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Doctors of Darkness #2
The Hanging Tree
What if you couldn’t remember the worst night of your life?
What if you couldn’t forget it?
May 13, 1994.
On her thirteenth birthday, newly orphaned Evie, witnesses a brutal attack at the hanging tree. She wakes the next morning on a bus to Los Angeles, dazed and bruised and desperate to remember. Her best friend died that night—she’s sure of it. But there’s no body, no crime scene, and no witnesses. Twenty three years later, the whole night is still a blur. The murderer, a faceless, nameless man.
Fresh out of a stint in juvie, Butch kills a girl, strangles her. Twenty three years later, he walks out of prison a free man. But a haunted one, the ghost of his past at his heels.
When another body turns up at the hanging tree—a girl, strangled—Evie is certain her lost memory holds the key. Can Butch help her find the faceless man? Or is he hiding the darkest secret of all?
The Hanging Tree is a standalone novel, and the second book in the Doctors of Darkness series.
What if you couldn’t forget it?
May 13, 1994.
On her thirteenth birthday, newly orphaned Evie, witnesses a brutal attack at the hanging tree. She wakes the next morning on a bus to Los Angeles, dazed and bruised and desperate to remember. Her best friend died that night—she’s sure of it. But there’s no body, no crime scene, and no witnesses. Twenty three years later, the whole night is still a blur. The murderer, a faceless, nameless man.
Fresh out of a stint in juvie, Butch kills a girl, strangles her. Twenty three years later, he walks out of prison a free man. But a haunted one, the ghost of his past at his heels.
When another body turns up at the hanging tree—a girl, strangled—Evie is certain her lost memory holds the key. Can Butch help her find the faceless man? Or is he hiding the darkest secret of all?
The Hanging Tree is a standalone novel, and the second book in the Doctors of Darkness series.
Audible Audio
First published March 3, 2018
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About the author
Ellery A. Kane
17 books439 followersForensic psychologist by day, novelist by night, Ellery Kane has been writing--professionally and creatively--for as long as she can remember. Just like many of her main characters, Ellery loves to ask why, which is the reason she became a psychologist in the first place. Real life really is stranger than fiction, and Ellery's writing is often inspired by her day job. Evaluating violent criminals and treating trauma victims, she has gained a unique perspective on the past and its indelible influence on the individual. And she's heard her fair share of real life thrillers.
Ellery lives in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, a picturesque setting that provides the backdrop for many of her novels. If you don't find Ellery interviewing murderers behind prison walls or pecking away at her latest novel, she is probably at the gym landing a solid jab-cross to a punching bag; riding bicycles with her special someone; or enjoying a movie the old-fashioned way--at the theater with popcorn and Milk Duds.
Ellery was previously selected as one of ten semifinalists in the MasterClass James Patterson Co-Author Competition and is the author of the Doctors of Darkness, Rockwell and Decker, and Legacy Series, with two standalone thrillers from Bookouture coming in 2022.
If you'd like to receive a notification when new books are released, please sign up for Ellery's newsletter at ellerykane.com. Ellery also signs e-books on authorgraph.com.
Ellery lives in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, a picturesque setting that provides the backdrop for many of her novels. If you don't find Ellery interviewing murderers behind prison walls or pecking away at her latest novel, she is probably at the gym landing a solid jab-cross to a punching bag; riding bicycles with her special someone; or enjoying a movie the old-fashioned way--at the theater with popcorn and Milk Duds.
Ellery was previously selected as one of ten semifinalists in the MasterClass James Patterson Co-Author Competition and is the author of the Doctors of Darkness, Rockwell and Decker, and Legacy Series, with two standalone thrillers from Bookouture coming in 2022.
If you'd like to receive a notification when new books are released, please sign up for Ellery's newsletter at ellerykane.com. Ellery also signs e-books on authorgraph.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 22, 2018
First off I want to say that I did receive an early copy of this novel but I also bought my own, so this in no way effects my thoughts on this novel.
Why on earth did I not read this sooner!? This author always pulls me into every story that she writes even if it's not normally a genre that I would reach for. this story is dark and full of mystery but the characters are the true shinning stars of her work, they always have been for me and this one is no different. The world building is always great, the writing is wonderful but the characters draw me in and never let me go.
If you love dark stories with a creepy setting and amazing characters, what on earth are you waiting for? Get this novel and hunker down for one amazing thrill ride!
Why on earth did I not read this sooner!? This author always pulls me into every story that she writes even if it's not normally a genre that I would reach for. this story is dark and full of mystery but the characters are the true shinning stars of her work, they always have been for me and this one is no different. The world building is always great, the writing is wonderful but the characters draw me in and never let me go.
If you love dark stories with a creepy setting and amazing characters, what on earth are you waiting for? Get this novel and hunker down for one amazing thrill ride!
March 28, 2018
The Hanging Tree by Ellery Kane is one of those books that you are not going to want to put down so make sure you have plenty of time to read!
Something happened to Evie's friend on the day Evie turned 13....what happened though even Evie is not sure and she was right there at the Hanging Tree when it happened.....
Very well written with characters that come alive in your mind. Excellent story with dark twists and turns that leave you turning the pages to see where it leads. Thank you Ellery Kane for another GREAT read!
Something happened to Evie's friend on the day Evie turned 13....what happened though even Evie is not sure and she was right there at the Hanging Tree when it happened.....
Very well written with characters that come alive in your mind. Excellent story with dark twists and turns that leave you turning the pages to see where it leads. Thank you Ellery Kane for another GREAT read!
March 31, 2022
Yes, this one I liked.
We have two main characters: Evie, a psychologist who is somehow an unreliable narrator due to her trauma and her grieving, and a convicted murderer who is on parole and an old acquaintance of Evie. Both protagonists are in a grey zone when it comes to morals but, nevertheless, their actions are understandable under their circumstances and I couldn't help to sympathize with them.
The story is engaging and well written and the ending, although is sad is satisfying.
Now, when it comes to narration, I can understand why the choice was made of having three different narrators. It works fine when telling the story but in the audiobook, it's a bit jarring. Any time the narrator changes we have new voices and we have to adapt to them... until the next change comes and we have to do it all over again.
