Pines by Blake Crouch

US Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke has been dispatched to Wayward Pines, Idaho to investigate the recent disappearance of two fellow agents.  Just after crossing the city line, Ethan and his partner are t-boned by a transfer truck leaving Ethan rattled and his partner dead.  Missing his badge, wallet and gun, Ethan struggles to find his footing in his new surroundings.  Unable to reach his wife or his commanding officer, Ethan suspects the town is out to get him.  Is Ethan really doomed or has his sanity begun to unravel?

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Say what you will about this story but Pines is anything but boring.  Once Crouch does the heavy lifting in establishing the town, the characters and his protagonist Ethan, he slams his foot down on the gas and speeds ahead.  As the mystery of Wayward Pines unfolded, I’d be lying if I said I could have ever guessed where the story ended up going.

I think the less you know about this story, the better.  I had read a few reviews before I decided to grab it from Netgalley and luckily, not a lot was spoiled.  If you can, I would suggest staying away from the trailer FOX put together for the upcoming TV series as I feel it gives away more than I’d feel comfortable telling you.  I will say that it looks like they totally nailed the feel of Wayward Pines and the madness Ethan is subjected to.

I’m interested in checking out the following two books but in all honesty, I think Pines itself is strong enough to stand on its own.  Crouch leaves a lot at the end that’s definitely worth exploring, so the curiosity is there but it’s a really strong effort.  Hopefully it doesn’t go off the rails.