Rae Richen's newest novel, Scapegoat: The Price of Freedom is set in 1953, The McCarthy era. Scapegoat explores what happens to teenager, Gib Evans, when the powerful people around him sell fear, encouraging citizens to turn on each other. Gib and friends work to stop the disaster that is set in motion, but they discover that turning off, or even deflecting mass hysteria is nearly impossible, and very dangerous.

Early Reviews:

"By shining a light on how we gave in to our darkest urges when McCarthyism ran hot and trust ran cold, Richen artfully illustrates both the human cost of fear and the power of hope"
-Bill Cameron,
Author of The Skin Kadash and Ruby Jane Whitaker Mysteries, County Line, Day One and Chasing Smoke

"In the pages of Scapegoat there is the ring of truth from a seldom heard voice-the young. The actions of Gilbert and his school friends underscore the folly of adults at their worst- and their courage when seen at their best. We should all remember that the impact of our passions reach deep into the young ears and minds around us. Highly recommended.
-Ken Byers,
Author of The Banner County Trilogy: Laughland, The Weight of the Journey, and All That Glitters