River of Wrath, an Epic Coming of Age Thriller

The Bottom Line: The dynamic duo of Weis and Astor make magic together. A rising body count, a dark pact among unlikely friends and a wholly evocative world propel this small town mystery to epic heights. Highly recommended.In River of Wrath (St. Benedict, book II), authors Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor expand the deliciously murky world of St Benedict’s haunted … Read More

River Of Wrath (St Benedict #2) Review

Oh man, I absolutely loved this bananas sequel to River Of Ashes! A large part of this is probably due to the fact that we don’t have to live in the viewpoint of a psychopath, as we did in this novel’s precursor, but instead experience events from the perspectives of people struggling to come to terms with the terrible deaths … Read More

Lynchburg Reads – River of Wrath Review

After reading the first book — River of Ashes — I knew this was going to be one of my most anticipated reads for 2023. First and foremost, another outstanding cover that draws you into the darkness. Every time I look at it, something new stands out, capturing my attention. Stunning, haunting, and moving all in itself! It alone makes … Read More

River of Wrath – Interview with Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor

The Big Thrill caught up to the authors to learn more about their latest thriller, the second installment of the St. Benedict series, RIVER OF WRATH:No spoilers, but what can you tell us about your book that we won’t find in the jacket copy or the PR material?In RIVER OF WRATH, we find the after-effects of Beau’s cruelty. How the … Read More

Deliciously Disturbing and Addictive Sequel to ‘River of Ashes’

What’s it About?Big secrets are uncovered in a small town, where murder, deceit and dark pasts are found on a regular basis.Hardcore readers will understand when I say that every now and then we may stumble upon a book series that can only be described as literary crack. What happens on those occasions? Personally, I binge-read the series until I … Read More

Bram Stoker Awards Consideration

Dear HWA Members, This is a one-time e-mail being sent in accordance with the Bram Stoker Awards® Etiquette Rules to offer you a copy of River of Ashes (87,000 words, Aug 2, 2022, Vesuvian Books). “Uncomfortably brutal.” ~KirkusSome truths are better kept secret.Some secrets are better off dead. ALONG THE BANKS OF THE BOGUE FALAYA RIVER, sits the abandoned St. Francis … Read More

A Twisted Tale You Won’t Soon Forget

One of Apple’s Most Anticipated Books in Mysteries & Thrillers, River of Ashes is a Southern Gothic psychological thriller that is as unsettling as it is unforgettable. The story centers around the sleepy town of St. Benedict, Louisiana, situated along the Bogue Falaya River. On the weekends, the local high school students hang out at the river by an abandoned abbey. where … Read More

Fangirl Book Reviews: Stories to Sink Your Teeth Into

“RIVER OF ASHES” (ST. BENEDICT #1)BY ALEXANDREA WEIS AND LUCAS ASTORReview by Lindy RyanRelease Date: August 2, 2022 Publisher: Vesuvian Books Content warnings: rape, violence, bullying, and a psychopath’s POV.  Inspired in part by true events, River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is the first book in an adult series debut that follows a pair of twin sisters who unintentionally … Read More

Best Magazine Feature

Best Magazine — Issue 35Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor Vesuvian Books – £8.99A twisty, page-turning thriller that addresses strong social issues and dark family secrets. Filled with tension and Southern Gothic vibes, plus a terrifying bad guy in the form of psychopathic Beau, this is a strong start to a new series.Download Here

Twisted Retreat Horror Subscription Box Launches October

Melanie McKnight of Unplugged Book Box is launching her next passion project this Fall with Twisted Retreat, a monthly subscription box of horror and oddities for the twisted soul. Each month will be a retreat into the world of all things that go bump in the night. Boxes will contain a newly released horror title with an exclusive cover and … Read More