Nanette L. Avery's What Killed Mr. Knoll is a mystery novella that follows four teenagers on a small Caribbean island called Paradise during the Vietnam War. Every day, Lonen Porter takes a boat back and forth to go to school. When Lonen and his friends, Nari, Reye, and Marcus, are not attending Mr. Knoll's afterschool biology study sessions, they love to hang out on The Path and smoke. Mr. Knoll is unlike any teacher they've ever had, more of a peer than a mentor. However, events at his cottage soon spiral out of control, leaving one of the teenagers deeply hurt. Meanwhile, Mr. Knoll's body is found face down in the bay. Who killed Mr. Knoll? How will it affect the lives of the four friends?

What Killed Mr. Knoll is a captivating tale full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. Nanette L. Avery presents a realistic portrayal of teenage life in the Caribbean before the internet era, while exploring the profound effects the Vietnam War had on families and friends. With an engaging plot, the author slowly peels the layers of each of the main characters through backstories that shed light on their personalities. It is primarily a story about the loss of innocence and childhood, and growing up to come to terms with the bitter truths of life. Lonen, Nari, Reye, Marcus, and later, Trevor and Jasmine are friends whose lives have been irrevocably changed forever by the acts of a charming yet insidious manipulator who only wanted to take advantage of others. I loved the book. If you're looking for an engrossing drama, do not miss out on this!

Nanette L. Avery's What Killed Mr. Knoll follows a group of teenagers growing up on an island in the Caribbean during the 1960s. Marcus starts pet-sitting for the young and charismatic biology teacher, Mr. Knoll, who decides to hold study sessions in his cottage. Marcus invites his friends, Lonen, Reye, and Nari, who all quickly grow to appreciate Mr. Knoll's candor and charm, seeing him more as a friend than as a tutor. The fact that the man seems so mysterious and out of place adds to his allure, but it also raises questions about his past and intentions, possibly hinting at something darker beneath the surface that the kids might have to confront.

The unique blend of drama, mystery, and mysticism makes for a short but captivating story. Nanette L. Avery's evocative descriptions invite us to experience life in a tropical paradise, creating an idyllic and nostalgic atmosphere through the landscape, trails, meeting spots, and natural elements. The contrast between the slow, peaceful island life and the growing sense of unease makes for a compelling read. As this tale focuses on the turbulent transition between childhood and adulthood, the characters come to life when facing difficult situations that challenge their youthful innocence and notions about the world. On top of the main conflict, What Killed Mr. Knoll also explores the historical reality of the time and its impact on the culture and characters, with a special emphasis on the Vietnam War. Overall, I recommend What Killed Mr. Knoll to fans of character-driven dramas and coming-of-age stories.

What Killed Mr. Knoll by Nanette L. Avery revolves around the titular Mr. Mike Knoll, a young science teacher on a remote island, whose life and death become central to a tight-knit group of students. Knoll hosts secretive study groups at his seaside cottage, where students like Marcus, Lonen, Nari, and Reye gather. Much of their social life and private conversations occur on The Path, a dangerous trail along the mountain’s edge, which is a meeting place for smoking, secrets, and bonding. After Knoll gives Lonen the care of his cat, Mrs. Winn, and access to his cottage, Lonen mysteriously disappears following a disturbing visit there. Suspecting Knoll’s dark involvement, the students use a voodoo poppet to curse him. When Knoll’s body is found floating near the island, the community is unsettled as it works through loss, fear, and suspicion.

What Killed Mr. Knoll by Nanette L. Avery is a sharply written mystery of a teacher’s death, though it’s ultimately Lonen Porter’s quiet descent that leaves the deepest impression. Avery builds a strong ensemble cast of students and teachers shaped by the era, captured through details like Vietnam War draft notices, Ouija boards, tie-dye shirts, and The Rolling Stones. The island setting is both idyllic and isolating, and it is spectacularly textured to the point where it becomes a character in its own right. While Mr. Knoll’s murder anchors the plot, the book's emotional center lies in the slow reveal of what truly happened in his cottage and how it irrevocably altered the lives of the island's inhabitants. Each character carries weight, but it’s the collective trajectory of each one as part of a whole that lingers. Avery’s control of tone and pacing ensures the story sticks, not because of its mystery, but because of its quiet tragedies. Very highly recommended.

Mr. Knoll is very friendly and acts more like a peer than a teacher. One day, he asks Marcus to take care of his cat while he is away. The cat must be fed twice a day, a task Marcus faithfully performs until Mr. Knoll returns earlier than agreed. He offers Marcus a beer, which is strange considering Mr. Knoll is his teacher. Later, Marcus shares this experience with his friends, who think it is cool. Soon, Marcus and his friends start visiting Mr. Knoll with the excuse of studying with him, but it is the beer and the weed that he offers them that attract them to his cottage. As their interaction continues, Mr. Knoll starts behaving strangely. One time, he offered the students clothes to change into, only for him to barge in while they were changing. This makes Marcus run off, leaving his bandana at Knoll’s cottage. How will things turn out in What Killed Mr. Knoll by Nanette L. Avery when Lonen goes to pick up the bandana?

What Killed Mr. Knoll by Nanette L. Avery takes the reader on a gripping journey filled with unexpected directions that leave one looking forward to the events of subsequent chapters. The writing is engaging, and the well-crafted dialogue brings the story and the characters to life. This thought-provoking work gets one thinking about how sometimes those entrusted to take care of our children can turn out to be monsters. This type of literature serves as a warning to guardians to remain vigilant, even when teachers appear trustworthy. Nanette also ensured all events and places were vividly described, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The narration was excellent, and the reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the work accessible to all readers.