Echoes of the Fall is the third in the Earl Marcus series of mysteries set in a mountainous and rural area of North Georgia.
What a way to wake up from a whiskey bender! Dunked headfirst unceremoniously into the river several times. After the third time, Earl Marcus remembered why he was so drunk. He had run over a young man lying in his yard last night when driving buzzed home from the local gin joint.
Earl quickly realizes that the man was already dead before being run over. Earl decides to bury the body and hide the man’s truck rather than call the corrupt sheriff’s office. But he is haunted by the man. Why was he waiting in Earl’s yard? Before hiding the man’s body and truck, Earl found only the man’s phone, a bookmark, and a letter addressed to Joe. Those items lead Earl and his two friends, Ronnie and Rufus, to investigate the mysterious boy’s reform school, Harden School.
Echoes of the Fall is another enthralling mystery in this series. It can be read as a standalone too. The lush descriptions of the locale make you feel like you are riding shotgun in Earl’s truck. Earl’s friendships with Ronnie and blind Rufus feel genuine as does the animosity between Rufus and Ronnie. Earl’s relationship with Mary, so prominent in the last series entry, is now sidelined by her being away from town. Instead, Rufus’ history is revealed including how he went blind. This book is a great atmospheric almost noir-like thriller. It is highly recommended. 4.5 stars!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.