Native son of Salisbury and New York Times bestselling author John Hart has offered the occasion of the pre-release of his new novel, “Redemption Road” to benefit The LandTrust for Central North Carolina.

As a former LandTrust board member, Hart has long been a supporter of the conservation mission. Many of his bestselling thrillers are set in the familiar geography of the North Carolina Piedmont and reflect his knowledge of local history and the natural environment.

Hart has done it again with “Redemption Road,” creating for his characters a landscape of the imagination that resembles the places we North Carolinians love. The LandTrust is proud to be part of this opportunity. His book is one of 12 2016 Spring Okra Picks by the Southern Independent Booksellers.

In addition to Southern culinary delights by Divine Appetit, guests will receive a signed copy of “Redemption Road.” Hart and his publisher, Peter Wolverton, will discuss the novel and the writing process.

Hart’s first novel in five years has been eagerly anticipated. Set in small town North Carolina, dedicated but troubled detective Elizabeth Black faces a case that pushes her to her limits and, ultimately, to darkness and unpredictability. Hart delivers a gripping plot with stunning twists and compelling characters with masterful storytelling.

The event will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St., in downtown Salisbury. The museum was built in 1854 as a county courthouse — the perfect setting for a Southern mystery with legal twists and turns. To buy event tickets, visit www.landtrustcnc.org/2016/johnhart/.

Adding to the excitement, The LandTrust is hosting a raffle to name a character in Hart’s next novel. Tickets for the Character Naming Raffle will be sold for $20 each with proceeds benefiting The LandTrust. The winner will be drawn at the event but does not need to be present to win. Entries may be purchased online at www.landtrustcnc.org or at the event.

For more information about The LandTrust for Central North Carolina, please contact The LandTrust at 704-647-0302 or alicia@landtrustcnc.org, or visit their website at www.landtrustcnc.org.