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There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek
"The Hugos have run Hugo Creek for thirty years, and that boy's been rotten to the core for almost as long."
At a solitary farm out on the plains of Texas, south of Abilene, a posse led by Rollie Hugo inflicts a shocking act of violence on the Haney family. The matriarch of the Haneys -what's left of them- is Alice: she's in her fifties, a first-generation Chinese immigrant. She soon finds that justice is not going to be easy to come by, and so she sets out alone on a bloody path to vengeance.
What she finds in Hugo Creek is a fiefdom cut off from the world. Where deserters have their hearts ripped out, and the eviscerations are attributed to a ghostly figure that walks the mining camp at night. To have any hope of avenging her murdered husband, Alice must break the fearful spell -or shatter the clever illusion- that binds the town. And that means first unraveling the mystery of the Bleeding Woman…
At a solitary farm out on the plains of Texas, south of Abilene, a posse led by Rollie Hugo inflicts a shocking act of violence on the Haney family. The matriarch of the Haneys -what's left of them- is Alice: she's in her fifties, a first-generation Chinese immigrant. She soon finds that justice is not going to be easy to come by, and so she sets out alone on a bloody path to vengeance.
What she finds in Hugo Creek is a fiefdom cut off from the world. Where deserters have their hearts ripped out, and the eviscerations are attributed to a ghostly figure that walks the mining camp at night. To have any hope of avenging her murdered husband, Alice must break the fearful spell -or shatter the clever illusion- that binds the town. And that means first unraveling the mystery of the Bleeding Woman…
- GenresHorrorHistorical Fiction
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3987 people want to read
About the author
Lumen Reese
15 books131 followersWriter of science fiction, fantasy, horror and contemporary fiction from Michigan.
I think a story should be entertaining, but should handle social and class issues in order to be an accurate portrayal of our world. I value honest resolution over shock-value, and happy endings wherever possible, especially for my LGBT characters. None of my books will ever use artificial intelligence, because AI is theft. You can find me on Instagram @ZoominLumen
Or follow me on Goodreads for announcements.
The Crocus Trilogy will continue in 2025 with Book Two: THE GRAVEDIGGER KNIGHT & THE SAILOR OF ENDLESS SEAS.
And the Honoré Sloane series will continue in 2026 with: TWO SPARROWS FOR A PENNY.
Also coming in 2026: RED RIVER; a southern-gothic horror.
I think a story should be entertaining, but should handle social and class issues in order to be an accurate portrayal of our world. I value honest resolution over shock-value, and happy endings wherever possible, especially for my LGBT characters. None of my books will ever use artificial intelligence, because AI is theft. You can find me on Instagram @ZoominLumen
Or follow me on Goodreads for announcements.
The Crocus Trilogy will continue in 2025 with Book Two: THE GRAVEDIGGER KNIGHT & THE SAILOR OF ENDLESS SEAS.
And the Honoré Sloane series will continue in 2026 with: TWO SPARROWS FOR A PENNY.
Also coming in 2026: RED RIVER; a southern-gothic horror.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 26, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. However, I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one.
The book starts out on violent, bloody, and rage inducing notes. I felt compelled to keep reading just so I could see justice be served. I was not disappointed at all. The setting and time period of this book was also one I enjoyed. I don't think I've read Western horror before, I enjoyed it.
I loved the characters and the chemistry between Alice and Chicory. Oh, and can I just say how happy I am with the way Alice's character was crafted. I love strong, determined, independent, witty FMCs. Alice hit all those notes for me. I enjoyed the lore, the supernatural elements, the poignancy. It really was an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed watching these evil men reap what they sow. It was satisfying and visceral, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Written well and even quotable at times. This is one I won't be forgetting anytime soon.
Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing and Lumen Reese for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
The book starts out on violent, bloody, and rage inducing notes. I felt compelled to keep reading just so I could see justice be served. I was not disappointed at all. The setting and time period of this book was also one I enjoyed. I don't think I've read Western horror before, I enjoyed it.
I loved the characters and the chemistry between Alice and Chicory. Oh, and can I just say how happy I am with the way Alice's character was crafted. I love strong, determined, independent, witty FMCs. Alice hit all those notes for me. I enjoyed the lore, the supernatural elements, the poignancy. It really was an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed watching these evil men reap what they sow. It was satisfying and visceral, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Written well and even quotable at times. This is one I won't be forgetting anytime soon.
Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing and Lumen Reese for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2025
I should’ve known that this book was gonna be absolutely amazing and a find new favorite author after looking at the dedication dedicating this book to Luigi Mangione haha!! Absolutely love it. I’m really enjoying the resurgence of horror western. I’ll literally eat up anyone that I see. If you’re a fan of westerns or horror or even haven’t even tried this genre I highly recommend to read this book as a starter. The character development, the topic that are tackled in the book just so so good. I can’t wait to get a physical copy of this. Comes out sept5.
May 18, 2025
5 ⭐️ - Alice Leizu Zhou-Haney seeks justice for her small family after tragedy in the brutal southwest. She must conspire with old friends, unlikely alliances and peculiar connections in order to bring peace to Hugo Creek and herself.
What I liked:
- Alice has a take-no-sh*t personality, and she knows exactly who she is and what’s important to her. Her motivations and decisions are clear throughout the story, and she is a very likable main character.
- I liked the setting so much & could envision every single element of this location. I grew up in a small town that had once been a mining town, and this felt like reading a wild-west story from home.
- There was enough paranormal elements to be eerie and give you chills without being overly done and gimmicky.
-I grew up on Westerns thanks to my family and my hometown, however western horror is relatively new to me. There’s Something Wrong in Hugo Creek has unlocked a new love for me!
What I did not like:
-Genuinely, there wasn’t a thing I didn’t like. I do wish, however, that there had been an afterward or a “one year later” because I did want to see all of the loose ends neatly tied up.
Thank you NetGalley & Victory Editing for this ARC!
What I liked:
- Alice has a take-no-sh*t personality, and she knows exactly who she is and what’s important to her. Her motivations and decisions are clear throughout the story, and she is a very likable main character.
- I liked the setting so much & could envision every single element of this location. I grew up in a small town that had once been a mining town, and this felt like reading a wild-west story from home.
- There was enough paranormal elements to be eerie and give you chills without being overly done and gimmicky.
-I grew up on Westerns thanks to my family and my hometown, however western horror is relatively new to me. There’s Something Wrong in Hugo Creek has unlocked a new love for me!
What I did not like:
-Genuinely, there wasn’t a thing I didn’t like. I do wish, however, that there had been an afterward or a “one year later” because I did want to see all of the loose ends neatly tied up.
Thank you NetGalley & Victory Editing for this ARC!
April 20, 2025
Lumen Reese was able to create a unique western horror novel, it had that elmeent that I wanted and enjoyed in this type of book. The characters worked well in this setting and was engaged with the fact that a woman is the main focus on this storyline. I was engaged with what was happening and enjoyed the supernatural element to this book. Lumen Reese has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2025
There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek exceeded my expectations tremendously. The main character is a 50 year-old Chinese-American woman, Alice Haney/Zhao Leizu, living in Texas in the 19th century. I've always loved Westerns, and Reese manages to blend the unique and jaded voice of her protagonist seamlessly with the more traditional aspects of the Western genre.
The plot follows Alice after the murder of her husband and sexual assault of her daughter, who were killed by Rollie Hugo and his sycophants. Alice seeks justice, but is unable to secure it legally due to the Hugo's dominance over Hugo Creek. She allies with childhood friend and Texas Ranger Chicory to pursue vengeance against the Hugos, and unravel the mystery surrounding Hugo Creek and the Bleeding Woman.
Reese's take on the revenge narrative is refreshing. Alice doesn't allow herself to be consumed by her need to destroy the Hugos, but she is also unwavering in her desire for retribution. Even as she stalks them, gathering information, she allows herself to reform her relationship with Chicory and heals from the death of her husband, giving a much more nuanced take than the "revenge bad" idea that we see so often.
My only criticism is the lack of closure, we never see the aftermath of this quest, or where the characters ended up. An ambiguous ending isn't usually a negative trait, but there are several loose story threads that are never tied together in the end, most notably the fate of Alice's daughter, who is somewhat abruptly written out of the story.
Overall, There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek is one of my favorite reads this year, and I would consider it a must-read fans of the Mystery/Western genre.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and made voluntarily.
The plot follows Alice after the murder of her husband and sexual assault of her daughter, who were killed by Rollie Hugo and his sycophants. Alice seeks justice, but is unable to secure it legally due to the Hugo's dominance over Hugo Creek. She allies with childhood friend and Texas Ranger Chicory to pursue vengeance against the Hugos, and unravel the mystery surrounding Hugo Creek and the Bleeding Woman.
Reese's take on the revenge narrative is refreshing. Alice doesn't allow herself to be consumed by her need to destroy the Hugos, but she is also unwavering in her desire for retribution. Even as she stalks them, gathering information, she allows herself to reform her relationship with Chicory and heals from the death of her husband, giving a much more nuanced take than the "revenge bad" idea that we see so often.
My only criticism is the lack of closure, we never see the aftermath of this quest, or where the characters ended up. An ambiguous ending isn't usually a negative trait, but there are several loose story threads that are never tied together in the end, most notably the fate of Alice's daughter, who is somewhat abruptly written out of the story.
Overall, There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek is one of my favorite reads this year, and I would consider it a must-read fans of the Mystery/Western genre.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is my own opinion and made voluntarily.
May 29, 2025
The description of this book immediately grabbed my attention—it felt fresh and different, and I was in the mood for something new.
Alice, a first-generation Chinese American, suffers a devastating tragedy involving her family on their secluded farm near the eerie town of Hugo Creek. After Rollie Hugo inflicts unimaginable pain on her, Alice sets out on a relentless quest for revenge. She enlists the help of Chicory, an old friend who will stop at nothing to help her get justice. But vengeance won’t come easy. Hugo Creek is a strange, unsettling place—cut off from the outside world, where people arrive but never seem to leave. To uncover the truth and get the revenge she seeks, Alice must unravel the dark secrets at the heart of this mysterious town. Is the terror caused by the ghostly bleeding woman? A powerful, corrupt family pulling the strings? Or something even darker?
The story hooked me from the first page. The action kicks off right away, and I was immediately drawn into Alice’s fury and grief—I wanted to see her succeed. The emotional depth really shines, especially in Alice’s fierce love for her family and her determination to do right by her daughter and husband. Her relationship with Chicory adds moments of levity that balance the darkness, giving the story a surprisingly tender edge.
This was a fast-paced and unique read—a refreshing departure from my usual picks. Reese blends light horror and ghostly elements with a gritty, suspenseful thriller. I finished it in under 24 hours and thoroughly enjoyed every moment!
Alice, a first-generation Chinese American, suffers a devastating tragedy involving her family on their secluded farm near the eerie town of Hugo Creek. After Rollie Hugo inflicts unimaginable pain on her, Alice sets out on a relentless quest for revenge. She enlists the help of Chicory, an old friend who will stop at nothing to help her get justice. But vengeance won’t come easy. Hugo Creek is a strange, unsettling place—cut off from the outside world, where people arrive but never seem to leave. To uncover the truth and get the revenge she seeks, Alice must unravel the dark secrets at the heart of this mysterious town. Is the terror caused by the ghostly bleeding woman? A powerful, corrupt family pulling the strings? Or something even darker?
The story hooked me from the first page. The action kicks off right away, and I was immediately drawn into Alice’s fury and grief—I wanted to see her succeed. The emotional depth really shines, especially in Alice’s fierce love for her family and her determination to do right by her daughter and husband. Her relationship with Chicory adds moments of levity that balance the darkness, giving the story a surprisingly tender edge.
This was a fast-paced and unique read—a refreshing departure from my usual picks. Reese blends light horror and ghostly elements with a gritty, suspenseful thriller. I finished it in under 24 hours and thoroughly enjoyed every moment!
September 6, 2025
Now, let’s talk cover art. They say a book’s cover sells it, even for indie titles, but I have to be honest: I’m not a fan of this one. It feels overly polished, a touch too AI-generated for my taste—maybe I’m just a relic of a bygone era where grit and dust were the norm. Who knows? I might be too long in the tooth for this sleek nonsense.
In the world of Westerns, the hero is often a rugged male archetype, but here, we’re graced with the fiery spirit of Alice Haney (or Zhao Leizu), a Chinese American woman who takes center stage at fifty-plus. That in itself made me smile; as someone with Haney ancestry, it was a delight to see that name pop up in between pages. I approached this knowing it was a horror story set against a Western backdrop and was pleasantly surprised by how Reese wove that delicate balance—far from the cliché '80s paperback Westerns, it exuded a fresh, authentic vibe.
The narrative is dripping with revenge and dark themes, starting off with a bang and maintaining an intense pace throughout. Alice is not merely a character in this tale; she’s an embodiment of resilience and fury, deftly brought to life in a character-driven story that I savored deeply. And that ambiguous ending? It might leave some scratching their heads, but it resonated with me. Not that it matters, right? I’ve come to accept my own brand of weird. Just kidding—sort of...
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/...
In the world of Westerns, the hero is often a rugged male archetype, but here, we’re graced with the fiery spirit of Alice Haney (or Zhao Leizu), a Chinese American woman who takes center stage at fifty-plus. That in itself made me smile; as someone with Haney ancestry, it was a delight to see that name pop up in between pages. I approached this knowing it was a horror story set against a Western backdrop and was pleasantly surprised by how Reese wove that delicate balance—far from the cliché '80s paperback Westerns, it exuded a fresh, authentic vibe.
