Heart of America Mall: A Novel about Junk

In Wichita, Kansas, the town is in a frenzy over the abduction of toddler pageant sensation Lindy Bobo. However, at The Coronary Heart of America Vintage Mall, the vendors are too consumed by their own idiosyncrasies to take much notice. From postcards to fragrances, Barbies to vinyl records, and quirky neon beer signs, they amass and peddle all sorts of retro treasures.

Amidst the bustling activities at The Coronary heart of America mall, the focus shifts away from Lindy and onto a new drama involving the arrival of Mark and Grant from the popular antiques TV show, Pickin’ Fortunes. Scheduled to film an episode at the mall, they might just be the key to saving it from bankruptcy. As the plot thickens, connections between the mall, a missing beauty queen, and the vendors unravel, setting off a chain of events leading to unexpected revelations about Lindy’s whereabouts. Will Mark and Grant be deterred by the unfolding drama, or will they step in just in time to rescue The Coronary Heart of America from its impending fate?

Coronary Heart of Junk is a captivating blend of humor and suspense that also serves as a thought-provoking critique of today's Marie Kondo era. This novel delves into the emotional connections we have with certain objects, challenging Kondo’s approach of decluttering everything and arguing that what some may label as "junk" can hold immense value. Author Luke Geddes beautifully articulates how a collection can reflect a life lived with attention and passion, shaping a unique autobiography that connects us to our personal and collective histories.