The book “Midwives” by Chris Bohjalian focuses on a midwife named Sibyl Danforth, who faces a trial after a home birth goes terribly wrong. Set in Vermont, the story examines how Sibyl’s choices during a difficult delivery lead to questions about her judgment and actions.
It’s full of tension as it explores the impact on her family and community. The narrative is told through the eyes of her daughter, offering a personal and emotional perspective.
The novel “Songs in Ordinary Time” by Mary McGarry Morris takes place in a small Vermont town during the 1960s. It centers on Marie Fermoyle, a single mother raising her three children while dealing with financial struggles and personal hardships.
When a smooth-talking drifter named Omar Duvall enters their lives, he brings both hopes and risks that shake the family. The story weaves through their challenges, revealing the quiet desperation and resilience of its characters.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher wrote “Understood Betsy,” a story about a young orphan named Elizabeth Ann who moves from city life to live with her relatives on a Vermont farm. At first, she struggles with the change, but farm life helps her grow stronger and more confident.
Through chores, school, and new friendships, Betsy discovers a sense of independence she never knew before. The book captures the simple charm of rural Vermont and the transformative power of a nurturing environment.
Jodi Picoult’s “House Rules” follows Jacob, a teen with Asperger’s syndrome, who has a passion for forensic science and a knack for solving puzzles. When a local murder happens, his behaviors and quirks lead to suspicions against him.
The story explores his family’s struggles, especially his mother’s determination to protect him and his brother’s feelings of being overshadowed. The book weaves together family dynamics and the challenges of living with a misunderstood condition.
The book “Second Glance” by Jodi Picoult weaves together stories from different time periods in a small Vermont town. It follows a ghost hunter named Ross, who investigates paranormal events while mourning the loss of his fiancée.
As he uncovers secrets tied to a controversial eugenics project from the 1930s, the past and present collide in unexpected ways. The story features a mix of mystery and supernatural elements, set against Vermont’s backdrop.
Jennifer McMahon’s “Promise Not to Tell” follows the haunting story of Kate Cypher, who returns to her childhood home in Vermont to care for her elderly mother.
When a young girl is murdered, the crime resembles the unsolved killing of Kate’s childhood friend, Del, from decades earlier.
As Kate unravels old secrets, she is forced to confront the dark past of her small-town community and the ghost of “The Potato Girl,” whose story lingers at the heart of the mystery.
The book “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson tells the story of two sisters, Merricat and Constance, who live in isolation with their uncle in a large family home.
The villagers treat them with suspicion and hostility after a family tragedy involving a poisoning. As Merricat works to protect their secluded life, a cousin arrives and disrupts their fragile world, bringing hidden tensions to the surface.
Robert Newton Peck wrote “A Day No Pigs Would Die,” a story about a boy named Robert who grows up on a small farm in Vermont during the 1920s. The book focuses on his relationship with his father, a quiet Shaker man, and the struggles of farm life.
One unforgettable moment is when Robert has to face the harsh realities of adulthood after raising a pig that his family relies on for survival. It’s both simple and deeply emotional, shaped by the tough but tender bond between father and son.
Stephen King’s “Firestarter” follows the story of a young girl named Charlie, who has the terrifying ability to start fires with her mind. After her parents participate in a secret government experiment, Charlie develops this power, which draws the attention of dangerous forces.
Her bond with her father, who is desperate to protect her, becomes the heartbeat of the story as they flee from those who want to exploit her abilities. The book explores the lengths they go to in order to survive and stay free.
The book “Reality Check” by Peter Abrahams follows Cody, a high school football player whose life takes a turn when his girlfriend, Clea, is sent off to boarding school in Vermont.
When Clea goes missing, Cody heads to Vermont to find her and ends up uncovering secrets about the seemingly quiet town. It’s a story with twists and a strong focus on loyalty and determination.
“Shadow Child” by Joseph A. Citro is a chilling tale set in the woods of Vermont. The story follows Ellen, who inherits her family’s remote farmhouse and discovers dark secrets buried in her past.
As strange events unfold, Ellen confronts the eerie presence of an ancient force lurking in the area. The novel weaves the isolation of the setting with the sense of something sinister tied to the land.
Karen Hesse’s “Witness” is set in 1924 Vermont and explores the lives of small-town residents as the Ku Klux Klan starts to take root in their community.
The story is told through the voices of various characters, including a young Jewish girl and an African American girl, who both face prejudice in different ways. The book captures the tension of the time and the impact of hate on a close-knit town.
“Fatal Cure” by Robin Cook is a medical thriller set in the small Vermont town of Bartlet. The story follows Dr. Angela and Dr. David Wilson, a married couple who move to Bartlet to work at a local hospital.
Hoping for a fresh start, they soon discover unsettling secrets about the hospital, the town, and the people they treat. As patients mysteriously die and the couple faces professional and personal pressures, they realize their dream job might cost them everything.
“I Am the Cheese” by Robert Cormier follows a boy named Adam as he sets off on a bike trip to deliver a package to his father. The journey seems simple at first, but strange gaps in his memory and eerie encounters hint at something more sinister.
Through alternating chapters, the story reveals Adam’s past and the secrets surrounding his family, drawing readers into a personal mystery filled with unexpected twists.