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Echo from a Bayou: One Man's Journey To Hunt Down His Murderer

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A high concept suspense thriller of adventure and betrayal with a supernatural twist.After a freak skiing accident puts him in a coma, John Bastian awakens with memories of a past life as Jack Bachman. Unshakable visions of treasure, a violent ax attack, and a vibrant red-headed woman consume his thoughts, propelling him toward a dangerous future that feels as inevitable as his past.John embarks on a journey to Louisiana, where all the new memories as Jack center, to find answers and confront the man who murdered him in his past life. As danger lurks at every turn, John must fight for survival and protect those he loves before a hurricane hits.This page-turner is full of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Experience the thrill of ECHO FROM A BAYOU and discover the truth about John's past life in this exciting novel."What can I say about this fantastic novel? The pacing is amazing. The action starts on the first page and only gathers momentum from there. Bennecke knows exactly where to drip-feed information and where to cut it off to keep readers hooked without being frustrated. The setup is taut. Who could resist searching for another life? One that held true love, adventure, and a fortune in gold? The premise is so intricate and uniquely executed. It’s the kind of story you can jump on board with immediately." - Independent Book Review

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2023

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About the author

J. Luke Bennecke

6 books82 followers
J. Luke Bennecke is a veteran civil engineer who has spent his career helping people by improving Southern California roadways. He has a civil engineering degree, an MBA, a private pilot's certificate, and is a partner in an engineering firm. In his role as philanthropist, he awards scholarships annually to high school seniors at his alma mater.

In addition to his first book, Civil Terror: Gridlock, an Amazon bestseller, Bennecke has written several other novels and screenplays, a creative process he thoroughly enjoys. His second Jake Bendel thriller, Waterborne, was published in 2021 by Black Rose Writing.

Bennecke resides in Southern California with his wife of over 30 years and three spunky cats. In his leisure time he enjoys traveling, flying, golfing, learning about innovative tech, and spending time with his grown daughters.

Bennecke is a member of International Thriller Writers and looks forward to attending ThrillerFest every year in New York.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,281 reviews515 followers
August 12, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

ECHO FROM A BAYOU: One Man’s Journey to Hunt Down His Murder by J. Luke Bennecke is an exciting mix of suspense/action thriller/treasure hunt adventure and reincarnation. This is a standalone story that kept me turning the pages well into the night.

John Bastian awakes after a three-day coma after a skiing accident with memories that are not his own. He learns the memories belong to Jack Bachman from Louisiana who was married to a red-headed beauty.

He is compelled to take a trip to Louisiana to follow his memories, find the red-headed beauty, and find the man who murdered him over a buried treasure. And then there is a hurricane.

This is an intriguing look into reincarnation, betrayal, murder, and true love all combined into an action-adventure thriller. All the characters are fully fleshed and the descriptions of all the locations throughout the story add to believability. I did have a bit of difficulty with the past and present differences if I did not pay attention to the chapter headings, but eventually it all came together. There are plenty of plot twists and surprises throughout.

This is an intriguing thriller and more.
Profile Image for Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem).
149 reviews73 followers
August 22, 2023
Once I started reading Echo from a Bayou, I found it difficult to stop. The story is compelling, the characters are very well developed, and I kept reading "just one more chapter" to see what was going to happen next.

We get multiple perspectives and timelines in this book, but with good purpose. The main character, John Bastian, suffers a tragedy that causes him to have visions, hallucinations, or memories that feel very real to him involving a treasure, a beautiful wife, and his own murder. He's compelled to piece it all together. We get to travel along with him on this wild ride.

I found this a great concept for a story and am so glad I had a chance to read it as part of the Partners in Crime virtual book tours. I received a free copy of the book and am providing my own thoughts and opinions here. I'm happy to give Echo from a Bayou five stars and look forward to reading more from J. Luke Bennecke!
Profile Image for Janalyn Prude.
3,210 reviews91 followers
August 13, 2023
When John bastion in his best friend Kevin Trailer went on a ski vacation they watch a man fall out of the ski lift but a few days later when John gets in an accident and goes into a coma upon waking he thinks his name is Jack Bockman and he sees the ghost of the Doctor son in the guy who fell out of the ski lift but the strangeness is an over when his mom calls to tell him his dad had a minor stroke him and Kevin race to the hospital thankfully his dad is stable but when his mom learns about John’s hallucinations she has a story of her own and once he learns about it it will start an adventure that would lead him to everything he ever wanted but with people out to kill him he may not live to get it. It will start with John’s twin brother Adam the world end in a tugboat in the middle of a hurricane. This was a really good book I found it to be fast paced very interesting and although some of the details were wrong like eating grits with jambalaya, when grits or breakfast food and no respectable Southerners going to fix that with a buy you dinner and the fact that it seemed like in the book that was a hurricane every other week but despite these minor details this was really an awesome read I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it I want to thank the author for a great book please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elaine .
768 reviews57 followers
August 22, 2023
Ecos from a bayou.
By j.Luke Bennecke.

I read this book in two days..
394 pages. Once I started I was Enthralled. A story like no other. So glad I picked this one up..


This book is so good. It's one of the books I would have never picked up. the gene. But i'm so glad I did. It's turned out to be one of my very favorites this year.. Absolutely amazing book. I loved Definitely highly recommend this one.. So very very good.. Sometimes it's good to read a book . You normally wouldnt because you can see.
Different things. That you normally wouldnt because it's not your gene.. So I guess stepping out of my comfort zone of books I normally read.
Happy I did.

A Gripping reincarnation. Bad ass sweet book.

A ski trip , were nothing can go wrong. Or mabey it can. A journey for John. a wild ride it will be

Favorite parts of this book .For this man, seeing things. But were they Actually there. the whole book was just perfect. I just can't say enough about this one I loved this book immensely..

Totally gripping thrilling reincarnation ,
Story will not want to put down I know I didn't.

Let me just say if I could read this book again I would For the first time. This is the second book this year. I felt this way about.. Totally awesome book loved it.
Profile Image for Colleen Winter.
Author 4 books81 followers
August 7, 2023
I was lucky to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader copy) of EFAB when I met Luke Bennecke at Thrillerfest.

EFAB is an intricate, compelling story of a man struggling to understand memories that are not his own after a ski accident. The memories include his own murder and a woman he can't get out of his mind. These memories take him on a journey from his hometown in California deep into the Bayous of Louisianna.

I was fascinated by the premise of EFAB and how it approached reincarnation and the occasions when people have memories that aren't their own. Throw a decades old murder into the works and a long lost treasure, the wildness of the Bayou and it makes for a compelling read.

I loved how JB struggles with his sanity and the memories interwoven with his determination to solve his own murder and find the long lost treasure. Great read!
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
892 reviews62 followers
June 29, 2023
In the gripping narrative of Echo from a Bayou, penned by J. Luke Bennecke, readers meet John Bastian, a middle-aged protagonist wrestling with personal and professional dilemmas. In pursuit of escape and resolution, he, along with his unwavering confidant Kevin, embarks on a seemingly innocuous ski trip, which takes a harrowing turn leading to a life-altering accident. Waking up in a hospital bed, John discovers he’s become a repository for alien emotions and memories. The mystifying recall of a brutal death, a captivating woman, and a concealed fortune hidden in the wilds of the Louisiana bayou invades his consciousness.

Compelled by a potent mix of curiosity and urgency to unravel the story behind these mysterious memories, John convinces Kevin to join him in a trip to Louisiana. This expedition spirals into a thrilling tale laced with mystery and high-stakes suspense. Echo from a Bayou is a captivating, fast-paced thriller that engrosses readers in an intricate web of perspectives. The characters traverse perilous paths in the pursuit of a forgotten treasure while being pitted against supernatural elements that challenge conventional reasoning.

Bennecke’s narrative is a riveting blend of high-octane action and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As they journey with John and Kevin, readers will find themselves eagerly piecing together clues to the treasure and a looming threat. The author’s robust characterization breathes life into a collection of formidable adversaries, stoking the readers’ anticipation for their inevitable downfall. The supernatural dimensions, particularly the theme of reincarnation, add a fascinating layer to the narrative, further enhanced by the vivid landscapes of New Orleans and the mystical Louisiana bayou.

While I enjoyed the novel, the narrative occasionally dips into expository narration, which disrupts the otherwise fluid sequence of events. This over-reliance on explicit storytelling at times breaks the immersive experience.

Nonetheless, Echo from a Bayou stands out as a thrilling literary experience that adeptly weaves supernatural elements into the narrative fabric, making them both compelling and relatable. The overall appeal of this exhilarating tale remains undiminished. Immerse yourself in this riveting journey for a suspense-filled exploration of the supernatural and a relentless quest for redemption.
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
2,407 reviews206 followers
July 24, 2023
Imagine awakening from a skiing accident, only to find yourself plagued by vivid recollections from a past life that is not your own. Such is the captivating dilemma John Bastian faces in Echo From a Bayou, the latest novel by J. Luke Bennecke. This thought-provoking narrative delves into John's struggle to comprehend the enigma surrounding a mysterious red-haired woman who relentlessly haunts his thoughts and, more pressingly, his desperate quest to unravel the truth behind the murder of his past self, Jack Bachman. Time is of the essence as danger looms ominously, threatening not only John's well-being but that of his loved ones. The ghost of Jack's demise looms, and John must take every measure to avert a similar fate.

Adding to the weight upon John's burdened shoulders is a tragic incident that unfolds during the ill-fated skiing trip. Witnessing the untimely death of Blake Lynds in a harrowing gondola accident, John finds himself tormented by the haunting visage of the departed soul each day. In the company of our protagonist, the reader embarks on a gripping odyssey as John embarks on an unrelenting quest for answers. Was Jack Bachman a tangible existence, or did John's post-coma state spawn a realm of hallucinations? Who harbors ill intentions towards him and his kin? And when will the burden of guilt for failing to rescue Blake dissipate?

All these burning questions find resolution within the pages of this masterfully crafted thriller. Though the initial chapters may seem calculated in their pacing, gradually acquainting us with the intricacies of the characters and their world, the narrative's allure gradually intensifies. Soon enough, readers find themselves wholly engrossed in the lives of both John and Jack, entangled within the enigmatic tapestry they share. Echo From a Bayou presents a well-executed and immersive tale. While not pioneering new frontiers within its genre, the novel remains a delightful and compelling read, fueling curiosity towards its vividly rendered characters. Its charm lies in its ability to captivate, entertain, and effortlessly draw the reader deeper into its intricately woven narrative.

Immersing oneself in the pages of Echo From a Bayou is a gratifying experience characterized by its irresistible allure, gripping pace, and accessible prose. This suspenseful novel undeniably possesses the power to hold you spellbound until the final page is turned.
August 4, 2023
🎶Old black water, keep on rollin’…🎶

“Echo from a Bayou” by J. Luke Bennecke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Supernatural Thriller. Location: California and Louisiana, USA. Time: 2016.

In 2016, John Bastian (39), divorced real estate broker from Newport Beach, CA, hits the Mammoth Mountain slopes with best friend Kevin. They end up in a gondola accident where John tries and is unable to save a passenger. Then a freak skiing accident puts him in a coma. He wakes with memories of a past life as Jack Bachman, murdered helicopter pilot from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jack’s memories are of a cursed treasure, a red-headed woman, and the violent ax attack that killed him in 1978.

A visit with John’s mom brings up repressed memories. John and Kevin head to Louisiana, where Jack’s memories center, to find answers and confront the man who murdered Jack. Meanwhile Scott Jones, commercial pilot/treasure hunter, and Mike Bixleton, Scott’s partner, are also hunting for La Tresor Fatale (the treasure Jack was hunting when he died), and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. With Hurricane Carl looming, John and Kevin must fight for survival from the treasure hunters out to kill them, and from the elements.

Author Bennecke has written a book so full of adventures, twists and turns that it’s like being on a roller-coaster not knowing what’s over the next rise. There are plots within plots, connections within connections, and a totally unexpected ending.

