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All the Dying Children
One dark secret is killing the children. Another is tearing apart the man who is determined to help them.
When the gruesome death of a popular teenage girl is caught on a video that goes viral, authorities discover a cryptic link between suicides that have been plaguing local high school students. Erik Daly is a newspaper reporter with a haunted past who is determined to get to the bottom of the suicide cluster — before the body count rises.
In his journey through the dark underbelly of the former coal towns of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Daly is forced to confront his personal demons as he comes face-to-face with a menacing evil. As Daly learns the disturbing truth, he makes it his mission to expose an insidious threat to his small-town community. If only he can save the dying children, he just might be able to find redemption for himself.
No cliffhangers. No sequel. Just a thrilling, suspenseful, fast-paced murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This gripping page turner is perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and James Patterson.
When the gruesome death of a popular teenage girl is caught on a video that goes viral, authorities discover a cryptic link between suicides that have been plaguing local high school students. Erik Daly is a newspaper reporter with a haunted past who is determined to get to the bottom of the suicide cluster — before the body count rises.
In his journey through the dark underbelly of the former coal towns of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Daly is forced to confront his personal demons as he comes face-to-face with a menacing evil. As Daly learns the disturbing truth, he makes it his mission to expose an insidious threat to his small-town community. If only he can save the dying children, he just might be able to find redemption for himself.
No cliffhangers. No sequel. Just a thrilling, suspenseful, fast-paced murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This gripping page turner is perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and James Patterson.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2019
826 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
James Halpin
4 books10 followersJames Halpin is an award-winning reporter who has worked as a journalist for more than a decade. He is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage and has worked at several daily newspapers, mostly covering crime and courts. Prior to becoming a journalist, Halpin served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan, and at Camp Lejeune, N.C. He resides in Mountain Top, Pa., with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
October 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book but felt a bit confused about it's identity. What started out feeling like a psychological thriller, turned to crime thriller and ended up at court room drama. The tension and suspense faltered a long the way and I felt that the focus was to wide and ended up hurting the experience rather than enhancing it.
This was a debut by this author and I will be looking at his future books because there is promise in his writing.
This was a debut by this author and I will be looking at his future books because there is promise in his writing.
October 9, 2019
A new author to me and I greatly enjoyed this from him and hope he'll continue with more in a similar vein as this was terrific. I've only marked it down 1* because he committed THAT sin of spelling something he'd created wrong, the name of a company. He altered it once to Sing Song as opposed to Sleep Song. Such a pity nobody spotted that crasher !!
The story was fascinating and I liked Daly a great deal. I was also dying to know what had happened to his wife. I really liked how he followed the whole tale through to its conclusion as well. It tied everything up beautifully and not many authors seem to do that these days as so many stick with a series instead, so one instalment or more will end up on a cliffhanger !! So this is very satisfying as you witness the crimes, the investigation, the court case and the sentencing. The only way he sort of left us hanging was regarding Emma-he never told us whether she was ever found.
I was left with my jaw dropping at the thought that someone convicted of a serious crime can be let out on bail until they're sentenced !! I thought that was a bonkers thing to do !! I believe I read something similar in another book set in the States as well, so it clearly happens, but I can't understand why ! I hadn't heard of Richard Cory but Googled the whole poem......stark but I liked it.
I did laugh along with Daly here and there, especially when he mentioned the 911 caller near the beginning as I even looked back myself to confirm his age and I did laugh to myself about the Lager he mentioned a few times-hope he got himself a kickback !!
He does do that American thing of using appalling English (to us), though...."So what do you got ?" It just makes me wince ! He did it a couple of times. He spelt Lazy Boy wrong......I know they spell it an odd way. He also wrote imaging and not imagining, discrete and not discreet and complimented not complemented. Also, right at the end of chapter 29, it had -30- written so I expected another chapter. That's a very odd error. All in all, though, for a debut novel (as far as I could see) this is very, very good and I'm going to look out for his (hopefully) next story.
The story was fascinating and I liked Daly a great deal. I was also dying to know what had happened to his wife. I really liked how he followed the whole tale through to its conclusion as well. It tied everything up beautifully and not many authors seem to do that these days as so many stick with a series instead, so one instalment or more will end up on a cliffhanger !! So this is very satisfying as you witness the crimes, the investigation, the court case and the sentencing. The only way he sort of left us hanging was regarding Emma-he never told us whether she was ever found.
I was left with my jaw dropping at the thought that someone convicted of a serious crime can be let out on bail until they're sentenced !! I thought that was a bonkers thing to do !! I believe I read something similar in another book set in the States as well, so it clearly happens, but I can't understand why ! I hadn't heard of Richard Cory but Googled the whole poem......stark but I liked it.
I did laugh along with Daly here and there, especially when he mentioned the 911 caller near the beginning as I even looked back myself to confirm his age and I did laugh to myself about the Lager he mentioned a few times-hope he got himself a kickback !!
He does do that American thing of using appalling English (to us), though...."So what do you got ?" It just makes me wince ! He did it a couple of times. He spelt Lazy Boy wrong......I know they spell it an odd way. He also wrote imaging and not imagining, discrete and not discreet and complimented not complemented. Also, right at the end of chapter 29, it had -30- written so I expected another chapter. That's a very odd error. All in all, though, for a debut novel (as far as I could see) this is very, very good and I'm going to look out for his (hopefully) next story.
August 29, 2019
In general, this is a well-written book. The author is a journalist and there are very few grammatical or spelling errors, a common flaw in many Kindle Unlimited books. The main flaw I found was the author seemed to start out writing a suspense thriller but instead of keeping up the pace required for such a novel, the last 25% of the book involved courtroom proceedings and a budding romance for the main character.
That, and the fact that it is almost immediately apparent how the suicides were done, and fairly quickly apparent who is possibly involved, again make this less of a suspense thriller and more an uneasy mixture of genres. The death of the main character's wife is referenced throughout the book but not revealed until the end. There was really no reason not to reveal the manner of her death sooner. In fact, it would have contributed to the reader's understanding of the main character. Vague nightmares about his wife's death were simply confusing.
This is the author's first novel and it does show promise, which is why I gave it three stars. With a little experience, I'm sure he will settle in on a specific genre. I'm not saying there is only one way to write a suspense thriller, but once the suspense is gone, unless the reader is heavily invested in the character, the story is over. I would have been more invested in the main character if I'd known exactly how his wife died much earlier in the novel.
That, and the fact that it is almost immediately apparent how the suicides were done, and fairly quickly apparent who is possibly involved, again make this less of a suspense thriller and more an uneasy mixture of genres. The death of the main character's wife is referenced throughout the book but not revealed until the end. There was really no reason not to reveal the manner of her death sooner. In fact, it would have contributed to the reader's understanding of the main character. Vague nightmares about his wife's death were simply confusing.
This is the author's first novel and it does show promise, which is why I gave it three stars. With a little experience, I'm sure he will settle in on a specific genre. I'm not saying there is only one way to write a suspense thriller, but once the suspense is gone, unless the reader is heavily invested in the character, the story is over. I would have been more invested in the main character if I'd known exactly how his wife died much earlier in the novel.
August 6, 2019
James Halpin's debut novel, All the Dying Children, was recommended by a mutual friend/colleague, and I'm glad I followed up and read the book. Halpin's background in journalism no doubt helped bring his protagonist, Erik Daly-- a writer for a small city newspaper in my neck of the woods, Northeastern Pennsylvania -- vividly to life. Daly investigates what seem to be unconnected teen suicides, but it becomes quickly apparent there are dark forces at work which are targeting vulnerable young people. I liked Daly because he was a multi-dimensional character and very believable. Halpin's keen reporter's eye was evident in the excellent scenes he set throughout the book, pulling me right into the pages. Being a resident of this part of Pennsylvania, recognizing some of the locales was an added bonus. This was sometimes a heart-stopping, page-flipping read, which I went through quickly in two sittings. I appreciated that Halpin didn't conclude with revealing the murderer, but took us through the trial as well; but that's what reporters do, follow the story to the very end. Kudos to Mr. Halpin on this first novel, and I look forward to reading more.
August 30, 2019
Absolutely enjoyed this book!
I am going to be honest from the start. I was asked by a friend to read All the Dying Children and give a candid review. It so happens that she knows the author. I gladly agreed as I enjoy reading and particularly lesser known authors. I am familiar with the geographic setting of the book which made it interesting to be able to relate to the physical demographic. Next I found that I was pleasantly surprised the book moved at at a sufficient pace to keep my interest yet was never short on details. It was graphic enough to provide a clear picture of what was happening yet was not gratuitous for the sake of it. With some books I feel as if I am able to predict what is going to happen next, that was not true of this book as I was truly surprised with each sequence of events. The main character was complex in nature as most of us are but not so much that we couldn’t relate to him. Lastly as in the life the ending was not entirely what we as readers wanted but it was the ending I could relate to. Joy mixed sadness. Hope along side despair.
I hope that I will have more opportunities to read James Halpin books.
I am going to be honest from the start. I was asked by a friend to read All the Dying Children and give a candid review. It so happens that she knows the author. I gladly agreed as I enjoy reading and particularly lesser known authors. I am familiar with the geographic setting of the book which made it interesting to be able to relate to the physical demographic. Next I found that I was pleasantly surprised the book moved at at a sufficient pace to keep my interest yet was never short on details. It was graphic enough to provide a clear picture of what was happening yet was not gratuitous for the sake of it. With some books I feel as if I am able to predict what is going to happen next, that was not true of this book as I was truly surprised with each sequence of events. The main character was complex in nature as most of us are but not so much that we couldn’t relate to him. Lastly as in the life the ending was not entirely what we as readers wanted but it was the ending I could relate to. Joy mixed sadness. Hope along side despair.
I hope that I will have more opportunities to read James Halpin books.
August 9, 2019
Enjoyed!
This is the first book I've read by this author and I am very happy I did. The characters felt real and the story flowed throughout. I must say the journalist did upset me with his interference but it just shows that provoking an emotional reaction means the character became real. I would definitely recommend this to others. I will check out other books written by the author
This is the first book I've read by this author and I am very happy I did. The characters felt real and the story flowed throughout. I must say the journalist did upset me with his interference but it just shows that provoking an emotional reaction means the character became real. I would definitely recommend this to others. I will check out other books written by the author
August 23, 2019
Impressive
Looking beyond the fiction aspect of the story it brings to light the heartbreaking cases of teen suicides. Just how impressionable the teen mind can be and how those who are meant to mentor and help such teens can be so twisted. "All The Dying Children" can be taken from the pages of today's headlines and that is a sad commentary on our society. Look beyond the fiction for there is truth. Good story!
Looking beyond the fiction aspect of the story it brings to light the heartbreaking cases of teen suicides. Just how impressionable the teen mind can be and how those who are meant to mentor and help such teens can be so twisted. "All The Dying Children" can be taken from the pages of today's headlines and that is a sad commentary on our society. Look beyond the fiction for there is truth. Good story!
October 2, 2019
VERY ENGAGING
Excellent book that should raise the awareness of all parents. Suicide in itself can become an epidemic among any group of people, and teens are more susceptible than most. This book opened my eyes to behavioral changes that could signal problems. The crime feature of the book was quite engrossing. I never envisioned journalists as being at risk. Good book. Read it if you need a spot of entertainment.
Excellent book that should raise the awareness of all parents. Suicide in itself can become an epidemic among any group of people, and teens are more susceptible than most. This book opened my eyes to behavioral changes that could signal problems. The crime feature of the book was quite engrossing. I never envisioned journalists as being at risk. Good book. Read it if you need a spot of entertainment.
