Mary Casella It Happened in the Pine Barrens

Annotation

It Happened in the Pine Barrens is a compelling saga oflove, death and destiny set in the heavily forested areaof coastal plain stretching across southern New Jersey. Casellas newly published book transforms this Pinelandsinto a center of thrilling events that arouse the curiosityand excitement of fi ction fans through three riveting stories:Snakes with Ruby Eyes, Love and Death in the Pinesand Closure in the Pines. Snakes with Ruby Eyes follows the mysterious turn of eventsin the life of Elizabeth Little. After the death of Catherine, artistmother and owner of The Little Antique Shop, Beth strangelyinherits a huge amount of cash and a long list of questionsabout her parents life. Stan Turner, who perseveringly pinesfor her love and affection, witnesses and supports Beththroughout her journey towards self-rediscovery. Love and Death in the Pines picks up the story from wherethe fi rst tale left off. It revolves around the entwined destiny oftwo disparate people Dr. James Bradley, a physician and anundercover FBI agent, and Dr. Meghan Malloy, an art historyprofessor. They met at the opening of The Pines Antique Shop. James was invited by his friend, Meghans aunt, now proprietorof The Pines Antique Shop (previously The Little Antique Shop). Meg had created an art gallery for the shop to display theartwork of Catherine Little. Both never knew that a chanceencounter would lead them to love. Closure in the Pines completes the trilogy in stunning fashion. James wants to resign from the FBI to work as a physician ata Veterans Administration hospital. His resignation is denied. Meghan returns to her teaching position. While fi nalizingsome cases, Meghan suddenly disappears. A manhunt ensues. Drug traffi cking and gunfi ght also makes this fi nal story aperfect closing salvo. However, as one of the characters aptlyput it, There is no closure in the crime business. Creatively blending fast-paced drama, mystery and romancewith the slow-paced life in Pine Barrens, Casella has successfullyput the place on the map for another remarkable reason. ItHappened in the Pine Barrens is a book that leaves readersdeeply satisfi ed yet eagerly longing for answers to morequestions inherent in the saga.