Remember What You Leave Behind

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for trusting me with What You Leave Behind by Wanda Morris. While Ms. Morris is a new author for me, I was immediately drawn to this book since it is about the South.

What You Leave Behind begins with the main character, Deena, returning home to Brunswick, Georgia following a difficult series of events. Deena has lost her job as a lawyer in Atlanta, she is getting a divorce and her mother has died. She is trying to start her life over in a new job but is quickly pulled into a situation where people of color are dying/missing and their property is being sold. The police do not seem overly interested in investigating the deaths or missing persons. Deena sets out to investigate.

The book brings to light a real issue known as heirs property where property passes from generation to generation without legal ownership. This results in ownership being divided among several living descendants. This is a recipe for disaster for the family and an opportunity for developers to acquire the property cheaply. I really appreciate Ms. Morris bringing this issue forward.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. The story and the characters were rich and kept me engaged. The only part of the book I struggled with were the supernatural aspects. Those parts were not for me.

Until next time, keep turning those pages....