What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mud Man
When anthropologist Veronica Booth is called to consult on a dig in northern British Columbia, she expects to discover the usual remnants of early indigenous life. She never imagined finding a man preserved a metre deep in a thawing bog. More shocking still—he’s alive, albeit barely. The mud man, as Veronica initially thinks of him, matches no missing person reports, and his DNA is like nothing on record. Radio-carbon dating of his clothes and items found with him suggest an impossible age of 9,500 years! As he slowly recovers, the mysterious man reveals a host of surprises, stunning Veronica and those growing close to him. But can a man who lived a millennia ago adapt to life in the modern world?
“One of the most unique, emotional, engrossing novels I’ve read to date. Be prepared to gasp, laugh, and cry.” – Lily Luchesi, USA Today bestselling author of The Coven Series
“The Mud Man is in itself an unusual title and that gave me the right feelings to begin reading. The context was different, so very different that I read it straight through from cover to cover, totally immersed in it. I will not write anything about the story as it needs to be read to be fully appreciated. It is a stunning tale the likes of which you've never read before.” – John Irvine, New Zealand poet and author of Blood Curry and Man of Stone
“One of the most unique, emotional, engrossing novels I’ve read to date. Be prepared to gasp, laugh, and cry.” – Lily Luchesi, USA Today bestselling author of The Coven Series
“The Mud Man is in itself an unusual title and that gave me the right feelings to begin reading. The context was different, so very different that I read it straight through from cover to cover, totally immersed in it. I will not write anything about the story as it needs to be read to be fully appreciated. It is a stunning tale the likes of which you've never read before.” – John Irvine, New Zealand poet and author of Blood Curry and Man of Stone
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2022
4 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Donna Marie West
31 books10 followersDonna Marie West is an educator, translator, author, and freelance editor. She has published some 500 drabbles, short stories, and non-fiction articles in a wide variety of Canadian and American magazines, web sites, and anthologies. She loves historical mysteries, the unusual and the unexplained, and often finds ways to weave these themes into her stories. Next in Line is her first published novel and the first book in her Line of the Blood trilogy. The Mud Man is her second published novel. She spends her precious free time reading, writing, and doing research for her current projects. She lives in Québec, Canada, with her long-time partner and two beloved kitties.
You can follow Donna here on Goodreads, on her Amazon author page, or on her public Facebook page, both under her name.
You can follow Donna here on Goodreads, on her Amazon author page, or on her public Facebook page, both under her name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 5, 2022
When Tim McWhorter announced he was opening up his own publishing imprint, Manta Press Ltd., I was really excited. I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Tim and knowing he would be seeking out fantastic stories to release, I awaited the announcement of the first book.
‘The Mud Man’ by Donna Marie West had the honor and distinction of being the first release on the upstart press and after reading the synopsis I immediately preordered it for my Kindle.
Now, one thing I want to clarify – as I read a lot of horror – I was kind of expecting this to be a dark fiction release, but can say now, that I’ve read it, it is not. That isn’t a bad thing at all, the writing and the story are really great, but if you know Tim from his horror novels or short stories, definitely don’t assume all he’ll be releasing through this imprint is brutality.
No, ‘The Mud Man’ is an intriguing story that is layered in emotions, complexities and character depth that really highlight the plot arc of this novel.
What I liked: ‘The Mud Man’ follows anthropologist, Veronica, who gets a request to come view a strange discovery in Northern BC. Once there, the team on site reveal the frozen (but starting to thaw) body of an ancient man, seemingly locked in place for tens of thousands of years. But when Veronica goes to examine him closer, they realize that this man is someone still alive.
From here, West has us follow along as Veronica gains stewardship/legal guardianship of this man and arranges his care, recovery and they eventually develop a friendly relationship where the man teaches Veronica about his life while she teaches this man about the modern world. It is a sweet development and you can quickly see how Veronica losses any pretense of simply researcher and develops a bond and caring for this man.
The secondary characters are great throughout, one of my favorites early on being the physiotherapist, Ty, who has a ‘HOLY COW!’ moment, when the realities of this man’s actual age hit him during a therapy session. It was a really great and light hearted moment that connected that character with the man even more.
The ending is gut wrenching but pristine. An expected full circle development but still emotionally devastating and I’m glad Donna decided to end it how she did.
What I didn’t like: There’s an odd ethical dilemma that plays out near the beginning, once this man is found and transported to Veronica’s ex-husband’s facility for rehabilitation. They discuss it a little bit but it seems to be glossed over and I found that odd seeing as both of their education/occupations and the reality of who and what this man is. I was hoping there’d be a bit more about those implications throughout.
