Down River

Down River by John Hart is a mystery about family and betrayal.

Adam Chase has not been home to Rowan County, North Carolina, for five years - not since he was acquitted of murder there. He has not spoken to his father since his step-mother testified against him, and his father took her side.

Now he is back, but the people he left behind are not all ready to forgive him for leaving. It seems that everyone in town remembers him because of the trial. The friend he came back to talk to is missing. Then the day after he returns, a woman is attacked on his father's farm. It is not long before Adam finds himself back in the sheriff's office.

But after seeing local justice firsthand, Adam will not sit back and watch this investigation. He is determined to find out what is going on. Even if it means stepping on the toes of his ex-girlfriend who is one of the officers investigating the case.

Before the mystery is solved, others will die. Adam will make discoveries about his family that have been buried since his childhood. Once he finds the truth will he be able to stay in Rowan County for good or will he run away again?

Hart, John. (2007). Down River. New York: Thomas Dunne Books.