July 23, 2020
All the Dying Children is a riveting story about a rash of teen suicides. At first glance they are seemingly unconnected, but when reporter Erik Daly covers the very public online suicide of a popular cheerleader he begins to discover links between the deaths. He doggedly follows the leads despite death threats and attacks in an attempt to put an end to the crime spree masquarading as suicides.
In the midst of all this, Daly is battling his own inner demons surrounding the death of his wife, Jessica, and a growing drinking problem caused by recurring nightmares. His saving grace is his daughter, Lauren, who is also threatened when Daly gets too close to the truth.
This book is a well-paced, well-plotted page turner. The characters are believable and interesting. The lives and jobs of journalists, police, and lawyers all ring true. My only criticism is that though Daly is the point of view character, the author frequently stepped out of Daly's POV to tell the reader what other characters were doing or thinking, sometimes mid-scene. It seemed to be done to give the reader information Daly could not know, but it was a bit disruptive to the flow of the story, occasionally amounting to an information dump. However, this is made up for by the engrossing story woven by Halpin.
In the midst of all this, Daly is battling his own inner demons surrounding the death of his wife, Jessica, and a growing drinking problem caused by recurring nightmares. His saving grace is his daughter, Lauren, who is also threatened when Daly gets too close to the truth.
This book is a well-paced, well-plotted page turner. The characters are believable and interesting. The lives and jobs of journalists, police, and lawyers all ring true. My only criticism is that though Daly is the point of view character, the author frequently stepped out of Daly's POV to tell the reader what other characters were doing or thinking, sometimes mid-scene. It seemed to be done to give the reader information Daly could not know, but it was a bit disruptive to the flow of the story, occasionally amounting to an information dump. However, this is made up for by the engrossing story woven by Halpin.
April 8, 2020
Given the star rating this book was getting, I have to say I was very disappointed with it. I liked the idea of it being a journalist's investigative work rather than the usual detective story and the first suicide was a 'draw you in' shocker, however that's unfortunately, where my like of this book goes. I found it very drawn out with unnecessary descriptive passages in part. I had no connection to any of the characters and the build up to the detective work just seemed to end with a boring court case to finish off. I didn't see the point in dragging out the journalist's back life story either. Sorry but not a recommendation from me
October 28, 2020
Teens are committing suicides and no one knows why. They are all good students and well liked by others. A newspaper writer decided to check into the whys and how comes of this suicides. First he had to investigate each suicide then search for leads to the why did these student do this to themselves. Little by little he started finding out things and realized that all the suicides were somehow related to a teacher and a psychiatrist .The writers home was burnt down then and he found a note that basically told him to mind his own business. But he didnt . Bad things kept following him and his daughter as he hunted for the answer to it all.
June 15, 2021
I'll be checking out more from this author. The story flowed well, had a good plot with an underlying story, and the protagonist, a flawed reporter, was likable in not careless at times when it came to his own safety. I'm personally familiar with the area of Northwestern PA where the story takes place.
October 31, 2020
A great story
This story keeps the reader engaged with good character development, several twists, and pacing that made it difficult to put down. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more stories from Mr. Halpin.
This story keeps the reader engaged with good character development, several twists, and pacing that made it difficult to put down. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more stories from Mr. Halpin.
April 13, 2021
Realistic
This book could very well be a true story. Daly was a sad man who tried to drink away the pain of losing his wife. Lauren, his daughter kept him from drinking himself to death. Then high school students started committing suicide. Very well written story.
This book could very well be a true story. Daly was a sad man who tried to drink away the pain of losing his wife. Lauren, his daughter kept him from drinking himself to death. Then high school students started committing suicide. Very well written story.
December 15, 2021
The title was tricky but I think it was free and I must admit I really like this book. The author brings some theme as suicide, bullying, abuse with teenagers and there is a little bit of action too...
