Apostle's Cove by William Kent Krueger

APOSTLE’S COVE by William Kent Krueger (This Tender Land and Fox Creek) is book 21 in his excellent series which features lawman Cork O’Connor of the Boundary Waters area in rural Minnesota. This tale transports readers twenty-five years into the past with one of Cork’s first murder investigations as Sheriff. At that time, Cork had misgivings about the resolution to a brutal murder that involved an Ojibwe man named Axel Boshey. Once again, Krueger explores a crime of passion, substance abuse, and the prejudices against Indigenous peoples. Because it is telling a story from long ago, APOSTLE’S COVE could work as a stand-alone (the publisher calls it “the perfect entry point for anyone who might be new to the series”). The first half of this novel is set firmly in the past, but the case is revived in the modern day during the second half when Cork’s son gets involved through an Innocence Project like effort. Was the wrong person sent to prison? Is the killer still at large? The conclusion is full of evil and felt a bit rushed, but it’s balanced by the wisdom of tribal elder Henry Meloux and Cork’s persistence in solving a suspenseful mystery (as Cork says, “Truth is a tricky critter. Not always what it seems.”). 

Humphrey and Me plus The Woman at the Wheel

Back to historical fiction with reviews of two recent works: 

HUMPHREY AND ME by Stuart H. Brody is a work of historical fiction that covers almost two decades beginning in the early 1960s. There are two narrators: Ray Elias, initially a bit of a nerdy a high school student who gets involved in politics, and Hubert Humphrey – first as Senator, then as VP and presidential candidate and finally as a Senator again.  As any student of American history knows this was an exciting, turbulent time in American history and Humphrey was a key character involved with civil rights and progressive politics. What troubled me was the book’s depiction of him as talking about war protestors as “Hitler-loving youth” – I could not find that quote in any of the databases or online sources I checked. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but it is important to accurately portray a person of Humphrey’s stature. Brody, who is a professional speaker on ethics, did not cite his sources in the preview that I saw, leading to further questions about his descriptions of Humphrey’s musings and state of mind. Important events, like Kent State, were not even mentioned (although Humphrey had spoken on campus). And, while the story may be semi-autobiographical, Ray was very self-centered and not that well developed. The work that Humphrey did to improve quality of life for Minnesotans and Americans is inspiring (and we could all do with some inspirational leadership from politicians these days); reading a biography (even one intended for young people) would be my recommendation instead of this novel.

THE WOMAN AT THE WHEEL by Penny Haw (The Invincible Miss Cust) offers insight on a fascinating, but little-known historical figure: Bertha Benz, business partner and wife of automobile inventor Carl Benz. Haw describes Bertha’s childhood, courtship with Benz, and her subsequent contributions to his work. Unfortunately, the text seems rather repetitive. In part, that is justified because the pair were met by substantial skepticism and business set backs as they strove to develop their “motorwagen.” It must have required great faith and fortitude to persist in developing that first automobile and Haw stresses that. As she explains, “Bertha wanted to live a life of innovation and purpose in an era when women were expected to be grateful to do nothing more than keep house and raise children.” Together, Bertha and Carl eventually launched a company which employed hundreds of people and was the world’s leading automotive manufacturer. He praised her in his autobiography: “brave and courageous, she hoisted new sails of hope and support at a time when no one else believed in the dream.” Haw includes a Bibliography, Reading Group Guide, and a Conversation with the Author which centers on this extraordinary woman.  

The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

THE RIVER WE REMEMBER by William Kent Krueger is a very reflective piece of writing. Just like a river flowing, there is often a calm leisurely pace interspersed with swift action. Krueger says, “I love this story... My heart and soul are in [it].” Set in rural Jewel, Minnesota during 1958, Krueger crafts a puzzling whodunit complete with strong character development and a definite feeling for the time. Attitudes toward “the other,” including women, Native Americans, and immigrants, are explored when an unpopular landowner is found dead and the sheriff, ex-soldier Brody Dern, seeks to find the cause. Kruger relays traumatic life experiences of a former prostitute and of soldiers having returned from World War II; all the while, the local prejudices are simmering in the background. The overall tone of this stand-alone mystery is definitely melancholy and there are multiple subplots with themes of sexual abuse and racial discrimination. THE RIVER WE REMEMBER received a starred review from Booklist (“recognition that postwar America was filled with shattered veterans and war widows”). Another well-written adventure (e.g., see Fox Creek, Lightning Strike, This Tender Land,) from a prolific, talented writer.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB by J. Ryan Stradal (Kitchens of the Great Midwest; The Lager Queen of Minnesota) is an intriguing look at restaurant business in Minnesota, filtered through the eyes of two very different restaurant families. It is also a multi-generational story, told from the viewpoints of several characters and set at different time periods (1934, 1940, 1980’s, 1996). Part of the jumping around is between Betty (who struggles to raise daughter Florence until they meet Floyd and find a home at his restaurant), Florence herself, who wants to escape the supper club, and her daughter, Mariel, who unconditionally loves the place. Then there are the well-off owners of Jorby’s, a growing chain in the Midwest: Edward, and his children, Ned and Carla. All of which can be confusing in places, but Stradal writes beautifully: “the core of their bond was so solid they could argue without hurting each other. Arguments are the leaves and the relationship is the trunk … One comes and goes, and the other doesn’t change, except to get stronger.” A perceptive tale about family dynamics and finding identity through work, SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB received a starred review from Kirkus (“A loving ode to supper clubs, the Midwest, and the people there who try their best to make life worth living.”) I also enjoyed listening to the audio book – with so much going on, this title could work well for book groups and the publisher provides a discussion guide.

