A review by onemorepagecrew
A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This psychological mystery follows the story of two missing people and the lives of three primary characters in a secluded commune.  The first person to go missing is a well-known author and the second is a private investigator looking for her.  The investigator’s search leads him to the commune and that’s as much as the reader knows before we switch to the perspectives of the commune residents.  
 
As the secrets unfold and the seclusion of the community is tested, it’s a page-turning pace with quick chapters and high curiosity for it all to become clearer.  There were enough clues for me to see some of the plot, but enough mystery to still have some surprise and unfolding.  I also appreciated that the actions of one didn’t detract from the goals of many in the long run and there was closure on the characters next steps.  
 
I enjoyed the sub-plot on power, influence, control, and psychological abuse.  The author gave enough information to know something wasn’t right and left the right amount blurriness for the reader to have a puzzle in front of them.  If you’re in a bit of a reading slump and need a quick mystery, this would be a great choice.
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