Review of The Laughing Dead by Jess Lourey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

Jess Lourey does it again with The Laughing Dead, a chilling, twisty, and surprisingly emotional thriller that I absolutely tore through. This is the third book in the Steinbeck and Reed series, and while you could jump in here, I really recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate Van Reed’s wild journey. Trust me, it’s worth it.

This one opens with a new case that eerily mirrors a decades-old mystery—three girls found dead with eerie, fixed grins. Now, that same creepy smile has shown up again... along with Van’s police ID at the scene. Cue the chaos. As Van digs into the case (and her own very messy past), things spiral fast. Secrets are unearthed, trust is questioned, and Van’s own sanity starts to feel shaky.

There’s a dash of the supernatural here, Van has visions, but it’s more eerie than outlandish, and it really works in the story’s favor. The suspense is intense, but Lourey also weaves in real emotional depth, especially through Van’s dynamic with the steady, lovable Harry Steinbeck. And can we talk about the dog, Owl? Pure joy.

The pacing is fast, the villain is as unsettling as ever (Lourey has a real talent for that), and the plot twists kept me guessing—even when I thought I had it figured out.

If you love thrillers with creepy vibes, layered characters, and just a hint of the uncanny, The Laughing Dead is a must-read. Add it to your TBR, but start with the prequel if you want the full ride.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Best of the series! I was blown away by the reveals. The characters are interesting and complex. The case full of twists. I was up late reading, I couldn't put it down. Sucks you in from the beginning and doesn't let go. And that ending!

Minnesota mentioned! Somehow this is my first Jess Lourey book, but it absolutely will not be my last. I was a little disappointed to find that The Laughing Dead was the third in a series that I’ve now spoiled for myself a bit - but I am still going to go back and read the others in the series. I have no doubt that I’m going to love them just as much, even if I know the end!

Though I feel like we didn’t get a whole lot of Harry in this book (one half of the team for whom the series is named), Van Reed is such a fascinating character. Growing up in a cult led by your own father and becoming a cold case investigator is an absolutely wild life trajectory! I think I could read 8 more books just about Van’s life and still not be bored.

The way that this story weaved together Van’s life with a decade’s old cold case and more recent murders was fantastic. Lourey paced this perfectly, only revealing just enough to hook you and get you hypothesizing without actually spoiling the reveals. Truly gripping and so difficult to put down!

One thing about Minnesotans, we are absolute nerds about our love for our state. My favorite Minnesota call outs were: The State Fair (the best one in the country, no contest!), Chi-Chi’s (oh, the things I would do to have a Chi-Chi’s taco salad again...), and the Old Dutch Double Box (noticeably missing some Top the Tater, though... the most elite snack combination!).

Listen… when Jess Lourey writes a thriller, I drop everything, cancel plans, and emotionally prepare for the psychological chaos she’s about to unleash and The Laughing Dead did not disappoint.

From the moment the first body appears, frozen in that grotesque grin, I was hooked like it was oxygen. Lourey weaves a dual-timeline murder mystery that grabs you by the throat and whispers, “You think you’ve got this figured out? Think again.”

Van Reed, our cold case agent with a filing cabinet of secrets and just enough emotional armor to make her dangerously compelling, is the kind of character I crave. She’s smart, flawed, hunted and not just by whoever’s staging these eerie crime scenes. When her own badge shows up at a murder site, I audibly gasped. You know the writing is good when you’re yelling, “RUN, VAN, RUN!” at your Kindle at 1AM.

Lourey balances past and present with surgical precision. Just when you think you’re standing on solid ground, she yanks it out from under you with a twist you didn’t see coming but totally should have.

I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say, if you thought The Taken Ones was dark, The Laughing Dead goes deeper. We’re talking emotional minefields, repressed trauma, and a villain that made my skin crawl.

Fast-paced. Unsettling. Utterly addictive. This is the kind of book that lingers after you close it. And if Jess Lourey wants to give us more of Van and Harry, I’m already in line.

This book explored decades old murder, ghoulish grins, and personal skeletons. It had me feeling suspicious as the many secrets unravelled.

😂 𝕋ℍℝ𝕀𝕃𝕃𝔼ℝ 𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 𝔽𝔼𝔸𝕋𝕌ℝ𝔼 ☠️

I've read a few of @jesslourey 's books, but this series is new to me. I grabbed this one as a Read-now on @netgalley, and didnt realize it was a series. So now I've added 2 more books plus this to my readings schedule because I can't wait to see how this plays out from the beginning.

𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎
The bodies of three teenage girls are found in central Minnesota—each with her mouth fixed in a ghoulish grin, smiling at a deadly joke no one can hear. But authorities eventually close and forget the curious case, dubbed the Laughing Dead.
Decades later, cold case agent Evangeline “Van” Reed is called to the scene of a crime where the victim wears that same horror-movie smile. But this time someone seems to be sending a message: Van’s police ID has turned up at the scene, making her the prime suspect. It’s not that outlandish, considering her secrets—ones she’s never even told her partner, forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck.
As she feels others closing in, Van reopens the mystery of the Laughing Dead, hoping to find a connection to clear her name. But the search only gets darker. Because the more Van digs backward in time, the closer she comes to a terrible truth: Everything she has spent her life trying to hide is returning to haunt her.

𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
July 22, 2025

ℚ𝕆𝕋𝔻❓️⁉️❓️ Last, Now, Next?

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#mysteryandthrills #thrillersandsuspense #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #thrillerjunkie #thrillergirlie #bookbuzz #upcomingthriller #jesslourey #thelaughingdead #amazonpublishing #amazonpublishingpartner #netgalley
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Van Reed gets a call out to a ghoulish crime scene. The victim has died with a smile on their face. It’s just like one of her cold cases from decades ago, The Laughing Dead.
Harry Steinbeck a forensic scientist helps her with the investigation. This is the 3rd book in the series and all are really good. Thanks NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eARC that will be published July 22, 2025!

In 1986 three teenage girls are found murdered in Minnesota, each with a ghoulish grin on their faces. The murders were never solved and were referred to as The Laughing Dead. We forward to the present and Evangeline “Van” Reed, a cold case agent, is called to a scene that is reminiscent of those from 1986. This becomes personal for Van when she learns that her police ID badge, that she put away 2 years ago, was placed at the scene. Is someone framing her or taunting her?

This is the third book in the series that features Van and Harry Steinbeck, a forensic scientist, "who dresses like a 1950s Wall Street executive." The two reopen the old case as they investigate the current one. The timeline moves from the past to the present as the story unfolds. Secrets are revealed and followers of this series will find some closure to Van's past. I would recommend reading the other two books, especially the first one, The Taken Ones, which provides Van's backstory.

Jess Lourey keeps the story moving so you won't want to put it down. The twists and turns add to the suspense. Van and Harry are great partners. I can't say enough about Owl, the dog, love him. I hope we get to see more of these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas & Mercer, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

📚: The Laughing Dead by Jess Lourey
⭐️: 3.5/5 (rounding up on #goodreads)

Three murdered girls, decades ago, all found with ghoulish, jack-o-lantern grins on their faces. The media nicknames them The Laughing Dead, but no killer is found and the cases go cold. But now, all these years later, women are starting to be found murdered, with the same telltale grin. Detective Evangeline (Van) Reed is on the case, but her own past is back to haunt her in a big way.

So first, the cover of this book is absolutely terrifying. It’s something of my nightmares, and I don’t love that.

I also didn’t realize before receiving this digital ARC that this is the third book in the Steinbeck & Reed series. While I enjoyed this book, there’s context and references that I definitely didn’t fully understand (and I fear that I’ve spoiled the other two books on my TBR for myself?). So while this can standalone, I don’t recommend doing so. That said, this was fast paced, twisty, and the ending stuck its landing.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer via @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Laughing Dead is out this upcoming Tuesday 7/22.

