Kingfisher Lodge, nestled in a canyon on a mile and a half of the most pristine river water on the planet, is known by locals as “Billionaire’s Mile” and is locked behind a heavy gate. Sandwiched between barbed wire and a meadow with a sign that reads “Don’t Get Shot!” the resort boasts boutique fishing at its finest. Safe from viruses that have plagued America for years, Kingfisher offers a respite for wealthy clients. Now it also promises a second chance for Jack, a return to normalcy after a young life filled with loss. When he is assigned to guide a well-known singer, his only job is to rig her line, carry her gear, and steer her to the best trout he can find.
But then a human scream pierces the night, and Jack soon realizes that this idyllic fishing lodge may be merely a cover for a far more sinister operation. A novel as gripping as it is lyrical, as frightening as it is moving, The Guide is another masterpiece from Peter Heller.
My thoughts: this was clever and disturbing as Jack and Allison try to discover what’s really going on at Kingfisher Lodge, with the strange supposed neighbour and the young people in hospital gowns being shuttled about beyond the fence.
Set in a near future where coronaviruses are more common place and the threat of another pandemic looms large, the idea that wealthy people might isolate themselves in luxury isn’t that strange, and the only way anyone else can access that is by being staff. But when things don’t add up, and the manager makes threats, it’s easy to see why Jack can’t leave well enough alone and starts digging.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.
ramblingmads 