Timothy Silver’s new book, Death in Briar Bottom: The True Story of Hippies, Mountain Lawmen, and the Search for Justice in the Early 1970s, is a gripping investigative history. He will read from it at two free events: at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, Sunday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. (preregister online), and at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, Monday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.

Whereas interstates and nature dominate the first two sections of “If Lost,” the third and final portion, “Don’t Be Afraid,” weaves the collection together through its more direct meditations on death, regret and moments of connection.