Historical fiction horror set in the town of Acension Massachusetts in the early 1880s. The perfect mix of horror, thriller and comedy. What happens when the dead dont die? The ladies move into town, events get stranger and harder to explain. What is haunting thir home? A very enjoyable Book.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire for the ARC.

Thanks to Tor Nightfire for the copy of this book for review

This dad read Rose of Jericho by Alex Grecian, a historical fiction/horror/fantasy novel from Tor Nightfire. It’s the 1880’s and in the town of Acension, Massachusetts, the dead aren’t dying. A mother who had been ailing with a life-threatening disease is suddenly up and about, a boy gets run over by a horse-drawn carriage and walks away, gunshots fail to take lives. New to town are three mysterious females with otherworldly abilities, and the house they descend on is filled with spirits from time gone by. With events getting stranger and more nightmarish, it’s up to one person to take on the mantle that will right the world, but are they up to the task?

Rose of Jericho starts off strong, Grecian wastes no time jumping right into the odd and gruesome setup for the book. What followers after the first few chapters, however, is a head-scratchingly large cast of characters that only continues to grow, a meandering plot, and a fairly anticlimactic finale. What should have tipped me off is the fact that Rose of Jericho starts off with a cast of characters section, a hint that there’s really no true protagonist. This made Rose of Jericho feel disjointed; as a reader I never quite found the narrative anchor that kept me engaged with the story. At about the halfway point I felt that Grecian was marking time to get to the finale. Interstitial characters and plot points felt like distractions versus key elements to the overall plot.

This isn’t to say that there aren’t compelling characters present. There is a trio of witches whose connection to magic is the highlight of the book. However, these magical elements would come and go without much exploration (this book is a sequel to Grecian’s Red Rabbit, which I have not read) and I found myself more puzzled than intrigued. Also, for being touted as a horror novel, I found Rose of Jericho could have ratcheted up the frights. There is no shortage of violence and scenes that will make your stomach turn, but “horror” might be a bit of a stretch. To me, Rose of Jericho is more of a historic dark fantasy than anything else.

Rose of Jericho is quite a journey, and one that I’m still not sure was worth the effort. I give it 🧢/5 – maybe give it a shot if you like historical fiction with a dash of horror and a touch of supernatural.

Didn’t realize that Rose of Jericho was a sequel, so that’s on me. Because of that it did leave me a bit confused since I I haven’t read the first.

I think had I read Red Rabbit I might have enjoyed this more.

Other reviewers have said this is a sequel to Red Rabbit but it is not listed as such. Whenever a book has a cast of characters at the beginning I struggle to ffind aa connection with any of them. It's a lot of names to juggle. While this isn't a book I would choose for myself if you are familisr with Red Rabbit it might be for you. But the messy storyline and no true protagonist isn't for me. I did find the character Frank great comic relief though!

Super interesting plot with a lot to say, I found that this book was just spread a little too thin; too many POVs as well as too many strings of plot. There was so much going on, nothing was given the chance for depth and to really make an impact. Overall though I found it entertaining enough and for fans of the first book, it seems to be another hit. Unfortunately Netgalley didn't mention this is a follow up novel, nor did goodreads. It may have impacted my enjoyment.

"From the New York Times bestselling author of Red Rabbit comes a supernatural horror where ghosts and ghouls are the least of a witch's problems in nineteenth-century New England.

Something wicked is going on in the village of Ascension. A mother wasting away from cancer is suddenly up and about. A boy trampled by a milk cart walks away from the accident. A hanged man can still speak, broken neck and all.

The dead are not dying.

When Rabbit and Sadie Grace accompany their friend Rose to Ascension to help take care of her ailing cousin, they immediately notice that their new house, Bethany Hall, is occupied by dozens of ghosts. And something is waiting for them in the attic.

The villagers of Ascension are unwelcoming and wary of their weird visitors. As the three women attempt to find out what's happening in the town, they must be careful not to be found out. But a much larger - and more dangerous - force is galloping straight for them..."

Nineteenth-century New England and the undead in many forms? Yes please!

This was a very interesting read from Alex Grecian, I really enjoy their writing.

We were off to the races at the start of this book with a Virginia Woolf quote "she had the perpetual sense... that it was very, very, dangerous to live even one day." This story this book explores certainly does feel dangerous. This is a book filled with horrors, and although it does have fantasy elements, the main focus is on death, grief, and the complications of killing a grim reaper. Oh, and witches!

