A NATURAL MYSTERY

by KATE BALDWIN

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Amid the isolation of Covid, an Illustrator is embroiled in a natural mystery, and she must solve it to trust herself again.

What begins with scholastic curiosity quickly pulls Jane into a web of psychedelic visions, questionable romance, and murder. 

It’s 2020, and Jane, a scientific illustrator, has just moved to the woods in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. After volunteering to foster a troubled shelter dog, Jane and her new pup, Bumbershoot, stumble upon unusual hexagon-shaped mushrooms on the bark of oak trees. Jane follows her scientific instincts to investigate further, but suspicious trespassers at night and vandalism spell danger. Isolated and solitary, Jane is making risky decisions in a vacuum. Her neighbor is handsome and appealing, but what is going on in his shed at night? When she sees a dead body in the woods, Jane realizes her nosy inquiry may have gone too far. Will her relentless curiosity about the natural world help her solve the mystery of these growths, or will her meddling lead her deeper into jeopardy?

The Formations is a murder mystery with a biological puzzle. The novella is illustrated with news posts and natural history clues for the reader to unravel.

Published by:

Madison Wisconsin

Read by Monica Buch

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  • Novella for Adults (mild sexual and drug content)
  • Biology- and murder mystery
  • Natural History anecdotes

Reviews

“The Formations is an intriguing mystery that blends science and suspense, providing a fresh take on the typical murder mystery genre. This novella is a thought-provoking page-turner that will keep readers guessing until the very end."

Allison S.

PhD Biologist

“An entertaining plot blending science with mystery. Grabs the reader from the first sentence.”

Janice B.

Wisconsin Nature Admirer

“I almost never read fiction, but I made an exception with this book and I'm so glad I did! Two of my favorite subjects -- natural wonders and animal rescue woven into a suspenseful mystery with a clever surprise ending. Plus whimsical illustrations!"

Bonnie B.

Wildlife Rehabber

“I listen to audiobooks all day and this is the first one I have heard that incorporates natural background sounds, the sounds of the forest.

That plus the pleasant voice and talent of the reader made this book a fun listen."

Barbara R.

Audiobook Aficionado

"Buy it! Read it! You won’t regret it. Page turner - with an unexpected twist."

Kelley S.

Wisconsin Outdoorswoman

“Romance, mystery, mycology... this book has it all! It was a really fun read."

Carrie O.

Dog Rescuer

“Scattered throughout are a nature-lover’s observations and bits of biological information that are a pleasure to read. Behind all this are several levels of suspense on several fronts – surviving in the era of Covid, a lost dog, the hallucinatory effects of a strange mushroom, a dead body in the woods – all nicely handled by the author. A good book, recommended for its easy reading and its originality."

Peter L.

Evolution & Genetics Professor

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Kate Baldwin, Phd, lives in Wisconsin with her husband and cat. She works as an analytical illustrator.

The Formations, © 2023

Streamwood Press

Kate Baldwin LLC