Cruel Lessons

by Randy Overbeck

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?

Genres: Mystery

Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2023

About the author

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His thriller, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND (2012) and his recent mysteries, the Amazon No. 1 Best Seller, BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE (2019), CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY (2020) and SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER (2021) have earned five star reviews and garnered national awards including “Thriller of the Year”—ReadersFavorite.com, “Gold Award”—Literary Titan, “Mystery of the Year”—ReadersView.com and “Crowned Heart of Excellence”—InD’Tale Magazine.
As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

Reviews

[Nancy Yager · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck was a suggestion on Kindle based the spy book that I had recently read. The book’s description promised intrigue and suspense. Eager to dive into another exciting action adventure, I noticed that the story takes place in the 1990’s which fits into my website theme about Generation X. What a perfect fit or so I thought!

Ken Parks, the protagonist of Cruel Lessons, serves as the beating heart of Randy Overbeck's compelling narrative. As an administrator second in charge to the superintendent of the school, Ken must investigate the deaths of four middle school students. For me, this was a hard fit, because what experience would he have with investigating a crime? Why would the school system trust him with such an important task unless they were hoping for failure?

Stacy Thompson, the resolute high school teacher, adds another layer of depth to Randy Overbeck's absorbing tale. With a passion for educating young minds and an unwavering commitment to her students, Stacy is both a mentor and a moral anchor within the school. The character appears angel-like and too good to be true. Why will she never give up on a student? What is her driving force?

Officer Bart Callahan provides a critical perspective on law enforcement to the storyline. A seasoned police officer with years of experience under his belt, Bart is known for his unwavering dedication to justice and his no-nonsense approach to upholding the law with swager. His interactions with the other characters, particularly Ken and Stacy, seem the most realistic. Though he tries to remain stoic and professional, he adds a little comedy to a serious situation.

Together Ken, Stacy, and Bart are pivotal in unraveling the whodunit style plot. In a series of events that expose the characters past; it all seemed a little too predictable. It is unlikely that people of a small town would not know everyone’s secrets.

Though all the characters are well-developed, the plot seems more in tune with the 2020’s. If I remember the 1990’s, most people would not have known how to access a server, therefore it seems an unrealistic way to solve a murder.

Along with the same logic, were there heroin patches then or now? Are they a real thing? I am afraid to google it. I do not even want to know the answer.

In conclusion, the book is well-written and if it was set in 2024, I may have bought the drug problem in the Middle School and the teachers sleeping with one another; but to me it just never came together as happened in the 1990s. Yes, the description is high anxiety but most of the book is humdrum.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery, set in 1995, took me back to a simpler time (no electronics outside of email) and a mystery that had me scratching my head.

Ken Parks is a school administrator who goes the extra mile for the schools he oversees. The tragic deaths of four young men throw him into the fire of seeking out the truth. There are many twists and turns, and I have to be honest, I was a bit surprised when all was revealed. But even at that point, the twists don't stop. 

The story does move at a slower pace than I would have expected. There is a lot of information to sort through, and because it is set in 1995, the methods to uncover the truth and details take a bit longer. There is no searching the internet for facts.

There are many potential suspects. Some are red herrings, others are involved in the situation. While I wanted a few characters to be guilty, they either weren't or were guilty of something far less serious. 

There is a side story regarding Ken's wife, Amanda. She isn't happy anymore in their relationship because Ken's job seems to take up a lot of time. Instead of working through it with him, she decides to have an affair. I am not sure how I feel about this development, but I can understand her frustration. Not to say that Ken wasn't without his faults, but I think blame could be laid at both of their feet.

Overall, this story was enjoyable, and we give it 4 paws up.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a review copy of this book and though it was a slow start its pace quickened as the plot evolved. It's a crime mystery with a couple of twists and the characters suited the story.

There wasn't much character development but it writing style was good and the setting believable.

