If you love small-town mysteries with a seriously creepy, claustrophobic vibe, this one's for you! "Bloodline" is packed with sinister secrets, oddball neighbors, and mounting tension that calls to mind vibes from classics like "Rosemary’s Baby" and "The Stepford Wives." The book is great for anyone obsessed with suspenseful psychological thrillers, especially if you're into stories about seemingly perfect communities with dark underbellies. Hint: Fans of culty, off-kilter suburbia stories will be in thriller heaven.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you need to deeply connect with the main character or prefer tightly plotted stories without slow points, you might struggle here. Some readers didn’t fully click with Joan, the protagonist, or found parts of the plot predictable. A few also thought the 'creepy' factor didn’t quite live up to the hype - and if you’re picky about audiobook narrators, opinion is mixed on that front, too.

Darkly addictive, deliciously eerie, and perfect for suspense junkies - this is a twisty small-town thriller you’ll either love or leave feeling unsettled!

About:

Bloodline by Jess Lourey is a dark thriller set in the small town of Lilydale, Minnesota. The story follows Joan, a journalist who moves to Lilydale with her boyfriend, Deck, after a traumatic event in the city. However, Joan quickly realizes that something is off in the seemingly idyllic town as she uncovers dark secrets, occult rituals, and a community cover-up. The book delves into themes of trust, fear, and the sinister undercurrents of small-town life, keeping readers on edge with its twists and suspenseful plot.

Characters:

Characters are complex, with the protagonist being somewhat unlikable, and the supporting cast contributes to the oppressive atmosphere within the community.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by suspenseful and psychologically intense storytelling, effectively creating an unsettling atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a woman who relocates to a seemingly idyllic small town, only to uncover troubling secrets and dark undercurrents.

Setting:

The story is set in the 1960s in a small, picturesque yet oppressive town called Lilydale, which enhances the eerie atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and engaging, keeping readers invested and eager to uncover the story's mysteries.

I smile at my fiancé, grab his hand. Pray that he’s right. It’s been so sudden, this move. My editors had passed me over for the promotion. That same day, Dr. King was murdered in Memphis, where he’d ...

Notes:

The story takes place in 1968 in a small town called Lilydale, Minnesota.

Joan Harken is a journalist who moves to Lilydale with her boyfriend, Deck, after being mugged.

Deck tells the townspeople that he and Joan are married, which surprises her.

Lilydale's residents are described as overly friendly but also controlling and invasive.

A child disappeared from the town 20 years ago, and Joan investigates this mystery.

The novel is based on true events, which adds to its intensity.

The book has elements of psychological thriller, mystery, and dark suspense.

Many readers draw parallels between this book and 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Stepford Wives.'

Whitney Dykhouse's audiobook narration received praise for its emotional depth and character voices.

Some readers found the story creepy and suspenseful, leading to surprise endings.

Joan's character is not universally liked, affecting readers' emotional investment in her journey.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of domestic violence, psychological manipulation, and cult-related activities, which may be disturbing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

Perfect town. Perfect homes. Perfect families. It's enough to drive some women mad...

In a tale inspired by real events, pregnant journalist Joan Harken is cautiously excited to follow her fianc back to his Minnesota hometown. After spending a childhood on the move and chasing the screams and swirls of news-rich city life, she's eager to settle down. Lilydale's motto, "Come Home Forever," couldn't be more inviting.

And yet, something is off in the picture-perfect village.

The friendliness borders on intrusive. Joan can't shake the feeling that every move she makes is being tracked. An archaic organization still seems to hold the town in thrall. So does the sinister secret of a little boy who vanished decades ago. And unless Joan is imagining things, a frighteningly familiar figure from her past is on watch in the shadows.

Her fianc tells her she's being paranoid. He might be right. Then again, she might have moved to the deadliest small town on earth.

2020

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348 pages

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (21):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (1)

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Bloodline

Jess Lourey

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