Jess Lourey is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of “Unspeakable Things,” “The Catalain Book of Secrets,” the Salem’s Cipher thrillers, and the Mira James mysteries, among many other works, including young adult, short stories, and nonfiction. An Agatha, Anthony, and Lefty Award nominee, Jess is a tenured professor of creative writing and sociology and a leader of writing retreats. She is also a recipient of The Loft’s Excellence in Teaching fellowship, a Psychology Today blogger, and a TEDx presenter. In her new novel “Bloodline,” a pregnant journalist moves back to her fiancé’s hometown but everything seems too perfect; it is enough to drive some women mad. (amazon, 2021)

“Bloodline” is a a tale inspired by real events and centers around Joan Harken, who is cautiously excited to follow her fiancé back to his Minnesota hometown. After spending a childhood on the move and chasing the screams and swirls of news-rich city life, she is eager to settle down. Lilydale’s motto, “Come Home Forever,” could not be more inviting. And yet, something is off in the picture-perfect village. The friendliness borders on intrusive. Joan cannot shake the feeling that every move she makes is being tracked. An archaic organization still seems to hold power over the town. So does the sinister secret of a little boy who vanished decades ago. And unless Joan is imagining things, a frighteningly familiar figure from her past is on watch in the shadows. Her fiancé tells her she is being paranoid. He might be right. Then again, she might have moved to the deadliest small town on earth.