I think the imagery in the first and third design conflict with the sort of tension that I think the title and very brief indication of the content might be trying to communicate. To be honest I am not sure that I am that confident about that one either but then I haven't read the synopsis of your book. If I knew more about the dynamics of the story I would feel more confident about choosing but without that knowledge definitely number two. If you prefer the other two then definitely go with the black and mute all the colour in the images - perhaps a sepia or b&w to add an element of sinister. The colour images are too friendly and don't communicate the tension between childhood and murder!
I think the imagery in the first and third design conflict with the sort of tension that I think the title and very brief indication of the content might be trying to communicate. To be honest I am not sure that I am that confident about that one either but then I haven't read the synopsis of your book. If I knew more about the dynamics of the story I would feel more confident about choosing but without that knowledge definitely number two. If you prefer the other two then definitely go with the black and mute all the colour in the images - perhaps a sepia or b&w to add an element of sinister. The colour images are too friendly and don't communicate the tension between childhood and murder!