The Dim Light of Dawn - Gil Novak and Lili D'Amico Mysteries, #1

THIRTY YEARS AGO, THE REMAINS OF A YOUNG CHILD WERE FOUND IN A CAVE.  The child was never claimed. There were no witnesses. There were no leads. The case went cold. Gil Novak decides to retire and concentrate on improving his health. He has severe insomnia that is fueled by recurring nightmares. Hypnotherapy steers him toward seeking out what traumatized him as a teenager on a mountain in Massachusetts. Detective Karen Tindall reactivates the cold case because she finally has a lead.
Gil saw the child and his family at that cave fifty years ago. The case heats up as Gil is attacked and nearly killed. Seemingly random murders and arsons keep cropping up. In addition to the thrilling pursuit of a complex mystery, this book is the compelling story of children who are trying to survive an unimaginable family situation. It also involves Gil coming to terms with the death of his wife, and his bumbling transition to the retirement phase of his life.