
All Michael wanted was a safe and loving home and family. By the age of ten, his father had died from a drug overdose, his older brother was someplace in the foster care system, and his mother was in prison. In and out of multiple foster homes, he was finally adopted by his "forever family."
Instead, three weeks before his eleventh birthday, his autistic friend pulled Michael's limp body from the water. Did he drown by slipping on rocks and then fall, or was he murdered? Were the ravens right to warn him? Who was the dark shadow behind him? Why would anything this horrible befall such a young and innocent child?
The author "assembles all the pieces of the puzzle," to unravel this "inspired by true events" mystery through the lens of Detective Russ Wyatt.
A crime, start to finish. The Riker's planned and completed the perfect crime; or so they thought. The book starts with the plan and concludes past the sentencing. An example of how the system works and where it fails. Gripping. (GZnak: US)
Well written riveting book. Grabs your attention and keeps it. Tells the story of how the system to protect the children has failed with the end result being a life lost. A must read for anyone who likes police stories. (Randee, New York)
I wanted justice for the child victim, and the book delivered!
The fact this this book was inspired by true events makes it even more important. Children in foster care should never be adopted for profit - and in this case, be murdered for insurance proceeds. The author shares the chilling details and also calls for change and improvements to the laws that are supposed to protect children. This book is excellent dive into a tragic and preventable situation. (Melanie, Texas)
A gripping very well written story. A law enforcement procedural that will grip you to the very end. I couldn't put it down. The author's knowledge and experience with the various parts of the criminal justice and the child welfare system is evident and well used. The narrative style delivery is easy to follow. Highly recommend. (Bonnie, MT)
This story is fascinating and points out the huge failings of the foster care system, and the bigger one missing from the current public debate. Prosecutor have too much discretion and not enough resources. Wilson takes you through the frightening inside of a murder. Gripping and realistic, I highly recommend! (Anne: WA)
How does one tell a good from a bad parent, especially when there are ulterior, secret, motives? After reading this tragic story based on true events, I hope an extensive investigation is now being conducted on future potential foster parents. Thank you Ken Wilson for a well written account of a true life story that will make you wonder. (Victor: WA)