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Broken Bayou
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.
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.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2024
10561 people are currently reading
21534 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Moorhead
2 books299 followersJennifer Moorhead is the author of Amazon bestseller, BROKEN BAYOU. She has written and produced three indie short films which 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 yelling pause in mahjong or on a tennis court laughing and providing job security for her coach.
Her next thriller, POISON WOOD, releases on 10/28/25.
Her next thriller, POISON WOOD, releases on 10/28/25.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,826 reviews
June 2, 2024
This is a great debut novel for this author! It was exciting from the very first page. So many twists & turns.
A serial murderer is on the loose and the FMC is at the center of it due to some mistakes made in her own life.
There were so many times I thought the murderer was one person, then I would think it was another, then go back to my first guess. There were so many well written characters in this book.
This book also had me fully creeped out and my adrenaline pumping at points worried about what was going to happen. While I find a lot of thrillers interesting, not all thrillers can have that effect where you are actually scared. That shows how well this one was written.
I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Read for free from Amazon First Reads.
A serial murderer is on the loose and the FMC is at the center of it due to some mistakes made in her own life.
There were so many times I thought the murderer was one person, then I would think it was another, then go back to my first guess. There were so many well written characters in this book.
This book also had me fully creeped out and my adrenaline pumping at points worried about what was going to happen. While I find a lot of thrillers interesting, not all thrillers can have that effect where you are actually scared. That shows how well this one was written.
I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Read for free from Amazon First Reads.
June 6, 2024
Could have been so much better.
Received as a a Kindle First Read. It started out with a lot of promise. The writing seemed fine. The story line was a bit generic, which is okay, usually. I've read a lot of similar books and enjoyed the escapism but I just didn't like the MC at all. Or any of the other characters. The MC was full of angst, and a bit of an idiot. Immediately it bugged me that she spent summers in the town but didn't know how to dress or act around the locals. She was a bit full of herself. Walking around a swamp in silk shirt and kitten heels. The rest of the characters were too flat. To me it was obvious where it was headed. It was too long without much happening. At 65% I lost interest and skimmed to see how it ended. I will perhaps try other books by the author, but this one just wasn't for me.
Received as a a Kindle First Read. It started out with a lot of promise. The writing seemed fine. The story line was a bit generic, which is okay, usually. I've read a lot of similar books and enjoyed the escapism but I just didn't like the MC at all. Or any of the other characters. The MC was full of angst, and a bit of an idiot. Immediately it bugged me that she spent summers in the town but didn't know how to dress or act around the locals. She was a bit full of herself. Walking around a swamp in silk shirt and kitten heels. The rest of the characters were too flat. To me it was obvious where it was headed. It was too long without much happening. At 65% I lost interest and skimmed to see how it ended. I will perhaps try other books by the author, but this one just wasn't for me.
July 21, 2025
Set in southern Louisiana, the blurb for this book seemed to suggest a tale resembling something penned by James Lee Burke. And to an extent that’s exactly what it delivers. There are huge differences, of course: JLB’s tales are soaked in the lore of the place and the author’s love for it, but they’re also often abstruse, the narrative hard to follow; Moorhead’s novel provides some of the same atmosphere and sense of place, and yet despite it being a complex tale of historical misdeeds and present day angst, at heart it’s a more straightforward story.
Dr. Willamena (Willa) Pearl Watters is a child psychologist. She’s currently tortured by a disastrous television appearance, in which she became confused and, as a result, somewhat lost the plot. There’s also something in her past that she feels compelled to investigate and resolve. This combination lures her back to the small town in which she was raised, to a house owned by two, now deceased, aunts. There’s something there that is hidden and is demanding to be discovered. She is planning for it to be a short visit, and she’ll use this time to escape her present problems and emerse herself in the past.
We learn that she grew up with a bipolar mother and a younger sister she doted on. She’d spent a good deal of time at her aunts’ house – it was often an escape from the bad times at home, times when her mother was tough to be around. But the escape she was seeking quickly turns into a tortuous series of encounters with people from her past. Many seem to be aware of her televised disassembly, and it feels like she’s being taunted by them. There’s also an encounter with an ex-boyfriend, now a cop, and his spooky brothers. Very quickly, Willa realises she can’t wait to shut herself away in the house, to drink a bottle of cheap wine and decompress.
