Lessons in Peril: Book 1
Publication Date: October 11, 2023
On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous threat: if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?
A series of student deaths traced to drugs throws a close-knit community off-kilter in an explosive mystery by Randy Overbeck.
As a school district administrator, Ken Parks is tasked with an internal investigation into the deaths of four fifth-graders who were killed after a joyride. When drugs are indicated as the cause, Ken is determined to find out who supplied the drugs.
Cruel Lessons takes readers into a web of secrets as the story unfolds. The teachers all seem to have secrets of their own, but are they guilty of supplying drugs? As the suspense mounts, an unlikely suspect is arrested and publicly shamed.
Although district executives and the board seem satisfied that Stacy Thompson is the culprit, Ken’s not convinced. While battling a growing attraction to her, he comes across some information that will blow the case wide open.
With all the twists and turns, I found myself pondering and then discarding various suspects. Thanks to the author’s descriptive writing and excellent pacing, this story kept me on my toes until the very end.
Cruel Lessons delivers a small-town mystery packed with depth and flavor.
Dr. Randy Overbeck is a best-selling author of the award-winning series, The Haunted Shores Mysteries, the three entries earning such national awards as the Gold Award from Literary Titan, Mystery of the Year from ReaderViews, Best Book from Chanticleer and Crowned Heart of Excellence from InD’tale Magazine. He hosts a new podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations, “Thanks Still Go Bump in the Night” and “A Few Favorite Haunts” with audiences all over the country.
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