Bloody Creek Murder, by Susan Clayton-Goldner

The latest in the Detective Radhauser series is another winner. I have fallen in love with this character and Susan Clayton-Goldner does a beautiful job of bringing him to life in each novel. My only disappointment is that when I finish reading I have to wait months until she is able to produce another winner.

In this latest story we have three generations of people living the trauma's of everyday life. A young child, a young adult and an older parent. Each person will experience loss, not only of a life they love but of a life they wish they might have had.

The beginning story is that of two young boys enjoying life. They love to climb trees, to wrestle and to just be best of friends in every way possible. But then tragedy strikes. In an unfortunate accident one child looses his life and the other looses his innocence. How will Holden respond to the tragedy? How will he carry on?

But then a suicide/murder, we're not sure which comes along to cause further pain. Tommy's mom, Blair, is found dead, lying among the memorabilia left at Tommy's memorial service. Out of grief did she commit suicide? It looks that way. But then again, there are indications that it was foul play. But who would have a reason to kill Blair Bradshaw.

Radhauser has to find out the truth, not only of the tragic accident but of the foul play surrounding Blair's death. What will he uncover? Oh, and did we mention that there is a ten year old unsolved missing person case that will weave it's way into the story?

While the story is excellent and the mystery is able to keep your attention, what really works away at you are the true life personal struggles that the characters go through.

Themes addressed are:
1. Loneliness at the loss of a mother
2. Loneliness and guilt at the loss of a best friend
3. Guilt at the abandonment of a loved one
4. Frustration at the apparent lack of honesty from one's spouse
5. Fear of rejection
6. Fear of truth being revealed
7. Fear of loss of security and all that you hold dear

Susan Clayton-Goldner always paints a picture that has depth, character, intrigue, emotion and such reality that you often find yourself and your own fears being revealed in the characters.

Enjoy the read and enjoy meditating on the truths of honesty in relationships and how always telling the truth can lead to forgiveness, acceptance, loss of worry and good mental health. But the opposite is also true, not telling the truth brings guilt, shame, loss of identity, loss of relationship and anxiety that will eat away at you.