The Distant Dead

In this gripping novel, the peaceful facade of a small Nevada town shatters when local math teacher Adam Merkel is found dead in a fire, leaving his middle school students and colleagues reeling. Among them, sixth grader Sal Prentiss, who shared a special bond with Adam, discovers the body, setting off a chain of events that leads Nora Wheaton, a fellow teacher, to investigate the dark mysteries surrounding his death. As she uncovers secrets and seeks answers, Nora finds herself entwined in a poignant exploration of guilt, hope, and the complexities of forgiveness, all while grappling with her own burdens. This tale weaves together the lives of flawed characters as they confront the past and seek paths to redemption.