Childhood is a time of self-discovery, a phase of learning who we are, what we love, and how we fit into the vast world. It’s often marked by awkward moments, but most kids find their way through just fine. Fourteen-year-old Ava Bonney, however, is navigating a much different path. Struggling to fit in, she seems content to forge her own way. But Ava’s unique interests are about to lead her down a dark and unexpected road.
The road near Ava’s home has become a graveyard for animals struck by passing cars. What began as a strange curiosity—observing how the creatures decay—has grown into a dark obsession. Late at night, Ava pulls her discoveries into her secret roadside den, meticulously documenting their decomposition.
One night, her routine takes a horrifying turn when she stumbles upon something she never expected: the lifeless body of her classmate, Mickey Grant. Paralyzed with fear and dreading the questions her nocturnal wanderings might raise, Ava places an anonymous tip to report Mickey’s death. But even after the authorities begin their investigation, Ava can’t shake the murder from her mind. Determined to uncover the truth, Ava takes matters into her own hands—setting herself on a path that will challenge everything she thought she knew about her town and herself.
In her debut novel, Deadly Animals, Marie Tierney delivers a hauntingly original blend of murder mystery and coming-of-age drama. Her protagonist, Ava Bonney, is a refreshingly unconventional teen who, along with a veteran detective, becomes entangled in investigating a series of grisly and bizarre crimes. Tierney masterfully juxtaposes the raw, unsettling nature of the murders with Ava’s quirky, awkward journey toward self-discovery.
The writing is captivating, balancing the macabre with moments of dark humor and tenderness. While the crimes are gruesome enough to make you squirm, Tierney’s storytelling keeps you hooked, pulling you deeper into Ava’s world with every twist. The finale is as shocking as it is satisfying, cementing Deadly Animals as an unforgettable debut. Tierney’s distinct voice and bold storytelling promise an exciting future for readers, and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.
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(2024, 86)
