Review of The Legend of Devil’s Creek
5 stars
As much a coming-of-age novel as it is murder mystery, “The
Legend of Devil’s Creek” functions effectively in both genres. Justin Riddley
is a college junior, a new transfer to St. Jerome’s College on Aubrey Island,
Washington, in Puget Sound. Despite his age and education, he is rather
socially inept, all the more so for being so self-aware. He’s never had a
relationship, is amazed that other guys seem to want his friendship, doesn’t
play sports, and is almost pathologically shy. But it is his self-awareness
that grinds the discomfort even more intensely, because he nearly constantly
bludgeons himself mentally and emotionally over what he considers his
inabilities and failures.
Woven in with Justin’s story is an ongoing series of
murders, and not the first set on this small island, either. In 1928 and 1929,
after the bullying death of a twelve-year-old, a series of grisly murders
occurred. Now, eighty years and more later, a similar set takes place; the
unifying thread is that all the victims are absusers of children (and often,
women).
This novel contains several multifaceted characters explored
in depth. Additionally, there is Justin Riddley’s personal growth curve; and
the ongoing murder mystery. I highly recommend this novel.
No comments:
Post a Comment