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Tony Harrington #2
Cry from an Unknown Grave
A late-night cry for help from a teenage girl puts Tony Harrington and his colleagues at a small-town newspaper onto the trail of a ring of human traffickers. The girl's description of the horrors she and others have endured fuels the determination of Tony and fellow journalist Madeline Mueller to find and stop the wicked people who are enslaving and abusing children. When one of the young victims is found buried in a shallow grave close to home, the chase escalates to a fever pitch with county, state, and federal investigators joining in the hunt. What Tony and Madeline don't realize is that as they grow closer to finding the victims and their captors, they are now in the crosshairs of the very people who have proven their willingness to commit vile crimes to satisfy their desires. This second Tony Harrington mystery-thriller by Joseph LeValley draws on today's heart-wrenching headlines regarding the pervasiveness and unspeakable evil of human trafficking. LeValley again creates a story with compelling characters and all the elements of a must-read drama, action, romance, tragedy, villains, and heroes. Join Tony and his colleagues as they risk everything to save a group of children they've never seen.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2020
10 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Joseph LeValley
8 books95 followersJoseph "Joe" LeValley credits his love of writing for every success in his life. He was a reporter-photographer for daily newspapers for seven years, covering crime/ criminal justice as his primary beat. Subsequently, he served for more than 30 years as a healthcare executive. During that time, he and his team won four national awards for communications excellence.
He began his latest career, as an author and public speaker, in 2018. He has published six mystery/thriller novels, and has written two more that are waiting on agents and editors.
As a musician, Joe plays drums and guitar. He has performed with a number of groups and has written more than 40 songs. In 2016, he was inducted with the Mourning Glory Rock Band into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.
A lifelong Iowan, Joe has a degree in journalism from Drake University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa. He and his wife Jane have six children and live in Dallas County, Iowa.
He began his latest career, as an author and public speaker, in 2018. He has published six mystery/thriller novels, and has written two more that are waiting on agents and editors.
As a musician, Joe plays drums and guitar. He has performed with a number of groups and has written more than 40 songs. In 2016, he was inducted with the Mourning Glory Rock Band into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.
A lifelong Iowan, Joe has a degree in journalism from Drake University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa. He and his wife Jane have six children and live in Dallas County, Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 5, 2021
“Cry from an Unknown Grave” by Joseph LeValley pulls from current news headlines to create a must-read thriller. Tony Harrington is smart. Harrington is an investigative reporter in Iowa. In the middle of the country there are big things happening and Harrington receives a call which sparks a wild and weird discovery.
This story is tightly written. LeValley is a good writer and I love the descriptive narratives. It is not all show. There is good dialog as well. The topic is heavy. Initially, the idea seemed a little far-fetched and a story more appropriate for bigger cities, but as LeValley points out evil is everywhere. It is the realization of the evil hiding in plain sight which makes this story so compelling. Set in Iowa it is an unlikely story but one which is riveting. The story is complicated and is working on a couple of levels but it is manageable.
Love the characters. Harrington, the main character, is not perfect and his flaws make him accessible. He is a man on a mission. The minor characters along the way are well thought out. They have some weight to them. The villains, there are a few, are surprising as they do not appear as the cookie cutter, mustache twirling, hand wringing bad guys. The bad guys are deceptively amiable and their reveals are surprising. As to character development, all the characters seemed believable, even the villains. The villains were despicable and what was nice about the bad guys’ development was they were not 2-Dimensional.
Love the twists of the story. There are a few unexpected twists in the story. Like the Midwestern justice angle of the novel. In the Midwest they do not fret over things they can solve themselves, it seems. That aspect is refreshing as many loose ends are tied up completely by the end of the novel.
The conclusion is interesting. I suppose I should have expected the conclusions the writer offers, but nonetheless I was surprised by how the story ended. Of course, LeValley opens the door for the next novel with Harrington. Good job.
This story is tightly written. LeValley is a good writer and I love the descriptive narratives. It is not all show. There is good dialog as well. The topic is heavy. Initially, the idea seemed a little far-fetched and a story more appropriate for bigger cities, but as LeValley points out evil is everywhere. It is the realization of the evil hiding in plain sight which makes this story so compelling. Set in Iowa it is an unlikely story but one which is riveting. The story is complicated and is working on a couple of levels but it is manageable.
