Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Dark Roots by Sheldon Higdon is a taut psychological thriller that will keep readers riveted to the pages. Benjamin Cole is a successful journalism professor living near Pittsburgh. After a two-year relationship with Aisha, a solo mum and also a university professor, the pressure is on Benjamin to finally propose. Although their relationship was extremely close, warm, and loving, Benjamin had a phobia about marriage, and this was the basis of almost all their arguments. Ben didn’t want kids, and he was sure marriage would mean more children. He was fond of Aisha’s son Darren, but the idea of any more children was a bridge he felt he couldn’t cross. When Ben’s 83-year-old father dies of an apparent suicide, Ben inherits the farm, but he desperately wants to know why his father killed himself. What he discovers inside the family farm shocks, confuses, and terrifies him, setting himself, Aisha, and Darren on a course that must surely end in tragedy.

Dark Roots is an incredibly powerful and well-written story that will captivate readers’ interest. Sheldon Higdon's clever plot, with numerous sub-arcs and twists, will keep you guessing right until the last page and surprise you even then. I loved how the author developed not only Ben and Aisha but also fleshed out the supporting characters, such as Ben’s uncle and the police officers involved. The story, although horrific, is handled beautifully by the author, who ensures that unnecessary graphic details are not part of the overall description. His mastery and understanding of macabre and twisted human nature shine through every chapter. I appreciated the differing perspectives offered throughout the plot, which gives readers insight into each character’s mindset. Although the subject matter displays the depths of human depravity and awakens every parent’s deepest nightmare, it is a wonderfully easy read that lulls you into a false sense of security before springing yet another incredible plot twist. Although not my usual reading fare, I am so glad I picked this up, as it introduced me to yet another new, exciting author. I loved this book and highly recommend it.