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Winter Song
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26‘Beautiful’ Claire Fuller
‘Magnificent’ Adam Johnson
‘Impressive’ Tracy Chevalier
‘A wondrous debut by a major talent’ Kevin Wilson
It is 1986, deep winter, in the hinterlands of Minnesota, a place so remote that the world beyond its borders barely registers. Two men face each other down across this frozen Byron Lugo, just released from prison for a hit-and-run he swears he didn’t commit, and Gordon Trent, the weary police chief who brought him in.
As Byron struggles to claw back his old life in a town convinced of his guilt, his determination forces Trent to assess his judgement, his choices, and ultimately his legacy.
WINTER SONG is a snow globe of a novel, a light in the a reminder of our humanity, even in the harshest of places.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-
‘A moving, atmospheric portrayal of small-town America. What an impressive debut’ Tracy Chevalier
‘A gritty and unsparing portrait of a snow-blasted wonderland painted with exquisite tenderness and generosity. Morales mines the magical and transcendent from otherwise ordinary moments, filling the lives of her characters – and her readers – with the hard-won possibility of grace. A magnificent novel and an unforgettable debut’ Adam Johnson
‘This is a book I needed right now, because it doesn’t deny the ugliness of the world, but it reminded me of the good humans are capable of. Morales writes with a gritty earnestness that puts her in the good company of Elizabeth Strout’ Benjamin Percy
‘Magnificent’ Adam Johnson
‘Impressive’ Tracy Chevalier
‘A wondrous debut by a major talent’ Kevin Wilson
It is 1986, deep winter, in the hinterlands of Minnesota, a place so remote that the world beyond its borders barely registers. Two men face each other down across this frozen Byron Lugo, just released from prison for a hit-and-run he swears he didn’t commit, and Gordon Trent, the weary police chief who brought him in.
As Byron struggles to claw back his old life in a town convinced of his guilt, his determination forces Trent to assess his judgement, his choices, and ultimately his legacy.
WINTER SONG is a snow globe of a novel, a light in the a reminder of our humanity, even in the harshest of places.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-
‘A moving, atmospheric portrayal of small-town America. What an impressive debut’ Tracy Chevalier
‘A gritty and unsparing portrait of a snow-blasted wonderland painted with exquisite tenderness and generosity. Morales mines the magical and transcendent from otherwise ordinary moments, filling the lives of her characters – and her readers – with the hard-won possibility of grace. A magnificent novel and an unforgettable debut’ Adam Johnson
‘This is a book I needed right now, because it doesn’t deny the ugliness of the world, but it reminded me of the good humans are capable of. Morales writes with a gritty earnestness that puts her in the good company of Elizabeth Strout’ Benjamin Percy
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 1, 2026
About the author
Rebeca Lee Morales
1 book66 followersRebeca Lee Morales writes fiction that explores human resilience and the quiet moral reckonings that shape everyday lives. Born in Cape Charles, Virginia and raised in Michigan, she is the daughter of a missionary mother who served in the Yucatán and a pastor father. In her adult life, she lived in Minnesota for a decade, and later in the Southwest. She relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 2004, where she now resides. Winter Song is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 28, 2026
Small town USA with diners and bars where people meet up, people who know most everyone and mostly everything that’s going on. Reminded me of Richard Russo’s small towns where there is some darkness in the midst of enduring friendships, love and people with a strong moral compass. Yet, there are dark secrets . Monte, Minnesota is one of these places, where Byron Lugo returns home after being released from prison , found guilty of vehicular manslaughter, a crime he says he didn’t commit . Not everyone believes him - a jury didn’t but his lawyer did. I found there to be something sincere about him and I believed him. Byron just wants to get back what he had before he went to prison and works on checking off things he needs to do on a meaningful list he made, not expecting events to unfold as they did.
Gordon Trent, the chief of police wasn’t sure if he believes Byron, but had enough doubts to make him want to find out the truth . He’s grieving the loss of his wife and facing regrets over putting his job over things he could have done to make her happy . At a crossroads, reevaluating who he is and what he stands for, but always seeking justice .
It’s atmospheric in a way with the daily lives shaped by the brutal cold and heavy snow fall and treacherous roads. I found this to be moving and thought provoking. I hoped for a different ending, but it was one that had to be. A well written debut.
I received a copy of this from HarperCollins through Edelweiss.
Gordon Trent, the chief of police wasn’t sure if he believes Byron, but had enough doubts to make him want to find out the truth . He’s grieving the loss of his wife and facing regrets over putting his job over things he could have done to make her happy . At a crossroads, reevaluating who he is and what he stands for, but always seeking justice .
It’s atmospheric in a way with the daily lives shaped by the brutal cold and heavy snow fall and treacherous roads. I found this to be moving and thought provoking. I hoped for a different ending, but it was one that had to be. A well written debut.
I received a copy of this from HarperCollins through Edelweiss.
October 29, 2026
1986, small town in Minnesota,
during a cold and snowy winter…
Byron Lugo is being released from prison for a hit and run, which he is adamant that he never committed.
Two of his buddies pick him up and take him back to town and he starts to rebuild his life.
Police chief Gordon Trent, an older man.. about ready to retire., is the one who brought him in a few years ago and he tries to tell Byron to put the past behind him, and look ahead… but everyone still thinks he is guilty.
As Byron starts to reclaim his life..
Trent is looking back at the case, he likes this boy, and he starts digging back into the files on the case.. and things seem sketchy.
I really liked how we get to know the past of these characters and we get to meet and know a lot of the town-folk in that way it reminds me of the Strout/Olive novels.
It’s atmospheric with a real sense of humanity and great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
during a cold and snowy winter…
Byron Lugo is being released from prison for a hit and run, which he is adamant that he never committed.
Two of his buddies pick him up and take him back to town and he starts to rebuild his life.
Police chief Gordon Trent, an older man.. about ready to retire., is the one who brought him in a few years ago and he tries to tell Byron to put the past behind him, and look ahead… but everyone still thinks he is guilty.
As Byron starts to reclaim his life..
Trent is looking back at the case, he likes this boy, and he starts digging back into the files on the case.. and things seem sketchy.
I really liked how we get to know the past of these characters and we get to meet and know a lot of the town-folk in that way it reminds me of the Strout/Olive novels.
It’s atmospheric with a real sense of humanity and great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this novel, for its attention to detail, for its characterisation, setting and story. And also for Rebecca Lee Morales' writing. It's a literary mystery - a lovely slow build to some brilliant surprises. Very likely to be on my reads of the year.
Byron is collected from jail by his three friends. He's been there for nearly four years for killing someone while driving - a murder he claims he didn't commit. Sheriff Gordon Trent is heading towards retirement while grieving the death of his wife. He'd like Byron to settle back quietly into this snowy Minnesotan town, but Byron wants to prove his innocence. With themes of grief and truth and whether we should just keep moving forward and not look back, this is a wonderful debut.
