Such a great premise, Dr. Vincent Blackburn, a forensic psychiatrist investigating a Louisiana serial killer. The 'Cajun Cannibal' has killed and consumed the flesh of eight people. Before the killer can be caught, he took his own life. When a copycat killer emerges, Dr. Vincent Blackburn is determined to get to the truth before it is too late.

I really wanted to love this one. For me there were too many characters, not enough action, throughout the book, and some parts that were just too slow for my taste. I struggle with slow burns and while some may enjoy how the author builds the story and peels back the layers, I found myself getting impatient.

Things that I did enjoy were how the author created tension and a sense of dread. There are a few I-think-something-bad-is-about-to-happen moments which I enjoyed.

This is more of an issue that it was me and not the book. The book has some glowing reviews so please read them as well.

This was a good read. It kept me entertained and I enjoyed the book. This is the kind of book I read for the unravelling of a mystery, of finding out what is behind the set-up. It was a book that I enjoyed and I will keep an eye out for the author.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley.

An incredible novel where the stifling heat of the setting matches the tone perfectly. I was holding my breath, feeling tense in anticipation for each page to come.

Of Flesh and Blood by N.L. Lavin; Hunter Burke

Dr. Vincent Blackburn discovers evil lingers within his family tree. The Cajun Cannibal, Henri Elton Judice, is suspected of numerous killings. The victims’ deaths are of particular note, looking like the work of a starved animal. Sheriff Yvette Lemonia Fuselier, the mother of Jude Singleton and Henri Judice, is called to the scene of a horrific crime involving Jude, and things in her life begin to unravel. Why was Henri at the scene of the crime? Why would the location be that of a well-known drug dealer? Running for reelection sees Yvette struggle for answers and also pits her maternal instinct against a quick resolution. Her position in the community requires answers, and the opposition in the political race begins using this as ammunition. Time is the enemy. Barely having time to breathe, more murders begin to take place, exuding eerily similar grisly characteristics. Copycat murders? Time passes with the case being long-solved, but Vincent isn’t so sure. His obsession with the case is admirable, and the reader re-examines the information looking for irregularities. It is possible that there is another solution, one that calls for unconventional thinking.

A whirling dervish of unthinkable events. Each distinct characteristic of a killer, mannerisms leading the investigator towards the finish line. However, this isn’t always the case. The finish line plays with the reader's mind like a mirage. Popping up in the near distance, dissipating upon our arrival. N.L. Lavin, our author, has toyed with my senses. This was supposed to be an open-and-shut case. However, the tale provides more depth, family elements lending added flavor to the murderous gumbo. The novel sought out my attention and grabbed it, never letting go.

I devoured this book with gustatory abandon. Perhaps for the first time since beginning the novel, I wasn’t looking over my shoulder in terror. An ending that satisfied my cravings; feeling satiated, I was content. Now that it is finally over, I let out a sigh of relief. This was an extremely solid effort and one that I happily give 4 out of 5 stars for its creativity. Recommended!

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

This was a great story! Mixing true crime and monsters of lore in a detailed, convoluted plot that leads readers through a murky, fetid mystery, seeking the truth.

A forensic psychiatrist has ties to the notorious killer The Cajun Cannibal, and decides to do a forensic analysis of his crimes. The more he delves into the case, the more he begins to question what really happened out there in the swampy wilds. As the years pass, shocking leads and red herrings lead Vincent to begin to spiral: were people murdered by a sick man, or could a Rougarou be responsible? Either way, he’s determined to find the monster, be it human or mythical in form.

Partly told through Vincent’s perspective, other media like the forensic papers or Henri’s tapes, and narratives from other characters. The mix of formats kept things interesting as the puzzles evolved and got so much bigger. I was definitely in the dark about what was really going on; my theories kept changing and I really wasn’t expecting the ending! There were some moments that had my heart racing, the tension was so high it was palpable (Vincent & Mitch’s hunting trip!!! 😱).

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and Crooked Lane Books for a copy.

When I saw this I had to have it, Thank you netgalley and to the publisher. I was captivated by the authors writing and the plot of the story. From the very beginning I was taken in. I found the pacing to be mid-level and it was perfect. I can’t wait to see what else the author writes.

I didn't realize the formatting for this would be very similar to those of the true crime genre and was a bit thrown off and confused by the chapters. Some were very intriguing, and then I would be confused since this is a journal, rather than a story from a point of view. For this reason, I wasn't able to full connect and finish this book. It got a bit easier to follow about halfway through, but I wasn't able to get fully engrossed in this book. I know true crime fans will love this one! Thank you for allowing me to read this. This my honest opinion I am voluntarily leaving.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you are a True Detective season 1 fan, you will EAT. THIS. UP. I really, really liked this book. This was fast-paced, twisty, and really well-written. I loved the element of the copycat killer folded in because it added an additional layer of uncertainty. The writing style through case study notes was soooooo good and unique that it kept me incredibly interested right up until the last page. Highly recommend to any police procedural or true crime fans. Four stars.

Tense, graphic, and addictive - reads like true crime, butt with more substance and emotion. Could it be real? The conspiracy to hide it could, which gives it all the more impact. Relentless and not for the squeamish, solid mystery - definitely recommended.

I really enjoyed the idea of this book and how the characters were used in this storyline. The horror element worked well overall and was engaged with the story of the serial killer. N. L. Lavin and Hunter Burke wrote this perfectly and was glad I was glad I got to read this.

This was very creepy and a thrilling read. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ten years after the Blackburn cannibal killed himself, a forensic psychiatrist discovers he has ties to the man who killed and ate his victims. Creepy and intense

This was an okay read. A bit odd, but not terribly out there. I do think that the book was set up a bit weird and left me feeling as though I couldn't really connect with the characters.