The Rising

by Morgan Brice

Review

Anytime we get a new story with Vic and Simon, I know I’m in for something that will completely capture my attention—and this one definitely lived up to that expectation. What I really enjoy about this series is how seamlessly the history of the Grand Strand community is woven into each installment. In this book, we’re introduced to Black Coat Benny and the Gallows Nine, a haunting thread that stretches all the way back to the 1700s. The way the author ties these eerie, ghostly legends into the storyline makes the whole experience feel layered and immersive.

I love how the past and present constantly intertwine in this series. The characters aren’t just dealing with mysteries in their current world—they’re also piecing together stories from history that directly impact the present. That interplay of ghostly folklore and modern-day sleuthing is what makes these books so fun. Just like the others in the series, this installment was a quick, easy read that kept me engaged from start to finish. And honestly, the audiobooks bring the whole thing to life in such a perfect way—they’ve quickly become my favorite format for this series.