The Secret Wisdom of the Earth
by Christopher Scotton
It had been a horrific few months for Kevin and his family, and the tragedy lives on and roots itself in new agonies. Kevin and his Mom return to Mom’s roots in rural Kentucky in hopes of each finding a way to deal with their grief and guilt.
Then Paul Pierce is brutally murdered. Who would do such a heinous thing, and why? Paul was a gentle man who showed strength and caring and concern for his friends and neighbors, always readily supportive for anyone in need. After 18 years as a vital part of the community, Paul had made one fatal error – he had come out. His homosexuality was always known and accepted by all, but never acknowledged. Now it hung like a banner across the town, across the surrounding hollers and villages.
Pictured: Book cover.
What greater retreat than tramping, time alone with nature. Pops (Doc Peebles, veterinarian), Kevin Gilooly (his grandson), and Buzzy Fink (Kevin’s new and only friend) set off on a 20-mile trek through woods, across mountains, and past man-made coal-mining devastation. Instead of the quietude and escape from daily life, they must deal with the unthinkable.
A well told, gripping tale. I was only disappointed in the ending, which revealed the story to be a flashback. I thought the ending was a little slow and unimpressive following all that came before.
This book is beautifully written with clarity of imagery. I loved the writing style and the stories – my favorite scenes in the Tellin Cave.
As I See It 