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“There’s some kind of evil that sticks around longer than others…”

Thomas Mitchell’s mother abandoned him when he was five. Since then, Thomas hasn’t spoken to her, nor stepped foot in any Southern American state. One morning, he discovers a letter from her in his mailbox—a letter asking to see him. “I’m sick, Thomas…” she writes. “I want to see you…” Thomas fears she’s more than sick; he fears she’s dying. In a desperate effort to speak to his mother face-to-face before it’s too late, and to perhaps find the closure he’s been searching for his entire life, he packs up and departs for Mississippi, leaving behind his girlfriend, Chelsea, and their three-year-old daughter, Sarah. Just before he leaves, however, Thomas’s father finally reveals the true reason for his mother’s departure all those years ago…

…as well as a dark secret that has plagued their family’s history for decades.

On his way through Georgia, Thomas becomes stranded on the outskirts of Judson, an unfriendly backwater town mired in Jim Crow era beliefs and attitudes. With no way to fix his car, Thomas almost loses hope, until a kindly stranger by the name of Tanner Mason happens upon him. Tanner, an old, white farmer who appears to live by himself in the middle of the woods, seems helpful and righteous at first, but Thomas soon learns that there is much more to the man than meets the eye. Tanner knows things about Thomas, things no stranger should, and is aware of the secret that drove Thomas’s family apart.

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

98 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Damian Crosse

5 books4 followers

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5 stars
12 (24%)
4 stars
12 (24%)
3 stars
14 (28%)
2 stars
9 (18%)
1 star
2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Profile Image for alice Tileston.
738 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2024
Not my cup of tea.....

The writing is very good. It draws the reader into the story and makes me feel like I'm actually there along with Thomas.
This is not a book I would normally pick to read. Not sure why I did, but I stuck with it till the end. Usually I stop after a couple chapters so there us that....
1,263 reviews27 followers
August 3, 2023
Mind warp

This book touches on numerous trigger warning topics and was very hard for me to keep up with it as to where it was or was going on the story. It does however bring awareness to some less than talked about issues in our history.
110 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2024
creepy

Creepy with a capital C. This book gave me the chills. Can evil really permeate the ground and saturate a place. Thought it was over a couple of times only to have it twist in another direction.
33 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2025
What a creepy, haunting story. When I read the description, this wasn't what I thought would have been this book at all. It's one I think will stick with me for a while. It was twisty and turny and had an ending I wasn't expecting. I will definitely be looking at more books from this author.
I would recommend this book if you're looking for something you're not expecting!!!
Profile Image for Paul Cave.
Author 8 books10 followers
March 12, 2023
Great little read.

Really enjoyed this book. Interesting characters, and plot line. This is the 1st book I've read by the author. Will be looking out for more. Highly recommended
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
August 6, 2023
Creepy and strange

This was a good book,but it was very strange. Sometimes it was hard to keep up with the story. Overall, not bad
3 reviews
July 17, 2025
Found it really hard to get into, Abandoned at 5%
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews

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