Cedar Valley

by Denise Walker

Overpopulation threatens the survival of the human race. Desperate for a solution, a drastic law is being enforced—at the age of twenty-five, all citizens are required to kill their parents and assume their role in society. For most, coming to grips with murdering their own parents is a life-long struggle, but for Ari it is an awakening; killing is exactly what he was born to do. Driven by his darkest desires, he sets out on a messy killing spree that terrorizes the city of Cedar Valley. To catch this killer, the police assemble a task force; its youngest member is Peter. One year shy of his twenty-fifth birthday, he must decide between bringing the killer to justice and breaking the law himself to save his parents. Little does he know, his choice will set in motion a series of horrific and tangled events.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2016

About the author

Denise Walker is an indie writer based out of a tiny apartment in Edmonton, AB. Between dreaming up imaginary people in imaginary worlds, she enjoys Netflix-binging, good food, and traveling. She works full-time as an Emergency Communications Officer at Ambulance Dispatch which provides her with a unique insight into people and crisis. Walker's debut novel, Cedar Valley, was published October 5th, 2016. She is currently working on her first poetry collection, Pick Your Poison, that will feature poetry on addiction and recovery (Fall 2017).

Reviews

[Edward Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book!! I saw a tweet from someone giving this book a shout out. I'm so glad I saw it and made the purchase. Easily one of my favourite books I've read in 2016. So much so, I'm purchasing another one as a Christmas gift.

The plot was well paced, plenty of strong dialogue, relatable characters and great action scenes. The story is laced with the duality of dark and light, good and evil, purity being strong theme running throughout. The author didn't hold back on any of the scenes, you want to see what happens with the characters, you crave the resolution and enjoy the dark & twisty thrill ride throughout.

Hands down I would buy the next book from this author.

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read!! It was much darker then I anticipated but it was so well written you wouldn't want it any other way. The character development was superb. It had everything I love in a good book! Action, foreshadowing, twists you don't expect and scenes that invoke so much emotion you literally have to set the book down for a minute just to process what happened!

[Erin Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page I was drawn into the dark world of Cedar Valley. It is one of those books that you never want to put down but at the same time want to read slow so that it doesn't end. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy and Denise wrote "the road ahead is dark and dangerous, remember to bring hot tea and warm fuzzy socks" ... a true artist to her craft, it was the perfect beginning. A must read!!!

[Dandy Lion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually it takes me a long time to finish a book unless it grabs me right from the start. Cedar Valley did just that. I loved the character development and plot. I would put off sleep sometimes because I just had to start the next chapter! A little bit of everything in this book and I cannot wait for this author to write another novel. I will most definitely have all her books in my collection.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So GOOD! This book was a joy to read from page 1. The plot and characters were well thought out and written very well. I cannot wait for another book from this author.

[Jen McLeod]

I'm saving my review for after my book club has had a chance to discuss :D

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overpopulation threatens the human race so the law in Cedar Valley all citizens are forced to kill their parents when they are 25 and assume their role in society. Ari finds this ceremony rejuvenating and starts craving that feeling. Peter, a 24 year old policeman is put on the task force to find him.
Cedar Valley is told alternating between Ari and Peter’s viewpoints. The author @denisejwa does not hold back when in the serial killer view giving this novel a dark and gritty feel. Peter’s character is more relatable and really struggles with his personal and professional demons. Similar to Helen Fields novel Perfect Prey, Cedar Valley is a unique take on the serial killer genre and police procedurals.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this at a thrift bookstore... I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!! Will update with a proper review later.

[Livy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not how I thought it would have ended, still made me close the book, put it down and go ... "what".

[Jane Broadribb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh!!