Review—THE RIVER WE REMEMBER

 By William Kent Krueger

 Published by Atria Books, 2023

978-1-9821-7921-2

Mr. Krueger is well known and celebrated in the reading communities for his Cork O’Connor mystery series, and for   THIS TENDER LAND and ORDINARY GRACE. This long novel is another penetrating look into the lives of a group of small Minnesota town residents. The town of Jewel, apparently a county seat, is home to a fascinating and varied group of residents, including war veterans, foreign-born and other citizens, as well as firmly implanted Americans. The novel explores how events, history and memory influence our every-day lives.

When a prominent if not beloved wealthy farmer and land-owner is found dead on the river bank that flows near town, the circumstance of his death roil the waters of the river and the many rivers of memory and life that are found in the minds and souls of a range of characters.

The cast of this novels is large and wide-ranging from a Dakota veteran marine married to a Japanese woman, to fourteen-year old boys to a town drunk, an unmarried mother with a fraught past, to ordinary passersby. All are burdened in some way, large and small, with rivers of memory that have the constant ability to affect our actions. While the unraveling of the questions regarding the citizen’s death and discovery in the Alabaster River and the many associated events of that summer propel the narrative, it is the gentle speculation regarding the personal rivers we readers will remember that generate the adhesive of this fine novel that helps carry us to the final surprising and satisfying conclusions.

As always, the author’s attention to detail, to character and setting, to careful weaving of the net of plot, to rational thoughtful connections, will draw in readers and secure our interest to the very end.

Review--EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE

 

Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone

By Benjamin Stevenson

U.S. Edition by Mariner books, 2023

 

Most of us have probably experienced a medium-level stand-up comedian’s act. Here’s one in print. It is a crime novel containing several asides from the author. The author’s asides to readers are amusing, distracting and help him maintain his adherence to the 1929 “Rules of Detective Fiction,” as articulated by British author Ronald Knox.

The narrative tells the story of his family’s gathering after the release from prison of one of the younger members of the family. The family, in several generations has gathered in a remote Australian mountain resort, in part to celebrate that release. In a blinding snowstorm, a murder occurs with a host of ripples that affect each of the family members, as well as the host owner of the resort.

Good descriptions of the snow storm and effects of the murder an search for the culprit do engage the narrative, as do some of the characters. But while the author adheres rigidly to Knox’s rule, he has not enhanced the attraction of the novel, nor do the several factual and typographical errors.

 

FAIL DEADLY--Review

 

Fail Deadly                       

By John Baird Rogers

ISBN: 9798986244204

A 2023 release from

Gotuit Publishing

 

Even with the scientific and cultural advances we’ll experience in coming decades, the future, according to this author, will be far from calm and peaceful. Fortunately creative literary talent abounds in our future reading. In this third adventure with Louise (Weezy) Napolitani and Joe Mayfield, that jewel from the author’s mind, Olegarten rises ever higher. Here is a creation of a fine mind, a group of cyber experts loosely organized to help protect the United States against computer hackers who would destroy the nation. It is an organization with strict rules of engagement.

Weezy is a brilliant computer specialist who often thinks outside the box. Her companion and lover Joe Mayfield is a financial whiz, Together, they form an active protective duo against a complex foreign threat to the nation. It is not a task they look for but are thrown into the conflict by circumstance and proximity.

The thread of this well-written and carefully organized novel take Weezy and Joe up and down the East Coast and through the twisted halls of Washington. The story, from page one, moves apace and will often leave readers breathless. From the careful descriptions of action sites travelers would never visit, through the logic of complex communications system and computer uses, the story never flags. The plot thread never descends so deep into technology that readers will become confused, nor does it ever fray into loss of direction.

This is an excellent novel in every sense and will engage any reader who enjoys good thrillers and intense emotional roller-coaster rides. The autocar awaits.

 

I SUPPORT UKRAINE

MISTAKES, MISAPREHENSIONS, MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND LIES

 Kudos to Mary Coady and the MinnesotaStrib for publishing what she wrote in Friday's 2/21 paper. She addressed a word in our language which is too often underused. "LIE" is the word. People, including politicians, lie, sometimes, you know. We all know that. Often the subject of a reporter's question mis-hears, misses an important phrase, or simply doesn't know. And sometimes when manufacturing an answer, the subject simply lies. But its too often reported as something else; "mis-information," or  "alternate facts." We try to teach our children to tell the truth. Never to lie! But we allow adults, particularly those in positions to be reported in the media to lie constantly, covered up by euphemisms. It needs to stop. Well, the lying ought to stop, of course. But lets label lying for what it is. Lying.

What do you think, readers?You can respond here, you know, or you can email me.

DANGER IN THE OFFING

 As King Trump and his Prince, Musk, continue to wield mace and broadsword against the federal structure, here' s something to consider. A young couple, both employed by the Federal government until last week are leaving the rural state where they had a home and careers. They'll move to Europe where relatives will help them establish new citizenship.

The rural community and the state where they spent their incomes and paid their taxes will lose those taxes and that income spent for schools, for groceries, for all the other things people in rural communities buy. Many businesses in town will suffer income losses. And whatever jobs the two adults performed for our government may be lost. Now multiply the number of terminated employees by the taxes and purchases from the retail markets. The effect on our economy by the loss of millions of federal employees has not been calculated, but it is not insignificant. There is more effect to our life than has been posed by the in-artful swing of axe and sword.

THE REAL NATIONAL ANTHEM

Congratulations to the AIR FORCE  Tech Sgt who sang our national anthem at the opening for the Dayton 500 Race, today, 2/16/25. It was a rare offering. I am so tired of the personal interpretations so many "singers" make in public performances. They butcher  the original melodic line and the intent of the notes, by adding their own flawed interpretation. He sang it as it was written and intended. Good!

MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA CONCERT

 No longer able to attend concerts, I often enjoy the Orchestra concert via television. Fortunately, the Orchestra's television production staff is careful in its use of camera closeups. Friday evening, Concert-mistress Suzy Parks, clad in a loudly contrasting red wig and scarlet gown, offered up an incredible performance of G. Ortiz violin concerto.  If you can find a repeat broadcast, by all means possible, do sit down and listen to the stunning world class virtuoso presentation. The pieces is rambunctious, melodic, assertive, difficult and ultimately enormously satisfying. I'd even suggest the piece and performance was, by any definition, award-winning. In its conception the concerto is a  thorough lesson in the history of Mexico, from the earliest indigenous ruler through Spanish and now drug cartel rulers. At the same time, the beauty and complexity of the indigenous peoples, like the Mayan and prehistoric peoples, is called out in numerous subtle and complex ways. This performance of  an incredible concerto was simply mesmerizing.

INSURANCE COMPANY BOILER ROOMS HARASSMENT

If Mr. Musk and President Trump really want to do something positive for the American people, they'll muzzle the harassing insurance companies calling us constantly. Do Not Call program is useless. In one 8-hour period recently I receive 149 phones calls telling me my automobile and my home were out of warranty and about to fail. In more than 40 years of driving I have had one (1)auto failure while on the road. My house is in fine shape, well-insured and not failing. Ridiculous. Mr. Musk! Do something useful for a change. Muzzle the insurance companies calling us with false warnings!

ANOTHER NOT-SO-IDLE QUESTION ABOUT IMMIGRATION

 Been watching TV and reading about the years and years of activity and problems at our southern border. It is apparent from all the news and documentaries I've absorbed that many if not most people in Central and even some South American nations are unhappy. Economically unfortunate and too often living in dangerous circumstances. So I wonder, if, instead of spending money and resources on ridiculous and easily penetrated walls along our border with Mexico, perhaps, maybe , we should invest that effort in assertive efforts to improve the lives and governance of the people who live in Central American nations. A better life circumstance would, I suggest, substantially reduce the number of people trying to migrate north into the United States. Logical? What do you think?

CURRENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS, A RANDOM QUESTION

Well, it's early in 2025, and it's early in the news Trump administration. Most of you who read this blog know I used to be an educational or now labeled public television producer.  TV has been around a long time. There are a lot of experienced people in the field. There is also  good deal of research on how to use television effectively. Neither presidential candidate, in my not so humble opinion, used TV very effectively in the last campaign.

One example of my point here. (patience, its coming) A Senator in Minnesota makes it a practice, every year, to DO at least one appearance in every county in the state. Not a big, flag waving rally. She goes to a town or city and sits down with residents, looks them in the eyes and asks them what they need and want from Congress. Does she deliver on every need or request? Of course not.

But residents (voters) go away with a certain level of satisfaction that they are voting for a real person who 'sees' them. Yes, big rallies are fun, noisy and energizing but when it comes down to problems and solutions isn't it nice to know your candidate listened personally to you or your neighbor?

There's another thing. One on one through the TV camera can be Very Personal. Think about it. How does it feel when the candidate looks directly into the camera lens and says softly but firmly, "I'm running for this office because I want to help you have a better life."

AN HISTORIC DAY IN THESE UNITED STATES

Monday, January 20. It's an important day in America. Yes, it is the day of inauguration of our 47th president. It is also a day to honor the memory of one of the great humanists of our age. This is a national holiday to honor the memory of the Reverend Martin Luther King. He distinguished himself as one of the greatest  advocates of equal human recognition and rights for all of us. Take a moment to remember him, an advocate for ALL human equality, as we recognize the inauguration of President Donald Trump..

BITTER C0LD AND A FAMILY OF KILLERS

 It never got to zero degrees in my backyard today. Now I'm sitting at my computer in my workroom in front of a nice warm fireplace ablaze with well-dried oak. Yeah. No snow to speak of so if this low temp continues , thawing next Spring will be long and tedious. My current read is a novel from an Aussie named Benjamin Stevenson. I'm only a third of the way into this so haven't formed in-depth opinion yet. Good read so far. Karin Slaughter liked it. Title? Sure: EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE. Intrigued? Yes, I am. So far so good. Stay tuned.

MN LEGISLATURE MEMBERS BETTER??

 Tonight on Almanac (channel 2) four former legislators went toe to toe over the legislature's political power fight. Two dems and two Repubs argued about what power the sec. of State might have over calling a flawed legislature with at least one empty seat, to order. The only former elected legislator attempting to offer rational ideas as  Karla Bigham. She said, more than once the legislature ought to forget about arguing over who get the Speaker's gavel in the House and just get to work on the mating issues--what they were elected for!  What a novel and unusual idea! Do the work you were hired for! Our political parties across the nation and here in Minnesota are focused on POWER. They should be working on solving national and state problems. It is the weakness and corruption of the American political parties that is the root of all our ills! Bring back the North Dakota model of EFFECTIVE POLITICS,  THE NON-PARTISAN LEAGUE.

PRIVACY? WHERE HAST THOU GONE?

 A little more than a year ago I purchased my first cell phone. Yes, I also have a home phone (used to be known as a land line). My home phone number is out there on my web site, has been for years, ever since I had NW Bell hook me up. They showed up less than two hours after I called to schedule service. But that was a holiday, so the tech apologized for the delay.

So I bought a cell two years ago so I could carry it as I get older. I supplied the number to a carefully drawn list of about 20 people, mostly family and a few important work associates. None of them ever call my android cell. But others do. I keep track, sometimes. Two weeks ago, between 8AM and 8PM on a single day my cell phone received 149 (!) calls. 

To be clear, I didn't answer any of them. The recorded message assures the caller I'll return the call if they leave a name and number. They don't. The calls come from all over the world. Based on my known number, I expect them to be scams; calls about the adventures of my non-existent nephew, or brother, or aunt. Or they are advertiser calls about my expiring warranties on everything including my false teeth.

My point? When your mobile phone is in your possession, you are accessible: in your home, your office or factory floor, the hospital and your doctor's office. Yes, there are laws about privacy. Ever know anybody who broke a law? 

Personally, I don't care if government or individuals can trace my movements by connecting  to my GPS or my cell. My point is that privacy except in specific treated locations, is gone. That horse has left the barn. Know that and live your life accordingly.

GOLDEN GLOBES

 After years of mistakes, missteps and slugfests, Golden Globes nailed it! Nikki Glaser is outstanding as the host. Should (will) be an outstanding show!