This book centers on a town in the 1800s following our main character, Moses, as they deal with the repercussions of ending death, in a literal sense. It was interesting to see the response that "living" people have with those who should be dead. And the inaction of taking on the mantle of the grim reaper also has consequences. There are many characters and beings that we meet in this world, and some that remain mysterious. Without giving away spoilers, this book is very gruesome and the intentional duology of the living and undead unravels a story that I think can only leave readers with a certain appreciation for death and a gratitude that we are not in Moses' shoes.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

3.5/5 I loved returning to this world with Sadie, Rabbit and Rose. As always, the story is wild and there is so much going on. Unfortunately, I really feel like this sequel was not needed. Red rabbit had tied it all together real nice with a pretty bow on top.

The plot was fun but it felt rushed, like it needed to be more fleshed out. I enjoyed the story and loved returning to my beloved characters, yet, I wish I had gotten more time with the original trio. I wanted to see more of Rabbit and the witch she was becoming. Apparently we missed ten years of her life and I felt like I was still reading about a little girl instead of a young woman who is developing her witch powers. On top of that, the witch hunters side plot was never invested in due to the rushed plot.

Overall, I still enjoyed the book and had a fun time reading it!

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy!

I need to be a bit more careful about the books I select to read and Rose of Jericho proves why. Ultimately, this is a fantasy-first novel... not exactly something The Blog Without a Face is interested in covering. That being said. We were very kindly given an advanced review copy, so here goes!

Alex Grecian’s Rose of Jericho blends the eerie atmosphere of gothic horror with elements of supernatural fantasy, creating a narrative that, while rooted in the macabre, explores deeper philosophical questions surrounding life, death, and grief. Set against the backdrop of a small, haunted New England town, Grecian crafts a world where the natural order is broken—people refuse to die, and with death no longer an inevitability, chaos ensues. For fans of his previous work, particularly Red Rabbit, Rose of Jericho offers a return to familiar characters and unsettling supernatural occurrences. However, despite its many strengths, the novel may not be entirely for everyone, particularly those with a stronger preference for straightforward horror over the more fantastical elements woven into the narrative.

Alex Grecian is no stranger to weaving compelling and complex narratives that marry history, fantasy, and horror. Known for his historical thrillers and supernatural tales, Grecian is perhaps best recognized for his Scotland Yard's Murder Squad series. However, Rose of Jericho represents a departure from his typical genre, leaning more heavily into the supernatural and fantastical, while still maintaining his characteristic pacing and atmospheric richness. His writing style is always evocative, and in Rose of Jericho, he builds a world brimming with strange beauty and disturbing intricacies.

While the novel is rooted in Grecian's established ability to blend different genres, it feels uniquely atmospheric, infused with an almost unsettling stillness. This is a quality that many readers find either captivating or frustrating, depending on their preferences. Rose of Jericho is a sequel to Red Rabbit, though it can largely be read as a standalone novel (thankfully for me). The story begins with Moses Burke, who, in a moment of grief-fueled rage, kills Death itself. The consequences of this act are catastrophic: no one who dies can stay dead. As the boundaries between life and death erode, people who should be dead are walking the earth, their existence a grotesque parody of life. Their souls are trapped in an uncomfortable limbo, angry and confused. This unsettling premise sets the stage for a grim but fascinating exploration of grief, loss, and the unnatural persistence of life after death.

Moses, realizing the enormity of his mistake, seeks out the help of three witches—Sadie Grace, Rabbit, and Rose—who have recently moved to the town of Ascension, Massachusetts. There, they are drawn into a mystery involving Bethany Hall, a haunted house that is central to the eerie happenings. Alongside them is a celestial being hiding in the attic, a character whose motives and nature remain shrouded in mystery. As the town spirals into madness, the characters must work together to find a way to restore death to its rightful place before the world becomes unhinged.

At its core, Rose of Jericho is a meditation on the nature of death and the human desire to defy it. Moses Burke’s desperate act to bring his wife and newborn son back from the dead—while tragically born out of love—serves as a dark allegory for the human condition. Grecian explores the destructive power of grief, showing how it can cloud judgment and lead to irreversible consequences. The novel also raises poignant questions about the value of life and death: without death, what is the purpose of life? In defying death, are we perhaps also defying the natural order and the peace that comes with its eventual end?

Additionally, the theme of isolation plays a significant role. Ascension, a small, isolated town, becomes a microcosm for a world unhinged by death’s absence. The villagers’ mistrust of outsiders, their fear of the unknown, and the spiritual unrest that plagues the town all contribute to the novel’s claustrophobic atmosphere. The house at Bethany Hall, too, is a symbol of this, its creaking walls hiding not only ghosts but also the secrets of the past, which intertwine with the present chaos.

The titular "Rose of Jericho" serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Known for its ability to "come back to life" after appearing to be dead, the flower mirrors the unnatural resurrection of those who are not meant to return. This symbolism reinforces the novel's central message that life without death is an incomplete and cursed existence. The house at Bethany Hall is another potent symbol—haunted, decaying, and full of secrets—representing the decay of societal norms and the moral rot that follows when the natural order is disturbed.