Love love love. Jess Lourey has created a thriller series I am absolutely addicted to, which is pretty hard to come by in this genre.
Evangeline Reed is one of those detectives you love to love. With a complicated past and literal cult childhood, she has seen it all.
This book I’m the series doesn’t not disappoint. It’s eerie and creepy and so dang good.
If you haven’t read any of these books, grab The Taken Ones and buckle up.
Thank you netgalley for the arc!

I highly recommend you read book 1 and 2 in this series before starting ‘The Laughing Dead’. Everything will definitely make more sense if you do.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a smart, taut, mind blowing thriller. I’ve found the whole series quite interesting actually, especially Van’s upbringing and physic abilities and Harry’s missing sister. And this book finally delivers some answers for both Van and Harry. The twist at the end caught me by surprise, I wast expecting the second perspective to belong to that person.
I do wish Harry was featured a bit more in ‘The Laughing Dead’, he didn’t get as much time here as he has in previous books. But I understand why it was a more Van focused storyline. And I love a book with a dog as a supporting character. A 4 star read for me.

I didn’t realise this book was part of a series so I went and borrowed the others on KU and wow! I absolutely loved reading them. Interesting storyline’s and complex characters. 4/5 stars!

Loved it!! This was my favorite book in the series. All around this was a wonderful mystery/thriller. There were so many twists and turns. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't wait to find out who killed the girls dubbed the Laughing Dead. This was the perfect wrap up of all the unanswered questions from the previous two books. (This better not be the last book.) The more I learned about Van's life growing up on the Farm, I just wanted to hug her. The Farm sounded like a terrible place to grow up. Frank terrorized all who lived there. The Farm was a creepy cult. They probably had packs of Kool-Aid in case they ever needed them. The saddest part was when Van was taking Owl back to the shelter. I don't know how Frank had that effect on women. How did Van turnout to be the only one not brainwashed? I had actual tears. Yes, the murder of all the women was awful, but the scene with Owl was a complete tearjerker. Owl and Van were perfect for each other. Poor "Auld Lang Syne" did not enjoy her time at doggy day care. Loved the ending when Van shows up at Harry's house. I had more tears. Loved what Harry did for her. Harry never batted an eye when Van told him the truth about the Sweet Tea Killer. They are the perfect team.

Definitely recommend the book. This was a great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing until the end. Loved the characters, writing style and story. I hope this isn't the end of Van and Harry and there will be more books. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Jess Lourey delivers yet again. The Laughing Dead, blends Van’s dark secrets, brutalized psychological and psychic tension with her disturbing journey towards self discovery. The novel follows Van, a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent, with her handsome, emotionally cautious but brilliant partner, forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck. Their dynamic, as in previous Van and Harry stories, is as heart wrenching as it is heartwarming. Harry is the somewhat steady counterbalance to Van’s chaotic intensity as she teeters towards the edge of losing everything.
Raised in a cult by Frank Roth, Van is no stranger to violence. Her visions, which had once pushed her to murder, now lead her into a dangerous investigation when her ID is found at a murder scene. After another murder, seemingly connected to her, and newly discovered cold cases that have one terrible feature in common, Van starts to unravel as she struggles with the demons of her past. Except that they seem to be visiting her in her present. The tension escalates masterfully, with Lourey leaving the reader with unsettling gifts, each more emotionally impactful than the last.
Van is messy, morally ambiguous, and utterly captivating. Lourey immerses readers in Van’s twisted psyche, creating a visceral understanding of her pain, confusion and loss. The mystery of Harry’s missing sister, Caroline adds another layer of dread, tightening the bond between the two even as secrets threaten to tear them apart.
And then there’s Owl, the boxer dog belonging to the first murder victim, who was staying in a domestic violence shelter. Van fosters Owl and is then devastated that Owl’s owner is not only murdered, but is murdered because of her. In a story steeped in darkness, Owl provides moments of warmth and loyalty, until Van, driven to the depths of despair nearly loses her. I have no idea if this is a spoiler alert item or not, but the dog lives. (A non-negotiable for many, myself included.)
The climax is both brutal and cathartic. Lourey’s writing is sharp. She allows you to live, for moments in the pain and confusion, while never taking you deep enough to be intoxicated, unlike some of the victims in her book.

