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River Ghosts
Kirkus Starred Review Literary Mystery : Which is the eyewitness testimony of an eight-year-old boy or exculpatory DNA evidence?
Sixteen years after Richard Hill testified in court that he crouched under the tablecloth and saw Henry Clayton rape his white momma and murder her and his black poppa, a DNA swab earns the prisoner a pardon and his freedom. Returning to Red River Falls, Clayton claims that he has been reborn and offers to help Hill, now a patrol officer, identify who really killed his parents. Hill, who relives the family horrors every day, doesn't believe him. But how can he prove DNA evidence wrong? An ingrained distrust of everyone except Doria, the aunt who raised him, has led Hill to distance himself from his squad-car partner Jack Harter, and his mixed parentage has alienated him from members of both races. When he leans on radio reporter Sydney Brey for help, the search for truth puts Sydney on the railroad tracks as a train heads for her, leaves Auntie Doria bleeding on her bedroom floor and makes Hill the target of bands of good old boys with swastika tattoos. Ultimately, his childhood memories hold true but bring the disturbing possibility that the perfect science can be corrupted while racial enmity festers undercover.
The pseudonymous Robb, an attorney, writes with the chilling clarity of Alice Sebold. Read it and weep.
Sixteen years after Richard Hill testified in court that he crouched under the tablecloth and saw Henry Clayton rape his white momma and murder her and his black poppa, a DNA swab earns the prisoner a pardon and his freedom. Returning to Red River Falls, Clayton claims that he has been reborn and offers to help Hill, now a patrol officer, identify who really killed his parents. Hill, who relives the family horrors every day, doesn't believe him. But how can he prove DNA evidence wrong? An ingrained distrust of everyone except Doria, the aunt who raised him, has led Hill to distance himself from his squad-car partner Jack Harter, and his mixed parentage has alienated him from members of both races. When he leans on radio reporter Sydney Brey for help, the search for truth puts Sydney on the railroad tracks as a train heads for her, leaves Auntie Doria bleeding on her bedroom floor and makes Hill the target of bands of good old boys with swastika tattoos. Ultimately, his childhood memories hold true but bring the disturbing possibility that the perfect science can be corrupted while racial enmity festers undercover.
The pseudonymous Robb, an attorney, writes with the chilling clarity of Alice Sebold. Read it and weep.
451 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 30, 2015
this is an above average mystery. one of those nice surprises you get every now and then when you buy lots of free books. this book is not only well written, it explores an interesting concept. that being, how can someone beat an exact science. in this case, a killer is released on DNA evidence, but an eye witness to the crime is certain that the person who was exonerated really was the perpetrator. pretty cool idea, though the solution to this insoluble problem is telegraphed earlier in the book than i would have liked, it was still satisfying to read to the end.
February 1, 2017
The hero was severely traumatized at age 8 when he witnessed the rape of his mother and the murder of both of his parents. He seemed equally damaged emotionally by having a black father and white mother. He expected everyone he encountered (white or black) to be racist. He was withdrawn and unfriendly, but he seemed to think the problem was that others didn't like because he was bi-racial.
The story was compelling and emotional--a good mystery but also a psychological thriller because we spend so much time in Richard's head. The book is written in first-person, and Richard spends as much time talking to himself and to his dead parents as he does talking to other people.
Even though I was put off by the constant drum of racism, I almost gave the book 5 stars because the story was so compelling. However, I changed my mind with the ending. Although it's a satisfying ending to our human minds, it wasn't in keeping with the professed faith of Richard's partner or his own new-found faith.
The story was compelling and emotional--a good mystery but also a psychological thriller because we spend so much time in Richard's head. The book is written in first-person, and Richard spends as much time talking to himself and to his dead parents as he does talking to other people.
Even though I was put off by the constant drum of racism, I almost gave the book 5 stars because the story was so compelling. However, I changed my mind with the ending. Although it's a satisfying ending to our human minds, it wasn't in keeping with the professed faith of Richard's partner or his own new-found faith.
August 23, 2024
As an 8 year old child, the main character - Richard - witnesses the brutal rape of his mother & the murder of both his parents. At trial, his evidence convicts a young Neo-Nazi youth. Richard, born in a mixed marriage, he feels rejected by both communities.
Several years later, the accused, Henry Clayton is exonerated - DNA proving his innocence. It’s not long before Clayton is offering Richard (now a police officer) help in tracking down the real murderer. The underlying story is one of racial tension. For me, I found it hard to take to the main character - the story rambled too much sadly.
Several years later, the accused, Henry Clayton is exonerated - DNA proving his innocence. It’s not long before Clayton is offering Richard (now a police officer) help in tracking down the real murderer. The underlying story is one of racial tension. For me, I found it hard to take to the main character - the story rambled too much sadly.
May 29, 2022
Excellent!!
This book is More of a mystery of who dun it. Officer Hill watches his parents murdered and sends the man that did it to prison. But Clayton is released due to DNA. Now there are twists that have you guessing if it really is going to be solved and how.
I recommend this book to whomever loves mystery, ghosts and murder.
Recommend this 5 star because it's great from star to finish. I'll say this, the ending is a surprise. Enjoy reading!!
This book is More of a mystery of who dun it. Officer Hill watches his parents murdered and sends the man that did it to prison. But Clayton is released due to DNA. Now there are twists that have you guessing if it really is going to be solved and how.
I recommend this book to whomever loves mystery, ghosts and murder.
