Review: Cruel Lessons

CRUEL LESSONS by Randy Overbeck

Fiction, Mystery

4****

Blurb: On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?

Thoughts: Mr. Overbeck writes very good mysteries and this one is no exception. He uses great imagery to put you right in the action. His characters are well-developed and realistic. This story is set in 1995 so you have to realize that when reading because of the technology being used. It begins with the drug use and deaths of four young boys on a school outing. Their teacher, Stacy, is arrested for being the one who supplied the drugs. The assistant superintendent, Ken, is tasked with finding out who else is involved. Meanwhile, Ken’s marriage is in trouble because of the time he spends on the investigation. Between Ken, his police friend Bart, and a custodian, the investigation gets intense. There is a good ending, but there are also several threads left dangling so I’m quite sure there will be more with these characters.

What I liked: the imagery, the characters, the story. All very well done. And a good ending.

What I didn’t like: the dangling threads. But knowing this author, I know they will be addressed in possible later stories. 

Recommendation: Recommended. 

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”