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6 Crows Gold
I was doing okay with the Covid lockdown...mostly. Gail and I are lucky to have a large house to rattle around in; there are daily chores with the horses; and a little money put aside. I've been backing off touring anyway. But in June 2020 I was getting antsy. I contemplated tackling some long ignored handyman chores, but that implied that I might be "handy." And I'm not.
If the human race survives, a group of archeologists will someday discover a circle of the tools I’ve launched into the air in frustration. They’ll conclude that a small cult called "the Tool Hurlers" once occupied this ground. I've learned to leave skilled work to young men. Muscular types with tool belts and tattoos, and a barely concealed disdain for the tottering old fool who doesn't realise a simple clockwise twist of an 11/16ths deep socket wrench would have fixed the problem. I do actually own that wrench, but I use it for slide guitar.
I desperately needed a project. I'd carried the first chapter of this book in my head for some years, and decided to give it a shot. I began in July, to see where it led. It wasn't until three quarters of the way into the story that I myself knew who organised the bombings.
Some characters took on lives of their own. The hacker, Izzy, was only supposed to appear briefly, but she became pivotal, if wildly out of control. Reverend Billy James and The Divine Fire need their own story, if I can figure out how to write about a 50s Rockabilly Gospel preacher with a predatory sexual bent, who escapes from a jail in Bristol, Tennessee in a hail of bullets, to die of old age in Juarez, Mexico...
Some folks might find the book overly political, particularly those on the right side of the aisle. Politics are only part of the story. I explored the friendship between Callum and Danny, against the backdrop of an increasingly fractured USA culture, the disappearance of reasoned discourse, the rise of White Power, and the ever more violent attacks on women's rights and human rights. To quote a phrase: "Women's rights are Human rights." The reader will have no trouble discerning what side of the question the narrator is on.
At the same time, I wanted to have a little fun, so it is by no means a completely serious book. It's nearly impossible for me to tell any story without looking for the humour. Oh, and there is a bit of awkward Canadian romance in there as well.
If the human race survives, a group of archeologists will someday discover a circle of the tools I’ve launched into the air in frustration. They’ll conclude that a small cult called "the Tool Hurlers" once occupied this ground. I've learned to leave skilled work to young men. Muscular types with tool belts and tattoos, and a barely concealed disdain for the tottering old fool who doesn't realise a simple clockwise twist of an 11/16ths deep socket wrench would have fixed the problem. I do actually own that wrench, but I use it for slide guitar.
I desperately needed a project. I'd carried the first chapter of this book in my head for some years, and decided to give it a shot. I began in July, to see where it led. It wasn't until three quarters of the way into the story that I myself knew who organised the bombings.
Some characters took on lives of their own. The hacker, Izzy, was only supposed to appear briefly, but she became pivotal, if wildly out of control. Reverend Billy James and The Divine Fire need their own story, if I can figure out how to write about a 50s Rockabilly Gospel preacher with a predatory sexual bent, who escapes from a jail in Bristol, Tennessee in a hail of bullets, to die of old age in Juarez, Mexico...
Some folks might find the book overly political, particularly those on the right side of the aisle. Politics are only part of the story. I explored the friendship between Callum and Danny, against the backdrop of an increasingly fractured USA culture, the disappearance of reasoned discourse, the rise of White Power, and the ever more violent attacks on women's rights and human rights. To quote a phrase: "Women's rights are Human rights." The reader will have no trouble discerning what side of the question the narrator is on.
At the same time, I wanted to have a little fun, so it is by no means a completely serious book. It's nearly impossible for me to tell any story without looking for the humour. Oh, and there is a bit of awkward Canadian romance in there as well.
535 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 25, 2021
Just partway through, but man, this is a great book. Garnet covers a lot of ground,- keeps you engaged, informed, curious and looking for what's next!
August 27, 2023
The fact that the man can writes songs, doesn’t always translate into a story that captures politics, intrigue, corruption, antiques, womens' rights and a little romance, too. And one that stays on track and resolves itself at the end. Excellent read!
October 30, 2021
I loved this book. Great character development, plot, relationships, politics and quirky humour.
April 9, 2022
Oh my, 5 stars for this one! I *never* read books like this - action, thriller, intrigue, whatever you call them - but a friend enthusiastically loan me this one, and since it’s a first novel by the folky musician Garnet Rogers, who’s a friend of my friend, I thought I’d give it a try.
