Van and Harry’s story continues when Harry calls her to a new scene, which she is tied to. If her team can relate it to a past investigation, then she can work the case as well. However, Van has a lot on her plate and is keeping secrets from Harry. As it turns out, the past she escaped is coming back to haunt her. While her team works to solve the case, there are glimpses of the victims, and Van’s nightmares ramp up. What if she and Harry are tied together more than they thought? I really hope this isn’t the last we see of Steinbeck and Reed, but if it is I enjoyed their journey.

This book was great! I will go back and read the first 2. The author did a great job providing a lot of back story do I didn't feel like I missed much and knew what was going on with Val's history as I read.

Positives:
a compelling protagonist
Very suspenseful with great twists
Terrific character development of both major and minor characters.
an eerie setting

I think I found a new favorite series and will definitely be going back to the prequel.

Jess Lourey does it again. Another great Steinbeck and Reed mystery. I truly enjoyed getting to read from Van's viewpoint and learn her story. Fantastic storyline and plot. The flashbacks to the 80's were perfect. Being able to picture every word was refreshing. The twist in this story had me gasping. The ending has me hoping there's more.

Thank you Thomas & Mercer, Jess Lourey & Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Fast paced !!! Clever twists, and a lovely opportunity to tie together our character's stories. A rollercoaster of emotion, truths and empathy.

Jess Lourey is one of my favorite authors and the Steinbeck/Reed series is also one of my favorite series by her. There is something very appealing to me about their painfully opposite personalities that somehow works so perfectly well together. This time Lourey has added a drooling, wiggly overly expressive pooch to the duo that only added to my fondness of this series.

In previous books we learned of Reed's nightmarish upbringing in a cult and her abusive father who was the leader of this cult. In the last book Reed suspected that Steinbeck's sister was abducted by Reed's father years ago. Both of these factor into this new novel as the pair investigate a new case where the victim has been poisoned that is remarkably similar to three cold cases from the 80s that Reed is investigating. As Reed and Steinbeck further investigate, not only do the cases begin to converge together, so does Reed's past begin to catch up with her present.

This story has so many timelines and then/now characters that I did find parts of it a bit confusing. That said, I was reading it straight through and it was late. It could have just been me. Obviously I gave it the highest rating possible so it wasn't that much of a problem for me. I loved the twisty plot that resolved so brilliantly in the end and that ending was, indeed, absolute perfection. Honestly, for a thriller/police/crime book, I thought The Laughing Dead was great from beginning to end. I recommend the entire series but do suggest you start at the beginning. You'll be fairly lost otherwise.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a chance to read this early!!!

I really really enjoy this series. I’ve always loved crime thriller shows like criminal minds and SVU so this is always right up my alley.

I feel like this is the conclusion but I’m not sure but either way it was great. I really enjoyed how a little unhinged Van got in this one. Her desperation to help her friend, the victims family’s was chaotic but it was her way of showing she cared. I also really enjoy Van’s internal struggles with how she feels about how she grew up and with who she grew up with. They were the only family she’d ever known and had good times with them even tho the trauma outweighs that she still remembers that they were all just scared children trying to get by.

My heart is so happy about the ending. THE ENDING. Oh Harry Steinbeck you sweet sweet man. Oh and there’s a dog too in this one.

The Laughing Dead by Jess Lourey
Steinbeck and Reed #3

I've already enjoyed the first two books (and one short story) in this series and was delighted to be able to read this one. With the ending of the first two books, it was obvious more was to come. With this third book, I'm left wondering if there will be more. This is a great place for the series to end, there is a feeling of closure for me, but if this is the end, I'll miss the characters we've come to know.

Cold Case agent Evangeline “Van” Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck both have issues although one of them keeps their issues much better hidden than the other. Van is a wild child among her peers. Harry is very well respected and as Van's best friend (practically, only friend) Harry has Van's back in her times of need. After their last case (book 2, The Reaping), Van has distanced herself from Harry. Van has always been afraid of people knowing the real her and she's terrified if Harry finds out about something she's done, she'll lose her best friend.

But now, the horrid past is coming to the present. Van has stirred up too much of the past to be left alone, someone is teaching her lessons on meddling and others are suffering for Van's actions. The past involved Harry, too, whether he knows it or not. Van is walking a tightrope of letting out too much but knowing that stopping what is happening is more important than protecting herself.