Love the characters. Harrington, the main character, is not perfect and his flaws make him accessible. He is a man on a mission. The minor characters along the way are well thought out. They have some weight to them. The villains, there are a few, are surprising as they do not appear as the cookie cutter, mustache twirling, hand wringing bad guys. The bad guys are deceptively amiable and their reveals are surprising. As to character development, all the characters seemed believable, even the villains. The villains were despicable and what was nice about the bad guys’ development was they were not 2-Dimensional.
Love the twists of the story. There are a few unexpected twists in the story. Like the Midwestern justice angle of the novel. In the Midwest they do not fret over things they can solve themselves, it seems. That aspect is refreshing as many loose ends are tied up completely by the end of the novel.
The conclusion is interesting. I suppose I should have expected the conclusions the writer offers, but nonetheless I was surprised by how the story ended. Of course, LeValley opens the door for the next novel with Harrington. Good job.
February 28, 2021
Tony Harrington is smart. Harrington is an investigative reporter in Iowa. In the middle of the country there are big things happening. Harrington receives a call which sparks a wild and weird discovery. The story is tightly written. Levalley is a good writer. I love the descriptive narratives. It is not all show. There is good dialog as well.
Love the characters. Harrington, the main character, is not perfect and his flaws make him accessible. He is a man on a mission. The minor characters along the way are well thought out. They have some weight to them. The villains, there are a few, are surprising as they do not appear as the cookie cutter, mustache twirling, hand wringing bad guys. The bad guys are deceptively amiable and their reveals are surprising.
The topic is heavy. Initially, the idea seemed a little far-fetched and a story more appropriate for bigger cities, but as Levalley points out evil is everywhere. The writer points out evil deeds are happening everywhere. It is the realization of the evil hiding in plain sight which makes this story so compelling. Set in Iowa it is an unlikely story but one which is riveting. The story is complicated and is working on a couple of levels ,but it is manageable.
Love the twists of the story. There are a few unexpected twists in the story. Like the Midwestern justice angle of the novel. In the Midwest they do not fret over things they can solve themselves, it seems. That aspect is refreshing as many loose ends are tied up completely by the end of the novel.
The conclusion is interesting. I suppose I should have expected the conclusions the writer offers, but nonetheless I was surprised by how the story ended.
I like the character development. All the characters seemed believable, even the villains. The villains were despicable and what was nice about the bad guys' development was they were not 2-Dimensional. Of course, Levalley opens the door for the next novel with Harrington. Good job.
Love the characters. Harrington, the main character, is not perfect and his flaws make him accessible. He is a man on a mission. The minor characters along the way are well thought out. They have some weight to them. The villains, there are a few, are surprising as they do not appear as the cookie cutter, mustache twirling, hand wringing bad guys. The bad guys are deceptively amiable and their reveals are surprising.
The topic is heavy. Initially, the idea seemed a little far-fetched and a story more appropriate for bigger cities, but as Levalley points out evil is everywhere. The writer points out evil deeds are happening everywhere. It is the realization of the evil hiding in plain sight which makes this story so compelling. Set in Iowa it is an unlikely story but one which is riveting. The story is complicated and is working on a couple of levels ,but it is manageable.
Love the twists of the story. There are a few unexpected twists in the story. Like the Midwestern justice angle of the novel. In the Midwest they do not fret over things they can solve themselves, it seems. That aspect is refreshing as many loose ends are tied up completely by the end of the novel.
The conclusion is interesting. I suppose I should have expected the conclusions the writer offers, but nonetheless I was surprised by how the story ended.
I like the character development. All the characters seemed believable, even the villains. The villains were despicable and what was nice about the bad guys' development was they were not 2-Dimensional. Of course, Levalley opens the door for the next novel with Harrington. Good job.
August 15, 2020
LeValley’s enthralling second Tony Harrington mystery featuring the Pulitzer Prize journalist takes Tony throughout the Midwest, from Iowa to Chicago, to Kansas City as he gets entangled in a human trafficking investigation.