Byron is collected from jail by his three friends. He's been there for nearly four years for killing someone while driving - a murder he claims he didn't commit. Sheriff Gordon Trent is heading towards retirement while grieving the death of his wife. He'd like Byron to settle back quietly into this snowy Minnesotan town, but Byron wants to prove his innocence. With themes of grief and truth and whether we should just keep moving forward and not look back, this is a wonderful debut.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s January 1986 and Montevideo, like the rest of Minnesota, is in deep winter, snow, ice and wind chills. Montevideo is a nowhere kind of place, very remote and two and a half hours from the Twin Cities, but that doesn’t mean nothing happens here – far from it. Widower Gordon Trent is the police chief, contemplating extending his job beyond retirement years and Byron Lugo is newly released from prison and swearing his innocence of the hit-and-run that he’s convicted for. Byron is determined to get his old life back and hopefully prove his innocence which forces Trent to reassess everything he thinks he knows.
Although this is the very definition of a slow burn, I really enjoy it. It’s very well written and so atmospheric that it’s an immersive read. I could feel the cold setting, it’s dark, bleak and harsh which perfectly matches the storyline. The small town vibe, with everyone knowing everyone, news telegraphed like lightning, which adds to the claustrophobic and suffocating sensation. It’s remoteness from the nearest large settlement piles on more atmosphere, much like the falling snow,
The characterisation is excellent. Most are really likeable and I enjoy the friendship extended towards Byron and he is an engaging character. The friendship and these guys are a light in a dark story. I like how Trent goes the extra mile in order to ensure that justice has or hasn’t been served.
This novel has a bit of everything, it’s a mystery, but it’s also about the people and their interactions, the importance of a place and a person’s place in it, and it’s about justice. The ending is good but quite sad although it strikes the right note.
Overall, this is a very good debut which is richly atmospheric and one which makes me think.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins./HarperFiction/ The Borough Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Although this is the very definition of a slow burn, I really enjoy it. It’s very well written and so atmospheric that it’s an immersive read. I could feel the cold setting, it’s dark, bleak and harsh which perfectly matches the storyline. The small town vibe, with everyone knowing everyone, news telegraphed like lightning, which adds to the claustrophobic and suffocating sensation. It’s remoteness from the nearest large settlement piles on more atmosphere, much like the falling snow,
The characterisation is excellent. Most are really likeable and I enjoy the friendship extended towards Byron and he is an engaging character. The friendship and these guys are a light in a dark story. I like how Trent goes the extra mile in order to ensure that justice has or hasn’t been served.
This novel has a bit of everything, it’s a mystery, but it’s also about the people and their interactions, the importance of a place and a person’s place in it, and it’s about justice. The ending is good but quite sad although it strikes the right note.
Overall, this is a very good debut which is richly atmospheric and one which makes me think.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins./HarperFiction/ The Borough Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
February 10, 2026
Super grateful to have received this ARC from NetGalley! There aren’t many things I love more than a stellar debut novel! Winter Song is just that - beautifully written, realistic with sympathetic characters and familiar landscapes. I lived in South Dakota for a few years, so much of this Minnesota setting and so many of the characters were familiar. Our protagonist, Byron, is someone you can’t help but root for, and Chief Trent seems to be the upstanding law enforcement we all hope we’d find if ever in Byron’s situation. Rebeca Lee Morales has definitely made a fan out of me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Winter Song by Rebeca Lee Morales
Winter Song is an impressive debut that combines an intriguing mystery with a thoughtful exploration of guilt, justice, loyalty and redemption. Set in a small Minnesota town during the winter of 1986, the story follows Byron Lugo, a young man released from prison after serving time for a hit-and-run he insists he did not commit. As he tries to rebuild his life and prove his innocence, the case forces police chief Gordon Trent to question his own judgement and the decisions he made in the past.
What I particularly enjoyed about this novel was its atmosphere. Morales does a wonderful job of bringing the small-town setting to life, with the bitter winter weather adding to the sense of isolation and the feeling that the characters are trapped by their pasts. The setting feels authentic, and I really liked how the author uses this close-knit community to explore the complexities of human nature and the way personal loyalties can influence our understanding of the truth.
The characters are another real strength. Byron's determination to reclaim his life makes him an engaging character to follow, while Gordon's own doubts and regrets add another interesting dimension to the story. I enjoyed seeing how their perspectives develop and how the novel explores the difficulty of admitting that we might have been wrong.
Although this is a mystery, it is just as much about people, relationships and the consequences of our choices. The story unfolds at a measured pace, gradually revealing more about the characters and the events that have shaped their lives. I found this approach rewarding, allowing the emotional aspects of the story to develop alongside the central mystery.
Overall, Winter Song is a beautifully atmospheric and quietly compelling novel. Rebeca Lee Morales shows real promise with a debut that combines an engaging story with plenty of humanity and emotional depth. I'll certainly be interested to see what she writes next.
Winter Song is an impressive debut that combines an intriguing mystery with a thoughtful exploration of guilt, justice, loyalty and redemption. Set in a small Minnesota town during the winter of 1986, the story follows Byron Lugo, a young man released from prison after serving time for a hit-and-run he insists he did not commit. As he tries to rebuild his life and prove his innocence, the case forces police chief Gordon Trent to question his own judgement and the decisions he made in the past.
What I particularly enjoyed about this novel was its atmosphere. Morales does a wonderful job of bringing the small-town setting to life, with the bitter winter weather adding to the sense of isolation and the feeling that the characters are trapped by their pasts. The setting feels authentic, and I really liked how the author uses this close-knit community to explore the complexities of human nature and the way personal loyalties can influence our understanding of the truth.
The characters are another real strength. Byron's determination to reclaim his life makes him an engaging character to follow, while Gordon's own doubts and regrets add another interesting dimension to the story. I enjoyed seeing how their perspectives develop and how the novel explores the difficulty of admitting that we might have been wrong.
Although this is a mystery, it is just as much about people, relationships and the consequences of our choices. The story unfolds at a measured pace, gradually revealing more about the characters and the events that have shaped their lives. I found this approach rewarding, allowing the emotional aspects of the story to develop alongside the central mystery.
Overall, Winter Song is a beautifully atmospheric and quietly compelling novel. Rebeca Lee Morales shows real promise with a debut that combines an engaging story with plenty of humanity and emotional depth. I'll certainly be interested to see what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'Just don't for pity's sake, please don't, become one of those people who let the past eclipse the joy of living.'
Byron Lugo is released from prison after being found guilty of killing a man whilst driving. He proclaims his innocence from the day of his release.
Gordon Trent is the local police chief who originally brought him in for the crime.
Monte is a small northern town in Minnesota in the United States - a backwater of small community living where everyone knows everyone else's business and into this neighbourhood, Byron has to try and rehabilitate himself... but as he continues to raise questions about his innocence so a spark of doubt enters the mind of Gordon Trent.
Set during the winter of 1986, Rebeca Lee Morales has created an atmosphere of claustrophobia and remoteness with a pervading sense of melancholy. How can Byron truly adjust to his new life and how can he deal with his ex now married to another man?
