The Darkest Clearing

Equal parts intimate character study and page-turning thriller, this novel explores the extremes of both genres, combining a fascinating story with timely reflections on 21st-century America. After the death of his sister, Eldred Spell returns to his beloved Yosemite Valley only to learn that the home of his childhood memories has been overrun by tourists. In attempting to restore the valley to its prior glory, Eldred's life and dreams begin to spin out of control as his passion for the environment evolves into a violent streak. Torn between his crusade to save Yosemite and growing feelings for Eli, a female ranger at the park, Eldred must choose between a new relationship and an old obsession.

Brian Railsback is the author of Parallel Expeditions: Charles Darwin and the Art of John Steinbeck and the editor of A John Steinbeck Encyclopedia. His is head of the English department at Western Carolina University.