Worth reading.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Telling young middle schoolers of the dangers of drug use falls on deaf ears. Four students, one being a 13-year holdback are off to enjoy the ride of their lives. Stealing his father’s car, he takes three friends out for a “fabulous time” but all four die in a chemical-induced wonderland.

Parents of course are devastated and thrash around for someone to blame. Everyone wanted answers.

Within the drug community, there is no conscience. The object is to make money. Hidden behind the drug dealers and junkies are very rich and influential entrepreneurs. The drugs are manufactured in foreign countries and they only facilitate importing and distribution.

This narrative points out the problems, heartbreaks, and tragedies affecting all social and economic strata of our society. Lives are lost and families are shattered. Read this book and get a better understanding of the problems we face. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to Dr. Overbeck for providing us the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Sarah Woodhouse]

I'll admit to being skeptical about this book after seeing the mixed reviews. However, I'm glad I took a chance on it. There were a lot of breath holding parts. Yes, it did seem to get a bit slow in the middle but I'm glad I kept reading. The ending was absolutely worth it.

It's an interesting take on today's drug problems in school even if it takes place in the 1990s. I happened to be one of those such kids that graduated from both the DARE program and the GREAT program so obviously it gave me some insight to what the book was referring to.

I liked most of the characters except for Amanda, Ken's wife. She seemed very heartless for someone that was married to a man that had a similarly dark past and what he himself was going through.

I didn't feel the least bit sympathetic towards her in the end either as I am quite a big believer in ' the squeaky wheel gets the grease.' Is that to say she got what she deserved and was unworthy of forgiveness? Of course not. I also believe in second chances for those that truly want them. However, she seemed very at ease in her constant choice to thumb her nose at her marriage vows, and well to just not be a nice person.

Stacy on the other hand, I thought was very likable and never for a second did I believe she was guilty. Ken deserves better and I'm glad he had a happy ending regardless of what happens to him.

All in all, a very good story. I recommend most definitely.

[Kameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)



Cruel Lessons was a 457-page novel (print edition) that touched on a sensitive real-life issue: drugs in school. It’s common for young adults to experiment with pot, cigarettes, or alcohol. The age bracket partaking in illegal drugs exists well before high school. Cruel Lessons features the effects of drug use among 11 to 13-year-olds. Drugs are entering Foster Middle School, mainly a hallucinogen-inducing wolf tattoo. Once the young buyer presses the drug to their skin, their time is almost up.

Cops witness numerous horrific crime scenes through their time on the force; the death of 4 young boys close to the science camp will haunt their dreams for a long time, maybe forever.

The school board asked Ken to take point and find out how the kids got a hold of the drugs and discover if the school was liable for their deaths. The board seemed more interested if they would get sued or not. I wasn’t surprised people valued the bottom line over the loss of 4 lives.

Ken, not a trained investigator, began to work the case. He interviewed staff members and students and enlisted the help of Bart (resource officer). His “meddling” was not appreciated by the dealer, “the doctor.” Lives were lost in the pursuit of justice. A popular teacher was fighting to prove her innocence. Through all the school drama, readers also watched love triangles unfold in the background. Wow, the cheating spouses drama could be its own soap opera. While I understand each purpose in the story, I wanted their faithful spouses to discover their misdeeds. I wanted more drama!

The list of suspects was long. Who brought the tattoos into the school and how they did it might stun you. As you work the case with Ken and Bart, do not write off a suspect so quickly. At the end of the story, I had 75% of the resolution figured out. I was wrong about one prime suspect, which falls in the 25% category.

Cruel Lessons will keep you guessing. When you think you figured it out, the author throws you a curveball. The uncertainty, the twists, kept me going back for more. Even though I loved the book, it left me with many unanswered questions. To avoid giving out spoilers, I will refrain from elaborating on what puzzled me.

If you like crime stories that take time to solve, this book is for you!

(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks is embroiled in a chilling investigation when four fifth-graders are killed in a drug-induced car wreck at a sleepaway science camp. As the small town grieves the loss, Ken vows to get to the bottom of drug use within his district’s schools. How did eleven-year-old boys get a hold of hallucinogenic substances? Was it negligence, or was it a part of some nefarious plan?

When the police make a quick arrest, Ken is shocked, but all the evidence seems to point to this individual. This person insists they are being framed, and Ken vows to do whatever possible to unearth the truth.

“Cruel Lessons” by Randy Overbeck is a thrilling murder mystery with plenty of action. The recent tragedies blindside the Portsmouth community, and the school staff feels pressure when evidence points to one of their own. Between the heated arguments in the teacher’s lounge and the secrets beginning to spill over, the author has expertly woven a tale of crime and deceit that had me searching for answers until the end. It is written from the third-person perspective, following Ken Parks as he relies on his gut instinct to bring this drug-dealing individual to justice.

Beyond the action, the book also boasts sensational character development, particularly for the main protagonist. Ken’s unwavering dedication to his career, his connections within the community, and the unraveling of his marriage was deftly illustrated, allowing me to become invested in his well-being easily. Focusing on Ken’s relationship with his wife, Amanda, added another layer of dimension. The more absorbed he was in the case, the more resentful Amanda became, making me question her anger. Was Amanda’s animosity towards Ken’s work a cover for something else?

Additionally, I enjoyed the drama unfolding within the school. All the teachers had unique personalities; seeing them point shaky fingers at one another was like a train wreck I couldn’t tear my eyes away from. It seemed they all professed their undying devotion to their students and the drug-free policy, but one of them had to be hiding something, and it was only a matter of time before the curtain would be pulled back to reveal the inner workings of the middle school. Someone was lying, but who?

If you love twisty whodunits, this book is for you! With an immersive plot, steady pace, and stellar character development, I have no doubt “Cruel Lessons” will top your list as one of the best mysteries of 2023.

[Meryl Tobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers of mystery novels will find Randy Overbeck’s latest novel ‘Cruel Lessons’ published by the Wild Rose Press an exceptional read.
Overbeck creates realistic school settings and peoples them with credible students and staff. Throughout dialogue between characters is so accurate, readers feel as though they are observers to what is going on. A skilled writer, Overbeck introduces readers to four Year Five children aged 11-13 who indulge in concerning behavior with lethal consequences.
Though many teachers and others pepper the story, before long Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks emerges as the main male character, and the action is mainly seen from his point of view. Teacher Stacy Thompson emerges as the main female character. The many characters provide numerous twists and turns in the plot and make it hard to guess who is guilty of the various crimes committed against the children and the society at large. To complicate the story, Ken and Stacy each has a secret.
While the mystery is the glue that holds the story together, Ken and his wife Amanda have relationship issues, and there is a romance sub-theme. Once the story builds up pace, it reaches such a pitch, the reader does not want to put the book down.
Overbeck’s writing style is uncluttered and moves the story along. At times though the reader is struck by his knack for an apt metaphor or simile, particularly in a descriptive passage. In such purple passages his literary style shines through, for instance, on p300, ‘she let her dark past crawl out between her lips’.
On p339 this evocative description sets the background for two characters jogging: ‘The sun hung low in the late afternoon, autumn sky, igniting the horizon in phosphorescence of reds and golds. The few trees still clothed in darkening leaves absorbed the dying sunlight and seemed to almost burst on fire.’
I strongly recommend ‘Cruel Lessons’ to readers of mystery and crime, especially those who like a bit of romance with it. I rate it 5 out of 5.
Note: In the hope I would write an unbiased review, I was given a free ARC. This is my considered opinion of the book.

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck, the seemingly ordinary Foster Middle School is shaken by the tragic drug-related deaths of four students. In response, the school administrator, Ken Parks, is asked to investigate the incident. He soon discovers that the drugs responsible for the tragedy are being sourced from within the school itself. However, the investigation uncovers two staff members with dubious pasts - a beloved teacher and the school custodian - who have managed to evade scrutiny thus far. As the investigation continues, the secrets of this quiet town are gradually revealed, eventually leading Ken to uncover the truth behind the students' deaths.

The novel is masterfully written, featuring a cast of complex characters and events that effortlessly capture and hold the reader's attention. Each new revelation adds to the suspense and keeps the reader on edge, eagerly anticipating what further secrets the story holds. Just when the source of the drugs appears to be uncovered, the novel unveils more secrets about life in the town, leaving the reader yearning to learn more.

The dark secret concerning Ken's marriage and his wife appears to be linked to the illegal drug trade. This secret ultimately leads to another death, causing a drastic change in Ken's life. Ken's impressive resilience in the face of a life-altering event showcases his inner strength and adaptability. This story is a compelling and thought-provoking read, demonstrating the author's skill in crafting a captivating mystery.

Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck is a gripping crime thriller and amateur sleuth mystery. I recommend this intriguing story to those who are fans of thrilling mysteries that will leave readers guessing till the end reveal.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

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”

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every parent's nightmare...an unrelenting thriller

In Randy Overbeck's latest release, Cruel Lessons, his subject matter hits parents in the gut: drugs in schools. But we're not talking about high school here, no, these are elementary and middle school students. Randy Overbeck tackles every parent's nightmare with poignant narration, stark twists, and a gasp-worthy ending. Brilliant from start to finish, Cruel Lessons is unrelenting in every way.

I've read all of this author's books and he writes unforgettable supernatural/paranormal suspense. He now pivots to crime thrillers where evil lurks behind a benign face. It's more scary because there are no paranormal forces at work. The writing is realistic with many twists and turns I didn't see coming. The plot unfolds at a good pace. Impressive storytelling left me with a racing heart and shivers.

The characters are expressive, mysterious, and relatable. I disliked Chief Garcia from the beginning. I connected with Ken Parks and Stacy Thompson. Parks is the perfect character to be an amateur detective. His personality suits him as an educator and a detective. There's a large list of suspects yet when the villain is unmasked, I gasped. Well done, Randy Overbeck.

If you're a reader of crime thrillers, this is your next bucket list read. Cruel Lessons reads like something you'd read in the news headlines. It's one of the best thrillers I've ever read. I strongly recommend it.

My Rating: 5+++ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Susie Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Lessons is the story of a nightmare come true for the shattered parents of four fifth-grade boys whose children experiment with a dangerous drug and are killed in a horrible automobile accident that tears a small town apart. Assistant School Superintendent Ken Parks is tasked with conducting a district investigation of how such young children are coming in contact with the drugs.
In this parable of good versus evil, author Randy Overbeck unflinchingly forces readers to confront the terrifying question of who can you trust with your children’s safety when a beloved teacher is arrested as the on-campus dealer supplying the students with drugs. Despite a mountain of evidence against the teacher, Parks believes she has been framed and continues his investigation even after his family is threatened if he doesn’t stand down.
Part thriller, part mystery, part redemption, and a second chance at life and love, Cruel Lessons is a fast-paced, intricate tale with a cast of imperfect but believable characters that grabs readers by the throat from page one and never lets go. With more twists and turns than a pretzel and enough red herrings to keep readers guessing, Overbeck has woven a gripping plot with a blockbuster ending that is sure to take a reader’s breath away.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruel Lessons is a thriller with a mystery at the heart of it. It isn't a murder mystery as such, although there are certainly deaths and ones related to the mystery. It's the kind of read that will keep you turning the pages and guessing (often wrongly) where it will go next.
There perhaps should be a warning with this book, the victims are children, mostly pre-teens who are engaging in troublesome but not entirely unexpected teenage behaviour. Someone is taking advantage of that though and putting them at serious risk.
I considered various people that might have been behind it as I read this book. I did settle on the right person once or twice, but not firmly and I changed my mind a few times. It was a gripping read though and one that kept me guessing.
I was a little confused about the period, I believe it was the mid-nineties which mostly made sense. There were a few things that seemed to be too modern, with the internet and email playing a big role here. I know that it was around back then, just not quite as wide spread and accepted as it appears to be here. Or perhaps that's my memory playing tricks on me.
This was a well-written and entertaining read. I'd certainly be interested in more from this writer in the future.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of 5th graders away at science camp. Four boys suddenly decide to joyriding and four boys are found dead. Authorities deduced the crash resulted from the boys being under the influence of some drug hallucinogens. The school and the town wanted answers. Who was supplying these drugs and how can it be stopped?

The prose was well-written and generally compelling. It was rather slow though, and I felt like story really didn’t do much to keep me invested. I mean, why were they even trying to figure out if the drugs had something to do with the boys’ deaths when we already knew as the readers that they did? That info was already stated in chapter 1. The whole thing was mostly speculation and debate among the teachers. The mystery didn’t quite feel that strong to me.

This was a fairly nice read, but it could’ve been better. It’s still worth a try though.

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was supposed to be a simple camping trip. The fifth graders did this every year. No one could have anticipated the way this 1995 trip would play out. These types of things didn't happen to small schools like Foster Middle School. Who would be called upon to sort out the camping trip mess?
Mr. Overbeck topped himself with this book. Well written with three dimensional characters you'll recognize. Cruel Lessons is intriguing and heartbreaking. It's a story taken straight from society today. I enjoy the slowing building of the story because just when you think you've got it all worked out, another piece drops in your lap. You chose get this one for your TBR pile.

I didn't find any issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because when Mr. Overbeck writes, it's as though he know intimate details of the readers life.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck is a mystery/suspense. It's the first book from the Lessons in Peril series.

This is a great slow-burn mystery. It started with a tragic event and then step by step solved the crime. The plot is engaging with great plot twists. The characters are realistic and their stories are heartbreaking. The vibe of the story is more relaxed than I expected. It doesn't have much action like shootouts or killings. It kind of reminded me of the old mystery movies I used to watch. I really liked the fact that I couldn't figure out the culprit. This shows how good this book is. My favorite part was towards the end when he figured out everything.

If you love this genre then you should read this one. I will rate it with 4,5 stars.

[Darlene Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. This mystery story had a steady flow from start to finish. After the tragic death of four young boys, the story highlighted a suspenseful who-done-it and intensified when an innocent character was arrested. You’ll be glued to the story as the author drops clues to solve the mystery but keeps you guessing until the end where all the twists unravel. There were several points of view, and most were pivotal to the story. Ken, who is the main character and led the investigation, is a married man and set on making his marriage work, so it was surprising to read a friendship turned into something much deeper. More hints could have been revealed to show his conflicted heart. Overall, this mystery was an engaging read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one I sure couldn't put down. One of those kind where the whole time you're reading you're yelling "can't they see that's not true". Don't be making fun of me...if you are a true reader, you've yelled out loud at those authors lots of times :)

Well, this is one of those authors. He's the kind that sort of strings you out wondering if they'll ever figure out who the bad guys or girls are but adds a lot of tension at the same time.

Speaking of stringing this out. There were just a few times in the book that I felt the story slow down too much. I can't pick out a reason, possibly replication.

However, nothing I might be critical of could cause me not to describe this as a really good story and a great read. Can't recommend it enough.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out with the death of four middle grade students due to a hallucinogenic drug that comes in the form of a temporary tattoo on a sticker. Ken Parks is an assistant superintendent of the school district and is tasked to get to the bottom of the deaths to keep the school from taking a major hit.

