At nineteen, Dylan's brilliant mind is an asset as he struggles with severe ADHD and deteriorating living conditions. He's one semester away from completing his college degree in ecology, but he's out of cash, out of soap, and about to be evicted.
When the owner of a creepy faux-chateau offers a handsome wage for a list of species found on the property, Dylan can't believe his good luck. He's about to be paid to wander in the woods. How hard can it be to make a plant list?
Dylan's contract is threatened when a body is found in the woods. Dylan taps his lightning-fast mind to do some detective work, but he is constantly undermined by his poor executive functioning. He can discourse eloquently on the significance of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, but he can't find his wallet. He longs to adopt an orphaned West Highland terrier, but he's not sure he'd remember to feed a dog. He certainly can't afford a bag of dog kibble, much less the repairs needed on his vintage Honda, even as he can confidently name the mosses, lichens and slime molds found in the local woods.
How can Dylan's intuitive grasp of ecology and the complex life cycles of the Myxogastria help to expose a killer? And how does he protect his friends and a small, confused dog from those who eagerly embrace violence?
Ellen King Rice is a wildlife biologist who explores the woods while wearing leg braces. Her slow pace has provided opportunities to learn about the Northwest's small and cryptic species. Her vivid adventures shine a spotlight on the richness found on the forest floor. Her books are augmented by crisp illustrations from Olympia artist, Duncan Sheffels. This award-winning pair have been charming woodland lovers since 2016.