Another great book by Jess Lourey! The much anticipated next installment of the Steinbeck and Reed series did not disappoint.
Thrill factor 10/10, storyline 10/10, creepy factor 100/10.

Book three in the Steinbeck and Reed series is a chilling, twist-filled thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. It centers on a cold case known as the Laughing Dead, involving three teenage girls found in central Minnesota, each with her mouth frozen in a ghoulish grin.

Years later, cold case agent Evangeline “Van” Reed is called to a new crime scene eerily similar to those long-unsolved murders. But this time, her police ID is found at the scene, making her a suspect. Now under suspicion, she must confront a past she’s worked hard to bury, even from her partner, forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck. As she reopens the case, the connections grow darker, more dangerous, and far more personal.

If you love eerie suspense, sharp writing, and a complex lead you can’t help but root for, this one’s for you.

I look forward to reading the continued adventures of Steinbeck and Reed and cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment of this fantastic series. Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and author Jess Lourey for the advance read copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an interesting read! I really enjoyed the dual timelines; they added depth to the story and helped build suspense. While the book kept me curious, it wasn’t a favorite overall. The pacing dragged in places, and some of the twists felt a bit too predictable. Still, it was a solid introduction to Jess Lourey’s writing. Although this book is part of a series, it read fine as a standalone. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to Jess Lourey and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!

“The truth is we carry the stones of the bad things we've done. You can lighten it with an honest apology, but that rock is yours to hold on your back for the rest of your life…”

This is the third book in the Steinbeck & Reed series and it may just be the best one yet! After the way the last book ended, I could NOT wait to get my hands on this one!

In the 1980s, three girls are found murdered with wicked, laughing expressions on their faces. They are referred to as “The Laughing Dead” and ruled as suicides before the cases go cold. Now, decades later, a body is found with the same sinister grin - with Detective Evangeline Reed’s old police ID next to it. Van knows someone is messing with her and will stop at nothing to get to the truth - before her partner, Harry Steinbeck, discovers it.

This book starts pretty much right after the last one ended, so I would recommend reading them in order - plus the first two books are amazing and add so much background to the partnership of Steinbeck and Reed! Told over dual timelines, Van’s past is explained in a very intricate plot of interconnected storylines. Lourey pulled this off beautifully - I was never confused with the timeline or perspective changes and felt like I was holding my breath at some points to see how the stories connected! The tension all throughout was delicious and yet the ending almost seemed cathartic in a way.

I ADORE Steinbeck and Reed; their partnership is so natural and believable. But I think my favorite character was a new one - Owl, Van’s beloved foster dog!

“The Laughing Dead” releases July 22, 2025! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

I just looooove the Steinbeck and Reed series. I’m usually not a series person but this one is just too good. I absolutely loved the first two (and the short story prequel). This third one wasn’t my favorite but it was still amazing.

It felt less eerie than the others. The chapters from the girls that go missing were so creepy though. We get a conclusion to a lot of the storylines in the previous two books.

Like my Goodreads friend Karly said, even though everything is wrapped up, can we pleaaaase still keep this series going?

I will also say, if you don’t read the prequel and first two books in this series, you’ll be very confused. I don’t think it could possibly make sense as a stand alone. Just an FYI.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I love this series. Okay I didn't LOVE book two quite as much but with this book, the series, ties up a lot of VERY intriguing loose ends from the prior two books.

Is this the end? I hope not.

Loved the 80s flashbacks, the seriously creepy MO of the murderer, the procedural aspect and the way this book ties together Van's traumatic childhood, these new cases, and Reed's family trauma.

Give me more because I am ready for it!

Thanks Thomas and Mercer for this advance copy and please continue this series!!