This is a tautly written plot - comparisons to Elizabeth Strout's small town community lives could be made. But this is a debut novel and whereas Strout uses deep subtle psychological signals, the characters here aren't as nuanced; however for a debut it is a good read.
There is love, friendship and support within the town and this is the light that makes this book different amidst the darkness.
The ending- no spoilers- will raise questions leaving even the reader with a sense of complicity from observing the outcome.
Thank you to Borough Press and Netgalley for the advance copy for an honest review.
Byron Lugo is released from prison after being found guilty of killing a man whilst driving. He proclaims his innocence from the day of his release.
Gordon Trent is the local police chief who originally brought him in for the crime.
Monte is a small northern town in Minnesota in the United States - a backwater of small community living where everyone knows everyone else's business and into this neighbourhood, Byron has to try and rehabilitate himself... but as he continues to raise questions about his innocence so a spark of doubt enters the mind of Gordon Trent.
Set during the winter of 1986, Rebeca Lee Morales has created an atmosphere of claustrophobia and remoteness with a pervading sense of melancholy. How can Byron truly adjust to his new life and how can he deal with his ex now married to another man?
This is a tautly written plot - comparisons to Elizabeth Strout's small town community lives could be made. But this is a debut novel and whereas Strout uses deep subtle psychological signals, the characters here aren't as nuanced; however for a debut it is a good read.
There is love, friendship and support within the town and this is the light that makes this book different amidst the darkness.
The ending- no spoilers- will raise questions leaving even the reader with a sense of complicity from observing the outcome.
Thank you to Borough Press and Netgalley for the advance copy for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s 1986, and Gordon Trent, a local small-town sheriff, decides to delay retirement. He is still adjusting to the loss of his wife and goes about keeping peace in a snowy, two stoplight town, with honest simplicity.
Byron Lugo spent close to four years in jail for vehicular homicide and is picked up by his friends the day of his release. He leaves jail with specific plans for getting his life back. Officer Trent welcomes him back into society and wishes him well. The narrative moves in a linear fashion from there with one major aspect the focus - Byron swears on his innocence.
Byron visits the mother of the boy who was killed in the car accident, a poignant scene of a mother’s grief and a man trying to listen while also insisting he's not to blame. That visit gets him beaten and is the first of many decisions that cannot be rewound. “It’s a costly mistake, dwelling on the past," we hear early and the message is reinforced in creative ways.
Before prison, Byron was engaged to a local named Earlene. Now she is married but that hard fact does not prevent his effort in any way. Officer Trent sniffs around Byron’s case - just one eyewitness on a dark night put him away - and decides that the man might be telling the truth. We see how the pain of unearthing the truth behind a potential lie affects many.
Morales draws a clear picture of small-town life while never forgetting to tell a compelling story. There is plenty of fun - a demolition derby they all participate in, a cool little thrift shop/book store where the locals discover treasure. The author mixes literary description with old-school plot movement effectively. It is a quiet book at times, but strangely hard to put down. Short chapters keep the pace moving and the final quarter of Winter Song flies by with drama, action and reflection.
Very solid debut novel. Recommended to fans of literary crime fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ecco Press for a review copy.
Byron Lugo spent close to four years in jail for vehicular homicide and is picked up by his friends the day of his release. He leaves jail with specific plans for getting his life back. Officer Trent welcomes him back into society and wishes him well. The narrative moves in a linear fashion from there with one major aspect the focus - Byron swears on his innocence.
Byron visits the mother of the boy who was killed in the car accident, a poignant scene of a mother’s grief and a man trying to listen while also insisting he's not to blame. That visit gets him beaten and is the first of many decisions that cannot be rewound. “It’s a costly mistake, dwelling on the past," we hear early and the message is reinforced in creative ways.
Before prison, Byron was engaged to a local named Earlene. Now she is married but that hard fact does not prevent his effort in any way. Officer Trent sniffs around Byron’s case - just one eyewitness on a dark night put him away - and decides that the man might be telling the truth. We see how the pain of unearthing the truth behind a potential lie affects many.
Morales draws a clear picture of small-town life while never forgetting to tell a compelling story. There is plenty of fun - a demolition derby they all participate in, a cool little thrift shop/book store where the locals discover treasure. The author mixes literary description with old-school plot movement effectively. It is a quiet book at times, but strangely hard to put down. Short chapters keep the pace moving and the final quarter of Winter Song flies by with drama, action and reflection.
Very solid debut novel. Recommended to fans of literary crime fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ecco Press for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Byron Lugo, 26 years old, recently released from Stillwater State Prison after serving time for a crime he swears he didn’t commit, is back home in his small town in southern Minnesota. He visits his dad then finds himself a small place of his own. It doesn’t take long before the whole town knows he’s back. Word spreads like wildfire – the ex-con is back.
His buddies want to drink beer and race cars. Byron wants to get his girl, his former fiancé back. The trouble is, she’s married now. Her husband, a nemesis from their school days, warns him in no uncertain terms to stay the heck away. The police chief, Gordon Trent, greets him and basically keeps an eye on him but is of a mind that he’s served his time, guilty or not. Something tells him the kid may not have been guilty. He seems to be keeping an open mind, unlike so many others.
This is a mystery with a slow burn. I had mixed feelings throughout, wondering whether Byron truly was innocent as he proclaimed. The plot drags in places, meanders in small-town fashion. Byron means well, but he doesn’t always make wise choices, even now, especially when it comes to love, at least not at first. There are few surprises, but there are several.
The characters felt to me like real human beings, flawed, with real feelings and desires. I could practically picture main street and some of the scenes, particularly the snowball fight among Byron and his buddies. The story bogs down a bit midway through, and it was tempting to DNF it, but I’m glad I stuck with it because just when I thought the story was over – it wasn’t. Not quite.
This is not a happy story, exactly, but if felt real. Lifelike. Kudos to Ms. Morales on her debut novel, Winter Song.
I received a digital copy of Winter Song in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Ecco Press, and the author.
3.5 stars rounded up
His buddies want to drink beer and race cars. Byron wants to get his girl, his former fiancé back. The trouble is, she’s married now. Her husband, a nemesis from their school days, warns him in no uncertain terms to stay the heck away. The police chief, Gordon Trent, greets him and basically keeps an eye on him but is of a mind that he’s served his time, guilty or not. Something tells him the kid may not have been guilty. He seems to be keeping an open mind, unlike so many others.
This is a mystery with a slow burn. I had mixed feelings throughout, wondering whether Byron truly was innocent as he proclaimed. The plot drags in places, meanders in small-town fashion. Byron means well, but he doesn’t always make wise choices, even now, especially when it comes to love, at least not at first. There are few surprises, but there are several.
The characters felt to me like real human beings, flawed, with real feelings and desires. I could practically picture main street and some of the scenes, particularly the snowball fight among Byron and his buddies. The story bogs down a bit midway through, and it was tempting to DNF it, but I’m glad I stuck with it because just when I thought the story was over – it wasn’t. Not quite.
