Sam is a deputy in Mercer’s Corner a tiny town in the desert.   The story begins with a satanist’s conviction for the foul murder of three children.   Richard Earl Garrett believes he is connected to the devil and he seems blithely unconcerned about his confession to murder and subsequent conviction.   The plot includes Nathan, a tabloid journalist seen by Sam as a bottom-feeding slime bucket.

Sparks fly between Nathan and Samantha.  Their mating dance is interwoven throughout the story.   Manson like followers of Richard Earl Garrett show up in town and murders begin.  

Lyle creates a lot of tension.  The fearful community, the insanely attractive slimeball journalist, the town’s mayor, Reverend Billy, an unscrupulous pseudo evangelist all seem pitted against each other.

The tension carries to the end and as this is the first in a series featuring Sam, you can guess he survives the terror-stricken town’s ire.

I enjoyed the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned