I heard about this book about a year ago and was immediately interested. I downloaded it but life happens and it got lost in the TBR pile. A legal thriller that shows how ideas can be planted and lead people to think a certain way. Impressionable children ‘remember’ being abused after questionable interview methods and scared parents not knowing what to believe and only wanting to protect the children. The idea of child abuse in schools, especially preschools where children are young and don’t have a full understanding of what is right and wrong is terrifying. The author wrote this book in a way to draw the reader into the story and wonder what they would do if faced with the same situation. I’m a huge fan of legal thrillers so the courtroom scenes were especially captivating. I also loved how the author included snippets of American history in between some chapters. This is a very thought provoking read and reminded me of witch hunts and how dangerous groupthink is.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'An American Tragedy' by Dan Flanigan

This may be the first book I have read by this incredible author but it most certainly will not be my last!! It is also the fourth book in Dan's 'Peter O'Keefe' series but can be read as a standalone as can all the other books in this series.

'An American Tragedy' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Dan discusses/includes graphic descriptions and references to childhood trauma, satanic worship and childhood sexual abuse.

Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done Dan!!! How on Earth have I never read any of your books before? Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!!

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading the next book, and the previous one in this series.

I have absolutely no idea how this is the first time I have read one of this incredible author's books but I am so glad I have rectified that problem and I cannot wait to get hooked into more books by Dan. I don't normally like reading books out of order but the one good thing about doing so is that I can now go back and read the previous three books in this series by this fantastic author while waiting for her next book to come out in this series!!! In this absolutely gripping book Dan transports the reader back to the year 1988 and to the USA where they meet private investigator Peter O'Keefe. Peter's daughter Kelly has asked him to investigate the child abuse case against her previous primary school teacher Miss Ginny/Virginia Montrose. Peter's business is relatively new but is busy working a missing person case along with another case involving real estate and does not particularly want to get involved in a case where everybody already deems Miss Ginny/Virginia guilty. However, with Kelly begging him to take the case on and the fact that the accused was her former teacher Peter ends up folding and agrees. Will Dan be able to find evidence to prove Virginia innocent or will he discover she is guilty after all? Will taking this case on mean the end of his agency? If you want to discover more about this gritty, gripping and dark story then
you will just have to grab your copy to find out. I can promise that you will not regret it!! With a tension filled storyline packed full of cults, courtroom drama, police procedural, mystery, cults, drama and so much more what are you waiting for?? This book really does have an absolutely compelling storyline in what promises to be an absolutely gripping series!! I love the fact that the chapters are short and sweet as it allow the reader to break the book up into sections which can be needed at times due to the distressing case as well as the heaviness of the courtroom drama. It is definitely not for the light hearted but if you are looking for a gripping, dark and gritty drama that will keep you hooked throughout the pages then this book is definitely one for you!! The storyline was unique and realistic and Dan's fantastic evocative descriptions brings absolutely everything to life in front of your eyes from the characters to the drama to the emotions running high and to the courtroom. It placed the reader immediately into the action and kept you going on a roller-coaster ride of drama and emotion throughout. I won't mention those as not to spoil it for future readers. It is so hard to not say too much without giving anything away to future readers . Well done Dan you did absolutely fantastically and everything was tied up perfectly. This book left me going from one chapter to another!!! I completely devoured it in just two sittings as I just could not put it down. I just could not put this book down and I cannot wait to read more books in this series!!!

Before you start this make sure you clear your schedule because once you pick it up you are not going to want to put it down!!!!

Although this is the fourth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

The characters were very realistic, multi layered and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The descriptions gave a really good in depth view of how the characters were feeling and what they were thinking. The characters were complex and each seemed to be hiding their own secrets which leaves you questioning who is telling the truth and who can be trusted. They had their own unique personalities with individual flaws, quirks, secrets, strengths and weaknesses!! I loved getting to know Peter, his family along with many of the other characters and really cannot wait to go back to the previous books in this series to see how Peter has developed from the first book in this series which is called 'Mink Eyes'. I don't want to say too much about the characters though and I will leave you to read this amazing book and work it out yourself. I could literally go on and on but I am going to wrap it up here so I do not bore you too much! Each of the characters were well developed, unique and thanks to Dan's fantastic evocative writing skills they all came to life before my eyes. That is all I will say as I don't want to run the risk of dropping any hints or spoilers. However, whether you love or hate these characters, they all have their own strong unique personalities and they all bring the story to life playing their roles perfectly.

Congratulations Dan Flanigan on a fantastic success and here's to the next addictive and unique book in this absolutely epic series!!!

Overall an absolute must read, gripping, gritty page turning book that will keep you addicted.

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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.