Inspired by true events, River of Ashes is a smart and gripping Southern Gothic, Psychological Horror/Thriller with elements of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, YOU by Caroline Kepnes, and the Gothic family-sagas of V.C. Andrews.
“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 readers 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
“Those into serial killers and fans of Shirley Jackson—you are not going to want to miss this.” ~RoseReviews.art.blog
“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
“A look inside 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)
"You cannot prepare to read this kind of thing. Expect to have a strong reaction. Expect to feel disturbed." ~JypsyLynn
“Alexandrea Weis’s novels are destined to stand along with authors such as Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, Joyce Carol Oates, and Jeffery Deaver.” ~The Strand Magazine
“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
“This was an unsettling, atmospheric book that reads like a thrilling soap opera. The Virgin Suicides comes to mind … Oh and that ending! I was REELING. I cannot wait for book two.” ~NetGalley
River of Ashes Cover Times Square Debut on Broadway
