HEARTWOOD

“Sometimes I would press my hand against your chest so that I could feel the center of you - your heartwood, your innermost substance, like the core of a tree that keeps it standing.”

This suspenseful literary mystery follows the story of Valerie, a hiker on the Appalachian Trail who has disappeared, and the people desperately searching for her. Bev, a gruff, big-hearted Maine game warden, leads with years of experience but increasing doubts that Valerie will be found. Elsewhere, septuagenarian Lena escapes the monotony of her retirement community by gathering evidence for Valerie’s case online. Will these three women make it out of their respective woods - literal or metaphorical - before the time to rescue Valerie slips away?

This outstanding book took me by surprise, as I’m not an avid mystery-reader - I picked it up before a very long flight and could not put it down the whole way home. The structure was smart and the secondary characters were compelling - but I most enjoyed Lena’s armchair sleuthing and ornery personality. Reading this book made the beauty and danger of the woods feel both awe-inspiring and perilous. It’s a love letter to nature, and a tribute to strong, independent women. Really enjoyed this one!

Guys I cannot believe this is another book set in Maine, magical land of lobsters and BLUEBERRIES. I usually bake myself, but today I had to spotlight this pie from my local flower nursery/farm stand. Their pies have a cult following and customers often wait before opening to get their hands on a peach or berry one. (They’re made off-site at a bakery or orchard, but nobody knows where - it’s kind of a secret.) I was lucky to get the very last blueberry one - still warm! - which I brought to a BBQ, but not before I paired it with this terrific novel. Why does everything in demand taste even better? This pie was actually perfect.