Author Dianne L. Hagan tackles a volatile and pressing conflict in America today through this riveting story. Hagan does a fantastic job remaining a neutral storyteller in a topic that divides so many Americans. There is good and evil and villains and heroes, but we are shown the assumptions people make and how there are several layers to seemingly one dimensional characters. Hagan proves that you can’t judge people based on appearances. This captivating crime fiction story delivers the message that there will always be injustice, but as long as there are people willing to fight for equality, we can make our corners of the world better and brighter.

This book grips you from the beginning as the story begins with the shooting of an unarmed young black man by a white sheriff in a small town in upstate New York. This is the second book in a series by Hagan and thus information is given throughout the story about the town’s history of cultures clashing and its new mission to be a place of multicultural unity. The main characters, Lester and Mariann, are a mixed racial couple who moved to the town of Cadence just a couple years prior. Mariann is on the Town Council and Lester is a retired EMT worker. They are seen as leaders in the small town along with their friends and fellow town council members, Craig, Delores, Enoch, Irma, George and others. Enoch is a Native American from the local tribe of the town and speaks to animals. He communicates with an American Bald Eagle that delivers messages that guide the group and helps them discover who is really behind this crime and what other dangers lie ahead. This adds a fascinating supernatural layer to an already captivating story.

Despite the protests, bombings and kidnappings that continue throughout the book, good-hearted people of different backgrounds work together to ultimately uncover the plot of antagonist. This thought-provoking story shows readers that systemic racism is the ultimate problem and not the acts of individual people.

This book hit very close to home for me. I enjoyed getting to know different types of characters through Hagan’s eyes and found her perspective to be refreshing. I respect her for tackling such a divisive topic through storytelling and hope this entertaining mystery thriller is able to make a difference in the race issues of our country.

Pages: 247 | ASIN: B0BNP5CM1X