The Scarecrow (Connelly novel)

The Scarecrow is a crime thriller novel written by Michael Connelly, published in 2009. It is the second novel featuring journalist Jack McEvoy, who previously appeared in The Poet.

The plot centers around McEvoy's forced redundancy from his newspaper job, leading him to reluctantly accept a position covering crime online for a new media outlet. As his final stories, he chooses to investigate the case of Alonzo Winslow, a young man accused of rape and murder in a small Kansas town. McEvoy quickly becomes convinced of Winslow's innocence, uncovering evidence of a frame-up.

His investigation leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy involving a serial killer who uses technology and a network of "scarecrows" (individuals placed in positions of authority to influence events) to commit crimes undetected. McEvoy finds himself hunted by both the authorities and the killer, forcing him to use his investigative skills to uncover the truth and protect himself and those he cares about.

The novel explores themes of technological advancement and its potential for misuse in criminal activities, the power of the internet and its influence on media, and the persistence of corruption in small-town America. It blends elements of a police procedural with a suspenseful thriller, showcasing McEvoy's skills as an investigative journalist and his determination to uncover the truth, even when facing immense danger.