Review of Cruel Lessons

[Kristin Cowan]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Cruel Lessons" by Randy Overbeck.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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In Cruel Lessons, four young boys tragically die in a car accident on a school camping trip. During the investigation, the police discover the kids had used a new drug: a tattoo that sticks to your skin and gives you a high. Due to the deaths occurring during a school trip, the school district is determined to find out how the drugs are getting into the hands of kids, but more importantly, how to keep the school district from being held responsible. The Board tasks Assistant Superintendent Ken Park to find out where the kids got the drugs and how they are getting into the school. It is not long before the Board and local police blame Jennifer, a compassionate teacher who showed special interest in helping the deceased boys. After her arrest, Ken works to free her as they have a history, and he is convinced she is innocent. Is she part of a drug operation targeting kids or is she a scapegoat for something bigger?

This book deals with difficult but important topics. Drug use in schools continues to be a problem in the US and this story shows the effects it can have on families, schools, and children. I only hope school districts are less concerned about their reputation and more concerned about helping the school children.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book had a simple plot, but it was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were many suspects, and it was not clear until the end who was making and supplying the drugs. Just when I thought I had figured out who the bad guys were, the plot turned, and I was back to square one. I also enjoyed the thorough backstories of the characters that tied into the story’s main plot points. The author developed thorough past experiences that added to the story. Every time the author discussed the past, it was thorough without insignificant filler.

I would recommend this book to adults interested in a crime mystery, with the caveat that there are some heavy topics including abuse and death of children.

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Cruel Lessons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[RJ Reviews]

A tattoo that gives high! That's interesting! I agree with you that drugs in school must be stopped at any cause. This crime mystery piques my interest for being simple yet page-turner. I enjoyed reading your review that gave much insight into the plot. Thank you.

[Saliha Hussain]

Thank you for the insightful review of "Cruel Lessons." It's clear the book tackles important themes with suspenseful storytelling. Your recommendation and acknowledgment of heavy topics provide valuable guidance for potential readers.

[Rodel Barnachea]

I am fascinated by this new drug that the four young boys who tragically died in a vehicular accident used. I am intrigued by how this drug could have caused the children's deaths.

[Leen282]

I love crime mystery books. Drugs in school is real unfortunately, kids dying is harsh - but it also is very real that often the search for the truth equals the search to shift the blame to someone else. I think this is a book I will like.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

Immediately from the start, the book is fast paced with racy dialogue that brings the reader in. The subject is very relevant to today’s world, and the plot is clever and exciting. Thank you for the review.

[abderrahman El achari]

In the novel "Cruel Lessons" by Randy Overbeck, a drug kills four children during a school camping trip, prompting the FBI to search for the perpetrators. Good review
my regards

[abderrahman El achari]

Good review
my regards

[Bassey Anthony Akpan]

"Cruel Lessons" by Randy Overbeck is the story of 4 boys who died during a school trip that should have a supervising teacher. These kids obviously died of drug overdose and appears like a tattoo that makes the kids high by making marks on their skins. Is this a case of neglect by the supervising teachers? The school board and law enforcement are investigating. A teacher, Jennifer is suspected. So who is to blame. Lets not forget it happened during a school trip.

[Priya Murugesan]

I love to read mystery crime thrillers. This book looks like a fascinating one. Drug use is a serious crime. I would love to know how the mystery unraveled.

[Bertha Jackson]

Too many of today's children die from drugs they obtain at school. Hopefully, this book will open some eyes to this tragedy. Thank you for your review.

[Brienna Cooper]

Great review! While this is commonly-used territory for a mystery/crime story, it’s hard to deny how high tensions get ramped up when children and schools are involved.

The Board tasks Assistant Superintendent Ken Park to find out where the kids got the drugs and how they are getting into the school.

I wonder just how realistic this actually is. Would something like this be put on the assistant superintendent? I guess it makes general sense in light of the head superintendent being fully booked and busy, but he’s at least be working with others (i.e. police, teachers, counselors, etc).

[tarafarah7]

Today's BOTD is a crime thriller novel that's relevant to the world today by drawing awareness to possible dangers young kids face in schools. Filled with suspense and mystery, readers are in for wild ride. Thanks for your review; I've added this to my WTR list!!

[Olo Lade]

I agree with you that school district should be more concerned about helping the children than their reputation and i also think the effect of drug abuse should be taught in every school. Kudos to you cause I really like your review about the book

[rusyalana]

I like crime thrillers and this one sounds like a real page turner with a gripping and exciting plot. There were four deaths due to the overdose of drugs and the only thing the authorities are thinking about is "how to keep the school district from being held responsible". It will be interesting to read this book. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!