Broken Bayou by Jennifer Moorhead is a debut thriller, narrated by Sophie Amoss. I loved the Louisiana small-town setting and despite having downloaded the ebook; I welcomed an ARC of the audiobook. Suspenseful and atmospheric, you’ll want to grab a sweet tea and listen to this one!
by Jennifer Moorhead
Narrator: Sophie Amoss
Length: 10 hours and 18 minutes
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x
In this debut thriller, a troubled child psychologist returns to a small Louisiana town to protect her secrets but winds up having to protect her life.
Dr. Willa Watters is a prominent child psychologist at the height of her career. But when a viral video of a disastrous television interview puts her reputation on the line, Willa retreats to Broken Bayou, the town where she spent most of her childhood summers.
There she visits her aunts’ old house and discovers some of her troubled mother’s belongings still languishing in the attic—dusty mementos harboring secrets of her harrowing past. Willa’s hopes for a respite are quickly crushed, not only by what she finds in that attic but also by what’s been found in the bayou.
With waters dropping due to drought, mysterious barrels containing human remains have surfaced, alongside something else from Willa’s past, something she never thought she’d see again. Divers, police, and media flood the area, including a news reporter gunning for Willa and Travis Arceneaux—a local deputy and old flame.
Willa’s fate seems eerily tied to the murders. And with no one to trust, she must use her wits to stay above water and make it out alive.
This title was a June First Read selection with my prime membership and the synopsis and setting intrigued me. When I came across it on NetGalley, I decided to listen. I am so glad that I did. Sophie Amoss brought this atmospheric thriller to life. I found myself on edge and events unfolded and secrets from the past were revealed.
Dr. Willa Watters is a prominent child psychologist at the height of her career, when two things happen. First, she receives a letter from her aunt’s estate about items that belong to her mother that will need to be retrieved. Then, a television interview goes sideways when Dr. Watters has a meltdown and it goes viral. Unable to handle the humiliation of the video, she drives to Broken Bayou, Louisiana, to go through the contents in the attic.
When Willa arrives, she discovers that the town has a serial killer, as drums containing bodies surface, thanks to a prolonged drought. The bayou contains secrets, some Dr. Willa Watters doesn’t want found. The tale that unfolds was dark, suspenseful and filled with twists that held me in its thrall.
Perfectly paced, the author took us back to those summers spent in Broken Bayou with Willa’s aunts, mother and sister and to the dark things Willa has tried so hard to forget. But a shocking discovery in the attic may change everything Willa thought she knew.
I loved the mysteries wrapped in this, from the current events of a missing woman, to the barrels spanning decades and the current danger Willa faces. I loved the unknowing and the grip the suspense had on me. A must listen for fans of thrillers, mysteries and well drawn out stories that keep you up past your bedtime.
Sophie Amoss narrates and enhances this well-written tale, drawing on the suspense and colorful southern characters. I highly recommend listening. I’ll be watching for Jennifer Moorhead’s next novel.
*kindleunlimited
About Jennifer Moorhead
Jennifer graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Geaux Tigers! She has written and produced three indie short films that each made Top 20 at the Louisiana Film Prize and were awarded at festivals around the world. She lives in Louisiana with her husband, two needy golden doodles, one very un-needy shelter kitty, and a plethora of farm animals. Her grown daughters are off creating their own life stories. When she’s not writing, she’s photographing the swamps and winding trails in her backyard or she’s on a tennis court laughing and providing job security for her coach.
About Sophie Amoss
SOPHIE AMOSS is a New York–based Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator as well as a commercial and video game voice actor. She has brought her voice to World of Warcraft as well as several prominent brands.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
This sounds really good! Love the setting and the mix of mysteries. I haven’t come across this author before but I’m definitely going to have to try this one.
Nadene
I got a copy of it through Amazon First Reads as well. After reading your review, I knew I had to push it to the top of my list.
Diana @ Book of Secrets
Sounds intense and haunting, my kind of suspense! I chose this as my June First Read, and hopefully I can get to it soon.
Mary Kirkland
Oh those barrels would have been a horrible find.
Ethan
It sounds like Broken Bayou delivered on suspense and atmosphere, with a gripping plot and well-drawn characters!
Sophia Rose
I think I snagged this one for my First Reads, too. So glad you loved it this much.