National Book Award winner for Cold Mountain, which was also made into a movie with Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, and Jude Law, Charles Frazier has delivered another cinematic novel with The Trackers. Set in Depression-era Wyoming, young painter Val Welch has received a welcome commission for a post office mural in the tiny town of Dawes. He is invited to stay at the stately ranch of the local wealthy, and politically ambitious John Long and his wife, Eve.

When Eve disappears a few weeks after Val’s work progresses, Long sends him on a cross-country hunt for Eve and others who may be involved in her disappearance. Frazier’s meticulous detail of our country during the 1930s is rendered faithful to his research. The ominous air of potential violence hangs over many scenes and encounters, as Val stumbles around like the naive and inexperienced detective he is forced to play in this drama. His near misses ratchet up the tension, especially as he makes poor choices the reader will find frustrating. Part literary drama, mostly missing person mystery, Frazier leads us on until nearly the end.

Book Discussion groups will really enjoy this one. Highly recommended.