He inserts wry observations such on his middle-aged characters’ enjoyment of using the occasional hip hop phrase. Bennecke provides a lot of detail for characters and places which helps make the wild story seem real. Don’t give me any ‘This couldn’t happen, there’s too many coincidences, it’s ridiculous’ comments. It’s a supernatural adventure-enjoy it for the crazy, wild ride it is! It is what it is, and it’s a great example of what it is: fabled treasure, murders, love, reincarnation, secrets, dangerous coincidences! It’s 5 stars from me. Thank you to BookTrib, Jaytech Publishing, and J. Luke Bennecke for this early copy. Publishes 8/8/2023.
Profile Image for T.G. Wolff.
Author 17 books133 followers
October 9, 2023
ECHO FROM A BAYOU is a paranormal suspense. John Bastian went head-first into a tree. He woke from a coma and, yeah, he could see dead people. Even weirder, John woke with memories of a war he never fought in, a career he never had, and a wife he never kissed. Flashes hinted at map leading to treasure and an ax leading to death of the man who John was…Jack Bachman. Now John is on the hunt for the treasure, his murderer, and the woman he left behind.

Bottom line: ECHO FROM A BAYOU is for you if you like your suspense steeped in the supernatural, paced to draw out the good stuff and finishing with one of the best, eerie endings you’ve ever seen.

Strengths of the story. From the start, the premise of the story grabs you. This isn’t a typical time travel type of story but a well-reasoned reincarnation story. This not only is a unique spin on the supernatural genre but eliminates all the problems of logic stability that is inherent in time travel.

The characters are also a winner. John / Jack is an ordinary man, put in extraordinary circumstances. He doesn’t flip a switch and go into hero mode but his slowly driven there by memories and urges his rational mind has to justify. The best friend, Kevin, is an excellent comic relief. The bad guy, Scott, is complex. Just because he’s evil doesn’t mean he’s always an asshole.

The pacing matches the expectation set with being suspense. Certainly, some scene hit the thrill level, but, overall, this is one you sit back and enjoy…until you have to read faster because the shit is hitting the fan.

Where the story fell short of ideal: Having finished this book several days ago and revisited the plot, this is a really solid suspense. There is very little to pick on here. If you like thriller-like pacing, you may find this a bit slow, but again, this is true to the suspense genre.

While I totally loved the end, I did have one question for the author on why/how it happened that way. Regardless of his answer, this is at the top of my list for cool ways to finish a book.
Profile Image for Dorothy Minor.
629 reviews9 followers
June 19, 2023
Having grown up on Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world, I am drawn to stories set on bayous or that have bayous as a backdrop. As a result, Echo From a Bayou: One Man’s Journey to Hunt Down His Murderer by J. Luke Bennecke caught my eye. As a mystery buff, I am also drawn to page-turning stories.
What happens when John Bastian wakes up from an accident that put him into a coma and has memories of another life as Jack Bachman? This question will cause readers to delve into Echo From a Bayou in order to discover how one man can have memories of another man’s life.
As mentioned in the first paragraph, I am drawn to stories with bayous as a backdrop, page-turning mysteries, and I’ll one more caveat: “vibrant red-headed” women. Echo From a Bayou contains all three.

John goes to Louisiana because he knows that Jack’s background is there. John hopes to discover who murdered him in his past life as Jack. To add to the danger of hunting down a murderer, a hurricane is fast approaching. How much danger can one man face?

For mystery readers looking for a fast-paced story, look no further than Echo From a Bayou. While mysteries can be a dead end for book clubs, book club members who choose to discuss Echo From a Bayou a good choice. The discussion will center on past lives, the discovery of how to investigate a past murder, and finally the discovery that will turn the whole story upside down. To avoid any spoilers, I will not tell readers what that twist is, but suffice it to say, it will be shocking.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 1 book36 followers
August 8, 2023
Any thriller/suspense novel set in a bayou immediately has me intrigued! There is a lot of darkness and unknown that extends the chills you feel while reading. This book combines suspense, thrill, and a bit of the supernatural to keep you pulled deep into the storyline.

When I read a suspense/thriller, I like to imagine myself in the main character’s role. I often ask questions about how I would handle a situation, pull clues from previous chapters, and quickly find myself submerged into the book. It adds to the creep factor I love so much!

John Bastian awakens from a coma with another man’s memories. Who is Jack Bachman and why would his own memories be infiltrated by this man’s? He sets out to Louisiana with the hopes of finding the answers he needs to solve the mystery of these memories flooding his own. Not only is he hunting for the murderer, but he’s also focused on the storm brewing that could potentially thwart his plan.

I was often torn between what was real and what was the mind playing tricks. Or was it my own adding to the twists and turns? I guess I won’t know unless I read it again. But I can promise that this riveting read won’t let you down if you love a book that makes you work for the answers you need!

I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Wetzel.
547 reviews29 followers
August 24, 2023
Echo From A Bayou by J. Luke Bennecke is an intriguing story you will want to read. Bennecke takes you on a thrilling roller coaster ride with twist and turns that will make your head spin. This is a fast paced thriller with a supernatural twist blended in that will keep the pages turning very quickly. It will grab you from the start and does not let go until the very end. It is told in multiple timelines and perspectives with very well developed characters. Filled with murder, mystery, betrayal and the supernatural, Bennecke will have you on the edge of your seat thinking you have it all figured out until you get to that jaw dropping unexpected ending that will knock you right off that seat. I loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this new to me author.

Thank you Partners In Crime Book Tours, Jaytech Publishing and J. Luke Bennecke for the honor to be a part of this fascinating book tour. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
#partnersincrimebooktours. #jaytechpublishing. #ukebennecke. #echofromabayou.
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 4 books153 followers
August 25, 2023
This thriller, An Echo from A Bayou, reminds me so much of similar writers such as David Baldacci, John Grisham, Lee Child, and Harlan Coben. J. Luke Bennecke writes in a style that matches these famous big-name writers. I love how the book blurb held just enough to capture my attention and made me curious about the adventure inside it. There is indeed a thrilling adventure ahead for readers. I felt like I was transported into a Jason Bourne/Time Traveler's Wife movie. Some parts that were similar to Jason Bourne was the memories and trying to piece them together to hunt down the murderer. The Time Traveler's Wife parts were the tracking down a specific person but for different reason. I loved how there were plenty of twists to keep me engaged. For those looking for a good read that sets them off on a suspenseful journey this is the book to have!

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,013 reviews66 followers
August 7, 2023
A gripping suspense thriller that seamlessly blends adventure, betrayal, and the supernatural. John Bastian's life takes a dramatic turn after a skiing accident leaves him in a coma, only to awaken with vivid memories of a past life as Jack Bachman. With haunting visions of treasure, a violent ax attack, and a mysterious red-headed woman, John finds himself drawn into a dangerous quest for truth and justice. As he journeys to Louisiana, where his new memories as Jack converge, the suspense intensifies, and danger lurks around every corner. The relentless twists and turns will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the exhilarating conclusion
Profile Image for Celeste.
59 reviews6 followers
August 20, 2023
This book took me on a WILD ride! ⛈️🌀🪙

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained" - John
I think this quote is perfect!

It was not my usual read, but it was unique to me! It has opened my mind to other kinds of books I'd like to read!

It is full of turns & twists, all the way up to the very end! I thought I knew what was going to happen & I was WRONG!

Hurricane, Murder, Recarnation, Curse, Treasure, & Ghosts! 👀

Thank you J. Luke Bennecke & Jaytech Publishing for this awesome ARC!
303 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this great read! There is action and adventure, mystery and mysticism, even romance. I especially enjoyed the ending, just when you think it’s over, it’s not, very satisfying. I love how the mysteries tie together and the great characters. I was glued to the pages! Truly a great and epic tale!
Profile Image for BookTrib.com .
1,885 reviews156 followers
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August 8, 2023
ECHO FROM A BAYOU by J. Luke Bennecke combines elements of action, adventure and suspense, and will ultimately leave readers dodging bullets, throwing punches, and facing down a raging tropical hurricane all from the comfort of their favorite reading spot!

Read the full review on BookTrib.com
October 26, 2023
Elementary character development, unbelievable character conversation. The ending saved it from a 1 star, but honestly I don’t get all the hype on thriller, twists and turns at every corner??? The only twist, which was really good was the ending. Sorry
Profile Image for Katie Larson.
1 review
April 17, 2024
I wish I could say I loved this book but it just didn’t work for me. I found the writing too basic and almost read like a high school had written it. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters and found the “twist” disappointing.
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