[Nesacat]

I'll agree with authors skirting around dark matters. Sometimes they skirt so far around you don't feel anything at all. But there is the other end of the scale where too much just numbs the senses. I guess you need to find a balance that workd best for your story and what you want your reader to feel.

Again I hope this makes sense and it's probably not a good example as it comes from a movie. However it's something that's stuck in my head for many years now.

It's the movie based on the book by Lorenzo Carcaterra called Sleepers. The book was gritty enough but the movie had everything happening in silhouettes and shadows. That's really stayed.

You've got the seeds of a good story. Do continue.