This book was absolutely incredible. It caught me by surprise with how deeply moving and beautifully written it was. There are several characters in this book who are oddly and intricately connected to one another. Each one is flawed. Each person has a story to tell, their story, and I encourage you to listen. This is more than a missing person mystery. This is a story of love, growth, failure and strength. This is a very character driven story where mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, coworkers, siblings, friends and more all bear their heartwood – their innermost strengths and vulnerabilities to the reader.
The author immerses the reader directly onto the Appalachian Trail in Maine, where it is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and challenging terrain. Valerie's journey winds through dense forests, over rocky peaks, and along pristine rivers and streams. The Appalachian Trail is both a physical and mental test, allowing for introspection, solitude, friendship and an unparalleled connection to nature. However, when Valerie, aka Sparrow goes missing with less than 200 miles to the end, a complex mystery unfolds filled with red herrings, twists and turns that you will not see coming.
The investigation centers on Beverly, a dedicated Maine State Game Warden who takes charge of the search for Valerie on the ground. Meanwhile, Lena, a seventy-six-year-old birdwatcher living in a Connecticut retirement community, unexpectedly steps into the role of an armchair detective. As the story alternates between these captivating perspectives, Valerie’s disappearance starts to seem more than just a coincidence.
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