It Happened in the Pine Barrens

It Happened in the Pine Barrens is a compelling saga of love, death, and destiny set in the heavily forested area of coastal plain stretching across southern New Jersey. Casella's newly published book transforms this Pinelands into a center of thrilling events that arouse the curiosity and excitement of fiction fans through three riveting stories: Snakes with Ruby Eyes, Love and Death in the Pines, and Closure in the Pines.

Snakes with Ruby Eyes follows the mysterious turn of events in the life of Elizabeth Little. After the death of Catherine, artist mother and owner of The Little Antique Shop, Beth strangely inherits a huge amount of cash and a long list of questions about her parents' life. Stan Turner, who perseveringly pines for her love and affection, witnesses and supports Beth throughout her journey towards self-rediscovery.

Love and Death in the Pines picks up the story from where the first tale left off. It revolves around the entwined destiny of two disparate people: Dr. James Bradley, a physician and an undercover FBI agent, and Dr. Meghan Malloy, an art history professor. They met at the opening of The Pines Antique Shop. James was invited by his friend, Meghan's aunt, now proprietor of The Pines Antique Shop (previously The Little Antique Shop). Meg had created an art gallery for the shop to display the artwork of Catherine Little. Both never knew that a chance encounter would lead them to love.

Closure in the Pines completes the trilogy in stunning fashion. James wants to resign from the FBI to work as a physician at a Veterans Administration hospital. His resignation is denied. Meghan returns to her teaching position. While finalizing some cases, Meghan suddenly disappears. A manhunt ensues. Drug trafficking and gunfights also make this final story a perfect closing salvo. However, as one of the characters aptly put it, There is no closure in the crime business.

Creatively blending fast-paced drama, mystery, and romance with the slow-paced life in Pine Barrens, Casella has successfully put the place on the map for another remarkable reason. It Happened in the Pine Barrens is a book that leaves readers deeply satisfied yet eagerly longing for answers to more questions inherent in the saga.