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3.5 Stars • "The Reaping" by Jess Lourey is the second in the Steinbeck and Reed series. It follows forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck and BCA agent Van Reed as they investigate a chilling cold case in Alku, Minnesota, involving the murder of a family in 1998 and recent child disappearances. The setting adds a spooky backdrop to the thriller, though reviews are mixed on pacing and plot engagement.

As you follow Steinbeck and Reed through a tough case that involves children in a small Minnesota town you will be holding your breath. Cringing as the pieces start falling into place. It makes you feel like you are in the dark and dreary woods. Along the wet streets. In the motel as they are trying to get some rest. These two stop at nothing to get at the truth.

Full review: https://lsmoore49.blogspot.com/2024/11/the-reaping-by-jess-lourey.html

While ultimately I liked book 1 & Van‘s POV better, this case creeped me out so bad! I also enjoy how the author combines urban legends &supernatural elements with regular old horrible human behavior. The blood witch &religious element of Alku had my blood running cold.
I‘ll be excited to see where the series goes.

Twisty installment in a good series. Loved the creepy setting: a MN village with a prison nursing home. It‘s full of Finnish immigrants and secrets, but slightly preferred the pov of the female cold case agent in the previous book. Looking forward to the next book. 4.5 stars. #mystery #uniquesetting

After loving the bk 1, I was excited 2 get my hands on bk 2. This time we get Harry‘s POV as he &Van head 2 NE Minn 2 work a brutal murder which may be connected 2 a serial killer who‘s been incapacitated for yrs.
The great development of side characters along w/a unique plot makes this bk hard 2 put down. As with book 1, I also loved seeing Harry & Van work together, their personalities complementing each other in the way all great crime duos do.

With the cliffhanger ending of THE TAKEN ONES, I didn‘t hesitate before diving in! While the first book alternates the current cold case with Van‘s past, & her the primary narrator, this one focuses on forensic detective Harry & his past with his missing sister & a current cold case in a remote MN Finnish town with its customs & deadly secrets. I enjoyed a character with #FragileX though I wish this had been addressed in the author‘s notes.