Regardless of this, I enjoyed the book and will listen to the next in the series
We have two main characters: Evie, a psychologist who is somehow an unreliable narrator due to her trauma and her grieving, and a convicted murderer who is on parole and an old acquaintance of Evie. Both protagonists are in a grey zone when it comes to morals but, nevertheless, their actions are understandable under their circumstances and I couldn't help to sympathize with them.
The story is engaging and well written and the ending, although is sad is satisfying.
Now, when it comes to narration, I can understand why the choice was made of having three different narrators. It works fine when telling the story but in the audiobook, it's a bit jarring. Any time the narrator changes we have new voices and we have to adapt to them... until the next change comes and we have to do it all over again.
Regardless of this, I enjoyed the book and will listen to the next in the series
July 23, 2023
Well written
A well written thriller. Good characters and easy to follow the different timeline. Would read other books by this author
A well written thriller. Good characters and easy to follow the different timeline. Would read other books by this author
October 25, 2018
In Evie’s thirteenth birthday she witnesses her best friend, Cassie killed at the Hanging Tree. But she wakes the next morning on a bus, battered, and not completely sure of what happened. It’s been 23 years and she still doesn’t really know who killed Cassie. Now she works as a therapist for sexual predators and still wants to know what happened. So she starts hitchhiking in the same area to jog her memory but finds more than what she expected.
When Butch was a teenager her lost his family and inherited a large amount of money. But without guidance he ends up killing a girl and goes to prison for it. Of course he regrets every day and is afraid that the prison shrink is right and that he will kill again. Thankfully he is out and manages to save Evie from a bad situation. Together they might just be able to solve the mystery of who the faceless man is.
So I loved Daddy Darkest and couldn’t wait to see what was in story with The Hanging Tree. Although this is the same series, it can be read as a standalone book. I feel bad for Evie since she knows something bad has happened to her best friend but she can’t remember what and who did it. Although she has moved on with her life she has decided on drastic measures to try and jar her memory. Thankfully Butch is there to help in her moment of need.
This is a great thriller that has to guessing at who killed Cassie and the other woman found recently. Of course I was wrong with my guess and I have to say the ending completely threw me. I’m still trying to figure out if I really liked it or not. But this is a great story and can be read as a standalone in the series. I also LOVE the cover, so eye catching.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
When Butch was a teenager her lost his family and inherited a large amount of money. But without guidance he ends up killing a girl and goes to prison for it. Of course he regrets every day and is afraid that the prison shrink is right and that he will kill again. Thankfully he is out and manages to save Evie from a bad situation. Together they might just be able to solve the mystery of who the faceless man is.
So I loved Daddy Darkest and couldn’t wait to see what was in story with The Hanging Tree. Although this is the same series, it can be read as a standalone book. I feel bad for Evie since she knows something bad has happened to her best friend but she can’t remember what and who did it. Although she has moved on with her life she has decided on drastic measures to try and jar her memory. Thankfully Butch is there to help in her moment of need.
This is a great thriller that has to guessing at who killed Cassie and the other woman found recently. Of course I was wrong with my guess and I have to say the ending completely threw me. I’m still trying to figure out if I really liked it or not. But this is a great story and can be read as a standalone in the series. I also LOVE the cover, so eye catching.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
April 17, 2018
First, I want to thank Ellery Kane for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!! What an amazing read from Ellery Kane with the Hanging Tree!!! She was not kidding when it said right on the cover some nights were left unforgotten!! This is the second book I have read from her and she did not disappoint me! I love her writing style and chilling story line that draws you into the story like no other does. Now every time I see a big hanging tree it will give me chills!!
This book had everything from widowers, hitch hiking, creepy guys, blasts from the past that you didn’t want to see, murders, investigations, almost rapes, flashbacks to when Evie was young, child molesters, etc.
After reading this book I am never hitch hiking that is for sure!! That Evie was a brave soul! That guy that picked her up was a creepy dude. The author did an incredible job with that whole scene! She made me so fearful for her character!
So many times the book jumps from modern day to back in the day to tell the story. This is so important so you know what happened.
I loved the mystery of the fact that Evie knew who Culder was from her past but couldn’t put her finger on it. Everyone has those moments where they know someone but cant figure out how they know them. Then it hits them and it is like oh wow!
Overall amazing book by a talented writer! I would definitely read from her again.
WOW!! What an amazing read from Ellery Kane with the Hanging Tree!!! She was not kidding when it said right on the cover some nights were left unforgotten!! This is the second book I have read from her and she did not disappoint me! I love her writing style and chilling story line that draws you into the story like no other does. Now every time I see a big hanging tree it will give me chills!!
This book had everything from widowers, hitch hiking, creepy guys, blasts from the past that you didn’t want to see, murders, investigations, almost rapes, flashbacks to when Evie was young, child molesters, etc.
After reading this book I am never hitch hiking that is for sure!! That Evie was a brave soul! That guy that picked her up was a creepy dude. The author did an incredible job with that whole scene! She made me so fearful for her character!
So many times the book jumps from modern day to back in the day to tell the story. This is so important so you know what happened.
I loved the mystery of the fact that Evie knew who Culder was from her past but couldn’t put her finger on it. Everyone has those moments where they know someone but cant figure out how they know them. Then it hits them and it is like oh wow!
Overall amazing book by a talented writer! I would definitely read from her again.
September 11, 2023
Book: Hanging Tree
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Ellery Kane
Narrator: Kristin James, Brad Oxfam and Eric Stuart
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Main Characters: Evie
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Wow.
This book had me hooked the second I started reading it.
I was completely captivated by the whole time.
“Sometimes being brave isn’t about how loud you can shout or how big you can stomp your feet or even how unafraid you are. Sometimes, it’s just about sitting still and getting through it.
I love a book that plays mind games with you!
Highly recommend!
Read By: Ebook and Audio
Author: Ellery Kane
Narrator: Kristin James, Brad Oxfam and Eric Stuart
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Main Characters: Evie
Recommend: Yes
Spice: 🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
Wow.
This book had me hooked the second I started reading it.
I was completely captivated by the whole time.
“Sometimes being brave isn’t about how loud you can shout or how big you can stomp your feet or even how unafraid you are. Sometimes, it’s just about sitting still and getting through it.
I love a book that plays mind games with you!
Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2018
Catch up review. 3.5 stars.
