cover image Blind Faith

Blind Faith

C.J. Lyons. St. Martin's, $7.99 (368p) ISBN 978-1-250-01460-3

This stand-alone from veteran thriller author Lyons (who's co-written two books with activist Erin Brockovich) shows its hand too early for its own good, presenting a major reveal that would have had more of an impact later on. New York State schoolteacher Sarah Durandt has lost her husband, Sam, and son, Josh, to serial killer Damian Wright, but witnessing his execution in 2007 brings her little consolation as the murderer goes to his death without disclosing where the bodies are buried. Two weeks after the execution. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney learns of an anomaly; despite Wright's confession, a forensic analyst has doubts about his guilt in the Durandt case after finding the DNA evidence did not place him at the crime scene. Tierney, combatting chronic headaches suffered as the result of a line-of-duty head injury, reopens the matter, even as Durandt tries to put the past behind her by searching for her family's remains. The emotional responses of the characters to plot developments often seem unnatural, an impediment to suspension of disbelief. (Aug.)