I found this book difficult to read. It depicts this very real, sensitive situation in a realistic way. When these thing happen, the mob mentality that exists is depicted whereby the individuals in question are unable to defend themselves. I wanted to believe they were innocent but the justice system would not allow for that. It shows how we would rather err in favour of the the prosecution than risk allowing for those charged to be free to continue their crimes. I didn't find the characters likeable, I didn't have empathy for them, which perhaps was the goal. It is not the type of book I would normally read.

In An American Tragedy, Dan Flanigan masterfully brings to life a pivotal moment in American history—the 1980s “Satanic Panic”—by weaving it into a tale of mystery, morality, and courage. Set in the sweltering summer of 1988, private detective Peter O’Keefe is thrust into the heart of a cultural and moral maelstrom when he takes on the defense of Virginia Montrose, a beloved teacher accused of unspeakable crimes against her students. With his new agency barely off the ground, the last thing O’Keefe expects is to be immersed in one of the most harrowing cases of his career.

Flanigan’s portrayal of O’Keefe is deeply compelling. O’Keefe is not your typical noir detective; he is a man of conscience, driven less by glory and more by a sense of duty to truth and justice. His journey is emotional and raw, capturing the tension between societal hysteria and personal morality. Flanigan captures the essence of this struggle as O’Keefe faces relentless opposition from “shadowy” child protection figures whose crusade has blurred into moral extremism. These figures, veiled in secrecy and determined to secure a conviction at any cost, present a formidable challenge that threatens not only O’Keefe’s livelihood but also his soul.

Flanigan’s writing is both evocative and meticulously researched, pulling readers into the cultural paranoia that defined the Satanic Panic era. He offers an unflinching critique of how easily fear can warp justice and how societal hysteria can fuel grievous miscarriages of justice. The book’s setting, in a small-town America seething with fear and suspicion, intensifies the claustrophobia and moral ambiguity that pervades the story. Flanigan renders these elements with striking authenticity, showing how a combination of societal forces, groupthink, and institutional power can weaponize accusations, creating victims on all sides.

Flanigan’s greatest success, however, lies in his ability to portray the human cost of O’Keefe’s battle. The emotional strain of the case tests O’Keefe’s endurance, not just as a detective but as a father and a man of principle. His struggle becomes one of personal redemption as much as it is a fight for his client’s exoneration. As the stakes climb, the reader is drawn into a gripping, heart-wrenching journey that questions the nature of justice and the power of truth in a world overcome by fear.

An American Tragedy is not only a suspenseful legal thriller but also a poignant exploration of moral courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Flanigan has crafted a powerful story that resonates with modern readers, serving as both a tribute to those who seek truth and a cautionary tale about the dangers of societal hysteria. Fans of detective fiction and historical thrillers will find in O’Keefe a complex hero whose journey is as thought-provoking as it is gripping. This is a timely, insightful, and ultimately hopeful novel that reminds us that even in the darkest times, one person’s courage can light the way to justice.

This book takes us back to a time of crime and justice. It follows Peter O'Keefe with his team as they investigate complex matters revolving around murder and deception. Peter's character as an investigator is well outlined, so are the others in the story. It is quite an interesting story that has a lot of emotions as well as suspenseful events. Particularly striking about this book is its vivid details about the 80s. Also, it does world-building so well that we feel like we are living with those people in those years as if we know them. It is a thrilling narrative about exploring truth and retribution in full length.

Thank you for the advanced copy. This is my first read in what is a series, but no to worry, you will not be disappointed or lost. This is intense book of a pre-school teacher charged of sexual abuse of students and her trial. Great story telling!

I tried three times to read this book, and it wasn't for me.

The appeal of the book is the premise. I remember being in my early teens during this time of the devil worshippers and Satanic cult ideas, so I can relate to that mentality very well. The cultural aspects of the book are retold appropriately.

My issue is the writing. I understand jumping right into the action, which this author does. However, the author tries to do too much in the early pages. There are too many characters with no development. There is too much dialogue, so the setting fails. At one point, there is more than one page of just one paragraph. I tried and tried, but the lack of development and not enough connection of ideas makes this really difficult to follow and have it make sense.

Good premise, but the writing approach falls short.

Having grown up during the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, this was extremely interesting for me. The author has lifted the lid on how extreme the reactions of the time were and presents the societal attitudes in an interesting and all too accurate way.