Genre: Historical Fiction/Horror/True Crime
Release Date: November 22nd, 2022
Pages: 416
Publisher: Berkley
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“A sinister novel based on the real Bloody Benders, a family of serial killers in the old West bound by butchery and obscured by the shadows of American history.
The winds shift nervously on the Kansas plain whispering of travelers lost and buried, whispering of witches. Something dark and twisted has taken root at the Bender Inn.
At first the townspeople of Cherryvale welcome the rising medium Kate Bender and her family. Kate’s messages from the Beyond give their tedious dreams hope and her mother’s potions cure their little ills—for a price. No one knows about their other business, the shortcut to a better life. And why shouldn’t their family prosper? They’re careful. It’s only from those who are marked, those who travel alone and can easily disappear, that the Benders demand their pound of flesh.
But even a gifted seer like Kate can make a misstep. Now as the secrets festering beneath the soil of the family orchard threaten to bring them all to ruin, the Benders must sharpen their craft—or vanish themselves.”
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book, more than I ever thought I would. It was everything creepy, gritty, and gory that you could want and expect from a novel about a family of serial killers. I had never heard of the Benders before this and I liked going in with no prior knowledge. I have since done more research into it and I think the author did a really great job capturing all the things we can only speculate on. Bruce gives vivid insight into their daily lives, the sequence of events, and their motives. Such a gruesome and yet morbidly fascinating story. I loved the writing style as well, giving multiple perspectives into several characters. I would definitely love to read from this author again. I also love the title of this book, and how it plays on their family bonds but also the blood spilled between them. Great story for historical, horror, thriller readers and I highly recommend it!
“A dark angel to sit on my shoulder and guard me from the world’s wickedness. She became the secret comfort of my soul.”
Disclaimers:
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway; huge thank you to Goodreads! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from with no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support 🙂
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
Leave a Reply