Twentymile

Twentymile by C. Matthew Smith is a thrilling novel of suspense with literary undertones. The book description from the publisher describes it best: “When wildlife biologist Alex Lowe is found dead inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it looks on the surface like a suicide. But Tsula Walker, Special Agent with the National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, isn't so sure. Tsula's investigation will lead her deep into the park and face-to-face with a group of lethal men on a mission to reclaim a historic homestead. The encounter will irretrievably alter the lives of all involved and leave Tsula fighting for survival—not only from those who would do her harm, but from a looming winter storm that could prove just as deadly.”

Tsula Walker is an engaging protagonist who juggles a stressful work life with a complicated personal life. On the job, she chases poachers and land squatters. In her personal life, her mother is invested in the discovery of a sacred ancestral site of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians even though she suffers from the effects of terminal cancer. Tsula wants to stay on top of both, but antagonist Harlan Miles complicates her life. Harlan, his two sons, and a friend have reclaimed a cabin deep in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that once belonged to his great grandfather, but was believed to have been taken by the US Government as part of the national park a century before. When Harlan and his clan are discovered, they're not giving up this “homestead” without a fight, leading to deadly results.

Smith is an assured writer in his debut novel, weaving thrilling and suspenseful results with literary flourishes. When I expected some of the more plot-driven aspects of the novel to veer into cliché, Smith expertly steers the plot towards realism, leaning into his knowledge of hiking and backcountry camping. Smith can also turn a phrase beautifully, and offers poetic descriptions of the wooded setting as a reprieve from tense action. Most thrilling was the ending, serving up a juicy twist to the cause that Harlan used to reclaim this backcountry property as his own. This is an engrossing adventure with a deeply satisfying conclusion. Bravo!

I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. I would give this book 5 stars.