This is not a happy story, exactly, but if felt real. Lifelike. Kudos to Ms. Morales on her debut novel, Winter Song.
I received a digital copy of Winter Song in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Ecco Press, and the author.
3.5 stars rounded up
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can you ever truly reclaim a life that was stolen from you?
A Police Chief, a Convict, and the Chilling Price of Small-Town Justice
When the Past Refuses to Freeze Over: A Look Inside 'Winter Song'
Intro
"Winter Song" introduces Rebeca Lee Morales as an exciting new literary talent. Published by HarperCollins Publishers, this compelling debut offers a raw and honest exploration of life in a small Midwestern town. The narrative unfolds gradually, immersing readers in a richly detailed and atmospheric setting that captures the complexities of everyday life.
The Hook
Can an aging police chief facing forced retirement and a newly released convict seeking justice find closure in a frozen town determined to keep its secrets buried?
Elevator Pitch
Set in the remote hinterlands of Minnesota during the biting winter of 1986, the story follows Byron Lugo, a young man recently released from Stillwater prison. Byron was convicted of a hit-and-run vehicular homicide that claimed a local teenager's life—a crime he steadfastly insists he never committed. Returning to his suspicious hometown, his headlong quest to clear his name forces the weary, retiring police chief, Gordon Trent, to painfully re-evaluate the original investigation, his own judgment, and the fragile legacy he leaves behind.
Setting
The secluded, frozen backcountry of rural Minnesota in 1986. The backdrop is an insular world of demolition derbies, downtown diners, snow-blasted streets, and a winter so harsh that the world outside barely registers.
Vibe
Chilling, contemplative, nostalgic, and starkly realistic. It captures a quiet, blue-collar melancholy laced with an underlying undercurrent of tension and mystery.
Genre
Literary Fiction / Small-Town Mystery
Themes
~The Burden of Guilt and Innocence: How a conviction forever alters a person’s identity, true or not.
~The Complexity of Small-Town Loyalty: The protective, isolating nature of close-knit communities that hide uncomfortable truths.
~Redress and Legacy: Looking back at the twilight of a career and confronting past professional and moral blind spots.
Standout Characters
~Byron Lugo: A fierce, resolute young man who refuses to admit guilt, determined to claw back the life and fiancée he lost to a prison sentence.
~Gordon Trent: The small-town police chief whose looming mandatory retirement sets off a deeply personal internal reckoning about justice and duty.
~Byron’s Former Fiancee: A woman who moved on during his incarceration, marrying a brute and embodying the irreversible passage of time.
Author Writing Standout :
Morales writes with an exquisite tenderness and generosity, capturing the sublime and transcendent within ordinary, gritty working-class lives. She balances the sharp stakes of a mystery with the patient pacing of character-driven literary fiction, letting the dialogue feel completely natural while cultivating a palpable, bone-chilling sense of place.
Takeaway
True justice is rarely clean or simple; it requires a painful willingness to dismantle our own past judgments and confront the uncomfortable quiet of a community's shared secrets.
Title Significance
Winter Song refers to the cyclical, unchanging, and frozen nature of the town’s collective memory. Like a repetitive melody, the townspeople cling to their original version of the past, requiring a harsh thaw for the real truth to finally break through the ice.
Metaphor
The Thin Ice. The characters constantly walk on a fragile layer of social peace. Beneath the frozen surface of the town's daily routines lies a deep, dark reservoir of buried secrets and tragic mistakes waiting to collapse under too much pressure.
Why You Should Read
If you appreciate the quiet, masterfully drawn characters and moral depth of authors like Elizabeth Strout this debut delivers an unforgettable, atmospheric journey into the heart of Middle America.
My Thoughts
This novel completely upends the traditional "wrongful conviction" trope by focusing heavily on the emotional aftermath rather than just courtroom dramatics. Seeing the investigation re-examined through the eyes of the aging police chief who helped secure the conviction brings a remarkably fresh layer of empathy, guilt, and nuance to the story.
Morales explores themes of human resilience, the challenges posed by societal judgment, and the quiet moral dilemmas that shape the lives of working-class individuals. Through her vivid storytelling, she creates a powerful depiction of a community struggling with its identity and values.
Verdict: 5 / 5 Stars
"A breathtakingly crafted small-town literary mystery that unfolds at a deliberate pace, drawing readers into its intricate web of secrets and emotions. Its rich prose and compelling characters linger in the mind, leaving an indelible mark long after the final page has been turned."
Recs or Read Alikes
~Small Town Sins by Ken Jaworowski
~The Current by Tim Johnston
~Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens
~Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Special thanks to Ecco / HarperCollins and NetGalley for sharing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithD.Collins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
#LitLitMiniAuthorChats | #AuthorElevatorSeries
#AudioElevatorSeries
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Dec 1, 2026
Dec 2026 Must-Read Books
A Police Chief, a Convict, and the Chilling Price of Small-Town Justice
When the Past Refuses to Freeze Over: A Look Inside 'Winter Song'
Intro
"Winter Song" introduces Rebeca Lee Morales as an exciting new literary talent. Published by HarperCollins Publishers, this compelling debut offers a raw and honest exploration of life in a small Midwestern town. The narrative unfolds gradually, immersing readers in a richly detailed and atmospheric setting that captures the complexities of everyday life.
The Hook
Can an aging police chief facing forced retirement and a newly released convict seeking justice find closure in a frozen town determined to keep its secrets buried?
Elevator Pitch
Set in the remote hinterlands of Minnesota during the biting winter of 1986, the story follows Byron Lugo, a young man recently released from Stillwater prison. Byron was convicted of a hit-and-run vehicular homicide that claimed a local teenager's life—a crime he steadfastly insists he never committed. Returning to his suspicious hometown, his headlong quest to clear his name forces the weary, retiring police chief, Gordon Trent, to painfully re-evaluate the original investigation, his own judgment, and the fragile legacy he leaves behind.
Setting
The secluded, frozen backcountry of rural Minnesota in 1986. The backdrop is an insular world of demolition derbies, downtown diners, snow-blasted streets, and a winter so harsh that the world outside barely registers.
Vibe
Chilling, contemplative, nostalgic, and starkly realistic. It captures a quiet, blue-collar melancholy laced with an underlying undercurrent of tension and mystery.
Genre
Literary Fiction / Small-Town Mystery
Themes
~The Burden of Guilt and Innocence: How a conviction forever alters a person’s identity, true or not.
~The Complexity of Small-Town Loyalty: The protective, isolating nature of close-knit communities that hide uncomfortable truths.
~Redress and Legacy: Looking back at the twilight of a career and confronting past professional and moral blind spots.
Standout Characters
~Byron Lugo: A fierce, resolute young man who refuses to admit guilt, determined to claw back the life and fiancée he lost to a prison sentence.
