Salter's Path

by Joel J. Pawlak

Set in the coastal town of Salter Path, North Carolina, the story follows Bodhi Salter and his fiancée, Ellie, returning to Bodhi’s hometown of Salter Path. Bodhi’s ancestors moved to the island in the 1800s after a hurricane forced them to leave Diamond City on the Shackleford banks. Now, more than six generations of Salters have called Salter Path home. When Bodhi was a child, the town became embroiled in a feud following the death of Bodhi’s grandfather and uncle. After several shocking events, Bodhi’s family is killed in a fire leaving him in the care of his Aunt Kristy, his closest surviving relative.

Bodhi grows up in Garner, North Carolina, never knowing what happened the night of the fire. When Ellie and Bodhi return to Salter Path to reconnect with childhood friends and family, they become pulled into the mystery surrounding the death of Bodhi’s family. It seems like the entire town is fighting against the truth at times. Bodhi becomes overwhelmed as he relives the loss of his family, but with his fiancée, he perseveres. Ellie sees Bodhi in ways she never has when he experiences the renewal of friendships and the heartbreak of loss. Bodhi’s two childhood friends, Ley and DJ, make an oath as children to always treat Bodhi as a local. The pledge is tested as they try to navigate the simmering feud. Bodhi and Ellie befriend Detective Natchez, a State Bureau of Investigation detective that first investigated the fire. The three explore leads as a hurricane bears down on the island. A shocking revelation changes Bodhi’s life forever when the storm crashes into the island.

The story evokes the coastal scenes and characters that make small southern coastal towns so interesting. Elements of local history and lore are woven into the modern-day setting. Readers will find themselves wanting to know more about this coastal location.

This work is the author’s first novel. While he lives full-time in Raleigh, North Carolina, he finds the North Carolina coast where he is most at home. He has spent the past twenty summers living on the coast and has developed an appreciation of the micro-culture in small coastal towns. His stories center around people’s secret lives, blending idealized life with painful realities. The tales vividly depict beautiful surroundings with people and characters that overcome their history to emerge renewed.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2022

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read this because we have a house in Emerald Isle. Love how he talked about so many landmarks & restaurants that I’m familiar with. I learned a lot about the area as well. It was a great story with an unexpected twist that kept me picking up the book. I finished it in a few days. My only criticism is the writing was very stiff/robotic. I had to make myself read it as I would say it. He didn’t use a lot of contractions and I just can’t picture 20 something’s speaking like that. Overall, it was a great story. Hoping he writes more books based in the same area.

[margo wheeler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing on many levels

The author started out writing dialogue with the accent unique to the area then completely abandoned the effort. His continual repetition of the main characters looking at and commenting on the other's body when walking became ridiculous. All the main plot points especially the oncoming storm were heavy handedly telegraphed. His F150 trucks, riding "bitch" and "Trump's vaccine" were also unnecessarily off putting without being explored or used to fully explore the characters. I cannot recommend this book. There is a lot of other great Southern literature out there.

[Kim Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

salter path

This book was recommended by my niece Madeline who lives in Pine Knoll Shores. I can’t wait to tell her how much I LOVED IT. Beautiful love story that emerged from the ashes of family tragedy. I hope Mr. Pawlak will have another story ready soon. His story telling is reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks.

[Kelley Marshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I apologize for scoring this book so low. But I actually grew up in the area that the story takes place. Mr Pawlak gets so very much wrong. I realize that I may be more critical than most readers as I was born and raised in the area. But much of his book is cringeworthy to this carteret county native.

[William Heizer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good description of life in small coastal town.

Liked the small coastal town true-to-life description. Plot slow to develop but captivating in finale. Entertaining, straightforward fiction to read.

[Myrtle Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline itself was decent. I think if it had real people as narrators instead of virtual voice narration it would have been better. This is one of those books where it would have been better to read it than to listen to it.

[Lisa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

I really enjoyed this book. Adventure mystery and honest love without pornography. The story line took you in and I wish there was a sequel

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book except for the parts that were a little farfetched (in my opinion) concerning the whodunit parts.

[Teresa S · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE

We have a home at Indian Beach. I loved the whole story and being familiar with what I was reading vi hope there will be another.

[Jo Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book only gets a two because he did write a book, develop a plot and bring it to a conclusion, which is certainly an achievement. Other than that, I cannot recommend this one. Full of the judgy tropes that most non-natives of Carteret County frequently toss out, it’s unbelievable, inaccurate about the local area and in particular, demonstrates the author’s lack of knowledge of the history, culture and geography of Salter Path. I could barely stomach it and finished it only because I am not a quitter. This local was not impressed. If you liked the Salter Path represented in this book, please stay inland, lol.

[Beth Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about Salter Path

I loved reading about places around Emerald Isle and Salter Path!!! Great story line too. Hope the author writes another book based in coastal NC!

[Christy Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the writing but ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for personal resonation