By Tawni O'Dell
ISBN: 9781476755878
Publisher: Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Publication Date: 8/19/14
Format: Other
Pages: 304
My Rating: 4 Stars
From the New York Times bestselling author of Back Roads comes a fast-paced literary thriller about a forensic psychologist forced to face his own demons after discovering his small hometown terrorized by a serial killer.Dr. Sheridan Doyle—a fastidiously groomed and TV-friendly forensic psychologist—is the go-to shrink for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office whenever a twisted killer’s mind eludes other experts.
But beneath his Armani pinstripes, he’s still Danny Doyle, the awkward, terrified, bullied boy from a blue-collar mining family, plagued by panic attacks and haunted by the tragic death of his little sister and mental unraveling of his mother years ago.Returning to a hometown grappling with its own ghosts,
Danny finds a dead body at the infamous Lost Creek gallows where a band of rebellious Irish miners was once executed. Strangely, the body is connected to the wealthy family responsible for the miners' deaths. Teaming up with veteran detective Rafe, a father-like figure from his youth, Danny—in pursuit of a killer—comes dangerously close to startling truths about his family, his past, and himself.In this masterfully told psychological thriller in the vein of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, the past and present collide to put Lost Creek’s long-lived ghosts to bed.
My Review
A special thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exdhange for an honest review.
Tawni O’Dell’s ONE OF US is an engaging psychological thriller, set in an old coal mining town of Lost Creek, holding deep dark secrets in the backwoods of Appalachia. Loved the front cover image as pulls you into this world of mystery and murder.
Danny Doyle, born and raised in this coal mining town of Pennsylvania, and has no desire to return after struggling with demons from childhood, from bullying, an alcoholic father, and an mentally unstable mother, and the horrific death of his week old sister, which continues to haunt him.
Danny is a renowned Dr. Sheridan Doyle, a forensic psychologist for the Philadelphia DA’S office. He has risen above his blue collar roots, specializing in serial killers through television appearances, novels, and expert witness testimonies.
Unfortunately he is called back due to his grandfather Tommy’s health (96 yrs old) and upon his return Danny discovers a dead body, which is the start of a chain of murders and deep dark buried truths. He and Rafe, a father figure and detective, begin to investigate the death and make connections, as Danny has to confront his worst fears.
The story really takes a turn when Scarlet Walker, daughter of the mine owner, also returns and casts shadows of doubt of the present deaths and those occurring in the past. Written from different perspectives (Scarlet/Danny) from past and present-- uncovering the darkest past.
Filled with details, intertwining the past and present of this chilling town between the families, struggles, minds, and power of the people involved.
A complex mystery filled with rich characters with depth and emotion for a well written novel which will keep you turning to the end. From struggles of this mining town to the minds of the mentally unstable, tragedies, and ghosts of the past – a fascinating novel!
This is my first book by Tawni O’Dell, and look forward to reading more!
