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Book Review of Don't Fear the Reaper (2) (The Lake Witch Trilogy)

Don't Fear the Reaper (2) (The Lake Witch Trilogy)
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All our times have come
Here, but now they're gone

Stephen Graham Jones started off the Indian Lake Trilogy in 2022 with the wicked and witty "My Heart is a Chainsaw." Referencing a whole slew of slasher movie plots and featuring an unforgettable Jade Daniels character, the book was exciting, original, and of course, blood soaked. This year brings us "Don't Fear the Reaper," the second installment.

Jade returns to the scene of Chainsaw's carnage, her hometown of Proofrock. She now goes under the name of Jennifer Daniels, it was clear that she couldn't go on being associated with the bloodbath of the past. An escaped serial killer, Dark Mill South, has also arrived in town with a bloodlust fueled by, among other motivations, the execution of thirty-six Dakota men signed off by Abraham Lincoln. Tomorrow is Friday the Thirteenth and the table is set.

I enjoyed Chainsaw, particularly the Jade Daniels portrayal. This one seemed labored, however. There were too many POV's, too many bleh characters, and not enough buy in by Jade / Jennifer. Looking at other reviews I see many readers loved this one more than the first, so maybe I just did not catch the fever. I will be looking forward to the finale of this trilogy, hoping it captures some of the spark of Chainsaw.

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