Middletide: A Novel By Sarah Crouch

In the serene backdrop of Point Orchards, nestled in the Puget Sound, the sudden death of Dr. Erin Landry shatters the peace. Suspicion looms heavily over the small town when her lifeless body is discovered hanging from a tree on the property of Elijah Leith, a prodigal son who had abandoned his roots in pursuit of metropolitan dreams.

Initially deemed a suicide by Sheriff Jim Godbout, the investigation takes a darker turn upon closer scrutiny. Clues emerge, intricately mirroring the plot of Elijah's own unfinished novel, casting doubt on the apparent suicide theory. As the fingers of suspicion point towards Elijah, the once-proud writer finds himself thrust back into the center of a community that he had left behind long ago.

At thirty-three, Elijah returns to his childhood home, his dreams of literary success shattered, seeking solace and purpose amidst the ruins of his failed career. Desperate to find redemption, he immerses himself in the restoration of his father's dilapidated cabin and attempts to rekindle his relationship with Nakita, the remarkable woman from the nearby reservation whom he had betrayed years ago but never ceased to love.

Yet, as Elijah struggles to rebuild his life, the townsfolk turn against him, fueled by suspicion and resentment. With each passing day, the evidence against him mounts, painting a damning picture that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

In this enthralling literary thriller, Elijah fights to prove his innocence against a formidable adversary who is determined to see him pay for a crime he did not commit. Love, loss, and long-buried secrets converge in a gripping narrative that delves deep into the human psyche, unraveling the tangled threads of betrayal and revenge. As Elijah's past collides with the present, the truth emerges, revealing the complexities of relationships and the depths of human nature in a community gripped by fear and suspicion. 📚❤️