Bitter River

Bitter River by Julia Keller

Welcome to Acker's Gap, West Virginia.  "Old cars.  Old brick.  Old people."  A dated, forlorn town; you can almost hear its bones cracking, the gasps for air as it struggles to stay alive. High unemployment, poverty, and hopelessness. For many who live here, simply....home.

Bell Elkins has returned to Acker's Gap after five years in Washington D.C.  Now the prosecuting attorney of Raythune County where she grew up, she misses her daughter, Carla, who lives miles away  with ex-husband Sam.  Mundane cases fill her days while Clayton Meckling fills her nights. The fact that Clay is fifteen years younger than her makes for juicy gossip at the local diner.

Now Bell is faced with one of the toughest cases of her career.  Pregnant, sixteen-year-old Lucinda Trimble's body is found in a car submerged in the murky waters of Bitter River.  Good friend and sometimes adversary, sheriff  Nick Fogelsong, confirms that this was not an accident.  It was murder.  And so, so many suspects to consider....

Lucinda's mother, Maddie Trimble, eccentric, hoarder of junk, Nick's former lover....
Shawn Doggett, Lucinda's high school boyfriend, timid, shy, and loyal....
Wendy Doggett, Shawn's mother, victim of domestic abuse, a woman who bitterly regrets her stagnant life in this God-forsaken place,  brimming with hate for the girl who ruined her son's life....
Matt Harless, former colleague and friend from D.C. who wants a place to unwind and  remain invisible from his mysterious past....

As the plot progresses, the author weaves suspense with an engrossing tale of the love people hold in their hearts for family and friends. There are untimely deaths of beloved residents,  rumors of an unlikely terrorist plot, a young man facing life with a debilitating injury, and the hope the townspeople share that a good life can be found even in a place riddled with anguish and despair.

Keller's first novel, A Killing in the Hills, introduces you to the character of Bella Elkins. She is the product of a dysfunctional family, a strong, determined, independent woman continuing her quest to make a difference in the heart of Appalachia.

Unravel a mystery as you enjoy your visit to a place they call Acker's Gap.