The Last Ranger

Heller returns to the magnificent and wild Yellowstone National Park in this quietly urgent eco-thriller. Ren Hopper was born to be a ranger, but his work has grown increasingly difficult as more humans than ever flock to our nation’s national parks. Man and nature have peacefully coexisted during Ren’s tenure, but he fears that balance can’t last, given the human behavior he’s witnessed in the park lately. When a wolf researcher is nearly killed in the park, Ren suspects it was no accident—and he begins to tail his prime suspect, a local poacher involved in a dangerous grassroots militia group. This one shines for its evocative setting, lyrical commentary, intriguing science, and sympathetic protagonist.