Published by Vesuvian Books on October 2, 2018
Genres: Young Adult
Pages: 357
Goodreads
A High School “American Psycho”
Some truths are better kept secret.
Some secrets are better off dead.
Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.
And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux.
The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch.
He is also a psychopath.
A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize.
As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux.
And that someone will pay with their life.
WARNING: Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse which could be upsetting.
Abandon hope all ye who enter here ...
Ever since I took part in the cover reveal in April for this book (this is on the old blog!) I was looking forward to being able to read this book! Now I have read it, I am really not sure what I have read! There was a part of the supernatural world nodded to by the haunting of “the Abbey” but it was never really explored until the end and THAT ENDING!! WOW
I have issued a content warning on this review, because of the some of the plot lines need it.
Beau, seriously this kid, Mr Perfect, is far from perfect. He is a psychopath of the terrifying and damn right dangerous kind. The anger he has that he needs sedating and the way to oppress it was horrific. His obsession with Leslie, his girlfriend’s twin sister is sinister, to say the least. He blames her for all the bad in his life and that he acts out all because she rejected him.
Some of the most graphic and troubling scenes were not written but had been
The story is told from a few different points of view, Beau, his girlfriend Dawn, her twin sister Leslie and Derek, Leslie’s boyfriend. All to give a varied view of the main story. You aren’t told who is talking, but it is written in the way where I felt, I just knew who it. I knew when it was the loving boyfriend, the realist, the victim and the monster.
I did read this in pretty much one sitting because even though you didn’t feel like a lot was going on, there was still a pull in the book to get it finished! The stalker and sinister capabilities of Beau, just makes you realise how much we don’t really know anyone. People playing the part for appearances and namesakes, heaven forbid you to
I really am not sure how to write this review, it is a toughie to write. I think I did enjoy this book, as much as you can enjoy a teen angst book with such dark and depraving topics!! I found the ending quite sad for one of the characters and damn right shocking when I read the epilogue. I had to read it twice as I couldn’t believe what I had just read, I mean it was a COLD! Nothing less than what was deserved but so damn cold! It also left me with questions, and I know they won’t get answered. Hmm!
I loved that Leslie could see right through Beau, all through the torture he put her through. But how can she make Dawn see sense? These twins were once so close and it was heartbreaking to see the gap grow between them. Leslie trying to be so protective, but she is not able to get through to Dawn, and then things start to happen.
The writing of this story was so good, getting right into the minds of the teenagers. The angst of fitting in, of playing a role with the weight of popularity, whilst adding darkness, ghost stories and murders. Overall, it was an intoxicating read. One other thing to point out with all the points of view with the writing is this is written by two authors! You can not tell where one author begins and the other ends, it all flowed and complimented each other so well!
I do have to say one thing I love the cover!
Now check out this excerpt….
Crickets chirped and mist curled around him as Beau eased out of the crack in the wall to the cells. The chill in the air teased his sweaty skin, but the surge of power pounding through his blood was like liquid fire.
The rush consumed him. He knew in that instant he would find another victim, but his rational mind begged him to be careful.
Don’t get caught.
He chuckled. Besides the money, his father still had hefty political clout in Baton Rouge, thanks to his notorious grandfather and years of murky business dealings. The family name had spared him in the past from legal proceedings and institutions. It would again.
Heading toward the fountain across the grassy field, Beau considered his next night of fun. Before he reached the forgotten angel, a flash in the corner of his eye made him turn.
Amid the trees, crowding the edge of the property, something darted in and out. He could just make out a long, white hooded cloak, fluttering and billowing at the edge of the woods. Then it disappeared.
His heart rocketed to his throat. It can’t be!
All the stories he’d heard of the lady in white of The Abbey came rushing back at once, intensifying his panic.
Then he calmed. Someone had to be messing with him. It wasn’t the girl. Kelly had taken off, a bawling mess, across the field several minutes before and he’d heard the slam of the iron gate. He was alone. Unless … the guys had pulled a fast one on him.
But the guys don’t know about your room in the cells.
Beau cut across the grass, anxious to get to the iron gate and back to the party. Almost to the path, he glanced back over his shoulder to the patch of trees where he had seen the ghostly presence. Nothing was there.
It was just your imagination. Or was it?
He made it to the party at the beach, relieved to be back among people, but the incident with the ghost had eradicated his high.
He hungered for it to return but would have to wait.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
jenchaos76 says
Two author books are good. I’ve read some and have not been displeased with them. This sound captivating though. I may have to add it to my TBR.
Zoe says
It was to read, didn’t know when one author started and the other finished. It is a dark read and the ending was shocking
jenchaos76 says
The city of Dark Magic was like that. Two authors wrote it and it was amazing. You’d never know.
Zoe says
oooh i might have to check that one out!
jenchaos76 says
Oh it’s awesome!
Zoe says
Who are the authors?
jenchaos76 says
They have a combined name Magnus Flyte. Though their real names escape me
Zoe says
Oh i saw that but wasn’t sure! I am adding it now!
Zoe says
OMG it sounds so good!
cherylmash says
oooh….your review has intrigued me. Putting this one on my list.
Zoe says
Oh yay! Hope you enjoy it!
alexandrea weis says
Thank you for your wonderful review and for sharing!
Zoe says
You are so very welcome! What a chilling read!
alexandrea weis says
Thank you for your review and for sharing!
Darque Dreamer Reads says
Very nice review. This one sounds intriguing and creepy.
Zoe says
It’s very dark and twisty
Darque Dreamer Reads says
I like dark and twisty! <3
Zoe says
Hope you like this!
Darque Dreamer Reads says
Thanks!