The Tear Collector by Shawn Burgess @ShawnBinjax

Book Description:

The misdeeds of our ancestors are debts passed from generation to generation. They lurk, hidden in the shadows, waiting for the right time to be collected. For the residents of Harper Pass—their debt is due.

When a young autistic girl goes missing from a small Appalachian community, the residents of Harper Pass descend into chaos. Brooks Raker and his friends stumble across the police investigation, and as they dig deeper into the mysterious events, the boys realize the fate of their missing classmate pales in comparison with the evil lurking in the shadows of the quiet little town.

With four boys who believe something sinister is at work, and an ambitious reporter breathing down his neck, Detective Holt of the Harper Pass Police Department must confront his doubts and follow the evidence. A chain of disappearances and suspicious deaths, leads Holt to the doorstep of the mysterious and reclusive Professor Wadlow who may know exactly what has come to collect in Harper Pass.

Can the detective and the boys work together to unravel the dark secrets of Harper Pass before those secrets devour them all?

My Thoughts:

I’ve seen others say that The Tear Collector has a feel of Stephen King with the story being centred around four boys, you’ll probably know The Body better as the film Stand By Me. In a way I would agree, we get to see the boys’ friendship and their bond grow through out as well having some very horrible bullies who are out for blood. Other than that though, this is an author who very much has his own voice.

The writing has a simplistic feel to it, making it easy for me to fall right in and get hooked. It can certainly be enjoyed by young adults who arn’t to squeamish and adults alike, again, who arn’t to squeamish. There is just enough blood, horror and gore without being to graphic that made sure I wasn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.

Whatever is threatening this small town, has the tension mounting the further into the story I got. Some of the story I wanted to read behind my hands as I have to admit it had me on edge as I worried over the safety of the towns people but especially Brooks and his friends and their families. I was even quite taken with the main cop in the book. Usually with small town police, they tend to be oblivious and so far up their own backsides. This one though had more understanding and I felt sorry for him being hit from all sides whilst trying to do his job.

The Tear Collector was a story that didn’t let go. There was something always going on, holding my interest through out. The main appeal had to be the four boys and their friendship. The second was the horror element. There are plenty of chills and scares throughout that sent my heart racing. I really enjoyed this debut novel by the author and can’t wait to read more.

The Tear Collector is available to purchase from Amazon. (Please note that link used is an Amazon affiliate link).

Shawn Burgess has a BA in English from the University of Florida, and he focused on literature for his postgraduate studies at the University of North Florida. His travels have taken him to most parts of the country, where he often drew inspiration for his stories through meeting interesting people and experiencing unique places. Beware! If you find yourself behaving curiously within the crosshairs of his vision you might end up on one of his pages. In his spare time, Shawn enjoys travelling, attending concerts, reading, and playing golf. He typically makes year-round preparations for Halloween by building props and elaborate sets. Shawn claims Jacksonville, Florida as his home, but he has lived all over the southeastern United States. Many of his stories are set in those towns he once called home, or in fictional places inspired by them. He says, “I enjoy building upon the natural mysteries surrounding those areas I’ve personally experienced.” The Tear Collector is Shawn’s debut novel, but he’s currently working on a YA Fantasy novel, as well as The Tear Collector’s sequel. He is active on social media, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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Goodreads Author Page: Shawn Burgess

Website: http://www.shawnburgessauthor.com