I really don't remember much about this either, unfortunately. I liked it but didn't think it was great. Its all about what a young girl witnesses from this hanging tree when she was 13 but can't remember all the details - like the face of the villain. I think I'd had enough of stories involving amnesia at this point. I know it happens but its not THAT common. Cut to the present and she's some sort of therapist and another girl is killed at the hanging tree which she can see from her office window. I'm not sure I'd want my officer overlooking that!
I really don't remember much about this either, unfortunately. I liked it but didn't think it was great. Its all about what a young girl witnesses from this hanging tree when she was 13 but can't remember all the details - like the face of the villain. I think I'd had enough of stories involving amnesia at this point. I know it happens but its not THAT common. Cut to the present and she's some sort of therapist and another girl is killed at the hanging tree which she can see from her office window. I'm not sure I'd want my officer overlooking that!
May 4, 2019
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. That isn't to say it wasn't good, I just expected more I think. The characters were all seriously flawed which is good. I think some of the logic in how the tale unfolded left me feeling unfulfilled. I really liked the way the story switched from the current time then to the past and how it developed from both perspectives. I thought the way both perspectives came together was less inspired. It felt to me that the conclusion was rushed.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
October 7, 2018
did not want to put down
I read the book in 3 days. It was a great read. I wasn't happy with the ending but everything else was great. It had a few surprises.
I read the book in 3 days. It was a great read. I wasn't happy with the ending but everything else was great. It had a few surprises.
August 18, 2018
This was great right up until the very end where I was like WTF.
This one took me longer to get into than the first one did but once I was into it, I really liked it. I’m dying for more books about Cutthroat Cullen and I really like Evie and Butch but that ending came out of nowhere.
Maybe it just needs explored further ....????
This one took me longer to get into than the first one did but once I was into it, I really liked it. I’m dying for more books about Cutthroat Cullen and I really like Evie and Butch but that ending came out of nowhere.
Maybe it just needs explored further ....????
June 14, 2021
Great
I absolutely loved it! Unless we don't find out why it ended like it did, so I hope the next one goes with it. Bc I don't know why would he do it to him..but other than that, I love it! Starting the next one, and hopefully it goes with this one!
I absolutely loved it! Unless we don't find out why it ended like it did, so I hope the next one goes with it. Bc I don't know why would he do it to him..but other than that, I love it! Starting the next one, and hopefully it goes with this one!
October 1, 2018
When I read Daddy Darkest I knew Ellery would be one of those authors I always go back too. I noticed The Hanging Tree (Second book in the series, but these are standalones and could be read in any order) was on Kindle Unlimited I had to give it a go! I literally consumed this book in 1 sitting over a Sunday and could not put it down.
The Hanging Tree is told from 2 points of view, Evie and Butch. 2 very different characters, yet tied together but a series of events that happened in the past. There is also a chapter from another character but I am not mentioning who or what that is about - no spoilers here!
The synopsis tells you everything you need to know going into this book. This book does feature sex offenders and prostitution. But both subjects were handled in a sensitive way, so shouldn't cause triggers. The story is fast paced. Told both in the present and past. I admit I enjoyed Butch's chapters more as I felt there was that more mystery feel to them. I needed to know what he had done and why. Where as with Evie's chapters it felt more like a forgone conclusion.
There is a few twists in this book, I liked the one towards the end which I didn't see coming (Character in past) and also the one with a present character. Those were nice touches. I wonder if there will be a 3rd book with Sebastian? That would make for a really interesting read as I think there's a lot more there with that character.
Gripping and page turning, this book dragged me in and wouldn't let me go till the end. I can't wait to see what Ellery comes out with next. Even if this wasn't a kindle unlimited book I would have happily paid for it. Definitely worth a read if you like a thriller/mystery. Also special mention to Sammy the cat(As I have a cat Sammy too).
4.5 stars.
The Hanging Tree is told from 2 points of view, Evie and Butch. 2 very different characters, yet tied together but a series of events that happened in the past. There is also a chapter from another character but I am not mentioning who or what that is about - no spoilers here!
The synopsis tells you everything you need to know going into this book. This book does feature sex offenders and prostitution. But both subjects were handled in a sensitive way, so shouldn't cause triggers. The story is fast paced. Told both in the present and past. I admit I enjoyed Butch's chapters more as I felt there was that more mystery feel to them. I needed to know what he had done and why. Where as with Evie's chapters it felt more like a forgone conclusion.
There is a few twists in this book, I liked the one towards the end which I didn't see coming (Character in past) and also the one with a present character. Those were nice touches. I wonder if there will be a 3rd book with Sebastian? That would make for a really interesting read as I think there's a lot more there with that character.
Gripping and page turning, this book dragged me in and wouldn't let me go till the end. I can't wait to see what Ellery comes out with next. Even if this wasn't a kindle unlimited book I would have happily paid for it. Definitely worth a read if you like a thriller/mystery. Also special mention to Sammy the cat(As I have a cat Sammy too).
4.5 stars.
August 18, 2018
On her 13th birthday, Evie witnesses the murder of her friend Cassie under a tree. But, years later, she can't remember any of the details. Was Cassie really killed or was it her imagination?
Butch Calder was a troubled young man, turning to violence and drink after the tragic death of his entire family. He starts dating a beautiful young socialite, Gwen, and tries to impress her with a fast car and lies.
Another pivotal character is the evil pimp/drug dealer, Trey, who killed Evie's mother. He has haunted Evie's sanity for years. Evie is now a noted psychologist, working with recently released sex offenders by day and searching the backroads by night for the man she saw kill her friend. All of the characters become entangled in each other's lives as the story progresses. Many years after the original events, their meeting again will change all of their lives.
This is a deeply disturbing psychological thrill ride from the very beginning. At times, you want to grab a character and give them a good shake because you know nothing good is going to come from their actions. Evie seems to be on the road to destruction, just like her mother, by putting herself in danger trying to find the mysterious man of her nightmares.
The story moves at a fast pace, the characters are well-developed and memorable, and darkness pervades the entire book. Even the ending comes out of left field and leaves you wondering. Ms. Kane has done an excellent job and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Butch Calder was a troubled young man, turning to violence and drink after the tragic death of his entire family. He starts dating a beautiful young socialite, Gwen, and tries to impress her with a fast car and lies.