There’s also a second thread to this tale. The town has been invaded by the press and television media, as a result of a school teacher who’s gone missing and also a barrel that’s been discovered in the bayou. Human remains were discovered inside the barrel. Soon, more barrels are discovered, courtesy of a drought that’s affecting this area and is reducing the water level, causing the bayou to expose its secrets.
There are some wonderfully descriptive passages in this novel, as Willa wrestles with the challenges she currently faces and is plagued by elements of her early life, frankly things she’d rather completely block out of her mind. And yet there’s a sense that just too many issues are piling up for her personally, and with a bunch of others impacting this small town, all at the same time. It’s busy, very busy. I really think it could have all been paired back a little. A case of less would have been more.
It’s probably unfair to compare this novel to Burke’s work. JLB has been at it for many years, for time immemorial, it seems. This is Moorhead’s first novel. It’s a decent story, and it’s well told, too. Perhaps she’s stacked too much on the plate, but there really is an awful lot to enjoy here. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her next offering.
Dr. Willamena (Willa) Pearl Watters is a child psychologist. She’s currently tortured by a disastrous television appearance, in which she became confused and, as a result, somewhat lost the plot. There’s also something in her past that she feels compelled to investigate and resolve. This combination lures her back to the small town in which she was raised, to a house owned by two, now deceased, aunts. There’s something there that is hidden and is demanding to be discovered. She is planning for it to be a short visit, and she’ll use this time to escape her present problems and emerse herself in the past.
We learn that she grew up with a bipolar mother and a younger sister she doted on. She’d spent a good deal of time at her aunts’ house – it was often an escape from the bad times at home, times when her mother was tough to be around. But the escape she was seeking quickly turns into a tortuous series of encounters with people from her past. Many seem to be aware of her televised disassembly, and it feels like she’s being taunted by them. There’s also an encounter with an ex-boyfriend, now a cop, and his spooky brothers. Very quickly, Willa realises she can’t wait to shut herself away in the house, to drink a bottle of cheap wine and decompress.
There’s also a second thread to this tale. The town has been invaded by the press and television media, as a result of a school teacher who’s gone missing and also a barrel that’s been discovered in the bayou. Human remains were discovered inside the barrel. Soon, more barrels are discovered, courtesy of a drought that’s affecting this area and is reducing the water level, causing the bayou to expose its secrets.
There are some wonderfully descriptive passages in this novel, as Willa wrestles with the challenges she currently faces and is plagued by elements of her early life, frankly things she’d rather completely block out of her mind. And yet there’s a sense that just too many issues are piling up for her personally, and with a bunch of others impacting this small town, all at the same time. It’s busy, very busy. I really think it could have all been paired back a little. A case of less would have been more.
It’s probably unfair to compare this novel to Burke’s work. JLB has been at it for many years, for time immemorial, it seems. This is Moorhead’s first novel. It’s a decent story, and it’s well told, too. Perhaps she’s stacked too much on the plate, but there really is an awful lot to enjoy here. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her next offering.
October 11, 2024
In this captivating debut novel, Dr. Willa Watters makes her way back to the enigmatic town of Broken Bayou, LA. As a dedicated psychologist specializing in children with special needs, Willa's journey is both professional and deeply personal. Following the passing of her beloved aunt, she returns to her childhood home to collect cherished belongings. The narrative intricately weaves in the poignant struggles of her mother, who battles bipolar disorder and alcoholism, adding layers of depth to Willa's story.
Upon her arrival, the serene facade of Broken Bayou is shattered by a chilling discovery: skeletal remains of women are found hidden in barrels scattered around town. This unsettling revelation sets the stage for a gripping mystery that intends to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Amidst the turmoil, Willa rekindles a connection with her high school sweetheart, Travis, who has since become a town police officer. Their reunion adds a touch of romance and nostalgia, enriching the story with heartfelt moments.
While the blurb hinted at a whirlwind of action, the story itself held back much of its intensity until the very end. The pacing was swift, but the frequent shifts between present and past through Willa's reflections made it somewhat confusing. The sections detailing past abductions required a bit of re-reading due to their abrupt transitions. Overall, while the story had its moments, the execution could have been smoother.
At first, Willa's character seemed rather unlikable, particularly with her constant diagnosing of everyone in the small town. Despite some characters making silly decisions, I found myself genuinely liking many of them. Although I figured out the villain halfway through, which left me feeling somewhat indifferent, the story remained enjoyable.
