Book Review: The Laughing Dead (Steinbeck and Reed, #3)
When I first encountered The Laughing Dead by Jess Lourey, I was immediately hooked by the evocative cover and the eerie premise. As a fan of gripping suspense and complex characters, the idea of multiple murder investigations intertwined with a chilling cold case had my heart racing with anticipation. After being introduced to the series through a recommendation from my goodreads buddy Kristy, I didn’t just read this book; I devoured it! It earned an easy 5 stars from me—this series never disappoints.
At its heart, The Laughing Dead dives deep into a web of secrets, both old and new. Evangeline “Van” Reed, our fiercely determined protagonist, is called to a crime scene that resonates eerily with a cold case from the 1980s. The discovery of a victim with that same horror-movie grin brings back haunting memories of three girls found decades ago. As she navigates the sea of suspects and motives, Van finds herself not only racing against time but also battling her own demons—her insomnia spirals out of control, creating a gripping portrayal of a woman on the edge. This psychological aspect, paired with her “woo woo” visions, adds a compelling layer that heightens the tension throughout the narrative.
Jess Lourey’s writing style is as brisk and engaging as ever, with dialogue that sparkles and moments that will have you gasping. There are plenty of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, which made reading this a thrilling ride. I loved the evolution of Van’s character, and watching her grapple with both external threats and internal turmoil gave me a deeper appreciation for her. The supporting cast—especially Harry, the ultimate gentleman with his nerdy charm, and Owl the dog, who steals every scene—creates a vivid tapestry of personalities that makes the world feel so rich.
I found the blend of supernatural elements—despite the initial hesitance these might provoke—surprisingly delightful. Lourey manages to skirt the line of eerie without diving headfirst into traditional ghost storytelling. The “woo” adds an intriguing aspect to the otherwise chilling mystery. Some may argue it crosses into the realm of the bizarre, but for me? It’s just enough to enhance the creep factor without overwhelming the primary narrative.
Reflecting on the culmination of storylines was incredibly satisfying. Long-standing questions about Frank and various character arcs reached satisfying conclusions, which made the overall experience profoundly rewarding. I found myself shaking my head in awe at Lourey’s artistry; the way breadcrumbs were planted throughout the series led to a feast of revelations that left me fulfilled.
If you’re looking for engaging characters, mind-bending plot twists, and a sprinkling of supernatural intrigue, you’re going to want to pick up this book. Just a word of advice: don’t start here if you haven’t read the previous installments. The Laughing Dead is best enjoyed as a part of this series, and trust me, you’ll want to experience it all!
Even after this thrilling installment, I find myself yearning for more stories from Jess Lourey. There are so many avenues left unexplored, so here’s hoping we continue to see Van and her companions long into the future. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Thomas and Mercer for providing this ARC—it made my week!
If you love a good mystery with a touch of the uncanny, The Laughing Dead is calling your name. Go on, treat yourself, and don’t forget to start from the beginning. This series deserves every ounce of your time.
Discover more about The Laughing Dead (Steinbeck and Reed, #3) on GoodReads >>