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A Pioneer Valley Mystery #1
Below the Tree Line
In the Massachusetts countryside, family secrets run deep...but an outside threat could uproot them all
Felicity O'Brien hopes the warning shot fired from her porch is enough to scare off the intruder who's been snooping around her family's Massachusetts farm. Days later, when two young women are found dead nearby, Felicity can't figure out how the deaths are related, and even her inherited healing touch isn't enough to ease the community's pain over the tragic loss.
Felicity does know that somebody wants something bad enough to kill for it, but all she has is the neglected property her parents passed down to her. Joining forces with her friend Jeremy Colson, Felicity tries to uncover the truth and save herself and her land from those who are capable of unthinkable harm.
Praise:
"Oleksiw crafts a classic small-town mystery...where a closely knit cast of characters are forced to wrestle with the unwanted intrusion of the modern world that threatens long-standing traditions."--Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the County Cork Mystery series
"A woman with healing hands and a rescued dog trap a killer in Susan Oleksiw's engaging Below the Tree Line."--Hallie Ephron, New York Times bestselling author of You'll Never Know, Dear
Felicity O'Brien hopes the warning shot fired from her porch is enough to scare off the intruder who's been snooping around her family's Massachusetts farm. Days later, when two young women are found dead nearby, Felicity can't figure out how the deaths are related, and even her inherited healing touch isn't enough to ease the community's pain over the tragic loss.
Felicity does know that somebody wants something bad enough to kill for it, but all she has is the neglected property her parents passed down to her. Joining forces with her friend Jeremy Colson, Felicity tries to uncover the truth and save herself and her land from those who are capable of unthinkable harm.
Praise:
"Oleksiw crafts a classic small-town mystery...where a closely knit cast of characters are forced to wrestle with the unwanted intrusion of the modern world that threatens long-standing traditions."--Sheila Connolly, New York Times bestselling author of the County Cork Mystery series
"A woman with healing hands and a rescued dog trap a killer in Susan Oleksiw's engaging Below the Tree Line."--Hallie Ephron, New York Times bestselling author of You'll Never Know, Dear
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2018
6 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Susan Oleksiw
41 books58 followers"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading." Logan Pearsall Smith
I can't imagine a life without books. Some of my best memories of a quiet rainy afternoon when Dad let me poke among his books and pick something to read.
Born and raised in New England, I have long been fascinated by the traditional New Englander and the way of life found here. I try to capture that world in two of my series.
My most recent book, Below the Tree Line, is set on a farm in central Massachusetts. Felicity O'Brien has inherited the family farm, but she has also inherited, from her mother and ancestors, the ability to heal. This is both a blessing and a burden.
My first mystery series features Chief of Police Joe Silva, in the town of Mellingham. The books in the series follow the ups and downs of people in the town but also the changes in Joe's life. He begins as a bachelor and in the most recent books is clearly a happy stepdad.
In the second series, my sleuth is an Indian-American photographer who lives at her aunt's tourist hotel on a popular beach. Raised in India, she has no desire to leave and follow her parents home to the States. She finds herself involved in all sorts of problems trying to keep her aunt's hotel solvent and out of trouble. Her aunt, for her part, despairs of ever turning Anita into a proper young Indian woman. The stories give me a chance to write about a country where I once lived and which I have loved since a child.
All three series are cozies, with fun as well as surprises.
Series:
* Joe Silva Mellingham
* Anita Ray
I can't imagine a life without books. Some of my best memories of a quiet rainy afternoon when Dad let me poke among his books and pick something to read.
Born and raised in New England, I have long been fascinated by the traditional New Englander and the way of life found here. I try to capture that world in two of my series.
My most recent book, Below the Tree Line, is set on a farm in central Massachusetts. Felicity O'Brien has inherited the family farm, but she has also inherited, from her mother and ancestors, the ability to heal. This is both a blessing and a burden.
My first mystery series features Chief of Police Joe Silva, in the town of Mellingham. The books in the series follow the ups and downs of people in the town but also the changes in Joe's life. He begins as a bachelor and in the most recent books is clearly a happy stepdad.
In the second series, my sleuth is an Indian-American photographer who lives at her aunt's tourist hotel on a popular beach. Raised in India, she has no desire to leave and follow her parents home to the States. She finds herself involved in all sorts of problems trying to keep her aunt's hotel solvent and out of trouble. Her aunt, for her part, despairs of ever turning Anita into a proper young Indian woman. The stories give me a chance to write about a country where I once lived and which I have loved since a child.
