- “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain – Although not exclusively set in Missouri, this classic novel by Mark Twain portrays the adventures of young Tom Sawyer, who lives in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, inspired by Twain’s own experiences growing up in Hannibal, Missouri.
- “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn – Set in suburban Missouri, this psychological thriller follows the story of a husband whose wife mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. The novel delves into themes of deceit, marriage, and suspense.
- “Winter’s Bone” by Daniel Woodrell – This novel is set in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri and tells the tale of a young girl named Ree Dolly who sets out on a dangerous quest to find her father. The story provides a gritty depiction of a rural community and the challenges faced by its residents.
- “The Personal History of Rachel DuPree” by Ann Weisgarber – Although mainly set in South Dakota, this historical novel partially takes place in the Missouri River Valley. It tells the story of Rachel DuPree, an African American woman striving to build a life with her family in the early 20th century.
- “Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster” by Dana Thomas – While not a work of fiction, this non-fiction book explores the luxury industry and its impact on society. The author hails from Missouri and includes references to her hometown of St. Louis throughout the book.
- “The Winter of Our Discontent” by John Steinbeck – Though not exclusively set in Missouri, this novel features Ethan Allen Hawley, a former war veteran from a small town in New Baytown, which could be seen as reflective of Steinbeck’s experiences in the Midwest, including Missouri.
- “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs – Another non-fiction work, this influential book discusses urban planning and the complexities of city life. Although not exclusively about Missouri, the author’s observations and theories can be applied to various cities, including those in Missouri.
- “The Weight of Blood” by Laura McHugh – Set in the Ozark Mountains, this mystery/thriller tells the story of Lucy Dane, a young woman determined to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance. The author herself comes from Missouri and beautifully captures the rural atmosphere in her writing.
- “Die for You” by Amy Fellner Dominy – This young adult suspense novel is set in contemporary Missouri and follows the story of a teenage girl whose boyfriend goes missing. It explores themes of love, loyalty, and obsession, weaving a gripping tale of mystery and self-discovery.
- “The Middlesteins” by Jami Attenberg – Although primarily set in the Chicago area, this novel includes scenes in Clayton, Missouri. It humorously depicts the story of a dysfunctional Jewish-American family and their struggles with love, weight issues, and interpersonal relationships.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous films set in Missouri
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