Summary

On the edge of the Everglades, an eerie crime scene sets off an investigation that sends two agents deep into a world of corrupted faith, greed and deadly secrets. 

A ritualistic murder on the side of a remote road brings in the Florida state police. Special Agent Amy Larson has never seen worse, and there are indications that this killing could be just the beginning. The crime draws the attention of the FBI in the form of Special Agent Hunter Forrest, a man with insider knowledge of how violent cults operate, who might never be able to escape his own past. 

The rural community is devastated by the death in their midst, but people know more than they are saying. As Amy and Hunter join forces, every lead takes them further into the twisted beliefs of a dangerous group that will stop at nothing to see their will done. 

Doomsday preppers and small-town secrets collide in this sultry, twisty page-turning thriller.

Why I chose to read this book
I was online shopping on my favorite bookstore’s website, looking for new thrillers to read. The summary roped me in, with talks of small-town secrets, the FBI, cults, and ritualistic proceedings. I couldn’t wait to see what else this book had to offer.

Thoughts & Opinions

Overall I liked this book; it was a fast and easy read. I finished it in about a week – which I consider quick when you have a baby! It does have stereotypical scenarios e.g. FBI wants to take over a case, local law enforcement shows resistance at first. New partners don’t particularly like each other at first either. These storylines are nothing new but the case itself is interesting enough to make this a good read. Another predictable aspect was how the relationship between the two main characters would unfold. I must say I was invested in their relationship and kept wanting to read more about them. The male character – which bears the ridiculous name of Hunter Forrest (although a completely understandable explanation for the name comes later in the book), was very obviously written by a woman because he is picture-perfect; handsome, chivalrous, a true gentleman.

Despite some of the predictability, the plot draws you in and the sordid details are fascinating. There’s something about ritualistic murders that makes you want to know the how and the why; what is going on in these people’s heads that make them believe in such outrageous doctrines. It’s hard to believe that in this day and age, cults still exist. But as long as people fall on hard times and seek answers, or seek a different way of life (which we all do at some point when we feel lost), there will always be evil people who will prey on their vulnerabilities. I wanted to know more about the inner workings of the cult described in this book because some aspects deserved to be explored more in-depth, and my wish will come true: a sequel was released in 2022, read my review here!

Interested in reading my other thriller reviews?

Check these out:

When No One Is Watching

The Paris Apartment

Gray Mountain

American Dirt

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