A fall excursion along the Oregon coast found us in a lovely independent bookstore where I purchased God of the Woods by author Liz Moore. I really enjoyed the book. I immediately followed it with her earlier novel, Long Bright River.
I suppose the novels are mystery novels however I would argue that they’re more than that. They’re tales of individual and family histories, choices made and sometimes regretted, and how events aren’t as we think they are.
God of the Woods focuses on a summer camp and the wealthy family who owes it. Fifteen years apart, two children of the family go missing. The search for the second child resurrects the past disappearance. Moving back and forth through the years, Moore reveals events through the eyes of a cast of characters. The conclusion is surprising, unexpected, and satisfying.
While God of the Woods is written in third-person omniscient, Long Bright River is written in first person. The main character is a young female police officer who patrols a rundown section of Philadelphia. There are multiple murders of young women. Her estranged sister has disappeared. While it’s not her assignment, Mickey begins digging. Again I found the conclusion to be surprising, unexpected, and satisfying.
Both books are highly recommended
