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The River We Remember
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2023)In 1958, a small Minnesota town is rocked by the murder of its most powerful citizen, pouring fresh fuel on old grievances in this dazzling standalone novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the “expansive, atmospheric American saga” ( Entertainment Weekly ) This Tender Land .
On Memorial Day, as the people of Jewel, Minnesota gather to remember and honor the sacrifice of so many sons in the wars of the past, the half-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River, dead from a shotgun blast. Investigation of the murder falls to Sheriff Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero who still carries the physical and emotional scars from his military service. Even before Dern has the results of the autopsy, vicious rumors begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has recently returned to Jewel with a Japanese wife. As suspicions and accusations mount and the town teeters on the edge of more violence, Dern struggles not only to find the truth of Quinn's murder but also put to rest the demons from his own past.
Caught up in the torrent of anger that sweeps through Jewel are a war widow and her adolescent son, the intrepid publisher of the local newspaper, an aging deputy, and a crusading female lawyer, all of whom struggle with their own tragic histories and harbor secrets that Quinn's death threatens to expose.
Both a complex, spellbinding mystery and a masterful portrait of midcentury American life from an author of novels “as big-hearted as they come” ( Parade ), The River We Remember is an unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home, a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal, and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about the places we call home.
On Memorial Day, as the people of Jewel, Minnesota gather to remember and honor the sacrifice of so many sons in the wars of the past, the half-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River, dead from a shotgun blast. Investigation of the murder falls to Sheriff Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero who still carries the physical and emotional scars from his military service. Even before Dern has the results of the autopsy, vicious rumors begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has recently returned to Jewel with a Japanese wife. As suspicions and accusations mount and the town teeters on the edge of more violence, Dern struggles not only to find the truth of Quinn's murder but also put to rest the demons from his own past.
Caught up in the torrent of anger that sweeps through Jewel are a war widow and her adolescent son, the intrepid publisher of the local newspaper, an aging deputy, and a crusading female lawyer, all of whom struggle with their own tragic histories and harbor secrets that Quinn's death threatens to expose.
Both a complex, spellbinding mystery and a masterful portrait of midcentury American life from an author of novels “as big-hearted as they come” ( Parade ), The River We Remember is an unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home, a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal, and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about the places we call home.
655 pages, Library Binding
First published September 5, 2023
7075 people are currently reading
129830 people want to read
About the author
William Kent Krueger
82 books16.5k followersRaised in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, William Kent Krueger briefly attended Stanford University—before being kicked out for radical activities. After that, he logged timber, worked construction, tried his hand at freelance journalism, and eventually ended up researching child development at the University of Minnesota. He currently makes his living as a full-time author. He’s been married for over 40 years to a marvelous woman who is an attorney. He makes his home in St. Paul, a city he dearly loves.
Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist is Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage—part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Dilys Award, and the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last five novels were all New York Times bestsellers.
"Ordinary Grace," his stand-alone novel published in 2013, received the Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America in recognition for the best novel published in that year. "Windigo Island," number fourteen in his Cork O’Connor series, was released in August 2014.
Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist is Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage—part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Dilys Award, and the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last five novels were all New York Times bestsellers.
"Ordinary Grace," his stand-alone novel published in 2013, received the Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America in recognition for the best novel published in that year. "Windigo Island," number fourteen in his Cork O’Connor series, was released in August 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 10,655 reviews
September 28, 2023
Do you have your handy-dandy notebook ready? And your pens and pencils? Because you’re definitely going to need them to keep track of ALL the characters in this book. In fact, there were so many that I can’t even begin to write a brief summary of this long (and very boring) story. Oh, and one of the men’s characters had a girls name, and one of the woman’s characters had a boys name. Are you confused yet? Yeah, I was too. Like I said- get your handy-dandy notebook ready… 📔
This book starts off with the body of Jimmy Quinn floating in the Alabaster River. Sheriff Brody Dern is called to investigate this crime. Now mind you, this death of Jimmy Quinn is happening in the small town of Black Earth County in 1958, and Jimmy Quinn was not a well liked man. Through this death of Jimmy Quinn, we are introduced to his family members, and every individual living in Black Earth County. We also become very familiar with that of Noah Bluestone and his wife, Kyoko. Now, Noah Bluestone is Indian and his wife is Japanese (and if you can’t remember that, don’t worry because it will be repeated over 100 times throughout the book). The town of Black Earth County is very prejudiced due to the War and fighting over land, so Noah and his wife are not very welcomed in town.
Now, I went into this book expecting to love it. But this book was super long, and drawn-out. There was a ton of unnecessary character build up- in fact, it took so long that I lost interest by the time anything happened. This book is 421 pages, and I did not become interested in this story until page 370. So, as you can see for me this book was a waste of time. I did not enjoy this book, and moving forward I do not plan on reading anything more from this author. William Kent Krueger is obviously not for me, but I know many others love him- so please read their five star reviews.
This was a September 2023 Book of the Month pick, and I think after this one I will be taking a break for a while…
This book starts off with the body of Jimmy Quinn floating in the Alabaster River. Sheriff Brody Dern is called to investigate this crime. Now mind you, this death of Jimmy Quinn is happening in the small town of Black Earth County in 1958, and Jimmy Quinn was not a well liked man. Through this death of Jimmy Quinn, we are introduced to his family members, and every individual living in Black Earth County. We also become very familiar with that of Noah Bluestone and his wife, Kyoko. Now, Noah Bluestone is Indian and his wife is Japanese (and if you can’t remember that, don’t worry because it will be repeated over 100 times throughout the book). The town of Black Earth County is very prejudiced due to the War and fighting over land, so Noah and his wife are not very welcomed in town.
Now, I went into this book expecting to love it. But this book was super long, and drawn-out. There was a ton of unnecessary character build up- in fact, it took so long that I lost interest by the time anything happened. This book is 421 pages, and I did not become interested in this story until page 370. So, as you can see for me this book was a waste of time. I did not enjoy this book, and moving forward I do not plan on reading anything more from this author. William Kent Krueger is obviously not for me, but I know many others love him- so please read their five star reviews.
This was a September 2023 Book of the Month pick, and I think after this one I will be taking a break for a while…
September 6, 2023
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
This novel is a bit different than anything I’ve read by this talented author. This novel is a police procedural as well as a look into small town life in 1950’s Minnesota. As always Krueger’s characters are well described, unique yet highly relatable.
It’s Memorial Day 1958 in Jewel, Minnesota. As the town gets ready to celebrate it’s fallen heroes, wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found half clothed and floating in the Alabaster river, dead from a gunshot wound.
As is often the case lately the blurb tells almost too much of the story. I highly recommend going into this one blind, as I did, and let the characters speak to you.
Sheriff Brody Dern, a decorated war hero himself, is left to untangle the many lies and secrets behind Quinn’s death. Almost everyone in the town has a reason to want Quinn dead!
This novel describes in depth how the scars from WWll still affect the people of this small town. With little evidence, rumors start to paint Noah Bluestone, a Native American, as the likely killer. He is a WWII veteran but when he returned with a Japanese wife he is never truly accepted back into the community.
