Peter Heller is good at something that sounds like a contradiction–the literary thriller. His descriptions, especially of nature, are beautifully done. Of course when the writing is good, the inclination is to slow down and savour, but Heller adds thriller suspense that also makes you want to speed up to find out what’s going on.
If you can find the patience to enjoy the lyrical writing while managing the suspense, these books might be for you. The evil uncovered in the end was not entirely plausible, but entertaining enough. Of the two, Heller is clearly still better at ‘literary’ than ‘thriller’ but I enjoyed the scenic wilderness ride anyway.
The Guide is a worthy sequel to The River. I would recommend reading The River first if you are new to this author, because clearly this follows in the aftermath of the first book.
Jack, looking for an escape to deal with grief, is hired by an elite fishing lodge in Colorado where amidst the natural beauty of sun-drenched streams and forests he uncovers a plot of shocking menace.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
I liked, but didn’t love The River, but I really enjoyed an earlier book of his, Celine. Loved the older, female detective.