Ken Varnold’s “The Primitives” Unleashes a Haunting Tale of Small-Town Secrets, Murder, and the Meaning of Survival

Author, playwright, and former investigator Ken Varnold delivers a gripping psychological thriller in “The Primitives”—a novel that plunges deep into the shadows of small-town life and explores what it truly means to endure. Set in the seemingly quiet town of Bonnet’s Landing, Pennsylvania, this taut and chilling narrative weaves together mystery, trauma, and forbidden love in a town unraveling at the seams.

When a string of brutal murders shatters the town’s sense of peace, local detective Savile Bateau, a seasoned officer from Pittsburgh PD, is forced to confront a case that grows more complex—and disturbing—by the day. As the body count rises, so do the secrets. Behind manicured lawns and Sunday sermons, marriages crumble, loyalties erode, and darkness spreads.

At the heart of the story are seven interconnected lives—from fractured couples to a devoted reverend and his wife—whose paths converge in a tale of betrayal, survival, and fragile redemption. As Reverend Noah Mathis and his wife Esther try to guide a grieving town, love and violence intertwine in unpredictable ways. Who lives and who falls isn’t simply a matter of fate—it’s a test of will.

With atmospheric prose and a cast of vividly drawn characters, “The Primitives” explores the emotional wreckage left in the wake of violence and the quiet desperation that festers in the most familiar places.

Early Praise for The Primitives:

“One of the best books I’ve read in years. I couldn’t put it down.”

“A great thriller with an excellent storyline.”

“Highly recommended. Kept me up at night.”

About the Author
Ken Varnold is the author of five novels, several short stories, and the internationally produced play starke.florida, which debuted in Minneapolis and was performed to acclaim in the UK. With a diverse background that spans child development, law enforcement, social services, and playwriting, Varnold brings unmatched depth to his storytelling. His work often explores the intersection of justice, identity, and the darker sides of human behavior. He currently leads notfar enough productions, llc and continues to develop original works for stage and print.

For more about the author, visit kenvarnold.net.

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