River of Ashes
by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor
August 1-31, 2022 Virtual Book Tour
*Apple’s Most Anticipated Books for Summer in Mysteries & Thrillers*
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.
Star quarterback. Handsome. Charming. 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 haunted 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 clear that someone must stop Beau Devereaux. And that someone will pay with their life.
River of Ashes is a Southern Gothic, Psychological Thriller inspired by true events in the vein of V.C. Andrews with elements of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn and You by Caroline Kepnes. River of Ashes addresses social issues including sexual violence and bullying.
My Thoughts:
River of Ashes is one of those books that I felt crawl under my skin and embed itself. The psychological build all throughout has all of your nerves standing on end and a chill that you won't be able to shake off for days.
I'm usually not a fan of reading about teenagers written by adults because I always feel like they are written too young or too old. Weis and Astor hit the mark with their teenaged characters. Having two teen boys myself, I could easily place some of the personalities of each one.
Beau is absolutely diabolical in all the worst ways. Yet he was incredible to read. I wanted to desperately know what made him a psychopath at such a young age. He truly fit the definition - an angel to the adults while obtaining and maintaining control over weak-minded individuals his own age.
Although this book covers the heavy topics of sexual violence, bullying, and underage drinking, I felt like they were each presented in a realistic fashion. It brings a lot of problems that teens have faced to the surface, and although it'll make your skin crawl, it's one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever put my hands on!
Book two is going to the top of my read pile when it's released!
I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Praise for River of Ashes:
"River of Ashes offers an inside look into the mind of a psychopath—a cautionary tale that the scariest monsters are the ones you know but never suspect."
Pearry Teo, PhD; Award-Winning Director of The Assent, Executive Producer of Cloud Atlas
"A psychological portrait akin to Lord of the Flies."
Midwest Book Review
"If Gillian Flynn and Bret Easton Ellis had a book baby, it would be River of Ashes."
~Booktrib
Book Details:
Genre: Southern Gothic / Psychological Thriller / Coming-of-Age Published by: Vesuvian Books Publication Date: August 2nd 2022 Number of Pages: 284 ISBN: 1645480984 (ISBN13: 9781645480983) Series: St. Benedict #1 Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | IndieBound
Meet Our Authors:
Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is an IPPY Award-Winning author, advanced practice registered nurse, and wildlife rehabber who was born and raised in the French Quarter. She has taught at major universities and worked with victims of sexual assault, abuse, and mental illness in a clinical setting at many New Orleans area hospitals. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers Organization and Horror Writers Association. The Strand Magazine said, “Alexandrea Weis is one of the most talented authors around, and in a short time her novels are destined to stand along with authors such as Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, Joyce Carol Oates, and Jeffery Deaver.”
Catch Up With Alexandrea Weis:
AlexandreaWeis.com StBenedictSeries.com Goodreads BookBub - @AlexandreaWeis Instagram - @AlexandreaWeis Twitter - @AlexandreaWeis Facebook - @AuthorAlexandreaWeis
Lucas Astor
Author Lucas Astor is an award-winning author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but next door behind a smiling face. Astor currently lives outside of Nashville, TN.
Catch Up With Lucas Astor:
Follow the Book Tour:
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.