We will watch as a town is torn apart by anger and mistrust. There are many characters to discover, a local newspaper man who desperately wants to uncover the truth, an aging deputy and a female lawyer who all struggle with their own personal histories.
I always appreciate Krueger’s honest look at the beauty but also the hardship of life in these small farming communities in Minnesota. His characters ring true and their actions are believable considering the post-WWll trauma that still hung heavy in this town.
This is another winner from this powerful writer and I can recommend this book to everyone.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
This novel is a bit different than anything I’ve read by this talented author. This novel is a police procedural as well as a look into small town life in 1950’s Minnesota. As always Krueger’s characters are well described, unique yet highly relatable.
It’s Memorial Day 1958 in Jewel, Minnesota. As the town gets ready to celebrate it’s fallen heroes, wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found half clothed and floating in the Alabaster river, dead from a gunshot wound.
As is often the case lately the blurb tells almost too much of the story. I highly recommend going into this one blind, as I did, and let the characters speak to you.
Sheriff Brody Dern, a decorated war hero himself, is left to untangle the many lies and secrets behind Quinn’s death. Almost everyone in the town has a reason to want Quinn dead!
This novel describes in depth how the scars from WWll still affect the people of this small town. With little evidence, rumors start to paint Noah Bluestone, a Native American, as the likely killer. He is a WWII veteran but when he returned with a Japanese wife he is never truly accepted back into the community.
We will watch as a town is torn apart by anger and mistrust. There are many characters to discover, a local newspaper man who desperately wants to uncover the truth, an aging deputy and a female lawyer who all struggle with their own personal histories.
I always appreciate Krueger’s honest look at the beauty but also the hardship of life in these small farming communities in Minnesota. His characters ring true and their actions are believable considering the post-WWll trauma that still hung heavy in this town.
This is another winner from this powerful writer and I can recommend this book to everyone.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
September 30, 2023
4.5⭐️
“Our lives and the lives of those we love merge to create a river whose current carries us forward from our beginning to our end. Because we are only one part of the whole, the river each of us remembers is different, and there are many versions of the stories we tell about the past. In all of them there is truth, and in all of them a good deal of innocent misremembering.”
The discovery of the body of one of its influential residents in the Alabaster River on Memorial Day 1958 leaves a community in Minnesota in shock. The victim, Jimmy Quinn, was not without enemies and though not too many people are mourning his death, tensions are high. Sheriff Brody Dern's team and his former colleague and mentor, now part-time deputy Connie Graff, are tasked with investigating the murder. The narrative follows Brody as he tries to unravel the mystery of Quinn’s murder, starting with trying to find out who might have had a grudge against him among his family, neighbors and employees. As the narrative progresses, we also get to know more about the community and the way of life in the small town of Jewel, Minnesota.
Though the war ended some years back, the scars and memories remain as do bias, intolerance and prejudices. Fueled more by prejudice and his family's history with the Quinns, Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran is deemed a suspect by the townspeople. Noah returned from the war with his Japanese wife Kyoko, who was until recently employed by the Quinns. Eventually, when Noah is taken into custody based on evidence found at his home, he refuses to cooperate with Charlotte “Charlie” Bauer, his lawyer, and maintains his silence. Tempers are rising and might soon manifest in a violent act of retribution and Brody and his associates must leave no stone unturned to ensure that the true culprit is brought to justice before anyone else gets hurt. It is not an easy task for a man haunted by his own past and struggling to navigate a complicated personal situation in a town that has more than a fair share of secrets.
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger is a brilliantly penned novel. The author’s vividly described settings capture the time and place brilliantly. The realistic depiction of the inter-personal dynamics in a small town with its flawed characters each with personal struggles and secrets to keep ranging from post-war trauma, physical and emotional wounds, messy personal lives and darkness that lurks behind closed doors. The author is a master storyteller and at no point does the narrative feel weighed down with its large cast of characters and numerous subplots that are seamlessly woven into a consistently paced, immersive narrative that I could not put down.
Complex characters, a gripping narrative and sharp writing – William Kent Krueger does not disappoint!
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“We all die, but some of us— those who are blessed or maybe just lucky— have the opportunity before that end to be redeemed. We can let go, forgive others, and also forgive ourselves for the worst of what we are or have been.”
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
“Our lives and the lives of those we love merge to create a river whose current carries us forward from our beginning to our end. Because we are only one part of the whole, the river each of us remembers is different, and there are many versions of the stories we tell about the past. In all of them there is truth, and in all of them a good deal of innocent misremembering.”
The discovery of the body of one of its influential residents in the Alabaster River on Memorial Day 1958 leaves a community in Minnesota in shock. The victim, Jimmy Quinn, was not without enemies and though not too many people are mourning his death, tensions are high. Sheriff Brody Dern's team and his former colleague and mentor, now part-time deputy Connie Graff, are tasked with investigating the murder. The narrative follows Brody as he tries to unravel the mystery of Quinn’s murder, starting with trying to find out who might have had a grudge against him among his family, neighbors and employees. As the narrative progresses, we also get to know more about the community and the way of life in the small town of Jewel, Minnesota.
Though the war ended some years back, the scars and memories remain as do bias, intolerance and prejudices. Fueled more by prejudice and his family's history with the Quinns, Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran is deemed a suspect by the townspeople. Noah returned from the war with his Japanese wife Kyoko, who was until recently employed by the Quinns. Eventually, when Noah is taken into custody based on evidence found at his home, he refuses to cooperate with Charlotte “Charlie” Bauer, his lawyer, and maintains his silence. Tempers are rising and might soon manifest in a violent act of retribution and Brody and his associates must leave no stone unturned to ensure that the true culprit is brought to justice before anyone else gets hurt. It is not an easy task for a man haunted by his own past and struggling to navigate a complicated personal situation in a town that has more than a fair share of secrets.
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger is a brilliantly penned novel. The author’s vividly described settings capture the time and place brilliantly. The realistic depiction of the inter-personal dynamics in a small town with its flawed characters each with personal struggles and secrets to keep ranging from post-war trauma, physical and emotional wounds, messy personal lives and darkness that lurks behind closed doors. The author is a master storyteller and at no point does the narrative feel weighed down with its large cast of characters and numerous subplots that are seamlessly woven into a consistently paced, immersive narrative that I could not put down.
Complex characters, a gripping narrative and sharp writing – William Kent Krueger does not disappoint!
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“We all die, but some of us— those who are blessed or maybe just lucky— have the opportunity before that end to be redeemed. We can let go, forgive others, and also forgive ourselves for the worst of what we are or have been.”
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
May 25, 2023
Beautifully written, insightful, gripping and hard to put down, The River We Remember is another testament to the author's writing and skill. It provides food for thought while making observations about human nature as well as nature itself.
1958, Memorial Day
Jimmy Quinn, a wealthy and powerful landowner, has been found floating in the Alabaster River, dead after being shot. Sheriff Brody Dern, a decorated war veteran, is tasked with gathering evidence and solving the case. Before the body is examined, fingers begin being pointed at Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has returned to town with his Japanese wife.
Brody is struggling not only with solving the case, but he is also struggling with his physical and emotional scars from the war and choices he has made in his life. Like other men who have gone to war, he has returned home a changed man. As readers follow the investigation, we meet several characters including the former sheriff, a lawyer, a journalist, and a woman and her son.
Small towns have secrets as do the people who live there. Everyone has a past, some good, some bad, some tragic and some traumatic. As the investigation unfolds, many characters will not only have to cope with their pasts and how the past affects their present.
There are themes of racism, PTSD, family, longing, love, secrets, and moving on. William Kent Kruger has wowed me yet again. Not only with his beautiful writing but with his insights and depictions of both nature and human nature. His descriptions are vivid and transported me to Jewell, Minnesota.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
*A traveling Friends read
1958, Memorial Day
Jimmy Quinn, a wealthy and powerful landowner, has been found floating in the Alabaster River, dead after being shot. Sheriff Brody Dern, a decorated war veteran, is tasked with gathering evidence and solving the case. Before the body is examined, fingers begin being pointed at Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has returned to town with his Japanese wife.
Brody is struggling not only with solving the case, but he is also struggling with his physical and emotional scars from the war and choices he has made in his life. Like other men who have gone to war, he has returned home a changed man. As readers follow the investigation, we meet several characters including the former sheriff, a lawyer, a journalist, and a woman and her son.
Small towns have secrets as do the people who live there. Everyone has a past, some good, some bad, some tragic and some traumatic. As the investigation unfolds, many characters will not only have to cope with their pasts and how the past affects their present.
There are themes of racism, PTSD, family, longing, love, secrets, and moving on. William Kent Kruger has wowed me yet again. Not only with his beautiful writing but with his insights and depictions of both nature and human nature. His descriptions are vivid and transported me to Jewell, Minnesota.
Highly recommend!
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
*A traveling Friends read
November 2, 2025
Black Earth Country. Late ‘50’s. The body of a dead man, hated by most, found in a bend in the river.
Yet, the pieces don’t come quite together. Town’s detective seems convinced it’s a suicide; his semi retired deputy thinks homicide.
WKK writes a mesmerizing mystery that takes place in a small town in Minnesota.
Men, scarred upon their return from the war, keep their own tragedies barred up. A native who is honed in on and blamed; a Japanese wife discriminated against in unwelcoming country. Secrets weaved into this town where everyone knows everyone’s business.
Clash of cultures; discrimination; abuse. Wars that continue to rage long after the physical wars are over.
Complex characters flawed in many ways but fully developed and redeemed.
WKK’s writing is vivid in the beauty of the land and a river that has many memories as well as ghosts.
4.5⭐️
Thanks to TGH for sharing this copy!!
Yet, the pieces don’t come quite together. Town’s detective seems convinced it’s a suicide; his semi retired deputy thinks homicide.
WKK writes a mesmerizing mystery that takes place in a small town in Minnesota.
Men, scarred upon their return from the war, keep their own tragedies barred up. A native who is honed in on and blamed; a Japanese wife discriminated against in unwelcoming country. Secrets weaved into this town where everyone knows everyone’s business.
Clash of cultures; discrimination; abuse. Wars that continue to rage long after the physical wars are over.
Complex characters flawed in many ways but fully developed and redeemed.
WKK’s writing is vivid in the beauty of the land and a river that has many memories as well as ghosts.
4.5⭐️
Thanks to TGH for sharing this copy!!
October 6, 2023
There’s a certain empathy, a certain warmth and kindness, that comes through William Kent Krueger’s writing. I first noticed it earlier this year when I listened to his audio-only novella, The Levee, but it hit me full on while reading The River We Remember. I suspect it’s one reason why he’s such a beloved author.
Another reason being, he knows how to write an engrossing mystery. His latest novel takes place in small-town Minnesota in 1958, a time when men and women are scarred from WWII and racial hatred is flying around. So it’s in this setting, and on Memorial Day no less, when the body of a White predominant landowner is found floating in the Alabaster River.
Immediately, Sheriff Brody Dern has a mess to straighten out. Because before the autopsy is even conducted, fingers are pointed at Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who is married to a Japanese woman. And regardless of whether the finger pointing is accurate, Brody must solve the murder before the whole town implodes from the tension of it all.
Krueger’s story is complicated in that he effectively stretches the definition of right and wrong. He forces us to acknowledge that not all crimes are criminal and sometimes the greater good must be considered when deciding if a person is in the wrong.
And he gives us a slew of intricate characters to further illustrate this point. No one in the story is straightforward, neither wholly good nor wholly bad. There are compelling reasons for all the actions the characters take, whether it be understandable reasons for bad behavior or poor reasons for good behavior, and he makes us feel sympathy for some of the most despicable characters in the book and disdain for some of the most admirable.
There’s a point where Krueger takes it too far, though. A rape occurs off the page near the end, and it just feels so unnecessary. It doesn’t fit with the perpetrator’s earlier behavior, and I really wish it hadn’t been included in the story.
But I’m willing to overlook it because Krueger makes up for it in other ways.
My sincerest appreciation to William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
Another reason being, he knows how to write an engrossing mystery. His latest novel takes place in small-town Minnesota in 1958, a time when men and women are scarred from WWII and racial hatred is flying around. So it’s in this setting, and on Memorial Day no less, when the body of a White predominant landowner is found floating in the Alabaster River.
Immediately, Sheriff Brody Dern has a mess to straighten out. Because before the autopsy is even conducted, fingers are pointed at Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who is married to a Japanese woman. And regardless of whether the finger pointing is accurate, Brody must solve the murder before the whole town implodes from the tension of it all.
Krueger’s story is complicated in that he effectively stretches the definition of right and wrong. He forces us to acknowledge that not all crimes are criminal and sometimes the greater good must be considered when deciding if a person is in the wrong.
And he gives us a slew of intricate characters to further illustrate this point. No one in the story is straightforward, neither wholly good nor wholly bad. There are compelling reasons for all the actions the characters take, whether it be understandable reasons for bad behavior or poor reasons for good behavior, and he makes us feel sympathy for some of the most despicable characters in the book and disdain for some of the most admirable.
There’s a point where Krueger takes it too far, though. A rape occurs off the page near the end, and it just feels so unnecessary. It doesn’t fit with the perpetrator’s earlier behavior, and I really wish it hadn’t been included in the story.
But I’m willing to overlook it because Krueger makes up for it in other ways.
My sincerest appreciation to William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
September 6, 2023
Wash Me in the Water
It is 1958, southern Minnesota, and the enchanting Alabaster River not only reflects the dreams and memories of Jewel’s people, it also possesses the murdered body of that town’s wealthiest and most hated citizen, Jimmy Quinn. Sheriff Brody Dunn is anxious to see this buried as an accident or suicide, but clues are appearing and point to foul play.
Noah Bluestone, a Native American, had recently been fired by Quinn for allegedly stealing gasoline. He had always stood up to Quinn and there was noticeably no love lost between the two. With an outright hatred of Native Americans prevalent, many were ready to pass judgment on Noah. His wife, Kyoko, a Japanese survivor of Nagasaki, was also a sore spot in these post-WWII years. The couple was the perfect lightning rod for people’s suspicions and hatred.
So, did Noah murder Quinn? Of course, that is the major mystery here. But this is more than a whodunit. The characters here have a lot of secrets… a lot of pain. A number of the men suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder from the wars. Sheriff Dunn is haunted by his experience, and it cripples his self-esteem. He has also been betraying his own brother in what seems an unforgivable behavior. Now he is working on a new relationship with Angie, the proprietor of the town’s diner… but she has been harboring her own secret which seems about to destroy any chance for happiness.
While the question of guilt is front and center, the cry for healing sounds throughout. People here are struggling to help one another, even as they are reeling from their own pain. This is the first I have read of William Kent-Krueger and I must make time to read more of his work. This one was solid both in plot and character, a brilliant read.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is 1958, southern Minnesota, and the enchanting Alabaster River not only reflects the dreams and memories of Jewel’s people, it also possesses the murdered body of that town’s wealthiest and most hated citizen, Jimmy Quinn. Sheriff Brody Dunn is anxious to see this buried as an accident or suicide, but clues are appearing and point to foul play.
Noah Bluestone, a Native American, had recently been fired by Quinn for allegedly stealing gasoline. He had always stood up to Quinn and there was noticeably no love lost between the two. With an outright hatred of Native Americans prevalent, many were ready to pass judgment on Noah. His wife, Kyoko, a Japanese survivor of Nagasaki, was also a sore spot in these post-WWII years. The couple was the perfect lightning rod for people’s suspicions and hatred.
So, did Noah murder Quinn? Of course, that is the major mystery here. But this is more than a whodunit. The characters here have a lot of secrets… a lot of pain. A number of the men suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder from the wars. Sheriff Dunn is haunted by his experience, and it cripples his self-esteem. He has also been betraying his own brother in what seems an unforgivable behavior. Now he is working on a new relationship with Angie, the proprietor of the town’s diner… but she has been harboring her own secret which seems about to destroy any chance for happiness.
While the question of guilt is front and center, the cry for healing sounds throughout. People here are struggling to help one another, even as they are reeling from their own pain. This is the first I have read of William Kent-Krueger and I must make time to read more of his work. This one was solid both in plot and character, a brilliant read.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
The son of a b*tch needed killing! While you can't justify murder with that defense, it is human nature to agree with the sentiment. Such is the case in the murder of Jimmy Quinn. In 1958, his body is found floating in the Alabaster River in Black Earth County, near Jewel, Minnesota. Jimmy Quinn "was a man of appetites. Land, money, power, sex." His death caused little mourning among his family, employees, and neighbors.
Sheriff Brody Dern wants the whole thing to go away, but soon, a local Dakota Sioux Indian is arrested for his murder. Noah Bluestone, along with his Japanese wife, had been recently fired by Jimmy Quinn. Noah refuses to plea nolo contendere (no contest) or to participate anyway in his defense. That leaves Sheriff Dern as well as Noah's court-appointed attorney on their own to figure out why. Along the way, many others in the small town are deeply affected by the prejudice surrounding the Bluestones.
William Kent Krueger slowly draws the reader into this story about justice, virtue, and redemption. This isn't an action-packed mystery but is still a very enjoyable read. There are some sexually related trigger warnings, including rape. 4.25 stars.
Sheriff Brody Dern wants the whole thing to go away, but soon, a local Dakota Sioux Indian is arrested for his murder. Noah Bluestone, along with his Japanese wife, had been recently fired by Jimmy Quinn. Noah refuses to plea nolo contendere (no contest) or to participate anyway in his defense. That leaves Sheriff Dern as well as Noah's court-appointed attorney on their own to figure out why. Along the way, many others in the small town are deeply affected by the prejudice surrounding the Bluestones.
William Kent Krueger slowly draws the reader into this story about justice, virtue, and redemption. This isn't an action-packed mystery but is still a very enjoyable read. There are some sexually related trigger warnings, including rape. 4.25 stars.
September 2, 2023
Like all William Kent Krueger books, this story is rich and complex. His love and devotion to his home state of Minnesota shines through in his descriptions of the people, the places, and the scenery. I loved his books "Ordinary Grace" and "This Tender Land" and I will be adding this book also to that list.
In 1958, in a small Minnesota town, a body of a wealthy landowner is discovered along the banks of the Alabaster River. This was a man who was generally disliked by almost everyone in town, including his family. However, after his death has been ruled a homicide and a suspect has been jailed, the county residents begin to take sides. Can Noah Bluestone, a Native American and WWII veteran who came home from the war with a Japanese wife, get a fair trial in a county full of prejudice against them?
It's the characterization of the people within this town that makes this story so compelling and so much more than just a simple mystery or police procedural. Many of the men in town, including the sheriff, still carry the ravages of war with them, long before it was labeled PTSD. These are men who returned home as heroes with medals from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, but they were often missing parts of their bodies and their minds. The families of the community continue to struggle with grief and loss, and everyone is hiding secrets. In perfect WKK style, there is even the inclusion of a coming-of-age story of two prepubescent boys along with their struggles to fit in.
William Kent Krueger is a brilliant storyteller, and his fans are in for a treat when this book comes out on September 5th, 2023. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this amazing novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In 1958, in a small Minnesota town, a body of a wealthy landowner is discovered along the banks of the Alabaster River. This was a man who was generally disliked by almost everyone in town, including his family. However, after his death has been ruled a homicide and a suspect has been jailed, the county residents begin to take sides. Can Noah Bluestone, a Native American and WWII veteran who came home from the war with a Japanese wife, get a fair trial in a county full of prejudice against them?
It's the characterization of the people within this town that makes this story so compelling and so much more than just a simple mystery or police procedural. Many of the men in town, including the sheriff, still carry the ravages of war with them, long before it was labeled PTSD. These are men who returned home as heroes with medals from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, but they were often missing parts of their bodies and their minds. The families of the community continue to struggle with grief and loss, and everyone is hiding secrets. In perfect WKK style, there is even the inclusion of a coming-of-age story of two prepubescent boys along with their struggles to fit in.
William Kent Krueger is a brilliant storyteller, and his fans are in for a treat when this book comes out on September 5th, 2023. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this amazing novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 22, 2023
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger is a Compelling Mystery Blended With Historical and Literary Fiction!
The River We Remember begins on Memorial Day 1958 in the small town of Jewel, MN. While the town gathers to remember and honor those who have fallen in past wars, the partially-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is discovered floating in the Alabaster River.
Sheriff Brody Dern, a decorated war hero, begins to investigate the incident, but even before an autopsy can determined the cause of death, tongues are wagging, rumors are flying, and fingers are pointing.
The finger pointing is at Noah Bluestone, a Native American and WWII veteran, who recently returned to Jewel with his Japanese wife, Kyoko, a Nagasaki survivor.
The question is, was Quinn's death a suicide, accident, or murder?
The River We Remember is the first book I've read by William Kent Krueger and I now understand the appeal of his lyrical writing style and emotionally driven storytelling. The inclusion of Memorial Day, during a period in history when post-war trauma impacted so many and racial tensions were high, adds emotional weight to the story. Krueger certainly doesn't waste any time getting right to heart of things.
Krueger has written a compelling mystery but it's the brilliantly drawn characters who take center stage here. This is clearly a character study in how past experiences impact how we live our lives and gauge our future. Imperfect characters keeping secrets from the past and the present are plentiful.
Krueger doesn't spare any of his characters, adults or children, from the darkness of this story. Some characters are driven by anger and fear, shown as intolerance, hatred, and violence. Other characters are driven by patience and acceptance, shown as kindness, understanding, and human connection.
The River We Remember audiobook narrator C.J. Wilson does a great job with both the narration of the story and gender voicing of each character. I loved listening to this story and I will definitely explore Krueger's backlist for more.
The River We Remember is a beautifully written story about how a small town living with the scars of war and hardship, learn to find ways to heal and come together as a community. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Historical and Literary Fiction with an intense Mystery mixed in!
4.5⭐
The River We Remember begins on Memorial Day 1958 in the small town of Jewel, MN. While the town gathers to remember and honor those who have fallen in past wars, the partially-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is discovered floating in the Alabaster River.
Sheriff Brody Dern, a decorated war hero, begins to investigate the incident, but even before an autopsy can determined the cause of death, tongues are wagging, rumors are flying, and fingers are pointing.
The finger pointing is at Noah Bluestone, a Native American and WWII veteran, who recently returned to Jewel with his Japanese wife, Kyoko, a Nagasaki survivor.
The question is, was Quinn's death a suicide, accident, or murder?
The River We Remember is the first book I've read by William Kent Krueger and I now understand the appeal of his lyrical writing style and emotionally driven storytelling. The inclusion of Memorial Day, during a period in history when post-war trauma impacted so many and racial tensions were high, adds emotional weight to the story. Krueger certainly doesn't waste any time getting right to heart of things.
Krueger has written a compelling mystery but it's the brilliantly drawn characters who take center stage here. This is clearly a character study in how past experiences impact how we live our lives and gauge our future. Imperfect characters keeping secrets from the past and the present are plentiful.
Krueger doesn't spare any of his characters, adults or children, from the darkness of this story. Some characters are driven by anger and fear, shown as intolerance, hatred, and violence. Other characters are driven by patience and acceptance, shown as kindness, understanding, and human connection.
The River We Remember audiobook narrator C.J. Wilson does a great job with both the narration of the story and gender voicing of each character. I loved listening to this story and I will definitely explore Krueger's backlist for more.
The River We Remember is a beautifully written story about how a small town living with the scars of war and hardship, learn to find ways to heal and come together as a community. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Historical and Literary Fiction with an intense Mystery mixed in!
4.5⭐
March 31, 2023
4.5 Stars
This story begins in Jewel, Minnesota on May 30th, 1958 - Memorial Day. The people who live there, as in most small towns, gather in remembrance of those who fought in past wars, and to honour their memory, their service, and the sacrifices they made.
Meanwhile, a body is floating in the Alabaster River, which has yet to come to anyone’s attention. For a moment, the town is gathered in celebration, honouring the dead, but soon they will all know. The question remains, though, who pulled the trigger that left one of their most prominent citizens, Jimmy Quinn - a war hero, floating in the river.
An investigation follows, as well as an autopsy, but there are people in this town who have already decided who is responsible. Noah Bluestone, a WWII veteran, who is also a Native American, who recently returned to Jewel, with a new wife, a Japanese woman. While the investigation of the apparent murder of Jimmy Quinn is placed in the lap of Sheriff Brody Dern - also a war hero - most of the town has already made the decision of who killed Jimmy Quinn.
The stories circulate well before the autopsy results have been determined, but the truth is apparently irrelevant to a notable percentage of the town, and those who aren’t interested in the truth decide that it is undoubtedly Noah Bluestone. As the rumours spread, more violence follows. A significant number of the people in the town begin to believe these rumours, ones that are based only on a hatred of anyone who looks different from them. As the town gets caught up in this divisive rhetoric, some have their own stories they’d sooner forget, and hope their secrets won’t be revealed.
This is a story of family and the place we call home as well as the good and bad of both. The ways that a small town remembers everything and never lets you forget the things that you wish you could, but can also lift you up and heal you. The wounds created by family, but also the love and the bonds that are created. It is also a story of bigotry, discrimination, sexism, and intolerance. A story of life in a small town.
Pub Date: 05 Sept 2023
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Atria Books
August 22, 2023
3.5 stars
As an avid reader who enjoys most books, I read, it's surprising that William Kent Krueger's new book, The River We Remember, missed the mark. I liked his previous work, This Tender Land, so I expected to feel the same about this one. However, it didn't explore its themes or characters as profoundly as This Tender Land did.
William Kent Krueger is known for shedding light on the terrible things that affect Native communities and then crafts a good, compelling mystery. While he does that here he gets a bit carried away with those terrible things, white people do with too many side stories and dramatic events that overshadow the main message. The pacing is uneven, starting slow and repetitive to the point I thought I had lost my place and was reading the same pages. Then the pace picks up with those terrible things that happen, turning the story darker than expected, and it feels more misplaced than the insight I expected to see.
The River We Remember has its strengths, especially in how Krueger portrays settings in a way that makes them feel like characters. He doesn't need to force drama to move the story forward because the connection between characters and their surroundings can do that naturally. That excessive drama detracts from its impact and falls short of what could have been a powerful story, making this a disappointing read for me. It doesn't happen often, and I can't believe it happened with William Kent Krueger's new book.
Overall this is just my two cents, and I am known for overthinking stories in ways no one else does. I read this with a few of my Traveling Friends, who all loved it.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
As an avid reader who enjoys most books, I read, it's surprising that William Kent Krueger's new book, The River We Remember, missed the mark. I liked his previous work, This Tender Land, so I expected to feel the same about this one. However, it didn't explore its themes or characters as profoundly as This Tender Land did.
William Kent Krueger is known for shedding light on the terrible things that affect Native communities and then crafts a good, compelling mystery. While he does that here he gets a bit carried away with those terrible things, white people do with too many side stories and dramatic events that overshadow the main message. The pacing is uneven, starting slow and repetitive to the point I thought I had lost my place and was reading the same pages. Then the pace picks up with those terrible things that happen, turning the story darker than expected, and it feels more misplaced than the insight I expected to see.
The River We Remember has its strengths, especially in how Krueger portrays settings in a way that makes them feel like characters. He doesn't need to force drama to move the story forward because the connection between characters and their surroundings can do that naturally. That excessive drama detracts from its impact and falls short of what could have been a powerful story, making this a disappointing read for me. It doesn't happen often, and I can't believe it happened with William Kent Krueger's new book.
Overall this is just my two cents, and I am known for overthinking stories in ways no one else does. I read this with a few of my Traveling Friends, who all loved it.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 7, 2023
TW: racism, abuse
Memorial Day 1958 in Jewel, Black Earth County, Minnesota. The body of a local wealthy landowner is found in the Alabaster River. Jimmy Quinn went fishing alone according to his family. When the body was discovered it was nibbled by catfish. Young Sheriff Brody Dern leads the investigation. Was it an accident, a suicide, or a murder?
One thing is for certain the town already has a Sioux man Noah Bluestone, a war vet married to Kyoko, a Nagasaki native and daughter of the Imperial Army colonel as their suspect.
The River We Remember is a terrific historical fiction mystery. Fans of period small-town mystery will enjoy this compelling story. I love the vivid descriptions, great characterization, and thought-provoking themes.
Memorial Day 1958 in Jewel, Black Earth County, Minnesota. The body of a local wealthy landowner is found in the Alabaster River. Jimmy Quinn went fishing alone according to his family. When the body was discovered it was nibbled by catfish. Young Sheriff Brody Dern leads the investigation. Was it an accident, a suicide, or a murder?
One thing is for certain the town already has a Sioux man Noah Bluestone, a war vet married to Kyoko, a Nagasaki native and daughter of the Imperial Army colonel as their suspect.
The River We Remember is a terrific historical fiction mystery. Fans of period small-town mystery will enjoy this compelling story. I love the vivid descriptions, great characterization, and thought-provoking themes.
June 21, 2023
It's a few years after World War 2, and the town in Jewel, Minnesota is about to commemorate Memorial Day to honor those who were lost and fought in the wars. A body of a wealthy landowner, Jimmy Quinn, is found shot and assumed murdered by many. His body is found floating half naked in the Alabaster River. The investigation is thrown into the lap of Brody Dern, a returned honored veteran, the sheriff, who bears many internal and external scars from the war.
Suspicion falls on Noah Bluestone a Sioux Indian, who is also a veteran, but as prejudices run deep, he is the one where the fingers point to as he also is married to a Japanese woman, another unforgivable sin according to many.
Within this storm of hate, Mr Krueger unveils the things that war brings upon those who fought and those who stayed home. There are a lot of emotional and personal hardships suffered among the characters, a war widow, her son, a deputy who remembers many things, and a lawyer who triumphs the cases of the underdog.
This is a study of life after war and tragedy, how those very tragedies determine the path one often takes in the face of loss and adversity, and the ways in which some fight against those inner demons. As always, Mr Krueger presents us with vivid characters, those we really get to know, and those who we feel deserve a fate that they seem destined to have.
Thank you to William Kent Krueger, who always provides me with a fascinating story, Atria Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this outstanding story that will publish in September 2023.
October 3, 2023
I am really, really over the use of sexual violence against women and girls as a plot device to move along the stories of men. The women in this book deserved so much better than this
January 25, 2025
Mesmerising and Eloquent!
The year is 1958, and it’s Memorial Day in Jewel, Black Earth County when the body of wealthy landowner and farmer, Jimmy Quinn, is found floating in the Alabaster River. His death is the catalyst for a chain of events that the people of Jewel will never forget.
The River We Remember was a character-driven, atmospheric, slow-burn contemporary drama. There were so many powerful, sentimental moments that resonated and evoked an emotional response within me. These compassionate, flawed, wounded characters occupied space in my head and refused to budge. The POV’s featured in this novel were good people who were torn apart inside by adversity, abuse, judgment, and racism all the while hiding crippling emotional pain, traumatic backstories, devastating secrets, and stories of injustice. Each narrator – the sheriff, the retired sheriff and current part-time deputy, the town newsman, a female lawyer, a single mother who runs the local diner, and her fourteen-year-old son – offered varied and distinctive perspectives. The six POV characters were all scarred and impacted by war – some were veteran soldiers and others had lost loved ones.
The mystery sub-plot was very satisfying, and the last 20% was exciting and tense. It also served the purpose of laying bare this town’s extreme inequality and permeating darkness. The man killed was widely loathed in Jewel, but because he was white a lot of the townsfolk still considered him superior to a Dakota Sioux Native American, even though the latter was a peaceful, helpful, contributing, kind-hearted member of the community.
William Kent Krueger is a gifted writer and as always delivered beautiful, tender, and moving prose. I was completely able to visualise Jewel and Black Earth County, and the Alabaster River was a character in itself and enhanced the mood and tone of the novel. The author included very serious subject matter but handled it with grace and sensitivity and used graphic description sparingly. The River We Remember is a haunting yet hopeful story that I have no hesitation in recommending.
The year is 1958, and it’s Memorial Day in Jewel, Black Earth County when the body of wealthy landowner and farmer, Jimmy Quinn, is found floating in the Alabaster River. His death is the catalyst for a chain of events that the people of Jewel will never forget.
The River We Remember was a character-driven, atmospheric, slow-burn contemporary drama. There were so many powerful, sentimental moments that resonated and evoked an emotional response within me. These compassionate, flawed, wounded characters occupied space in my head and refused to budge. The POV’s featured in this novel were good people who were torn apart inside by adversity, abuse, judgment, and racism all the while hiding crippling emotional pain, traumatic backstories, devastating secrets, and stories of injustice. Each narrator – the sheriff, the retired sheriff and current part-time deputy, the town newsman, a female lawyer, a single mother who runs the local diner, and her fourteen-year-old son – offered varied and distinctive perspectives. The six POV characters were all scarred and impacted by war – some were veteran soldiers and others had lost loved ones.
The mystery sub-plot was very satisfying, and the last 20% was exciting and tense. It also served the purpose of laying bare this town’s extreme inequality and permeating darkness. The man killed was widely loathed in Jewel, but because he was white a lot of the townsfolk still considered him superior to a Dakota Sioux Native American, even though the latter was a peaceful, helpful, contributing, kind-hearted member of the community.
William Kent Krueger is a gifted writer and as always delivered beautiful, tender, and moving prose. I was completely able to visualise Jewel and Black Earth County, and the Alabaster River was a character in itself and enhanced the mood and tone of the novel. The author included very serious subject matter but handled it with grace and sensitivity and used graphic description sparingly. The River We Remember is a haunting yet hopeful story that I have no hesitation in recommending.
December 11, 2023
Exceptional!
The River We Remember gives us a closer look of the lives of the townspeople of Jewel, Minnesota. We have townspeople who have fought in wars and are dealing with PTSD and physical deformities. We have townspeople who are racist, judgmental, unfaithful, and dishonest. I loved the development of this story and the way Krueger was able to weave so many things together. The first half of the book was very procedural after finding a dead man in the Alabaster River. The sheriff and those involved were trying to get to the bottom of the death; was it accidental or a suicide or murder? The second half of the book surprised me because it turned into so much more. As the truth revealed itself, my heart was broken for all those involved. Krueger has a way of bringing these characters to life and make them so tangible. I will be gifting this one to everyone in my life this Christmas!