Another pivotal character is the evil pimp/drug dealer, Trey, who killed Evie's mother. He has haunted Evie's sanity for years. Evie is now a noted psychologist, working with recently released sex offenders by day and searching the backroads by night for the man she saw kill her friend. All of the characters become entangled in each other's lives as the story progresses. Many years after the original events, their meeting again will change all of their lives.
This is a deeply disturbing psychological thrill ride from the very beginning. At times, you want to grab a character and give them a good shake because you know nothing good is going to come from their actions. Evie seems to be on the road to destruction, just like her mother, by putting herself in danger trying to find the mysterious man of her nightmares.
The story moves at a fast pace, the characters are well-developed and memorable, and darkness pervades the entire book. Even the ending comes out of left field and leaves you wondering. Ms. Kane has done an excellent job and I look forward to reading more of her books.
April 21, 2019
This is a definite discovery. The author kindly, at my request, sent me a copy of the audiobook version. I hadn't read anything from Ellery Kane before so I wasn't really sure if this would be something I liked. This story is another psychological thriller, this time with a psychologist as the lead character Evie. I have to say I was really impressed with this story. Evie has had more than her share of challenges in her life but still sees hope and promise in even the worst people she meets. But she is haunted by events from her past and a recent murder has started stirring it all up again in her mind. I found Evie to be a character that is easy to like but one who sticks to her principles. I also really like Butch. Even though he's been in prison for many years for murder you can tell by his internal dialogue that he is really committed to making his new chance at life be a successful one. His loyalty to Evie is also impressive. There are several side dramas going on alongside the main plot with added richness to the story and gave it depth. The only thing I have an issue with is the narrator who voices Butch's part of the story. It was dramatic but felt very forceful throughout and there were a few times when the intensity of the narrator's voice felt overwhelming and I had to take a break. The story itself is great and I highly recommend you check out Ellery Kane's books.
April 22, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Hanging Tree
Doctors of Darkness, Book #2
By Ellery A. Kane
ISBN# 9780692053591
Author’s Website: http://ellerykane.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
She saw him strangling her best friend, Cassie. She was up in the tree witnessing the whole ordeal taking place below, and then nothing… She woke up the next morning, battered and bruised, on a bus to L.A. having completely forgotten what happened.
It’s been 23 years and Evie still can’t remember what happened that night. It was as if Cassie completely disappeared. She knows the man killed her that night under the hanging tree, but there was never a murder investigation and she never saw Cassie again. She can’t see the man’s face in her memories. She has been trying all this time to find a way to remember that night, but has failed so far.
Evie is a therapist now, working with sexual predators. Her beloved husband, Jared, has passed away, just one more victim of the curse of Evil Evie. She is convinced to regain her memories of that horrible night, she must be in the same state of mind: terrified! So, she hitchhikes along the same path she and Cassie did that night. The night they were picked up by the faceless man. And, finally someone just as evil picks Evie up and she’s nearly raped. She was saved by her childhood crush fresh out of jail who happened to be nearby when her attacker made his move.
Now another young girl has been found murdered at the hanging tree. Could it be the same man that killed Cassie? Or could it be the new member of her therapy group? Or could it be the only boy she trusted from her childhood, Butch? One thing is for certain. Evie is going to find out even if it kills her!
This was another enjoyable read in the Doctors of Darkness series by Ellery Kane. I found the beginning to be a little confusing, but I think it was meant to be. Then, the author untangles the story a little bit at a time like the knotted roots of that gnarly hanging tree. I really started liking the story when Butch was introduced. I couldn’t help, but feel for him. As a teenager he was thrust into an impossible situation losing his family all at once and being on his own with more money than he knew what to do with and full of hormones and foolish teenage desires. All of which led him to do something he could never undo. He killed a girl. He served his time and now he’s out. But could the prison shrinks be right? Could he kill again?
Kane weaved a wonderful creepy tale for us all to enjoy. She was especially detailed with the man (if you can call him that) that tormented Evie throughout her childhood, Trey. She had described him so well that I felt his foul breath on my face and could almost touch his stringy greasy hair.
My heart broke for the women that Trey damaged. From Evie’s mom and especially Cassie and all of those that followed, like Violet, who never stood a chance.
I enjoyed Butch’s point of view. I liked seeing the struggles he was having through his eyes on how to adjust to life on the outside after spending so long in prison. And, how he didn’t even know if he could trust himself. It was an interesting insight and is probably more real than most would suspect.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Daddy Darkest, but I think I may have enjoyed this one even more! It was brutal, twisted, and shines a glaring light on some of the darker sides of society. The parts we like to pretend aren’t happening all around us from the spoiled rich kids getting away with everything to the forgotten castoffs that are living in their own hell.
I thought for sure the story was heading to certain events happening at the end of the story, but I was wrong and I enjoyed being wrong. Granted these particular events were rather minor in the grand scheme of things, but I liked that the story kept you guessing and wasn’t predictable. It doesn’t detail life after the murders were solved, but I’m sure you can imagine your own happily ever after.
Another brilliant book from Kane and I can’t wait for more!
You could imagine this book’s soundtrack with all the music mentioned.
“Whatcha listenin’ to?”
“Oh, you probably wouldn’t like it.”
“Try me.”
He shrugs as he passes the headphones across the slim space between our beds. This is gonna be good. I’ve got him pegged for a Yanni diehard, and I smirk a little as the music starts. One of my cellies had a thing for electronic rock, so I recognize the song right away. With the heavy breathing at the start, it’s unforgettable and creepy as hell. Seriously. Like stalker-level shit.
I want you now, tomorrow won’t do. There’s a yearning inside and it’s showing through.
“Depeche Mode, huh? Cool, man. Wouldn’t have figured it.”
Reach out your hands and accept my love. We’ve waited for too long. Enough is enough. Like I said, stalker-level.
His laugh is jittery, quick as the cockroaches in Folsom. “It’s my favorite song. Reminds me of being seventeen again. You know, when sex was all you could think about.”
I pretend I’m not totally skeeved out when I return his headphones and shut the lights.”
This soundtrack would have a little Depeche Mode (and I agree with Butch about that song being creepy af) and a whole lot of Kiss! Seriously just turn on a Kiss greatest hits album and you’ve made the soundtrack since they were Butch’s favorite band and it was always blaring through his ‘Cuda!