There is an adorable dog, a boxer named Owl, in this story. I loved every minute of hanging with Owl, she is so well written and I'd want another book just to hang out with Owl some more. If this is the end of the ride for this series, it's a good way to end, although I'm always ready for another book in the series if Jess Lourey makes it so.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.

Luckily I read the "Taken Ones" by Jess Lourey before reading the "Laughing Dead" Both of these books can be read as standalone but I enjoy getting to know the characters. In "Laughing Dead", we really get into Van's head -and dreams. I love how the author just barely steps into supernatural. And I mean, just barely.
4 stars because I love how the author wove together the mysteries-and connected the people. In my opinion, this book could have scrapped a few characters and still achieve the same effect.

I love this series. The combination of Steinbeck's and Reed's unique personalities and perspectives blends together so well to create a well-rounded universe of investigation that comes at murder from disparate yet complementary angles. I really enjoyed seeing the intersections between their lives come together full-circle in this book, and hope it doesn't signal the end of their novels.

The writing is crisp and engaging. The characters are fabulous and their backstories are compelling. The three book series really should be read in order, or you will miss out on a LOT of the meaning behind the revelations in this installment. This is a great series and I do hope it continues!

As someone who absolutely loves crime mysteries, this book was right up my alley. It was fast-paced and kept me guessing. The only reason I rated a 4 star and not 5 is because I wasn’t really blindsided by any twists. Still a great read, nonetheless!

Okay, but wait. Can we count on another book in this series or is this as good as the end? Because either way, I AM ALL FOR IT! I have been a huge fan ever since I finished the Taken Ones, so best believe when I say that the newest addition does not disappoint. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes their mystery-thrillers with a modern take.

The Laughing Dead is phenomenal from start to finish! Jess Lourey knows how to do suspenseful thriller like no other! Cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Wow. What. A. Wild. Ride.

I have a feeling this series is done and I’m sad. I have come to be attached to these imperfect characters. I will say how the author ties it all together was absolutely brilliant. And while I want more of these characters, this was truly a great ending. I’ll say it again. WOW.

I had the absolute honor of reading an ARC of The Laughing Dead by Jess Lourey, and I’m still sitting with everything it made me feel. I’m completely in love with the Steinbeck and Reed series, and this installment took things to a whole new level. It’s emotional, raw, and so deeply rooted in these characters’ truths—it digs into their pasts, their pain, and the strength they keep finding to move forward.

This isn’t just a mystery. It’s a layered, character-driven story that keeps you guessing with every chapter. Just when you think you know where it’s going, it turns. The emotional weight of this one hit hard, and the writing is absolutely stunning. Jess Lourey has such a gift for creating characters you care about on every level, and she does it with so much heart and honesty.

The Steinbeck and Reed series has become one of my all-time favorites. These books stay with me, and The Laughing Dead is no exception. I can’t recommend it enough—and I can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters.

First off, a HUGE thank you to NetGalley, Jess Lourey, and the Thomas and Mercer publishing team for providing the eARC of The Laughing Dead in exchange for my honest review! 🎉💖 When I say I finished this book in LESS THAN 24 hours after it landed on my Kindle, I mean it! No exaggeration here, folks! 📚💨 Jess Lourey has done it again! This exceptional thriller has easily become the BEST thriller I’ve read this year! 🏅

Mark Your Calendars! 📆
This gripping read is anticipated to be officially published on July 22, 2025. You won’t want to miss it! 🗓️✨

Standalone Potential? You Bet!
While this is the third book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, I genuinely believe you can dive right into it without reading the first two books. Jess does a fantastic job providing just enough backstory through flashbacks into Evangeline’s history. Of course, if you prefer to explore the full world, I highly recommend picking up The Taken Ones and The Reaping for a richer experience! However, rest assured, you can absolutely enjoy The Laughing Dead as a standalone! 🎊✨

Synopsis Breakdown 📖🔍
The story kicks off with the chilling discovery of three teenage girls in central Minnesota, each wearing a haunting, fixed grin that suggests they’re in on a sinister joke. As the case slips into the shadows of cold cases, we fast forward decades later, where our courageous cold case agent, Van Reed, finds herself connected to a new murder that echoes the horrors of the past — with her police ID turning up ominously at the scene! The stakes are incredibly high, and so are the secrets! 🤫💔

Why I Loved It ❤️💭
The Mastermind Behind the Madness: Jess Lourey has an incredible knack for crafting villains with bizarre and fascinating medical anomalies. It makes for a chilling yet captivating read! 🤯🩸 Her genius mind knows no bounds when it comes to the most sinister criminals, which keeps you on the edge of your seat!

