A gripping Southern Gothic/Psychological Horror series debut inspired by true events. Reminiscent of the Gothic horror/family-sagas by V.C. Andrews, book one of the St. Benedict series, “… offers a look inside the mind of a psychopath,” says Pearry Teo, PhD, Award-winning horror director of The Assent, “and is a cautionary tale that the scariest monsters are the ones you know but never suspect.”
“The most unsettling, unforgettable horror is real life horror. Add a ghostly thread and you have River of Ashes. Highly recommended—if you dare.”
~Liana Gardner, Bram Stoker Awards-Nominee of Speak No Evil ( #14 in Ginger Nuts of Horror's Top 100 YA Horror Novels of the Decade)
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.
* * *
Warning: This book contains rape, violence, and a psychopath's POV, which some readers will find disturbing.
“Uncomfortably brutal.” ~Kirkus
“If Gillian Flynn and Bret Easton Ellis had a book baby, it would be River of Ashes.” ~Booktrib
"[Beau Devereaux] makes some of Stephen King's characters appear tame by comparison." ~Nanette Fandino-Diaz @tea.and.titles
“Beau Devereaux is every bit the “bad boy” our mothers warned us about. Think Mark Wahlberg from Fear but imagine if he crossed paths with Sidney Prescott.” ~GothGirlOnTheTrain
"You cannot prepare to read this kind of thing. Expect to have a strong reaction.
Expect to feel disturbed." ~JypsyLynn
“Definitely not for the faint of heart … when I read [book 2], the doors will be locked, I’ll keep a weapon nearby, and all the lights will be on.” ~Horror Tree
“An unsettling, atmospheric book that reads like a thrilling soap opera. The Virgin Suicides comes to mind … I cannot wait for book two.” ~NetGalley
"Holy snap, this was BRUTAL in the best of ways!"
~Mercedes M. Yardley, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Little Dead Red.
“River of Ashes has a gritty darkness that clings to you like a second skin. A fabulous start to an addictive series” ~Monique Snyman, Bram Stoker Awards-Nominee of
The Night Weaver and The Bone Carver
“[River of Ashes] did what every good horror movie or book should do, it kept me uncomfortable the whole time. This book really does give that horror movie dread.
Definitely a must read if you can handle it.” ~Goodreads
