Surrender the Dead: A Novel

A woman returns to her childhood hometown to prove that her severely ill father is not behind the disappearances of community members, including her mother. By the award-winning author of The Absence of Mercy. Original. 25,000 first printing.
"Surrender the Dead is tense and atmospheric and so gripping that it will follow you into your dreams. A haunting tale, gorgeously told." Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Choose MeFrom the award-winning author of The Absence of Mercy comes a chilling psychological thriller about a family and community divided by tragedy, and the dark secrets that will set their town aflame. When Erin Reece left Wolf Point fifteen years ago after graduating high school, shed planned to never set foot in her childhood hometown again. But an urgent phone call from her fathers doctor leaves Erin with no choice but to return to a place filled with painful memories and wounds that never closed. Two decades ago, people in Wolf Point started disappearing without a trace including Erins mother and no explanation was ever found. Its been years since the last disappearance, but the town is still steeped in suspicion and haunted by the ghosts of the missing. No one is thrilled to see Erin back, including her former best friend, Robbie, who has changed from a spirited, fearless boy to a reclusive shut-in. Then a body is discovered, buried in a makeshift grave for years . . . on the Reece familys land. The police reopen their investigation, and the evidence against Erins father is damning. After such a long time without answers, the community wants justice. Its up to Erin to clear her fathers name, but the path to the truth will force her to unearth long-buried secrets and confront a terrible evil. Because in Wolf Point, everyone knows more than they are letting on . . . John Burley has an eye for detail, a feel for story, and a deep sympathy for his characters. Lou Berney, award-winning author of November Road