Wow, this is not for the fainthearted. A gritty, heartwrenching story of a boy (Cameron) who's been abducted, abused and living in terror while watching other boys be killed by his Dad. At the outset , the boy is looking for a home and life for himself, having escaped from the basement. He assumes the identity of one of the murdered boys (Neil) and attempts to convince the family that he is their long lost son. You are grabbed at the first line, and can't put it down. Full of suspense, twists and turns.
Must read for reluctant readers and guys who say they never read.

After serial killer Hank Miller is shot dead by police, his abused son Cameron takes on the identity of one of his father's victims in order to have a better life.

Other books to try: Killer's Cousin, Face on the Milk Carton, Deep End of the Ocean, Tenderness, When Jeff Comes Home, A Child Called It

Other books by this author: Ghost Soldier ( )

Cameron Miller is aged 14. He has been sexually abused all his life by his father, a serial killer of more than 20 young boys.
Written for young adults ( )

"The book Counterfeit Son basically talks about a child whose name is Cameron and whose father - Hank Miller is a murderer. His father abducts children and murders them if they do not obey to his command. Cameron is worried that his father will slay him too. Suddenly, a miraculous thing happens: his father is killed in a shootout with the police. Cameron takes this only chance: he takes on the identity of Neil Lacey, who has been kidnapped for more than six years. Neil's reappearance is suspected by the detectives. However his parents, the Laceys are thrilled. The loving Laceys take Cameron home and provide him with the best food and clothes, but this arouses his siblings' envy. At the same time, Hank Miller's friend, Cougar, is released from jail. He knows that Cameron is pretending to be Neil. He threatens him to get him valuable jewels or cash, otherwise he will tell the truth to the cops. Cougar even snatches Neil's little brother, Stevie in order to force Cameron to obtain the house key for him. When Neil struggles against Cougar to save Stevie, Neil's sister, Diana calls his parents and the detectives. When they come, the truth is finally exposed..." Excerpt from borders.com

I read this years ago (2002 maybe?) and could never get it out of my head. It was a really page turner and kept me in suspence.

Older readers may be able to figure out the ending within the first hundred pages, but it was good all the same. ( )