Review of Cruel Lessons

Kajenca1552+ · Post by **Kajenca1552+** » 18 Oct 2024, 13:02

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

4 out of 5 stars

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In the classic whodunit genre, ”Cruel Lessons” keeps you guessing until the end. It is the story of a small town that is rocked by the death of 4 young middle school students at a school science retreat. The boy's tragic car accident, fueled by a hallucinogenic drug, shocks parents, teachers, school staff, and district administrators. The story begins with the mystery of who supplied the drugs and how they were obtained.

The central figure is Ken Parks, a school district administrator who is directed by the school board to investigate and determine the school district’s liability in the student's deaths. Ken becomes obsessed with uncovering the source of the drugs and who perpetrated their distribution. Early in his investigation, another student suffers an overdose of the same drug and is hospitalized in a coma.

The story follows Ken as he methodically interviews students, staff members and family closely associated with the students. He enlists the help of a DARE officer, Bart Callahan, and together they begin to unravel the mystery. We follow along while they tick off names on a suspect list and gather leads. The suspense builds as side stories point in several directions, and just as you think you’ve figured it out, another twist is interjected.

The author, Randy Overbeck, does an excellent job setting up characters and intertwining intrigue. He describes suspects in detail, leading readers on a journey filled with distinct character development. You get to know how past experiences affect them and motivate their actions. The reader is offered a clear understanding of the investigation path, and no detail is left to the imagination. The story is told succinctly, and every storyline has a beginning and an end. The book’s progression builds suspense, and the ending is a surprise.

I give this book a 4 out of 5. I was drawn into the storyline of the book from the beginning and found myself unable to put it down. It was a page-turner, and I was eager to keep reading. I was disappointed at the ending. It seemed predictable to me and fell flat. After all the intensity of the book, the last couple of chapters didn’t fit with the rest of the writing style. If you enjoy crime mysteries, I highly recommend this book. Overall, it was very enjoyable.

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Cruel Lessons
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Lawrence Stein · Post by **Lawrence Stein** » 28 Oct 2024, 05:43

The effects of drug abuse can be quite devastating as in this case, four young life wasted! I love crime thriller but I am developing cold fee due to the flat ending mentioned by the reviewer.

Nneka Bridget · Post by **Nneka Bridget** » 28 Oct 2024, 11:23

This sounds like a suspenseful mystery with plenty of twists! The investigation and character depth seem engaging—I might have to check this one out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 28 Oct 2024, 15:50

This is a well-constructed thriller that starts with the death of some young boys and then is developed with suspense to deal with some important issues connected to drug (ab)use. Thank you for your great review!