Deer Season

Deer Season by Erin Flanagan is a gripping tale that earned the prestigious 2022 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel. Set against the backdrop of Gunthrum, Nebraska in 1985, the story unfolds on the opening weekend of deer season when Alma Costagan’s intellectually disabled farmhand, Hal Bullard, heads out hunting with locals, leaving her frustrated. Amidst the hunting festivities, a teenage girl mysteriously disappears, raising tensions in the small town. Hal’s return is shrouded in suspicion, especially when he presents a dubious explanation involving blood found in his truck. As rumors swirl and chaos ensues, Alma and her husband must face the unsettling reality of what Hal may be capable of. With a compelling narrative and rich character exploration, this 277-page novel invites readers to delve into the dark complexities of trust and community. Published in 2021, Deer Season is a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.