River Ghosts — B.R. Robb

Kirkus Starred Review Literary Mystery on Racism and Race Relationships; the Antidote to a DysTrumpia Society: River Ghost's soars as a murder mystery in literary fashion, but its story is so much more. Sadly relevant to today's racial dynamics, both subtle and blatant. Rich Hill symbolizes the unification of Black and White, at first a creation of beauty, birthed in love that later, due to horrific murders, can only sense the worst, as well as rejection from both sides. In his search for the truth of his parents' murders in the face of DNA evidence, Rich discovers a path toward understanding and acceptance, of finding good among the bad, that his existence symbolizes the better possibilities of humanity, and solutions to problems that have dogged American society for far too long. Followers of Trump will find much to dislike, even hate, in River Ghosts, "Believe me." For the rest of society, for those willing to listen, there is beauty within River Ghosts, among those who give legitimacy to the concerns of all sides. In coming to the truth of his parents' murders, Rich Hill's understanding, which soothes his deepest wounds, will give open-minded, anti-DysTrumpia Society readers of River Ghosts a sense of the truth that may restore hope in all of us.