Mute Witness

Rick R. Reed
MLR Press (2009)
ISBN 9781608201082
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (03/10)

 

When eight-year-old Jason Dawes goes missing, his parents Sean and Shelley are frantic.  Although Shelley has remarried and Sean is living happily with his male partner, they have managed to maintain a strong and trusting relationship.  When Jason is found, it is determined that he was abused both physically and sexually.  He is so traumatized by the experience he is left unable to speak or to provide any information to locate the attacker.  Due to misconceptions and painful histories, people are willing to accuse others of having committed the heinous crime, but due to their biases they nearly miss what is right before their eyes.

“Mute Witness” is an excellently written book.  All of the characters are fully developed.  The author expertly allows the reader to experience their inner thoughts, insecurities, and prejudices.  From Shelley’s meddling and opinionated mother to Sean’s insecure lover, Reed realistically portrays why people act in certain ways.  He also explores how some behaviors are perpetuated through the years and whether previous victims who have not been treated should be completely to blame for their actions.

This book is intended for adults only.  The hideous crime against a child is not appropriate for young people.  There are also graphic descriptions of sexual acts which may make some readers uncomfortable.  Readers should be aware that this book is published by a company that champions love between men so they should not be surprised that homosexuality is an integral part of the story.

“Mute Witness” by Rick R. Reed tells an interesting story that will touch the hearts of its readers.  Everyone who picks up this book will likely be able to relate to at least one of the characters.  Readers will learn about alternate lifestyles and may become more tolerant towards others as a result.  However, some readers may see parts of the material as disturbing or contrary to the beliefs of many religions and, therefore, may want to avoid this book.

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