Recommend this 5 star because it's great from star to finish. I'll say this, the ending is a surprise. Enjoy reading!!
August 10, 2023
Fantastic job on faith, discrimination, and the way people have no understanding that God exists !
I believe as in all have sin but can be forgiven,
I believe that we as individuals may not always agree on things but God knows us and can understand it.
I believe as in all have sin but can be forgiven,
I believe that we as individuals may not always agree on things but God knows us and can understand it.
July 10, 2018
River Ghosts is a real edge of your seat , page turner , can't put it down mystery !
June 7, 2014
This book opens with the testimony of an 8year old boy about the rape of his white mother and murder of both parents (black father) that he witnessed under the table in their kitchen. His testimony sends a white boy to death row. 16 years later this boy is now a man and a cop in his hometown. He lives in the house where the tragedy occurred and feels the ghosts of his parents. He is isolated from the world: no lover, no friends, no interaction with anyone.
What happens when DNA evidence exonerates the boy he pointed out? Doubts about his memories surface and then he remembers more details. He discovers a secret group of white supremacists in the town and is unsure who to trust. Together with his partner of 3 years he is on a quest to prove the truth. Amazing insights and thought provoking. Well developed characters, a real page turner. The end was not what I expected! Very Good!
What happens when DNA evidence exonerates the boy he pointed out? Doubts about his memories surface and then he remembers more details. He discovers a secret group of white supremacists in the town and is unsure who to trust. Together with his partner of 3 years he is on a quest to prove the truth. Amazing insights and thought provoking. Well developed characters, a real page turner. The end was not what I expected! Very Good!
February 7, 2013
This was a good read despite the slightly uncomfortable feel passed on through the main character Officer Hill. He suffered a horrible trauma as a child and I'm not sure how acceptable he would have been as a law enforcement officer since he carried such heavy baggage. “Time heals”, they say but it didn't seem to do a thing in Hill's case. He also seemed entirely obsessed with himself and his mixed race problems. Very difficult to like and since he is the main character it made the book a shade tough in places.
Despite this reader distancing, the writer shows great skill in building his characters, and with the right tale he could be dynamite.
Despite this reader distancing, the writer shows great skill in building his characters, and with the right tale he could be dynamite.
October 4, 2012
As I've noted in other reviews, I am not a big fan of mystery and thriller novels. But I'd make an exception for this one. The author did an amazing job in portraying the lead character, Office Hill, as well as his personal nemesis, Henry Clayton. Hill wasn't entirely likeable, but I found myself rooting for him and hoping for his personal healing. And there was just enough detail about police work and the court system, without bogging down the plot or overwhelming the reading experience. Very well done.
November 20, 2012
This was an excellent mystery. When I first began reading I was reminded of a Grisham novel only better. I later learned that the author is also a lawyer.
The story grabs your interest right away. The main character has suffered a horrible trauma as a child and has never been able to let it completely go. His struggles and the efforts of some of the other characters to help him add to the story of his quest to learn the truth. Should he believe what he saw that was so horrible or must he doubt his own eyes. I highly recommend this book to any mystery lover.
The story grabs your interest right away. The main character has suffered a horrible trauma as a child and has never been able to let it completely go. His struggles and the efforts of some of the other characters to help him add to the story of his quest to learn the truth. Should he believe what he saw that was so horrible or must he doubt his own eyes. I highly recommend this book to any mystery lover.
October 8, 2012
Good story. I was sometimes confused by the characters and their actions / reactions and felt like i was missing something. Maybe I'm not (thankfully) familiar enough with the racial hatred subject matter to understand the characters. I enjoyed the book, but did feel a bit like lots of the book was unsaid and that I was a bit dense not being able to fully comprehend the traits of the main characters.
I hope I don't offend the author when I say that this story would make a good csi episode.
I hope I don't offend the author when I say that this story would make a good csi episode.
November 2, 2012
I know that this book is all about racial bias, but it was hard to find empathy for the main character, Richard. At times it seemed that race relations was all he thought about. The plot could just as easily be non-racial. I understand that he witnessed something that nobody should ever experience, but really. . . get on with your life. The mystery and suspense saved the book for me, especially the surprise ending.
March 8, 2015
More than your typical crime drama. River Ghosts was also a finely crafted look at race in America and how hard it can be to find a place of trust. Especially when you are carrying burdens of your own.
August 4, 2012
This was a truly gripping and emotional story. I am not usually a huge repeat reader but I will definitely be taking another dip in THIS river!!
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July 21, 2012ok. difficult to follow. sentences are missing between pages. thought I was skipping pages
July 16, 2012
Loved this book. Great atmosphere if you like places you never want to visit. Clever and well executed plot. Just enough dread and tension. Well done.
October 22, 2012
Love the story line. Some great characters here, but just wanted to slap the main character around and say man up.
January 8, 2013
A well written and suspenseful novel that had me guessing at the motives of a few of the characters. I really liked the ending.
January 23, 2013
It was ok, thought I was really going to enjoy this at the beginning, but found it got a bit rambling. different.
August 11, 2013
Boring and hard to follow.
October 20, 2013
Really enjoyed this book.
November 11, 2015
Sad but ends well. I found lead character bitter. Slowly drawn out "come to Jesus" tale. Doesn't beat you to death with the Book though. TTS-enabled eBook. © 2008?
December 13, 2012
Interesting end twist.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews