Book Review: Jess Lourey's The Taken Ones

3 out of 5 Stars for Jess Lourey's The Taken Ones:  A Solid Psychological Thriller. 

Jess Lourey's The Taken Ones plunges readers into a chilling narrative where suspense and intrigue intertwine with a gripping plot.  Set in the quiet town of Lilydale, Minnasota, the story unfolds with the discovery of a woman's body that has been buried alive, sparking an investigation that also unearths long buried secrets. 

Pros: Lourey excels in creating a tense atmosphere and maintaining suspense throughout the story.  The small-town setting is vividly described, adding a layer of authenticity, and an eeriness to the novel. The main characters in The Taken Ones are well-developed, each bringing their unique perspectives to the mystery, as well as their flaws, adding depth to the narrative.

Cons: While the plot is engaging, it does occasionally veer into predictability, with certain twists feeling somewhat telegraphed.  The pacing of the story also fluctuates, with moments of mild action, interspersed with slower, less gripping sections, that may lose some readers' attention.  

Final Thoughts: The Taken Ones is my latest read, and I feel it is a solid novel for fans of psychological thrillers.  While it may not entirely break new ground in the genre, Lourey's storytelling, prowess, and atmospheric writing make it an enjoyable, albeit imperfect, journey.  A respectable addition to any thriller enthusiast's bookshelf (or Kindle Library), but not without its minor flaws.