Badlands by Gary Kruse
Genres: Thriller
Surf. Sand. Smugglers. Murder.</strong?
Willow has run as far as she can.
From her home.
From the friends she betrayed.
From the family who betrayed her.
From her own name.
But a cry for help will bring her back.
Back to face her family.
Back to face the sins of her past.
Back to face the darkness at the heart of Cornwall.In the search for her sister, Willow will face deception and betrayal, before she’ll find love – and herself. But will she uncover how close the enemy is, or will she become another victim of the Badlands?
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
Set in Wales, Badlands will keep you on the edge of your seat. Six years after Willow left her father’s house, she receives a coded text message from her sister Ellie. Now guilt-ridden, Willow returns to Wales to figure out what has happened. The story that unfolds from her return is twisted, thrilling, and well written.
Williow is a troubled woman who would have rather stayed where she was but went home and faced her past in order to find out what happened to her sister. That takes a strength many of us don’t have. Although there were times I didn’t like her, I think that was necessary for the story to unfold.
We also meet Raven, who is bitter and just cruel in the truest sense of the word. Ruby and Reverend Goddard are both worth mentioning as well, because they are such well-written characters. Of course, we have all these people set against the backdrop of beautiful Wales. The details of the country around Willow are described so beautifully that you can picture it as you read.
This is a story full of twists and turns and people with secrets. Willow can’t trust anyone, and just when you think you know what has happened to Ellie, you will be surprised. I do need to mention that this is violent at times. I know that can be a trigger for some. All in all, this was an amazing debut novel.
Judy Thomas says
The book blurb sent shivers up the back of my neck. I think I will really enjoy this one.
heather says
This one sounds super good and one that I would love to own. I really like the cover too.
CB says
I was looking for a good thriller to read. Will have to add this to my list. The blurb really made me want to pick it up!
Eva Millien says
My dad would love this one and I might just have to read it with him! Thanks for sharing your review and have an exceptional day!
Adriane says
I like it has twists and turns!
Linda Tice says
oh my goodness! now I HAVE to get this book!
Megan Allen says
I’m intrigued! I love a story like this one every once in a while. Thanks for sharing your review!
Bea LaRocca says
I saw Badlands yesterday on another blog and added it to my TBR, Thank you for sharing your awesome review of the book, it is a definite must read for me
Erin Ellis says
This sounds like a great book! I love a thriller with many twists and turns. Having multiple twists instead of one make a book so much more interesting to me.
Dawn Newberry says
You got me at “edge of your seat” Thank you for this review.
Brittany Gilley says
sounds like a thrilling read!
bn100 says
nice review
Diana Corlett says
Definitely intrigued! Off to look for this author/book asap!
Marisela Zuniga says
This sounds very interesting
Piroska says
This book sounds very intriguing. The cover adds to the mysterious vibeds.
CB says
Really like the title and cover as well!
Audrey Stewart says
Gary Kruse is a new author to me, but I love being introduced to them. I will certainly
give this book a read. Thanks to this blog for doing that. I saw several books on Goodreads that looked great.
Soozle (suzie b) says
This sounds like a wonderful book from the blurb! I love a great thriller
Barrie says
This sounds like an awesome thriller! I haven’t read one in years.
Megan Allen says
You’ve caught my interest. Adding to my tbr. Thanks for sharing!
Phyllis Huebbe says
This book caught my interest, ill have to read it.
Adriane says
Sounds like quite a thriller!
Phyllis Huebbe says
This sounds like a thriller I could get into.
Nichole says
Thank you for sharing a great review. Sounds like a book I would enjoy. I can’t wait to have a chance to read it.
Linda says
I’m looking forward to all the twists and turns in this book.
Phyllis Huebbe says
I love a good thriller,this one sounds good.