Fox Creek by William Kent Krueger

FOX CREEK by William Kent Krueger (This Tender Land and Lightning Strike) is the latest Cork O’Connor mystery, once again set near the Boundary Waters area of northern Minnesota. Dolores Morriseau is concerned about her missing husband, Louis, and asks for help from the tribal elder Henry Meloux. Others (including government officials, some ruthless criminals and a tracker named LeLoup) are looking for Morriseau, too. Henry senses the danger and guides Dolores and Cork’s wife, Rainy, into the wilderness to avoid capture. Soon, Morriseau’s brother, Anton, and Cork team-up to find the hunters and help protect Henry and the women. Meanwhile, Cork’s son Stephen meets other Morriseau family members and discovers issues related to tribal rights and environmentalism. Since this mystery is number nineteen in the series, it builds on previous events and character development, but FOX CREEK also works well as a stand-alone. The story is complex and the suspense is palatable as Edgar award-winner Krueger alternates perspective amongst major characters, often slightly shifting in time so as fill in details. On a recent road trip we listed to Recorded Books’ audiobook version narrated by David Chandler – it was excellent. FOX CREEK received starred reviews from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly.

The Last Bookseller by Gary Goodman

THE LAST BOOKSELLER: A Life in the Rare Book Trade by Gary Goodman will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere.  It’s the kind of non-fiction work that can be read in spurts.  Learn first about Goodman’s discovery and purchase of a used bookstore in 1980s Minnesota and then follow him through the travails of getting established in the business. Particularly fascinating are all of the changes to the used book business brought by the internet and Amazon’s presence. As Goodman notes, “Before, booksellers had to know the price and market for books. Once this information was everywhere, booksellers had no competitive advantage over anyone else.” Another sobering thought: “If you read one book a week, starting [at] age five, and live to be eighty, you will have read a grand total of 3.900 books, a little over one tenth of one percent of the books currently in print.” Alas, so many books, so little time… Goodman fills THE LAST BOOKSELLER with humorous, entertaining stories; make it one of your reading choices.

Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger

LIGHTNING STRIKE by William Kent Krueger (This Tender Land) is a new prequel to the best-selling and award-winning Cork O’Connor mystery series. In Kreuger’s latest work, Cork is just twelve years old (it is 1963) when he and his friend, Jorge, discover the body of an Ojibwe named Big John Manydeeds.  At first, Cork’s father, Sherriff Liam O’Connor, thinks that the death is clearly suicide, fueled in part by alcohol. Gradually, though his perspective shifts and murder increasingly seems likely. Tension arises as to whether the perpetuator is from the reservation or perhaps is the rich, white mine owner. Connor and his young friends are encouraged to “follow the crumbs” as they, too, try to solve the mystery and help Manydeeds’ soul to rest. The boys’ actions moved the story along, but I thought it was a bit unrealistic at times that they were privy to (and freely sharing) sensitive police investigation information.  Overall, this is a complex, entertaining mystery set in a peaceful, natural area of Minnesota – a wonderful introduction to Cork or suspenseful background for fans of the series. LIGHTNING STRIKE received a starred review from Library Journal (“perceptive coming-of-age novel”).

Christmas Themed mysteries

These Christmas themed mysteries offer a light, quiet diversion and chance to send part of the holidays with favorite characters. 

CHRISTMAS SWEETS by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine, Leslie Meier is another collection of three novellas by prolific mystery writers: The twelve desserts of Christmas; Nightmare on Elf Street and The Christmas thief, respectively.   Fluke’s story takes place at a boarding school where a few students are spending the holidays with two romantically inclined teachers. Hannah Swenson, of course, makes an appearance along with several holiday recipes. Levine’s nightmare story involves a murdered Santa with one of his elves as a key suspect.  And, Meier transports Lucy Stone from Tinker’s Cove, Maine to Florida where her own daughter is embroiled in a puzzling theft. Familiar characters and the holiday theme (plus some great recipes!) make this a fun read – cozy up by the fire and enjoy! 3.5 stars

CHRISTMAS CARD MURDER by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, Peggy Ehrhart was just recently published and contains a collection of three stories by these authors: Christmas Card Murder; Death of a Christmas Carol; and Death of a Christmas Card Crafter. As I often do (guilty pleasure), I enjoyed escaping reality for a bit with the Lucy Stone story which involved a threatening message on an old Christmas card found during a house renovation. Frankly, though, I gave up in the midst of Death of a Christmas Carol after a human character “barked” for about the tenth time; who says that?  Ratings on amazon and GoodReads are more positive for this set of stories so maybe I missed a clever play on words instead of the editor missing a chance to improve the writing? 2.5 stars

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS ON TRADD STREET by Karen White is a blend of mystery, history, and romance with a dash of paranormal spirits.  Technically part of a series set in Charleston and featuring Melanie Trenholm, this title can be read alone. Disturbed by some construction, the spirits are related to a long ago spy ring. Melanie deals with their attempts at messaging as well as current day rivals, business concerns, and holiday entertaining obligations. A light and undemanding, entertaining read.  3.0 stars