Books like School days by Robert B. Parker

Lily Ellsworth, a respected elder in Dowling, Massachusetts, hires renowned private investigator Spenser to investigate her grandson Jared Clark’s alleged involvement in a devastating school shooting. Seven students were slain, and Jared was named as a co‑conspirator by the other shooter. Despite the evidence, Mrs. Ellsworth remains convinced of her grandson’s innocence and seeks Spenser’s help to uncover the truth. Spenser, known for his sharp intellect and relentless pursuit of justice, faces a tangled web of corruption, media scrutiny, and the dark underbelly of school violence as he delves into the case. The novel blends the intimate dynamics of family loyalty with the broader societal issues surrounding school shootings, offering a deep dive into the moral complexities and investigative challenges that arise when a loved one is accused of a heinous crime.

First publish date: 2005