UNDER THE AUTUMN LEAVES introduces readers to Detective John DiMatteo, a seasoned investigator haunted by past cases and driven by an unwavering pursuit of justice. When a young woman is found murdered, John must navigate a maze of evidence that seems to point to a suspect he's been watching for years. But nothing about this case is what it seems.
Joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Claire Harper, whose expertise in predatory behavior brings new insight to the investigation, John finds himself racing against time to prevent another killing. As autumn leaves fall across Columbus, Ohio, the two investigators uncover a pattern of violence that goes back years, testing their professional instincts and forcing them to question everything they thought they knew about the nature of evil.
This atmospheric thriller weaves together multiple timelines, complex psychological profiles, and deeply human characters to create a story that will keep readers guessing until the final page. Claire's understanding of criminal psychology clashes with John's old-school detective work as they pursue a killer who seems to know their every move.
UNDER THE AUTUMN LEAVES is more than just a crime thriller-it's an exploration of justice, redemption, and the price we pay for the secrets we keep. Author Morgan McDonnell crafts a taut psychological suspense novel that delves deep into the minds of both hunters and prey, asking the question: How well do we really know the people around us?