Deadly Animals

Marie Tierney’s novel centers on Ava Bonney, a fourteen-year-old girl with a dark secret regarding her fascination with macabre decomposition. The narrative follows her as she investigates the highway near her home, where roadkill frequently appears. When she discovers the body of a classmate, her initial impulse to protect her private rituals conflicts with the escalating danger facing her peers. The story unfolds through Ava’s perspective as she races against time to identify the hunter targeting teenagers in her community. Her obsessive nature drives her to record findings and analyze clues, often operating alongside or against local detectives who have taken over the case. The plot relies on the tension between her compassionate nature and her morbid interests. This book suits readers interested in psychological mysteries involving young protagonists with unconventional skills. It may not appeal to those seeking traditional police procedurals without a unique narrative voice. Tierney’s background as an International Thriller Writers Award winner for Best First Novel and McDermid Debut Award winner for Crime Fiction establishes her credibility in crafting suspenseful narratives. The text draws on the tradition of the teenage sleuth genre, blending elements of gothic horror with modern crime fiction. Ava’s roadside den serves as a central location for her investigations, grounding the supernatural undertones in tangible, gritty reality.