Salter's Path - Paperback

by Joel Justin Pawlak (Author)

Set in the coastal town of Salter Path, North Carolina, the story follows Bodhi Salter and his fiancée, Ellie, returning to Bodhi's hometown of Salter Path. Bodhi's ancestors moved to the island in the 1800s after a hurricane forced them to leave Diamond City on the Shackleford banks. Now, more than six generations of Salters have called Salter Path home. When Bodhi was a child, the town became embroiled in a feud following the death of Bodhi's grandfather and uncle. After several shocking events, Bodhi's family is killed in a fire leaving him in the care of his Aunt Kristy, his closest surviving relative.

Bodhi grows up in Garner, North Carolina, never knowing what happened the night of the fire. When Ellie and Bodhi return to Salter Path to reconnect with childhood friends and family, they become pulled into the mystery surrounding the death of Bodhi's family. It seems like the entire town is fighting against the truth at times. Bodhi becomes overwhelmed as he relives the loss of his family, but with his fiancée, he perseveres. Ellie sees Bodhi in ways she never has when he experiences the renewal of friendships and the heartbreak of loss. Bodhi's two childhood friends, Ley and DJ, make an oath as children to always treat Bodhi as a local. The pledge is tested as they try to navigate the simmering feud. Bodhi and Ellie befriend Detective Natchez, a State Bureau of Investigation detective that first investigated the fire. The three explore leads as a hurricane bears down on the island. A shocking revelation changes Bodhi's life forever when the storm crashes into the island.

The story evokes the coastal scenes and characters that make small southern coastal towns so interesting. Elements of local history and lore are woven into the modern-day setting. Readers will find themselves wanting to know more about this coastal location.

This work is the author's first novel. While he lives full-time in Raleigh, North Carolina, he finds the North Carolina coast where he is most at home. He has spent the past twenty summers living on the coast and has developed an appreciation of the micro-culture in small coastal towns. His stories center around people's secret lives, blending idealized life with painful realities. The tales vividly depict beautiful surroundings with people and characters that overcome their history to emerge renewed.