The Distant Dead

Sal Prentiss, an orphan living with his uncles on a desolate ranch, finds himself at the center of a murder mystery when he discovers the body of his maths teacher, charred almost beyond recognition, half a mile from his uncles' compound. Adam Merkel, who had formed a bond with Sal, was one of the few people to look out for him. Nora Wheaton, the school's social studies teacher, suspects Sal knows more than he's telling about his teacher's death.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2022
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

Sal Prentiss, an orphan burdened with a terrible secret, yearns for a sense of belonging. He resides with his uncles on a desolate ranch in the hills, where he becomes embroiled in a gruesome murder mystery when he discovers the charred body of his mathematics teacher, barely recognizable, half a mile from his uncle's compound.

In the seven months he worked at Lovelock's middle school, Adam Merkel, a quiet and seemingly unremarkable teacher, formed a close bond with Sal. Among the few who cared for the boy, Adam stood out. Nora Wheaton, the school's social studies teacher, sensed a kinship with Adam, another soul bound to Lovelock by guilt and duty. After Adam's death, Nora delves into his past in search of clues to his killer. Sal's grief is tinged with fear, and Nora suspects he holds more knowledge about his teacher's death than he reveals.

As the investigation unfolds, Nora and Sal become entangled in a web of secrets and lies, each holding pieces of the puzzle that could unravel the truth. They must navigate through a complex network of relationships, including Adam's estranged wife and colleagues, as they unravel the mystery that has haunted Lovelock for months.

In the end, Nora and Sal discover that the murder was not just a random act of violence but a meticulously planned conspiracy that had been brewing for years. The culprits were motivated by greed and power, and their actions had a profound impact on the lives of those involved.

Through their journey, Nora and Sal learn the importance of trust, loyalty, and the courage to face the truth. They also discover that sometimes the most unlikely heroes can emerge from the darkest shadows, and that the truth can be more powerful than any secret.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857308146