Real Bad Things

By: Kelly J. Ford

Narrated by: Donna Postel

From the author of Cottonmouths, a Los Angeles Review Best Book of 2017, comes an evocative suspense about the cost of keeping secrets and the dangers of coming home.

Beneath the roiling waters of the Arkansas River lie dead men and buried secrets.

When Jane Mooney’s violent stepfather, Warren, disappeared, most folks in Maud Bottoms, Arkansas, assumed he got drunk and drowned. After all, the river had claimed its share over the years.

When Jane confessed to his murder, she should have gone to jail. That’s what she wanted. But without a body, the police didn’t charge her with the crime. So Jane left for Boston—and took her secrets with her.

Twenty-five years later, the river floods and a body surfaces. Talk of Warren’s murder grips the town. Now in her forties, Jane returns to Maud Bottoms to reckon with her past: to do jail time, to face her revenge-bent mother, to make things right.

But though Jane’s homecoming may enlighten some, it could threaten others. Because in this desolate river valley, some secrets are better left undisturbed.

©2022 Kelly J. Ford. (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Donna Postel gives an anxious, emotive performance of the dual narrative. The varied extent of her Arkansas accent may seem inconsistent, but this exemplifies Jane’s efforts to escape her past. This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an intense, intricate suspense built on oppressive mistrust and misguided obligation. Recommended for fans of Lisa Jewell, Katie Sise, and Janelle Brown.”—Library Journal

“At the start of this gripping suspense novel from Ford (Cottonmouths), Jane Mooney, who’s been living in Boston, returns home to Maud Bottoms, Ark.…The truth slowly unfolds as the plot builds toward a surprising conclusion foreshadowed by a trail of skillfully disguised clues. Ford delivers the goods.”—Publishers Weekly

“With layers of storytelling portraying generational trauma, small towns and the unbearable confines their scrutiny can place on anyone who feels different, and the unbreakable bonds that adversity can forge, Real Bad Things is sometimes a hard read, but always an excellent one. Readers looking for slow burn mystery with unforgettable characters and an unforgettable atmosphere will find here exactly what they need.”—Mystery and Suspense Magazine

Almost unpredictable

I liked the story but I felt like we got to know the who with a little too much story left.
The character development was so good. The descriptions of the events as they unfolded as remembered by the character was also very good.

Just couldn't love this

I wish I knew why this just fell flat for me. I had such high hopes. It had most of the elements of crime mysteries that I normally love. Possibly the character development was weak to start and never really fleshed out much in the book. The story was really draggy a few times and I kept wishing the would hurry up and get on with it.

I have certainly listened to worse, and I am sure I will again. But I just can't give this one a glowing review

Story is intriguing but didn’t enjoy culture

Don’t like to be surprised by foul language, sexual content, etc. wish there was a rating system like movies so you could discern before buying an audible book.

The Last Chapter is Frustrating!

First of all, the narration was superb!

Secondly, the story was good. I could visualize the characters being an Arkansas native myself. 😁 I was really looking forward to how it all came together and the holes in the story filled.

Third, and final thought....it didn't come together. Unless, I missed a few chapters 😂, the story did not come together. The holes in the story are not filled. I was left puzzled, but maybe it was just me.

Intense, captivating listen

This book does contain "scenes" that are really unpleasant. These are, however, necessary elements in the characters and plot - not at all gratuitous violence. This is a book about a family that's beyond dysfunctional; it's not a rare phenomenon occurring only in some backwoods trailer park. People are damaged everyday, everywhere - stigmatized, neglected. This is an intense, strangely compassionate story. The narration is great.

Too Long

The story took forever to unfold. There was endless introspection by the two main characters. And then, boom, it was over without a satisfying resolution.

Pretty good book

This was an interesting book which kept me intrigued. Would read it again. My only complaint was I was able to guess the end but that happens a lot for me so doesn't say anything bad about the book.

Slow start

Wonderful story and gripping finish! Very worth the listening time. Narrator dud excellent job! Recommend with no hesitation.

Not what I expected

First of all because it may matter to some, this is murder/lesbian love story (with two somewhat racy situations). Really well written, with choice of words, flow etc. All the characters are not very astute or particularly likeable. I thought I had figured out the twist and felt pretty smug until the very end where there is a twist on the twist (and yes it works). Don't know why everyone is making over the narrator. She did a good job but nothing outstanding. I would recommend the read and because so well written, would read others by this author. The choice of adjectives, descriptions of people and places were refreshing as opposed to the typical of this genre.

Couldn’t get into it

For some reason I had a hard time with this one. Not sure exactly what it was. I liked the characters and I absolutely needed to know what happened. The ending was frustrating because I felt like I was left with more questions than I had with most of the rest of the book. Performed well, interesting story but just not my favorite.