St. Benedict

*One of Apple's Most Anticipated Books for Summer in Mysteries & Thrillers—Narrated by Award-Winning artists Joe Hempel and Emily Lawrence*

River of Ashes is a smart and gripping Southern Gothic, Psychological Thriller with elements of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, YOU by Caroline Kepnes, and the Gothic family-sagas of V.C. Andrews. Inspired by true events.

"Despite its ghosts and hauntings, this evocative tale presents an all-too-real terror that gets under your skin—and stays." ~Rue Morgue

"A psychological portrait akin to Lord of the Flies." ~Midwest Book Review

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 listeners will find disturbing.

"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

"Let me tell you how absolutely batshit crazy good this is. I definitely had fun playing one of the most vile characters in my career." ~Joe Hempel, Award-Winning Narrator

"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)

"Hooked from the first page. Highly recommended." ~The Strand Magazine

"Sad, thrilling, sinister, and suspenseful, this tale is a must read." ~Urban Lit Magazine

"Those into serial killers and fans of Shirley Jackson—you are not going to want to miss this." ~RoseReviews.art.blog

"You cannot prepare to read this kind of thing. Expect to have a strong reaction. Expect to feel disturbed." ~JypsyLynn