The third thriller in the Winnebago County mysery thriller series about the sleepy backwoods of Minnesota and the deadly secrets waiting there to be uncovered.
A frantic man phones the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department reporting his brother is armed with a large dagger and on his way to the county, intent to sacrifice himself. Sergeant Corinne “Corky” Aleckson takes the call, learning the alarming reasons behind the young man’s death wish. When the department investigates, they plunge into the alleged criminal activities of a hidden cult and the disturbing cover-up of an old closed-case shooting death. The cult members have everything to lose and will do whatever it takes to prevent the truth from coming to light. But will they find An Altar by the River in time to save the young man?”
Book Title: An Altar By The River
Author: Christine Husom
Publisher: Second Wind Publishing
ISBN: 9781935171331
Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review The Book
“An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.” ~Buddha
When Gregory Trippen make a pleading call to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department about his missing brother, its sets in motion a ball of evil. Gregory's brother Jeffery is on his way to the county to sacrifice himself at a place he calls Satan's Alter. Hidden underneath the seemingly close knitted police department are secrets and cover-ups that will soon come to light. One of their own may be leaking information that could jeopardizes their very lives.
Sergeant Corinne Aleckson who has lived in this county she works for all her life begins to realize that there are things that are happening right under her nose that she would never imagine there. The horrific situations of Satan worship and its victims it creates comes before Corinne's unprepared eyes. Digging deeper she discovers a twenty year old murder that seems to be the source of every thing may be the key to solving the many mysteries surrounding the county.
Although this is the third book in Christine Husom's Winnebago County Mystery Thrillers; I have not read the others, I found that is was not a factor in reading this book. The reader is able to follow the story without having to know the background information that may have been given in earlier books.
I found it refreshingly unpredictable in it plot, which left me guessing with each passing chapter of what would happen next. The book gives an interesting glimpse into the lives of people who have survived the abuses of possible rituals done by Satan worshipers, some even developing a separate personality to keep them safe. The whole concept of the worship of Satan, I found eye-opening and makes me wonder if there are such things going on without anyone knowing, behind closed doors, in your neighborhood.
Great book the I would recommend to any reader, who enjoyed a good mystery that follows a likable character, who is easy to relate to and wish the best for. Warning: readers maybe so engrossed in this book that dinners may be burnt, laundry may not be washed and sleep may be lost.