What is life like in America’s fifth richest small town? A place where it literally pays to be a resident? That depends on your perspective and worldview. When a threat letter demands money from a significant percent of the local population in exchange for the lives of the mayor and other unnamed victims, the town of Witherston is ideologically divided. The ominous letter, signed by an anonymous Robin Hood, indicates that the money is meant to help right centuries-old wrongs committed against Native Americans. Reparations seem like the best course of action for some, while others in the affluent area feel like the demands are extortion, bordering on terrorism. With under a week until the deadline, tensions in the town mount as a different battle is under way to save the Potter’s Woods from developers. The death of a prominent environmental activist begins to unravel a web of lies and deceit that stretches back not only 150 years, but for as long as humans have been stealing the land and livelihood of their fellow humans. Since the wealthy residents of this Georgian mountain town aren’t keen to part with their wealth, more lives are sure to be lost before the outlaw bandit is discovered and justice is served.
Death in Potter’s Woods is a multi-century overlapping mystery that explores the effects of the exploitation of the earth, its resources, and its human caretakers. This fast-paced novel has a special feel, like a photograph with oversaturated colors, giving an odd, atmospheric aura to the palette of characters. With such a vast cast, there is little time to add depth or a singular voice to each personality, but the overall tone is amply conveyed as the environment-loving citizens are pitted against those moving toward greater wealth and progress. The nimble narration is punctuated by snarky ‘letters to the editor’ and other newspaper articles, nebulous emails, and other craftily placed red-herrings. With a delightfully outlandish plot, comically exaggerated personalities and some legitimate ethical issues to be untangled, Death in Potter’s Woods is a lighthearted diversion from the stresses of daily life.
