“a complex plot that author DW Viergutz weaves together masterfully in this novella prequel that whets the reader’s appetite to find out more about these intriguing characters.”

Genevieve Callow is a complex and fascinating protagonist with a rich backstory. She’s a Senior Special Agent in the FBI’s division that profiles serial killers. She has an uncanny knack for being able to get inside the heads of mass murderers and help the Bureau or the local cops track down the killers. She also has a relationship with her partner, Marcus, and with her much-younger sister, and with her best friend – who just got murdered by the Ice Box Killer. Now, it’s personal, and the killer may be targeting her and her loved ones. But Callow can’t be assigned to work on that case because she’s too close to it. Instead, she is sent off to El Paso to work on a new case that might involve a serial killer. It’s a complex plot that author DW Viergutz weaves together masterfully in this novella prequel that whets the reader’s appetite to find out more about these intriguing characters.

The story of the Ice Box Killer is the main plot for book #1 of the upcoming series, scheduled for release in May, 2023, titled The Fallen Girls. There is just enough about the Ice Box Killer in this prequel to make you truly care about what is going to happen in that case (which is the point of the prequel), but there is also a complete story happening in El Paso as the Red Mud River killer needs to be tracked down. Callow and Oakley, along with a local detective (another wonderful character) dig into this one and Callow quickly confirms that it is definitely a serial killer. She profiles the killer based on the available facts and the chase is on. The story rolls ahead quickly to a very satisfying conclusion that sets up Callow’s return to Virginia where the Ice Box Killer awaits.

This book feels like about half the length of a full novel and is a very satisfying read. There is plenty of depth to the story and the characters, aided by the author’s rich prose that paints an appealing word-picture. The story-telling is a pleasure in this well-written and well-edited text that is every bit as good as the top thrillers from the big publishers. Make sure you jump on the DW Viergutz train early because it is headed toward some exceptional destinations.

I received a courtesy copy of Red Mud River in preparation for a newsletter swap with this author. After reading it, I am excited to recommend DW Viergutz and his upcoming series to my readers.