Summer lethargy often inspires the greatest adventures or the worst tragedies—or both. In Visitation Street (Dennis Lehane Books, $15.99) June and Val look to escape the sun-baked oven of their Red Hook neighborhood with a nocturnal rafting trip. The next morning, Val washes ashore alone and dazed—with no idea where June is. What happens next affects the entire community in several different ways. One local merchant tries to unite the neighborhood. Richard, who rescued Val, takes an uncomfortable stock of his past failures. Meanwhile, Val is left desperately praying for a miracle to bring back her friend. Visitation Street is the second book published under Dennis Lehane’s imprint and, like the accomplished literary mystery writer, Ivy Pochoda makes the setting as much a character as the people. Red Hook’s crumbling warehouses, creaking docks, and the smells of diesel and salt water combine to create a symphony for the senses. This is a rare mystery that entrances us with its sense of place while keeping us engaged in its suspenseful tale.