Ask the Dark by Henry Turner

He's been a bad boy, but now he's seen some things and would like to help solve the young boys' murder cases.  Unfortunately, the cops don't believe a leopard can change his spots and they don't even want to talk to him.  They think he's just after the reward.  No, he's scared.  And he has good reason to be...

Clarion Books and Edelweiss allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It's been published, so look for a copy at your local bookstore.

Billy likes to go out at night and snoop around when no one else is awake.  That's how he's come upon unused lawnmowers or bikes or goods he can sell and make some money.  But when he comes upon a naked boy's body and he knows the boy, his life changes dramatically.  

When another boy goes missing, there's an evening curfew.  While Billy is trying to find clues and trying to make sense of things he's seen and heard, he has another issue that is taking precedent in his personal life.  His father is unable to work since he hurt his back and now they are going to foreclose on his home.  

Billy starts a campaign of working for funds to save the house.  That's most likely not possible since $48,000 is due.  While he's working at odd jobs and mowing lawns and cleaning gutters, he keeps his eyes out for odd behavior.  And he finds some...

This whole story is told by Billy in his own words.  He's talking into a digital recorder after it's all over.  It was an interesting first person narrative because Billy is his own person.  He's not refined, he's not the smartest, but he does care about people.

The only thing that seemed a bit too much were the rewards he received for solving the case.  That seemed like overkill; people just aren't that generous.  But maybe I'm just too cynical.  You read it and tell me what you think.