Crimson Lake: A Novel

Ted Conkaffey is trying to hide. He moves to the small town of Crimson Lake thinking he can escape the past. He was accused of kidnapping and raping a thirteen-year-old girl, but the charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. His innocence wasn’t proven, and everyone, including his ex-wife, thinks him guilty. His lawyer convinces him to meet Amanda Pharrell, who was convicted of murdering a classmate and served her time. Together, they become private investigators looking into the disappearance of the local celebrity. But it’s kind of hard to be discreet when everyone knows who you are and is certain justice hasn’t been served. Some people are determined to see that it is.

I was first interested in this book because I knew Candice Fox had co-authored some James Patterson books. I actually found this book on her own to be better than his–sorry, James. The investigation plot was interesting, but I think the story behind Ted’s innocence and Amanda’s guilt was the best part about this book. As you read, you keep wondering if he’s really guilty, if there is going to be some huge plot twist as well as trying to figure out why Amanda murdered her classmate. This book gives a fairly good representation of humanity, of how not everyone is what they seem to be. Everyone has the capability to do bad things; some people need less coaxing than others. It also shows how we tend to make judgments about people based on what other people say and what we think we know. I think the story would have been better without all the swearing, but that’s just me.

Overall, a thrilling read. I mean, how often do you read about murder by crocodile? Fans of James Patterson should definitely check this out because it is better, both plot-wise and character-wise.