Pines: Wayward Pines 1

Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch is a great page-turner. The mystery starts on the very first page and doesn't let up until the shocking ending. Crouch has a real talent for taking a familiar topic and twisting it in ways you'd never expect. While the characters were somewhat relatable and the flashbacks added some interesting emotional depth, I felt the book as a whole, especially the ending, was a bit rushed. It’s a short book, and I think he could have spent more time developing the story.

I should have known what to expect coming into this book after reading other novels by Blake Crouch, but from the moment it started until 75% I had no idea where this storyline was going.

It's an interesting book, but I really think it has another level.To me, this is very much a take on our society's creation of "Gated Communities." Wayward Pines, like those communities is designed to be sealed off from the outside world, incorporate and cater to the resident's every need (thereby obviating the necessity of ever going outside its perimeter), have a heavily guarded border, and an overbearing and tyrannical homeowners' association. It's even named like one of those gated communities. And, most importantly, its residents are encouraged to see those outside it as less than human, or even devolved, and an existential threat to their way of life. Sound familiar?You just have to watch video or the St Louis attorney and his wife standing guard on the portico of their McMansion with AR 15s when the BLM protestors peacefully marched through a public street (those are public streets) in their community , to understand the parallels.

This was my third novel by Blake Crouch. I have been rapidly consuming his books like a college student at an all-you-can-eat buffet… I rated the first two I read (Dark Matter and Recursion) both 5 stars and this novel gets the same rating for its fast paced, suspense filled thrill ride. This story features a strong protagonist with supporting characters that are developed and detailed beautifully.This story starts with our protagonist (Ethan) waking by a river, unsure how he got there or where exactly he is at. He is a Secret Service officer on an assignment to determine the whereabouts of two other Secret Service agents who were dispatched in that area to investigate a financial matter. As he wonders into town he heads to a coffee shop for information. He realizes he does not have his badge, firearm, ID or money. In the coffee shop he asks the girl some questions hoping to get answers about himself and where he is at. The only thing he learns is that she does know him. Something about this town is off. Later, Ethan wakes in a hospital where he learns he was in a crash with his assigned partner (who he just met) the partner was killed and Ethan survived. From here the story only gets more mysterious. These people are not who they seem and they seem to be oblivious to reality, they seem to be stuck in 1960.Ethan is determined to get answers and continue with his assignment. He goes into an empty bar and befriends the beautiful bartender (Beverly). She sympathizes with his plight and offers him a beer and a meal. Later when Ethan leaves she gives him her address and say it in case he needs anything. Eventually Ethan realizes he needs to take her up on that because the Sheriff’s office offers no help and he cannot seem to reach anyone outside of town. He walks to her address and finds a dilapidated home that should be condemned. However, Ethan goes in anyway and discovers the foulest stench. The stench of death. He follows this to a room to find a deceased man cuffed to a bed. A man he assumes is his missing Secret Service agent.Ethan soon finds out the Sheriff suspects him of suspicious behavior and questions how he found himself at the house. The Sheriff claims there is no woman who works at the bar and questions if he is telling the truth. There are many strange occurrences in this town and by the end of the story you will have answers and be ready for the next in this series.I really recommend to those who like Suspense, thrillers and/or Sci-Fi

Pines is the first book in Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines trilogy. The author gives readers creative world-building and a struggling main character. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke had just arrived in Wayward Pines to locate two missing federal agents. He and a fellow agent are immediately involved in a severe vehicle accident. Ethan comes to in a hospital without his identification, cell phone, wallet, and briefcase. As the days pass, he’s unable to get satisfactory answers to his questions. Additionally, he’s unable to contact his wife Theresa or his boss. No one seems to believe he’s who he says he is.Ethan Burke comes across as confused and full of self-doubt, but also as someone who feels he’s somewhat entitled to special treatment due to being a federal agent. As the story progresses, we see Ethan become homesick as well as feel hopeless and terrified. However, his determination finally shines through. Ethan isn’t as a likeable a main character as many would prefer, but readers will likely feel for him as the scenes unfold.This story combines science fiction with suspense and horror. As a reader, I often felt as confused as Ethan was. However, the book kept me engaged and turning the pages. With twists and turns, the story has a deeply involved plot, and a fascinating setting as well as a unique premise. The descriptive narrative transported me to Idaho with Ethan and the people in Wayward Pines. The finale where readers and Ethan learn what is really going on is creative.Overall, this novel was somewhat uncomfortable at times, entertaining, and imaginative. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 18, 2022.