August 25, 2022
Erik Daly is a town journalist. He has an 18-year-old daughter named Lauren. His wife died a long time ago. When teenagers start committing suicide, he is very interested. He does some investigation and finds out who is causing the kids to commit suicide.
October 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book, although don't love the title. A terific first book about a reporter in Wilkes-Barre, PA solving a mysterious and very distrubing series teen suicides. Written by a reporter in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Great job!
May 25, 2020
Great story
Very good writing. Lot of unexpected twists, really held my I interest. Would try another book by this author. Recommend
Very good writing. Lot of unexpected twists, really held my I interest. Would try another book by this author. Recommend
June 19, 2020
Compelling story written in a suspenseful manner. Wasn't a "can't put down" book, but enjoyed reading it. Good plot and character development.
June 23, 2020
Great story.
Could not put down, could not wait to find out what happened.
Great storyline
Highly recommend.
Looking to follow the writer.
Could not put down, could not wait to find out what happened.
Great storyline
Highly recommend.
Looking to follow the writer.
October 4, 2020
Brilliant
What a fantastic storyline. It drags you into the unknown and then all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place.
Struggled to put it down
What a fantastic storyline. It drags you into the unknown and then all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place.
Struggled to put it down
October 24, 2020
Fast-paced Crime Saga
A fast read that holds interest in a journalist crime saga. A backstory is also in shadows and through the investigation reveals itself.
A fast read that holds interest in a journalist crime saga. A backstory is also in shadows and through the investigation reveals itself.
December 30, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is evident that James Halpin has a journalism background. I appreciated the fact that he took the time to have this novel proofread and that it is a stand alone novel.
January 23, 2021
worth the read
February 18, 2021
Great police thriller
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of twist and turns.. The main character Erik was a real mess. Would definitely read more from this author.
This book kept you on your toes until the end. Lots of twist and turns.. The main character Erik was a real mess. Would definitely read more from this author.
August 25, 2021
A well.written straightforward story
I really enjoyed this story and read it in two long sittings it was.well.done. I will definitely read more from this author.
I really enjoyed this story and read it in two long sittings it was.well.done. I will definitely read more from this author.
January 9, 2022
Excellent book
This book is a good representation of what our society is turning into today. I believe in capital punishment and we need to take it seriously.
This book is a good representation of what our society is turning into today. I believe in capital punishment and we need to take it seriously.
December 29, 2020
Excellent
March 20, 2020
it is a gruesome story, and not very well told.
September 27, 2019
This book took me through a variety of emotions and reactions ranging from frustration at the slow unfolding of the protagonist's past, to doubt that a currently-unfolding event was real, to pulse-pounding anxiety at the wrap-up of all of it.
Erik Daly, a journalist and single father, deals with crippling guilt and self-doubt over a personal heartbreak years ago as he plods through secrecy and half-truths surrounding the deaths of several teenagers in the area.
I discovered this free book through my daily Bookbub email and decided to take a small break from the three series I am reading (Riley Paige by Blake Pierce, Kate Burkholder by Linda Castillo, and Daughters of the Promised Land by Jill Eileen Smith). This book was a quick and welcome change. I highly recommend it along with Bookbub, the best source I know of for free and cheap ebooks. I discovered all three of the series I am reading through this site, and have used my local library to check the books out.
Erik Daly, a journalist and single father, deals with crippling guilt and self-doubt over a personal heartbreak years ago as he plods through secrecy and half-truths surrounding the deaths of several teenagers in the area.
I discovered this free book through my daily Bookbub email and decided to take a small break from the three series I am reading (Riley Paige by Blake Pierce, Kate Burkholder by Linda Castillo, and Daughters of the Promised Land by Jill Eileen Smith). This book was a quick and welcome change. I highly recommend it along with Bookbub, the best source I know of for free and cheap ebooks. I discovered all three of the series I am reading through this site, and have used my local library to check the books out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews