Introduction to Northwoods
There’s precious little bucolic woodland ambiance to be found in Amy Pease’s debut mystery, Northwoods. Set in Shaky Lake, a resort town in northern Wisconsin, the novel introduces readers to Sheriff’s Deputy Eli North, a man plagued by residual trauma from his military service in Afghanistan. Despite being beaten down by life, Eli’s underlying resilience makes readers root for him.
The Gripping Plot Unfolds
The story begins with Eli on the verge of inebriation when he receives a call about a noise disturbance at a lakeside cabin. Upon arriving, he stumbles upon the lifeless body of a teenage boy, setting off a series of events that thrust the rural sheriff’s department into an unexpected murder investigation. The stakes rise when it’s discovered that a teenage girl has also gone missing, and the FBI is brought in to investigate, led by none other than Eli’s mother, the sheriff.
Complex Characters and Themes
Pease skillfully weaves through the complexities of the investigation, touching on themes such as the sinister influence of big pharma and the social tension between local inhabitants and wealthy summer visitors. These elements add depth and realism to the narrative, creating a multifaceted backdrop against which Eli battles his personal demons while striving to piece together the case.
Looking Forward
Eli North’s character is one that inspires empathy and hope. Readers will undoubtedly be eager to see him find his way back to a semblance of normalcy, perhaps in future sequels. Amy Pease’s Northwoods is a promising start, combining a gripping mystery with emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