Overall, I see great potential in the author's talent and would be interested in exploring her future works.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴 & 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤! 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
Upon her arrival, the serene facade of Broken Bayou is shattered by a chilling discovery: skeletal remains of women are found hidden in barrels scattered around town. This unsettling revelation sets the stage for a gripping mystery that intends to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Amidst the turmoil, Willa rekindles a connection with her high school sweetheart, Travis, who has since become a town police officer. Their reunion adds a touch of romance and nostalgia, enriching the story with heartfelt moments.
While the blurb hinted at a whirlwind of action, the story itself held back much of its intensity until the very end. The pacing was swift, but the frequent shifts between present and past through Willa's reflections made it somewhat confusing. The sections detailing past abductions required a bit of re-reading due to their abrupt transitions. Overall, while the story had its moments, the execution could have been smoother.
At first, Willa's character seemed rather unlikable, particularly with her constant diagnosing of everyone in the small town. Despite some characters making silly decisions, I found myself genuinely liking many of them. Although I figured out the villain halfway through, which left me feeling somewhat indifferent, the story remained enjoyable.
Overall, I see great potential in the author's talent and would be interested in exploring her future works.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴 & 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤! 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
May 31, 2024
In the bayou you never know what’s going to happen. I devoured this book in 1 day! I just had to know from the beginning what was the secret! I thought I figured it out I was wrong then I thought I figured it out again! I was wrong again!!! This book was jaw dropping the twists and turns phew! I felt like I held my breath the last 5 chapters!!!!
PRE ORDER THIS NOW!
PRE ORDER THIS NOW!
June 19, 2024
I like thrillers that aren’t formulaic and, even if they do embrace tropes, they do something with them that I haven’t really encountered before. That was not how things worked out in Broken Bayou. The story was pretty standard, following old, familiar patterns that failed to excite me.
No one can accuse this author of bland imagery, though. She clearly put a lot of thought into her descriptions, making it very easy to visualize each specific detail. I did think it was a bit overdone at times, but I appreciated the overall effort.
Moorhead included a lot of mental illness, developmental disorders, and neurological disabilities. Not only did I feel she went overboard with this, but the character she assigned each condition to basically became that condition. Their development was clinical and one dimensional. I do think she wanted to be sensitive, but I didn’t feel she went beyond a textbook study of how any of this should look in an actual human being.
I found the mystery too easy to solve. I identified the killer early on, and became increasingly annoyed with the attempts at misdirection. Speaking of this, when an author repeatedly tries to make the reader think someone else might be the bad guy, the author then eliminates that person as a suspect. With such a limited cast of characters, and an even smaller suspect pool since the killer’s gender is clear, I think it would have been wiser to make everyone look suspicious instead of focusing on one red herring. I imagine seasoned thriller readers will be able to pick up on what’s being concealed with ease. Despite this, Moorhead l did manage to maintain suspense, and I was invested enough to keep going so I’d know if my theory was correct.
There was another reveal, apart from the main mystery, that surfaced late in the story. I also saw this one coming a mile away. I’m sure this was, in part, because the same thing happened in another thriller I read recently, and it was obscured in a very similar way throughout the text. But it is also a part of that formulaic approach I previously mentioned. Executed well, I think it can be jaw dropping, but I’d still prefer to encounter more unique twists.
People make some truly ludicrous decisions in Broken Bayou, and the climax’s tension is contingent upon those decisions. The author clearly recognized the absurdity of it all, as she addresses applicable “What ifs?” before the novel ends, but I think not having characters do such irrational things in the first place would have been far more effective. There are other methods that can be used to create tension.
The final chapter, which is, for all intents and purposes, a prologue, wraps everything up with protracted explanations. The author again aimed to surprise the reader here with a hint of suspense, but it was another easy to identify revelation. I was quite ready for this story to be over at this point, so all of this aggravated me a lot.
Moorhead tried. I know she did, and I promise you that I feel bad for not liking her debut. I really wanted to rationalize three stars, but that just wasn’t my experience with it. I truly do think it will work a lot better for individuals who are newer to this particular genre.
I am immensely grateful to Brilliance Audio, Books Forward, and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
No one can accuse this author of bland imagery, though. She clearly put a lot of thought into her descriptions, making it very easy to visualize each specific detail. I did think it was a bit overdone at times, but I appreciated the overall effort.
