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Trask Brothers Mysteries #1
Blood River
A deadly and ancient evil has come alive in the north woods of Minnesota, seeking revenge for the injustices done to his people. Dave Trask is the new sheriff of Lake County Minnesota. When elected he thought the job would entail locating lost campers and catching poachers but now someone is murdering guests at the fishing lodges in the county. The murders are brutal and bloody, threatening to destroy the tourist business vital to the region, as well as creating conflict between lodge owners and the Native American population. As the bodies mount, Dave is feeling the pressure from lodge owners and politicians to put a stop to the killings, and questioning why he ever took the job. With help from his identical twin brother Don, lead investigator for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Dave must stop the elusive silent killer.
THE FIRST BOOK IN THE TRASK BROTHERS MURDER MYSTERY SERIES, WITH AN ENDING THAT WON'T LET YOU CATCH YOUR BREATH.
THE FIRST BOOK IN THE TRASK BROTHERS MURDER MYSTERY SERIES, WITH AN ENDING THAT WON'T LET YOU CATCH YOUR BREATH.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2017
About the author
C.E. Nelson
24 books45 followersChuck (C.E.) Nelson is an avid angler and author of three highly rated murder mystery series.
The Trask Brothers Murder Mystery Series follows the exploits of Dave and Don Trask, identical twin brothers in law enforcement, as they chase down killers across Minnesota and beyond. Like the author, the brothers love to fish, and you'll usually find a few fishing tidbits in each book.
The Edge of Winter and Kill Six comprise the Danny Carlisle mystery series to date. Carlisle has appeared in Trask Brother's books and is a headstrong independent agent from Duluth, Minnesota, likely to get herself in more than a little bit of trouble.
Peter 'Doc' Hunter is the protagonist in Angry Sins. Doc is a BCA agent who is working on becoming a professional golfer when his day job doesn't get in the way. Doc is a good golfer - the author, not so much.
Nelson resides in Minnesota and has a cabin in Canada where he feeds his angling needs and ponders his next story.
All of his books can be found at www.cenelsonbooks.com.
Thanks for reading!
The Trask Brothers Murder Mystery Series follows the exploits of Dave and Don Trask, identical twin brothers in law enforcement, as they chase down killers across Minnesota and beyond. Like the author, the brothers love to fish, and you'll usually find a few fishing tidbits in each book.
The Edge of Winter and Kill Six comprise the Danny Carlisle mystery series to date. Carlisle has appeared in Trask Brother's books and is a headstrong independent agent from Duluth, Minnesota, likely to get herself in more than a little bit of trouble.
Peter 'Doc' Hunter is the protagonist in Angry Sins. Doc is a BCA agent who is working on becoming a professional golfer when his day job doesn't get in the way. Doc is a good golfer - the author, not so much.
Nelson resides in Minnesota and has a cabin in Canada where he feeds his angling needs and ponders his next story.
All of his books can be found at www.cenelsonbooks.com.
Thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 21, 2024
This had its ups and downs ... more downs than ups unfortunately.
GR has this listed as the 2nd in the series but the author calls it the first in series, so I read it first. Either way, I did love the location which was why I grabbed the book when it was free. Not sure how I feel about Dave (the MC), I didn't like his brother Don, and I found the plot line lacking in something I couldn't quite put my finger on. I'll give it 2.5 stars, generously rounded up.
Because I love reading books set in Minnesota, I'm waffling on trying one more in the series to see if it gets better, but I'm not in any hurry.
GR has this listed as the 2nd in the series but the author calls it the first in series, so I read it first. Either way, I did love the location which was why I grabbed the book when it was free. Not sure how I feel about Dave (the MC), I didn't like his brother Don, and I found the plot line lacking in something I couldn't quite put my finger on. I'll give it 2.5 stars, generously rounded up.
Because I love reading books set in Minnesota, I'm waffling on trying one more in the series to see if it gets better, but I'm not in any hurry.
May 31, 2026
There is dissension about whether this is book #1 or #2 of the series. I thought this was better than the book I read first so maybe it was the second. Regardless, I enjoyed it. The brothers are amusing. There was a lot of disturbing killings and a sneaky little twist at the end.
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June 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/18/2019)! 🎁
January 25, 2021
Fast moving and addictive!
The Trasks, Dave (the backwoods Minnesota Sheriff) and Don (the Minnesota BCA agent), are twins. Dave has just been sworn in as Sheriff, when he learns a pair of cabin campers has been brutally murdered. His team of deputies is seriously untrained and appear inept. He and his brother are working together, mainly by telephone, to solve the murders and apprehend the culprit. They work well together and Dave, as a former big city detective, is familiar with murder cases, but Don is even more so. The action is pretty much nonstop, the interaction between the protagonists is witty and frequently compelling, the mystique of the villain frightening. The Minnesota background only adds to it. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
The Trasks, Dave (the backwoods Minnesota Sheriff) and Don (the Minnesota BCA agent), are twins. Dave has just been sworn in as Sheriff, when he learns a pair of cabin campers has been brutally murdered. His team of deputies is seriously untrained and appear inept. He and his brother are working together, mainly by telephone, to solve the murders and apprehend the culprit. They work well together and Dave, as a former big city detective, is familiar with murder cases, but Don is even more so. The action is pretty much nonstop, the interaction between the protagonists is witty and frequently compelling, the mystique of the villain frightening. The Minnesota background only adds to it. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
June 20, 2019
A Trask Brothers Adventure
Outdoors, fishing, small towns, murder uh one of the three doesn’t belong. But it happens. Like that chewing gum on the bottom of your shoe. It’s there you have to deal with it. Bring in Sheriff Trask who is the new sheriff in town. Ran for office for the heck of it and won and now he has several fishermen not ending their fishing trip as planned. This is not what he signed up for. What happened to drinking beer and fishing most of the time? The Ancestors and bad guys have other ideas.
