Wow, this is my second E.J Findorff novel. Both times I find myself reeling afterward, trying to wrap my head around what I just listened to.

While I noticed some similar plot points and reveals, I was no less invested. I aim to keep my reviews spoiler-free, so I won’t talk about them, as it would spoil minor plot points in two stories.

This story is full of twists, turns, tense moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat. As with any story when you’re following a protagonist, you go in cocksure that they’re never in any real danger. But the entire time, you’ll be asking yourself; is this the end? or how is she going to get out of this disaster of a situation?

One Hundred Bullets was 15 reviews back for me and I still can’t get it out of my head. I normally have so much going on and so many projects I’m working on; as soon as I finish something, I forget about it and move on to the next. I feel like I just got off a rollercoaster and I don’t think this book will be leaving the back of my mind any time soon.

It’s rare that I get to stay this. The audiobook was nearly flawless. No repeated dialogue or odd noises. There are a few times when the narrator’s voice sounds different for a few seconds, like due to a recording session change or break. She does an incredible job with voices. A handful of times I forgot it was a female narrator doing some of the voices. Often times with female narrators, their male voices don’t sound all that deep or convincing. It usually sounds like a woman is doing a mock impression of a male voice.

I highly recommend this book to anybody willing to give it a try. And always remember: Family doesn’t begin or end with blood.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval. ( )

TW: rape

It’s fun to find a book you enjoy. It’s even better when you find an author whose books you’re eager to keep reading. Not only did I enjoy E.J. Findorff’s Blood Parish, I’ve already got another of his books to read.

After a brief start in New Orleans, Findorff takes us away from the city to Lemon Twig in Moreau Parish. The Blondeaux crime family rules the Parish, controlling both legitimate and criminal business there. Decades prior, a baseball team bus disappeared, and none of the players were found. The family’s elderly Patronne may have valuable information about the case, and the FBI wants to take one last attempt to get information while she is still alive.

While most of the Blondeaux family remained in Lemon Twig, the Patronne’s granddaughter Angel left the Parish to join the FBI. Her family disapproves of her decision and shunned her. When Angel is returning home for her aunt’s funeral, the FBI set up a cover story that Angel had been suspended. The agency hoped that Angel would be trusted enough to get clues to the players’ fate.

Findorff does a great job drawing the reader into this sinister clan. The book has plenty of unexpected twists. Characters make shocking choices that make sense in hindsight because of how well each character was developed.

The end of the book provides a special treat by mentioning an intriguing case the FBI could investigate next. Even better, Findorff provided a sample chapter of the sequel that sucked me in immediately. I can’t wait until it’s published.

E. J. Findorff is an author who not only wrote an excellent mystery but has me wanting to read more of his books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ( )