The Ainsworth Killings of 1879

by J.L. Willow

Missouri, 1879. Levi Oakley and his younger brother live on their father’s farm in the small town of Ainsworth. Their simple lives are suddenly uprooted when one of their classmates is brutally killed – and Levi finds himself under suspicion. To convince the town of his innocence, the boy must hunt down the real culprit and uncover what truly happened that fateful night. He soon realizes, however, that whoever he’s searching for is far more dangerous than he initially believed. And with his father’s continued insistence that he stay away from the ominous woods bordering the farm, Levi begins to wonder whether a murderer on the loose is the only thing he should be scared of.

188 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2024

About the author

J. L. Willow is the author of several works including the Amazon bestselling novel Missing Her. She graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Engineering Management. While she spends her days working in her field of study, her nights are spent dreaming up new thrilling (and often horrifying) tales.

Reviews

[J.L. Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is live!! Thank you for all the love for my newest novel, I can’t wait for you all to uncover the truth 🪦🌾

[Kali M · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRUHHHHHHH

[P Bagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I honestly explain what this book put me through? I don’t know why but I expected a happy ending, I think maybe that has to do with the fact that that is usually what you see in most books. I did have to keep reminding myself that this book takes place in 1879 and that is why the schoolhouse is small, and the jailhouse has like 3 rooms.

It was a very very good read and I highly recommend anyone who is interested in any sort of thriller/horror books to check it out.

**I received a copy of this book for an honest review**

[unapologetically_sassy_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

read if you like
🦋Historical reads
🦋thriller/suspense
🦋murder mystery
🦋short and spooky
🦋horror
This book gripped me from the very first page till the last. The characters instantly built a home in my heart. Levi and Austin - are absolute sweethearts. This historical, thrilling horror is jam-packed with twists and turns that kept me on edge the whole time. I'm still reeling from that ending. The world-building is top-notch, painting a spooky picture that's hard to forget. I definitely recommend it!

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

First time author and hoping to read more this was a short book but very detailed on a historical fiction based horror

[Kimberly Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the actual hell did I just read? I was thinking it was cool and there wasn't going to be this glory little thing but man I was wrong. Levi, man, I'm so sorry for everything you went through but damn that story was so good.

As always, I love J.L Willow's writing and I am so thankful that she thought of me when she was sending out ARCs. The book may feel a but slow but everything adds up in the best way and it is worth it to the end.

I finished most of it in one day. It was a good, traumatizing quick read. I mean all of this in the best way. All hurt, no comfort.

[Andrea VanRyken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling, edge-of-your-seat chiller. Twists and turns I didn't expect, compelling characters, and an all-around great plot. Loved the visceral details as readers are left guessing who or what the monster is until the end.

I recommend it to anyone looking for a great horror story!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book by J. L. Willow. I couldn't read it at night because it became part of my dreams. I was on edge til the end.

[Shannon Pinizzotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had me STRESSED. OUT. I could not turn the pages fast enough, and felt like I was second guessing who I thought the killer was after every conversation that Levi, the main character, had in the book. Definitely was not expecting that ending at all. So good!!!!

[Ashley Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a quick read that kept me on the edge of my seat from the Prologue. The anticipation of what was unfolding kept me intrigued and wanting to investigate further. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. This was a great rollercoaster of a ride!

If you’re looking for a mystery guaranteed to keep you guessing, look no further!!

[Kelly Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me on the edge of my seat! Grim, gruesome, morbid, and absolutely devastating!

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, especially the ending, had my stressed in the best way possible. An addicting and quick read that will keep you on your toes from start to finish.