Meticulously researched and immersive Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate is a heart-wrenching and immensely thought-provoking read.

Set in and around the Winding Stairs Mountains region, the story is rooted in the history of Oklahoma and the division of natural resource-rich Native American lands into allotment parcels assigned to individual members in the late 1800s. Orphaned Indigenous children were exploited and cheated of their rights, abandoned and forced to fend for themselves by “guardians” who were responsible for their welfare. The story also sheds light on the efforts of women pioneers who fought for the rights of these children - namely the Oklahoma Federation of Women’s Clubs and Kate Barnard, the first woman to be elected as a state official in Oklahoma.

The narrative is presented in dual timelines in alternating chapters. In 1909, Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, we meet eleven-year-old Olive “Ollie” Augusta Peele, who flees from her abusive stepfather. With her is Nessa, a Choctaw child whom her deceased father had sheltered in their home along with Nessa's older sister Hazel. Olive is sure that her stepfather was responsible for Hazel’s disappearance and running is the only way she believes she can protect them both from meeting the same fate. Along her way to her family’s old home in the mountains, she meets other runaways and orphans who inhabit the woods and form their own community – a community she names “Shelterwood”. The narrative follows Ollie, Nessa and their friends as they fight for survival amid much adversity.

The current timeline (Talihina, Oklahoma, 1990) is presented from the perspective of Valerie Boren-Odell, the new park law enforcement Ranger at Horsethief Trail National Park who has only recently moved to the area with her young son. On her first day on the job, she is informed of the recent discovery of the remains of three children in a cave. However, before Valerie can pursue her investigation, her superiors see to it that the bones are removed and the crime scene is closed off. Valerie is also approached by twelve-year-old Sydney for help locating her missing older brother Braden and her ailing grandmother, former state representative Budgie Blackwell. Sydney often frustrates Valerie, withholding information and manipulating the truth, but Valerie can’t deny that there is more to the disappearances than meets the eye.

As the narrative progresses, we follow Valerie’s investigation, which takes into the dark history of the area a story of exploitation, greed and corruption that is far from over.

Both timelines are well-developed and the narrative flows well. The pacing is slightly uneven, but I liked how the author brings all the threads of the story together. Ollie is a memorable character and I admired her courage and resourcefulness. The rich historical context, vivid settings and well-thought-out characters render this novel a compelling read.

Please read the informative Author’s Note where she discusses the history, people and events that inspired this novel.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. ( )

I have mixed feelings about Lisa Wingate’s latest dual timeline novel, Shelterwood. On the one hand, it is well researched and beautifully written. On the other hand, I found it difficult to finish. The contemporary story, set in 1990’s Oklahoma in a fictional but reality-based national. Park, is a mystery with roots in the early 20th century, which is the setting of the earlier timeline. I found the more contemporary story much easier to read, but conventional. The 1909 story is dark, emotional, and difficult. I feel that they should have perhaps been two separate novellas—switching back and forth between the two was simply too jarring. These are both stories that needed to be told, but their impact was lessened by the back-and-forth format.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )

A striking story recounting the unjust and criminal actions of powerful people who took advantage of innocent tribal children in Oklahoma in 1909. Using extensive research and shedding light on the efforts of Kate Barnard, a woman on the forefront of politics even before women won the vote, this was a compelling read.
But the heart wrenching story is the resilience of the orphans who did everything to survive in the untenable conditions of the times. It can be raw in places as the awful truth is conveyed.
The 1990 part of this dual time dealt with widowed Val, a Park Ranger with a seven year old son and how she tries to fit in with her new position and its prejudice against women rangers. It was interesting how the two timelines converged during a complex case.
I am a fan of dual timelines but this one was a bit jarring when it went back and forth between the two. I would still recommend it for the exceptional historical value.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* ( )

This is told in two different time periods. And for me, the present day was the most enjoyable. This is rare for me. But I really enjoyed Valerie. She struggles as a single mother and a new woman on the National Park Team. She handles these challenges with strength and intelligence.

Then there is 1909 Oklahoma. Ollie and Nessa leave an abusive situation and head up to Winding Stair Mountain. Every twist and turn lead these young girls into danger. But, boy…Nessa! She does not take no for an answer and she does not let grass grow under her feet. She knows they are in danger and she is the only one that can get them there.

This story is emotional and intriguing. Ollie and Nessa and their flight for safety will tear your heart up. Then there is Valerie. She is determined to find out what is going on in her National Park!

Need a good mystery with fantastic characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )

Lisa Wingate clearly has a heart for bringing to light the horrible ways children have been treated throughout history. Having previously read Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann, I immediately picked up on the connection between the land rich with oil and the Native Americans who were swindled out of their land.

The story is told in two timelines. In 1909, Olive and her desire to keep her Native American friends safe (as well as herself) is the focus. Also during this timeframe, women such as Kate Barnard come to the forefront to promote change for these children.

In 1990, Val, a national park law enforcement ranger, stumbles upon the skeletons of three children in a cave. Her question surrounding the skeletons arouse her suspicions of foul play. After meeting a young local girl who is trying to find her missing brother, Val becomes even more suspicious and decides to learn more about the story of the area.

With the help of a Native American Tribal law enforcement officer, Val uncovers a series of crimes that have been committed due to the greed of some powerful men.

This is a slow burn, but well worth reading. I love that Lisa Wingate brings buried history and powerful women of the past to light.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give an honest review and recommend to readers who love historical fiction. ( )