That was good. There's more right? There has to be. That was definitely not finished. This gave me early Inspector Gamache/Three Pines vibes actually. It was solid story telling with several mysteries still to be understood (why Ben Sharpe? why Shaky Lake? What is really going on?). Solid debut and I look forward to the next installment.

Marge and Alyssa were great characters; I hope we spend more time with them

This is Amy Pease's first novel and I cannot wait to read more. I had thought I had reached my fill of detective and police procedurals but this North Wisconsin atmospheric story pulled me right it.

Eli North is barely surviving. He has ptsd from serving and he mitigates it with alcohol costing him his marriage and possibly his career. He is, in fact is only serving as a detective in the sheriff's department because his mother is sheriff. Marge is ready to retire but is sticking it out to help Eli and help her beloved town.

When a summer local boy is found dead the department is stretched beyond it's abilities. The FBI send someone and Eli and his mom down the rabbit hole of legal pharmaceuticals, illegal opioids and power. It's really fascinating and the world Pease has shared with us will stay with you for a long time. It wasn't until midway through the book that you learn how Eli's background lends him to be a great investigator. I think knowing that earlier in the story would have made the start seem more credible, but I may have personally missed more hints. Eli is an intriguing character and I hope so much that we get a book 2 or 20 of his adventures! If you like an underdog, interested in the opioid and pharma-caused crisis or just want to read a first novel from a spectacularly talented author, Northwoods is for you!
#Atria #AmyPease #Northwoods