Grecian’s writing in Rose of Jericho is dense, atmospheric, and contemplative. He has a remarkable ability to create a vivid sense of place, whether in the desolate landscapes of 1880s America or the haunted, oppressive atmosphere of Bethany Hall. His descriptions are often rich in detail, contributing to the overall mood of dread and unease that permeates the novel. For some readers, this style will be deeply immersive; for others, it may feel slow or cumbersome, especially if they are looking for more action-driven horror.

The pacing of the novel is deliberate, with tension building slowly over time. The book weaves between multiple perspectives, jumping between Moses’s journey and the events unfolding in Ascension. While this structure builds suspense, it can also lead to moments of confusion, especially for those not familiar with the characters from Red Rabbit. At times, the narrative feels disjointed, as Grecian takes his time to delve into the intricacies of his characters' emotions and the supernatural elements of the story.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its atmosphere. Grecian excels in building tension through the setting—Ascension is filled with secrets and a palpable sense of dread. The haunted house, the restless undead, and the oppressive nature of the villagers all contribute to the story's atmosphere. The character development, particularly of Moses and the witches, is another strength. Each character is well-rounded, and their emotional struggles add depth to the horror and supernatural elements of the story. Grecian’s exploration of grief, guilt, and redemption through these characters is both poignant and heartbreaking. Finally, the concept itself is compelling. The idea of death being absent from the world and the consequences that unfold are both original and disturbing. The novel’s surreal exploration of the undead—those who are neither alive nor truly dead—adds a fresh twist to the genre.

Despite its many strengths, Rose of Jericho is not without its flaws. One notable issue is its pacing. The deliberate buildup and multiple narrative threads may alienate readers seeking a more fast-paced, straightforward horror experience. Additionally, while the character development is strong, the sheer number of characters, along with the book’s intricate web of plot points, can make it difficult to stay emotionally invested in all of them. Some readers may also find the blend of fantasy and horror to be disorienting. While the novel certainly has its creepy moments, the presence of witches, celestial beings, and a focus on magical realism may feel more like fantasy than horror to those accustomed to a more traditional ghost story or thriller.

Rose of Jericho is a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking work that explores the consequences of defying death. While it may not fit squarely within the horror genre, its gothic and supernatural elements, coupled with a compelling narrative about grief and the unnatural, make it an intriguing read for fans of both horror and fantasy.

While the novel occasionally struggles with pacing and character focus, its rich atmosphere, intriguing premise, and the depth of its themes make it standout. It may not be the perfect fit for all horror enthusiasts, particularly those who prefer a more traditional horror experience, but for those open to a blend of fantasy and suspense, Rose of Jericho is an engaging and original read.

Rose of Jericho is a follow up to Red Rabbit. This time we meet up with returning characters Rose, Sadie Grace, and Rabbit as they arrive in Ascension, Massachusetts. We also follow Moses while he is on his own journey. Their paths are destined to cross once again.

All is not well in Ascension. The ghosts in Rose and the Grace's new home are the least of the problems. The Dead are not dying and something mysterious is happening behind the scenes. But soon Rose and the Graces will have to meet it head on.

This is a good follow up to Red Rabbit. I loved that book so much and I had high hopes for Rose of Jericho. While the story isn't quite what I expected it's still a good one.

Like last time the writing is good. Rose, Rabbit, and Sadie Grace are wonderful characters. I enjoy spending time with them but I would have liked more, especially since 10 years have passed after the events of Red Rabbit. Since Ascension is a new setting for the series we are introduced to the characters that live there. A lot of time is spent with them. Everything that happens is interesting. The creepiness is a lot of fun. I see why the narrative is divided between everyone's stories.

When everything is wrapped up you will have enjoyed the story and be ready for more. I feel like Ascension is just a stop in their journey and wherever they go dark and interesting things will happen. There is a lot of potential for future stories.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. This book was creepy and wicked. I enjoyed it. It had me wanting more and wondering what the heck was going on. Such an interesting and entertaining story. It had me at the edge of my seat. I enjoyed this very much.

This book is a sequel to Red Rabbit, which I did not read but want to now.

It's weird, thought provoking with super interesting characters and themes. And a huge plus for any story with a house with ghosts. I enjoyed this alot and it was very different from what I usually read.

It's a story about what happens if Death dies in an act of revenge by a grieving husband. Thank you NetGalley for the eArc for a honest review!

I really wish the description would have said this was a sequel of Red Rabbit. I went in unaware and was pretty confused when I started. I rated this 5 stars, even though it was a DNF because I think it would have been a great read if I had a better understanding. The author did a great job with the atmosphere and from what I read it was a very interesting story. I think I'll go back and read Red Rabbit and give this another go later on.

Series Info/Source: This is the sequel to Red Rabbit. I got a copy of this on ebook from NetGalley for review.

Thoughts: DNF. I ended up stopping this about 30% of the way in. I realized that this was a sequel to a book called "Red Rabbit" about 20% in; I hadn't read that book. I wish it had been clearer on this book that this was the continuation of another book. I really struggled to stay engaged with the characters and story here. I kept having to re-read portions of the book and just couldn't stay interested.

We alternate between a few different characters. The first is a man who kills death and then himself, but he doesn't die and he's trying to figure out what happened. Then we go to the town of Ascension where three witches move in to Bethany Hall (a ghost infested house); they are there to help their friend take care of her sick cousin. We also hear from a thing in the attic in between chapters.

I was really struggling to engage with the characters and to follow what was happening here. I also didn't really want to read another book where death was killed and that resulted in people not dying. I've read a few books like this before, and I struggle with that premise in general.

I did enjoy the dark, eerie feeling to the story and the westernish setting. However, the scattered way it was written and the lack of intriguing characters made it so that I just never wanted to pick this up to read it. So I decided it was time to move on.

My Summary (3/5): Overall this book didn't work well for me for a number of reasons. I dislike the premise of death dying and then people not dying because death is dead; I've read a few books with this premise and it just doesn't parse well in my mind. This book jumped around a lot, and I didn't engage with the characters well. I was also frustrated to find out this was a sequel to "Red Rabbit", I wish that had been better advertised on this book. I wouldn't have requested this for review and would have gone and read "Red Rabbit" first if I had known that. This does have a nice dark, evil feel to it, and the western setting was intriguing. In the end, this writing style and this story just weren't for me.

The Rose of Jericho by Alex Grecian is a beautifully atmospheric and thought-provoking novel that blends historical fiction with subtle suspense. Grecian’s prose is rich and immersive, effortlessly pulling the reader into a world of secrets and intrigue. The novel’s pacing and character depth keep you invested from beginning to end, while its eerie, almost mystical undertones add a layer of haunting mystery. The Rose of Jericho is a captivating and memorable read for those who appreciate finely crafted storytelling with emotional and psychological layers.

"Not is all as it seems in the small village of Ascension, Massachusetts" …

In this inventive sequel to Red Rabbit, there is just enough blood and violence, blended with witchcraft to satisfy fans of the first book. In a very small nutshell, Moses Burke kills Death after the deaths of his wife and newborn. With Death itself being, well ... dead, no one who dies stays that way. And some of them are angry, very angry. I enjoyed this book and you don't necessarily have to read Red Rabbit to enjoy it, though it visits some old characters. Thank you to Tor Nightfire & NetGalley for the ARC. You can pick this up March 11, 2025 wherever you buy your books.

I thought this was beautifully written! Incredibly atmospheric, in a perfectly spooky way, and the characters were deeply, richly written. It was easy to care for the central people in here.
There were a few twists and turns which caught me off guard, as well as an element of mystery to the whole thing that I really appreciated. I wanted to know how everything would wrap up!
As others have mentioned, this is a "sequel", technically, but you don't need to have read the first in order to enjoy it (though there were a few moments when I wished I had read it, in order to understand the main characters more).
All in all, it was a solid horror novel, for anyone a fan of character-rich stories!

It is ridiculous how absurdly happy I am to revisit the characters from Red Rabbit. If you have not read that book first, you should. Strictly you don't have to but it enriches your reading experience so much more to know the characters' background. I could feel the uncanny penny dreadful-esk atmosphere that Alex Grecian created yet again with Rose of Jericho. The characters were vividly described and the high weirdness was captivating. Any book that manages to create a house as a living thing is aces in my mind. The gothic qualities of that were present here. What an absolutely enchantingly dark novel and I loved every word.

Overall enjoyment:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Prose: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pacing (1=slow 5=fast): 2
Scary: More uncanny
Gore:💀💀💀
Character Development:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Something about this book completely failed to hold my attention. I really didn't enjoy it. I couldn't connect to any of the main characters, and while there wasn't technically anything wrong with the writing, I just disliked. Most likely just a case of the writing/author not being for me!

The readers is instantly transported back to Ascension MA 1881 where people are dying, but not staying dead. Say no more and sign me up! Alex Grecian is an author to pay attention to. This is a sensational follow up to Red Rabbit. I love a horror/supernatural/thriller/fantasy mash up where there are gruesome deaths and some of them stick with your for days!

I have a feeling there will be a 3rd book in this series. If there is, I will be here for it.