Why you should buy this: I don’t read enough fiction like this to make any comparisons to other books or even movies. What I will say, is that this reminded me of a lot of movies I used to watch growing up. The movies that connected with the watcher such as ‘Stand By Me,’ ‘My Girl,’ and even ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.’ These stories that show character connection through an odd/strange event/incident and how different relationships develop afterwards.
This was really well done and a really excellent first entry into the world by Manta Press Ltd.!
‘The Mud Man’ by Donna Marie West had the honor and distinction of being the first release on the upstart press and after reading the synopsis I immediately preordered it for my Kindle.
Now, one thing I want to clarify – as I read a lot of horror – I was kind of expecting this to be a dark fiction release, but can say now, that I’ve read it, it is not. That isn’t a bad thing at all, the writing and the story are really great, but if you know Tim from his horror novels or short stories, definitely don’t assume all he’ll be releasing through this imprint is brutality.
No, ‘The Mud Man’ is an intriguing story that is layered in emotions, complexities and character depth that really highlight the plot arc of this novel.
What I liked: ‘The Mud Man’ follows anthropologist, Veronica, who gets a request to come view a strange discovery in Northern BC. Once there, the team on site reveal the frozen (but starting to thaw) body of an ancient man, seemingly locked in place for tens of thousands of years. But when Veronica goes to examine him closer, they realize that this man is someone still alive.
From here, West has us follow along as Veronica gains stewardship/legal guardianship of this man and arranges his care, recovery and they eventually develop a friendly relationship where the man teaches Veronica about his life while she teaches this man about the modern world. It is a sweet development and you can quickly see how Veronica losses any pretense of simply researcher and develops a bond and caring for this man.
The secondary characters are great throughout, one of my favorites early on being the physiotherapist, Ty, who has a ‘HOLY COW!’ moment, when the realities of this man’s actual age hit him during a therapy session. It was a really great and light hearted moment that connected that character with the man even more.
The ending is gut wrenching but pristine. An expected full circle development but still emotionally devastating and I’m glad Donna decided to end it how she did.
What I didn’t like: There’s an odd ethical dilemma that plays out near the beginning, once this man is found and transported to Veronica’s ex-husband’s facility for rehabilitation. They discuss it a little bit but it seems to be glossed over and I found that odd seeing as both of their education/occupations and the reality of who and what this man is. I was hoping there’d be a bit more about those implications throughout.
Why you should buy this: I don’t read enough fiction like this to make any comparisons to other books or even movies. What I will say, is that this reminded me of a lot of movies I used to watch growing up. The movies that connected with the watcher such as ‘Stand By Me,’ ‘My Girl,’ and even ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.’ These stories that show character connection through an odd/strange event/incident and how different relationships develop afterwards.
This was really well done and a really excellent first entry into the world by Manta Press Ltd.!
June 20, 2022
I read this via an ARC, for Rosie Amber's Book Review Team. The fact that it was free has not affected this honest review.
An interesting book!
What I liked:
* The story idea; it was the blurb that attracted me. What a great premise! Wanting to know what would happen kept me reading all the way through. I thought the gradual, slow way in which the man's recovery was described was very well thought-out.
* The fact that the author made something that sounds crazy unrealistic come across as totally feasible. I was impressed by this from the beginning.
* The amount of research that has clearly been done, into every aspect of this story, and the way it was woven seamlessly into the text; I never felt as though I was reading Ms West's research notes, as one sometimes does. Every part of the Mud Man's recovery and development felt authentic.
* The 'easy read' quality of the book; the scientific aspects are explained so that anyone can understand them - and learn something. I found some of the explanations most interesting.
* The ending: it was fitting, and I'm so glad the author didn't make it schmaltzy.
What I was unsure about:
* The tone of the book, which is a little twee at times and I felt would be more suited to light 'women's fiction' or even a sweet romance. The writing style didn't seem right for a book about this subject matter; Veronica didn't come across as a respected academic, to me.
* There was too much mundane detail. If a character is having a day at home, we don't need to know what she did unless it is plot relevant, or pertinent to her character development. Lists of information telling us what she ate for breakfast, that she rang her mother, cuddled her 'kitties', then ate such-and-such for lunch, etc., come across as superfluous. There was too much needless detail about what people ate and drank, throughout.
