Salem's Fall by Rektok Ross
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Would you defend the monster… if he looked that good in a suit?” 💼🔥
It's purely hypothetical. Probably. 👀

Spooky season’s officially here 🎃📚 for me, at least
Salem’s Fall, a Halloween-set legal thriller with shadowy secrets, sharp banter, and a lead who might be in over her head.

Moody autumn atmosphere ✅
Courtroom tension ✅
A certain someone in a suit that could ruin your concentration ✅

Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for setting me with the FIRST legal thriller I've been able to get through!

#FridayReads #SpookySeasonReads #SalemsFall #LegalThriller #MorallyGreyMen #HotGuysInSuits #Bookstagram #TheGram #ReadersOfInstagram #FallReads #DarkAndTwisty #TBRList

Salem’s Fall is a gripping and atmospheric thriller filled with mystery, danger, and an irresistible touch of romance. The tension builds with every twist, keeping me hooked until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and gave it five stars.

Damian Blackhollow appears to have it all. He’s the wealthy CEO of Blackhollow Industries, a business conglomerate well known in the Northeast. He lives in a mansion in Salem’s Fall, drives luxury cars, wears bespoke suits…but there’s a problem and it’s a big one. His fiancée has been found stabbed to death and all evidence points to Damian Blackhollow. He hires the best criminal law firm in Boston and James Woodsen, a new associate who happens to be a beautiful woman, joins his defense team. This won’t be a simple case. There are rumors about strange happenings in Salem’s Fall on Halloween, legends about a secret organization, ritualistic symbols and vague threats. But Damian is handsome, charming and charismatic and James is drawn to him. This may or may not be a good thing.

Rektok Ross has delivered a combination of mystery, horror and romance that is impossible to put down. The attraction between James and Damian is palpable as it the tension that drives the plot. All characters are well described, especially James and the Blackhollow brothers. I’m looking forward to what she writes next. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ic13 Books and Rektok Ross for this ARC.

james is a new attorney trying to make a name for herself, so why not dive headfirst into the firms newest and hottest case? but, something isn’t right as she decides to go on a work trip to figure out the truth to her new clients sordid history by visiting salems fall. but, she discovers its deadly past, will james keep her sanity and also make it out alive?

I was obsessed with this dark and twisty gothic tale! when i say i devoured this because im such a sucker for cult thrillers!

wrapped with secrets & serious haunted town and cult vibes- we’ve got a macabre past, with the whisper of something not quite right lurking beneath the town folklore!

𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐦’𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 is out now! thank you to the pulse and rektok ross for the advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks onto #NetGalley and #Ic13 for the book #SalemsFall by #RektokRoss. Wow! What an amazing book with all the soooky vibes and of course a black cat. James is on a new case and is her last chance at redemption after her last case. She is representing Damien Blackhollow (that even sounds spooky), a gorgeous billionaire. As she try’s to keep from falling for him, she discovers a dark family past that shakes her to her core. Someone is murdering people and she doesn’t even know the half of it. Can she win this case or fall?

If you’re looking for a spooky dark romance/thriller for the fall season then look no further. With the creepy setting, Halloween on the horizon, a dark secret society, and paranormal elements, I couldn’t stop reading. James and Damien are an interesting romantic pair, especially with her defending him from murder charges. Fans of paranormal, dark thrillers, and dark romance will enjoy this one.

If you’re into dark, twisty thrillers with a dash of gothic romance, *Salem’s Fall* by Rektok Ross is definitely worth checking out. The story follows James Woodsen, a brilliant young lawyer trying to make a name for herself in a tough Boston law firm. When she gets assigned to defend Damien Blackhollow, a mysterious billionaire accused of killing his fiancée, things get seriously intense. What starts as a high-stakes legal case quickly spirals into something much darker and more mysterious.

The book really nails that spooky New England vibe, with the small town’s secrets slowly unraveling as James digs deeper. You get a mix of courtroom drama, eerie family legacies, and suspenseful twists that kept me hooked. Plus, the characters feel real and complex — James is smart but vulnerable, and Damien is charming yet shrouded in secrets.

What I loved most was how the story balances tension and emotion without getting too heavy. If you like a thriller that’s a little gothic, a little romantic, and a whole lot of suspense, this one’s for you. Perfect for a fall read when you want something atmospheric but gripping!

I enjoyed Salem’s Fall for its atmosphere and the way it kept me slightly on edge the whole time. James Woodsen is a smart, driven main character, and I appreciated how grounded she felt even when the story leaned into darker territory. The pacing was a bit uneven for me—some parts moved quickly while others lingered too long—but the mix of legal drama and eerie tension mostly worked. It didn’t blow me away, but it kept me curious and gave just enough to make me want to see where it was all going. A solid read if you’re in the mood for something moody and mysterious with a sharp lead.

James Woodsen is pretty, blonde, and the daughter of a convicted murderer. She also happens to be a new lawyer trying to get her career off the ground. When she’s assigned to the team that’s covering a high profile case of New England elite Damian Blackhollow, she’s biting off more than she bargains for as she heads to the small ancient town of Salem’s Fall. Salem’s Fall has a history of witch trials, murder, and sacrifices and something even darker lurks under the surface. Is she going to be able to clear Damian’s name and resist his charms all while fighting for her life?

This was my second Rektok Ross book and I loved it! James is so brave as she tries to break into the old money secret society realm that holds the darkest secrets and dangers. Think Yale elite Skull and Bones society meets Salem Witch trials and you have a thriller based dark romance that will have you turning page after page. Salem’s Fall is now available!

Thank you thank you to @rektokross and @netgalley for this advanced copy!

This was okay. I really enjoyed Summer Rental so I had high hopes going into this one.
I honestly just found it boring. I didn't connect or like any of the characters. I just didn't want to keep picking up this to read.
Not my favorite, but not bad.

Salem’s Fall by Rektok Ross is an addictive blend of drama, gothic suspense, and eerie small-town secrets.

The story follows James Woodsen, a brilliant, ambitious lawyer fresh out of Harvard who’s trying to make a name for herself at a Boston law firm. When she’s assigned the high-profile defense of Damien Blackhollow — a reclusive billionaire accused of murdering his fiancée — she sees it as the opportunity of a lifetime. But the deeper James digs into the case and Damien’s unsettling family history, the more she finds herself pulled into a tangled web of dark secrets, potential occult rituals, and a town that seems to be hiding more than it lets on.

I absolutely flew through this book. Ross’s writing is cinematic and moody — she paints the town of Salem Falls with just the right amount of gothic dread and modern realism. I loved the pacing: it’s fast but never rushed, and there’s a constant sense of unease that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The supernatural elements were written in seamlessly, never overpowering the mystery but adding a creepy layer.

James is a great lead — whip smart, stubborn, and deeply human. Her inner conflict, especially around her sister and her own family history, added real depth. The chemistry between her and Damien was intense but never cheesy, and I appreciated the lingering question of whether or not he could be trusted.

If you're a fan of The Silent Patient, Verity, or The Family Upstairs, you’ll devour Salem’s Fall. It’s sharp, suspenseful, atmospheric, and just the right amount of spooky. This was my first book by Rektok Ross but it absolutely won't be my last — can’t wait to see what she does next!

The title and cover of this book drew me in. After reading the description, I knew I had to read it! As someone whose favorite season has always been fall and favorite holiday Halloween, this book gave me ALL the feels!!! Not that I needed help, but it really pushed me into the fall mood. From the descriptions, I could feel the cozy fall sweaters and the chilly air. It was fabulous! The characters felt interesting and well developed. The story line was interesting and kept my attention- so much so that I stayed up until midnight on a work night to finish it! Let's be real, Lucky is the main character in this story and my personal favorite!! This was my first book by this author but I like her writing style so I will be reading more. 10/10 a great Halloween read!

Salem's Fall is a spooky psychological thriller mixed with crime and mystery. There is a little romance sprinkled throughout.

Aspiring lawyer, James is doing anything she can to level up in her job. She lands an opportunity of a lifetime to be on the team representing a high profile figure being accused of murder.

There is something mysterious and elusive about this client that she can't quite figure out. Her investigative skills bring her to Salem's Fall to find out the connection to her client. She finds herself surrounded by a rich history of the town and all its spooky tales as well as this terrible feeling that she may not be safe....

The author depicts the setting of this book perfectly with all the fall and Halloween vibes.

Thoroughly enjoyed the read and I'm ready for Fall!

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and review this book!

Salem’s Fall is Rektok Ross’s best book yet. James Woodsen is a young associate at one of the best criminal defense firms in Boston. The problem is because she’s attractive so everyone underestimates her and assumes she got her position based on her looks. It doesn’t help that a recent screw up has her in the doghouse at the firm. But now her life is about to flipped upside. She’s just become part of the defense team for the biggest case of her life, defending Damian Blackhollow, a billionaire accused of murdering his fiancee. This is wild thriller with a hint of the supernatural and more than a few unexpected twists and turns. This is one you won’t put down. Thanks to Ic13 Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R5UP7XWY4WK4N/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This book single handedly put me in the spooky spirit! The mystery, cult vibes, and Salem atmosphere was perfection. The client/attorney, will they won't they vibes were intoxicating and you felt torn between liking and being suspicious of the MMC. James was a brilliant main character whose sass, determination, and exploration of value and worth felt relatable and powerful. Lucky may be my favorite character because who doesn't love side pets? Overall, this cult mystery vibe will have any horror or thriller reader caught in its web. Such a great read ahead of spooky season!

Thank you to the publisher and Rektok Ross for the ARC!

James Woodsen is a confident young attorney who is used to being underestimated. But after a mistake in a previous case, she is determined to prove herself. Enter Damien Blackhollow—a dangerous billionaire accused of murdering his fiancée. James follows the trail of this case and finds herself in a New England town with a dark history. Now its not just her career at stake but possibly her life as well.

First - how beautiful is this book cover?! I jumped at the chance to read it when it came to us at The Pulse as soon as this dark and gorgeous cover. And even better - the book is set around Halloween! I really enjoyed the dark atmospheric setting and let's just say I am even more excited to visit Salem after reading this. Ross described the city in such detail I could picture it, and it made an amazing backdrop to the mysterious things going on with this case. Add inits fast pace and amazing twists, and this was the perfect book for spooky season - in August. Or maybe I should say Augtober. All I know is that if you enjoy spooky books, you definitely need this one on your TBR for spooky season!

“Salem’s Fall” is out NOW! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

I enjoyed this heart pounding story of power, ambition, dark magic and sacrifice. I am not someone that reads a lot of dark and spooky books but I could not put this one down. James Woodsen is trying to prove herself at her Boston law firm but she never expects to be assigned to a murder case defending wealthy Damien Blackhollow. The deeper she digs into the crime and Damien the more questions she has and the more dangerous it becomes, especially when she begins asking questions about the Order of the Veil. She wonders what is real and what is legend. With Halloween approaching she needs to figure it out before it is too late. James and Damien have a connection that had me worrying about her and if it was the right choice or if she would be sacrificing all she has worked for. But I have to admit that there is definitely something mesmerizing about Damien. The setting of Salem’s Fall was decidedly spooky and gave me the creeps (I am a wimp and don’t like scary or spooky) but was perfect setting for the story and for Damien’s family estate. I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and finding out more history about Salem’s Falls and the Order of the Veil. I highly recommend readers that enjoy stories full of dark mysteries and love add this book to their spooky season reading.

I absolutely loved the mix of paranormal and horror right off the bat with this one. Ross' ability to immediately create an immersible atmosphere was so incredible. i was clinging onto each and every moment. the twists were phenomenal and I didn't see them coming at all.

Review ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

OUT NOW! Salem’s Fall by Rektok Ross

Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse has officially been hexed, in the best way possible. “Salem’s Fall” isn’t your typical Pulse-pounding thriller (pun intended 😍). It has ritualistic murders, whispers of witchcraft, and it’s dripping with atmosphere. So yeah, our gang is in.

I was already a fan of Rektok Ross after devouring “Ski Weekend,” so I dove into this one with high hopes. This book is a deliciously eerie blend of mystery, folklore, and slow-burning suspense. Think cryptic symbols and a town with more secrets than a high school group chat.

Salem’s Fall oozes atmosphere. Fog-drenched forests, whispers of witchcraft, and a centuries-old curse that refuses to stay buried. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just lock your doors at night, you salt the windows and sleep with one eye open

All the characters hold their own, but Damien is the one you can’t stop watching. He’s charismatic, magnetic, and morally murky in all the right ways. You’ll root for him even when your gut says, “Girl, don’t.”

It’s twisty without being chaotic. I didn’t realize it was part of a series until the end, but it totally works as a standalone. I wouldn’t mind a limited series adaptation. Picture a creepy small town, slow-burning tension, and enough twists to keep your popcorn untouched.

“Ski Weekend” still holds the crown for me, but “Salem’s Fall” is a solid contender with some juicy themes, revenge, betrayal, ancient grudges, and a dash of forbidden romance. What’s next, Rektok Ross? I’m ready.

Thanks to the author and publisher for the #giftedbook via NetGalley. All opinions are my own, as always.

Why You’ll Love It:

* You live for spooky, atmospheric settings
* You like your mysteries tangled in centuries-old grudges
* You need more Damien in your life 😍

#SalemsFall #RektokRoss #HonestReview #ThrillerBookLovers #ThePulse #NetGalley #Ic13Books
• Witchy Reads • Spooky Season Picks • Creepy Small Towns • Legends & Lies • Good vs. Evil • Betrayal • Revenge • Romance with Bite

3.5 stars

Thank you, NetGalley, Rektok Ross and publisher, for providing an eARC of this book.

The premise of the book sounded dark and twisty in all the right ways. The pacing flowed well, the cliffhanger endings kept me turning pages.

The whole cult and secret society vibe was what really caught my interest, but I found myself wishing for more of that atmosphere and depth.

Where the book stumbled was in its characters and emotional payoff. The relationships didn’t feel natural, the love triangle distracted more than it added, and the ending felt rushed.

Overall, it had a lot of potential. A solid setup, but the execution didn’t quite hit the mark.