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Down the Hill by Susan Hendricks is the book everyone will be reading as the 2025 One Book One County Montcalm (OBOC) selection.

The book was announced at the May 20 kickoff celebration at Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus, which featured guest speaker Trooper Travis Rogers with the Michigan State Police. The book was unveiled by retired Montcalm County Prosecutor Andrea Krause, who served in the prosecutor’s office for 35 years, and for 26 years as the elected prosecutor, and by Lisa Rogers, who served as office manager alongside Krause for 26 years.

This year’s pick delves into the investigation of a tragic double homicide involving two teenagers in Delphi, Indiana — Abby Williams and Libby German — and the profound, lasting effect it has had on the community.

In Down the Hill, Hendricks takes a closer look at the case that gripped the nation, examining the unwavering strength and advocacy of the victims’ families, along with the far-reaching consequences the crime has had on Delphi and the broader Midwest. This is more than a true crime story; it’s a portrait of a small American town deeply scarred by an unthinkable act of violence. It explores how families and communities navigate grief and begin to heal, while also highlighting the challenges faced by local law enforcement and the growing role of technology in solving crimes. At its core, though, the book is a testament to human resilience, empathy, and the powerful connections that arise in the face of tragedy.

A series of book discussions about Down the Hill are planned this summer, including:

• Carson City Public Library, Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m.
• Crystal Community Library, Tuesday, July 15, at 1 p.m.
• Flat River Community Library in Greenville, Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m.
• Home Township Library in Edmore, Thursday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m.
• Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library in Howard City, Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m.
• Tamarack District Library in Lakeview, Thursday, June 26, at 5 p.m.
• Montcalm Community College Library on the college’s Sidney campus, Wednesday, July 23, at 12 noon
• Richland Township Library in Vestaburg, Friday, July 25, at 11 a.m.
• White Pine District Library in Stanton, Wednesday, July 16, at 1 p.m.

The closing event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. in rooms D303-305 in the Beatrice E. Doser Building on MCC’s Sidney campus.

Members of Abby Williams' family will join One Book guests for a meaningful discussion about the profound impact Abby’s loss has had on their lives. During this panel-style conversation, they will share personal family photos, along with stories of both joy and grief, offering a heartfelt glimpse into their journey. White Pine District Library Director Jessica Hansen will guide the discussion.

Admission is free. RSVP is required to attend by Sept. 16. Visit www.montcalm.edu/One-Book for a link to register or call 989-328-1261.

One Book One County Montcalm is sponsored by MCC, the MCC Foundation and the public libraries of Montcalm County.

For more information, visit www.montcalm.edu/one-book or call the MCC Library at 989-328-1261.