Malfi weaves his plot around the idea that what once may have seemed safe, secure, certain, and unmoved can, in an instant, be altered and made unrecognizable. “December Park” is a coming of age story that looks at what happens when the familiar becomes unfamiliar this theme is one which affects nearly every individual as they undergo the physical, social, and emotional changes associated with high school years. It does not, however, delve into the major issues that Malfi focuses on as he brings the reader into the world of Angelo, Michael, Scott, Peter, and Adrian.

Granted, the aforementioned summary does, indeed, recapitulate the plot of the novel rather well. To write that “December Park” is about a group of adolescent boys who come together in an attempt to identify a mysterious child abductor known only as “the Piper” would do this book a great disservice. A reader may have a particular proclivity for a certain genre of literature, such as fantasy, humour, or mystery, yet he or she will be entirely enthralled by Ronald Malfi’s new novel. Yet there is an essence about “December Park” which, I believe, transcends the limitations imposed by individual preferences. I don’t often make such bold statements when I write reviews as I am inherently aware of the danger of becoming too subjective a book that I may find exquisite due to its expression and style may seem like drivel to the next reader. I am confident that with the right promotion, Ronald Malfi's “December Park” could top the New York Time's Best Seller List. Horror and crime fans will find much to like here.” - Booklist Read more “Malfi is a man of many voices, a sort of literary version of Mel Blanc (the ‘man of a thousand voices’), but all of his voices are captivating, though none of them quite the same. A triumph of suspense, an affectionate ode to adolescence and by far Ronald Malfi’s strongest effort to date.” - Horror Novel Reviews “A frightening, thoroughly engaging read with a deeply moving series of narrative motifs running throughout, ones that needle the mind and tug at the heart in the best way . . . What they find there will change who they are-and everything they once believed in . . .

Some people in town say the woods are haunted, but Angelo and his friends head in anyway, to search the darkness for a monster. The murder is linked to the Piper, the possible abductor of three other children-who haven’t been found-over the past few months.

In the fall of 1993, fifteen-year-old Angelo Mazzone sees his first dead body. The Piper has come to take the children away . . . “A complex and chilling tale of friends, family and the often murderous secrets that hide in the dark” from the award-winning author of Bone White (Robert McCammon, New York Times–bestselling author).

December park by ronald malfi