~Gordon Trent: The small-town police chief whose looming mandatory retirement sets off a deeply personal internal reckoning about justice and duty.
~Byron’s Former Fiancee: A woman who moved on during his incarceration, marrying a brute and embodying the irreversible passage of time.
Author Writing Standout :
Morales writes with an exquisite tenderness and generosity, capturing the sublime and transcendent within ordinary, gritty working-class lives. She balances the sharp stakes of a mystery with the patient pacing of character-driven literary fiction, letting the dialogue feel completely natural while cultivating a palpable, bone-chilling sense of place.
Takeaway
True justice is rarely clean or simple; it requires a painful willingness to dismantle our own past judgments and confront the uncomfortable quiet of a community's shared secrets.
Title Significance
Winter Song refers to the cyclical, unchanging, and frozen nature of the town’s collective memory. Like a repetitive melody, the townspeople cling to their original version of the past, requiring a harsh thaw for the real truth to finally break through the ice.
Metaphor
The Thin Ice. The characters constantly walk on a fragile layer of social peace. Beneath the frozen surface of the town's daily routines lies a deep, dark reservoir of buried secrets and tragic mistakes waiting to collapse under too much pressure.
Why You Should Read
If you appreciate the quiet, masterfully drawn characters and moral depth of authors like Elizabeth Strout this debut delivers an unforgettable, atmospheric journey into the heart of Middle America.
My Thoughts
This novel completely upends the traditional "wrongful conviction" trope by focusing heavily on the emotional aftermath rather than just courtroom dramatics. Seeing the investigation re-examined through the eyes of the aging police chief who helped secure the conviction brings a remarkably fresh layer of empathy, guilt, and nuance to the story.
Morales explores themes of human resilience, the challenges posed by societal judgment, and the quiet moral dilemmas that shape the lives of working-class individuals. Through her vivid storytelling, she creates a powerful depiction of a community struggling with its identity and values.
Verdict: 5 / 5 Stars
"A breathtakingly crafted small-town literary mystery that unfolds at a deliberate pace, drawing readers into its intricate web of secrets and emotions. Its rich prose and compelling characters linger in the mind, leaving an indelible mark long after the final page has been turned."
Recs or Read Alikes
~Small Town Sins by Ken Jaworowski
~The Current by Tim Johnston
~Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens
~Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Special thanks to Ecco / HarperCollins and NetGalley for sharing an advance reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Dec 1, 2026
Dec 2026 Must-Read Books
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An historical novel capturing the essence of a small town as it deals with a psychological duel between two men determined to show justice prevailed. This is a blend of literary fiction and true crime woven nicely.
It’s winter in Minnesota in the small town of Montevideo or Monte as its residents know it. Winter in Minnesota is an experience to remember - having lived there at one time, its cold is bitter and deep and enduring. And that’s where we find Sheriff Gordon Trent in the cold snowy winter of 1986 contemplating his approaching retirement and grieving his dead wife. The book then shifts to Byron Lugo as he’s released from prison having served six years for vehicular homicide, a hit-and-run, of which he professes his innocence and Christ he’s out he’s determined to determined to his life back - every part he left behind including his fiancee who’s married. For Trent, justice is his life’s work and underpins his identity. For Lugo justice is seen as not having been served. Both men persist in their belief, politely disagree until one is proven correct. As Bryon returns the author also asks us can either man restart their lives with all the changes they are facing. .
The writing in this novel is so deliciously good. Simple, terse, but moving as the story of these two men unfold. I was struck as the book was nearing its end with these sentences: “The past wasn’t the last word and disappointment wasn’t fatal. More importantly, the future was ahead . . . .” The author treats us to this kind of simple beauty throughout the novel but more importantly it furthers the theme about starting over. . We also get a story showing how the choices you make determine your path.
My only criticism of the book is that its first half was strong but when it moved to Bryon’s wanting his old flame back it felt flat. But while the book is I believe intended to be slowly paced, this criticism does not take away from the overall story and its meaning. It had an important message.
My thanks to NetGalley and Ecco for granting me access to this ARC.
It’s winter in Minnesota in the small town of Montevideo or Monte as its residents know it. Winter in Minnesota is an experience to remember - having lived there at one time, its cold is bitter and deep and enduring. And that’s where we find Sheriff Gordon Trent in the cold snowy winter of 1986 contemplating his approaching retirement and grieving his dead wife. The book then shifts to Byron Lugo as he’s released from prison having served six years for vehicular homicide, a hit-and-run, of which he professes his innocence and Christ he’s out he’s determined to determined to his life back - every part he left behind including his fiancee who’s married. For Trent, justice is his life’s work and underpins his identity. For Lugo justice is seen as not having been served. Both men persist in their belief, politely disagree until one is proven correct. As Bryon returns the author also asks us can either man restart their lives with all the changes they are facing. .
The writing in this novel is so deliciously good. Simple, terse, but moving as the story of these two men unfold. I was struck as the book was nearing its end with these sentences: “The past wasn’t the last word and disappointment wasn’t fatal. More importantly, the future was ahead . . . .” The author treats us to this kind of simple beauty throughout the novel but more importantly it furthers the theme about starting over. . We also get a story showing how the choices you make determine your path.
My only criticism of the book is that its first half was strong but when it moved to Bryon’s wanting his old flame back it felt flat. But while the book is I believe intended to be slowly paced, this criticism does not take away from the overall story and its meaning. It had an important message.
My thanks to NetGalley and Ecco for granting me access to this ARC.
October 21, 2026
This is an outstanding story of a small town in 1980s Minnesota. A young man has just been released from prison after serving time for killing a young boy with his car. That young man, Byron, has always claimed his innocence. Upon release he even goes to the young boy’s mother to tell her that. It’s an emotional scene in the book and in many author’s hands it would come across as creepy. Rebeca Lee Morales masterfully weaves the story of Byron and the townspeople in this novel. I think Byron is my most favorite character in any book this year. He comes across quite likable and unlike in many books doesn’t go out trying to prove his innocence. The story and the police chief allow that to be considered. I am not sure if the ending completely landed, but It didn’t make me angry.
Publishing on December 1, 2026
Publishing on December 1, 2026
March 13, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advance copy.
Overall, this fell flat for me, but I think there are things to like in this story. Set in the 1980s in Minnesota, this story revolves around a man being released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit. His release prompts the local sheriff to look further into the original crime. That description sold me. I thought it would be at least a mystery. It’s not. This is more about the ins and outs of daily life for both of our main characters. Sometimes it’s interesting, but sometimes it’s just a random chapter that goes nowhere.
The author is very good at describing the setting - the atmosphere feels cold, and I love a story where the setting feels like its own character. That said, the author also has a tendency to get bogged down on the minor details of what the characters are doing in a way that made me skim.
It’s a quick read because it’s short with short chapters, but the pace of the story is very slow.
I think if you go in without expectations of this being a thriller/mystery/crime novel, you may enjoy it more than I did.
Overall, this fell flat for me, but I think there are things to like in this story. Set in the 1980s in Minnesota, this story revolves around a man being released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit. His release prompts the local sheriff to look further into the original crime. That description sold me. I thought it would be at least a mystery. It’s not. This is more about the ins and outs of daily life for both of our main characters. Sometimes it’s interesting, but sometimes it’s just a random chapter that goes nowhere.
The author is very good at describing the setting - the atmosphere feels cold, and I love a story where the setting feels like its own character. That said, the author also has a tendency to get bogged down on the minor details of what the characters are doing in a way that made me skim.
It’s a quick read because it’s short with short chapters, but the pace of the story is very slow.
I think if you go in without expectations of this being a thriller/mystery/crime novel, you may enjoy it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an excellent debut novel, about a man, Brian Lugo, released from prison after serving a sentence for a crime he insists he did not commit. Returning to his home town, where the crime was committed, he wants to prove his innocence but also to reclaim his life, including the fiancée he left behind.
The police chief, grieving his wife, and facing retirement would really like Brian to just accept what’s happened, but faced with some questions about the crime he is compelled to take a closer look, and this results in unexpected consequences.
This is a beautifully written book, not an action-packed thriller, although it certainly contains moments of drama, and builds tension beautifully. Morales depicts her characters in a way which makes them utterly believable, and the ending feels perfect. I’ve loved this, and hope it does brilliantly.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
The police chief, grieving his wife, and facing retirement would really like Brian to just accept what’s happened, but faced with some questions about the crime he is compelled to take a closer look, and this results in unexpected consequences.
This is a beautifully written book, not an action-packed thriller, although it certainly contains moments of drama, and builds tension beautifully. Morales depicts her characters in a way which makes them utterly believable, and the ending feels perfect. I’ve loved this, and hope it does brilliantly.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A beautifully written evocation of a Minnesota winter, Winter Song combines gorgeous language with depth of character. Sadness and hope battle for prominence but neither completely wins. This is a very profound book. Byron Lugo is badly served in many ways but never loses his decency and humanity. Gordon Trent seeks truth and justice But does justice always require the truth and is the truth always just? The problems of life and how to live it honestly and morally are shown with all their contradictions against a backdrop of simple small town pleasures and and universal sorrows.
A classic in the making.
A classic in the making.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is indeed a very good novel ! Set in a small town where everyone knows each other, the novel illustrates that justice might be influenced.... and guilt. The characters are very convincing, you see them and understand their reasoning. This was very well done.
There is an atmospheric touch in the storyline: cold and quiet as the season in which the novel takes place. Monte (the town) also plays a role, and you can feel it.
Somehow a sad story though not only. Thanks to a couple of characters hope is latent. Will it be enough?
I enjoyed it very much!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
There is an atmospheric touch in the storyline: cold and quiet as the season in which the novel takes place. Monte (the town) also plays a role, and you can feel it.
Somehow a sad story though not only. Thanks to a couple of characters hope is latent. Will it be enough?
I enjoyed it very much!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I first heard about this debut, 𝗪𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 (Pub 12.01), from the publisher at the Public Library Association Conference in April.
Three things had me adding it to my TBR
* 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘧" (Big Haruf fan)
* Set in 1986 in small town Minnesota (Born & raised)
* That cover.
This realistically stark, but beautifully written, character driven novel with a mystery element was brimming with promise. I was sympathetic to the whole cast of characters as they navigated truth, loyalty, guilt and second chances.
It felt quintessentially Minnesota from frigid temperatures, downtown diners and friends who've known you your whole life. I particularly loved the scenes around a local demolition derby that featured an AMC Pacer. It was vintage in 1986 but positively archaic when I drove it in high school (1993-94). Golly I loved that car.
READ: Listened on audio and thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Ron Meskimen. They didn't over-do the MN accent which sometimes they tend to do.
Three things had me adding it to my TBR
* 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘒𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘧" (Big Haruf fan)
* Set in 1986 in small town Minnesota (Born & raised)
* That cover.
This realistically stark, but beautifully written, character driven novel with a mystery element was brimming with promise. I was sympathetic to the whole cast of characters as they navigated truth, loyalty, guilt and second chances.
It felt quintessentially Minnesota from frigid temperatures, downtown diners and friends who've known you your whole life. I particularly loved the scenes around a local demolition derby that featured an AMC Pacer. It was vintage in 1986 but positively archaic when I drove it in high school (1993-94). Golly I loved that car.
READ: Listened on audio and thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Ron Meskimen. They didn't over-do the MN accent which sometimes they tend to do.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the author’s debut novel and I almost gave up on it 15% through the book. I don’t like to give up on a NetGalley book and I am glad I didn’t. When the author introduced the principal character, Byron Lugo, the story took off!
Byron Lugo is a young man who was convicted and sentenced to prison for vehicular manslaughter, accused of killing a young girl in an auto accident. He was convicted on flimsy evidence and steadfastly maintained his innocence. Upon being released from prison, he made a list of things he needed to do to restore his reputation and life. He re-establishes a connection with the police chief, who starts having doubts about Byron’s guilt. The police chief re-examines the evidence and makes inquiries that might lead to a different conclusion regarding Byron’s conviction.
Byron is a very interesting character, a person worth rooting for. The police chief was a good character also, thoughtful, conscientious and caring. Each had their flaws but were basically good people.
So don’t worry about the 15% of the book, where the small Minnesota town is introduced. This is an excellent book and character study the rest of the way.
Byron Lugo is a young man who was convicted and sentenced to prison for vehicular manslaughter, accused of killing a young girl in an auto accident. He was convicted on flimsy evidence and steadfastly maintained his innocence. Upon being released from prison, he made a list of things he needed to do to restore his reputation and life. He re-establishes a connection with the police chief, who starts having doubts about Byron’s guilt. The police chief re-examines the evidence and makes inquiries that might lead to a different conclusion regarding Byron’s conviction.
Byron is a very interesting character, a person worth rooting for. The police chief was a good character also, thoughtful, conscientious and caring. Each had their flaws but were basically good people.
So don’t worry about the 15% of the book, where the small Minnesota town is introduced. This is an excellent book and character study the rest of the way.
October 16, 2026
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The setting: 1986, Minnesota hinterland. "Gordon Trent, a police chief facing mandatory retirement, squares off with Byron Lugo, just released from Stillwater prison for vehicular homicide. Byron has never admitted guilt and still proclaims his innocence to anyone who will listen: the police chief, townspeople suspicious of the felon now in their midst, the motley group of friends who will stand by him no matter what did or didn't happen that fateful night."
Of friendships, small-town life, community, love, and loss.
This quiet book just struck a chord. Present as well as past reminiscences The weight of choices and decisions made. Vividly-drawn characters--who propel the novel, especially Trent, his friend Cooper [retired policeman], and Byron.
Twists I didn't anticipate as I thought the story would go in a different direction [kudos for that].
Some beautiful language. and an occasional glimpse of humor [predominately a sad, contemplative book].
A debut novel?! Can't wait for more by this author.
