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Mistake, Wisconsin
Twenty-four musky-shaped mailboxes are missing in the small town of Mistake, Wisconsin. One crooked politician blames the local teenagers, but sophomore Megan Svenson smells something fishy—and it's not just her job at Brabender's Bait, where she runs into three out-of-towners visiting for musky fishing Opening Day. The sheriff is hot on the trail of the mailbox thieves, but Megan suspects she’s the only one who can exonerate her classmates. With a little creative thinking, Megan is determined to save Mistake’s beloved fishing holiday in this humorous tale of the eccentric Northwoods.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
18 people are currently reading
1836 people want to read
About the author
Kersti Niebruegge
5 books102 followersKersti Niebruegge graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in journalism and has worked for Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and several global media companies. She is the author of three humorous novels:
Mistake, Wisconsin
(2014 YA),
The Zonderling
(2015 Fiction), and
That Summer We Stole Our Permanent Records
(2019 Middle-grade).
https://kerstiniebruegge.com
https://kerstiniebruegge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 4, 2022
A cute little story that I think Wisconsinites would love! Muskie fishing, bait shops, supper clubs, lutefisk, small town pranks, beer, and the continuous bashing of Chicago! The town of Mistake sure has quirky residents but hey, that’s small town Wisconsin!
May 17, 2018
Hey Wisconsin! Read this book!
May 11, 2015
This is a story of a fictional small town, but it really could be any small town. It starts with a simple crime- some stolen mailboxes- but from there it unfolds in a bumbling, real life, often comical manner. Gossip's flying and everyone's sure they know who's to blame (even if many of them think it's the chipmunks). Certainly though, there must be some more foul plot afoot and there is. Don't worry though, in the end justice is served, the guy gets the girl, and even the poor violated Mr. Postie finds his way home.
Not a real heavy read, but it's got a "this could be going on in my town" feel that I really enjoyed. And some of the characters are a real hoot. My favorite has nothing to do with the story line and only gets mentioned once- the local mom who killed a bear she found wrecking her petunias. Imagine that for a moment, it had to have been a laughable event (for any spectators, not the bear or the poor woman). Pick up a copy, stick it in your back pocket, find a nice shady spot out in the grass and let Kersti Niebruegge take you away to Mistake, Wisconsin.
Not a real heavy read, but it's got a "this could be going on in my town" feel that I really enjoyed. And some of the characters are a real hoot. My favorite has nothing to do with the story line and only gets mentioned once- the local mom who killed a bear she found wrecking her petunias. Imagine that for a moment, it had to have been a laughable event (for any spectators, not the bear or the poor woman). Pick up a copy, stick it in your back pocket, find a nice shady spot out in the grass and let Kersti Niebruegge take you away to Mistake, Wisconsin.
January 27, 2015
A very humorous book about a small town in Wisconsin.
Mistake, Wisconsin is a small town that has a bog in the middle of town. Throughout the story, you get snatches of history along with the here and now.
Someone has stolen 24 Mistake mailboxes, all shaped like the Muskie, a fish that resides in the lakes around the area. The deputy-mayor has cancelled the Opening Day of muskie fishing until all the missing mailboxes have been found. What he doesn't want people to know is that he has his own agenda that he's trying to hide--the building of a boathouse on illegal ground.
The teens of the town are angry because the Opening Day has been cancelled and vow to get back at the deputy mayor. How they do it will tickle your funny bone.
I found this book a lighthearted and humorous book. I couldn't stop reading it, and laughed all the way to the end. I recommend everyone to read it if you want a good laugh.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
Mistake, Wisconsin is a small town that has a bog in the middle of town. Throughout the story, you get snatches of history along with the here and now.
Someone has stolen 24 Mistake mailboxes, all shaped like the Muskie, a fish that resides in the lakes around the area. The deputy-mayor has cancelled the Opening Day of muskie fishing until all the missing mailboxes have been found. What he doesn't want people to know is that he has his own agenda that he's trying to hide--the building of a boathouse on illegal ground.
The teens of the town are angry because the Opening Day has been cancelled and vow to get back at the deputy mayor. How they do it will tickle your funny bone.
I found this book a lighthearted and humorous book. I couldn't stop reading it, and laughed all the way to the end. I recommend everyone to read it if you want a good laugh.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
May 7, 2015
I loved this little book! I won it free from Goodreads First reads and,as usual,it was a great book....some of my best books I've won there....I loved the story,setting,people and everything in this book.I love fishing myself,so I could easily relate....I'm a Mainer,and had lots in common with the story plot here,so it was thoroughly enjoyable. Loved it!
July 27, 2017
Mistake, Wisconsin by Kersti Niebruegge reads like the lyrics from the song Third Rock From the Sun by Joe Diffie. It's a fun romp of cause and effect, this time set in a fictional but typical Wisconsin town. One thing after another happen to cause the arrest of the slightly corrupt town Troll. He tended to blame everything that went wrong in Mistake on the teen-agers and they were tired of being his scape-goats.
Most especially wanting to get even with him is Megan, who is doing a school project using her blog, Uff Da, as a place to post stories about the things going on in Mistake. This summer the big story is the case of the missing Muskie mailboxes. Thirty mailboxes have been stolen in a town known for its Muskie fishing.
As the mayor, police and the citizens come together to try to solve this upset before Opening Day, other things are going on that will change Mistake, either for better or for worse. Time will tell.
Most especially wanting to get even with him is Megan, who is doing a school project using her blog, Uff Da, as a place to post stories about the things going on in Mistake. This summer the big story is the case of the missing Muskie mailboxes. Thirty mailboxes have been stolen in a town known for its Muskie fishing.
As the mayor, police and the citizens come together to try to solve this upset before Opening Day, other things are going on that will change Mistake, either for better or for worse. Time will tell.
July 8, 2017
This is a fun book, especially if you come from the Upper Midwest. I've spent time in both Michigan (including the UP) and Minnesota and chuckled in recognition of many unique cultural artifacts described in this story. The story is fine, but there are a lot of little indications that it is one of her early efforts. The pace is off, for instance--rolling right along in some parts but spending too much time on trivia in others. I rated it two stars, which the Goodreads rubric equates with the opinion that "It's OK." That said, the author is observant and has a good sense of humor, and I admire her for putting together a coherent story. I also thank her for reminding me of some things I'd forgotten about life in that part of the world. Thanks also for sending me a free copy to review.
July 5, 2019
Tongue in cheek in Wisconsin
This book nailed so many traditions and quirks of my fellow Wisco residents and our Minnesota neighbors. I chucked my way through book and will definitely read it again. Those who don't get the humor because they don't live here, I urge you to pay a visit to Wisconsin and experience the fun for yourself. You may find yourself calling the movers or at the very least finding a new favorite place to visit over and over!
This book nailed so many traditions and quirks of my fellow Wisco residents and our Minnesota neighbors. I chucked my way through book and will definitely read it again. Those who don't get the humor because they don't live here, I urge you to pay a visit to Wisconsin and experience the fun for yourself. You may find yourself calling the movers or at the very least finding a new favorite place to visit over and over!
October 4, 2020
I loved it! It's filled with every Wisconsin cliche there is and as someone who lives not too far from the Northwoods, in a heavily Scandinavian area; most of this just reminds me of home. Lutefisk suppers (ew), the towns love of fishing and even the constant use of uff da! are just a few of the things that are quite common here.
August 19, 2019
A delightful, charming , amusing novel about life in small town America and the impact of a shocking crime wave that includes corruption at the highest level. Forget Lake Wobegon days this is the real deal
August 14, 2017
This was a funny book about stolen muskie mailboxes. A very enjoyable read!
February 20, 2018
A quick read and although an exaggerated representation of the Norwegian communities of the upper Midwest, it was fun and made me laugh out loud.
June 20, 2018
If you liked the ice fishing musical Guys on Ice, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend both.
August 26, 2018
Uff da
April 30, 2015
Such a brilliantly crafted Young Adult/Satire Novel by Kersti Niebruegge ! For a first novel, this is impressive. Extra +++ bonus points for the use of the word Nimrod and Poubelle !!
So, what is Mistake Wisconsin about ? Well, it’s the story of a small town called Mistake, that’s right you guessed it, in Wisconsin and the mystery of stolen musky mailboxes. Without giving too much away, Megan Svenson, a fifteen year old is on a mission to find the true culprit of all the town’s shenanigans. This book also includes, teenagers, custard, fishing, football and a Troll.
Mistake is a town wholly crafted by Niebruegge, it’s a fictional town but in so many ways it is completely believable and well thought out. The way in which she presents the town in the first chapter is kinda genius too. Nope, not telling you how she does it, you’ll have to read that for yourself.
I loved the characters, she gives us just enough information about them to make us either like, dislike, roll our eyes at them or shake our heads. The book had me smiling and chuckling throughout. I even had to look up if lutefisk really existed because she’s that good at creating this town with all it’s details, shop names, people names, events… like I said, brilliant.
We don’t necessarily follow Megan through the whole story, we are privileged to see what is happening throughout the town and we see first hand how this mystery evolves. You know, I’d really love a series of books on this town, it’s so unique and I’m sure there are many crazy adventures to be told from the town of Mistake, Wisconsin.
I come from a small town myself, in the middle of nowhere, where the population of mosquitoes was denser than morning fog, and everyone knew everyone, so this read really appealed to me. (I’m sorry that was a long sentence and probably isn't a real sentence anyway)
Mistake Wisconsin would make a great light summer read for the cottage, with the sound of water hitting the boat dock on a slightly overcast day. It reads fairly fast, but I took a few sittings due to well, kids. I’ll be looking out for anything Kersti Niebruegge in the future, she hooked me.
Note : I received this book through the goodreads first reads book program.
So, what is Mistake Wisconsin about ? Well, it’s the story of a small town called Mistake, that’s right you guessed it, in Wisconsin and the mystery of stolen musky mailboxes. Without giving too much away, Megan Svenson, a fifteen year old is on a mission to find the true culprit of all the town’s shenanigans. This book also includes, teenagers, custard, fishing, football and a Troll.
Mistake is a town wholly crafted by Niebruegge, it’s a fictional town but in so many ways it is completely believable and well thought out. The way in which she presents the town in the first chapter is kinda genius too. Nope, not telling you how she does it, you’ll have to read that for yourself.
I loved the characters, she gives us just enough information about them to make us either like, dislike, roll our eyes at them or shake our heads. The book had me smiling and chuckling throughout. I even had to look up if lutefisk really existed because she’s that good at creating this town with all it’s details, shop names, people names, events… like I said, brilliant.
We don’t necessarily follow Megan through the whole story, we are privileged to see what is happening throughout the town and we see first hand how this mystery evolves. You know, I’d really love a series of books on this town, it’s so unique and I’m sure there are many crazy adventures to be told from the town of Mistake, Wisconsin.
I come from a small town myself, in the middle of nowhere, where the population of mosquitoes was denser than morning fog, and everyone knew everyone, so this read really appealed to me. (I’m sorry that was a long sentence and probably isn't a real sentence anyway)
Mistake Wisconsin would make a great light summer read for the cottage, with the sound of water hitting the boat dock on a slightly overcast day. It reads fairly fast, but I took a few sittings due to well, kids. I’ll be looking out for anything Kersti Niebruegge in the future, she hooked me.
Note : I received this book through the goodreads first reads book program.
May 10, 2015
Gentle, Knowing Humor
Wisconsin dodged a bullet when it chose the robin instead of the loon as its state bird, (I learned that from this book), but it would be wise for Wisconsinites to consider naming this its state book.
It's almost impossible to be cheerful and yet a bit edgy at the same time, (sometimes writers like Keillor, Ephron and Trillin can do it), but Kersti Niebruegge nails that sweet spot repeatedly.
This is a love letter to Wisconsin, warts and all, and is a remarkably entertaining combination of affectionate ribbing, clear eyed needling, deadpan put-on and honest good humor. There are lots of eccentric characters, but the humor and the eccentricity is never forced. You never get the sense that we've crossed over into Northwoods gothic or wackiness for the sake of wackiness. The narrative is more subtle and controlled than that. Rather, our omniscient narrator and commentator radiates a calm fondness for all things Wisconsin. This book has been written with restraint and style, but also with a keen ironic eye, and there is a chuckle or an appreciative nod on every page.
So, whether or not you've named all of your kids after Green Bay Packers Hall of Famers, or lusted after a two-story boathouse on a lake, or hungered for another bite of lutefisk, I predict you will very much enjoy meeting and spending some time with the citizens of Mistake.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon KindleUnlimited free downloads. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
Wisconsin dodged a bullet when it chose the robin instead of the loon as its state bird, (I learned that from this book), but it would be wise for Wisconsinites to consider naming this its state book.
It's almost impossible to be cheerful and yet a bit edgy at the same time, (sometimes writers like Keillor, Ephron and Trillin can do it), but Kersti Niebruegge nails that sweet spot repeatedly.
This is a love letter to Wisconsin, warts and all, and is a remarkably entertaining combination of affectionate ribbing, clear eyed needling, deadpan put-on and honest good humor. There are lots of eccentric characters, but the humor and the eccentricity is never forced. You never get the sense that we've crossed over into Northwoods gothic or wackiness for the sake of wackiness. The narrative is more subtle and controlled than that. Rather, our omniscient narrator and commentator radiates a calm fondness for all things Wisconsin. This book has been written with restraint and style, but also with a keen ironic eye, and there is a chuckle or an appreciative nod on every page.
So, whether or not you've named all of your kids after Green Bay Packers Hall of Famers, or lusted after a two-story boathouse on a lake, or hungered for another bite of lutefisk, I predict you will very much enjoy meeting and spending some time with the citizens of Mistake.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon KindleUnlimited free downloads. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
June 21, 2016
I won a copy of this book through a First reads give away. I found this to be a fun read with lots of memorable characters. I come from a small town and can relate to many things in this book.
From the unique local "geezers" to the stars of the school you will find someone you know and enjoy.
this is very well written and provides the possibility of future stories set in this wonderful town.
I especially loved the idea of stolen mailboxes as I found they usually end up in the ditches due to drive by batting practice in small towns. The ideas Brett and Gunner had for Mrs Helmstorm was pure delight! Every town has a Helstrom and the kids always want to give them specialized treatment.
I cannot wait to see what this author gives us in the future.
From the unique local "geezers" to the stars of the school you will find someone you know and enjoy.
this is very well written and provides the possibility of future stories set in this wonderful town.
I especially loved the idea of stolen mailboxes as I found they usually end up in the ditches due to drive by batting practice in small towns. The ideas Brett and Gunner had for Mrs Helmstorm was pure delight! Every town has a Helstrom and the kids always want to give them specialized treatment.
I cannot wait to see what this author gives us in the future.
July 8, 2015
I want to send my thanks to Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and to Kersti Neibruegge for the signed copy of her book, Mistake, Wisconsin that I won in the Giveaway.
Mistake, Wisconsin is a town full of Norwegian people that stick to traditions, however ridiculous and is written the give the reader a view of how funny some of them are. First, the make-believe town is called Mistake; the Lutheran Church serves lutefisk dinners and they are known for everything Muskie. Second the big mystery is the twenty-four stolen muskie mailboxes. Third add a large number of quirky characters from old man number one and two to the Troll to add to the mystery.
This is a fun book that is one to enjoy and have a good laugh while reading.
Mistake, Wisconsin is a town full of Norwegian people that stick to traditions, however ridiculous and is written the give the reader a view of how funny some of them are. First, the make-believe town is called Mistake; the Lutheran Church serves lutefisk dinners and they are known for everything Muskie. Second the big mystery is the twenty-four stolen muskie mailboxes. Third add a large number of quirky characters from old man number one and two to the Troll to add to the mystery.
This is a fun book that is one to enjoy and have a good laugh while reading.
June 9, 2015
The small town of Mistake, Wisconsin, goes into crisis mode when 24 musky-shaped mailboxes are stolen. The Deputy Mayor (also known as the Troll) has gone as far as to cancel the Opening Day of musky fishing festivities until the culprit(s) are caught and the mailboxes are returned.
This funny young adult novel reminded me a lot of Garrison Keillor's characters from Lake Wobegon. The adults are interesting but this is a young adult book so it's the teenagers who steal the show.
I recommend this book to those who have lived or spent a lot of time in small towns. I should warn Bears fans that this book does contain some material relating to the Green Bay Packers and may cause some nausea.
This funny young adult novel reminded me a lot of Garrison Keillor's characters from Lake Wobegon. The adults are interesting but this is a young adult book so it's the teenagers who steal the show.
I recommend this book to those who have lived or spent a lot of time in small towns. I should warn Bears fans that this book does contain some material relating to the Green Bay Packers and may cause some nausea.
April 26, 2016
Fun satire of Northwoods Wisconsin. This light, small town comedy begins with the theft of several residents' Muskie-shaped mailboxes. And just when you think Niebruegge has exhausted a barrel full of Midwestern references, she pulls out more, each so startlingly familiar I couldn't help but laugh.
(The protagonist is a teen, but the story is rounded out by an ensemble of quirky townspeople, and there is no reason to assume that the book is only for teens. I will suggest to adults of all ages.)
Quintessential recreational reading for small town Wisconsinites and the people who love them.
(The protagonist is a teen, but the story is rounded out by an ensemble of quirky townspeople, and there is no reason to assume that the book is only for teens. I will suggest to adults of all ages.)
Quintessential recreational reading for small town Wisconsinites and the people who love them.
June 1, 2016
I guess if you live in a town named Mistake, you need a sense of humor! Mistake, Wisconsin is known for its Muskie fishing. Muskies are so prominent in the town that many residents even have Muskie shaped mailboxes. These mailboxes get swiped in a teen prank which results in the annual Opening Day for Muskie season being cancelled--which is really a way to divert attention from the building permit that are to be exchanged--a bait shop building permit for a boathouse building permit. Somehow, teenage reporter Megan Svenson orchestrates a way to save Opening Day that also catches the local official in the act. There are lots of Wisconsin references within the pages.
March 27, 2015
Fun little book, the book is labeled young adult but would also appeal to the experienced reader as well. The story takes places in Mistake, Wisconsin a small town in the Northwoods of the state. The town has plenty of lakes and the town is known for its Musky fishing. Two dozen musky mailboxes go missing and the entire town is on alert. Will this crime be solved by "opening day" so the town's Musky festivites can take place on time?
January 31, 2015
Received this book through a giveaway.
It was a quick, fun read. I'd describe it as wacky and entertaining. It got me through a snowy, boring day at work.
As a life-long New Englander, I learned a lot about Wisconsin and Wisconsonite culture. I think it's a great first book, and would definitely read future titles by the same author.
I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy satire. Many of the characters were caricatures, but that was part of the fun for me.
It was a quick, fun read. I'd describe it as wacky and entertaining. It got me through a snowy, boring day at work.
As a life-long New Englander, I learned a lot about Wisconsin and Wisconsonite culture. I think it's a great first book, and would definitely read future titles by the same author.
I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy satire. Many of the characters were caricatures, but that was part of the fun for me.
September 1, 2015
I want to thank Kersti Neibruegge and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the copy of Mistake, Wisconsin that my daughter won and shared with me.
It is a funny story about a funny town called Mistake, Wisconsin and the missing twenty-four Muskie shaped mailboxes. The town wants to attract tourists to come and fish for muskies so the mailboxes are important to the image of the town. It is a delightful book full of humor.
It is a funny story about a funny town called Mistake, Wisconsin and the missing twenty-four Muskie shaped mailboxes. The town wants to attract tourists to come and fish for muskies so the mailboxes are important to the image of the town. It is a delightful book full of humor.
July 8, 2015
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I can describe this book in one word: cute! It was a cute idea, a cutely written story, with cute characters doing cute things with cute results. Totally cute. The book did have a mystery with stolen mailboxes, but rather than being scary, it was just intriguing. The whole book just tickled me. A mystery but one that tickled my funny bone. I would recommend this book as a good light read.
July 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this. But despite it having parts from a teen perspective and lacking anything very offensive, it felt more like it was written for adults BUT her own description says it’s for young adults... There are lots of different perspectives, over-the-top situations and characterizations at times, and it reminded me a bit of Garrison Keillor’s work. I think that Midwesterners will find it very funny – probably not other people.
November 8, 2016
This book was truly dreadful. first, be aware that I am from Wisconsin. Second, that I do in fact have a sense of humor. that said, this book dredges up every single stereotype of Wisconsin and relentlessly flogs it. It is the most artless aping of Garrison Keillor with none of the artistry. The characters are one-dimensional, and the humor is forced. I really wanted to like it, but I could not even finish it.
September 2, 2015
Mistake, Wisconsin is funny, but not as funny as I'd hoped given the author's pedigree (wrote for Conan and Seth Meyers!). This one lays on the Wisconsiniana thick...a bit too think for my taste. I think the author intends it as a tribute to WI, but trotting out every "cheesy" cliché felt more like mockery at times and distracted from what is a pretty good "big fish in a small pond" plot.
December 10, 2016
A very punny book
I am of Swedish descent and from Minnesota: How could I not like this book? I don't think Swedes are as isolationist or shy as the book suggests, but who cares as long as it remains so interesting? I only wish a Swanson appeared in the book. Perhaps this will happen in the next one. There will be a next one, right????
I am of Swedish descent and from Minnesota: How could I not like this book? I don't think Swedes are as isolationist or shy as the book suggests, but who cares as long as it remains so interesting? I only wish a Swanson appeared in the book. Perhaps this will happen in the next one. There will be a next one, right????
May 15, 2015
This is a great book for teenagers to read. It is basically a satire on life in a small ethnic community. It is well written and enjoyable. The book also lets kids know the consequences of there actions can affect other people.
I won this book in a Goodreads contest.
I won this book in a Goodreads contest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews