The Hiding Place, by David Bell (NAL;$15.00)

The murder was the biggest thing to ever happen in sleepy little Dove Point, Ohio. Little Justin Manning disappeared while his 7-year-old sister, Janet, was supposed to be watching him in the local park. When his body was discovered in a shallow grave, the police charged Dante Rodgers with his murder, based to a large extent on the information that Janet and her playmate, Michael Bower, provided about what they had seen on that fateful day.

Now, the 25^th anniversary of Justin’s death is looming, and a local reporter is onto the story. Too many questions remain about the killing.  The reporter speculates that Dante Rodgers, who has always maintained his innocence, was charged and convicted primarily because he was black. Janet’s father remains withdrawn and angry, and is incapable of maintaining a normal relationship with Janet or her 15-year-old daughter, Ashleigh. Even Michael Bower, who has returned to Dove Point, wants to know what Janet really saw that day in the park. But she can no longer distinguish between what she remembers and what she heard from others.  

When a man shows up at the Mannings’ house claiming to have knowledge about what actually happened to Justin, Janet hopes that he can help answer the remaining questions.  The truth, when it is finally revealed, is more horrific than she ever could have imagined.

David Bell’s The Hiding Place was disappointing. I figured the mystery out early on, by recognizing clues that Bell made far too obvious. I kept waiting for a twist or two to justify the too-early reveal, but none came. So the ending, instead of producing the desired, “Holy cow!” of a reaction, instead made me resent having taken the time to read past the point where all had already been made clear.