Our 2024 impact report is here! Read now

Send as gift Add to Wish List

Almost ready!

In order to save audiobooks to your Wish List you must be signed in to your account.

Shelterwood

A Novel

by Lisa Wingate

Length 14 hours 1 minute

Language English

Narrators Christine Lakin, Jenna Lamia & Dan Bittner

This audiobook uses AI narration.

We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.

Learn more

Send as gift Add to Wish List

Almost ready!

In order to save audiobooks to your Wish List you must be signed in to your account.

Bookseller recommendation

“Lisa Wingate does it again. This book kept me listening in my car even after I’d arrived at my destination. Her characters are so realistic and her historical research is on point. There’s a reason her books shoot to the top of my TBR and Shelterwood was no exception. ”
— Jean • Books on Main

Bookseller recommendation

“I loved this audio book especially the narrator/s; the voices were so distinct it really helped me get into the narrative. This book alternates between the voice of a present day female park ranger- the only and first female at this park, and a young girl in the early 1900’s both inhabit the same areas in the Winding Stair Mountains in Oklahoma. The story illustrates the plight of the children in the early 1900’s who were often exploited for the land their parents left them. You can tell the author did a lot of research. It’s a little reminiscent of Killers of the Flower Moon.”
— Ashley • A Novel Escape

Summary

USA TODAY AND PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER • “Wingate’s stellar latest explores a centuries-long legacy of missing child cases. . . . Her portrayal of the region’s history, culture, and landscape enthralls. Wingate is at the top of her game.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes “a sweeping tale about little known history” (People).

1990. Law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren-Odell arrives at Horsethief Trail National Park seeking a quiet place to raise her son. But no sooner has Valerie reported for duty than a teenage hiker goes missing and the long-hidden burial site of three children is discovered in a cave. Val’s quest to uncover the truth wins an ally among the Choctaw Nation’s Tribal Police but soon collides with the deadly legacy of the land itself.

1909. Eleven-year-old Olive Radley knows that her stepfather is a threat to the two Choctaw girls boarded in their home. When the older girl disappears, Ollie flees, taking six-year-old Nessa with her. Together they begin a perilous journey to the remote Winding Stair Mountains, the territory of outlaws, treasure hunters, and desperate men. Along the way, they form an unlikely band with other children struggling to get by on their own.

In this gripping novel, Lisa Wingate traces the story of children abandoned by the law and the battle to see justice done. Amid times of deep conflict over who owns the land and its riches, Ollie and Val each leave behind one life in search of another.

*Includes a downloadable PDF with a listing of primary resources and recommendations from the book, for further reading

Fiction Historical Fiction Fiction - Literary

Featured in these playlists...

Ann's Recent Listens

Books on Main's Favorite Audiobooks of 2024

Jocose June Staff Picks

Kasey's Summer '24 Recs

Audiobook details

Author:
Lisa Wingate

Narrators:
Christine Lakin, Jenna Lamia & Dan Bittner

ISBN:
9780593909218

Length:
14 hours 1 minute

Language:
English

Publisher:
Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group

Publication date:
June 4, 2024

Edition:
Unabridged

PDF extra:
Available

Libro.fm rank:
#7,705 Overall

Genre rank:
#761 in Historical Fiction

Reviews

“A seamlessly crafted tale of tragedy, resilience, and triumph, this powerful novel needs to go to the top of your list. Lisa Wingate once again gives poignant voice to the ‘lost’ children of American history.”—Lisa Scottoline, author of Eternal and Loyalty

“Shelterwood is an instant American classic and a diamond in the crown of Lisa Wingate’s canon of atmospheric and emotional novels. The story of Ollie and Nessa is a page-turner.”—Adriana Trigiani, author of The Good Left Undone

“A complex and fascinating tapestry woven with threads of history, mystery, and menace that proves yet again that there is no finer storyteller at work today than Lisa Wingate.”—William Kent Krueger, author of The River We Remember

“I barely put Shelterwood down as my new favorite heroine, Ranger Valerie, uncovered the chilling story of children displaced by land barons. This book has it all—two fabulous heroines, a little-known true story, and a setting to die for.”—Martha Hall Kelly, author of Lilac Girls and The Golden Doves

“Wingate’s best book yet! Shelterwood explores crucial societal issues against the nail-biting backdrop of early-twentieth-century Oklahoma, where the struggle for land and oil threatens lives. . . . A spellbinding and important tale.”—Marie Benedict, author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie and The Personal Librarian

“Riveting and powerful! Wingate brings to life the shocking tale of greed and little girls forced to save themselves. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I doubt I will ever forget this story.”—Vanessa Miller, author of The American Queen

“Wingate’s signature talent for deeply realized characters, awe-inspiring prose, and page-turning mystery has never been more manifest. This captivating story will absorb your mind and heart and won’t let go.”—Patti Callahan Henry, author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

“Lisa Wingate works her signature magic in creating strong, smart, and willful children who survive at any cost. Shelterwood is as heartwarming as it is mysterious and utterly absorbing.”—Sadeqa Johnson, author of The House of Eve

“Wingate’s stellar latest explores a centuries-long legacy of missing child cases. . . . Wingate’s insightful depiction of her young characters’ vulnerability and resourcefulness enriches the intricate plotting, and her portrayal of the region’s history, culture, and landscape enthralls. Wingate is at the top of her game.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) Expand reviews