Local author Heather Meldrum Kaminski has released her second novel, “The Deadly Secret in Cook Forest,“ the latest installment in her ”Pennsylvania Wilds“ series.

Kaminski’s new release begins with a chilling premise: in November 2023, two friends entered Cook Forest, but only one came out alive. Locals thought they knew the story, but the truth is far darker. The sequel uncovers a web of evil more shocking than anyone imagined, pulling readers into a tale of suspense and betrayal set against the backdrop of one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved forests, according to a news release from Kaminski.

A portion of the proceeds from her books will be donated to help preserve Pennsylvania’s parks and forests. With her first book, she contributed to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation, and she plans to expand that support with each new release, the news release said.

Born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Kaminski grew up on 90 acres in central Pennsylvania and spent summers along Fishing Creek. Those experiences gave her a lifelong love for the outdoors and continue to inspire the settings of her novels, said the news release.

“The Deadly Secret in Cook Forest“ is available now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, BookLocker and other major online retailers.