Where the Crawfish Swim

De: Andrea Smith

Narrado por: Alexander Cendese

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

Meh

I think I expected more of this fictionalization of the story about the Piketon murders. I’ve followed the story in true crime outlets. The dialog was stilted. The characters were stereotypical. The outcome was expected.

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

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.