Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger

Set in the summer of 1963 in the small town of Aurora, Minnesota, the story follows a young boy named Cork O'Connor as he grapples with the complexities of life and death. When Cork stumbles upon the body of a man hanging from a tree, the incident sets off a chain of events that uncovers deep-seated secrets and tensions within the community. As Cork's father, the town sheriff, investigates the case, Cork embarks on his own journey of discovery, navigating the challenges of growing up amidst the backdrop of racial and social divides. The narrative weaves together themes of family, justice, and the loss of innocence, painting a vivid picture of a community on the brink of change.