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Down Murder Mountain
Murder on Big Stony Lonesome is the first of a series of thrillers written by Frederick Poss. All the stories follow the life of Jack von Himmel. Readers meet Jack when he is a freshman at Hamot High School. He has the good fortune to sit down next to his first girlfriend, Sara Koleski, the opening day of school. The problem is that Jack stays too late at Sara's after school, and he has to hurry down a lonely marsh road to return to his family's broken down double-wide trailer in time to feed the farm animals and complete his chores. The opening scene of the story reveals Jack hurrying home while being observed by a hungry timber wolf. Before the wolf can make dinner out of the boy, Jack's family arrives on the scene. The bad news is that his family--grandfather, father, and two uncles--are present day Nazis. When they discover Jack friend Sara is a Jew, they instantly begin plotting how to save themselves from the vengeance of fellow hate groups in the state. Before the story concludes, Jack has to flee for his life high into the hill country of Big Stony Lonesome peak to seek the protection of Ho-Chunk war chief Gully Hanging Moon, while FBI Investigator Christine Mountain Wolf tries to catch the KKK killers sent to eliminate Jack and Sara.
The second novel, Down Murder Mountain, opens to reveal Jack, now a sophomore at Hamot High hard at work trying to make playing nose guard on the school's B-squad football team. On the way back from the practice field, Jack meets the team's quarterback, Gainer Farewell, and intrigue begins. The Farewells own a huge moss gathering operation located in the bog country outside of Hamot, and they need big, strong, cheap weekend help. Jack ignores the admonitions of his foster mother, girlfriend, and best buddy, and takes the job. It isn't long, however, before Jack discovers there is more being cultivated in the farm operation that just packing moss. Going undercover to reveal the drug operation and protect the ones he loves, Jack goes to Chief Gully Hanging Moon for help. Together the two must face the Sinaloa drug cartel and the perils of anyone going down Murder Mountain.
The second novel, Down Murder Mountain, opens to reveal Jack, now a sophomore at Hamot High hard at work trying to make playing nose guard on the school's B-squad football team. On the way back from the practice field, Jack meets the team's quarterback, Gainer Farewell, and intrigue begins. The Farewells own a huge moss gathering operation located in the bog country outside of Hamot, and they need big, strong, cheap weekend help. Jack ignores the admonitions of his foster mother, girlfriend, and best buddy, and takes the job. It isn't long, however, before Jack discovers there is more being cultivated in the farm operation that just packing moss. Going undercover to reveal the drug operation and protect the ones he loves, Jack goes to Chief Gully Hanging Moon for help. Together the two must face the Sinaloa drug cartel and the perils of anyone going down Murder Mountain.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Frederick Poss
3 books32 followersFrederick Poss grew up in Tomah, Wisconsin, a kid who loved to trout fish and tell fibs. He attended UW-Oshkosh earning a B.S. in English. He completed graduate school first at UW-Madison where he earned an M.A. in Education/English, and later earned an M.S.T. in Reading at UW-Eau Claire. He was named Wisconsin's Outstanding Teacher of Composition three times in his career and honored with the title Writing Fellow by the National Writing Project. After teaching high school, undergraduate, and graduate school, he still loves to fish and fib. Contact Poss at fredposs@gmail.com. Look for more stories about Jack von Himmel and, of course, wolves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 16, 2026
A thriller set in the Tomah /Black River Falls, Wi area explores the boundaries of friendship, young love, power of drug cartel and deep family secrets. The author is from this area as well.
October 14, 2025
This book is a wonderful read: believable characters, surprising plot twists, unusual up north setting, and engaging dialogue. Appropriate for teens and adults, the story draws us into the lives of high schoolers, professional police officers and Sinaloa cartel assassins as they take deadly risks to outwit each other. Jack von Himmel, a sixteen-year-old foster child, receives an old pickup truck for his birthday from his girlfriend Sara Koleski's family. But it needs gas and insurance, so Jack lands a part-time job loading peat moss at a local warehouse. Everything looks great until Jack discovers there is more than moss being loaded and shipped across the country. FBI agent Christine Mountain Wolf and Texas Ranger Amarillo Smith join with Jack to try to end the beheadings the cartel mob uses as its calling card. Follow the characters and their struggles in a small Wisconsin town, across the bog and cranberry country of the northland and in their final battle--down Murder Mountain.
February 18, 2026
A Relentless Battle Between Innocence and Survival
What stood out to me most in this story is how it captures the fragile line between youth and survival. Jack is still navigating typical teenage experiences, yet he is constantly forced into life-threatening situations that demand maturity beyond his years. The emotional conflict between wanting a normal life and being pulled into violence is deeply compelling. It makes you reflect on how quickly innocence can be lost when circumstances spiral out of control. This emotional tension adds depth to the thriller and makes the story feel impactful and real.
What stood out to me most in this story is how it captures the fragile line between youth and survival. Jack is still navigating typical teenage experiences, yet he is constantly forced into life-threatening situations that demand maturity beyond his years. The emotional conflict between wanting a normal life and being pulled into violence is deeply compelling. It makes you reflect on how quickly innocence can be lost when circumstances spiral out of control. This emotional tension adds depth to the thriller and makes the story feel impactful and real.
February 18, 2026
A Dark and Gripping Coming-of-Age Thriller
This novel delivers a powerful blend of suspense and emotional growth, following Jack as he navigates the dangerous transition from adolescence into a world filled with violence and hidden truths. The contrast between teenage innocence and brutal reality is striking. I appreciated how the author didn’t shy away from showing the consequences of choices, making the story feel real and intense. It’s more than a thriller, it’s a story about survival, identity, and courage in the face of overwhelming darkness.
This novel delivers a powerful blend of suspense and emotional growth, following Jack as he navigates the dangerous transition from adolescence into a world filled with violence and hidden truths. The contrast between teenage innocence and brutal reality is striking. I appreciated how the author didn’t shy away from showing the consequences of choices, making the story feel real and intense. It’s more than a thriller, it’s a story about survival, identity, and courage in the face of overwhelming darkness.
February 19, 2026
An Intense World Filled with Unseen Dangers
The author creates a world where danger is always present, even in the most ordinary moments. Whether it’s at work, on the field, or in relationships, there’s an underlying sense that something could go wrong at any time. This constant tension keeps the reader fully engaged. The inclusion of powerful external forces, like organized crime, adds scale to the story, making Jack’s struggles feel even more overwhelming. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest threats are the ones you don’t see coming.
The author creates a world where danger is always present, even in the most ordinary moments. Whether it’s at work, on the field, or in relationships, there’s an underlying sense that something could go wrong at any time. This constant tension keeps the reader fully engaged. The inclusion of powerful external forces, like organized crime, adds scale to the story, making Jack’s struggles feel even more overwhelming. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest threats are the ones you don’t see coming.
February 19, 2026
A Story That Leaves a Lasting Impression
After finishing this book, I found myself still thinking about the characters and the choices they made. The story doesn’t just entertain, it lingers. The combination of emotional depth, suspense, and moral complexity makes it memorable. The author doesn’t offer easy answers, which makes the narrative feel more authentic. It’s the kind of book that stays with you and sparks reflection long after the final page. For readers who enjoy thrillers with substance, this is definitely one worth picking up.
After finishing this book, I found myself still thinking about the characters and the choices they made. The story doesn’t just entertain, it lingers. The combination of emotional depth, suspense, and moral complexity makes it memorable. The author doesn’t offer easy answers, which makes the narrative feel more authentic. It’s the kind of book that stays with you and sparks reflection long after the final page. For readers who enjoy thrillers with substance, this is definitely one worth picking up.
February 26, 2026
A Story That Blends Emotion and Suspense Perfectly
This book does an impressive job of combining emotional storytelling with high-stakes suspense. Jack’s personal struggles are just as compelling as the external dangers he faces. You feel his fear, his confusion, and his determination, which makes every situation more intense. The emotional layer makes the action more meaningful, and the suspense keeps you fully engaged. It’s a strong combination that makes the book both thrilling and deeply human.