The narrative is dripping with revenge and dark themes, starting off with a bang and maintaining an intense pace throughout. Alice is not merely a character in this tale; she’s an embodiment of resilience and fury, deftly brought to life in a character-driven story that I savored deeply. And that ambiguous ending? It might leave some scratching their heads, but it resonated with me. Not that it matters, right? I’ve come to accept my own brand of weird. Just kidding—sort of...
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/...
May 4, 2025
I've been absolutely loving the resurgence of western horror these past few years. And this novella is right up there with it's atmosphere setting, strong characters, and a bloody revenge tale.
One fateful day, Alice watches as a group of men murder her husband and sexually assault her married daughter. She vows vengeance and nothing will stop her from getting it. Calling upon a lifelong friend, former lawman and gunslinger, they find themselves in a small town run by a callous, viscious family, the Hugos. They own everything and won't allow people to leave, using the men as miners with very little pay and horrible living conditions.
Anyone who crosses them is killed and have their hearts cut out. The Hugos blame these deaths on a ghostly bleeding lady and they say only they can contain her bloodlust.
Alice and her partner now have to find a way to get to the truth, make others see it, and rescue the town from these evil men. And killing them all is the plan, exacting her revenge.
But the bleeding woman is very real and she too is looking for payback. Is she friend or foe?
This is a really good revenge story with a supernatural twist. The setting is fantastic and gives all of those wild west vibes. The characters, likewise, exude that feeling of a hard led life with plenty of horses, drinking, and guns to go around.
I highly recommend this one. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
One fateful day, Alice watches as a group of men murder her husband and sexually assault her married daughter. She vows vengeance and nothing will stop her from getting it. Calling upon a lifelong friend, former lawman and gunslinger, they find themselves in a small town run by a callous, viscious family, the Hugos. They own everything and won't allow people to leave, using the men as miners with very little pay and horrible living conditions.
Anyone who crosses them is killed and have their hearts cut out. The Hugos blame these deaths on a ghostly bleeding lady and they say only they can contain her bloodlust.
Alice and her partner now have to find a way to get to the truth, make others see it, and rescue the town from these evil men. And killing them all is the plan, exacting her revenge.
But the bleeding woman is very real and she too is looking for payback. Is she friend or foe?
This is a really good revenge story with a supernatural twist. The setting is fantastic and gives all of those wild west vibes. The characters, likewise, exude that feeling of a hard led life with plenty of horses, drinking, and guns to go around.
I highly recommend this one. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
April 23, 2025
There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek is a unique Western novel by author Lumen Reese that breaks the mould by featuring an elderly Chinese immigrant woman as its compelling main character.
The story follows Alice, who witnesses the brutal murder of her husband and the horrific rape of her daughter at the hands of the villainous Rollie Hugo, youngest member of the powerful Hugo family that has held the town of Hugo Creek under its corrupt thumb for three decades. When the so-called forces of law and order refuse to help Alice obtain the justice she seeks, she turns to an old friend to aid her in her quest to finally break the Hugos' vice-like grip on the town and its cowed residents.
Reese's vivid, expressive writing makes this an engrossing page-turner that's easy to get lost in. While billed as a horror-western, the paranormal elements provide more intriguing flavour than outright scares.
Overall, There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek is a well-crafted, refreshingly original take on the Western genre carried by its unconventional heroine.
The story follows Alice, who witnesses the brutal murder of her husband and the horrific rape of her daughter at the hands of the villainous Rollie Hugo, youngest member of the powerful Hugo family that has held the town of Hugo Creek under its corrupt thumb for three decades. When the so-called forces of law and order refuse to help Alice obtain the justice she seeks, she turns to an old friend to aid her in her quest to finally break the Hugos' vice-like grip on the town and its cowed residents.
Reese's vivid, expressive writing makes this an engrossing page-turner that's easy to get lost in. While billed as a horror-western, the paranormal elements provide more intriguing flavour than outright scares.
Overall, There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek is a well-crafted, refreshingly original take on the Western genre carried by its unconventional heroine.
May 12, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐
This book was incredible! There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek follows Alice, a badass Chinese woman who lives in America with her husband and daughter. They live happily on their small farm until the Hugos, a family gang who run the nearby town, attack the family, murdering Alice's husband and sexually assaulting her daughter.
Alice is determined to avenge her family and kill the Hugos. She calls in her childhood friend, Chicory, a bounty hunting cowboy, to help her achieve this. What follows is a gripping story of revenge with a paranormal twist (the ghost of a woman haunting the town also seeking revenge for her family).
This story felt like red dead redemption with an epic and strong female lead, a paranormal subplot and revenge.
TW: Rape/sexual assault, murder, violence, some animal abuse and general distressing themes
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me to read this ARC of this epic western horror
This book was incredible! There's Something Wrong in Hugo Creek follows Alice, a badass Chinese woman who lives in America with her husband and daughter. They live happily on their small farm until the Hugos, a family gang who run the nearby town, attack the family, murdering Alice's husband and sexually assaulting her daughter.
Alice is determined to avenge her family and kill the Hugos. She calls in her childhood friend, Chicory, a bounty hunting cowboy, to help her achieve this. What follows is a gripping story of revenge with a paranormal twist (the ghost of a woman haunting the town also seeking revenge for her family).
This story felt like red dead redemption with an epic and strong female lead, a paranormal subplot and revenge.
TW: Rape/sexual assault, murder, violence, some animal abuse and general distressing themes
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me to read this ARC of this epic western horror
August 30, 2025
A western revenge story with brutality, corruption, superstition, strategy and a little romance. The little town of Hugo Creek is controlled by the family lineage of Hugo’s, one of which commits an atrocity against Alice’s family. Fueled by rage and grief, Alice sets out a blood hunt to rid Hugo Creek of its rot from within, with the aid of her old childhood friend Chicory. I found Alice to e a formidable character, and I loved how brave and brutal she was willing to be in her older years. Some scenes contained intense graphic violence which I enjoyed but may be a caution for readers. There were some great moments of suspense and dread. I felt the story dragged towards the end, a lot of sentimental reflection which didn’t feel it added much to the story, and I wasn’t as satisfied by the ending as I was hoping to be. But perhaps I love my revenge stories to carry more bite.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced readers copy. This book is available September 5th, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced readers copy. This book is available September 5th, 2025.
August 23, 2025
Hugo Creek - a small town run by a ruthless family. The only justice - theirs. Until Alice. Rollie Hugo will rue the day he and his henchmen rode out to her farm, shot and killed her husband, and raped her daughter. Unable to secure justice through the law, Alice vows to take matters into her own hands.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of There's Something Wrong In Hugo Creek through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of There's Something Wrong In Hugo Creek through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
June 13, 2025
This starts off strong with tough as nails Alice leading the charge for revenge and freedom. Chicory was also interesting and their partnership is solid and humorous. The paranormal element in this blends well with the story and is secondary to the plot. The ending was great. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC
August 21, 2025
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A revenge tale. At some oint, I lost interest. DNF.
A revenge tale. At some oint, I lost interest. DNF.
September 5, 2025
Not a big fan of westerns but this kept me thoroughly entertained.
I had a hard time getting through the brutal sexual assault scene, however the rest of the story was well written.
I had a hard time getting through the brutal sexual assault scene, however the rest of the story was well written.
June 29, 2025
🫀🐎🌅 Love, grief & revenge
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned "
This book was all of that.
🫀Heavily athmospheric
🫀Awesome characters
🫀Plot that was just so damn good!
After witnessing her husband being brutally murdered and her daughter defiled, Alice is hellbent for revenge and sets in a warpath to bring down those who disturbed her peace. She recruits a long-time family friend, Chicory, to help her bring down the infamous Hugo's but its not going to be an easy task now that it seems like the whole town is under their scrutiny and it looks like they're being aided by a supernatural entity, the bleeding lady, who is known to cut out the hearts of those who cross her path.
This leads the duo into a quest for self served justice and vengeance, and I was here for it!
It's beautifully written, with lots of heart and action as well as creepy scenes, and I just adore the characters, wishing we could get a prequel to Alice and Chicory's lives before this!
I would love to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review! I look forward to reading more from this author!
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned "
This book was all of that.
🫀Heavily athmospheric
🫀Awesome characters
🫀Plot that was just so damn good!
After witnessing her husband being brutally murdered and her daughter defiled, Alice is hellbent for revenge and sets in a warpath to bring down those who disturbed her peace. She recruits a long-time family friend, Chicory, to help her bring down the infamous Hugo's but its not going to be an easy task now that it seems like the whole town is under their scrutiny and it looks like they're being aided by a supernatural entity, the bleeding lady, who is known to cut out the hearts of those who cross her path.
This leads the duo into a quest for self served justice and vengeance, and I was here for it!
It's beautifully written, with lots of heart and action as well as creepy scenes, and I just adore the characters, wishing we could get a prequel to Alice and Chicory's lives before this!
I would love to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review! I look forward to reading more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews