The novel "Pines" by Blake Crouch follows Ethan Burke, a U.S. Secret Service agent who arrives in a small town called Wayward Pines, Idaho, on a mission to locate two missing federal agents. Upon arriving, he experiences a series of strange events, including memory loss and encounters with unhelpful locals. The peculiar atmosphere of the town and its inhabitants leads Ethan to suspect there is something deeply wrong with Wayward Pines.
As Ethan investigates further, he discovers a sinister secret about the town. The residents seem to live under unusual rules, and the town's isolation is evident. Tension builds as Ethan struggles to uncover the truth while facing personal challenges and threats from unknown assailants. The story weaves elements of suspense and mystery that keep readers engaged.