The setting: 1986, Minnesota hinterland. "Gordon Trent, a police chief facing mandatory retirement, squares off with Byron Lugo, just released from Stillwater prison for vehicular homicide. Byron has never admitted guilt and still proclaims his innocence to anyone who will listen: the police chief, townspeople suspicious of the felon now in their midst, the motley group of friends who will stand by him no matter what did or didn't happen that fateful night."
Of friendships, small-town life, community, love, and loss.
This quiet book just struck a chord. Present as well as past reminiscences The weight of choices and decisions made. Vividly-drawn characters--who propel the novel, especially Trent, his friend Cooper [retired policeman], and Byron.
Twists I didn't anticipate as I thought the story would go in a different direction [kudos for that].
Some beautiful language. and an occasional glimpse of humor [predominately a sad, contemplative book].
A debut novel?! Can't wait for more by this author.
March 7, 2026
Winter Song is a very atmospheric novel set in the winter months of Minnesota. Everything about this book, from the setting, to the language, to the imagery invokes COLD. There are parts that feel very bleak - the main characters are a veteran police chief and a young man just released from a 4 year prison sentence who strongly adheres to his innocence. He is trying to re-adjust to his new life where everyone views him as an ex-convict, while also finding anyone who will believe in him. The chief of police is grappling with his own life and losses and struggles to believe that he should question the way justice played out. This book will really make you think about how you feel about our justice system and then just justice in general. It was a slower paced read, but I really was invested in the characters and wanted to know how things would turn out. I enjoyed this book and give it 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for the opportunity to read this ARC ebook.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for the opportunity to read this ARC ebook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one, but I found myself really drawn into the story and the atmosphere. The setting is so well done. I could almost feel the cold and the isolation of this tiny Minnesota town.
There’s a real sense of humanity running through the book, with some difficult themes alongside moments of kindness and hope. I really liked the way the story focuses on both Byron and Gordon, as we see how the past continues to affect them both.
It’s a slower-paced read, but one that gives you plenty to think about. Winter Song is a beautifully atmospheric debut with unforgettable characters.
There’s a real sense of humanity running through the book, with some difficult themes alongside moments of kindness and hope. I really liked the way the story focuses on both Byron and Gordon, as we see how the past continues to affect them both.
It’s a slower-paced read, but one that gives you plenty to think about. Winter Song is a beautifully atmospheric debut with unforgettable characters.
March 19, 2026
Title: Winter Song
Author: Rebeca Lee Morales
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Byron was convicted of a crime he said he didn’t commit and after serving time, he returns home to try to start over. Trying to convince the chief of police as well as the father of the teenager who was killed that fateful night doesn’t go as he planned, but he’s not giving up.
Takeaways:
1. Can I just say I love the cover? Sets a sense of nostalgia. However, I will admit as the town was described in the book, that picture on the cover is not what I saw in my mind. My town was more rundown and told a tale of what it had been through. The picture presents newly painted and ready for its closeup, not a place that hunkers down for a midwestern winter. I want to step into that town.
2. I was thinking after the first chapter that this one might be too wordy and descriptive, but once Byron entered the story, there was something about him that truly drove the story forward. Byron makes the story and you find yourself pulling for him to clear his name and reclaim the life he had before prison.
3. Trent is a steadfast, loyal, honest character. He shows it isn’t too late to change your mind and reexamine the evidence.
4. “The past wasn’t the last word and disappointment wasn’t fatal. More importantly, the future was ahead and he intended to drive into it without looking in the rear view mirror.” Words that struck a chord with me. Too often we are stuck trying to resolve our past without turning our focus to what is to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on December 1, 2026.
#arc #netgalley #bookstagram @eccobooks #wintersong @rebecaleemorales
Author: Rebeca Lee Morales
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Byron was convicted of a crime he said he didn’t commit and after serving time, he returns home to try to start over. Trying to convince the chief of police as well as the father of the teenager who was killed that fateful night doesn’t go as he planned, but he’s not giving up.
Takeaways:
1. Can I just say I love the cover? Sets a sense of nostalgia. However, I will admit as the town was described in the book, that picture on the cover is not what I saw in my mind. My town was more rundown and told a tale of what it had been through. The picture presents newly painted and ready for its closeup, not a place that hunkers down for a midwestern winter. I want to step into that town.
2. I was thinking after the first chapter that this one might be too wordy and descriptive, but once Byron entered the story, there was something about him that truly drove the story forward. Byron makes the story and you find yourself pulling for him to clear his name and reclaim the life he had before prison.
3. Trent is a steadfast, loyal, honest character. He shows it isn’t too late to change your mind and reexamine the evidence.
4. “The past wasn’t the last word and disappointment wasn’t fatal. More importantly, the future was ahead and he intended to drive into it without looking in the rear view mirror.” Words that struck a chord with me. Too often we are stuck trying to resolve our past without turning our focus to what is to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on December 1, 2026.
#arc #netgalley #bookstagram @eccobooks #wintersong @rebecaleemorales
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a quiet story about friendship, sacrifice, and following one’s internal compass. Retired deputy Owen Cooper and soon-to-be retired police chief, Gordon Trent maintain a quiet friendship of shared history, weekly breakfasts, and wisened observations in a small Minnesota town.
Byron Lugo, 24, is released from jail after serving time for a crime he says he did not commit and has a list of 7 items to check off to get his life back.
Despite having served his time and telling people of his innocence, most of the town treat him like a hopeless cause. Except for Gordon Trent, who starts seeing things that don’t add up and pursues a small
investigation of his own. Slow in pace, matching the slow pace of a small town, the narrative follows Byron’s and Trent’s unhurried processes of uncovering the truth.
Secrets are revealed and a couple of surprises provide just enough intrigue to keep the story compelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader’s copy of this book.
Byron Lugo, 24, is released from jail after serving time for a crime he says he did not commit and has a list of 7 items to check off to get his life back.
Despite having served his time and telling people of his innocence, most of the town treat him like a hopeless cause. Except for Gordon Trent, who starts seeing things that don’t add up and pursues a small
investigation of his own. Slow in pace, matching the slow pace of a small town, the narrative follows Byron’s and Trent’s unhurried processes of uncovering the truth.
Secrets are revealed and a couple of surprises provide just enough intrigue to keep the story compelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader’s copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Debut novel that does not disappoint.
The beautiful description of Minnesota landscapes brings you to the location with its biting winds, slow, lazy downtown, and judgy townspeople. As a reader, I could feel the bitter cold, and this led to character and plot development as well.
The primary character Byron, is an ex convict who may or may not be guilty of the convicted crime. Police Chief Trent seems to root for Byron even when the choices he makes, present tense, are all wrong.
As is the case with some mysteries, the story is slow at points, but fear not. It returns to thrill again.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3 ⭐️
The beautiful description of Minnesota landscapes brings you to the location with its biting winds, slow, lazy downtown, and judgy townspeople. As a reader, I could feel the bitter cold, and this led to character and plot development as well.
The primary character Byron, is an ex convict who may or may not be guilty of the convicted crime. Police Chief Trent seems to root for Byron even when the choices he makes, present tense, are all wrong.
As is the case with some mysteries, the story is slow at points, but fear not. It returns to thrill again.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3 ⭐️
July 4, 2026
This is a thoughtful literary novel about truth, guilt, and the weight of past choices in a small Midwestern town. While the middle occasionally lingered longer than it needed to, the final third delivered an emotionally satisfying payoff. Trent was my favorite character—his quiet grief and moral struggle stayed with me long after I finished. I also found myself wishing for more time with Lorna. She was one of the most memorable secondary characters in the novel, and every scene she appeared in brought a different energy to the story. A very quick and satisfying read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsPublishing for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsPublishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Stunning! I felt like I was there in the cold winter, with real people as the layers of the story evolved around me. A touching exploration of love and loyalty, courage and integrity that lingers long after the book is closed. Evocative, lyrical and riveting.
Thank you ECCO for this advanced readers copy in exchange for a review.
Thank you ECCO for this advanced readers copy in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In 1986, Police Chief Gordon Trent contemplates a suicide. At about the same time Byron Lugo contemplates freedom, after four year’s incarceration. Four years ago, Byron was found guilty of the vehicular homicide of a young boy, but he has also maintained he was framed. Although Trent was the Chief at that time, the case had been handled by his Deputy, because Trent’s wife was dying. Now that Byron is back in the small town of Montevideo, known as Monte, reunited with his old friends and promoting his innocence at every opportunity, Trent is initially concerned on keeping the peace, but starts to wonder if Byron is actually right!
Monte is a backwater town in the middle of nowhere, i.e. Minnesota, and it is the middle of winter, temperatures of 5oF (-15oC) and snowing almost every day. despite which everyone seems to get on with life much like it does in small towns with more felicitous conditions. I mention this because the cold permeates the book, snow is a constant reference, yet it never impinges on the plot. Is Byron innocent? Was he framed? In which case who is guilty and how was the frame constructed? The story twists and the guilty party is a genuine surprise. However, although the weather never impinges on the plot, it does impinge on the story, it is well described but rather overwhelming. Ohers may differ; if you like literary over puzzle then you may well love this story, but it isn’t a murder/mystery/thriller. For those who haven’t forgotten about the suicide with which I, and the story, begin it doesn’t affect the plot but it does re-enter the story at around 83% - it’s that literary thing!
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Monte is a backwater town in the middle of nowhere, i.e. Minnesota, and it is the middle of winter, temperatures of 5oF (-15oC) and snowing almost every day. despite which everyone seems to get on with life much like it does in small towns with more felicitous conditions. I mention this because the cold permeates the book, snow is a constant reference, yet it never impinges on the plot. Is Byron innocent? Was he framed? In which case who is guilty and how was the frame constructed? The story twists and the guilty party is a genuine surprise. However, although the weather never impinges on the plot, it does impinge on the story, it is well described but rather overwhelming. Ohers may differ; if you like literary over puzzle then you may well love this story, but it isn’t a murder/mystery/thriller. For those who haven’t forgotten about the suicide with which I, and the story, begin it doesn’t affect the plot but it does re-enter the story at around 83% - it’s that literary thing!
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winter Song is set in a small Minnesota town, and the harsh winter conditions, snow-covered streets and sense of isolation add to the atmosphere and are probably one of my favourite aspects of the book.
The story follows Byron, who is released from prison after serving time for a hit-and-run he insists he didn't commit, as he tries to reintegrate into his hometown and rebuild his life. Alongside his story is Trent, a police officer approaching retirement, who is living with grief and reflecting on his own life, career and past decisions.
I did struggle with the pacing. I found some of the other storylines less interesting and felt they sometimes took attention away from the central story. I also wanted more depth, both in the characters and in the exploration of some of the themes.
I didn't find the story predictable, and the unexpected twist towards the end was a surprise. There was plenty I appreciated about this novel, particularly the setting and the two central characters, but I struggled to stay fully engaged at times. I think I wanted a little more depth and a faster pace to really connect with the story.
An interesting read, but ultimately a 3-star book for me. I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
The story follows Byron, who is released from prison after serving time for a hit-and-run he insists he didn't commit, as he tries to reintegrate into his hometown and rebuild his life. Alongside his story is Trent, a police officer approaching retirement, who is living with grief and reflecting on his own life, career and past decisions.
I did struggle with the pacing. I found some of the other storylines less interesting and felt they sometimes took attention away from the central story. I also wanted more depth, both in the characters and in the exploration of some of the themes.
I didn't find the story predictable, and the unexpected twist towards the end was a surprise. There was plenty I appreciated about this novel, particularly the setting and the two central characters, but I struggled to stay fully engaged at times. I think I wanted a little more depth and a faster pace to really connect with the story.
An interesting read, but ultimately a 3-star book for me. I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
October 28, 2026
This book was a complete surprise to me, in nearly every way possible. I don’t know for sure how it got in my stack of books to read… it was an advance reader’s copy (and I am not an advanced reader although it sounds like an A plus kinda person.).
And yes, I do know what advance readers do, I was a librarian once upon a time, it just sounds so beyond excellent to be “an advanced reader”.
This book has a compelling cover in this edition: frosty and it pulls you into a cold winter tale.
I could have grown up in this town, I grew up in one very like it in the Pacific Northwest West. Not cold and icy, more rainy and foggy, coastal, beautiful and full of a steady population full of goodness as well as misery. My place had an amazing county Sheriff, a man with a heart and heart ache. We had goodies and baddies and every kind in-between.
All this to say this was tremendously well written and paced and it seemed like a well written local history as opposed to a novel.
I will long remember it! Thank you, Rebeca Lee Morales also via the Great Pacific NW!
And yes, I do know what advance readers do, I was a librarian once upon a time, it just sounds so beyond excellent to be “an advanced reader”.
This book has a compelling cover in this edition: frosty and it pulls you into a cold winter tale.
I could have grown up in this town, I grew up in one very like it in the Pacific Northwest West. Not cold and icy, more rainy and foggy, coastal, beautiful and full of a steady population full of goodness as well as misery. My place had an amazing county Sheriff, a man with a heart and heart ache. We had goodies and baddies and every kind in-between.
All this to say this was tremendously well written and paced and it seemed like a well written local history as opposed to a novel.
I will long remember it! Thank you, Rebeca Lee Morales also via the Great Pacific NW!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of my favorite books of 2026. Love the characters, the town, the historical period. Truly draws you in to the lives that intersect in a small Minnesota town. Byron Lugo and Chief Gordon Trent are well-rounded, kind, and feel as real as neighbors in my own town. There is a mystery to be solved but I would not classify this as a mystery novel. Has the tone of a Richard Russo novel, and wants me to read more by Ms. Morales and about the town - the lore, the townsfolk we haven't met. Anything she'd want to write about.
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