A Midcoast Murder — Stephen E. Stanley

High school English teacher Jesse Ashworth is having a mid-life crisis. Should he take early retirement or continue teaching? When his best friend, Rhonda Shepard, retires and moves to the coast of Maine to open a gift shop, Jesse offers to help her set up her business. Much to Jesse's surprise, Rhonda's gift shop in located in the town where Jesse grew up. Jesse must not only deal with relocation, but he must also reestablish ties that he had severed thirty-some years ago. Jesse purchases a run-down 1920's bungalow called Eagles' Nest. The house was the site of a 1960's commune and has been more or less neglected in recent years. While digging a garden in the isolated back yard, Jesse and his pug dog, Argus, make a gruesome discovery. Police chief Tim Mallory is one of the first on the scene of the discovery. Tim and Jesse were in the same high school graduation class and have a shared history. Tim and Jesse begin the investigation of the unknown victim and struggle to renew their friendship. Jesse and Tim begin to research what they believe to be a cold-case file until threats to several former classmates help provide clues to the murder. While Jesse is investigating the murder, he is also struggling to deal with new relationships and establish a sense of place for himself. The events of the plot allow Jesse to explore new areas of his life. Jesse is able to solve the murder by a careful attention to detail and some blind luck. In helping to solve the mystery, Jesse has found his way home again.