I will start this review saying i enjoyed the first book in this series and only finished this one because i liked the first one so much. I’m not sure what it was for me, and reading the WHOLE first book when Harry was the allusive character i was stoked to hear from his perspective, but it didn’t grip me the same way Evangeline’s did. It got better as i continued into the story, but again, the first book was significantly better IMO. Maybe it was Vans “secret” being so intriguing and Harry’s just self deprecating grief.


That being said, i didn’t hate this book and i’m so ready for the next one! I can’t wait to see the direction this series is going!

I'll start by saying this is book 2 in a series but can be read as a stand alone as I haven't read book 1 and didn't have any issues.

Harry & Evangeline as called in to assist with a cold case in a very secretive town called Alku. A very strange town where children are going missing one by one. It leads Harry back to his past aswell. I really loved the relationship between these 2 characters. I also enjoyed the folky vibes within the town. Definitely going back to read book 1 and hoping for a book 3!

I am really enjoying this series and ready to start book three! I enjoyed seeing more of Harry's past and more through his POV. This story was entertaining, gripping, and entirely captivating. I have been hooked from the first chapter in both books so far. I really enjoy the little sprinkles of the past stories intertwined with the present. I thought I had this figured out from the beginning, and I was very mistaken when it came to the ending. Also, that last couple of paragraphs?!? I am so ready to jump into book 3 and see where we go next!

This was another great installment of the Reed & Steinback series, but this time it was presented as more from Harry Steinbeck's perspective. We find him revisiting old memories and places he has avoided for years while investigating this creepy case. I fully enjoyed watching the mysteries of Alku, Minnesota be revealed one by one. This has a very satisfying ending and made me eager for the next installment!

Fabulously creepy! No one can write suspense like Jess Lourey. This time Van and Harry are investigating a current murder which seems to be linked to a twenty-five year old mass murder. The characters are masterfully crafted, and there are many plot twists and surprises in this exceptionally well crafted book. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this audiobook and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

The Reaping is second in the series told from the Steinbeck series, and I'm so happy to see that there is a third one on the way! Recommended.

I loved this book! I love anything Jess writes! This is a twisty and compelling sequel with smart characters and a sprinkle of paranormal.

The Reaping by Jess Lourey is a gripping, well-written thriller that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The suspense is steady, the characters are compelling, and the story unfolds with just the right mix of tension and intrigue. A standout read for fans of dark, twisty mysteries.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

This book follows two agents as they investigate a murder that seems to be connected to another murder 25 years ago. These murders are all linked to a strange town in Minnesota. This town is very secretive and cult like. They have traditions and a lot of secrets.

I loved this book! It was a great mix of murder mystery, police procedural, and folk horror. I was some intrigued throughout because I was dying to know what happened.

The town was so creepy in this one. It had some elements of folk horror and also cult things. It reminded me a bit of the movie The Village with the strange town but creepier.

I also enjoyed getting to know the agents. They were great characters to follow and I cannot wait to read the next one in this series!

I really enjoyed how unique this book was. It kept me guessing the whole way through!

I really enjoyed the first book in this series(Steinbeck and Reed). It was in Van’s point of view so I was shocked to see that this one was in Harry’s perspective. I loved it though. You really get the feel of who each person is this way. The two of them are so different but they just go together so well. I just can’t wait for the next one to come out.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review. The Reaping is second in the series told from scientist Harry Steinbecks perspective, back to catch a cold case killer who’s returned to a town abducting their children.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I love Jess Lourey's work and was excited to get into this book. I really wanted to love it but it fell flat. The story was a bit far fetched and unbelievable for me.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I really loved The Taken Ones, but The Reaping was just okay for me. That being said. The epilogue, the last two lines? I need more.

As a lover of Criminal Minds and Cold Cases this book was right up my alley. Although it was the second in a series it was a standalone in its own right. Well done Jess Lourey for keeping me guessing the whole way through.

Every time I thought I was on to something, there was another spanner thrown in the works! I'll be going back to read the first in the series and hope there's more to come.

You can't go wrong with a Jess Lourey book, and the Reaping is no different. Small Town Minnesota has never looked so evil in the second book of the series. Keep them coming, I want to read more about Reed and Steinbeck!

I loved the first book in this now series, so I was very excited to receive this ARC and this sequel did not disappoint. The author does an incredible job drawing you in with well-developed characters, including forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck and BCA agent Van Reed, and a solidly paced storyline that drew me in immediately and made me not want to put this book down! I'm already excited about the next book....

In 1998 in the town of Alku Minnesota, an entire family was brutally killed in their home and the murders have never been solved. A recent killing seems to be strangely linked to the family murder as well. As the children in town start to go missing, the investigation needs to be solved quickly before any other harm comes to members of the strange town.

The story was intriguing the entire way. I appreciate how the author has a great understanding of the various cultures that originally settled in Minnesota and how many of the traditions are still present today. (NOT in the way of this book.) The story advanced at a nice pace and the characters were developed well. Someone could read this book without having read the first one of the series and not be lost.

After loving the first book in this series, I couldn’t wait for book two. Jess Lourey continues to impress with her incredible storytelling. This time, we get Harry's perspective as he and Van investigate a brutal murder in the mysterious town of Alku, uncovering dark secrets along the way.

Lourey’s skill at developing both main and side characters keeps the plot gripping, and the dynamic between Harry and Van is fantastic. The only downside? The long wait for the next book! Jess always leaves me eager for more!

For some reason this book turned me off. I can't quite determine why other than it was far-fetched, weird and unrealistic. Now I'm on the fence as to whether or not I will try any more books from this author in the future. My thanks to the publisher for providing a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I'm such a fan of Jess Lourey! This is my 2nd book from her and the writing does not disappoint! I would definitely recommend her books (especially this one) and I'm keeping an eye on what she comes out with next!