Moorhead included a lot of mental illness, developmental disorders, and neurological disabilities. Not only did I feel she went overboard with this, but the character she assigned each condition to basically became that condition. Their development was clinical and one dimensional. I do think she wanted to be sensitive, but I didn’t feel she went beyond a textbook study of how any of this should look in an actual human being.
I found the mystery too easy to solve. I identified the killer early on, and became increasingly annoyed with the attempts at misdirection. Speaking of this, when an author repeatedly tries to make the reader think someone else might be the bad guy, the author then eliminates that person as a suspect. With such a limited cast of characters, and an even smaller suspect pool since the killer’s gender is clear, I think it would have been wiser to make everyone look suspicious instead of focusing on one red herring. I imagine seasoned thriller readers will be able to pick up on what’s being concealed with ease. Despite this, Moorhead l did manage to maintain suspense, and I was invested enough to keep going so I’d know if my theory was correct.
There was another reveal, apart from the main mystery, that surfaced late in the story. I also saw this one coming a mile away. I’m sure this was, in part, because the same thing happened in another thriller I read recently, and it was obscured in a very similar way throughout the text. But it is also a part of that formulaic approach I previously mentioned. Executed well, I think it can be jaw dropping, but I’d still prefer to encounter more unique twists.
People make some truly ludicrous decisions in Broken Bayou, and the climax’s tension is contingent upon those decisions. The author clearly recognized the absurdity of it all, as she addresses applicable “What ifs?” before the novel ends, but I think not having characters do such irrational things in the first place would have been far more effective. There are other methods that can be used to create tension.
The final chapter, which is, for all intents and purposes, a prologue, wraps everything up with protracted explanations. The author again aimed to surprise the reader here with a hint of suspense, but it was another easy to identify revelation. I was quite ready for this story to be over at this point, so all of this aggravated me a lot.
Moorhead tried. I know she did, and I promise you that I feel bad for not liking her debut. I really wanted to rationalize three stars, but that just wasn’t my experience with it. I truly do think it will work a lot better for individuals who are newer to this particular genre.
I am immensely grateful to Brilliance Audio, Books Forward, and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2024
Broken Bayou is author Jennifer Moorhead’s debut thriller. Protagonist Willa Watters, a child psychologist with a new book to promote, throws herself off the deep end during her first major television interview about the book. To escape the blowback, she returns to Broken Bayou, Louisiana where she spent many summers with her mother and sister in the home of a pair of now-dead aunts. Ostensibly, Watters is collecting a bunch of her mother’s memorabilia left the the aunts’ attic.
While there, as a drought drains the bayou, local police are finding oil barrels filled with the remains of women, the work of a serial killer. Almost daily, either barrels or old sunken vehicles are dredged up. Watters finds her past is dredged up as well.
The prose here is taut. Suspense and malevolence ooze from every page. Am amazing tense debut.
While there, as a drought drains the bayou, local police are finding oil barrels filled with the remains of women, the work of a serial killer. Almost daily, either barrels or old sunken vehicles are dredged up. Watters finds her past is dredged up as well.
The prose here is taut. Suspense and malevolence ooze from every page. Am amazing tense debut.
June 14, 2024
An absolutely wonderful debut thriller by Jennifer Moorhead not only captures Louisiana perfectly, but describes Willa's intense family tangle. Several unexpected twists as the deaths of her aunts cause Willa to revisit her own history, amidst an ever-escalating serial killer.
Aside: I love reading about Fort Worth as "the big city."
The protagonist uses her clinical psychological skills in several circumstances, yet is also quick (and humble) about how they aren't working for her.
Moorhead has poured her heart into this book, making it an engrossing read.
Highly, highly recommended.
Aside: I love reading about Fort Worth as "the big city."
The protagonist uses her clinical psychological skills in several circumstances, yet is also quick (and humble) about how they aren't working for her.
Moorhead has poured her heart into this book, making it an engrossing read.
Highly, highly recommended.
September 24, 2024
Dr. Willa Walters is a very successful child psychologist. After her career was almost ruined by a PTSD moment from her past, she returns to the place she grew up, Broken Bayou, to collect a box of her mother’s things. During a drought, things begin to be discovered under the water.
The writing here was good. Nothing wrong with that. But like a talented singer, stardom can never be achieved without original material.