Triggers: This book touches on war trauma, sexual assault, rape, racism, alcoholism.
The River We Remember gives us a closer look of the lives of the townspeople of Jewel, Minnesota. We have townspeople who have fought in wars and are dealing with PTSD and physical deformities. We have townspeople who are racist, judgmental, unfaithful, and dishonest. I loved the development of this story and the way Krueger was able to weave so many things together. The first half of the book was very procedural after finding a dead man in the Alabaster River. The sheriff and those involved were trying to get to the bottom of the death; was it accidental or a suicide or murder? The second half of the book surprised me because it turned into so much more. As the truth revealed itself, my heart was broken for all those involved. Krueger has a way of bringing these characters to life and make them so tangible. I will be gifting this one to everyone in my life this Christmas!
Triggers: This book touches on war trauma, sexual assault, rape, racism, alcoholism.
September 29, 2023
This is how I like!
What a terrific historical fiction!
This author is simply an amazing writer and a fantastic storyteller!
The characters’ development and the development of the storyline are superb!
I couldn’t put it down.
I loved how alive (and how human) and real everyone felt.
There are some racism that I’m sure will displease some readers, but we can’t erase history.
The setting is 1958, in a small Minnesota town.
There is a bit of everything in here: mystery, suspense, action, police procedural and so on.
I was completely enthralled.
I’m too thrilled to say anything else.
I do recommend it.
Ebook (Kobo): 399 pages (default), 123k words
What a terrific historical fiction!
This author is simply an amazing writer and a fantastic storyteller!
The characters’ development and the development of the storyline are superb!
I couldn’t put it down.
I loved how alive (and how human) and real everyone felt.
There are some racism that I’m sure will displease some readers, but we can’t erase history.
The setting is 1958, in a small Minnesota town.
There is a bit of everything in here: mystery, suspense, action, police procedural and so on.
I was completely enthralled.
I’m too thrilled to say anything else.
I do recommend it.
Ebook (Kobo): 399 pages (default), 123k words
April 30, 2023
My Lord, The River We Remember is phenomenal. I had never read William Kent Kruger before and I have a lot of catching up to do! The River We Remember is a powerful, poetic tale set in 1958 with a striking resemblance to the environment of today. Racism, intolerance and ignorance ruled the day along with shear stupidity. Ever word Kruger writes is purposeful and vibrant. I felt as if I had been transported to Minnesota, 1958. The emotions Kruger is able to illicit are striking, but not unwelcome. The pacing of the story was quick--but not fast-- and featured plenty of 'holy crap' moments along with deep, rich characters. Kruger masterfully keeps the reader guessing who the good guys and the bad guys are until the bitter end. The River We Remember can be an emotional, tough read but is ultimately hopeful. It shows no matter how awful the world seems, there are always good people around even in crappiest of situations.
My sincere thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The River We Remember.
My sincere thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The River We Remember.
October 30, 2023
William Kent Krueger is a master at characterization that makes it seem like you’re reading a plot-driven page turner in which the action is first and characters second. But this book, like his other standalone novels, are studies into the very heart of what it means to be human. We listened to this one on a long car trip, and the narrator is wonderful at voicing but we had to keep adjusting the volume which is something I don’t usually have to do with an audiobook. Might be better to listen to this one on long walks. This did not detract from the overall take away, just something to be aware of if you decide to go with the audio version. We loved it anyway.
September 20, 2023
Not gonna read a book written by a man for a while.
November 10, 2023
In the story set up, the wealthiest member of the community, Jimmy Quinn, is found dead in the Alabaster River. While Sheriff Dern hopes to be able to declare this an accidental death, a look at the scene raises questions. A lot about the town and it's people is revealed during the course of the investigation. In addition to being a good murder mystery, William Kent Krueger's latest novel,The River We Remember, brings to life 1958 small town Minnesota. Here I see the parochial interests of daily life and town dynamics. Prejudice against American Indians is strong. Just a decade following the end of WWII, veterans are still struggling with their demons; and the townspeople are holding onto their hatred of their war enemies. Krueger skillfully weaves these elements together into a compelling story.
The multitude of characters feel real and mostly multi-dimensional, though I wouldn't mind a little more nuance. I feel the emotions, and am pleased that this is not an overly sentimental work. Krueger's descriptive prose is good--simple yet effective. One such example:
“Creasy, when she’d defended him, was a man like used motor oil. If you tried to get a grip on him, he slipped through your fingers, leaving you with the feel of grit and dirt and a desire to wash yourself clean.”
Krueger is an extraordinary observer of people. He shares his insights as he explores some important concepts. Some of these are the long-lasting impact of war, guilt, loneliness, survival, love, and forgiveness.
“In the end, a soldier kills because all the circumstances of a moment drive him to it. It isn’t for freedom or God or for the people back home. It’s because he has no choice but to kill. And in that moment, he’s not thinking of it as a good thing or a bad thing. He’s not thinking about ethics. He’s thinking about keeping himself alive and keeping his comrades alive. And in all that mess, the only thing he wants is for it to end and for him to be alive to see that end.”
"that was the way of our darkest secrets. As much as we fear their revelation, we pray to be able to bring them into the light, to unburden ourselves to someone who might understand."
"Very early in his life, Scott Madison had come to believe that loneliness was the normal condition of people, and he didn't think of it, his own or that of others, as a terrible thing."
"It was that time of day when he and Myrna might have sat in the glider together, holding hands. Myrna had always been one for holding hands. When he thought about her, which was often, it wasn't the big things he missed, but the small, intimate moments. Like those in the glider."
I especially enjoy Scott and Del's relationship; Krueger writes adolescents particularly well. I chuckle at the mention of Grace Metalious' Peyton Place. I snuck this one off my parent's book shelf when I was twelve, so I resonated with Del and his reading of this novel.
In the end, following much heartache, the riddle of Quinn's death and presence in the river is solved. And those left behind, including me, have much to reflect upon.
"We all die, but some of us--those who are blessed or maybe just lucky--have the opportunity before that end to be redeemed. We can let go, forgive others, and also forgive ourselves for the worst of what we are or have been. . . . [We] can lie down in peace."
Publication 2023
The multitude of characters feel real and mostly multi-dimensional, though I wouldn't mind a little more nuance. I feel the emotions, and am pleased that this is not an overly sentimental work. Krueger's descriptive prose is good--simple yet effective. One such example:
“Creasy, when she’d defended him, was a man like used motor oil. If you tried to get a grip on him, he slipped through your fingers, leaving you with the feel of grit and dirt and a desire to wash yourself clean.”
Krueger is an extraordinary observer of people. He shares his insights as he explores some important concepts. Some of these are the long-lasting impact of war, guilt, loneliness, survival, love, and forgiveness.
“In the end, a soldier kills because all the circumstances of a moment drive him to it. It isn’t for freedom or God or for the people back home. It’s because he has no choice but to kill. And in that moment, he’s not thinking of it as a good thing or a bad thing. He’s not thinking about ethics. He’s thinking about keeping himself alive and keeping his comrades alive. And in all that mess, the only thing he wants is for it to end and for him to be alive to see that end.”
"that was the way of our darkest secrets. As much as we fear their revelation, we pray to be able to bring them into the light, to unburden ourselves to someone who might understand."
"Very early in his life, Scott Madison had come to believe that loneliness was the normal condition of people, and he didn't think of it, his own or that of others, as a terrible thing."
"It was that time of day when he and Myrna might have sat in the glider together, holding hands. Myrna had always been one for holding hands. When he thought about her, which was often, it wasn't the big things he missed, but the small, intimate moments. Like those in the glider."
I especially enjoy Scott and Del's relationship; Krueger writes adolescents particularly well. I chuckle at the mention of Grace Metalious' Peyton Place. I snuck this one off my parent's book shelf when I was twelve, so I resonated with Del and his reading of this novel.
In the end, following much heartache, the riddle of Quinn's death and presence in the river is solved. And those left behind, including me, have much to reflect upon.
"We all die, but some of us--those who are blessed or maybe just lucky--have the opportunity before that end to be redeemed. We can let go, forgive others, and also forgive ourselves for the worst of what we are or have been. . . . [We] can lie down in peace."
Publication 2023
August 31, 2023
4.5 stars
The River We Remember was a stellar read. A gripping novel I couldn't put down. It's like I was transported into this 1958 small Minnesota town and watching everything unfold as if I lived there. I've now read two books by this author and I'm appreciative his stories have substance and give readers the opportunity to learn about parts of this country's history that often has been swept under the rug.
Sheriff Brody Dern is investigating the death of Jimmy Quinn as it's not yet clear if it was murder or if the man took his own life. The rumor mill is churning in this small community and the popular opinion is Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran, murdered Quinn. The story alternates between various characters living in the area.
The mystery itself is pretty good and I believe most fans of the genre will find the book to be a satisfying read. However, I wouldn't say this is your typical mystery because there is so much else going on that bring added value to the story. The wounds of war, the immigrant experience coming from countries like Germany and Japan to a post-war America, substance abuse, grief, and the abhorrent treatment of American Indians are just a few of the subjects the author explores in this story.
A well-written book and one I don't hesitate to recommend.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me an advance copy!
The River We Remember was a stellar read. A gripping novel I couldn't put down. It's like I was transported into this 1958 small Minnesota town and watching everything unfold as if I lived there. I've now read two books by this author and I'm appreciative his stories have substance and give readers the opportunity to learn about parts of this country's history that often has been swept under the rug.
Sheriff Brody Dern is investigating the death of Jimmy Quinn as it's not yet clear if it was murder or if the man took his own life. The rumor mill is churning in this small community and the popular opinion is Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran, murdered Quinn. The story alternates between various characters living in the area.
The mystery itself is pretty good and I believe most fans of the genre will find the book to be a satisfying read. However, I wouldn't say this is your typical mystery because there is so much else going on that bring added value to the story. The wounds of war, the immigrant experience coming from countries like Germany and Japan to a post-war America, substance abuse, grief, and the abhorrent treatment of American Indians are just a few of the subjects the author explores in this story.
A well-written book and one I don't hesitate to recommend.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites for sending me an advance copy!
October 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this author’s previous book and couldn’t wait to read his newest. Unfortunately I just couldn’t get into this. Too many characters and I never really felt I got to know them…too much sexual violence against women written in detail from what seemed a very male gaze perspective… Overall the story just fell flat for me and although I finished it I never felt like it got better.
November 11, 2025
Odd. It's as though Krueger started out writing a murder mystery, but then got bored around the halfway mark and shifted his focus to the misdeeds of one of the (many, many) secondary characters. I thought I'd love this, but it was just too disjointed, too drawn out for me
January 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am a huge fan of William Kent Krueger! His books are incredible, extremely well researched and the characters make the stories come to life!
I am a huge fan of William Kent Krueger! His books are incredible, extremely well researched and the characters make the stories come to life!
December 7, 2024
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Mr Krueger's books before, I knew what to expect, somewhat. This one had at least three full stories involved in the mix, with a whole lot of characters involved in our small river/farming town in southern Minnesota. The various story strands with the different narrators took a while to get going on full gear, which they certainly did by the end. Full on and engrossing with a few flaws along the way. Fine book indeed, four solid stars.
Almost forgot, trigger warnings: child and adult sexual assault
Almost forgot, trigger warnings: child and adult sexual assault
November 5, 2023
A literary read full of big emotions and individual struggles.
A small town finds a man murdered, a suspect emerges, and nothing is as it seems. The author has an excellent writing style but this was a slow-burn for me. Nothing really thrilling about this but it absolutely is an interesting murder mystery. We follow our small town sheriff back in the 1950’s navigate a murder and his own demons. Many characters in this novel were back home from the war and each one had their own issues to deal with.
We find secrets around every corner, familial drama, small town drama and a cast of characters that makes your head spin….literally though, there were so many characters that I was confused a couple times. I think too much time was speak on character development of people who didn’t really enrich the story, which is why I took off a star. The actual storyline was really good and the words did a really wonderful job of flowing together to paint a picture.
If you like the slower small town murder mystery full of buried secrets and hidden traumas, this might be a great read for you. If you like.a faster paced murder mystery, this one is not that.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A small town finds a man murdered, a suspect emerges, and nothing is as it seems. The author has an excellent writing style but this was a slow-burn for me. Nothing really thrilling about this but it absolutely is an interesting murder mystery. We follow our small town sheriff back in the 1950’s navigate a murder and his own demons. Many characters in this novel were back home from the war and each one had their own issues to deal with.
We find secrets around every corner, familial drama, small town drama and a cast of characters that makes your head spin….literally though, there were so many characters that I was confused a couple times. I think too much time was speak on character development of people who didn’t really enrich the story, which is why I took off a star. The actual storyline was really good and the words did a really wonderful job of flowing together to paint a picture.
If you like the slower small town murder mystery full of buried secrets and hidden traumas, this might be a great read for you. If you like.a faster paced murder mystery, this one is not that.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2023
So. Many. Characters. I don’t know, this one should’ve intrigued me and interested me but it just didn’t. It seemed to take a long time getting going and then I lost interest. I’m definitely in the minority.
January 5, 2024
Another masterful piece of storytelling by William Kent Krueger. He consistently excels at crafting well-developed characters and a plot that easily draws readers into the narrative. His scenic writing made it easy to imagine this small Minnesota town in the late 1950’s.
I loved The River We Remember so much that I didn’t want it to end, but couldn’t stop myself from devouring it. And now — I’m left here with my first book hangover in a while, waiting for his next book. I suppose it’s time I start his Cork series to pass the time. 5 stars
I loved The River We Remember so much that I didn’t want it to end, but couldn’t stop myself from devouring it. And now — I’m left here with my first book hangover in a while, waiting for his next book. I suppose it’s time I start his Cork series to pass the time. 5 stars
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