The Cottonwood Trap

Mason Sistrick is no stranger to trouble. Between dodging chores at his family's rural motel and slipping away to the creek with his best friend, his days are filled with adventure, teasing, and a healthy dose of rebellion. But when a thoughtless decision spirals into real consequences, Mason finds himself carrying a secret too heavy to ignore. As family tensions rise, he must choose between his own selfish interests and the interests of his family and friends. Set against the sweeping backdrop of California's Owens Valley, The Cottonwood Trap is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores friendship, death, guilt, and the fragile moment between innocence and accountability. With richly drawn characters and a strong emotional core, this novel captures the life-changing moments that define who we become. For readers drawn to quiet courage and hard-won wisdom, this story leaves a mark long after the final page.