VISITATION STR

Dive into the gritty, atmospheric world of Red Hook, Brooklyn, with Ivy Pochoda's critically acclaimed novel, *Visitation Street*. Selected by Dennis Lehane for his imprint, this gripping literary mystery explores the ripple effects of a teenage girl's disappearance on a tight-knit, blue-collar community clinging to the edge of New York City. Summer heat hangs heavy over Visitation Street, where the salty air mixes with secrets and unspoken tensions. Fifteen-year-olds June and Val, seeking escape from the ordinary, venture out onto the bay one fateful night. Their raft becomes a vessel of tragedy, returning only Val, washed ashore and haunted by a truth she can barely comprehend. June is gone, vanished into the murky depths, leaving behind a void that exposes the cracks in Red Hook's foundation. Pochoda masterfully weaves together the lives of a diverse and compelling cast of characters, each grappling with their own personal demons and caught in the undertow of June's disappearance. Fadi, the Lebanese bodega owner, sees his shop as the heart of the neighborhood, a place to gather news and search for clues, offering a glimpse into the insular world of Red Hook. Cree, a young man striving to rebuild his life after the murder of his father, finds himself unjustly suspected, forcing him to navigate the treacherous currents of prejudice and suspicion. He finds an unlikely protector in a mysterious figure who watches over him. Val, burdened by survivor's guilt and the fragmented memories of that night, retreats into herself, burying the truth deep within. Her teacher, Jonathan, a Julliard School dropout drowning his regrets in alcohol, confronts his own past failings as he tries to guide Val through her trauma. Jonathan's struggles mirror the larger narrative of shattered dreams and the weight of unspoken burdens that permeates Red Hook. *Visitation Street* is more than just a suspenseful whodunit; it's a poignant exploration of community, loss, and the secrets we keep hidden beneath the surface. Pochoda's lyrical prose captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of Red Hook, a place where the past clings to the present and the future remains uncertain. With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and evocative setting, *Visitation Street* is a haunting and unforgettable read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Discover why critics have praised Pochoda's masterful storytelling and her ability to create a truly immersive and unforgettable literary experience. If you loved Dennis Lehane's *Mystic River* or Laura Lippman's *Baltimore* novels, you'll be captivated by *Visitation Street*.