SOLVED. Mystery novel. A sheriff who investigates a murder of a child in America in mid 20th century. [s]

[Andy]

I read this book somewhere between 2010 and 2017. It was set in the US in mid 20th century.

The sheriff investigates the murder of a child. He is the key friendly police officer in the community but turns out to be key in the investigation.

There was at least one other novel with the same plot device

[Juels]

Maybe A Quiet Belief in Angels by R.J. Ellory?

[Kris]

I added the genre "mystery" to the topic header. Feel free to update it.

[Andy]

Jules thank you. Absolute blooming genius, that’s exactly what I was looking for, thank you hugely 😊👍🏼

[Juels]

You're welcome. I thought it might be a long shot. Happy to help.