Northwoods by Amy Pease

*** Review ***

Amy Pease’s debut novel, Northwoods, is a captivating journey into the heart of a small Wisconsin town, where picturesque landscapes hide the shadows of a sinister underbelly. In this atmospheric murder mystery, Pease introduces us to Eli North, a broken man battling his demons in a community grappling with the fallout of the opioid epidemic.

The novel opens with Eli North’s life in shambles—his marriage and career in ruins, haunted by the emotional scars of his deployment to Afghanistan, and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Pease skillfully weaves Eli’s struggles with PTSD into the fabric of the narrative, creating a complex and relatable protagonist. As a detective in the local sheriff’s department, Eli’s only tether to his job is his mother, Sheriff Marge, who is valiantly trying to hold the department together amidst budget constraints and the opioid crisis.

The story takes a dark turn when the body of a teenage boy surfaces in a local lake, setting off a chain of events that thrust Eli, his mother, and a young FBI agent into a web of secrets and danger. Pease skillfully combines the elements of a gripping murder mystery with the exploration of timely themes such as the opioid epidemic, corporate malfeasance, and the impact of war on individuals and communities.

What makes Northwoods stand out is Pease’s ability to create a richly textured world. The small lakeside resort town in Wisconsin comes alive with vivid descriptions of fishing trips, campfires, and Paul Bunyan festivals. Yet, beneath the idyllic facade, something malevolent lurks, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Eli North’s character is the novel’s beating heart. His struggles with PTSD and alcoholism make him a deeply flawed yet compelling protagonist. Pease unveils Eli’s investigative prowess gradually, keeping readers hooked as they delve into the complexities of the case. While some readers might wish for earlier insight into Eli’s background, the gradual revelation adds a layer of authenticity to his character development.

The supporting cast, including Eli’s mother, the FBI agent, and the ensemble of deputies and parents, is equally well-crafted. Each character contributes to the narrative, and Pease skillfully explores their relationships and motivations, creating a web of connections that adds depth to the story.

The plot, though occasionally bordering on the unbelievable, maintains its grip on the reader’s attention. Themes of addiction, corporate deception, and absent parenting are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the narrative, elevating Northwoods beyond a typical murder mystery. Pease’s adept storytelling keeps the twists unexpected yet plausible, ensuring that readers remain engaged from start to finish.

In summary, Northwoods is an impressive debut from Amy Pease. The novel successfully blends the elements of a thrilling murder mystery with a keen exploration of societal issues. Eli North’s character, flawed and determined, lingers in the reader’s mind, making them yearn for more adventures in this intricately crafted small town. Pease has indeed marked her entry into the literary world with a tale that is as poignant as it is gripping. I eagerly anticipate her future works, hoping for more tales as compelling as Northwoods.