Layers of Darkness is a stark novel about generational violence exacerbated by mental illness in a gun culture. It is also a story of courage and redemption. The small town of Eagle Canyon tries to move on from a tragic shooting, but Sheriff Russo must find answers in order to prevent it from happening again. Hogan Tree, the grandfather of the boy who was at the scene of the shooting but miraculously survived, attempts to protect him and his mother. As the threat of violence reappears, Russo and Hogan Tree race to prevent another tragedy, to defend the town and the Tree family from a violent man.