This book is well written with many layers to this suspense and the author does a good job keeping the reader swaying one way, only to have that opinion thrown out later on with the unexpected plot twists. The story was a tad slow for me in spots but with enough suspects to keep me guessing, and at times I was way off in my guessing, which is unusual for me in a mystery. If you like good mysteries, this one will be worth a look.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would have been a classic whodunit; except it’s also a story about kids, set in the past (in the 90ies). This timeline makes it almost a story from my childhood.
The story explores themes of responsibility, past mistakes, the impact of past actions, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of crime and tough moral choices. I believe it would be perfect for book clubs and discussion groups - given the depth of the themes and characters, and how thought-provoking it is, the book would be suitable for various discussions. It feels like each person who reads it, will see something else there that will pique their interest or something different that catches their attention.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping and emotionally charged story pulled me in with its high-stakes premise and complex protagonist. I was deeply moved by Ken Parks’ determination to uncover the truth behind the tragic deaths of fifth graders on a school camping trip, even as he grappled with the weight of his own past mistakes. The tension escalated with every twist, from the shocking arrest to the chilling anonymous threats, keeping me on edge as Parks risked everything to protect his community and those he loves. The blend of suspense, moral dilemmas, and raw emotion made this a compelling and unforgettable read.

Thank you to the wild rose press all thoughts are my own.

[Casey Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful and entertaining.

Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck is a suspenseful, action-packed small-town mystery. Told from multiple points of view, the story slowly builds tension and draws the reader in, layering intrigue upon mystery. Wracked by guilt from his past and grappling with an unhappy marriage, amateur sleuth, Ken Parks, investigates what at first seems to be a tragic accident. He soon uncovers a sinister underbelly operating right under the noses of the town’s respectable residents and in a shock twist, his involvement ends up costing him dearly. This is an entertaining read with plenty of red herrings to leave you guessing whodunnit to the very end.

[Susan Furlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overbeck specializes in mysteries in small towns. This one involves deadly drugs getting into students' hands. Ken, a school official, is assigned to find out why and how this is happening. Twists and turns and the unexpected will change your mind often as you try to figure it out. People are investigated and accused and even arrested before the real drug dealer is revealed. Your heart will break at the loss of young lives and your anger will flair at the dealers who prey on our children. A modern mystery worth the read!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruel Lessons is a tense and emotionally charged thriller that explores the devastating consequences of hidden danger and the cost of seeking redemption. When a fifth-grade camping trip ends in a horrific accident involving a dangerous new hallucinogen, the sudden deaths shatter a quiet town and leave a community searching for answers. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks steps into the investigation driven by guilt over a fatal mistake in his past. Determined to uncover how the drugs reached the students, Parks presses forward even after the police make a shocking arrest.

[Laurel Osterkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Cruel Lessons," a small town experiences tragedy when four teens die during a school trip. School administrator Ken Parks and Officer Bart Callahan investigate, uncovering new clues and suspects as tension rises. Author Randy Overbeck layers multiple plot lines and characters, keeping readers hooked until the surprise ending. Fans of crime mysteries will love it!

[C.I. DeMann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really solid mystery and a great start to a new series. I was fully caught up in the action, enjoyed watching Ken and Bart uncover clues bit by bit, and was still pretty surprised at who the head baddie was in the end. I'm wondering what adventures Ken will get up to in future books. Since this is the first book in a series, I fear his school system might suffer some more trauma.

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written story with great characters and a plot that keeps you wanting more. Drugs are being sold in school, kids are dying and someone has to find out who is responsible. Won this in a
Goodreads Giveaway

[Beary Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This is one of those books that you can spend all day reading. It reminded me of popular thriller shows on HBO Max. The author did a great job of setting up and executing the story. I'd highly recommend.

[Air · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the nostalgic 90’s mystery and suspense this book had going on. It was just clear cut back then and the author does a great job of diving into each off-shoot story and possible red herring. You weren’t quite sure what was coming each time!

Thank you to the wild rose press!

[Jeff Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was rich with intrigue. I found the pace a little slow – others may have a different opinion. The characters were solid and realistic. Overall, a good book. Give it some time and you’ll find you like it.