However, I would have to add a few more. Cocaine Blues and Folsom Prison Blues from Johnny Cash … From the first mention of Butch’s time in Folsom prison I kept imaging that scene in Walk the Line when Johnny Cash went to perform at Folsom and commenting on their yellow water!
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
The Hanging Tree
Doctors of Darkness, Book #2
By Ellery A. Kane
ISBN# 9780692053591
Author’s Website: http://ellerykane.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
She saw him strangling her best friend, Cassie. She was up in the tree witnessing the whole ordeal taking place below, and then nothing… She woke up the next morning, battered and bruised, on a bus to L.A. having completely forgotten what happened.
It’s been 23 years and Evie still can’t remember what happened that night. It was as if Cassie completely disappeared. She knows the man killed her that night under the hanging tree, but there was never a murder investigation and she never saw Cassie again. She can’t see the man’s face in her memories. She has been trying all this time to find a way to remember that night, but has failed so far.
Evie is a therapist now, working with sexual predators. Her beloved husband, Jared, has passed away, just one more victim of the curse of Evil Evie. She is convinced to regain her memories of that horrible night, she must be in the same state of mind: terrified! So, she hitchhikes along the same path she and Cassie did that night. The night they were picked up by the faceless man. And, finally someone just as evil picks Evie up and she’s nearly raped. She was saved by her childhood crush fresh out of jail who happened to be nearby when her attacker made his move.
Now another young girl has been found murdered at the hanging tree. Could it be the same man that killed Cassie? Or could it be the new member of her therapy group? Or could it be the only boy she trusted from her childhood, Butch? One thing is for certain. Evie is going to find out even if it kills her!
This was another enjoyable read in the Doctors of Darkness series by Ellery Kane. I found the beginning to be a little confusing, but I think it was meant to be. Then, the author untangles the story a little bit at a time like the knotted roots of that gnarly hanging tree. I really started liking the story when Butch was introduced. I couldn’t help, but feel for him. As a teenager he was thrust into an impossible situation losing his family all at once and being on his own with more money than he knew what to do with and full of hormones and foolish teenage desires. All of which led him to do something he could never undo. He killed a girl. He served his time and now he’s out. But could the prison shrinks be right? Could he kill again?
Kane weaved a wonderful creepy tale for us all to enjoy. She was especially detailed with the man (if you can call him that) that tormented Evie throughout her childhood, Trey. She had described him so well that I felt his foul breath on my face and could almost touch his stringy greasy hair.
My heart broke for the women that Trey damaged. From Evie’s mom and especially Cassie and all of those that followed, like Violet, who never stood a chance.
I enjoyed Butch’s point of view. I liked seeing the struggles he was having through his eyes on how to adjust to life on the outside after spending so long in prison. And, how he didn’t even know if he could trust himself. It was an interesting insight and is probably more real than most would suspect.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Daddy Darkest, but I think I may have enjoyed this one even more! It was brutal, twisted, and shines a glaring light on some of the darker sides of society. The parts we like to pretend aren’t happening all around us from the spoiled rich kids getting away with everything to the forgotten castoffs that are living in their own hell.
I thought for sure the story was heading to certain events happening at the end of the story, but I was wrong and I enjoyed being wrong. Granted these particular events were rather minor in the grand scheme of things, but I liked that the story kept you guessing and wasn’t predictable. It doesn’t detail life after the murders were solved, but I’m sure you can imagine your own happily ever after.
Another brilliant book from Kane and I can’t wait for more!
You could imagine this book’s soundtrack with all the music mentioned.
“Whatcha listenin’ to?”
“Oh, you probably wouldn’t like it.”
“Try me.”
He shrugs as he passes the headphones across the slim space between our beds. This is gonna be good. I’ve got him pegged for a Yanni diehard, and I smirk a little as the music starts. One of my cellies had a thing for electronic rock, so I recognize the song right away. With the heavy breathing at the start, it’s unforgettable and creepy as hell. Seriously. Like stalker-level shit.
I want you now, tomorrow won’t do. There’s a yearning inside and it’s showing through.
“Depeche Mode, huh? Cool, man. Wouldn’t have figured it.”
Reach out your hands and accept my love. We’ve waited for too long. Enough is enough. Like I said, stalker-level.
His laugh is jittery, quick as the cockroaches in Folsom. “It’s my favorite song. Reminds me of being seventeen again. You know, when sex was all you could think about.”
I pretend I’m not totally skeeved out when I return his headphones and shut the lights.”
This soundtrack would have a little Depeche Mode (and I agree with Butch about that song being creepy af) and a whole lot of Kiss! Seriously just turn on a Kiss greatest hits album and you’ve made the soundtrack since they were Butch’s favorite band and it was always blaring through his ‘Cuda!
However, I would have to add a few more. Cocaine Blues and Folsom Prison Blues from Johnny Cash … From the first mention of Butch’s time in Folsom prison I kept imaging that scene in Walk the Line when Johnny Cash went to perform at Folsom and commenting on their yellow water!
*OBS would like to thank the author for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 3, 2019
Since I had read the proceeding one I just had to check this one out and was I glad she did. This author gives you a fully loaded suspense murder mystery that keeps you stuck like glue at parts of it. Evie is the character that keeps you going back and turning the pages. She has had a traumatic experience that shapes her life and when it creeps back in she needs some answers. Butch is not your average guy either he has history with keeping you intrigued on his steps. This author gives you a exhilarating story that pumps the blood and has you holding onto your seat.
October 8, 2020
Another Great Novel. This is the second novel in a trilogy I’m reading, The Dark Doctors. This book deals with Sex Trafficking and child abuse and the tragedy some children must deal with while in state custody. I am amazed by the details and knowledge this author uses as she weaves a tale that will have you turning pages long into the night. The story revolves around Evil Evie struggling to survive after her mother dies from an overdose, Butch Calder thrown into the system after his family is killed in a horrific auto accident and all the players, good and bad that influenced their lives.
June 29, 2018
This book is definitely not for everyone...there is subject matters that may trigger some. It is an intense read that keeps you turning the pagers. There are a lot of twists and turns...some expected and others that you don't see coming. It is a enjoyable read if you like this genre. It's dark and gritty and full of action. It vacillates between Butch and Evie's perspectives. I would recommend it to others.
April 11, 2019
First of all, let's get the legal stuff out of the way: "This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
The Hanging Tree is a pretty good book. There are a few things that keep it from being great.
First of all, the good stuff. The characters are quite compelling. Every single one of them has a secret or two, and the author does a good job of keeping you interested in the secrets and compels you to keep going in order to find them out. The suspense level is good, and the twists keep coming right to the end.
The audiobook narration is well done, with a few minor annoyances, such as rushing through obvious pauses (a couple of times the introduction to a new section sounded like it was the tail end of the last sentence in the previous section) and some mild mispronunciations (I thought it was going to be much worse when I heard "indentions" instead of "indentations" in the first 2 minutes, but the errors were fewer and further apart after that).
Now for the gripes, and be aware, there are some spoilers here. The two main complaints I had with this book were the overall length (about 15 to 20 percent shorter would have been perfect in my opinion) and several blatant implausibilities that really bugged me. Let me elaborate. The main character is haunted by an event that took place 26 years previously, and is convinced that her best friend at the time was murdered. She says that she has searched continuously over the years for this girl, yet failed to find any trace of her, despite the fact that this girl is actually alive, and living in the same neighborhood where the protagonist both lives and works. A little far-fetched. My other complaint is similar. Everything related to the traumatic experiences of the earlier life of the protagonist seems to be unrealistically "frozen" in time. The villain of the story still lives in the same trashy trailer, operates out of the same seedy motel, runs the same pimp operation, and even drives the same car that he did 26 years ago. The "hanging tree" is exactly the same as it was 26 years ago, which seems quite unlikely in an urban area of a city like Oakland. Almost as unbelievable as the unchanging nature of all these things is the notion that in spite of the fact that these things are all exactly as they were 26 years before, no connections have been made during the intervening years, the protagonist has never had any contact or information about the other important characters, and all of the drama just comes out of nowhere in the present day.
Notwithstanding these issues, The Hanging Tree is worth checking out.
The Hanging Tree is a pretty good book. There are a few things that keep it from being great.
First of all, the good stuff. The characters are quite compelling. Every single one of them has a secret or two, and the author does a good job of keeping you interested in the secrets and compels you to keep going in order to find them out. The suspense level is good, and the twists keep coming right to the end.
The audiobook narration is well done, with a few minor annoyances, such as rushing through obvious pauses (a couple of times the introduction to a new section sounded like it was the tail end of the last sentence in the previous section) and some mild mispronunciations (I thought it was going to be much worse when I heard "indentions" instead of "indentations" in the first 2 minutes, but the errors were fewer and further apart after that).
Now for the gripes, and be aware, there are some spoilers here. The two main complaints I had with this book were the overall length (about 15 to 20 percent shorter would have been perfect in my opinion) and several blatant implausibilities that really bugged me. Let me elaborate. The main character is haunted by an event that took place 26 years previously, and is convinced that her best friend at the time was murdered. She says that she has searched continuously over the years for this girl, yet failed to find any trace of her, despite the fact that this girl is actually alive, and living in the same neighborhood where the protagonist both lives and works. A little far-fetched. My other complaint is similar. Everything related to the traumatic experiences of the earlier life of the protagonist seems to be unrealistically "frozen" in time. The villain of the story still lives in the same trashy trailer, operates out of the same seedy motel, runs the same pimp operation, and even drives the same car that he did 26 years ago. The "hanging tree" is exactly the same as it was 26 years ago, which seems quite unlikely in an urban area of a city like Oakland. Almost as unbelievable as the unchanging nature of all these things is the notion that in spite of the fact that these things are all exactly as they were 26 years before, no connections have been made during the intervening years, the protagonist has never had any contact or information about the other important characters, and all of the drama just comes out of nowhere in the present day.
Notwithstanding these issues, The Hanging Tree is worth checking out.
April 8, 2018
This book switches time frames from events that took place in 1994 and 2017, with two main points of view, from the main characters, Butch and Evie. On the night of Evie’s 13th birthday, she goes out, from the care home she has stayed at since the death of her mother, for the night with her best friend Cassie. Something horrible happens that night, at the Hanging Tree. Something which haunts her memories every day for over twenty three years.
She saw her best friend being killed, while she was up in the tree, but can’t remember the face of the man that did it. It has been blocked from her memory. She awoke the next day on a bus to LA, all alone. When the story cuts to the current day, she is a psychologist working with sexual offenders. Somewhat reminiscent pf her childhood memories. Her office faces the Hanging Tree, a reminder of the most catalytic day of her life.
The other character, Butch, in 1994 had just been released from juvie and having turned eighteen, received a payoff for the death of the rest of his family in an accident. He was also dealing with a lot of issues and ended up killing a girl and being sent to prison for the next twenty three years. On his release, he is haunted by his past and what he did. He is a murderer who doesn’t know how to manage in the real world or know if he can control himself.
In the current day, his path crosses with Evie, in more ways than one. Another body of a young woman ends up under the Hanging Tree and they both have to confront their pasts. Can they overcome their pasts to help solve who is responsible for this new murder? Will Evie’s memories be restored enough to help stop the evil?
This is very convoluted in its method, with lots of side characters playing an important role in the past and present situation. The current day timeline happens over just a couple of days. There are lots of little twists and side plots happening to mix up matters and confuse what happened in the past and now in the present. It is a sad tale of how dysfunctional some families are, what happens to young children in families using drugs or orphaned and sent to care homes or life on the street.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She saw her best friend being killed, while she was up in the tree, but can’t remember the face of the man that did it. It has been blocked from her memory. She awoke the next day on a bus to LA, all alone. When the story cuts to the current day, she is a psychologist working with sexual offenders. Somewhat reminiscent pf her childhood memories. Her office faces the Hanging Tree, a reminder of the most catalytic day of her life.
The other character, Butch, in 1994 had just been released from juvie and having turned eighteen, received a payoff for the death of the rest of his family in an accident. He was also dealing with a lot of issues and ended up killing a girl and being sent to prison for the next twenty three years. On his release, he is haunted by his past and what he did. He is a murderer who doesn’t know how to manage in the real world or know if he can control himself.
In the current day, his path crosses with Evie, in more ways than one. Another body of a young woman ends up under the Hanging Tree and they both have to confront their pasts. Can they overcome their pasts to help solve who is responsible for this new murder? Will Evie’s memories be restored enough to help stop the evil?
This is very convoluted in its method, with lots of side characters playing an important role in the past and present situation. The current day timeline happens over just a couple of days. There are lots of little twists and side plots happening to mix up matters and confuse what happened in the past and now in the present. It is a sad tale of how dysfunctional some families are, what happens to young children in families using drugs or orphaned and sent to care homes or life on the street.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 16, 2019
Doctor Evelyn Maddox was found when she was 13 years old bruised and battered and newly orphaned with no memories of what happened to her. Now as an adult she stares at a tree outside her office, which she has named The Hanging Tree and knows it has relevance to her past.
Butch Calder has spent the last 23 years in jail but has never forgotten about events that led him to jail in the first place. Now he is off to figure out the truth behind the events.
Can Evie get her memories back in time and will Butch be able to help her or is he just leading her down the wrong path?
This was a good book but I enjoyed the first one more. This one was still enjoyable but not as much and at times I found myself drifting off a little.
I liked Evelyn but initially I found the hitchhiking totally out of character and she really got herself in a bad situation. Yet the more we learn about her we discover how she grew up and how dangerous it had been for her. I was surprised at her job occupation given what had happened to her in the past but it was like something was drawing her to those type of people.
I liked Butch but he definitely made a huge mistake with Gwen. Butch needed answers to his own past and I liked that he was a good guy beneath his gruff exterior which was why he ended up rescuing Evelyn at the beginning before realizing it was her.
There were lots of twists and turns with how everyone was linked together and I was definitely surprised with a few of the revelations.
The end had me worried for sure with the situation that Evelyn got herself into but she was lucky that things turned out the way they did.
Butch Calder has spent the last 23 years in jail but has never forgotten about events that led him to jail in the first place. Now he is off to figure out the truth behind the events.
Can Evie get her memories back in time and will Butch be able to help her or is he just leading her down the wrong path?
This was a good book but I enjoyed the first one more. This one was still enjoyable but not as much and at times I found myself drifting off a little.
I liked Evelyn but initially I found the hitchhiking totally out of character and she really got herself in a bad situation. Yet the more we learn about her we discover how she grew up and how dangerous it had been for her. I was surprised at her job occupation given what had happened to her in the past but it was like something was drawing her to those type of people.
I liked Butch but he definitely made a huge mistake with Gwen. Butch needed answers to his own past and I liked that he was a good guy beneath his gruff exterior which was why he ended up rescuing Evelyn at the beginning before realizing it was her.
There were lots of twists and turns with how everyone was linked together and I was definitely surprised with a few of the revelations.
The end had me worried for sure with the situation that Evelyn got herself into but she was lucky that things turned out the way they did.
April 7, 2018
This is the first book by Ellery Kane that I’ve read. I was extremely pleased, and surprised, with the quality of this book. I knew that it was a psychological thriller and, knowing that, I was prepared and excited even for a book with content such as what was within this novel. However, what I didn’t expect was the raw power and poise with with Kane writes. Her characters are poignant and relatable, raw and scarred. They are multi-dimensional and complex and each page reveals a new trait.
The story itself was an endless twist of mazes and turns. My only criticism is that it was sometimes hard to follow where everything was at first, but then as I got used to the writing style it got much easier to piece together. I very much enjoyed the slow reveal of information - as information was revealed to the characters, so it was revealed to the reader, making the reader also just as excited and terrified to find out new information as the characters. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one, and I literally could not put it down. A thrilling read.
Kane is a brilliant wordsmith, and I devoured this novel in a little under two days. Even though this was a free copy I received in exchange for an honest review, i have no qualms in making this story rated 5 stars. I will gladly read more from this author, if this is a testament to their writing style.
The story itself was an endless twist of mazes and turns. My only criticism is that it was sometimes hard to follow where everything was at first, but then as I got used to the writing style it got much easier to piece together. I very much enjoyed the slow reveal of information - as information was revealed to the characters, so it was revealed to the reader, making the reader also just as excited and terrified to find out new information as the characters. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one, and I literally could not put it down. A thrilling read.
Kane is a brilliant wordsmith, and I devoured this novel in a little under two days. Even though this was a free copy I received in exchange for an honest review, i have no qualms in making this story rated 5 stars. I will gladly read more from this author, if this is a testament to their writing style.
September 9, 2023
The level of intrigue and atmosphere and the writing style of this book were the absolute standouts for me... The atmosphere was just on another level, it gave me goosebumps and made me so paranoid! And the intrigue, coupled with the writing style was just done so well, it really brought the story to life and was the reason I continued to read this book, because I *needed* to finish it...
That being said, I do have a few niggles:
The ending... WTF was that? It felt like nothing actually got pieced together and we were left with no firm answers or resolutions to questions that had PLAUGED us throughout the entire story. It didn't feel like it was wrapped up in the best way.
The way the book changed character narration and time frame was clever, but kinda annoying because it meant there were too many threads that at the end weren't fully tied up.
It meant I felt the plot kinda got lost in translation.
Of course I fancied Butch (I have a thing for bad boys and emotionally unavailable men lmao) but past that there wasn't really any attachment to the characters, I felt they were pushed to the wayside a lil bit.
I really wanted to enjoy this book and to an extent I did, the writing and the atmosphere definitely pushed me to keep reading and I did enjoy the book, I just felt there were a few too many *things* that stopped it from being excellent.
That being said, I do have a few niggles:
The ending... WTF was that? It felt like nothing actually got pieced together and we were left with no firm answers or resolutions to questions that had PLAUGED us throughout the entire story. It didn't feel like it was wrapped up in the best way.
The way the book changed character narration and time frame was clever, but kinda annoying because it meant there were too many threads that at the end weren't fully tied up.
It meant I felt the plot kinda got lost in translation.
Of course I fancied Butch (I have a thing for bad boys and emotionally unavailable men lmao) but past that there wasn't really any attachment to the characters, I felt they were pushed to the wayside a lil bit.
I really wanted to enjoy this book and to an extent I did, the writing and the atmosphere definitely pushed me to keep reading and I did enjoy the book, I just felt there were a few too many *things* that stopped it from being excellent.
April 1, 2018
"The curtains open ..."
Kane's book is a clever constructed mystery thriller, written in the first person, which moves between two main protagonists, relating both the current occurrences in the present days of 2017 and their recollections of events in 1994. Dr.Evelyn Maddox, now working with sex offenders on parole, is still haunted by a trauma which took place on her thirteenth birthday when she lost her friend, Cassie, and still blamed herself, trying to recall, unsuccessfully, the face of an attacker. On the same day, Butch Calder had murdered his girlfriend and had spent the intervening years in prison. By a fortuitous chance, they meet again and the full story of what took place on the dreadful day of Friday 13th slowly energies through the deceptions and evasions.
This is an emotionally brutal story with unexpected twists. Characterisations are good, the reading compulsive, with the ever present question, what really did happen that day? It also raises several uneasy questions about our present day society.
A recommended read for all who enjoy psychological thrillers.
Kane's book is a clever constructed mystery thriller, written in the first person, which moves between two main protagonists, relating both the current occurrences in the present days of 2017 and their recollections of events in 1994. Dr.Evelyn Maddox, now working with sex offenders on parole, is still haunted by a trauma which took place on her thirteenth birthday when she lost her friend, Cassie, and still blamed herself, trying to recall, unsuccessfully, the face of an attacker. On the same day, Butch Calder had murdered his girlfriend and had spent the intervening years in prison. By a fortuitous chance, they meet again and the full story of what took place on the dreadful day of Friday 13th slowly energies through the deceptions and evasions.
This is an emotionally brutal story with unexpected twists. Characterisations are good, the reading compulsive, with the ever present question, what really did happen that day? It also raises several uneasy questions about our present day society.
A recommended read for all who enjoy psychological thrillers.
February 4, 2019
The Hanging Tree (Doctors of Darkness #2) by Ellery Kane is the next story in the series of doctors in the psychiatric field who have psychological issues of their own. Evie has lived with a drug addicted mother and her drug dealer boyfriend . When the mom dies she finds herself in a group home. At 13 she experiences a trauma under the hanging tree and awakes on a bus in another place with no knowledge of how she got there. Years later she comes back to unravel what happened to her all those years ago. She is a therapist and helps male sex offenders. Her office has a view of the hanging tree. This was a story written in such a way that you couldn't figure out what was going on till almost the end. As she remembers more about her past life she has more questions. There were so many twist and turns. There were definitely quite a few secrets revealed. I did like this story. Very interesting. 4 stars.
March 4, 2018
Very good book! Evie’s Mother is a drug addicted prostitute who dies while Evie is still young. Evie ends up growing up in L.A. but moves back to her hometown after becoming a psychologist who deals with sexual offenders. The tree outside her office reminds her of her of a bad memory from her 13th Birthday, but she can’t remember all the details. She puts herself in a dangerous situation and is saved by Bruce who is 5 months out of Folsom for killing a girl. A murder occurs at the hanging tree and her sex offender clients are investigated. The story keeps flipping back and forth from current events and threats for Evie to mind her own business to what Evie and Bruce remember from the events of that fateful night when Evie turned 13. I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2018
Great story, confusing and complicated style.
Butch and Evie have had difficult childhoods, each progressed through the adversity differently. The saga revolves around murder, memory loss, drugs, prostitution and violence. You get to see detailed windows into Butch and Evie's struggles to get beyond what can't be remembered, and how they deal with the consequences of their past actions.
This is the first book I've ready by Ellery Kane. I really like the story line presented, Kane does a great job with imagery and character development, however the writing style of switching back and forth between character perspectives as well as time frames makes it difficult to read. It does help keep the suspense high and makes some of the plot twists more difficult to foresee.
I received a copy of this book free.
Butch and Evie have had difficult childhoods, each progressed through the adversity differently. The saga revolves around murder, memory loss, drugs, prostitution and violence. You get to see detailed windows into Butch and Evie's struggles to get beyond what can't be remembered, and how they deal with the consequences of their past actions.
This is the first book I've ready by Ellery Kane. I really like the story line presented, Kane does a great job with imagery and character development, however the writing style of switching back and forth between character perspectives as well as time frames makes it difficult to read. It does help keep the suspense high and makes some of the plot twists more difficult to foresee.
I received a copy of this book free.
April 13, 2018
Thrilling Dark Mystery
Evie's best friend Cassie was raped and murdered under The Hanging Tree on Evie's 13th birthday. Now, she's a counselor and therapist for sex offenders, with her office right beside that tree. Butch Calder served a sentence in Fulsom Prison for killing a girl. The two seem to keep crossing paths, and another young girl is found murdered beneath that tree.
The story switches from Evie and Butch, and their present and past. The emotions are raw, numb, awkward, and so vividly realistic. It deals with rape, addiction, molestation, and violence, and it shows the aftermath and the scars left not only on the body, but the psyche. And it reminds us there are so many different ways to cope. And even though some of them are involuntary, they are definitely not all healthy.
Evie's best friend Cassie was raped and murdered under The Hanging Tree on Evie's 13th birthday. Now, she's a counselor and therapist for sex offenders, with her office right beside that tree. Butch Calder served a sentence in Fulsom Prison for killing a girl. The two seem to keep crossing paths, and another young girl is found murdered beneath that tree.
The story switches from Evie and Butch, and their present and past. The emotions are raw, numb, awkward, and so vividly realistic. It deals with rape, addiction, molestation, and violence, and it shows the aftermath and the scars left not only on the body, but the psyche. And it reminds us there are so many different ways to cope. And even though some of them are involuntary, they are definitely not all healthy.
November 17, 2018
The author is brilliant in capturing the essence of friendship, justice, addiction, betrayal, determination, forgiveness and hope. One of the main characters, Evie is driven by her frightening past - an addict for a mother, seedy men, foster care, desperate attempts at friendship with Cassie and boys like Butch and abusers like Trey. They all come in to her life again as an adult with her work as a psychologist dealing with sex offenders. Evie's demons and unresolved truths are relentless and a force she cannot ignore. The book explodes with raw emotion, life threatening scenarios and a past and present tangled like the Hanging Tree outside her office window. This book is a must read for anyone who has unresolved demons and truths to be told and justice finally served.
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