The Last Harvest by Kim Liggett

“I plead the blood.”

Those were the last words seventeen-year-old golden boy quarterback Clay Tate heard rattling from his dad's throat when he discovered him dying on the barn floor of the Neely Cattle Ranch, clutching a crucifix to his chest.

Now, on the first anniversary of the Midland, Oklahoma slaughter, the whole town's looking at Clay like he might be next to go over the edge. Clay wants to forget the past, but the sons and daughters of the Preservation Society—a group of prominent farmers his dad accused of devil worship—won't leave him alone. Including Ali, his longtime crush, who suddenly wants to reignite their romance after a year of silence, and hated rival Tyler Neely, who’s behaving like they’re old friends.

Even as Clay tries to reassure himself, creepy glances turn to sinister stares and strange coincidences build to gruesome rituals—but when he can never prove that any of it happened, Clay worries he might be following his dad down the path to insanity...or that something far more terrifying lies in wait around the corner.

Goodreads Summary

I read this at 1 in the morning and proceeded to stay awake until 3. I love horror novels, but this book sent shivers down my spine. The beginning was horrifying and gripping. I can't imagine seeing your dad die and spout odd religious-sounding sentences. The author lays the scene for what must be the best ending she ever wrote; it was so intricate and took such careful planning. I grew attached to Clay's character. The whole town judges his family for what happened with his father, his sister sings a creepy song, and his ex-girlfriend is suddenly interested again. I partly guessed (but not really) the ending and I loved the plot twists the author threw in.

Clay was a really nice guy. His character was humble, kind, and restrained. He was a true gentleman and tried to do things the right way. I did not like the vast majority of the other characters; many of them made the pages smell evil. At the very end, Clay's girlfriend became more redemptive. I really would love to see a sequel so we could find out what ended up happening! It wasn't quite a cliff-hanger, but I was left with many unanswered questions and a wild imagination.

4 Stars



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