of heritage or hate?" Ya'll, there's no such thing. If you are flying the stars and bars, that's hate. I'm not willing to debate this in the year 2024 and this was my first clue that the author and I wouldn't see eye to eye. And unfortunately, the final twist and the resolution of the mystery was uncomfortable and offensive. There were a few lines intending to make it socially palatable... maybe? If so, it didn't work.

I had high hopes for this To Kill a Mockingbird inspired story, and I am ending the reading experience disappointed. I would love to read a similar story by a Black author with the lived Southern experience. Those books exist, so I'm off to find some.

First and foremost I want to thank Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for accepting me as an ARC listener for the audiobook of When Cicadas Cry.

This being a debut novel is just absolutely astounding! Caroline Cleveland wrote a very powerful and emotional mystery/thriller crime story that really reflects on the racism through the nation in the earlier/mid 1900s and how it is still very present in some areas of the south.

A murder case that should have been about whether or not there was reasonable doubt, instantly became about how a black man was suspected of murdering a white woman in a church with the alter cross.
Zach takes on the case as Sam's lawyer as his girlfriend/partner, to kill time while her partner is working this high profile murder case, decides to volunteer helping the town with cold case files.
Finding the truth in Sam's case and in the cold case and realizing how they tie in together was an amazing journey. I thought I had it narrowed down to two suspects but I was soooooooo wrong!!! But once you realize who it is .... you want it to get to the reveal of WHY.
The story gives the POV of the legal team and then sprinkles in the killers POV which is what makes you think you have it all figured out.
I enjoyed this story immensely and binged it in one day.
Anyone who likes fictional crime stories that reflect real life cases, and the who done it mysteries...this is for you!!!
Adam Barr performs the crap out of this story!

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*********MORE A TRIGGER WARNING**********
**********DONT READ PAST THIS IF YOU DONT WANNA KNOW A SINGLE THING***************


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Good story that kept you guessing. Narrator was good and the story moved steadily. Two murder cases that occur 30 years apart wind up being related.