Book Review: The Threshing Floor by Steph Nelson

“You think they wouldn’t find out that you’re hiding little corners of darkness?”

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Single mom Dalice Carter has had a rough life. Her mother is deceased, her relationship with her sister is strained, and her two-year-old son, Cash, has a life-threatening congenital heart defect that will require a transplant. Forced to drop out of college due to her pregnancy, she works two jobs, struggling to keep the lights on, relying on her sister for childcare, blaming herself for Cash’s issues, and drowning in student loans, credit card debt, and medical bills. She’s exhausted and overwhelmed, so when she meets an attractive man who’s part of a group whose leader supposedly possesses the ability to heal, she ignores obvious red flags and concerning oddities, determined to do anything she can to save Cash, even if it means joining a cult. But is the price too high?

Threaded with malice and mystery, The Threshing Floor moves back and forth in time as it shifts between characters, gradually unveiling the sinister backstory underscoring the plotline. Its unique premise is rife with uncomfortable culty/religious vibes, ominous undertones, true horrors, and occasional humor, which is hugely refreshing amid the heavy subject matter. It’s a fraught and layered tale of lies, secrets, manipulation, and cruelty; shame, loneliness, longing, and desperation; addiction, illness, mortality, and murder; love, lust, obsession, and temptation; abuse, imprisonment, exploitation, and blackmail; and miracles, power, faith, and freedom.

Topped off with a fascinating title source, delightful crossover with The Vein, heart-pounding climax, exclamation point of an ending, must-read Author’s Note, and an absolutely gorgeous cover, The Threshing Floor is a truly distinctive story sure to satisfy both horror and suspense/thriller enthusiasts.

Thank you to BookSirens and Dark Matter INK for providing an eARC of this forthcoming title — currently slated for release on November 11th — for review consideration.

🖤Amanda