This book does an impressive job of combining emotional storytelling with high-stakes suspense. Jack’s personal struggles are just as compelling as the external dangers he faces. You feel his fear, his confusion, and his determination, which makes every situation more intense. The emotional layer makes the action more meaningful, and the suspense keeps you fully engaged. It’s a strong combination that makes the book both thrilling and deeply human.
February 27, 2026
A Story That Shows the Cost of Survival
What makes this book stand out is how it portrays survival not as a victory, but as a heavy burden. Jack’s journey is filled with difficult choices that come with real consequences, and the story doesn’t shy away from showing that surviving dangerous situations can leave emotional scars. This adds a layer of realism that makes the narrative feel grounded. It’s not just about escaping danger, but about living with the aftermath, and that is what makes the story resonate long after reading.
What makes this book stand out is how it portrays survival not as a victory, but as a heavy burden. Jack’s journey is filled with difficult choices that come with real consequences, and the story doesn’t shy away from showing that surviving dangerous situations can leave emotional scars. This adds a layer of realism that makes the narrative feel grounded. It’s not just about escaping danger, but about living with the aftermath, and that is what makes the story resonate long after reading.
February 18, 2026
Complex Characters That Feel Real
One of the strongest elements of the book is its characters. Jack is not just a hero; he is flawed, confused, and deeply human. His relationships, especially with Sara and those around him, are layered and believable. The author gives each character depth, making their motivations understandable even when their actions are questionable. This emotional complexity adds weight to the story and makes it more than just a simple thriller.
One of the strongest elements of the book is its characters. Jack is not just a hero; he is flawed, confused, and deeply human. His relationships, especially with Sara and those around him, are layered and believable. The author gives each character depth, making their motivations understandable even when their actions are questionable. This emotional complexity adds weight to the story and makes it more than just a simple thriller.
February 18, 2026
A Bold Exploration of Dark Themes
This book tackles heavy themes such as hate, family loyalty, and moral conflict. The portrayal of Jack’s background and the legacy of violence surrounding him adds a chilling dimension to the story. It’s not just about external threats but also internal struggles. The author explores how the past shapes identity and how difficult it can be to break free from it. This depth makes the novel thought-provoking as well as entertaining.
This book tackles heavy themes such as hate, family loyalty, and moral conflict. The portrayal of Jack’s background and the legacy of violence surrounding him adds a chilling dimension to the story. It’s not just about external threats but also internal struggles. The author explores how the past shapes identity and how difficult it can be to break free from it. This depth makes the novel thought-provoking as well as entertaining.
February 18, 2026
The Setting Feels Alive and Atmospheric
The northern Wisconsin setting plays a crucial role in the story. The marshes, bluffs, and remote landscapes create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the dark narrative. The descriptions are vivid enough to immerse you without slowing down the pacing. It feels like the environment itself is part of the danger, adding another layer of tension to the story.
The northern Wisconsin setting plays a crucial role in the story. The marshes, bluffs, and remote landscapes create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the dark narrative. The descriptions are vivid enough to immerse you without slowing down the pacing. It feels like the environment itself is part of the danger, adding another layer of tension to the story.
February 27, 2026
An Intense Narrative with Emotional Weight
Beyond the suspense and action, there is a strong emotional core that drives the story forward. The relationships, the trust, and the fear all feel genuine, making the stakes even higher. You’re not just reading about events you’re experiencing the emotional impact of them alongside the characters. This balance between intensity and emotion is what makes the book engaging from start to finish.
Beyond the suspense and action, there is a strong emotional core that drives the story forward. The relationships, the trust, and the fear all feel genuine, making the stakes even higher. You’re not just reading about events you’re experiencing the emotional impact of them alongside the characters. This balance between intensity and emotion is what makes the book engaging from start to finish.
February 18, 2026
Highly Recommended for Thriller Lovers
If you enjoy stories that combine suspense, emotional depth, and strong character development, this book is worth reading. It offers a gripping narrative with meaningful themes and memorable characters. I would definitely recommend it to readers who appreciate intense, thought-provoking thrillers with a human touch.
