Where the Crawfish Swim

By: Andrea Smith

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Briar County is in Southern Ohio—the gateway to Appalachia. People there move at their own pace. They hunt, they fish, they farm—but their secrets run deeper than the fishing holes that dot the countryside. And Dalton Edwards, DEA agent, is about to uncover a few of them after his boss sends him to Briar County on a low-priority assignment as punishment.

There's something going on in this rural, sleepy county of only 28,000 people, and his higher-ups want Dalton to uncover it. Easier said than done! Dalton immediately discovers the community is tight-knit, and not easily infiltrated. His boss says it's a pot-growing operation, but Dalton thinks it's much bigger than that. Before his assignment is over, eight family members will be murdered under circumstances that Dalton knows have nothing to do with a hydroponic weed operation.

As the mass murder makes international news, Dalton is determined to find the murder (or murderers) and expose the guilty to seek justice for the slain. It won't be easy, and in the end, one more local will perish. Dalton will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.

This novel is fictional, but based on true events that happened in Pike County, Ohio, in April of 2016.

©2020 Andrea Smith (P)2022 Andrea Smith

Hatfields and McCoys

4.5 stars - There's a different kind of Hatfields and McCoys going down here. The fact that it's based on a real event makes me sad but I know that some people are just bad. Either way, I did like the writing and storytelling.

There were a couple of areas that I would've liked more details, but the story was a compelling listen. One of those areas is more information on Dalton. I do like that he comes across very personable.

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrator is Alexander Cendese. This is the first book that I've listened to with him. I do like him and the variety of characters he presented.

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.5x

Love this suspense filled novel!

There is nothing better than sinking your teeth into a good mystery. When it has some historical basis, it makes the story even better. Andrea Smith has written Dalton Edward's mission to find reason behind the same day massacre of 8 Hatfield family members. Taking us into Briar County Ohio, the feud between the Hatfield and McCoys is still going strong. But can we blame the murders on a family with no proof? Edwards digs in and searches, getting himself in the thick of things, finding himself on the outs with his own and still trying to find the truth. It's intriguing and is a great play on the western enemy families creating a fantastic listen.

Alexander Cendese is fantastic. He creates a town of amazing characters, each voiced with a distinct characteristic. I love his accents, his ability to age his voice, his playfulness, and his venomous tone. He found something for each personality and brought them alive. Listening is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!

Dark Undercover Thriller

This was my first experience with Andrea Smith's work, and it captivated me. The author has woven a credible and fascinating, fictional tale based on true events. This was one of those stories, that painted a picture of rural America in both the setting and the characters. The story was moving and poignant. Alexander Cendese's narration was great and kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

This audiobook is a great spin inspired by a true crime.

Where the Crawfish Swim is inspired by the 2016 murders of eight family members in four different locations all done the same night in a small county in Southern Ohio. Smith took an actual event and spun a well-thought out crime fiction story. (Her story is actually more plausible than what the authorities investigating would have the public believe.)

Fictional character, Dalton Edwards, a DEA agent is sent to Briarton as punishment by his superior. His mission is to “fit in” with the locals and find out what’s going-on in this sleepy, country village of 2500 people. Turns out, that’s easier said than done. But Dalton’s journey is one you will want to take for sure, as he does the impossible. Smith tags the two feuding families as the “Hatfields” and “McCoys” and it is a perfect fit. They fit the “frenemy” concept to a tee.

The characters of Briar County, Ohio are voice-acted by Alexander Cendese, and I must say he does a fantastic job articulating the multiple characters, with various southern accents. He portrays them in a way that you feel as if you know them.

Great!

This audiobook takes us deep into the heart of Appalachia, to Briar County, Ohio. The story, inspired by the harrowing true events of 2016, unfolds through the eyes of DEA agent Dalton Edwards. Tasked with uncovering the truths buried in this close-knit community, Dalton finds himself in a maze of deceit and danger. The narration by Alexander Cendese captures the essence of each character, bringing them to life with authenticity and depth. His voice echoes the soul of Appalachia, making you feel as if you're walking alongside Dalton through the story. The plot is a thrilling ride, keeping you on the edge of your seat with its unexpected twists and turns. It's a blend of suspense and reality that’s both haunting and captivating. A recommended listen for those who love a story that's as deep and intricate as the mysteries it unravels.

Very interesting mystery

This story follows Dalton Edwards, an undercover DEA agent trying to follow a drug smuggling ring in a small town in Ohio.
Dalton hires himself out as a ranch hand at the center of suspected activity.
In this close knit town, he has to be careful, the townspeople are slow to trust, law enforcement corrupt, and gossip is wide spread.the Hatfields and McCoys are frenemies working together with a somewhat truce. Both have their own agendas, that could be deadly.
Andrea Smith weaves a story of mystery, intrigue, murder with twists that kept me guessing throughout this story.
Alexander Cendese is very talented bringing this story to life. His amazing portrayal of all the characters giving them their own voices and personalities was perfection .
I was gifted this story and offered my honest review.

WOW!

This one is an eye opener with how things go down. If you like murder and intrigue, grab this one.
The narrator is very talented and a professional. I liked the voices he used for the characters.

Captivating!

In a book based on a true story, Where the Crawfish Swim tells of the premeditated, execution-style murders of the Hatfield family in Briar County, Ohio. The bodies are discovered strewn through their homes, one with hundred dollar bills all around him. There had been rumors and rumblings for a long time within the DEA, FBI and BCI that there was activity involving a Mexican Cartel in the area. To pursue this, Dalton Edwards is sent undercover to get close to the community and find out the facts. What follows is a complicated and elaborate scheme carried out by, at first glance, the most unlikely group of criminals ever. A wonderfully detailed, character-driven book, Where the Crawfish Swim offers an experience of reliving the murder mystery. In a clever piece of fiction, Ms. Smith uses the surnames of Hatfield and McCoy, two of the most recognizable, bitterly feuding families in history.
The narration is nicely done by Alexander Cendese. His clear, dynamic voice gives each character a unique sound and personality as he brings them to life.

FANTASTIC! NOW THIS SHOULD BE A MOVIE!!

Alexander Cendese gives a powerful and brilliant voice acting experience in his performance! He captures the culture of Appalachia perfectly, bringing each and every character to life. I felt as if I was there in Briarton, Ohio, observing everything taking place. The character development was spot-on! And Kudos to Alex making his singing debut in this audio book! I remember hearing about these murders back in 2016---shocking that's its taken so long to bring justice!! I totally think.the author nailed the true motivation and what was actually the true motivation behind the slaughter!

Really ?

Having so much cursing in the first 10 minutes of the book is really bad