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.
Casellas newly published book transforms this Pinelands
into a center of thrilling events that arouse the curiosity
and excitement of fi ction 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 fi rst 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, Meghans 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 fi nalizing
some cases, Meghan suddenly disappears. A manhunt ensues.
Drug traffi cking and gunfi ght also makes this fi nal 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 satisfi ed yet eagerly longing for answers to more
questions inherent in the saga.