Complex Characters:
Van Reed is such a compelling protagonist with her deep, dark secrets. As her layers unfold, I found myself rooting for her even while I questioned her choices. Her relationship with forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck added so much depth and emotion, perfectly balancing the suspense with a pinch of tenderness. 💔💼

Tension and Twists Galore:
As the past and present collide in unpredictable ways, each chapter had me biting my nails in suspense! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Lourey threw in another twist that knocked me right off my feet! 🤯📈 You will NOT want to put this book down!

Final Thoughts 🌌✨
The Laughing Dead cements Jess Lourey’s status as a master of thrilling fiction! The pulse-pounding plot, rich character development, and eerie atmosphere combined to create a reading experience that I will remember for a long time to come. This book is one you’ll want to add to your TBR pile ASAP! 🤩📖

Have you read The Laughing Dead yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy on July 22, 2025, and let Jess Lourey take you on a whirlwind ride you won’t forget! 🚀💖🤗

I adore most of this authors books and this one is no exception. It was great. The back and forth between perspectives was a little blurry since the stories were so similar and I did find that to be a bit distracting having to really think about which character you were reading about. The overlap does come into play later though.
I also disliked the constant reference to “The Taken Ones” I have read the book but I don’t remember all the details and while it was constantly referenced it was not very well summarized. If you haven’t read that book you will be lost with the references.
I love Van and her crew they are great characters, her background also makes for some seriously great plot info. The ending to this was phenomenal and I was in tears.
I’m giving this a 4 stars as it’s a great read. Just those two bits I noted about cost it a star for me

Book 3 in the Reed and Steinbeck thrillers, The Laughing Dead met all my expectations! I have fallen in love with the characters of Van and Harry, the their story and characters develops more in each of the books. Great read, loved every minute of it. Please tell me there will be more books in this series, I didn't want The Laughing Dead to end.

Van and Harry are back! In their latest case, they’ve uncovered deep secrets about one another. But do these revelations bring them closer or drive them apart? Van has a strong feeling, and her dreams have returned—could they actually reflect real memories?

Could it really be true that their traumatic histories are intertwined? This case delves into the murders of women found with unnervingly large smiles, spanning both past and present. The author masterfully integrates science and medical knowledge, giving the story a unique edge. What may seem supernatural always comes with an explanation.

Do you need to read the previous 2.5 books in the series? Not necessarily. This installment effectively ties up past events and backstory without slowing the pace. However, reading the books in order helps better understand Van and Harry’s nuanced relationship.

I can’t help but feel bittersweet—this might be the end of the series. (Just a heads-up: the death of a dog is part of the narrative.)

This has been posted to Goodreads.

"The Laughing Dead" by Jess Lourey is the third installment in the Edgar-nominated Steinbeck and Reed series, set to be released soon. While I don't have specific details about the plot or characters from the search results, we can glean some information about the author and her writing style that may be relevant to this book.

Jess Lourey is known for writing about secrets and creating stories that feature girls and women overcoming challenging circumstances. Her works often explore themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of breaking silence. Given this context, "The Laughing Dead" is likely to be a gripping mystery that delves into dark secrets and complex characters.

Lourey's writing has been praised for its ability to create compelling narratives that keep readers engaged. Her previous works have received critical acclaim, including Edgar nominations and bestseller status. This suggests that "The Laughing Dead" is likely to maintain the high quality of storytelling that readers have come to expect from the series.

The Steinbeck and Reed series features Agent Evangeline Reed as a protagonist. Based on the author's track record, we can anticipate that this new installment will further develop Reed's character while presenting her with a challenging new case to solve.

While specific plot details are not available, Lourey's background as a retired professor of writing and sociology often informs her work, potentially adding depth to the social and psychological aspects of the story.

Readers who enjoy mysteries with strong female leads, intricate plots, and explorations of human nature are likely to find "The Laughing Dead" an engaging and thought-provoking read. As the third book in a series, it may also offer satisfying character development for those who have followed Steinbeck and Reed's previous adventures.

Jess Lourey had done it again! The Laughing Dead was a thrilling addition to the Van and Harry series! The methods used for murder in this book are terrifying and you CANNOT put it down! I HAD to know who was bringing Van's Past and Present together! The hard truths that must be faced and the sorrow as well! THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL! *Chef's Kiss*