Helpless, by Barbara Gowdy

This one reminded me of the Lovely Bones a little bit, though it's told from a broader perspective, and there's no dead narrator. The tone is similar, though, and I think less effective. I don't have a problem with being asked to consider the point of view of an "bad" guy, but it has to be done just right, or it seems like the writer is making excuses for their behavior. I'm not sure I bought this "bad guy" character. I also recognize that kids can be very precocious, but the child's behavior didn't ring true for me, either.