I knew from the first introduction of the character that that person would be the killer. The whole thing was predictable. I kept feeling like I had read this book before. I suppose I have, in a way. It seemed like bits and pieces of every other thriller I have ever read. Two stars.
The writing here was good. Nothing wrong with that. But like a talented singer, stardom can never be achieved without original material.
I knew from the first introduction of the character that that person would be the killer. The whole thing was predictable. I kept feeling like I had read this book before. I suppose I have, in a way. It seemed like bits and pieces of every other thriller I have ever read. Two stars.
June 16, 2024
Writing seemed juvenile and cheesy. The main character was annoying. “Twists” weren’t really twists, motivation for the killer was weird and flat. Overall disappointing read.
July 1, 2024
'Broken Bayou' is Jennifer Moorhead's debut novel but you'd never guess that from the text. The book opens with an impressively smooth introduction to person, place and situation, all redolent with guilty secrets and locked-away memories that are eager to surface.
The story is mostly told using an interior monologue that is well-judged and engaging. I immediately got the sense of Dr Willa Walters as a woman who has created a persona that she had hoped would become a life but who is now in crisis. She's back in the small town of Broken Bayou, Louisiana, where she spent her childhood summers visiting her aunts. She's back because she needs to be, not because she wants to be. She knows her visit risks unlocking memories she's avoided for more than a decade but she needs to reclaim something from the house of her recently deceased aunts and she's in flight from a public debacle that could end her high-profile Fort Worth career as a podcast guru on child psychology.
In addition to engaging my interest in Willa's crisis, Jennifer Moorhead hooked my curiosity by providing hints that something bad was about to be uncovered in the town, Something that would make Willa's situation worse.
I liked the strong sense of place. The descriptions of the town and its people were vivid and cliché-free. They also set the context for plot and provided a tangible bridge to connect that present and the past.
There is a solid serial killer plot at the heart of this novel that is enhanced by approaching it not from the point of view of the killer or the cops hunting the killer but by approaching it sideways by having Willa reluctant stumble into the action.
The exposition of this story was perfectly paced to hook my curiosity, engage me with the main characters as people and slowly but inexorably crank up the tension. By the second half of the book, I was fascinated by watching Willa's past overwhelm her future so that her present became entirely about trying not to drown.
The final section of the book delivers a very tense and satisfying denouement that caught me completely by surprise but which made a great deal of sense.
I had fun with 'Broken Bayou'. I'll be watching for Jennifer Moorhead's next novel.
The story is mostly told using an interior monologue that is well-judged and engaging. I immediately got the sense of Dr Willa Walters as a woman who has created a persona that she had hoped would become a life but who is now in crisis. She's back in the small town of Broken Bayou, Louisiana, where she spent her childhood summers visiting her aunts. She's back because she needs to be, not because she wants to be. She knows her visit risks unlocking memories she's avoided for more than a decade but she needs to reclaim something from the house of her recently deceased aunts and she's in flight from a public debacle that could end her high-profile Fort Worth career as a podcast guru on child psychology.
In addition to engaging my interest in Willa's crisis, Jennifer Moorhead hooked my curiosity by providing hints that something bad was about to be uncovered in the town, Something that would make Willa's situation worse.
I liked the strong sense of place. The descriptions of the town and its people were vivid and cliché-free. They also set the context for plot and provided a tangible bridge to connect that present and the past.
There is a solid serial killer plot at the heart of this novel that is enhanced by approaching it not from the point of view of the killer or the cops hunting the killer but by approaching it sideways by having Willa reluctant stumble into the action.
The exposition of this story was perfectly paced to hook my curiosity, engage me with the main characters as people and slowly but inexorably crank up the tension. By the second half of the book, I was fascinated by watching Willa's past overwhelm her future so that her present became entirely about trying not to drown.
The final section of the book delivers a very tense and satisfying denouement that caught me completely by surprise but which made a great deal of sense.
I had fun with 'Broken Bayou'. I'll be watching for Jennifer Moorhead's next novel.
July 30, 2024
Broken Bayou has been on my TBR for awhile and it was an enjoyable read. It follows a famous children's mental health provider, Willa, as she returns to the town she spent her summers in to pick up some items that was left at her aunts' house after they pass away. Coincidently, in this small town, there seems to be women going missing and barrels being found in the bayou due to a draught. When Willa's mother's car is found in the bayou as well, she is forced to dig up old memories and have hard conversations with her mother about why they really stopped spending their summers in this town.
This has multiple layers to the storyline. Willa's relationship with her mother and sister, Willa's summer love and the story with his family, Willa's divorce scandal and the possible downfall of her career. It was a very good read and an easy pick for someone who may be in a reading slump.
Thank you Net Galley, Jennifer Moorhead, and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to review.
This has multiple layers to the storyline. Willa's relationship with her mother and sister, Willa's summer love and the story with his family, Willa's divorce scandal and the possible downfall of her career. It was a very good read and an easy pick for someone who may be in a reading slump.
Thank you Net Galley, Jennifer Moorhead, and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to review.
July 26, 2024
4.5⭐s
Wow, just when I thought I was in a slump.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. Even though the killer was obvious, I was still invested in the story. The free flowing writing made it an easy read and a page turner. A fantastic debut novel by Jennifer Moorhead.
Wow, just when I thought I was in a slump.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. Even though the killer was obvious, I was still invested in the story. The free flowing writing made it an easy read and a page turner. A fantastic debut novel by Jennifer Moorhead.
June 2, 2024
On the outside Willa seems like a child psychologist that has her life together, but all it takes is one viral moment for her world to implode. She has dark reasons for going back to her great aunt's house in Broken Bayou, and once she's there, more darkness unfolds.
Will is only tangentially related to what is uncovered as the waters recede, but she finds herself caught up in it anyway. I liked the fact that Willa, when uncovering some evidence, decides not to Scooby Doo it herself, but instead acts like a rational adult.
The author threw in some good red herrings, and the last few chapters were pretty intense (and a bit tough to read if you are claustrophobic).
Will is only tangentially related to what is uncovered as the waters recede, but she finds herself caught up in it anyway. I liked the fact that Willa, when uncovering some evidence, decides not to Scooby Doo it herself, but instead acts like a rational adult.
The author threw in some good red herrings, and the last few chapters were pretty intense (and a bit tough to read if you are claustrophobic).
June 10, 2024
A former resident, now a successful child psychologist, returns to her summer town in order to find something she has hidden previously and might now be incriminating. Her arrival coincides with discoveries of several murder victims housed in barrels submerged in the bayou, people who have been missing over the years. For a mystery to be successful, the author needs to present complex, relatable characters, protagonists, detectives, suspects, and even minor characters with depth and nuance, give them distinct personalities, motives, and secrets. Of tantamount importance is that readers be able to connect with or become invested in their journey. I never felt any kinship with any of the characters, and the story did not capture my attention at the level I would expect for a mystery.
July 23, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up - Amazon first reads and available on kindle unlimited
I was captivated by the storytelling of this book. The FMC Willa is a child psychologist with a secret past and I knew I needed to know what it was right away. Her past creeps into present day and my intrigue deepens. I love a good story of a person who escaped their past and then moves back home and has to confront that past. It reminded me slightly of sharp objects by Gillian Flynn. The twists twist the secrets are shocking and the grand reveal while not my absolute favorite made a lot of sense and wrapped up the story quite nicely.
Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNucrAtg/
I was captivated by the storytelling of this book. The FMC Willa is a child psychologist with a secret past and I knew I needed to know what it was right away. Her past creeps into present day and my intrigue deepens. I love a good story of a person who escaped their past and then moves back home and has to confront that past. It reminded me slightly of sharp objects by Gillian Flynn. The twists twist the secrets are shocking and the grand reveal while not my absolute favorite made a lot of sense and wrapped up the story quite nicely.
Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNucrAtg/
July 23, 2024
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. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
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. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 1, 2024
Lately I have read so many books where the main character is not likeable or relatable or just kind of an idiot. This is the case with the MC in this mystery, Dr. Willa Watters. She is returning to Broken Bayou, where there are a lot of secrets, many surrounding her and her dysfunctional mother and special needs sister. She is a child psychologist who does a lot of analyzing, which can be quite fascinating. However, some of her actions are just dumb, but maybe it that is what was intended based upon her past and how she had to grow up. I did stay interested throughout and did get to guess the killer, out of a couple of the suspects. I would like to see what else this author has as the premise was really good and the setting was perfect for what transpired.
June 5, 2024
This book was alright, really found it difficult to get into. The twist in the end didn’t really give me a shock factor as it would from the previous books I’ve read. It was quite obvious who it was going to be.
October 5, 2024
3.5 stars.
Child psychologist Willa Watters heads back to her home in Louisiana after receiving a letter stating that some of her mother's things were found in her recently deceased great-aunt's house. Memories from there are not good as her mother is bipolar and did wild things while raising her two daughters. But Willa is after some tapes that may be incriminating to them all. While there, she learns a drought is causing barrels to be discovered with bodies in them.
I like that Willa graduated from Baylor University, not far from me. Plus, having a serial killer in a book is one of my favorite story lines. For over half the book, I thought the story was pretty average, but by the end, I decided to raise my rating to a 4 since everything came together nicely and I liked the ending. This is a debut novel by the author and I'm sure she will continue to get better and better.
I received a Kindle copy of the book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Child psychologist Willa Watters heads back to her home in Louisiana after receiving a letter stating that some of her mother's things were found in her recently deceased great-aunt's house. Memories from there are not good as her mother is bipolar and did wild things while raising her two daughters. But Willa is after some tapes that may be incriminating to them all. While there, she learns a drought is causing barrels to be discovered with bodies in them.
I like that Willa graduated from Baylor University, not far from me. Plus, having a serial killer in a book is one of my favorite story lines. For over half the book, I thought the story was pretty average, but by the end, I decided to raise my rating to a 4 since everything came together nicely and I liked the ending. This is a debut novel by the author and I'm sure she will continue to get better and better.
I received a Kindle copy of the book in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 16, 2024
Thanks Amazon First Reads, this was a terrific debut book for this author. Looking forward to future books of hers.
My unique thoughts for this book.
What did this book have to say about intimacy?
The intimacy takes us back in time in Willa and Travis teenage years. Willa tried revisiting h that intimacy 20 years later with no success. We now know why, don’t we!
My unique thoughts for this book.
What did this book have to say about intimacy?
The intimacy takes us back in time in Willa and Travis teenage years. Willa tried revisiting h that intimacy 20 years later with no success. We now know why, don’t we!
June 13, 2024
This book had me on the edge of my seat. I loved it from the first chapter. But I love a good southern book and when it has crime and a twist that makes it even better.
August 2, 2024
It's not often that a mystery totally dupes me but Broken Bayou succeeded and I enjoyed it all the more for it!
This was a great mystery involving Willa, a child psychologist, who returns to the small town where she spent her childhood summers. Returning sparks up old memories - good, but mostly bad - and when barrels start emerging from the bayou with human remains, secrets from her childhood come crashing back. Thrills, chills, and mystery abound in this page turner and I didn't want to put it down.
I liked all the different storylines, unique characters, and the setting. Broken Bayou was almost a character in and of itself and I could picture the town collapsing in on itself between the drought and the devastation of the barrels.
I'm impressed that this is a debut. It was well written, well paced, and had a complex but tidy plot. I highly recommend!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads and Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
This was a great mystery involving Willa, a child psychologist, who returns to the small town where she spent her childhood summers. Returning sparks up old memories - good, but mostly bad - and when barrels start emerging from the bayou with human remains, secrets from her childhood come crashing back. Thrills, chills, and mystery abound in this page turner and I didn't want to put it down.
I liked all the different storylines, unique characters, and the setting. Broken Bayou was almost a character in and of itself and I could picture the town collapsing in on itself between the drought and the devastation of the barrels.
I'm impressed that this is a debut. It was well written, well paced, and had a complex but tidy plot. I highly recommend!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads and Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
October 8, 2024
Slightly predictable but a solid psychological thriller.
June 21, 2024
Boy, the book grabs you with its hooks and reels you in for a ride! I loved it! I can’t believe it’s a debut novel. This author has a long writing career ahead of her! It starts with the protagonist, Willa, traveling back to her great-aunts’ gone to retrieve some of her Mother’s possessions. And, boy, does she have a good reason! Willa has a very troubled childhood and has broken those ties to become a published child psychologist. Unfortunately she went berserk on a live, national interview, and we do eventually find out why! But, it gets worse! While staying at her great-aunts’ home, barrels of dead women keep popping up in this small, sleepy town! And Willa also holds a childhood secret that might be connected. At any rate, it might put her in a heap of trouble. Good thing her old boyfriend is a cop! Have I given you an appetite to read this book yet? It is excellent! I don’t understand how anyone could give any less than 4 stars. It’s a solid 5 for me! Support this debut author. I learned about it as an Amazon Prime First Reads selection!
October 20, 2024
"Broken Bayou" marks Jennifer Moorhead's first foray into the world of thrillers, and it’s an absolute page-turner. As someone who relishes gripping psychological suspense, I found myself completely absorbed in this moody and evocative tale. While Moorhead's writing might not yet be flawless, it certainly hints at great potential for a debut author.
The narrative centre’s around Dr. Willa Watters, a child psychologist whose professional life is in ruins following a viral video fiasco. She escapes to Broken Bayou, the childhood summer retreat, only to unearth a tangled web of long-buried family secrets and new threats. The premise grabbed me right off the bat—who doesn’t enjoy a good "return to hometown, uncover dark past" storyline? Moorhead delivers on this promise with moments that are genuinely spine-tingling.
The book's pace is somewhat inconsistent, to be honest. The first half leisurely sets the scene, as Willa explores her aunts' old house and sifts through her troubled mother’s possessions. However, when those mysterious barrels emerge in the drought-stricken bayou, the story ramps up and becomes a real nail-biter.
The story revolves around Willa’s battle to uncover the truth while fighting for her survival. Travis Arceneaux, the local deputy and a former flame, adds an intriguing layer to her struggles. Some plot twists are a bit predictable, but others I honestly didn’t see coming .
If you're in the mood for a thriller that combines psychological depth with classic suspense, "Broken Bayou" might just be what you're looking for. It's not without its flaws, but it's a promising debut for Jennifer Moorhead. I'll definitely be on the lookout for her next novel.
The narrative centre’s around Dr. Willa Watters, a child psychologist whose professional life is in ruins following a viral video fiasco. She escapes to Broken Bayou, the childhood summer retreat, only to unearth a tangled web of long-buried family secrets and new threats. The premise grabbed me right off the bat—who doesn’t enjoy a good "return to hometown, uncover dark past" storyline? Moorhead delivers on this promise with moments that are genuinely spine-tingling.
The book's pace is somewhat inconsistent, to be honest. The first half leisurely sets the scene, as Willa explores her aunts' old house and sifts through her troubled mother’s possessions. However, when those mysterious barrels emerge in the drought-stricken bayou, the story ramps up and becomes a real nail-biter.
The story revolves around Willa’s battle to uncover the truth while fighting for her survival. Travis Arceneaux, the local deputy and a former flame, adds an intriguing layer to her struggles. Some plot twists are a bit predictable, but others I honestly didn’t see coming .
If you're in the mood for a thriller that combines psychological depth with classic suspense, "Broken Bayou" might just be what you're looking for. It's not without its flaws, but it's a promising debut for Jennifer Moorhead. I'll definitely be on the lookout for her next novel.
June 3, 2024
Amazing from start to finish.
I cannot wait to read more from Jennifer Morehead. This novel was well written, had a very interesting set of characters and kept me riveted until the very surprise ending. I highly recommend to anyone that appreciates an easy read that is hard to put down.
I cannot wait to read more from Jennifer Morehead. This novel was well written, had a very interesting set of characters and kept me riveted until the very surprise ending. I highly recommend to anyone that appreciates an easy read that is hard to put down.
January 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this mystery thriller set in a small town in Louisiana. A podcaster returns home after her aunt's die, and she gets embroiled with a crime that happened decades ago. There are lots of twists and turns, red herrings, and the final chapter was a surprise to me. I didn't guess it.
June 3, 2024
Absolutely fabulous debut novel that kept me up reading into the early morning hours! Lots of twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat!
June 21, 2024
Dr. Willa Watters is a respected child psychologist whose career is soaring—-until she melts down on national TV. Her career unraveling and hoping to drop out of sight while things cool down, she heads to Broken Bayou, LA and the home of her two deceased aunts to retrieve several boxes of her mother’s long-abandoned belongings. Boxes that contain family mementos, and secrets. What follows is a tale of two very dysfunctional families, long buried secrets, and an old flame for whom Willa harbors dormant feelings. When barrels begin to surface in the bayou, each containing human remains, Willa is dragged into a multi-decade mystery, placing her in harms way. This story is filled with great characters, a fast-paced and intriguing plot, and a climax that will make you breathless. Highly recommended.
DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series
DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series
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