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Cedar Hollow #2
Return to Crutcher Mountain
No one with Jessie’s history of childhood trauma could make it through unscathed, and Jessie is no exception. As recounted in Appalachian Justice, Jessie is an adult survivor of horrendous childhood abuse suffered at the hands of her stepfather. At the age of thirteen, on a stormy night on top of Crutcher Mountain, Jessie was rescued by reclusive mountain woman Billy May Platte.
Now, at the age of forty-seven, Jessie is a success, at least by all outward appearances. But underneath it all, Jessie still struggles to reconcile the broken pieces of her past. Little does she know, Billy May’s dying wish may just bring her the peace she so desires.
In honor of Billy May’s final request, Jessie has invited an agency that works with children with developmental disabilities to establish a wilderness retreat on top of Crutcher Mountain. Everything has come together beautifully, until a series of strange events threatens to shut down the operation.
Unsure what to expect, Jessie returns to West Virginia in search of answers and finds more than she bargained for. Along the way she falls in love with the residents of the Platte Lodge for Children, none more so than ten year old Robby O’Brien, a freckle faced, earnest little boy who was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome and who, upon the death of his grandfather, finds himself alone in a scary world.
As Jessie searches for answers, determined to save not only the Lodge but Robby as well, she must open her heart to the truths she discovers and place her trust in a lonely little boy. It’s only by doing so that she can save herself.
Now, at the age of forty-seven, Jessie is a success, at least by all outward appearances. But underneath it all, Jessie still struggles to reconcile the broken pieces of her past. Little does she know, Billy May’s dying wish may just bring her the peace she so desires.
In honor of Billy May’s final request, Jessie has invited an agency that works with children with developmental disabilities to establish a wilderness retreat on top of Crutcher Mountain. Everything has come together beautifully, until a series of strange events threatens to shut down the operation.
Unsure what to expect, Jessie returns to West Virginia in search of answers and finds more than she bargained for. Along the way she falls in love with the residents of the Platte Lodge for Children, none more so than ten year old Robby O’Brien, a freckle faced, earnest little boy who was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome and who, upon the death of his grandfather, finds himself alone in a scary world.
As Jessie searches for answers, determined to save not only the Lodge but Robby as well, she must open her heart to the truths she discovers and place her trust in a lonely little boy. It’s only by doing so that she can save herself.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2011
86 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Clayton
21 books115 followersMelinda Clayton writes primarily southern psychological suspense, and is the author of eight novels, numerous articles and short stories, and two family genealogies. She has an Ed.D. in Education Administration, is a licensed psychotherapist in Colorado and Florida (now on retired status), and teaches MFA classes for SNHU COCE.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 11, 2022
I recently happened on this author and very much enjoyed the first book. For me, this one was a disappointment. The characters are weak and the action comes off flat. There was great opportunity here for great conflict and thriller scenes. Sadly, the author missed it this time.
February 24, 2012
got to get this one
April 7, 2019
I think the author should have considered how believable her story would be to the reader. Oh well, guess that’s why it’s fiction.
March 4, 2017
Excellent!
I loved this book! This series of books are way up on my favorites list! I can't wait to start reading the third book in the series!
I loved this book! This series of books are way up on my favorites list! I can't wait to start reading the third book in the series!
November 13, 2018
Loved this book. Had more mystery than the first one in the series.
August 8, 2023
3.5 stars
January 23, 2024
Hoped this second book would be better, nope.
December 7, 2013
Return to Crutcher Mountain is sort of a follow-up to Melinda Clayton's first book, Appalachian Justice, actually taking place several months later from where AJ ended. The focus in this book is on Jessie, whose tortured childhood past was revealed in AJ. In Clayton's second book, Jessie is all grown up and doing well for herself. She's got a steady career in Hollywood as a filmmaker and she's happily dating. In true Southern Lit fashion, something happens "back home," calling Jessie to return to the small town she so eagerly escaped long ago.
But Jessie's roots are still planted firm in Cedar Hollow. After Billy May (Jessie's mother by heart who is the central character in AJ) passed away, Jessie turned Billy May's cabin into a wilderness lodge for children with special needs. Crutcher Mountain had been a rehabilitative sanctuary for both Jessie and Billy May, and it was Billy May's wish for other children to experience it the same way. When strange events start happening at the lodge, possibly putting the children in danger, a note actually surfaces requesting Jessie to return to the mountain.
Clayton herself is a psychotherapist and her background shines through in the narrative. While the mystery here is not as complex as in her other books, there's still something peculiar going on. But Clayton has built a strong psyche for each of her characters with Dr. Wright, head of the lodge, as the center catalyst. The reader is unsure if there's an underlying evil waiting to strike out from somewhere, and so we keep reading just to find out! Add to this another mystery concerning the identity of Jessie's true father, a pair of elderly but odd caretakers at the lodge, a disgruntled ex lodge employee, and an aloof sheriff, and you've got backwood small town drama at its finest.
The book is told in first person narrative mainly from Jessie's point of view, making it easy to warm up to her as a character, but there are a few chapters told from Robby's perspective. He is a young boy at the lodge with Down Syndrome who takes a liking to Jessie once she arrives. Their relationship and how they help each other provides a warm minor plot line that really gives the book heart.
Overall, this is a quick read that relies strongly on the setting of Cedar Hollow, much like Clayton's other two books. And it is through this setting, that we fall in love with the characters - though often stereotypes of small town life in real society or on the old black and white TV days gone by - they are ones we relate to, particularly when we have small town blood ourselves. Clayton writes it so well, and that's why she has easily become one of my favorite authors over the past year.
But Jessie's roots are still planted firm in Cedar Hollow. After Billy May (Jessie's mother by heart who is the central character in AJ) passed away, Jessie turned Billy May's cabin into a wilderness lodge for children with special needs. Crutcher Mountain had been a rehabilitative sanctuary for both Jessie and Billy May, and it was Billy May's wish for other children to experience it the same way. When strange events start happening at the lodge, possibly putting the children in danger, a note actually surfaces requesting Jessie to return to the mountain.
Clayton herself is a psychotherapist and her background shines through in the narrative. While the mystery here is not as complex as in her other books, there's still something peculiar going on. But Clayton has built a strong psyche for each of her characters with Dr. Wright, head of the lodge, as the center catalyst. The reader is unsure if there's an underlying evil waiting to strike out from somewhere, and so we keep reading just to find out! Add to this another mystery concerning the identity of Jessie's true father, a pair of elderly but odd caretakers at the lodge, a disgruntled ex lodge employee, and an aloof sheriff, and you've got backwood small town drama at its finest.
The book is told in first person narrative mainly from Jessie's point of view, making it easy to warm up to her as a character, but there are a few chapters told from Robby's perspective. He is a young boy at the lodge with Down Syndrome who takes a liking to Jessie once she arrives. Their relationship and how they help each other provides a warm minor plot line that really gives the book heart.
Overall, this is a quick read that relies strongly on the setting of Cedar Hollow, much like Clayton's other two books. And it is through this setting, that we fall in love with the characters - though often stereotypes of small town life in real society or on the old black and white TV days gone by - they are ones we relate to, particularly when we have small town blood ourselves. Clayton writes it so well, and that's why she has easily become one of my favorite authors over the past year.
June 24, 2011
This book is the sequel to Appalachian Justice, which I read and was moved to tears by not so long ago. It went without saying that I was going to read the second book, which was released in print on Wednesday, slightly earlier as an e-book.
In this book we catch up with Jessie, who was rescued by Billy May Platt from her abusive step-father. Jessie is now in her 40s and still coming to terms with her childhood and the loss of her adopted mother. She is now living in LA, and has been a huge sucess in her career. In order to fulfil Billy May's dying wish she has become involved in a project providing an outward bound experience meets respite care facility for children with additional needs. A series of strange events bring Jessie back to Crutcher Mountain and force her to face her past.
The story is told from two viewpoints, Jessie's and Robby's. He is a young man staying at the facility, he has Downs syndrome and provides a very honest, quite amusing view of the world and what is happening. I liked his straightforward insights and thought using his naive perspective meant the parts he narrates really cut to the chase and was refreshingly blunt and uncomplicated. Where Robby sees black and white Jessie sees things in an array of greys and has recruited more than one therapist to try and help her move forward while trying to avoid looking back.
Althought this is a sequel there were enough recaps of the story in Appalachian Justice for it to stand alone, but I think having read the first book I got more from this one having already connected with them. As the story unravels we discover a lot more about what happened to Jessie before she was found by Billy May, and both she and the reader make a lot of new discoveries.
This is an emotional whodunnit, as I not only wanted to know who was behind the strange happenings at the lodge but I was also concerned with what would happen to Jessie and Robby and was invested enough in the characters to care about them both. There were plenty of revelations as the book reached its climax, the most shocking of which I definitely didn't see coming.
Although the sequel didn't quite have the same emotional impact on me as Appalachian Justice this is another excellent book by Melinda Clayton, and I would happily recommend them both.
In this book we catch up with Jessie, who was rescued by Billy May Platt from her abusive step-father. Jessie is now in her 40s and still coming to terms with her childhood and the loss of her adopted mother. She is now living in LA, and has been a huge sucess in her career. In order to fulfil Billy May's dying wish she has become involved in a project providing an outward bound experience meets respite care facility for children with additional needs. A series of strange events bring Jessie back to Crutcher Mountain and force her to face her past.
The story is told from two viewpoints, Jessie's and Robby's. He is a young man staying at the facility, he has Downs syndrome and provides a very honest, quite amusing view of the world and what is happening. I liked his straightforward insights and thought using his naive perspective meant the parts he narrates really cut to the chase and was refreshingly blunt and uncomplicated. Where Robby sees black and white Jessie sees things in an array of greys and has recruited more than one therapist to try and help her move forward while trying to avoid looking back.
Althought this is a sequel there were enough recaps of the story in Appalachian Justice for it to stand alone, but I think having read the first book I got more from this one having already connected with them. As the story unravels we discover a lot more about what happened to Jessie before she was found by Billy May, and both she and the reader make a lot of new discoveries.
This is an emotional whodunnit, as I not only wanted to know who was behind the strange happenings at the lodge but I was also concerned with what would happen to Jessie and Robby and was invested enough in the characters to care about them both. There were plenty of revelations as the book reached its climax, the most shocking of which I definitely didn't see coming.
Although the sequel didn't quite have the same emotional impact on me as Appalachian Justice this is another excellent book by Melinda Clayton, and I would happily recommend them both.
August 14, 2011
As a fan of Clayton's prequel, Appalachian Justice, I was excited to learn more about Jessie. We get to know her as an adult, grown up and successful in her career--unsuccessful in other areas of her life. We learn how her past has molded her, despite the love and kindness Billy May provided. The damage is in her soul, buried deep and righting the wrongs that were done to her so long ago proves to be a near impossible challenge.
The return to her childhood town, a place where both demons and angels in her life hailed, she is summoned by someone for some unknown reason. Lured there by attempts at harming the center for children with disabilities, Billy May's dying wish, Jessie had no choice but to return and find out why someone was sabotaging the healing place.
The story has many layers, revealing the complexities of life within the seemingly simplistic small mining town. We get to meet up with some familiar characters, as well as meet some new people that have a profound impact on Jessie's life--both past and present.
Jessie learns so much about herself now and how it relates to her past. There were quite a few shocking revelations that made you see just how dysfunctional Jessie's family was. There were also a few heart-warming surprises along the way, making Jessie see things in a whole new light.
My favorite character was of course, Robby. I fell for this little boy for his big heart and witty commentary. I found myself laughing on several occasions as I imagined this little boy saying the things he did. He was such a delightful addition.
The character development was inspiring to watch as the story progressed. I enjoyed this sequel very much, and I definitely recommend you to put it on your to be read list.
Although this book does well as a stand alone, I think reading them in order would be best so you can truly understand and appreciate the story as well as the memorable characters.
The return to her childhood town, a place where both demons and angels in her life hailed, she is summoned by someone for some unknown reason. Lured there by attempts at harming the center for children with disabilities, Billy May's dying wish, Jessie had no choice but to return and find out why someone was sabotaging the healing place.
The story has many layers, revealing the complexities of life within the seemingly simplistic small mining town. We get to meet up with some familiar characters, as well as meet some new people that have a profound impact on Jessie's life--both past and present.
Jessie learns so much about herself now and how it relates to her past. There were quite a few shocking revelations that made you see just how dysfunctional Jessie's family was. There were also a few heart-warming surprises along the way, making Jessie see things in a whole new light.
My favorite character was of course, Robby. I fell for this little boy for his big heart and witty commentary. I found myself laughing on several occasions as I imagined this little boy saying the things he did. He was such a delightful addition.
The character development was inspiring to watch as the story progressed. I enjoyed this sequel very much, and I definitely recommend you to put it on your to be read list.
Although this book does well as a stand alone, I think reading them in order would be best so you can truly understand and appreciate the story as well as the memorable characters.
October 18, 2012
While Appalachian Justice was contemporary fiction, Return to Crutcher Mountain is more mystery and suspense. The main character is Jessie who has grown up and managed to have a very successful career producing films. She has been able, with some success, to push her abused past into the back of her mind but it still influences her relationships on a personal level.
For Billie May and Jessie Crutcher Mountain was a `healing place' and as such Jessie has founded a camp for developmentally disabled children allowing the mountain to continue it's magic. When odd things start happening Jessie is determined to find out what is happening. Someone wants her back there, the mystery is who and why. Although it is not necessary to read Appalachian Justice, I think it does enrich this story to know the back ground.
Melinda Clayton has woven a remarkable suspense with fully developed characters that jump off the page. Michael and Robbie were wonderful additions to this story. I loved the fact that Crutcher Mountain is still working its magic and Jessie is still benefitting from it. She is able to learn some things about her past that she was unaware of and this starts her journey to true healing. I really didn't think I would like this story as well as Appalachian Justice, but it is just so different from the first I couldn't help but love it also.
For Billie May and Jessie Crutcher Mountain was a `healing place' and as such Jessie has founded a camp for developmentally disabled children allowing the mountain to continue it's magic. When odd things start happening Jessie is determined to find out what is happening. Someone wants her back there, the mystery is who and why. Although it is not necessary to read Appalachian Justice, I think it does enrich this story to know the back ground.
Melinda Clayton has woven a remarkable suspense with fully developed characters that jump off the page. Michael and Robbie were wonderful additions to this story. I loved the fact that Crutcher Mountain is still working its magic and Jessie is still benefitting from it. She is able to learn some things about her past that she was unaware of and this starts her journey to true healing. I really didn't think I would like this story as well as Appalachian Justice, but it is just so different from the first I couldn't help but love it also.
October 12, 2011
When I discovered that Melinda Clayton had written a sequel to "Appalachian Justice," I wondered where the story might go. That it would center on Jessie, the main supporting character from "Appalachian Justice," seemed a reasonable guess, but I couldn’t imagine what the strong emotional hooks that were present in the first book might be. It turns out that the struggle Jessie has in "Return to Crutcher Mountain" is much different from what she and Billy May experienced previously. The sequel is not even of the same genre, with the follow up being suspense instead of contemporary fiction, like the original.
I found that a suspense novel could still pack some emotional punch. As Jessie deals with issues from her past and works to find the cause of the strange happenings at the wilderness retreat, the site of her childhood home, she experiences plenty of emotional upheaval. Then, when the book hits its climax and the mystery of what has been going on is uncovered, Jessie finds something she never dreamed, and Clayton delivers another emotional knockout. While significantly different from "Appalachian Justice," Clayton still tells a great story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
I found that a suspense novel could still pack some emotional punch. As Jessie deals with issues from her past and works to find the cause of the strange happenings at the wilderness retreat, the site of her childhood home, she experiences plenty of emotional upheaval. Then, when the book hits its climax and the mystery of what has been going on is uncovered, Jessie finds something she never dreamed, and Clayton delivers another emotional knockout. While significantly different from "Appalachian Justice," Clayton still tells a great story.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
September 19, 2012
“In honor of Billy May’s final request, Jessie has invited an agency that works with children with developmental disabilities to establish a wilderness retreat on top of Crutcher Mountain. Everything has come together beautifully, until a series of strange events threatens to shut down the operation.”
Fans of Melinda Clayton’s first novel, Appalachian Justice, will not be able to put down this sequel until the last page has been turned. As a child, Jessie was rescued by Billy May Platte (a fascinating character in her own right) after suffering horrendous abuse at the hand of her stepfather. Now, as an adult, Jessie comes back to her hometown. Crutcher Mountain is just as beautifully written as the first novel, and includes more in-depth characterization, more twists and turns, more everything!
The story is amazing, extremely fast-moving and complex yet easy to follow. The folks are real, the setting is amazing. Ms. Clayton has outdone herself on this book and we look forward to many, many more to come.
Fans of Melinda Clayton’s first novel, Appalachian Justice, will not be able to put down this sequel until the last page has been turned. As a child, Jessie was rescued by Billy May Platte (a fascinating character in her own right) after suffering horrendous abuse at the hand of her stepfather. Now, as an adult, Jessie comes back to her hometown. Crutcher Mountain is just as beautifully written as the first novel, and includes more in-depth characterization, more twists and turns, more everything!
The story is amazing, extremely fast-moving and complex yet easy to follow. The folks are real, the setting is amazing. Ms. Clayton has outdone herself on this book and we look forward to many, many more to come.
September 10, 2011
This is the sequel to Appalachian Justice, an amazing book that I absolutely loved! Billy May Platte died at the end of that one and I didn't see how the story could continue without her! But the author built this one around Jessie, the abused girl taken in by Billy. It was a page turner as Jessie discovered her past and built her future. The alternating narrator with Jessie was 10-year-old Robby O'Brien, a Downs Syndrome boy who will steal your heart.
August 12, 2011
This sequel to "Appalachian Justice" was a mighty fine read. Clayton scored big again. The surprise at the end.........I did not see that coming. Download this one to your kindle. Def a 5-star.
April 28, 2013
All you need to know is that this one was written by Melinda Clayton--a fast-rising star on my favorite authors list.
July 22, 2015
Grabs you immediately!
This book was hard to put down. All the twists and turns keep you on the edge. The end blind-sided me for sure!!!! I would have never guessed the ending!
This book was hard to put down. All the twists and turns keep you on the edge. The end blind-sided me for sure!!!! I would have never guessed the ending!
June 15, 2016
Great twists
Another great read. Great twists in this one. Am going to buy book three to keep going on Jessies story.
Another great read. Great twists in this one. Am going to buy book three to keep going on Jessies story.
July 1, 2016
In book two we learn more of Jessie's story. There are some twists and surprises I didn't expect in this one.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews