At the same time, an accidental death involving the head of a local cult, Reverend Haycatcher, turns out not to be the tractor accident police first suspected, but a tractor accident caused by the Reverend being shot in the head. Now Ray is investigating the Children of the Lamb while trying to hold Agent Gardner at bay.

All too soon, both cases collide and Ray finds not only his friends in danger, but the life he and so many others have held dear. Reverend Dan stays strong next to his new friend and counsels Ray and the local residents, even as far as putting his own life in danger to save others.

Crimson Creek is a novel strong on atmosphere and full of local color. Dean Feldmeyer has the setting right on, creating a township with an authentic feel that will quickly draw readers in. Reverend Dan is a very likable character, both as a minister and as an assistant to Ray. While there are plenty of serious subjects in the book, Dan's as yet untrained, pedigreed puppy provides many chuckles and smiles.

The mystery is complex enough to hold readers' attention without going off in too many directions to become confusing and muddy. Even though the solutions may not surprise readers, or be entirely convincing, the engaging characters and authentic settings will be more than enough to draw readers in.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry