Under the Mercy Trees by Heather Newton

A story of the Owenby family, of Solace Fork, North Carolina. Martin Owenby, a has-been in his opinion, feels life has passed him by, with his lifestyle choice and life as a writer barely filling his basic needs. Learning his older brother, Leon, has gone missing, he returns home not sure what is expected of him. He faces a past that haunts him, painful memories still sting. His friendship with Liza, married now to Raby, still endures after all this time. Newton exposes the family through present and past events, memories that are touching to the reader, drawing us ever closer to the mystery of the story. I enjoyed the novel. You will, too, if you like puzzles. Sandy Penton.