Plot Summary

Bearskin

James A. Mclaughlin
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Bearskin

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020

Book Brief

James A. Mclaughlin

Bearskin

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Virginia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1030L

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Super Short Summary

In James A. McLaughlin’s thriller, Bearskin (2018), the forest caretaker Rick Morton, using the alias Rice Moore, fights to stop bear poaching in Appalachian Virginia while evading his criminal past. Communing with nature, he uncovers a local illegal wildlife trade, confronting poachers and grappling with his history and trauma as the cartel seeks revenge. Topics include graphic violence and sexual assault.

Mysterious

Dark

Gritty

Suspenseful

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

8,407 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

James A. McLaughlin's Bearskin is lauded for its atmospheric prose and suspenseful narrative, blending crime thriller with deep environmental themes. Critics appreciate its vivid depiction of nature and morally complex protagonist. Some find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bearskin?

Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin captivates readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers and richly woven narratives. Fans of rural noir and suspense novels like Daniel Woodrell's Winter's Bone or Ron Rash's Serena will find the blend of tense action and deep ecological awareness compelling.

4.0

8,407 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Virginia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1030L

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