Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Shudder Pulp by Vanessa Westermann is the second book in the Charley Scott mystery series. Charley is eagerly anticipating her upcoming Halloween art installation, which she drew from the legend of a local lake monster to create an immersive pulp experience. However, the last thing she expected was for her inspiration to become real life. When a newcomer with a plan for the dam arrives, she stirs up immediate friction with Charley. When the woman later claims to have been a victim of a lake monster attack, she points a finger at Charley for it. Surely the woman is lying, but when her body is found and the cause of death is drowning, even Charley begins to wonder if this was murder or the work of a lake monster. She becomes more confused when strange clues are discovered, such as an animal carcass and a witch’s ladder. But do these mean that a lake monster really exists, or is there a killer using this to cover their tracks?

The characters are engaging, and you get a sense of their personalities from the first meeting, especially Laura, who immediately doesn’t get along with Charley. The author wastes no time setting up the drama, which is the catalyst for her involvement and for the mystery itself. These dynamics are engaging as Vanessa Westermann crafts believable dialogue and exchanges, especially with Charley's friends and the charming chocolatier. Her team-up with Matt is a humorous and chemistry-filled part of the premise, as every scene between them is delightful. The writing is spectacular, and even the exposition is a joy to read, with incredibly clever phrases. You get a sense of how much fun this mystery was to write, and this makes the story come alive in a special way. The vivid descriptions add another depth to the storytelling and showcase the author's ability to deliver visuals through her prose. Shudder Pulp is an amazing read with delightful characters, a suspenseful mystery, and a plot that leaves you wanting more from the series.