Outdoors, fishing, small towns, murder uh one of the three doesn’t belong. But it happens. Like that chewing gum on the bottom of your shoe. It’s there you have to deal with it. Bring in Sheriff Trask who is the new sheriff in town. Ran for office for the heck of it and won and now he has several fishermen not ending their fishing trip as planned. This is not what he signed up for. What happened to drinking beer and fishing most of the time? The Ancestors and bad guys have other ideas.
June 23, 2019
Fascinating read
This was an interesting book. I like how the Trask brothers pull together and get the job done. Not sure if the descriptions of the lakes were accurate, but it held my interest. The Sentry believes he is killing for the greater good of his people and old ways. Sherrif David gives his all on this case and is threatened with firing if he doesn't follow some unwritten rules. He calls his brother Don to help as David doesn't feel he can trust all his deputies. This makes solving this case that much harder.
This was an interesting book. I like how the Trask brothers pull together and get the job done. Not sure if the descriptions of the lakes were accurate, but it held my interest. The Sentry believes he is killing for the greater good of his people and old ways. Sherrif David gives his all on this case and is threatened with firing if he doesn't follow some unwritten rules. He calls his brother Don to help as David doesn't feel he can trust all his deputies. This makes solving this case that much harder.
December 5, 2025
A new sheriff is sworn in a week early to deal with a double homicide than quickly turns into a serial killer in a quite remote peaceful area of Minnesota.
The main character is very likable and the author manages to squeeze in a romance and sexual tension with a secondary character.
The plot is highly unlikely and the twists are not earth shattering but overall the pace flows naturally and it’s entertaining.
The main character is very likable and the author manages to squeeze in a romance and sexual tension with a secondary character.
The plot is highly unlikely and the twists are not earth shattering but overall the pace flows naturally and it’s entertaining.
November 6, 2019
Great mystery
Great mystery. Loved the characters and the plot. I read more and more each night as the plot thickened. Great ending as well.
Great mystery. Loved the characters and the plot. I read more and more each night as the plot thickened. Great ending as well.
December 6, 2019
Good book
Interesting interactions between the twin brothers. Dave's temper seemed a bit juvenile. I hope he matures as a sheriff in future stories.
Interesting interactions between the twin brothers. Dave's temper seemed a bit juvenile. I hope he matures as a sheriff in future stories.
August 20, 2020
Liked it, quick read that held my interest. Will continue reading the series.
April 30, 2021
Intense
Well written story about a a small northern county in the Midwest that suddenly has fishing lodge customers turning up murdered with their throats slit. All signs point to the murderer being one of the guides, but which one? The new Sheriff has his work cut out for him.
Well written story about a a small northern county in the Midwest that suddenly has fishing lodge customers turning up murdered with their throats slit. All signs point to the murderer being one of the guides, but which one? The new Sheriff has his work cut out for him.
September 19, 2020
Interesting characters with a good plot. Editing done well, also.
June 15, 2023
Blood River delivers
The story is well written and keeps your attention. The setting for the events that took place sounds amazing as if you can visualize the camps as well as the lake. I plan to read more about the Trask brothers .
The story is well written and keeps your attention. The setting for the events that took place sounds amazing as if you can visualize the camps as well as the lake. I plan to read more about the Trask brothers .
December 13, 2021
Very enjoyable. Something different for sure. Although I did kinda guess the 'surprise' twist at the end. Twin protagonists and some clever villains made for a very quickly read plot. Book one in a new series, I can't wait to jump into second book. Check it out.
January 8, 2026
Blood River is a classic police murder mystery with a gritty backwoods setting. The plot moves at a steady pace and delivers plenty of twists that keep you guessing, plus some nicely gory murders.
What really stands out is the dynamic between the Trask brothers, which adds depth to the story. The only downside for me was the AI narrator—it felt flat and boring—but the mystery itself kept me engaged.
Perfect for fans of dark, twisty small-town crime
What really stands out is the dynamic between the Trask brothers, which adds depth to the story. The only downside for me was the AI narrator—it felt flat and boring—but the mystery itself kept me engaged.
Perfect for fans of dark, twisty small-town crime
October 2, 2025
Good read or listen.
When I first started this i got confused easily. Mainly because I was listening instead of reading. I started it over then paid attention and it all made sense. I really enjoyed it. Just don't let your mind wander while listening.
When I first started this i got confused easily. Mainly because I was listening instead of reading. I started it over then paid attention and it all made sense. I really enjoyed it. Just don't let your mind wander while listening.
June 19, 2022
good read
Blood River kept my interest from the very beginning. Makes me feel sympathy for the crimes committed against the Indians.
Blood River kept my interest from the very beginning. Makes me feel sympathy for the crimes committed against the Indians.
July 1, 2022
A good read
This was a great beginning to the series. It was a fast paced, suspenseful story that was intriguing.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
This was a great beginning to the series. It was a fast paced, suspenseful story that was intriguing.
I would recommend this book, series, and author.
November 23, 2022
This was so good! It was the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last!
May 10, 2023
Awesome book
I couldn't put it down, very thrilling keep you on your toes kinda murder mystery. I would recommend it to all that like murder mysteries.
I couldn't put it down, very thrilling keep you on your toes kinda murder mystery. I would recommend it to all that like murder mysteries.
July 25, 2023
Suspenseful
A lot of twist and turns. Enjoyed reading Blood River. I recommend reading it. The Track Brothers are fun together.
A lot of twist and turns. Enjoyed reading Blood River. I recommend reading it. The Track Brothers are fun together.
July 1, 2024
Love it
December 29, 2024
I found a new series!
Great book characters were interesting and story good. Looking forward to reading more of this series. Interesting the twin brothers
Great book characters were interesting and story good. Looking forward to reading more of this series. Interesting the twin brothers
February 23, 2025
I was goona say, great debut - till I noticed this is #2. Fantastic Fiction had this litsted first :) Anyway a fun exciting outdoor mystery, up in northern Minnesota.
March 25, 2021
Trask had a job where there were lots of cabins and fishermen came to do some great fishing. Each cabin had their own guide to help the men around. Two men were killed the next day both with their throats cut. Who did this and why as the cabin never had anything like this happen. There were a few Native American guides and some thought maybe it was them hating the white man but they were good guides and didnt ever cause trouble. The fishing was good for the Native Americans too. But seems most of the cabins guests didnt get to do much of that due to another murder the next day. The murderer was hard to catch . Not many clues so Trask had his twin brother come help him on this case.
April 26, 2022
This is a quite decent book, but it would benefit from some editing.
A little bit more depth would be nice.
I don't mind the many references to outdoor life, fishing and mosquitoes, but the too easy, beautiful doctor did bother me. Not the story line as such, but it felt too superficial, a bit like the male equivalent of a pink' romance novel.
The main story is good, fast paced but lacked depth as well. Some aspects were intriguing but not really developed. By does the bad guy call himself 'the sentry', what are his reasons for acting as he does ... it is explained, but just ... well too superficially.
A little bit more depth would be nice.
I don't mind the many references to outdoor life, fishing and mosquitoes, but the too easy, beautiful doctor did bother me. Not the story line as such, but it felt too superficial, a bit like the male equivalent of a pink' romance novel.
The main story is good, fast paced but lacked depth as well. Some aspects were intriguing but not really developed. By does the bad guy call himself 'the sentry', what are his reasons for acting as he does ... it is explained, but just ... well too superficially.
May 11, 2023
This novel is a classic police murder mystery, with the spin that the events take place in the backwoods rather than the city. Dave thinks that he has a nice, quiet new job as county sheriff, with nothing much more to do than keep drunken tourists in line. But soon the murders begin. Is he up to the job? With nothing but inexperienced deputies to help how can he succeed?
Be ready for one or two surprises: the plot has a way of twisting in interesting ways. The murders are nicely gory. The book moves along at a nice pace, slowing at times, but not enough to make it boring.
I am happy to award this novel 4 stars.
Be ready for one or two surprises: the plot has a way of twisting in interesting ways. The murders are nicely gory. The book moves along at a nice pace, slowing at times, but not enough to make it boring.
I am happy to award this novel 4 stars.
July 7, 2018
Decent plot, but needed proofreading and editing
This novel had a decent storyline but had numerous annoying typos and grammatical errors. It needs proofreading and editing. It also could use some background on the 46-year-old twin brothers who are the main characters. Having said that, it would make a good made for TV movie.
This novel had a decent storyline but had numerous annoying typos and grammatical errors. It needs proofreading and editing. It also could use some background on the 46-year-old twin brothers who are the main characters. Having said that, it would make a good made for TV movie.
April 7, 2020
It became clear very early on in this book that its intended audience is outdoors-men who want something to read to pass the time on a camping or fishing trip. There is an abundance of boats & woods & mosquitoes throughout... also a too-easy female doctor. Straight-forward writing with an unexpected twist at the end, otherwise not much of interest for me.
April 24, 2023
wish someone had mentioned profanity
I wish someone would have mentioned all the profanity in their reviews then I would never have started this book. Seems like it would be pretty good but deleted due to profanity.
I wish someone would have mentioned all the profanity in their reviews then I would never have started this book. Seems like it would be pretty good but deleted due to profanity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews