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Songs of Love on a December Night
From one of Canada's most celebrated and controversial novelists comes a tale of dark aspirations, betrayal and murder.
When Jamie Musselman's father is found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, it doesn't take long for rumours and suspicions about Jamie to swirl through Miramachi. Why was Jamie also shot that night? Why was money discovered under his pillow? Was it true, as some of the boys at his school claimed, that Jamie possessed a cruel nature and had even once been spotted killing robins?
As the years bend on, Jamie continues to maintain his innocence, but few others, aside from his fiancée, Gertie, believe him. Including the police, who finally arrest him. Including the judge, who convicts Jamie of murder.
But nothing is ever as it seems in Miramachi, a place where vanity, resentment and crimes of opportunity are forever brewing, and unlikely alliances are continually being formed. In the weeks before the murder, a self-proclaimed revolutionary had returned to Miramachi after being expelled from university; a career criminal falsely claiming Indigenous heritage had been released from jail; and a hapless bully of a father—Gertie's father—had discovered there was money in the Musselmans' home, kept in the very study where Jamie's father was found dead. Is there more to the story than the townsfolk believe?
Richly conceived and fearless in its examination of morality and justice, prejudice and corruption, Songs of Love on a December Night is an epic exploration of the evil we are capable of and of the redemption we can aspire to.
When Jamie Musselman's father is found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, it doesn't take long for rumours and suspicions about Jamie to swirl through Miramachi. Why was Jamie also shot that night? Why was money discovered under his pillow? Was it true, as some of the boys at his school claimed, that Jamie possessed a cruel nature and had even once been spotted killing robins?
As the years bend on, Jamie continues to maintain his innocence, but few others, aside from his fiancée, Gertie, believe him. Including the police, who finally arrest him. Including the judge, who convicts Jamie of murder.
But nothing is ever as it seems in Miramachi, a place where vanity, resentment and crimes of opportunity are forever brewing, and unlikely alliances are continually being formed. In the weeks before the murder, a self-proclaimed revolutionary had returned to Miramachi after being expelled from university; a career criminal falsely claiming Indigenous heritage had been released from jail; and a hapless bully of a father—Gertie's father—had discovered there was money in the Musselmans' home, kept in the very study where Jamie's father was found dead. Is there more to the story than the townsfolk believe?
Richly conceived and fearless in its examination of morality and justice, prejudice and corruption, Songs of Love on a December Night is an epic exploration of the evil we are capable of and of the redemption we can aspire to.
- GenresMystery
264 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2025
9 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
David Adams Richards
46 books205 followersDavid Adams Richards (born 17 October 1950) is a Canadian novelist, essayist, screenwriter and poet.
Born in Newcastle, New Brunswick, Richards left St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, one course shy of completing a B.A. Richards has been a writer-in-residence at various universities and colleges across Canada, including the University of New Brunswick.
Richards has received numerous awards including 2 Gemini Awards for scriptwriting for Small Gifts and "For Those Who Hunt The Wounded Down", the Alden Nowlan Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the Canadian Authors Association Award for his novel Evening Snow Will Bring Such Peace. Richards is one of only three writers to have won in both the fiction and non-fiction categories of the Governor General's Award. He won the 1988 fiction award for Nights Below Station Street and the 1998 non-fiction award for Lines on the Water: A Fisherman's Life on the Miramichi. He was also a co-winner of the 2000 Giller Prize for Mercy Among the Children.
In 1971, he married the former Peggy MacIntyre. They have two sons, John Thomas and Anton Richards, and currently reside in Toronto.
John Thomas was born in 1989 in Saint John, New Brunswick.
The Writers' Federation of New Brunswick administers an annual David Adams Richards Award for Fiction.
Richards' papers are currently housed at the University of New Brunswick.
Born in Newcastle, New Brunswick, Richards left St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, one course shy of completing a B.A. Richards has been a writer-in-residence at various universities and colleges across Canada, including the University of New Brunswick.
Richards has received numerous awards including 2 Gemini Awards for scriptwriting for Small Gifts and "For Those Who Hunt The Wounded Down", the Alden Nowlan Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the Canadian Authors Association Award for his novel Evening Snow Will Bring Such Peace. Richards is one of only three writers to have won in both the fiction and non-fiction categories of the Governor General's Award. He won the 1988 fiction award for Nights Below Station Street and the 1998 non-fiction award for Lines on the Water: A Fisherman's Life on the Miramichi. He was also a co-winner of the 2000 Giller Prize for Mercy Among the Children.
