When a book opens with the chilling premise that "not every death is a tragedy," you know you’re in for an unsettling ride. Jeff Gunhus delivers exactly that with "Blood Lasts Forever", a psychological thriller that explores guilt, trauma, and the haunting legacy of buried secrets. Released by Seven Guns Press and a book tour sponsored by iRead Book Tours, this novel delivers twists that will keep you reading well past midnight.
My Review
In the small town of Chambers, the death of 15-year-old Wyatt Bucks sparks relief rather than sorrow. Feared and hated by many, Wyatt’s demise is ruled an accident, but it leaves a dark mark on the town that lingers for decades. Fast-forward 20 years, and Mitch Ansel—now a middle school teacher—receives a call that drags him and his old friends, the Fab Five, back into the nightmare they tried to forget. As they reunite at a secluded cabin to face their past, the truth about Wyatt’s death threatens to destroy their fragile present.
A Razor-Sharp Plot
Gunhus masterfully blends mystery and psychological tension, weaving a narrative that alternates between the haunting past and a present fraught with dread. The pace is relentless, pulling you deeper into the tangled web of Mitch and his friends’ secrets. Each chapter peels back another layer of the truth, building suspense until the shocking climax.
Complex Characters
The Fab Five aren’t your typical group of friends. Scarred by shared trauma and driven by fear, each character feels vividly real, carrying a mix of guilt, regret, and desperation. Mitch, our primary narrator, is a flawed but relatable character whose inner turmoil keeps you invested in his journey. Meanwhile, Wyatt Bucks looms over the story like a shadow, his presence felt even in death.
Atmospheric Setting
From the eerie Sagasett River where Wyatt was found to the claustrophobic cabin where secrets unravel, Gunhus uses setting to heighten the tension. The remote wilderness becomes almost a character in itself, amplifying the sense of isolation and paranoia that permeates the story.
What I Loved
The fast-paced, twist-filled narrative.
How the story delves into the psychological toll of guilt and shared secrets.
Wyatt’s character—a villain who feels almost otherworldly in his lingering influence.
Gunhus’s ability to maintain suspense without sacrificing depth.
What Could Be Improved
A few moments felt overly predictable, particularly in the middle chapters.
Some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more.
Final Thoughts
Blood Lasts Forever is a gripping psychological thriller that delivers both heart-pounding suspense and deep emotional impact. Jeff Gunhus skillfully explores how the sins of the past can echo into the present, keeping readers hooked until the final, jaw-dropping reveal.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or stories that delve into the human psyche, this one’s a must-read. Brace yourself—you won’t be able to put it down.
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Blood Lasts Forever. Thank you for the review!