Roland Briggs, sheriff of a small Massachusetts town in the early 1970s, must solve the area's first murders committed in fifteen years.
Between personal problems -- an estranged family and a troubled affair with a married woman -- and professional problems -- memories of the job on a big city police force which continue to haunt him -- Roland strives to do his job right despite political pressure and the nagging feeling the wrong perp is being accused.
Interspersed with this mystery through flashbacks is the history of the killer, Victor, through which his progress from an abused orphan to cold-hearted adult out for revenge is detailed.
I loved the characterization in this novel: in particular the exhausted, angst-ridden sheriff who tries to find justification in his actions during a torrid, illicit romance while balancing his responsibilities on the job.
I liked also the point of view of the killer, and how Stanton portrayed his metamorphosis from scared, abused child sentenced indefinitely to a hellish life in a mental ward to a merciless killer determined to seek vengeance in the name of his mistreated siblings.
The Outlier is an eye-opener as well in its portrayal of the attitudes towards the mentally disabled in the 1950s and earlier.
A book like this should make people angry, good as it is.
Stanton researched well the history of mental health facilities in the early part of the century, and the vivid nature of the treatment of these people is sometimes unbearable to read.
The mention of "eugenics" as it relates to the story is chilling.
It's just something you have to read for yourself.
If you're interested in stories of serial killings and crime, The Outlier is an engrossing read.