Still trying to come to terms with the loss of the woman he loved, Tony finds himself plunged into an underage sex trafficking investigation after one of the victims contacts him on his phone. The stakes rise after a teenage girl’s body is found in a shallow grave. With FBI already on the trail of the criminals, Tony and his fellow journalist Madeline Mueller start their own investigation. In their search for answers, the pair soon becomes the target of the powerful enemies.
LeValley’s take on the usual elements of mystery and thriller genre: relentless suspense, high tension, FBI involvement, sex trafficking, drugs, brutal killings among others elevates the plot further, making it a welcome grittier take on the familiar genre tropes. The romance that develops between Tony and Madeline follows predictable lines, but the characters’ backstories are seamlessly infused into the plot, and LeValley skillfully interlaces the multiple seemingly unrelated story lines, upping the plot’s stakes.
He does a masterly job capturing both the despair of the young victims and the ominous atmosphere of underage sex trafficking business. Tony as the humane, world-weary journalist makes for an apt hero. Sympathetic and humane secondary characters leave the reader rooting for them throughout. The action builds to a satisfying and heartening ending.
Writing with the flair of a veteran author, LeValley has served up a moving, suspenseful thriller.
This nuanced, gritty mystery is a winner.
Still trying to come to terms with the loss of the woman he loved, Tony finds himself plunged into an underage sex trafficking investigation after one of the victims contacts him on his phone. The stakes rise after a teenage girl’s body is found in a shallow grave. With FBI already on the trail of the criminals, Tony and his fellow journalist Madeline Mueller start their own investigation. In their search for answers, the pair soon becomes the target of the powerful enemies.
LeValley’s take on the usual elements of mystery and thriller genre: relentless suspense, high tension, FBI involvement, sex trafficking, drugs, brutal killings among others elevates the plot further, making it a welcome grittier take on the familiar genre tropes. The romance that develops between Tony and Madeline follows predictable lines, but the characters’ backstories are seamlessly infused into the plot, and LeValley skillfully interlaces the multiple seemingly unrelated story lines, upping the plot’s stakes.
He does a masterly job capturing both the despair of the young victims and the ominous atmosphere of underage sex trafficking business. Tony as the humane, world-weary journalist makes for an apt hero. Sympathetic and humane secondary characters leave the reader rooting for them throughout. The action builds to a satisfying and heartening ending.
Writing with the flair of a veteran author, LeValley has served up a moving, suspenseful thriller.
This nuanced, gritty mystery is a winner.
March 29, 2021
It's a good book ... a solid thriller tackling an important topic - and one that's close to my heart. There are a few editing issues ... misspelled words and Emily suddenly turning into Madeline when Tony meets her in the back of the truck. Nothing major, though.
The thing that really irked me, that bothered me almost to distraction, was when Tony and Madeline hooked up for random, casual sex, pretty much right after Tony decided he wanted to be a crusader against women (and girls) being used just for sex. Madeline approached him for sex because she knew he was an easy mark. He was still grieving Lisa. And he went for it (I guess he's not all that hung up on Lisa anywmore).
I just couldn't figure it out. Maybe it was just because Tony’s a guy, and this book was written by a guy. I had to force myself not to throw this book across the room. By the way, their relationship doesn't get better. They keep using each other for sex for the rest of the book, and then Madeline walks out on Tony completely.
Just what is the author trying to say? Using someone chiefly for pleasure is okay, as long as there’s no money involved???? I’m still struggling with that cheap sex aspect, which really didn't need to be there to keep this a strong story, IMO.
The thing that really irked me, that bothered me almost to distraction, was when Tony and Madeline hooked up for random, casual sex, pretty much right after Tony decided he wanted to be a crusader against women (and girls) being used just for sex. Madeline approached him for sex because she knew he was an easy mark. He was still grieving Lisa. And he went for it (I guess he's not all that hung up on Lisa anywmore).
I just couldn't figure it out. Maybe it was just because Tony’s a guy, and this book was written by a guy. I had to force myself not to throw this book across the room. By the way, their relationship doesn't get better. They keep using each other for sex for the rest of the book, and then Madeline walks out on Tony completely.
Just what is the author trying to say? Using someone chiefly for pleasure is okay, as long as there’s no money involved???? I’m still struggling with that cheap sex aspect, which really didn't need to be there to keep this a strong story, IMO.
June 12, 2020
Cry From An Unknown Grave by Joseph LeValley( Burying The Lede) is a compelling and heartbreaking look at the best and the worst in us. The intense suspense novel tackles human trafficking, especially the selling and buying of young girls and women. Ordinarily one might say that however horrible that is at least it does not happen in the United States. This propulsive thriller explodes that misconception and shines a bright spotlight on a horrible and frightening crime and its perpetrators. The beauty of Mr. LeValley's prose is that while he paints a gruesome picture, it is done in an entertaining and image-rich fashion. The story revolves around two small-town newspaper reporters and the usual law enforcement agencies. How they discover, pursue, and eventually catch the bad guys is a terrific story. The novel moves along quickly and the denouement is pleasing. A sure-fire winner for a composed and confident storyteller.
June 15, 2024
I wanted to read a mystery/thriller from an Iowan author that took place in Iowa. The book was a recommendation by the local librarian. She provided me with book #2 in the Tony Harrington series.
I found the beginning a little slow. Perhaps it was because I hadn’t read book #1? Or was it because I was already familiar with human trafficking and child exploitation? (I have read several articles, seen a movie and went to a couple presentations on the topic.)
In any case, I soon found the story picked up the pace with a couple unexpected twists. It was both informative and heartbreaking. I enjoyed reading references to people and places I was familiar with, having lived in Iowa the last 20+ years.
I am thankful for those who make it their mission to save as many children as possible, and to those who bring awareness of this evil in our world.
I found the beginning a little slow. Perhaps it was because I hadn’t read book #1? Or was it because I was already familiar with human trafficking and child exploitation? (I have read several articles, seen a movie and went to a couple presentations on the topic.)
In any case, I soon found the story picked up the pace with a couple unexpected twists. It was both informative and heartbreaking. I enjoyed reading references to people and places I was familiar with, having lived in Iowa the last 20+ years.
I am thankful for those who make it their mission to save as many children as possible, and to those who bring awareness of this evil in our world.
March 13, 2021
Must Read Mystery
I chose this book to read because I worked with Joe years ago. I was not surprised to hear he was an author and just had to read his books. I was not disappointed. As in his first book, this book is a suspenseful mystery that keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. It is full of surprises that keeps you turning the pages and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely a book that you cannot put down. I look forward to reading Joe's next mystery. I have added Joe to my list of authors that I follow.
I chose this book to read because I worked with Joe years ago. I was not surprised to hear he was an author and just had to read his books. I was not disappointed. As in his first book, this book is a suspenseful mystery that keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. It is full of surprises that keeps you turning the pages and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely a book that you cannot put down. I look forward to reading Joe's next mystery. I have added Joe to my list of authors that I follow.
September 23, 2020
LeValley has once again spun a page turner of a tale. The subject being human trafficking and the sex slave trade, it is dark, but well told and moves along very quickly. You find yourself on the edge of your seat just hoping that good will triumph. Looking forward to the next Tony Harrington adventure.
December 8, 2020
At about the halfway point, I absolutely couldn't put it down. A fast-paced thriller that brings awareness to the extremely important topic of human trafficking, and how it happens even in the unlikeliest of places. This was a great read full of fleshed-out characters and lots of excitement and intrigue!
January 27, 2023
Tough subject matter but critical to bringing awareness. I mentioned this book and it’s subject matter at work, and a woman in the meeting said she’d been trafficked for two weeks as a young woman. She shared her story and reiterated why it’s so important to talk about.
I hope Harrington continues to deliver more stories.
I hope Harrington continues to deliver more stories.
January 29, 2024
5 stars for giving light/awareness to the horrible subject matter of the book. Many times it was hard to read....& knowing that the reality is even worse........ I do give LeValley props for giving spotlight to this crime. As often is, with many good books, the 'afterword' is good too....
December 23, 2025
It was an amazing read!! The topic was a little hard to swallow, however, Joseph Valley did a fabulous drop of describing what it would be like without making it super gross and revolting. ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I couldn’t put it down!
July 9, 2021
4.5 Stars
November 15, 2021
I am the author. This was a difficult book to write, but I think I succeeded in telling an entertaining story while conveying as truthfully as possible the horrors of the human trafficking world.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews