The Creek, the Crone, and the Crow

A Novel

De: Leah Weiss

Narrado por: Kate Forbes

An outsider to the Carolina hills inherits a gift that could change everything for her beloved creek town on the verge of dying out, from an author of whom NPR said writes "with a deep knowledge of the enduring myths of Appalachia...vividly portraying real people and sorrows."

Summer, 1980. Kate Shaw has lived in Baines Creek for ten years, teaching at a one-room schoolhouse on the brink of closure. A skeptic by heart, she rejects superstition and the belief in Appalachian folklore, much to the chagrin of Birdie Rocas, a lively and reclusive witch with a trove of secrets. Yet when Birdie dies and leaves Kate her Book of Truths and a trunk of illuminated manuscripts and journals, Kate is thrown into a mystery, overwhelmed by a collection that spans centuries back to Scotland.

Enter Lydia Brown, a psychic with a curious birthmark whose visions stopped the day her parents died. Grief-stricken, without her gift, and in need of spiritual guidance, she travels to Appalachia in search of Birdie. From there, the two women’s stories intertwine, as they investigate the questions surrounding Birdie’s death and legacy, through secret rooms, underground tunnels, and back country graveyards.

©2026 Leah Weiss (P)2026 Recorded Books

5 star book

I loved everything about this book. I was sorry when it ended. The narrator was perfect.

Magical!

After reading "If the Creek Don't Rise," I was immediately hooked and wanted the story to continue. I was thrilled to learn that Leah Weiss was writing a sequel, and I couldn't wait for it to be released. Now that I have read it, I can say that it was all that I'd hoped for and more!

I was utterly captivated by the magical and spiritual Appalachian elements woven throughout this story. I'm eager to further explore this fascinating aspect of Appalachian culture. Additionally, as a liberal woman, I found the book incredibly empowering, and I admire how Leah incorporates very strong women and progressive themes into her writing. Although it may put some people off, I truly appreciate every aspect of it.

Kate Forbes does a fantastic job narrating, as always. My only minor issue is that the voices of Kate Shaw and Lydia Brown were so similar that I occasionally struggled to keep track of who was narrating each chapter. However, I was always able to get back on track very quickly.

Thank you Leah, for this amazing book! I am looking forward to reading more from you soon!