In the densely wooded areas of West Spoon State Park, a predator stalks his prey—and it isn't wildlife he's hunting.
When former Army Special Forces soldier David Stoneking returns to his hometown after five years of service, he's looking for peace and a fresh start. Instead, he discovers a disturbing pattern of disappearances and murders in the same public land where he and his younger brother once had a terrifying encounter years ago.
As local authorities struggle to connect the dots, David's military training and instincts tell him that a single killer is responsible. His suspicions intensify when he recognizes a stranger's voice at a local bar—the same voice he heard in the darkness years ago when someone stalked him and his brother through the woods.
With the reluctant help of his friend Evan, a local police officer, David begins his own investigation, searching for evidence in the vast wilderness while developing a relationship with medical student Molly. When a young boy becomes the killer's latest victim, David's mission becomes a desperate race against time to stop a man whose traumatic past has transformed him into a ruthless predator.
Set against the haunting backdrop of rural Ohio, “Public Land” is a gripping thriller about vengeance, justice, and the lasting impact of trauma that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until its explosive conclusion.
If you enjoyed “The Dry” by Jane Harper, “Hunting Hour” by Margaret Mizushima, and “The Terminal List” by Jack Carr, you'll love Public Land.