In 1971, he married the former Peggy MacIntyre. They have two sons, John Thomas and Anton Richards, and currently reside in Toronto.
John Thomas was born in 1989 in Saint John, New Brunswick.
The Writers' Federation of New Brunswick administers an annual David Adams Richards Award for Fiction.
Richards' papers are currently housed at the University of New Brunswick.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 28, 2025
This was a disappointing read for me. I had considered David Adams Richards among my favourite Canadian authors since first reading Mercy Among the Children twenty-five years ago so this was one of my most anticipated books of the fall. Unfortunately, it was such a letdown.
Set in the Miramichi River region of New Brunswick, Colonel Musselman is found in the study of his home dead from a shotgun wound. His teenage son, Jamie, claims that he ran downstairs when he heard the gunshot, picked up the weapon and accidentally shot himself in the leg. Before long, rumours that Jamie murdered his father are swirling around the small town. Several years later, Jamie is tried and convicted of the crime on scant evidence and few believe his claims of innocence apart from his fiancée, Gertie.
This is a story about the miscarriage of justice that sounded right up my alley, however, it was a bit convoluted and I didn't feel any connection whatsoever to the cast of characters. I was also put off by the anti-feminist/progressives comments laced throughout the book. Although it didn't work for me, I'm sure other readers might have a completely different take on it - after all, not every book is for every reader and that's okay!
Set in the Miramichi River region of New Brunswick, Colonel Musselman is found in the study of his home dead from a shotgun wound. His teenage son, Jamie, claims that he ran downstairs when he heard the gunshot, picked up the weapon and accidentally shot himself in the leg. Before long, rumours that Jamie murdered his father are swirling around the small town. Several years later, Jamie is tried and convicted of the crime on scant evidence and few believe his claims of innocence apart from his fiancée, Gertie.
This is a story about the miscarriage of justice that sounded right up my alley, however, it was a bit convoluted and I didn't feel any connection whatsoever to the cast of characters. I was also put off by the anti-feminist/progressives comments laced throughout the book. Although it didn't work for me, I'm sure other readers might have a completely different take on it - after all, not every book is for every reader and that's okay!
December 6, 2025
It's been ages since I read a David Adams Richards novel...but this will probably be the last time. His prose is still superb, but whether it's due to him abandoning his seductive opening set-up for far less interesting characters...or the giant chip he has on his shoulder about modern day Canada...and the modern world in general...I believe I've had enough of him. Moving on...
December 6, 2025
Mercy Among the Children remains one of my all time favorite Canadian novels of all time.
Sadly this one just didn’t cut it for me. An interesting concept that just didn’t ever fully capture my attention.
Sadly this one just didn’t cut it for me. An interesting concept that just didn’t ever fully capture my attention.
November 29, 2025
David Adams Richards is a Canadian author whose books I always purchase as hardcovers as soon as I learn of a new release. This is the twelfth novel of his that I have read.
Colonel Musselman dies of a gunshot wound. Six years later, despite his claims of innocence, Jamie Musselman is convicted of his father’s murder. His fiancée Gertie is among the very few that believe there has been a miscarriage of justice. Very early in the novel, the reader comes to understand that others are responsible for the Colonel’s death: one person shot him but others were present and another provided crucial information. The focus of the novel is on the events that led to the killing and what happens after Jamie has been convicted and imprisoned.
This book has all the hallmarks of a David Adams Richards novel. Of course there’s the rural setting of New Brunswick’s Miramichi River valley which is found in most of his novels. There’s an innocent person charged with a crime (like in Mary Cyr). There are exaggerated rumours and sensationalized gossip (as in Crimes Against My Brother). There are criticisms of certain groups like academics, feminists, and activists (as in The Tragedy of Eva Mott and Darkness and Principles to Live By). As in Mary Cyr, Canada is criticized: “Canada became insipid, a country hollowed out by intellectual conceit and sanctimonious self-reflection. . . . to the rest of the world, in many respects, it was [invisible].” Of course, some of the comments cannot but elicit a smile: one character “did not know that Ottawa was the capital of Canada, and believed it was Washington. Well, what the matter – more than one of our professors and political gurus did as well.” As in The Lost Highway, there is repetition of how non-believers inspired by reason rather than faith have become lost souls.
What is always impressive about DAR’s books is the memorable, authentic characters. The author takes great pains to explain the motivations of characters – why they make the choices they do. Sometimes people lash out because they feel betrayed; some are concerned about appearances and status; and some place personal ambition above all else. The backgrounds of characters are also detailed so the reader comes to understand why they behave as they do. Even someone who behaves despicably earns some sympathy when we learn about his/her past. As in previous books, the wisest characters are often those without a formal, academic education.
What is emphasized is that choices have ramifications, sometimes spanning generations. One professor tells a student, “’sometimes whatever we do affects the lives of many not yet born, or those born we do not yet know.’” For example, Gertie’s father wants to make an impression on someone, so he tells a man about money in Colonel Musselman’s house; passing on this information has disastrous consequences. A woman makes a decision to lie to save a man from a jail sentence, “And everything from that moment on changed dramatically in everyone’s life. Though none of them knew it then. All of this happened as if there would be no consequence.” One man, thinking back to events, ponders “When did it all begin?”
As in DAR’s previous novels, what also stands out is the inter-connectedness of all the characters. I grew up in a small town and know first-hand how everyone knows everyone, but sometimes the way people’s paths cross by chance seems contrived. Coincidences occur too: Pruty overhears conversations and finds a crucial letter; Marsha has a visitor when Little Nin calls.
This is not a light read; readers familiar with DAR’s books will not find this surprising. There is theft, infidelity, rape, murder, lying, family disintegration, loneliness, chronic pain, police ineptitude, and heartbreak. Several of the seven deadly sins come into play. So many elements in his books are familiar, but what most impresses is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,200 of my book reviews.
Colonel Musselman dies of a gunshot wound. Six years later, despite his claims of innocence, Jamie Musselman is convicted of his father’s murder. His fiancée Gertie is among the very few that believe there has been a miscarriage of justice. Very early in the novel, the reader comes to understand that others are responsible for the Colonel’s death: one person shot him but others were present and another provided crucial information. The focus of the novel is on the events that led to the killing and what happens after Jamie has been convicted and imprisoned.
This book has all the hallmarks of a David Adams Richards novel. Of course there’s the rural setting of New Brunswick’s Miramichi River valley which is found in most of his novels. There’s an innocent person charged with a crime (like in Mary Cyr). There are exaggerated rumours and sensationalized gossip (as in Crimes Against My Brother). There are criticisms of certain groups like academics, feminists, and activists (as in The Tragedy of Eva Mott and Darkness and Principles to Live By). As in Mary Cyr, Canada is criticized: “Canada became insipid, a country hollowed out by intellectual conceit and sanctimonious self-reflection. . . . to the rest of the world, in many respects, it was [invisible].” Of course, some of the comments cannot but elicit a smile: one character “did not know that Ottawa was the capital of Canada, and believed it was Washington. Well, what the matter – more than one of our professors and political gurus did as well.” As in The Lost Highway, there is repetition of how non-believers inspired by reason rather than faith have become lost souls.
What is always impressive about DAR’s books is the memorable, authentic characters. The author takes great pains to explain the motivations of characters – why they make the choices they do. Sometimes people lash out because they feel betrayed; some are concerned about appearances and status; and some place personal ambition above all else. The backgrounds of characters are also detailed so the reader comes to understand why they behave as they do. Even someone who behaves despicably earns some sympathy when we learn about his/her past. As in previous books, the wisest characters are often those without a formal, academic education.
What is emphasized is that choices have ramifications, sometimes spanning generations. One professor tells a student, “’sometimes whatever we do affects the lives of many not yet born, or those born we do not yet know.’” For example, Gertie’s father wants to make an impression on someone, so he tells a man about money in Colonel Musselman’s house; passing on this information has disastrous consequences. A woman makes a decision to lie to save a man from a jail sentence, “And everything from that moment on changed dramatically in everyone’s life. Though none of them knew it then. All of this happened as if there would be no consequence.” One man, thinking back to events, ponders “When did it all begin?”
As in DAR’s previous novels, what also stands out is the inter-connectedness of all the characters. I grew up in a small town and know first-hand how everyone knows everyone, but sometimes the way people’s paths cross by chance seems contrived. Coincidences occur too: Pruty overhears conversations and finds a crucial letter; Marsha has a visitor when Little Nin calls.
This is not a light read; readers familiar with DAR’s books will not find this surprising. There is theft, infidelity, rape, murder, lying, family disintegration, loneliness, chronic pain, police ineptitude, and heartbreak. Several of the seven deadly sins come into play. So many elements in his books are familiar, but what most impresses is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,200 of my book reviews.
November 7, 2025
I eagerly awaited this latest book by David Adams Richards. He is a popular, prize-winning author from NB, Canada, who has written some of my favourite books. This well-constructed plot centres on murder and miscarriage of justice. Colonial Musselman has been found shot dead. Suspicion falls on his teenage son, Jamie, who claims to have found the body and shot himself in his leg by accident. Wth no hard evidence, he is considered guilty in the press and the public. Jamie is eventually tried and charged with murder. His fiancée, Gertie, is almost the only person who believes in his innocence.
I found the story strong, but somewhat convoluted. It jumps around in time, and we follow several perspectives. I thought the characters were flawed, intriguing, and well-described, but had difficulty engaging with them. I feel that some of my problems with this were a one-time thing, and I will definitely reread it again later.
We learn of Jamie's innocence early in the story while he languishes in prison, and who the actual killers were. We learn of an alliance between a man who found out he was not indigenous as he had claimed, a young man with revolutionary ideas who was expelled from university, and an older man. This alliance led to a cover-up and murder. They are conflicted about confessing their crime and thus saving the innocent Jamie from prison, or saving themselves by keeping their involvement hidden. A few people have partial truths, and a young woman is found dead as a result.
Gertie intends to wait for Jamie as long as it takes. He has been stabbed while incarcerated, and freeing him is essential. Gertie has a twin sister, crippled from birth and in much pain. She dreams of the possibility of love and marriage. She believes her doctor is in love with her and will propose. She is shocked and distraught to learn that instead of marriage, he offers her a mercy killing. The characters' hopes for their futures, justice, and religion shape their choices.
I especially liked the summaries of what happened to the characters after the story had ended. Well done!
I found the story strong, but somewhat convoluted. It jumps around in time, and we follow several perspectives. I thought the characters were flawed, intriguing, and well-described, but had difficulty engaging with them. I feel that some of my problems with this were a one-time thing, and I will definitely reread it again later.
We learn of Jamie's innocence early in the story while he languishes in prison, and who the actual killers were. We learn of an alliance between a man who found out he was not indigenous as he had claimed, a young man with revolutionary ideas who was expelled from university, and an older man. This alliance led to a cover-up and murder. They are conflicted about confessing their crime and thus saving the innocent Jamie from prison, or saving themselves by keeping their involvement hidden. A few people have partial truths, and a young woman is found dead as a result.
Gertie intends to wait for Jamie as long as it takes. He has been stabbed while incarcerated, and freeing him is essential. Gertie has a twin sister, crippled from birth and in much pain. She dreams of the possibility of love and marriage. She believes her doctor is in love with her and will propose. She is shocked and distraught to learn that instead of marriage, he offers her a mercy killing. The characters' hopes for their futures, justice, and religion shape their choices.
I especially liked the summaries of what happened to the characters after the story had ended. Well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
The writing is reflective and atmospheric, and there are moments where the cold December setting feels vivid and intimate.
However, the pacing was extremely slow, and the story felt more meandering than engaging. I struggled to connect with the characters, and the narrative often felt distant, making it hard to stay emotionally invested. Instead of feeling moving or profound, much of it came across as repetitive and dull for me.
However, the pacing was extremely slow, and the story felt more meandering than engaging. I struggled to connect with the characters, and the narrative often felt distant, making it hard to stay emotionally invested. Instead of feeling moving or profound, much of it came across as repetitive and dull for me.
December 4, 2025
It was extremely difficult to relate to the characters in the book, so much so that I had to re-read sections to remember who the characters were. The book got better mid-way, but I finished it because I started it, no other reason.
December 6, 2025
I debated finishing this, but was intrigued enough to know how it resolved.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews