Murder in the Maple Woods

by Claire Ackroyd

A boy dies in the Maine woods. His death is judges and accident but suspicions are raised. Set in the remote sugar camps of northwestern Maine, the story unfolds around the maple syrup industry and its producers; the little-known world of the largely French-speaking Canadian acericulteurs.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2020

Reviews

[Michelle Hannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Maine. The coast is great, but I really loved Millinocket and Moosehead Lake. “Murder in the Maple Woods,” captures the rugged beauty and remoteness of the Maine woods. I liked so much about this book. It’s a captivating murder mystery set in the isolated sugar camps and told from the POV of Simone, an Organic Inspector. Maple sugaring is a fascinating process and Claire worked its description into the story seamlessly. She also explores the cultural relationship between Mainers and the Canucks just across the border. The sub-plots that were intricately woven into the main story gave the mystery more weight instead of detracting from it: Simone’s relationship with her father, the sweet rescued pit bull, the autistic cousin, the love interest with the Border Patrol Agent. At the end of the book Simone was on her way to becoming one of the first female Maine Fish and Game Wardens. I hope that means there will be a sequel!

[Damon · Rating 4 out of 5]

While visiting family in Maine last summer, I happened by a table at a weekend farmers market (in Belfast, if I remember right) where Claire Ackroyd herself was selling copies of her book. Local author writing a mystery that takes place in that area? Of course I bought one.

The plot of Maple Woods is less of a whodunnit (or howdunnit) then a whydunnit, and the mystery itself less of a focus than the life of the protagonist (a contract inspector of Maple Bushes, Simone), and the rich location and atmosphere of the Maine-Quebec borderland. Ackroyd does a great job of bringing the setting to life, through her French-Canadian characters and the remote countryside where they make a living. The cast of characters are fairly well-rounded, but often advance the character of Simone rather than the plot of the mystery. The effect is that the book strikes a balance where solving a murder is just one of several things that Simone has to balance in her life. Happily, Simone is a good protagonist, and if she, say, found herself trying to figure out the next steps to take in her life while, say, trying to solve "The Leaf-Peeping Murder" or "Death at the Appalachian Trailhead" then I would happily buy that next volume. As vacation reading goes, Maple Woods is worth a read for those trying to read Maine while traveling it.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheesy but fun. I learned so much about the Maine maple industry. Such a good read to get you in the mood for fall!

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story’s strength is in its description of maple sugar production and life in northern Maine. More descriptive vocabulary could be used rather than constant swearing.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an Anne Ancona 'to read at camp' suggestion and I'm glad I read it while I've been up at the lake. Murder in the Maple Woods tells the story of an 'accident' turned crime taking place in the sugar bush west of Jackman, Maine and just south of the Canadian border.

The sense of place and people and process in this novel is excellent. I loved everything about the maple sugar camps, the sugaring (and certification) processes, and the intertwined and heavily connected lives of those flitting back and forth across the Maine and Quebec border. All that had me riveted.

In other ways, it was more obvious that this was a first novel. The pacing was just off in places - some parts were way too slow and others way too fast. The first person narration from our protagonist was good most of the time but at other times just came across as preachy (and the author needing to say a few things). Authors should of course imbue their work with themselves, but there are more artful and subtle ways to do it.

Anyways - I really enjoyed this and anyone who wants to learn more about maple syrup business in Maine and Quebec will have a blast with this.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in conjunction with the Author talk sponsored by my public library. It is a good look at the maple sugaring business of the North Maine Woods bordering Canada. The characters include Simone, an organic maple inspector; her beloved Uncle Serge and his wife Marie-Noëlle Thibodieu who operate an organic maple sugaring business in Maine while living in Saint Prosper Canada; their panic stricken grandson Mattie; Simone’s retired philandering, professor father Gilles and his friend Jocelyn; his hard-nosed ex-wife Ellie; Steve A border crossing guard who befriends Simone and gives her a needy pit Bull pup, and a string of Le Page bad actors.
When Mattie’s best friend is killed, law enforcement declares it a snowmobiling accident, but Simone knows something is wrong and searches for who and why the boy was murdered. The author leads us on a fascinating, well laid trail and story while showing the reader the hard life of the Maple sugarers, and creates a perfect solution and justice. An enjoyable and informative read.

[Maryalice Mowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Maple Woods is Claire Ackroyd's first novel. I picked it up at an "Fiddlehead Fest" event wanting to support a Maine author and loving mysteries and Maine it seemed like a great buy. It is a good mystery, sends you off on possible directions, introduces you to a number of likable and not so likable characters, and the big surprise - is loaded with lots of information, both cultural and natural, regarding the Maine maple woods along our western border with Canada.

It was fun reading about the food, how maple camps work, and who it is that runs them. Ms. Ackroyd finds a good balance, continuing to hook us into the mystery while she shows a light of human frailties, strengths, and emotions. The characters are interesting. She brings the woods come to life in that most challenging time of year in Maine - Spring.

An easy good read. You'll enjoy your trip to the woods, the crossing of the borders, and smell of good sugar camp food cooking.

[Ruth York · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little novel. I am familiar with many of the areas described, so that was nice. I actually would have given this 3.5 stars, but chose to round up vs rounding down. Some people might not think that maple syrup is something to get so worked up about. Maybe it's just in Maine, but often, people do get very territorial over their livelihoods. And it's amazing how some will work twice as hard to cut corners than if they'd just done the thing originally. This book was short, but it managed to pack a lot into its length. Surprisingly, it didn't feel overly rushed, like I might have expected it to. Although there were a few sections that felt a bit choppy. But overall, well done.

[Jill]

Bought this book at my local General Store in a town that neighbors Liberty where some of this story takes place. I like to support my general store and I like to support local authors, and it's fun reading about my neighborhood and my state. The first chapter or two had me expecting I'd not finish reading it... bogged down as it was in describing minutiae of organic maple syrup business inspections. The characters began to develop, and I kept reading. By the end of the book I found myself tearfully caught up in the stories within the story and very glad to have finished the book.

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is real Maine fiction. If you're like me and have spent time in the area where this takes place, reading the story is like coming home to a well loved camp off a dirt road by a lake where you're serenaded by loons. The geography, like the characters, is dead accurate and the level of detail is rich without being overwhelming. Plenty of action while the perpetrators are brought to justice. I hope Claire continues to write as this is a very satisfying story.

[Allie Fitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 4 stars because, as a Mainer, I think it has a lot of good education on a niche industry in the state. Personally my favorite part was the ending where we also got to hear a bit about coast of the state as well. I also like the details about her relationship with the dogs.

If the story had been outlined or structured differently it could have kept my attention more. The chapters seemed to drag on. Otherwise good read, especially to get a better glimpse of the state.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked all the Maine details and the observations of rural Maine life. Northern Maine is unfamiliar to me, and I really enjoyed seeing the maple sugaring world up close. The mystery was well paced and kept me reading. The puppy was probably the best part. Simone was a great main character, and the other characters were perfect too. Highly recommend!

[Michelle E. Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story that gave an interesting look behind the curtain of the maple syrup business. The characters were easily believable and the story a pleasure to read. No violence or gore in this murder mystery so it’s well suited to just about anyone that wants to read to escape. I can see why it was a Maine Literary Awards Finalist. Well written!

[Sara Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. Now that I have lived in northern Maine for almost a year, I am understanding more about the subtleties of French-Canadian / Maine culture. However I have not learned much French, and was a bit frustrated when some clearly important statements were in French with no translation provided. Nonetheless I enjoyed the story.

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to learn about maple syrup production, the Maine woods, the Canadian border, and how to swear in Quebecois, this is the book for you! It’s also a heartwarming family drama in which people’s lives are saved by the love of a good dog. The mystery is sufficient, the main character has a lot to learn about herself, and the writing tells a lot more than it shows, but for a first novel, it’s a good read.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, having a camp in the Moosehead region, I was familiar with the area, but not the maple sugar industry. I met the sitter at a book fair last winter, and enjoyed talking with her. It was an easy read with a likable heroine and small mystery. I'll keep it upto camp for anyone else interested!

[Dori McCormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living in Maine, I loved knowing the places. It is a debut novel ...but there was something crass about it ... the descriptions, swearing ...so many strong descriptive words that would enhance the story. Having said that, I read it quickly to find the mystery.

[MaryKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was a cross between Louise Penny and Nevada Barr - two of my favorite mystery writers. Great description of the maple industry. I learned a lot about that business. .

[Karin Bischoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was enjoyable, with a very in-depth maple-sugar-making storyline to go along with the mystery. Love Maine - it was nice to read about some of the more remote areas. The references to black flies and mosquitos made me itch!! :-)

[Aeryn Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story would make an excellent movie, or tv show storyline, but the writing is not my favorite. The content about the french canadian sugar camps is really interesting to me, I think I learned a good deal.

[Pam Porell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story based in northern Maine. Her style is very similar to Paul Doiron. Suspenseful and cleverly written.

[Janessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tidbits about maple syrup production and life around Canadian border

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 surprisingly fun read! There were some typos and plot holes along the way, but overall very cool to see a Maine-based plot and learn more about the maple syrup operations!

[Stacy Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to meet the author in Maine and enjoyed reading her book. It gives you a taste of northern Maine and taught me a bit about the maple syrup business. It's an easy read.

[Alexis(Andra) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leaned a lot about organic maple syrup production on the North Maine and Canada border. Interesting characters. Very well written . Solid plot. 3.6

[Mikayla Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started off a little slow, but quickly had me staying up to finish it to find out what was happening. Definetly recommend

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book! I work in organics, so that part of the details was interesting to me.

[Marie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this twice

It's not exactly a mystery more a chronicle of a young woman's personal growth and self discovery. I am familiar with the North Woods but I was totally ignorant about the maple grants. I learned so much about the area and industry.

[Jeff Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the author's first book, and in its strong sense of place I am reminded of William Kent Krueger's mysteries set in northern Minnesota.

This one is set in Maine, with most of the action taking place on the northwest border with Quebec, and it is indeed a unique place.

Strong characters, both human and canine, round out a great first effort from this author!