UNSETTLED STATES

In Casey’s novel, a police detective investigates a killing in a small town full of secrets.

The story follows the lives of several citizens of fictional Granville, Connecticut, and how they each intersect with the recent horrific murder of local Ann Wheeler. Bradley Davis is a library assistant and voyeur who watches his neighbors from afar between visits to his alcoholic, psychologically abusive mother. When he’s caught peeping by the police, Det. Gerard Mallory asks him if he’d ever spied on the murder victim, who was a regular at the library; Davis denies it. When the cop tells him he’s willing to ignore the arrest if he sees a local therapist, Dr. Caroline Singer, Davis agrees. The narrative also follows Russell Garner, who was only recently let out of jail after being identified as a victim of wrongful incarceration, and it offers engaging characterization: “Institutionalization had taken something from his spirit. He had not found immunity from loneliness. He could not imagine a favorite chair, fireside, or family life.” A subplot involving an illicit affair between real estate speculator John Addison and marathoner Maggie Hawkins, both of whom Davis also knows, leads to a dark place. All these characters’ lives tangle into a knot that Det. Mallory must untie. Casey also includes the point of view of Davis’ therapist, which serves as a useful narrative device, as it allows the reader further insight into the voyeur’s mind. As Dr. Singer’s sessions progress, new revelations come to light, and a twist at the book’s climax greatly impacts Det. Mallory’s investigation. Overall, the work is well structured, divided into four distinct parts that tell the story through a variety of third-person perspectives, including those of Mallory, Davis, and Garner. Good character development and fast pacing add to the book’s appeal, as do some moments of levity that effectively vary the tone. The book has some graphic scenes, which may make readers wish it had a content warning at the start. The conclusion, however, provides a good sense of closure.

An often thrilling novel that’s likely to satisfy mystery buffs.