Hawthorn Woods

Like so many other sleepy suburbs, Hawthorn Woods is manicured, polite, and social on the surface, but beneath the polished veneer of the picture-perfect community, secrets and scandal rumble in Patrick Canning’s novel Hawthorn Woods.

After her marriage ends, Francine retreats to her sister’s home to recharge and re-evaluate her life. She’s certain she can’t trust her own judgment given the way she’d misread her ex-husband, and the quiet, sun-dappled world of Hawthorn Woods feels like the perfect place to reset. While her sister is traveling in Italy for a belated honeymoon, Francine holds down the fort and mingles with the neighbors. Snotty Lori Asperski and her crew of hens rule the roost while Laura Jean—the best friend of Francine’s sister—adopts and shepherds Francine through all the summer festivities, including a July 4th barbecue and the infamous garage sale day.

But behind all the seemingly mundane moments, there is a current of danger. Something is off with the other summer resident, Michael Bruno, who commands Francine’s attention and her suspicion in equal measure. There is a mystery in Hawthorn Woods that Francine must solve, if only she can determine who she should trust.