Historical Fiction / Mythology
Date Published: ‎April 7, 2026
Publisher: ‎ Manhattan Book Group
young Albert Pingree’s life and leaves him the keeper of a truth so staggering
it could tear apart mankind’s understanding of itself. Sixty years later, his
granddaughter Mallory – a small-town veterinarian in rural New Hampshire,
inherits more than his fortune; she inherits his secret. When Albert is found
dead behind his remote British Columbia cabin, Mallory is drawn into a world
of deception, lost identity, and scientific obsession. Inside a locked candle
box, she uncovers a horrific relic – a severed hand too large to be human –
and a note that beckons her toward the impossible.
Mallory recruits Dr. George Avery, the world’s leading field zoologist to help
her identify what she has found. At first, he is reluctant, unaware of the
magnitude of what she has brought to him. As the puzzle begins to take shape,
he is confronted by what the answers they find, reveal.
Exploring deeper, their growing affection ignites a sense of purpose, even as
they face the shadows of the past and the dangers of their pursuit. In the
haunting wilds of the Pacific Northwest, nature’s grandeur and brutality are
ever-present. Tangled forests and untamed rivers, bears, wolves, and the
ancient reverence of Indigenous traditions surround them, blurring the lines
between myth and reality. Their quest becomes a journey not only to solve a
mystery, but to reconcile love, loneliness, and the immortal question of our
place in a world still ruled by secrets.
author whose creative and editorial work has reached millions of people
worldwide. He is recognized for his innovative vision and exceptional
versatility and reach, crafting narratives that reflect powerful insight into
the natural world and our relationship to it.
His debut novel, SASQ’ET will be released on April 7, 2026.
Max holds an honorary doctorate from Connecticut College and a degree in
Anthropology. He is a member of The Writer’s Guild and past participant
at the Breadloaf Writer’s Conference. His editorial and creative writing
has been published by The New York Times, Philadelphia Enquirer, Gannett,
Wildlife Conservation Magazine, PBS, Disney, and the Wildlife Conservation
Society.
Max produced the multi-media Making of Sgt. Pepper with Sir George Martin,
featuring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Phil Collins.
He wrote and produced the most complete filmed history of the Beatles through
the eyes of Sir George who signed them, produced their work, and played on
many of their recordings. A part Max’s film became the award-winning PBS
series Soundbreaking.
Many of the greatest pop culture icons of the 20th century have collaborated
with Max on projects he has created, written, and produced including Herbie
Hancock, Brian Wilson, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, B.B. King, Tony Bennett,
Vince Gill, Burt Bacharach, Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Michael Tilson
Thomas, Gordon Lightfoot, Smokey Robinson, Jack White, Dave Grohl, Run-DMC,
and Willie Nelson. A more complete listing of artists he has worked with can
be found at: www.maximlangstaff.com
Known for his work with John Denver, Max created and produced the acclaimed
television event, the Wildlife Concert, spawning the highest rated music
program in cable TV history upon broadcast, two multi-platinum CD sets, and
one of the best-selling music video programs ever released by SONY.
Working with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Max helped lead the largest
fundraising effort ($100mm) ever undertaken for wildlife conservation, seeding
the first integrated global conservation initiative to save endangered tigers.
On any given day you will likely find him on a wilderness river or mountain
trail. A three-time Boston Marathoner, he lives in North Carolina.
SASQ’ET is his first novel.
