A History of Wild Places: A Novel
In this “riveting, atmospheric thriller that messes with your mind in the best way” (Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author), three residents of a secluded, seemingly peaceful commune investigate the disappearances of two outsiders.
Travis Wren has an unusual talent for locating missing people. Often hired by families as a last resort, he takes on the case of Maggie St. James—a well-known author of dark, macabre children’s books—and is soon led to a place many believed to be only a legend.
Called Pastoral, this reclusive community was founded in the 1970s by like-minded people searching for a simpler way of life. By all accounts, the commune shouldn’t exist anymore and soon after Travis stumbles upon it…he disappears. Just like Maggie St. James.
Years later, Theo, a lifelong member of Pastoral, discovers Travis’s abandoned truck beyond the border of the community. No one is allowed in or out, not when there’s a risk of bringing a disease—rot—into Pastoral. Unraveling the mystery of what happened reveals secrets that Theo, his wife, Calla, and her sister, Bee, keep from one another. Secrets that prove their perfect, isolated world isn’t as safe as they believed—and that darkness takes many forms.
“As spine-chilling as it is beautifully crafted” (Ruth Emmie Lang, author of Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance), A History of Wild Places is a story about fairy tales, our fear of the dark, and losing yourself within the wilderness of your mind.
Travis Wren has an unusual talent for locating missing people. Often hired by families as a last resort, he takes on the case of Maggie St. James—a well-known author of dark, macabre children’s books—and is soon led to a place many believed to be only a legend.
Called Pastoral, this reclusive community was founded in the 1970s by like-minded people searching for a simpler way of life. By all accounts, the commune shouldn’t exist anymore and soon after Travis stumbles upon it…he disappears. Just like Maggie St. James.
Years later, Theo, a lifelong member of Pastoral, discovers Travis’s abandoned truck beyond the border of the community. No one is allowed in or out, not when there’s a risk of bringing a disease—rot—into Pastoral. Unraveling the mystery of what happened reveals secrets that Theo, his wife, Calla, and her sister, Bee, keep from one another. Secrets that prove their perfect, isolated world isn’t as safe as they believed—and that darkness takes many forms.
“As spine-chilling as it is beautifully crafted” (Ruth Emmie Lang, author of Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance), A History of Wild Places is a story about fairy tales, our fear of the dark, and losing yourself within the wilderness of your mind.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
I read the premise incorrectly and definitely got a different story than I had originally expected. But honestly, I was very pleasantly surprised! Unlike a lot of reviewers, I didn't see the twist coming. A very fun read that I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys not-so-average thriller books!
LOVED the beginning of the book! Sadly, that's when things turned weird and kinda boring. Travis was such an interesting character on his hunt to search for Maggie. Then the book turns to POV of Theo, Calla, and Bee. Just wasn't fueling the desire to keep reading... Did move a little quicker toward the end.
There were places where it felt a little slow/long, but I enjoyed it over all!
I was unsure how it was going to end, but I’m not mad at the ending!
I was unsure how it was going to end, but I’m not mad at the ending!
fun, eerie, suspenseful read. starts out very different then the story shifts entirely. i could see some of the plot twists coming pretty early in the book. still enjoyed it.
I hate to say it, but I was disappointed with this book. While I did like the writing itself, the story was incredibly predictable. I think I had the whole book figured out about 20% in, making me wish the pace of the story was quicker and more straightforward.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.