I read Heartwood by Amity Gaige because the cover lured me in, and Valerie, the primary character, shares my name. While hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine, she disappears without a trace.
This is told from multiple points of view, including Beverly, the Maine State Game Warden who leads the search for Valerie, but each was easy to follow and added to the plot. As someone who has a 'cranky' knee and would never consider hiking the AT, I appreciated that a character who uses a wheelchair has a voice in the story.
I liked the pacing; however, this is suspense rather than a thriller. Readers learn the backstory of each "narrator" which enriches the characters and adds many emotions but slows the progression toward the outcome of the search. The novel has a very strong sense of place, both for the people of Maine and the rugged conditions of the AT in the state.
Thank you Ms. Gaige for providing me with insights on a physical and mental challenge I'll never experience first-hand.
This is told from multiple points of view, including Beverly, the Maine State Game Warden who leads the search for Valerie, but each was easy to follow and added to the plot. As someone who has a 'cranky' knee and would never consider hiking the AT, I appreciated that a character who uses a wheelchair has a voice in the story.
I liked the pacing; however, this is suspense rather than a thriller. Readers learn the backstory of each "narrator" which enriches the characters and adds many emotions but slows the progression toward the outcome of the search. The novel has a very strong sense of place, both for the people of Maine and the rugged conditions of the AT in the state.
Thank you Ms. Gaige for providing me with insights on a physical and mental challenge I'll never experience first-hand.
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