Once I’d started, I couldn’t put it down. I’m a slow reader, but I whipped straight through this 537-pager in two days (while also living the rest of my life.) I was completely hooked by Rogers’ text: straight-forward, nothing gorgeous, but absolutely hilarious at the same time as being a macho-guy-hero action story. Rogers knows more useless, arcane facts and anecdotes than an encyclopedia, and although they occasionally lead the story briefly astray, they’re great! He had me hooked when he jumped from details about Culpeper, VA to specifics on military weaponry, obscure antiques and rare books, fashion and literary quotes - all within a few pages. Actually, maybe it was the way he absolutely nailed his (sometimes very snarky) characterizations of people you know. He says the things you’ve thought, but wouldn’t quite say.
But perhaps the strongest endorsement is the fact that my very critical husband - with whom I NEVER agree about books - also read and enjoyed it. Finally! Something we can agree upon.
I’m not saying this is the best book written, or great literature. Nor am I likely to read more books of this genre. But I will say I had a rollicking good time reading this, and perhaps I’ll try Rogers’ first book - a memoir of his years on the road with his late brother, Stan. Stan was a fine musician whose life was taken all too soon.
Once I’d started, I couldn’t put it down. I’m a slow reader, but I whipped straight through this 537-pager in two days (while also living the rest of my life.) I was completely hooked by Rogers’ text: straight-forward, nothing gorgeous, but absolutely hilarious at the same time as being a macho-guy-hero action story. Rogers knows more useless, arcane facts and anecdotes than an encyclopedia, and although they occasionally lead the story briefly astray, they’re great! He had me hooked when he jumped from details about Culpeper, VA to specifics on military weaponry, obscure antiques and rare books, fashion and literary quotes - all within a few pages. Actually, maybe it was the way he absolutely nailed his (sometimes very snarky) characterizations of people you know. He says the things you’ve thought, but wouldn’t quite say.
But perhaps the strongest endorsement is the fact that my very critical husband - with whom I NEVER agree about books - also read and enjoyed it. Finally! Something we can agree upon.
I’m not saying this is the best book written, or great literature. Nor am I likely to read more books of this genre. But I will say I had a rollicking good time reading this, and perhaps I’ll try Rogers’ first book - a memoir of his years on the road with his late brother, Stan. Stan was a fine musician whose life was taken all too soon.
Read
November 15, 2022I picked this up at a folk festival this past summer, where I'd gone specifically to hear Garnet Rogers sing for the first time in a few years. As an image from one of the songs he sang (So Happy) gave me a pivotal scene for my own next book (still in conception stage) it seemed fair to give his a read, and, I both liked the premise of it, and I already knew his strength with words and images from his songs. I wasn't disappointed. 6 Crows Gold has conspiracy, investigation, friendship, a romance, and some very funny lines, but it's also has its serious side, about politics and the decline of discourse, reason, and democracy.
For purists, the formatting of the paperback leaves a few things to be desired, but the story carries the reader with strong dialogue, pacing, and action. All the major and important minor characters are well rounded, with their own quirks and personalities and demons. I thoroughly enjoyed 6 Crows Gold.
Why no stars? Because I don't, unless I'm reviewing for a blog tour that requires it. My reasons are here if you care: https://bit.ly/3EeChFm But I recommend 6 Crows Gold without hesitation to readers who want an action/thriller with morals and thought behind it.
For purists, the formatting of the paperback leaves a few things to be desired, but the story carries the reader with strong dialogue, pacing, and action. All the major and important minor characters are well rounded, with their own quirks and personalities and demons. I thoroughly enjoyed 6 Crows Gold.
Why no stars? Because I don't, unless I'm reviewing for a blog tour that requires it. My reasons are here if you care: https://bit.ly/3EeChFm But I recommend 6 Crows Gold without hesitation to readers who want an action/thriller with morals and thought behind it.
November 18, 2022
Five Gold Stars for Six Crows Gold!
Don't give this book to your Uncle Bob who wears a MAGA hat. Or perhaps do, if you want his head to explode. Garnet Rogers is not a fan of Trumpism, although he does give us one good Republican with a conscience, a respect for the rule of law, and empathy. The far-right wing-nuts in the novel receive their just desserts, which is satisfying for those of us who have followed this vividly imagined story through its satisfying 557 pages. Witty dialogue, delightful excursions into antiques, 60's music, and a gypsy cart like the one we all remember as Toad's last fad before he succumbed to the "poop poop" of motor cars. Fans of Robert B Parker's Spenser novels and John D Macdonald's Travis McGee stories will enjoy Garnet Rogers' wry sense of humour. I bonded with the hero, a Canadian who carries a Grohmann knife and has a Scottish grandmother.
Don't give this book to your Uncle Bob who wears a MAGA hat. Or perhaps do, if you want his head to explode. Garnet Rogers is not a fan of Trumpism, although he does give us one good Republican with a conscience, a respect for the rule of law, and empathy. The far-right wing-nuts in the novel receive their just desserts, which is satisfying for those of us who have followed this vividly imagined story through its satisfying 557 pages. Witty dialogue, delightful excursions into antiques, 60's music, and a gypsy cart like the one we all remember as Toad's last fad before he succumbed to the "poop poop" of motor cars. Fans of Robert B Parker's Spenser novels and John D Macdonald's Travis McGee stories will enjoy Garnet Rogers' wry sense of humour. I bonded with the hero, a Canadian who carries a Grohmann knife and has a Scottish grandmother.
March 26, 2022
This is a really good book. I already know and love Garnet Rogers' music, which is the main reason I bought the book. The writing flows really well and is a pleasure to read, the story is suspenseful and well thought out. There's plenty of wry humor, which is one of the things I like about Garnet's concerts. I loved the art and antique and music references. The friendship between Callum and Danny is well written and feels real, as does the romance between Callum and Erin, and I'm on the side of the politics. I can see other books coming out of this one...
July 11, 2023
Loved this book !! Beyond the well paced crime thriller it contained themes of deepening political fractures, eroding women and gender rights and weaponization proliferation. And surprising nuggets of antiques, music, food and the multi-faceted bonds of human relationships. Highly recommend.
Old nursery rhyme - Six Crows Gold
One crow sorrow, two crows joy, three crows a girl, four crows a boy. Five crows silver, six crows gold. Seven crows a secret, never to be told.
Old nursery rhyme - Six Crows Gold
One crow sorrow, two crows joy, three crows a girl, four crows a boy. Five crows silver, six crows gold. Seven crows a secret, never to be told.
Want to Read
October 12, 2024Went to the concert, great show. He said this one was Canadian, liberal, feminist, revenge, fantasy. Shut up and take my American money! Started reading it while waiting for the train home, and it is definitely hilarious. Having dated a guy in Toronto for 3 years, I understand much of the humo(u)r, as well as having friends and family members who are dual citizens. Only a few chapters in so far, but loving it.
January 26, 2025
Actually the book that I read was the sequel to 6 Crows Gold, As the Crow Flies.
As the Crow Flies is not yet listed on Goodreads.
I particularly liked the poem on the final page:
Oh, that I might touch your tired face
And take you in my arms
And lead you to a quiet place
And keep you from all harm
And mend for you
Your broken wings
And lift you to a kinder sky
That you might find your way home
As the crow flies.
Songwriter that he is, punctuation is scanty.
As the Crow Flies is not yet listed on Goodreads.
I particularly liked the poem on the final page:
Oh, that I might touch your tired face
And take you in my arms
And lead you to a quiet place
And keep you from all harm
And mend for you
Your broken wings
And lift you to a kinder sky
That you might find your way home
As the crow flies.
Songwriter that he is, punctuation is scanty.
March 14, 2022
Garnet's description of the book is accurate. He is modest though as he is a terrific writer. And the book is full of humour, great descriptions and an absorbing plot with memorable characters. I highly recommend it.
December 1, 2023
For Garnet Rogers being a musician, singer and songwriter, this was a pretty darn good book.
July 5, 2024
Cathartic read. Really enjoyed it!
June 3, 2022
This exceptional first novel by singer-songwriter Garnet Rogers introduces an appealing protagonist in Callum Sinclair, an ex-Mountie antiques dealer who investigates the bombing of a Planned Parenthood office. Its tone is that of the classic hard-boiled detective story, except the hero isn't a misogynistic jerk, and if not unprecedented, that's very rare. The supporting characters are well-drawn, the story is perfectly structured, and the murder and mayhem are leavened with humor.
I hope this book is the first in a series.
I hope this book is the first in a series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews