logo

53 pages 1 hour read

Pines

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Blake Crouch

Pines

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

303

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wayward Pines, Idaho • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Blake Crouch's Pines, Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrives in the small, idyllic town of Wayward Pines to investigate the disappearance of two fellow agents, only to uncover sinister secrets that complicate his mission and his attempts to escape. The book features depictions of abduction, imprisonment, torture, psychological manipulation, and mob violence.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.1

182,096 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Blake Crouch's Pines receives praise for its fast-paced, gripping narrative and well-developed suspense. Reviewers highlight the intriguing plot twists and evocative small-town atmosphere. However, some readers note that character depth is occasionally lacking and certain plot points feel rushed. Despite this, the book is widely regarded as a compelling thriller.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pines?

Readers who enjoy thrillers with a blend of mystery and sci-fi will love Pines by Blake Crouch. Fans of The X-Files or Wayward Pines TV series, as well as those who appreciate the suspenseful narratives found in Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park or Stephen King's Under the Dome, will find this novel captivating.

4.1

182,096 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Ethan Burke

A determined former Secret Service agent and Gulf War veteran who finds himself trapped in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines, confronting challenges to his identity and reality while trying to navigate his complex relationships with his wife and son.

A reclusive billionaire and the creator of Wayward Pines, who adopts the guise of Dr. Jenkins, a psychiatrist, to manipulate and obstruct Ethan's search for truth, revealing a complex moral character driven by a belief in the survival of humanity.

A bartender in Wayward Pines who tries to help Ethan understand the mysteries of the town; she raises questions about time and provides him with crucial information about escape.

Ethan's wife, who remains committed to their strained marriage and navigates the challenges of their family's integration into Wayward Pines, facing difficult choices regarding the safety of their son, Ben.

The authoritative, sometimes brutal figure responsible for enforcing control in Wayward Pines, his demeanor and actions challenge Ethan's understanding of authority and identity within the town.

Book Details
Pages

303

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wayward Pines, Idaho • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.