by Daniel Levy
First published 2021
Tomas Chayton has avoided his hometown of Direwood Creek for over a decade. The thirty-year-old sports journalist fled after a violent trauma during his final year of high school. His return does not go unnoticed, particularly by Wyatt Mato, his former best friend and secret first love. Tomas arrives to discover his sister's body hanging from a tree on the family property. Wyatt now serves as the sheriff investigating the death. Evidence emerges that points to Tomas as both suspect and potential next victim. He must confront the trauma that drove him away while navigating his complicated feelings for Wyatt. The investigation forces him to face whether he can overcome his past, give love a chance, and survive whatever threatens him in Direwood Creek.
Genres: drama, romance, mystery, crime, contemporary
Vibes: dark, emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, small-town
Setting: Direwood Creek
Period: contemporary
324 pages · Paperback · Independently published
Content warnings: mental-illness