What is the setting of Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult?

The setting of the novel is primarily a town called Salem Falls, New Hampshire. It is a small peaceful town, and most of the people known each other. There is a very low crime rate, and it is basically considered a safe place to live. This accounts for the townspeople's reaction when they learn about Jack St. Bride's conviction for sexual assault. Small town people have a tendency to circle the wagons when one of their own is threatened or endangered and shun the outsider.