These Silent Woods, Grant - B+

         This is a magnificent novel about a man, Cooper, and his daughter, Finch. Cooper left what I am guessing is the wilds of Pennsylvania and served three tours in Afghanistan. His best friend in the Rangers, Jake, was badly wounded, but was alive thanks to Cooper's efforts. Back home, Cooper's girlfriend Cindy has a baby, but dies in a car accident soon thereafter. Because he is suffering from PTSD, Cindy's parents, powerful members of the community, obtain a court order and take the baby. He kidnaps the baby, goes deep into the woods, and stays at Jake's family's place. Cooper and Finch create a loving, and very close to nature, almost idyllic life together. For eight years, Jake comes to resupply them every December. One year, Jake's sister, Marie, shows up because Jake has succumbed to his wounds. The same week, a young woman goes missing in the national park near Cooper and Finch's cabin. Their world is about to unravel, when a mysterious neighbor deflects the authorities in a different direction. This is a wonderful tale of love and nature. Highly recommended.