First published 2024
English teacher Richard Boyle faces his worst nightmare when former student Mark LeDrew arrives at school wearing a bomb vest. Richard talks Mark down and prevents catastrophe, earning praise as a local hero. His moment of recognition brings unwanted attention from a twisted blackmailer determined to settle old scores. The anonymous tormentor drags Richard into a maze of false accusations and hidden corruption. Richard discovers that Mark, his blackmailer, and a network of violent drug dealers share dark connections. His small town harbors secrets that threaten everyone he cares about. Friends and neighbors conceal vital information, leaving Richard unsure who to trust. One wrong choice could destroy his family and career. Richard must navigate the dangerous web he stumbled into while protecting those he loves. His single act of courage has trapped him in a nightmare where doing the right thing carries a devastating price.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Small Town
Period: Contemporary
366 pages · Kindle Edition · HQ
Content warnings: emotional-abuse, violence