* Mud Man Dom's way of speaking. Surely the amount of time he spent with people educating him would have resulted in him able to speak in more than childlike monosyllables, which became monotonous to read after a while.
* How some characters are described as 'African-American'. It seems odd, if you're not also pointing out every time someone is of Asian or Caucasian origin.
* The way in which Veronica (and others) looked on Dom as subject matter to make her rich and respected in her field, even down to exposing him to the hell of TV and chat shows.
Having said all that, I did want to keep reading, all the way through, because of the storyline itself. It's not a bad book at all; I just think it needs a firmer hand!
An interesting book!
What I liked:
* The story idea; it was the blurb that attracted me. What a great premise! Wanting to know what would happen kept me reading all the way through. I thought the gradual, slow way in which the man's recovery was described was very well thought-out.
* The fact that the author made something that sounds crazy unrealistic come across as totally feasible. I was impressed by this from the beginning.
* The amount of research that has clearly been done, into every aspect of this story, and the way it was woven seamlessly into the text; I never felt as though I was reading Ms West's research notes, as one sometimes does. Every part of the Mud Man's recovery and development felt authentic.
* The 'easy read' quality of the book; the scientific aspects are explained so that anyone can understand them - and learn something. I found some of the explanations most interesting.
* The ending: it was fitting, and I'm so glad the author didn't make it schmaltzy.
What I was unsure about:
* The tone of the book, which is a little twee at times and I felt would be more suited to light 'women's fiction' or even a sweet romance. The writing style didn't seem right for a book about this subject matter; Veronica didn't come across as a respected academic, to me.
* There was too much mundane detail. If a character is having a day at home, we don't need to know what she did unless it is plot relevant, or pertinent to her character development. Lists of information telling us what she ate for breakfast, that she rang her mother, cuddled her 'kitties', then ate such-and-such for lunch, etc., come across as superfluous. There was too much needless detail about what people ate and drank, throughout.
* Mud Man Dom's way of speaking. Surely the amount of time he spent with people educating him would have resulted in him able to speak in more than childlike monosyllables, which became monotonous to read after a while.
* How some characters are described as 'African-American'. It seems odd, if you're not also pointing out every time someone is of Asian or Caucasian origin.
* The way in which Veronica (and others) looked on Dom as subject matter to make her rich and respected in her field, even down to exposing him to the hell of TV and chat shows.
Having said all that, I did want to keep reading, all the way through, because of the storyline itself. It's not a bad book at all; I just think it needs a firmer hand!
August 3, 2023
Donna Marie West’s The Mud Man is a masterclass in suspension of disbelief. The premise certainly intrigued me—a Neolithic man, frozen for millennia in a mud cocoon, emerges ALIVE in the 21st century, but I was dubious West could deliver. However, she does! Page by page, she weaves extensive research, believable characters, precisely-paced plotting, and a detailed Vancouver backdrop into a believable narrative. The Mud Man, a balancing act of the mundane and the extraordinary, reads like near future sci fi—something I might expect to see in the next edition of The Globe and Mail. And at the centre of this imaginative storytelling is 9500 year-old Dom—an endearing, intelligent, compassionate story-teller in his own right, who strives to adapt to a world which is both foreign and frightening. Read it!
November 2, 2024
This book was a surprise to me. I wasn’t prepared for all this. And I cried ugly at the end. It’s really great book! I highly recommend reading this story.
April 13, 2023
Although published by Manta Press, a publishing house known for quality horror and dark fiction, The Mud Man is not dark and creepy but rather a light character-driven story. The premise is compelling: a man from Neolithic times who, thanks to a bacterium, is able to survive frozen for thousands of years until he is dug up by a sympathetic anthropologist. The book focuses on his recovery, attempts at assimilation to the ‘new world’, and the bonds he creates with the anthropologist and her friends.
Although The Mud Man is not a romance, it is written in a breezy, low-stakes style common in romance novels. It’s not a style I’m particularly keen on (especially when there is no romance), but the strength of the story kept me engaged throughout.
The moral dilemmas presented in The Mud Man make it ideal for reading groups. You’ll want to talk with people about it after reading it. And given the amount of sugar the characters consume in this book (the characters are constantly eating!), you’ll want to discuss it with a reading group properly catered with cakes and, ideally, coffee and donuts from Tim Hortons.
Although The Mud Man is not a romance, it is written in a breezy, low-stakes style common in romance novels. It’s not a style I’m particularly keen on (especially when there is no romance), but the strength of the story kept me engaged throughout.
