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The 12th Cleansing: A Cold Case Reignited by a Serial Killer's Return
HE FAILED TO STOP A MONSTER ONCE. NOW THE BODIES ARE A REMINDER—AND A WARNING.
When the Moralist resurfaces after four silent years, his “mission” is as twisted as ever: cleanse teenage girls of their sins by killing them, convinced he’s saving their souls. Detective Walker Michaels has spent years drowning in the guilt of letting him slip away. Now, with a new victim and a shattered family in his path, the case pulls at every fracture line in his already-broken life.
As Walker is drawn into the orbit of a grieving mother hiding devastating secrets, obsession tangles with responsibility. She is done shrinking herself to survive—and the more she fights for the truth, the more dangerous their connection becomes. With the killer escalating and his motives sharpening, Walker must confront not only a predator who believes he’s righteous, but the darkness he’s been carrying all along.
For fans of dark, character-driven psychological thrillers with haunted detectives, relentless mothers, and serial killers who think they’re the only ones doing God’s work.
When the Moralist resurfaces after four silent years, his “mission” is as twisted as ever: cleanse teenage girls of their sins by killing them, convinced he’s saving their souls. Detective Walker Michaels has spent years drowning in the guilt of letting him slip away. Now, with a new victim and a shattered family in his path, the case pulls at every fracture line in his already-broken life.
As Walker is drawn into the orbit of a grieving mother hiding devastating secrets, obsession tangles with responsibility. She is done shrinking herself to survive—and the more she fights for the truth, the more dangerous their connection becomes. With the killer escalating and his motives sharpening, Walker must confront not only a predator who believes he’s righteous, but the darkness he’s been carrying all along.
For fans of dark, character-driven psychological thrillers with haunted detectives, relentless mothers, and serial killers who think they’re the only ones doing God’s work.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3982 people want to read
About the author
N. Joseph Glass
10 books42 followersReading is a passion. Writing is an obsession.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I now reside and write in Milan, Italy. As an independent author, I invest in my writing by collaborating with coaches, beta readers, editors, and proofreaders. This dedication to quality, coupled with my passion for crafting compelling stories, ensures that my books are engaging, thought-provoking, and offer a memorable experience.
I am particularly drawn to stories that feature relatable characters embarking on meaningful journeys. Drawing from my own personal experiences enriches the writing process, allowing readers to feel a deep connection with the characters they spend time with. This human connection between my characters, readers, and myself fuels my drive as an author.
I am always fascinated by the power of art to inspire optimistic views of the future. I believe that our future holds great promise, and I am committed to using my writing to convey this belief.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I now reside and write in Milan, Italy. As an independent author, I invest in my writing by collaborating with coaches, beta readers, editors, and proofreaders. This dedication to quality, coupled with my passion for crafting compelling stories, ensures that my books are engaging, thought-provoking, and offer a memorable experience.
I am particularly drawn to stories that feature relatable characters embarking on meaningful journeys. Drawing from my own personal experiences enriches the writing process, allowing readers to feel a deep connection with the characters they spend time with. This human connection between my characters, readers, and myself fuels my drive as an author.
I am always fascinated by the power of art to inspire optimistic views of the future. I believe that our future holds great promise, and I am committed to using my writing to convey this belief.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 5, 2025
The 12th Cleansing is an intriguing and darkly atmospheric thriller that pulls you straight into the chilling aftermath of a long-dormant cold case. From the very first chapter, the tension is steady and gripping, keeping you guessing as a serial killer’s return begins to unravel old secrets.
This book is definitely an interesting and engaging read, especially for fans of crime fiction and psychological suspense. The plot is layered with twists, eerie moments, and a creeping sense of danger that makes it hard to put down.
That said, the shifting points of view can sometimes make the story a bit hard to follow. The author moves between characters frequently, and not always seamlessly, which occasionally leaves the reader momentarily confused about whose perspective they’re in. Once you adjust, the narrative becomes easier to navigate, but the transitions could be smoother.
Overall, The 12th Cleansing delivers a compelling story with strong suspense, atmospheric writing, and a mystery worth unraveling. Despite a few pacing and POV bumps, it’s a solid thriller that keeps your curiosity hooked until the end.
This book is definitely an interesting and engaging read, especially for fans of crime fiction and psychological suspense. The plot is layered with twists, eerie moments, and a creeping sense of danger that makes it hard to put down.
That said, the shifting points of view can sometimes make the story a bit hard to follow. The author moves between characters frequently, and not always seamlessly, which occasionally leaves the reader momentarily confused about whose perspective they’re in. Once you adjust, the narrative becomes easier to navigate, but the transitions could be smoother.
Overall, The 12th Cleansing delivers a compelling story with strong suspense, atmospheric writing, and a mystery worth unraveling. Despite a few pacing and POV bumps, it’s a solid thriller that keeps your curiosity hooked until the end.
January 13, 2026
The 12th Cleansing by N. Joseph Glass is a fast paced, action packed psychological thriller, about a serial killer who has returned after being dormant for 4 years. I was definitely invested in reading this book and finding out whether the detective originally assigned to the case was finally going to be able to catch his suspect.
I hate to say it, but almost every character in this book was unlikable! I don’t know if that was intentional to keep the reader guessing on who the killer was. Everyone was so focused on the mom’s and daughter’s looks, it was enough to make me cringe. And the detectives. Don’t get me started on how unprofessional they were.
Regardless of all the teeth gnashing going on over here, I still devoured the book, and it kept me guessing until the very end.
I hate to say it, but almost every character in this book was unlikable! I don’t know if that was intentional to keep the reader guessing on who the killer was. Everyone was so focused on the mom’s and daughter’s looks, it was enough to make me cringe. And the detectives. Don’t get me started on how unprofessional they were.
Regardless of all the teeth gnashing going on over here, I still devoured the book, and it kept me guessing until the very end.
November 16, 2025
The 12th Cleansing is a dark, intense, and addictive read that grabbed me from the first page. The world building is chilling, the atmosphere is eerie, and the tension never lets up. I loved the complex characters and the way the story slowly unravels the truth behind the ritualistic “cleansing.” I would recommend this book I really enjoy a book that makes me think , guess who did it , who was it .
This book was sent to me as an ARC Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.
This book was sent to me as an ARC Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.
December 3, 2025
This was a very exciting mystery told from multiple points of view. The different views gave a full picture of what was happening and how the murder(s) affected an entire town.
I struggled with the first chapter, which started as if I should have already had some context to the story. However, patience paid off and everything quickly came together.
I enjoyed the ending, which gave decent closure, but I won't spoil it by getting into too many details.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled with the first chapter, which started as if I should have already had some context to the story. However, patience paid off and everything quickly came together.
I enjoyed the ending, which gave decent closure, but I won't spoil it by getting into too many details.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2025
This was an interesting book. I thought I had the story figured out, but with the twists and turns I was only partially right. Also did not see the ending coming. Will the Cereal win or will the police catch them?
December 17, 2025
Phycological Thriller with unique plot. This was a read that hooked you from the beginning and had you on so many twist of whom the perpetrator was. Young girl's meeting their demise because of their first act of promiscuity. Perpetrator deemed to be retualizing this as a spiritual cleansing. This is a seriel killer who was dormant for a time uncaptured by police. A new victim emerged. Keep you guessing till final. Had to read in one setting. 5 star read. Thanks Book Sprout and Author.
December 31, 2025
Nice thriller
I haven’t finished reading the book yet. So far, the plot is interesting - who doesn’t love a detective trying to catch his arch nemesis? But I can’t empathise with the characters.
I haven’t finished reading the book yet. So far, the plot is interesting - who doesn’t love a detective trying to catch his arch nemesis? But I can’t empathise with the characters.
January 18, 2026
This was my first book by this author and it did not disappoint. I won this from LibraryThing's giveaway. Hooked me quickly and was totally surprised when I found out "who-dun-it". Captivating characters were well developed and storyline moved right along. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys a suspenseful, engaging story.
November 17, 2025
The 12th Cleansing is a dark, intense, and addictive read that grabbed me from the first page. The world building is chilling, the atmosphere is eerie, and the tension never lets up. I loved the complex characters and the way the story slowly unravels the truth behind the ritualistic “cleansing.” I would recommend this book I really enjoy a book that makes me think , guess who did it , who was it .
This book was sent to me as an ARC Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.
This book was sent to me as an ARC Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.
November 8, 2025
This is a great mystery read. I read it in 2 days. Just when I thought I had it figured, another twist.
December 12, 2025
This book was full of suspense. The story is about some killings of teenage girls that occur over several years and the investigations that take place to catch the person(s) responsible.
I found it hard to put this book down. The story had lots of surprises in it. It was easy to follow the plot lines and the characters. The author kept the reader interested in the story throughout the book.
If you like reading murder mysteries that are full of surprises, you may want to read this book.
I received a free advance reader copy of the book but the opinion that I express here is my own.
I found it hard to put this book down. The story had lots of surprises in it. It was easy to follow the plot lines and the characters. The author kept the reader interested in the story throughout the book.
If you like reading murder mysteries that are full of surprises, you may want to read this book.
I received a free advance reader copy of the book but the opinion that I express here is my own.
December 12, 2025
The 12th Cleansing follows Detective Walker Michaels as the nightmare he thought had ended, suddenly returns. A serial killer known as the Moralist resumes his ritualistic murders after a four-year silence, forcing Michaels to confront old failures, grieving families, and the unraveling lives of those caught in the killer’s moral crusade. The story moves between investigators, victims’ families, and the killer’s perspective, building a tense, layered thriller that keeps tightening as new secrets surface.
This was an absolutely gripping read. The writing feels clean and fast, and the shifting viewpoints land with weight. I found myself sinking into the Rawlings family scenes. The way the parents break down, the strain between husband and wife, and the quiet shock of their son Connor all hit hard. Those moments felt honest in a way that surprised me. I caught myself getting frustrated with the detectives when they stumbled and then suddenly rooting for them again when a new clue clicked into place.
I also found myself torn about the ideas behind the story. The book pushes into heavy themes, especially around judgment, morality, and grief. At times, it made me uncomfortable, but in a way that felt intentional. The villain’s twisted logic is disturbing, and the author lets that discomfort sit with you. I liked how the characters wrestle with their own blame and doubts. It made the story feel more human, not just a chase after a monster. And I’ll admit I got pretty worked up during a few scenes. Some had me whispering little reactions under my breath. Others made me pause for a second, thinking about how thin the line is between control and collapse.
In some ways, The 12th Cleansing feels like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, since both blend dark mysteries with messy family secrets and investigators who carry their own scars, yet Glass’s story hits closer to home with its raw focus on grief and moral tension. I’d recommend The 12th Cleansing to readers who enjoy crime thrillers that mix emotional tension with a slow-burn mystery. If you like stories that dig into family strain, moral conflict, and the ripple effects of violence, this one is absolutely worth the read.
This was an absolutely gripping read. The writing feels clean and fast, and the shifting viewpoints land with weight. I found myself sinking into the Rawlings family scenes. The way the parents break down, the strain between husband and wife, and the quiet shock of their son Connor all hit hard. Those moments felt honest in a way that surprised me. I caught myself getting frustrated with the detectives when they stumbled and then suddenly rooting for them again when a new clue clicked into place.
I also found myself torn about the ideas behind the story. The book pushes into heavy themes, especially around judgment, morality, and grief. At times, it made me uncomfortable, but in a way that felt intentional. The villain’s twisted logic is disturbing, and the author lets that discomfort sit with you. I liked how the characters wrestle with their own blame and doubts. It made the story feel more human, not just a chase after a monster. And I’ll admit I got pretty worked up during a few scenes. Some had me whispering little reactions under my breath. Others made me pause for a second, thinking about how thin the line is between control and collapse.
In some ways, The 12th Cleansing feels like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, since both blend dark mysteries with messy family secrets and investigators who carry their own scars, yet Glass’s story hits closer to home with its raw focus on grief and moral tension. I’d recommend The 12th Cleansing to readers who enjoy crime thrillers that mix emotional tension with a slow-burn mystery. If you like stories that dig into family strain, moral conflict, and the ripple effects of violence, this one is absolutely worth the read.
December 4, 2025
Personal grudges and frustration abound in killer mystery.
Seasoned and battle-worn detective teamed with young apprentice allows the author to show us the older man's frustration at failing to catch the serial killer in the community many years before and highlight their different styles and approaches to people. We are also shown inside a family where the father is not only jealous of his reputation for piety and his status as a church elder, but controlling and abusive when behind closed doors. This is all sparked by the murder of this family's daughter at 17 years old with her body posed as the serial killer had left previous victims. School, church members and neighbours all come under suspicion in the quest to stop the seemingly re-ignited serial killer before they claim their next victim. The pretext the serial killer gives is protecting the young women from becoming more sullied by engaging in sexual behaviour. This is against the tenets of the strict religious sect, so the implications of why their daughter was murdered is even more distressing for the family. There are twists and unexpected developments with the story being told from different perspectives of the main characters, including the murderer. There is a dramatic resolution, which was very pleasing as I'd engaged with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Seasoned and battle-worn detective teamed with young apprentice allows the author to show us the older man's frustration at failing to catch the serial killer in the community many years before and highlight their different styles and approaches to people. We are also shown inside a family where the father is not only jealous of his reputation for piety and his status as a church elder, but controlling and abusive when behind closed doors. This is all sparked by the murder of this family's daughter at 17 years old with her body posed as the serial killer had left previous victims. School, church members and neighbours all come under suspicion in the quest to stop the seemingly re-ignited serial killer before they claim their next victim. The pretext the serial killer gives is protecting the young women from becoming more sullied by engaging in sexual behaviour. This is against the tenets of the strict religious sect, so the implications of why their daughter was murdered is even more distressing for the family. There are twists and unexpected developments with the story being told from different perspectives of the main characters, including the murderer. There is a dramatic resolution, which was very pleasing as I'd engaged with the characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to BookSirens and N. Joseph Glass for the ARC.
📝 Short Summary
Four years after vanishing, a serial killer known as the Moralist resurfaces, reigniting his twisted mission to cleanse young women of their sins. With the discovery of a twelfth victim, Detective Walker Michaels is pulled back into a case that has haunted him for years. As the investigation deepens, Michaels becomes emotionally entangled with the latest victim’s family, pushing him closer to the edge and threatening to blur the line between justice and obsession.
Review
This was a gripping and unsettling psychological thriller that completely pulled me in. From the opening chapters, the tension is relentless, driven by a chilling antagonist and a deeply flawed detective who feels painfully human. Walker Michaels is a standout character, shaped by failure, guilt, and an overwhelming need for redemption. His emotional involvement in the case adds an intense layer of psychological complexity, making every decision feel heavier and more dangerous. The pacing is sharp and deliberate, building dread without relying solely on shock, and the moral questions woven throughout the story linger long after finishing. The killer’s warped belief system is disturbing in a way that feels realistic rather than sensational, making the threat feel uncomfortably close. This book balances character depth and suspense exceptionally well, delivering a dark, immersive read that kept me fully engaged from start to finish.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. This is a must read for fans of dark psychological thrillers with morally complex characters, strong emotional tension, and a haunting atmosphere that stays with you.
Thank you to BookSirens and N. Joseph Glass for the ARC.
📝 Short Summary
Four years after vanishing, a serial killer known as the Moralist resurfaces, reigniting his twisted mission to cleanse young women of their sins. With the discovery of a twelfth victim, Detective Walker Michaels is pulled back into a case that has haunted him for years. As the investigation deepens, Michaels becomes emotionally entangled with the latest victim’s family, pushing him closer to the edge and threatening to blur the line between justice and obsession.
Review
This was a gripping and unsettling psychological thriller that completely pulled me in. From the opening chapters, the tension is relentless, driven by a chilling antagonist and a deeply flawed detective who feels painfully human. Walker Michaels is a standout character, shaped by failure, guilt, and an overwhelming need for redemption. His emotional involvement in the case adds an intense layer of psychological complexity, making every decision feel heavier and more dangerous. The pacing is sharp and deliberate, building dread without relying solely on shock, and the moral questions woven throughout the story linger long after finishing. The killer’s warped belief system is disturbing in a way that feels realistic rather than sensational, making the threat feel uncomfortably close. This book balances character depth and suspense exceptionally well, delivering a dark, immersive read that kept me fully engaged from start to finish.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. This is a must read for fans of dark psychological thrillers with morally complex characters, strong emotional tension, and a haunting atmosphere that stays with you.
January 4, 2026
Enjoyed reading this book.
So many emotions, so much drama, and then an amazing twist.
Loved how the characters felt different emotions in this book. Everyone was going through something and trying to handle it themselves.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen to the real world if characters like these existed in it.
If you love reading mystery, thriller, and suspense books, then this book is for you.
You will get so much invested in the characters of this book.
This is one of those books that would make a hundred million dollars if it were properly adapted.
The book teaches:
How to write different emotions for different people.
How to set up an amazing ending.
How to handle life alone.
Love this line from the book. If you haven't read this book, then this will be a spoiler for you.
People like that, their minds don’t work like normal people’s do. It’s why they’re so hard to predict, the most difficult to catch. The clever ones, anyway.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the Advanced Review Copy of this book. Looking forward to reading more books this year.
So many emotions, so much drama, and then an amazing twist.
Loved how the characters felt different emotions in this book. Everyone was going through something and trying to handle it themselves.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen to the real world if characters like these existed in it.
If you love reading mystery, thriller, and suspense books, then this book is for you.
You will get so much invested in the characters of this book.
This is one of those books that would make a hundred million dollars if it were properly adapted.
The book teaches:
How to write different emotions for different people.
How to set up an amazing ending.
How to handle life alone.
Love this line from the book. If you haven't read this book, then this will be a spoiler for you.
People like that, their minds don’t work like normal people’s do. It’s why they’re so hard to predict, the most difficult to catch. The clever ones, anyway.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the Advanced Review Copy of this book. Looking forward to reading more books this year.
November 18, 2025
Review of eBook
Marietta Detective Walker Michaels and his partner, Detective Brandon Jones, stand over the body of a teenage girl. It’s been four years since they’ve encountered a similar scene.
The Moralist has returned.
=========
Told from several points of view, this captivating thriller keeps readers guessing. Suspenseful and filled with unexpected twists, the unfolding narrative pulls readers into the telling of the tale and keeps them guessing.
With complex characters, a can’t-put-it-down storyline, and an intriguing puzzle, the telling of this tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats as it races toward a denouement they simply won’t see coming.
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, multifaceted characters, and police procedurals will find much to appreciate here.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marietta Detective Walker Michaels and his partner, Detective Brandon Jones, stand over the body of a teenage girl. It’s been four years since they’ve encountered a similar scene.
The Moralist has returned.
=========
Told from several points of view, this captivating thriller keeps readers guessing. Suspenseful and filled with unexpected twists, the unfolding narrative pulls readers into the telling of the tale and keeps them guessing.
With complex characters, a can’t-put-it-down storyline, and an intriguing puzzle, the telling of this tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats as it races toward a denouement they simply won’t see coming.
Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, multifaceted characters, and police procedurals will find much to appreciate here.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2026
For a murder mystery this was unusual.
There were enough false leads, the characters were interesting. There were interesting concurrent stories with the finding the murderer plot.
The plot was not fully believable for me to give 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were enough false leads, the characters were interesting. There were interesting concurrent stories with the finding the murderer plot.
The plot was not fully believable for me to give 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2026
The story line is very intriguing. Who doesn’t like a good serial killer story. Told from several POV so you get different opinions which I like. Two of the characters were unlikable and I had a hard time with that but the action in the last part of the book was the best part.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews