Tree Huggers is a fast-paced whodunit thrill ride featuring a deadly clash between an unscrupulous developer and a militant environmental group. Murder, intrigue, clues and chase scenes fill the book’s pages.

Kate Dennison is a tenacious, recently-divorced single mother who has re-entered the work force, pursuing independence and her dream of being a journalist. Her dream job, however, turns out to be really quite boring as she covers the basic small-town meetings and school happenings. Then her editor has her investigate a fire arson that resulted in the deaths of two prominent men. Kate finds herself being supported by wonderful people who help look after her daughter on one hand; on the other, her overbearing ex-husband and his new woman antagonize and frustrate her. All the while, Kate must deal with death threats, insults, bodily injury and more.

You don’t want to miss this book! I loved every aspect of author Judy Nichols' second novel. From the environment to the action-packed storyline, Tree Huggers has it all. Unfortunately, I could not find information on eco-printing options that were taken by the publisher (acid- or chlorine-free paper, recycled content, veggie inks, carbon offsetting, eco-registered forests, etc.), and because of this I have docked the rating by a one-half star.

Nichols spent much of her life within a 40-mile radius of Cincinnati between Ohio and Indiana before the family relocated to North Carolina, where they experienced the ocean. Even though much of her working life has involved various aspects of writing, Nichols began her first novel, Caviar Dreams, while raising her children - this book involved over five years of work for the author. Nichols' work with the Nature Conservancy inspired Tree Huggers.