If you enjoy stories that combine suspense, emotional depth, and strong character development, this book is worth reading. It offers a gripping narrative with meaningful themes and memorable characters. I would definitely recommend it to readers who appreciate intense, thought-provoking thrillers with a human touch.
February 18, 2026
A Unique Blend of Teen Drama and Crime Thriller
What makes this book stand out is how it blends teenage life with serious crime elements. Jack’s involvement in football and his attempts at a normal life contrast sharply with the violent world he’s drawn into. This mix of ordinary teenage experiences and extreme danger creates a compelling dynamic that keeps the story fresh and engaging.
What makes this book stand out is how it blends teenage life with serious crime elements. Jack’s involvement in football and his attempts at a normal life contrast sharply with the violent world he’s drawn into. This mix of ordinary teenage experiences and extreme danger creates a compelling dynamic that keeps the story fresh and engaging.
February 18, 2026
A Story of Courage in the Face of Fear
At its core, the book is about bravery. Jack is constantly faced with situations that test his limits, forcing him to make difficult decisions. His journey shows that courage is not about being fearless but about acting despite fear. This message resonates strongly and adds emotional depth to the story.
At its core, the book is about bravery. Jack is constantly faced with situations that test his limits, forcing him to make difficult decisions. His journey shows that courage is not about being fearless but about acting despite fear. This message resonates strongly and adds emotional depth to the story.
February 18, 2026
Engaging Dialogue That Drives the Story
The dialogue feels natural and helps move the story forward without unnecessary exposition. Conversations reveal character motivations and build tension effectively. It’s easy to imagine these characters speaking, which adds to the realism of the narrative. The balance between action and dialogue is well maintained.
The dialogue feels natural and helps move the story forward without unnecessary exposition. Conversations reveal character motivations and build tension effectively. It’s easy to imagine these characters speaking, which adds to the realism of the narrative. The balance between action and dialogue is well maintained.
February 18, 2026
A Powerful Sequel Experience
For readers familiar with the previous story, this book expands the world and deepens the stakes. However, even new readers can follow along without confusion. The author provides enough context while still rewarding those who have read earlier works. It feels like a continuation but also stands strong on its own.
For readers familiar with the previous story, this book expands the world and deepens the stakes. However, even new readers can follow along without confusion. The author provides enough context while still rewarding those who have read earlier works. It feels like a continuation but also stands strong on its own.
February 18, 2026
Emotionally Intense and Thought-Provoking
Beyond the action, the book carries emotional depth. The relationships, the fear, and the constant threat create a sense of emotional tension that stays with you. It’s not just about what happens, but how it affects the characters. This makes the story memorable even after finishing it.
Beyond the action, the book carries emotional depth. The relationships, the fear, and the constant threat create a sense of emotional tension that stays with you. It’s not just about what happens, but how it affects the characters. This makes the story memorable even after finishing it.
February 26, 2026
A Compelling Journey Through Risk and Consequence
What I appreciated most is how every action in the story carries weight. Jack’s decisions are never simple, and each choice leads to consequences that shape the narrative. This creates a sense of realism that pulls you into the story. It feels like a journey where every step matters, making the reader more invested in what happens next.
What I appreciated most is how every action in the story carries weight. Jack’s decisions are never simple, and each choice leads to consequences that shape the narrative. This creates a sense of realism that pulls you into the story. It feels like a journey where every step matters, making the reader more invested in what happens next.
February 26, 2026
A Fast-Paced Thriller That Doesn’t Lose Depth
The pacing of this book is one of its strongest features. It moves quickly, yet it never sacrifices character development or emotional depth. The author manages to keep the story moving while still giving readers time to connect with the characters. This balance makes it an engaging read from beginning to end.
The pacing of this book is one of its strongest features. It moves quickly, yet it never sacrifices character development or emotional depth. The author manages to keep the story moving while still giving readers time to connect with the characters. This balance makes it an engaging read from beginning to end.
February 26, 2026
A Story Full of Tension and Uncertainty
There is a constant feeling of uncertainty throughout the book. You never feel completely safe as a reader, and that tension adds to the excitement. The unpredictability keeps you turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. It’s the kind of story that keeps you mentally involved the whole time.
There is a constant feeling of uncertainty throughout the book. You never feel completely safe as a reader, and that tension adds to the excitement. The unpredictability keeps you turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. It’s the kind of story that keeps you mentally involved the whole time.
February 26, 2026
A Powerful Look at Loyalty and Betrayal
The relationships in this book are layered with trust, loyalty, and betrayal. The author explores how quickly alliances can shift and how difficult it is to know who to trust. This adds emotional weight to the story and makes the conflicts feel more personal and impactful.
The relationships in this book are layered with trust, loyalty, and betrayal. The author explores how quickly alliances can shift and how difficult it is to know who to trust. This adds emotional weight to the story and makes the conflicts feel more personal and impactful.
February 26, 2026
A Unique Perspective on Teenage Life
This is not your typical coming-of-age story. It takes the familiar experiences of youth and places them in a much darker context. The result is a narrative that feels fresh and unique. It highlights how external circumstances can shape a person’s path in unexpected ways.
This is not your typical coming-of-age story. It takes the familiar experiences of youth and places them in a much darker context. The result is a narrative that feels fresh and unique. It highlights how external circumstances can shape a person’s path in unexpected ways.
February 26, 2026
A Story That Builds Intensity with Every Chapter
Each chapter adds another layer of tension, making the story feel like it is constantly building toward something bigger. The steady increase in stakes keeps the reader engaged and invested. It’s a well-structured narrative that knows how to maintain momentum.
Each chapter adds another layer of tension, making the story feel like it is constantly building toward something bigger. The steady increase in stakes keeps the reader engaged and invested. It’s a well-structured narrative that knows how to maintain momentum.
February 18, 2026
A Strong Balance of Action and Storytelling
The action scenes are well-written and exciting, but they don’t overshadow the story. There is a good balance between fast-paced moments and slower, reflective scenes. This keeps the narrative engaging without feeling overwhelming.
The action scenes are well-written and exciting, but they don’t overshadow the story. There is a good balance between fast-paced moments and slower, reflective scenes. This keeps the narrative engaging without feeling overwhelming.
February 18, 2026
A Realistic Look at Good vs Evil
The story doesn’t present a simple good-versus-evil narrative. Instead, it shows how complex human behavior can be. Characters operate in shades of gray, making the story more believable and engaging. This complexity adds depth to the thriller elements.
The story doesn’t present a simple good-versus-evil narrative. Instead, it shows how complex human behavior can be. Characters operate in shades of gray, making the story more believable and engaging. This complexity adds depth to the thriller elements.
February 18, 2026
A Raw Portrayal of Consequences
This is not a story where actions come without consequences. The author shows how decisions—good or bad—have lasting effects. This realism adds weight to every moment. It makes the reader think carefully about each character’s choices and what they might lead to.
This is not a story where actions come without consequences. The author shows how decisions—good or bad—have lasting effects. This realism adds weight to every moment. It makes the reader think carefully about each character’s choices and what they might lead to.
February 26, 2026
A Gritty and Realistic Thriller
This book doesn’t shy away from showing the harsher side of life. The situations feel grounded and believable, which adds to the overall intensity. It’s a gritty story that feels authentic rather than exaggerated.
This book doesn’t shy away from showing the harsher side of life. The situations feel grounded and believable, which adds to the overall intensity. It’s a gritty story that feels authentic rather than exaggerated.
February 26, 2026
An Engaging Mix of Action and Reflection
There’s a good balance between action and quieter, reflective moments. These pauses allow the reader to process what’s happening and connect more deeply with the characters. It prevents the story from feeling overwhelming.
There’s a good balance between action and quieter, reflective moments. These pauses allow the reader to process what’s happening and connect more deeply with the characters. It prevents the story from feeling overwhelming.
February 26, 2026
A World That Feels Both Beautiful and Dangerous
The setting is described in a way that highlights both its beauty and its danger. This contrast adds depth to the story and enhances the atmosphere. It’s a place that feels alive and unpredictable.
The setting is described in a way that highlights both its beauty and its danger. This contrast adds depth to the story and enhances the atmosphere. It’s a place that feels alive and unpredictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews