#AudioBookReview: Songbird in the Gallows by Alta Hensley

Synopsis: From the bestselling author of He Sees You When You’re Sleeping comes a dark romance about a murder-sober retired serial killer and his murder-curious protégé. Perfect for fans of Brynne Weaver, this twisted romance inspired by the Bluebeard folktale is filled with dark humor, sizzling chemistry, and spice. 

Murder is their love language… 

Five years ago, Saylor Mitchell’s father was brutally murdered in front of her, shattering her world. Now his killers have tracked her down to finish the job. She is unexpectedly saved by her father’s closest friend, the enigmatic Blue. Saylor's savior—and captor— is a reformed, murder-sober assassin struggling to escape the clutches of his own violent history.

Blue’s gothic mansion, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking a stormy sea in the town of Grimlock, is a labyrinth of secrets. And so is Grimlock, a small town whose residents all seem to have a penchant for murder that they’ve managed—mostly— to overcome.

Saylor soon realizes that Blue holds the key to avenging her father’s murder at the hands of the Crow, a gang of amoral contract killers. Only problem? Saylor has never killed before. Good thing those who can’t kill…teach.

Blue finds Saylor an apt pupil and the attraction between them morphs into a dangerous obsession. Can their love conquer Blue’s final, darkest secret?



Morally grey leadsTouch her and dieDad’s best friendPossessivenessGothic mansionMurder mysteryForbidden loveAge gapForced proximityAnti-heroDark romanceGothic romanceFairytale retelling

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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My Review:
Songbird in the Gallows had a really intriguing premise, and I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere, morally gray characters, and twisted take on the Bluebeard fairytale. The audiobook brought the dark world of Grimlock and its secrets to life, and I liked the unusual dynamic between Saylor and Blue. There was plenty of murder, mystery, obsession, and forbidden romance woven throughout, making this an interesting listen for fans of darker stories. Overall, this landed in the middle for me—a take-it-or-leave-it read.

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Posted in: 3 Stars, Adult, AudioBook, Review