All three series are cozies, with fun as well as surprises.
Series:
* Joe Silva Mellingham
* Anita Ray
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 21, 2018
This book is much like a rocking chair - it’s slow, it’s steady but you’re never really gonna go anywhere. Now, that I say that, it’s probably a bit harsh. It was a good read; just lacked that “vaavavoom” this girl needs.
Below the Tree Line is a slow, comfortable, easy to read mystery. I guess, I found myself getting a bit lost in the trees (witty pun included)- due to the overwhelming amount of details that the author provided about just that: the trees and land. 3 stars for this one.
Below the Tree Line is a slow, comfortable, easy to read mystery. I guess, I found myself getting a bit lost in the trees (witty pun included)- due to the overwhelming amount of details that the author provided about just that: the trees and land. 3 stars for this one.
September 5, 2018
Felicity O’Brien farms land in western Massachusetts that her family had owned for generations. She and her land are both threatened when 2 dead bodies appear and strange happenings occur in the woods.
I loved the descriptions of the land and the forest. I am from New England, so I could completely relate. I also found myself looking up a few terms, such as overwintering of vegetables and an overgrowth forest. The author clearly knows what she is talking about about and I found myself transported to the farm. The mystery was good and different. There were no twists or “aha” moments but I definitely enjoyed this and am hoping that there will be a sequel.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Midnight Ink and Susan Oleksiw for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved the descriptions of the land and the forest. I am from New England, so I could completely relate. I also found myself looking up a few terms, such as overwintering of vegetables and an overgrowth forest. The author clearly knows what she is talking about about and I found myself transported to the farm. The mystery was good and different. There were no twists or “aha” moments but I definitely enjoyed this and am hoping that there will be a sequel.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Midnight Ink and Susan Oleksiw for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 16, 2018
Inventive plotting and interesting characters. A little slow. Really a 3.5.
May 3, 2018
A slow, comfortable mystery. No great twists or surprises but interesting characters and enough intrigue to keep the reader guessing until the end. I enjoyed this free copy thanks to NetGalley.
November 1, 2018
“Below the Tree Line” earns 5/5 Secrets…Unique, Engaging, Clever!
The previous night’s disturbing events led to a 9-1-1 call and a visit from a concerned boyfriend with the gift of a “fur” companion in tow. While discussing various ways to handle the possibility of intruders and the past trauma of the rescue dog, they both see a car, driven erratically, turning away from her driveway, and slamming into a tree. Clarissa Jenkins dies at the scene, and later her cousin Sasha Glover is sure she was going to see Felicity. She needed to tell her something. What? Unknown. But, as things usually happen in threes, it is not surprising that Sasha is later found propped up against a tree…dead. Felicity tries to use her gift to save her, and despite a single sharp pain in her hand, it was too late for Sasha. Oops! Fours? Felicity’s dad has gone missing…and his ramblings are cause for concern.
Wow! There is so much to unpack, and every bit of it engaging, clever, and sometimes intense. Secrets, deceit, a mysterious man, property deals, and a few dead bodies? It seems family secrets, or secrets in general, may need to be kept at any cost, even if it means murder. It's a good sized book at 312 pages, so Susan is able to delve deep into characters, background, connections, and relationships. She’s been a writer for awhile, so I wasn't surprised to see a detailed storyline with well-developed characters, excellent descriptions, and entertaining banter to keep me totally engaged. Beyond the engaging mystery, I was fascinated with discussions about caring for the sheep, managing the woods, and felling trees… I enjoyed the story and recommend it for thriller fans, but I am more partial to the first-person narrative. The “she” perspective is popular, but my engagement increases when an author uses the “I.” It’s just a word, but often I become more invested placing myself in the drama.
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
The previous night’s disturbing events led to a 9-1-1 call and a visit from a concerned boyfriend with the gift of a “fur” companion in tow. While discussing various ways to handle the possibility of intruders and the past trauma of the rescue dog, they both see a car, driven erratically, turning away from her driveway, and slamming into a tree. Clarissa Jenkins dies at the scene, and later her cousin Sasha Glover is sure she was going to see Felicity. She needed to tell her something. What? Unknown. But, as things usually happen in threes, it is not surprising that Sasha is later found propped up against a tree…dead. Felicity tries to use her gift to save her, and despite a single sharp pain in her hand, it was too late for Sasha. Oops! Fours? Felicity’s dad has gone missing…and his ramblings are cause for concern.
Wow! There is so much to unpack, and every bit of it engaging, clever, and sometimes intense. Secrets, deceit, a mysterious man, property deals, and a few dead bodies? It seems family secrets, or secrets in general, may need to be kept at any cost, even if it means murder. It's a good sized book at 312 pages, so Susan is able to delve deep into characters, background, connections, and relationships. She’s been a writer for awhile, so I wasn't surprised to see a detailed storyline with well-developed characters, excellent descriptions, and entertaining banter to keep me totally engaged. Beyond the engaging mystery, I was fascinated with discussions about caring for the sheep, managing the woods, and felling trees… I enjoyed the story and recommend it for thriller fans, but I am more partial to the first-person narrative. The “she” perspective is popular, but my engagement increases when an author uses the “I.” It’s just a word, but often I become more invested placing myself in the drama.
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
September 12, 2018
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of BELOW THE TREE LINE in exchange for an honest review.
Felicity is hearing strange sounds outside her house, and then people begin dying near her house. As she gets suspicious about the causes of death and begins investigating on her own, she finds herself in a strange web of lies and deceit. Will she be able to uncover the truth behind the strange man in town who wants to buy her land, as well as find the truth about the deaths near her house? Are they connected or purely a coincidence?
This was an interesting twist on a mystery. It had a bit of a cozy mystery feel, had some interesting and unexpected twists, and involved some creative and unique characters. There were small things thrown in, like Felicity's ability to heal with her hands, that I never fully understood. If you removed her healing ability altogether, I don't think it would have changed the story one way or another, so it felt like an added afterthought to some extent. That said, overall, the story took a few unforeseen turns, involved likable characters and had a well thought out story line. If you enjoy light mysteries, this is one for the to be read shelf.
Felicity is hearing strange sounds outside her house, and then people begin dying near her house. As she gets suspicious about the causes of death and begins investigating on her own, she finds herself in a strange web of lies and deceit. Will she be able to uncover the truth behind the strange man in town who wants to buy her land, as well as find the truth about the deaths near her house? Are they connected or purely a coincidence?
This was an interesting twist on a mystery. It had a bit of a cozy mystery feel, had some interesting and unexpected twists, and involved some creative and unique characters. There were small things thrown in, like Felicity's ability to heal with her hands, that I never fully understood. If you removed her healing ability altogether, I don't think it would have changed the story one way or another, so it felt like an added afterthought to some extent. That said, overall, the story took a few unforeseen turns, involved likable characters and had a well thought out story line. If you enjoy light mysteries, this is one for the to be read shelf.
December 26, 2018
In Massachusetts, Felicity lives in an old farm house on land that's been in her family for generations. She has a large garden and a few sheep. She has a orchard and a forest of timber. Working the land, she barely makes ends meet. At the start of the book, she has been hearing noises outside her house for 3 nights and, although she doesn't spot anyone, she fires off a warning shot. The next day a woman dies in a car crash and her cousin tells Felicity she was coming to see her about a matter. Then Felicity finds the cousin's body on her land. Felicity wants to know why someone is interested in her land.
This book is not a thriller, adventure or action book. It's a slow, comfortable cozy mystery. I liked it because of the descriptions of the peaceful countryside. I also used to raise sheep so that interested me. The part of the story about her healing hands was not well developed and I never understood it but it wasn't central to the story. This is the start of a series and I would read another book. I received a copy from Kings River Life which sponsors cozy mystery giveaways.
This book is not a thriller, adventure or action book. It's a slow, comfortable cozy mystery. I liked it because of the descriptions of the peaceful countryside. I also used to raise sheep so that interested me. The part of the story about her healing hands was not well developed and I never understood it but it wasn't central to the story. This is the start of a series and I would read another book. I received a copy from Kings River Life which sponsors cozy mystery giveaways.
August 25, 2018
Below the Tree Line has an interesting mystery at its core and the writing is good. Felicity's healing hands add a nice touch to the story, as do the many interesting characters throughout this one. However, the pacing is very slow and the story gets a bit bogged down with all the information about the land. I prefer a faster pace and a bit of grit where this one feels more laid-back cozy mystery than gripping suspense novel. In the end, the story was interesting enough, and I kept hoping it would pick up, but the slow pace made it a little too easy to set aside for later.
September 29, 2019
This book was the very definition of "passable". I found it slow and tedious to read, the motives behind the murders were laughable, and it was just barely interesting enough to keep you reading.
Most of the book is mundane, the book only resolves itself within the last few pages. This is more a book on a woman's day to day life looking at trees than a murder mystery.
I personally look for more excitement and more thrilling events, however, if you are looking for a book that is a slower pace and isn't riding on being scary, this may be for you. I just found it to be painfully boring.
Most of the book is mundane, the book only resolves itself within the last few pages. This is more a book on a woman's day to day life looking at trees than a murder mystery.
I personally look for more excitement and more thrilling events, however, if you are looking for a book that is a slower pace and isn't riding on being scary, this may be for you. I just found it to be painfully boring.
September 1, 2018
A mystery in a small town but not a cozy. Felicity finds herself caught up in trying to untangle the whys and who's of the murder of two women near her family's farm. This is a very low key tale, with some emphasis on the farm itself and mystery within. I liked that Felicity has the ability to heal and her relationship with her friends. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a quiet one.
August 10, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy...
That was very interesting read, especially the secret of the land that no one knows about it..
Looking forward to read more about this author soon.
That was very interesting read, especially the secret of the land that no one knows about it..
Looking forward to read more about this author soon.
April 18, 2025
Truly enjoyed the pace and intrigue of this book. I found the protagonist strong, independent and smart. I learned a lot about old forests and appreciate the research it led me to. Thank you for an interesting and enjoyable read!
SP
SP
March 17, 2019
What? That’s what the mystery is all about. And I thought it was about money, gold or artifacts. It was suspenseful I give you that. Kinda a clean read, accept for the killings. I enjoyed.
April 8, 2019
Great new england story good plot good characters
June 14, 2019
I liked the quiet pace of this novel. It fit either the rural, hard working characters. Much happened. But it seemed almost zen like. No car chases, etc.
August 2, 2023
Slow. Slow. Slow.
August 9, 2018
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Midnight Ink. Thanks!
This book was a pleasant read. It is a mystery story set in a small farming community in Massachusetts. The characters were all quite likable, and I did not guess the killer’s motive ahead of time.
Personally, however, I tend to like mysteries with a bit of a harder edge than this one, which falls more into the “cozy mystery” realm, which is why I only gave it three stars.
This book was a pleasant read. It is a mystery story set in a small farming community in Massachusetts. The characters were all quite likable, and I did not guess the killer’s motive ahead of time.
Personally, however, I tend to like mysteries with a bit of a harder edge than this one, which falls more into the “cozy mystery” realm, which is why I only gave it three stars.
September 6, 2023
This book kept me reading from the first sentence to the last. She actually ended the book with "The End" something I haven't seen in a long time! I can't wait to read the next in the series, once it's written!
April 12, 2018
Below the Tree Line is an engrossing and tense mystery thriller about the greed, encroachment and attempted theft from individuals, conmen and professional developers within a small, close-knit rural community. Following a series of highly suspicious incidents, Felicity, a lone small-holder, decides to find out what is really going on! Although a little slow to start, the book soon earned its 5 stars! A thoroughly good read!
May 9, 2018
A bit slow to start, but interesting enough to keep reading. Wasn't an edge of my seat type of story, but well written with enjoyable characters.
July 24, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the characters and was interested from the start. I did learn a lot about endangered flora and trees
August 25, 2018
What a fun read! The characters are likable and I enjoyed getting to know them and this setting in rural Massachusetts.
A mystery is taking place and our main character, Felicity, takes the reader along with her as she tries to figure out what is going on. The story reminded a bit of Nancy Drew with a more mature and modern twist..
I enjoyed this book and I missed the characters as soon as I finished the book. It kept me guessing all the way to the end and I was never able to guess the answers. I will look for more of this series in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Midnight Ink for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
A mystery is taking place and our main character, Felicity, takes the reader along with her as she tries to figure out what is going on. The story reminded a bit of Nancy Drew with a more mature and modern twist..
I enjoyed this book and I missed the characters as soon as I finished the book. It kept me guessing all the way to the end and I was never able to guess the answers. I will look for more of this series in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Midnight Ink for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews