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The Reaping

Steinbeck and Reed, Book 2

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The Reaping

By: Jess Lourey
Narrated by: James Daniels
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About this listen

By-the-book forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck and rogue BCA agent Van Reed must catch a cold-case killer who’s returned to abduct a small town’s children one by one in this heart-stopping novel from the Edgar Award-nominated author of Unspeakable Things.

In 1998 an Alku, Minnesota, family of five was brutally murdered in their sleep. The event shook the insulated community but, without any solid leads, was relegated to the cold case files, where it moldered for twenty-five years. Until today.

Agent Harry Steinbeck hoped never to return to the northland, a place that holds terrible memories of his sister’s abduction. But when a recent homicide is connected to Alku’s unsolved mass murder, he and cold case agent Evangeline Reed have no choice but to investigate.

The case grows impossibly darker as, one by one, the children of Alku begin disappearing. And Harry and Van can’t shake the sensation that someone is watching every move they make.

As an elusive killer’s trail leads to a truth more sinister than either imagined, Harry knows there’s only one way to crack this case: he must finally face the secrets of his own past—even if doing so will cost him everything.

©2024 by Jess Lourey. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Crime Thrillers Police Procedurals Small Town & Rural Suspense Cold Case Heartfelt Scary
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Critic reviews

“Mystery and horror mix in a creepy novel whose suspenseful ending hints at a very special sequel.” Kirkus Reviews

“With the Fall season quickly closing in, readers are scrambling for their next haunting read. And readers will find nothing more delightfully twisted than Jess Lourey’s latest chilling thriller, The Reaping.” BookTrib

“There are just some books—or series—that grab you and don't let go, and this is one of those…” Madison Daily Leader

What listeners say about The Reaping

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So intriguing I could not stop listening.

The story line is addictive and the suspense is always in a heightened state. Edge of your seat excitement, hoping we get more of Harry and Van soon!

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Another winner!

I love this series new series. I cannot wait for the next one. The characters are terrific, and the stories are suspenseful.

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Another Brilliant story by Lourey!!

WHOA!!! I’m blown away once again by the Steinbeck and Reed series!! When I started this I wasn’t sure. I thought nope, it’s not going to be as good as The Taken Ones. Boy was I wrong!!!!

Lourey is BRILLIANT!! She comes up with the most unusual stories and then at the end you are left with your mouth hanging open. After she discusses how this story came to her and the research she found, and once again my mouth was hanging open. I’m thinking by what was said at the end (shhh…NO spoilers!) that there is going to be another book…I HOPE SO!!! I definitely want to continue in the world of Steinbeck and Reed, there is so much more to be said when it going to these two!!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR THRILLER/MYSTERY LOVERS!!!!

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Engaging Mystery

I pre-ordered this book as soon as I could after finishing The Taken Ones, and I wasn't disappointed!

I wasn't sure about having a new performer, but since this story is from Harry's POV, it made sense to switch things up. Daniels' performance grew on me, and I'd definitely listen to another Harry story performed by Daniels.

Lowrey again delivers a haunting mystery in a beautifully fleshed out world. Harry may not have been happy to return to Duluth, but I absolutely loved it! Lowry has a fabulous sense of setting and world building. I've visited Duluth all my life, and she describes it all perfectly.

The story itself is as mysterious and gripping as The Taken Ones. I was briefly worried the conclusion would be too predictable, but I needn't have been concerned; Lowrey breaks out weighty and satisfying twists right up until the end. And, of course, a bombshell in the epilogue.

I cannot wait for more Steinbeck and Reed thrillers!! I'll be pre-ordering for sure!!

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Wow!

I loved the unusual, the weird and the twists and turns. It kept me guessing until the end!!!! Both the main characters and their background stories just added to the whole book! I do hope they return for another book.

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WOW, Creepy

The author is a great storyteller. Do not miss this series, the characters and story will stay with you long after you finish the last chapter. Van and Harry are the greatest duo since Mulder and Scully. Can’t wait for the next one in the series!

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Great story that progresses past the previous

I liked the storyline. Especially that it took the other main character’s perspective. I also really appreciate the authors note at the end - I had so many questions—especially being of Finnish descent, whose grandmother lived and grew up in Minnesota.

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Excellent addition to a superb series.

After listening to The Taken Ones I was hooked on following not only the Steinbeck and Reed series but Jess Lourey as well. When I saw The Reaping was available on Kindle Unlimited and included the audiobook version, I couldn’t resist borrowing it and setting everything aside to listen to this episode of Steinbeck and Reed. Once again Hess Lourey blew my mind with a story that had multiple story lines all leading up to a conclusion that wasn’t just unexpected but opened doors to a future episode without ending on a cliffhanger. This episode was filled with further disclosures about Steinbeck and Reed’s personal lives that explained more fully why they are in some respects very dysfunctional people yet highly competent investigators. Now that I’ve finished this episode, I intend on exploring more of Jess’s books while I wait for the next Steinbeck and Reed story.

James Daniels does an excellent job of providing voices to each character and bringing the story to life with his pacing and vocal moderation. I thought he did an excellent job creating the female voices to the point I at times felt I was listening to two narrators.

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Masterfully Told Story

JFC… this was a seriously whackado case for the unlikely duo of Steinbeck and Reed. I’m still very intrigued by Van’s visions/dreams/intuition. Of course, it’s still not explained 😉 S’ok by me. I’m hoping there will be more in this series.
Part of the Kindle Unlimited catalog.

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Great addition to this series

Steinbeck and Reed make a great investigative team. This is a complex story with a lot of twists and turns. A strange disclosure at the end that will hopefully be explored in the next book. James Daniels did an excellent job portraying all the characters in this book.

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