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Book Review of Deeper Than the Dead (Oak Knoll, Bk 1)

Deeper Than the Dead (Oak Knoll, Bk 1)
sharalsbooks avatar reviewed on + 259 more book reviews


Initially, I contemplated giving up on this book as parts of the story seemed to drag and come to a near standstill as the story seemed to focus on minor supporting characters. Im glad I stayed with it as the author was able to bring these characters more into the spotlight so that I could see how integral to the story they were. Though my suspicions about the identity of the See No Evil killer proved to be accurate, I was not anticipating several other events involving other characters that were a surprise and disturbing in their level of the sinister and macabre. The story takes place in the early 80s when DNA testing is not as common or widely used as it is now. The town soon realizes there is a serial killer loose when it is discovered that another woman has gone missing.

At the center of the story is elementary school teacher, Anne Navarre, who is trying to make sense of the grisly discovery by some of her students of a dead woman. I liked this character. She cares deeply for her students and is very protective of them. We also learn that Anne is living with and caring for her elderly father, a very mean spirited and hateful man. Fortunately, she doesnt take his crap and is willing to put him in his place when he becomes verbally abusive. Tony Mendez is one of the sheriffs deputies working the case along with the help of Vince Leone, an FBI agent who specializes in profiling. We also get to see more into the lives of the children, Tommy, Wendy and Dennis. No story would be complete without the addition of detestable characters and this one delivers. I couldnt stand Tommys mother and Denniss father.

Though this story dragged in part for me, I am glad I stuck with it because once it kicked into gear, I couldnt put it down.