The moral dilemmas presented in The Mud Man make it ideal for reading groups. You’ll want to talk with people about it after reading it. And given the amount of sugar the characters consume in this book (the characters are constantly eating!), you’ll want to discuss it with a reading group properly catered with cakes and, ideally, coffee and donuts from Tim Hortons.
June 28, 2022
This light fiction story is an enjoyable read. When anthropology professor Veronica Booth finds herself summoned to an archaeological dig that has unearthed the unimaginable, she and a diverse group of researchers quickly find themselves at odds with each other, as well as their own personal ambitions, disagreeing over what to do with the remarkable discovery. Seeking answers, the group hikes into a remote Alaskan wilderness where the answers they find are not what any of them expect!
MUD MAN is an intriguing story and author Donna Marie West, maintains an ever-present sense of foreboding until the final page.
MUD MAN is an intriguing story and author Donna Marie West, maintains an ever-present sense of foreboding until the final page.
June 22, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mud Man. It was unusual, which I liked. The premise that a body could withstand such a long time buried and still remain intact let alone viable, intrigued me.
The characters are well defined and believeable. I'm happy to recommend this book as a must read.
The characters are well defined and believeable. I'm happy to recommend this book as a must read.
May 6, 2022
The Mud Man
An original and amazing story.
I first read The Mud Man short story in an anthology that Donna and I both had stories in. I loved it then and had always hoped she would turn it into a novel. My dreams had come true when she finally did. I was intrigued from the start of the book and couldn't wait to read each page. I didn't want it to end but I couldn't stop from reading it. It was an incredible story about Veronica and the Mud Man and his journeys and trials of learning to adapt to modern life. I loved that this book was so different but so engaging that every time I turned off my Kindle, I couldn't wait to get back to it.
An original and amazing story.
I first read The Mud Man short story in an anthology that Donna and I both had stories in. I loved it then and had always hoped she would turn it into a novel. My dreams had come true when she finally did. I was intrigued from the start of the book and couldn't wait to read each page. I didn't want it to end but I couldn't stop from reading it. It was an incredible story about Veronica and the Mud Man and his journeys and trials of learning to adapt to modern life. I loved that this book was so different but so engaging that every time I turned off my Kindle, I couldn't wait to get back to it.
September 19, 2024
The idea behind this book made it intriguing to read. The story is unique.
The plot is well-written and thought out, and it reads at a steady pace all the way through. I felt a lot of research went into this book which was clear and came across well in the writing.
The Mud Man’s recovery was well thought out and was built up over time
The characters are well developed and Veronica Booth reminded me of Dr Temparance Brennen from the Kathy Reichs books, having said that I didn’t like Veronica, to me she came across, as selfish at times but overall I didn’t think she was a very nice person
Overall I enjoyed the story and do recommend
The plot is well-written and thought out, and it reads at a steady pace all the way through. I felt a lot of research went into this book which was clear and came across well in the writing.
The Mud Man’s recovery was well thought out and was built up over time
The characters are well developed and Veronica Booth reminded me of Dr Temparance Brennen from the Kathy Reichs books, having said that I didn’t like Veronica, to me she came across, as selfish at times but overall I didn’t think she was a very nice person
Overall I enjoyed the story and do recommend
July 22, 2022
This is a different genre of story I normally read, but was very interesting and wonder; could this really happen?
An archeologist team discovered the body of an indigenous man still shows a slight pulse. He is supposed to be 9500 yrs old. Will the journey trying to bring him to full life.
A wonderful and incredible story of Dom, the mud man.
An archeologist team discovered the body of an indigenous man still shows a slight pulse. He is supposed to be 9500 yrs old. Will the journey trying to bring him to full life.
A wonderful and incredible story of Dom, the mud man.
December 11, 2022
3.5 DON ,"The Mud Man" is really a unique and special character,his story is touching just as like his life and death almost made me cry.
I thought this would be pretty generic and turned out to be a story about human connections ,past and present.
I thought this would be pretty generic and turned out to be a story about human connections ,past and present.
October 20, 2023
Good book with a moving story
At first the premise reminded me of Iceman, and while there were similarities, the story took its own turn, exploring the adaptation of a Neolithic man unwittingly waking up in our time. The only critique I can offer was that I felt the inner dilemmas were a bit skipped over, I would have liked more depth. All in all, very informative and enjoyable!
At first the premise reminded me of Iceman, and while there were similarities, the story took its own turn, exploring the adaptation of a Neolithic man unwittingly waking up in our time. The only critique I can offer was that I felt the inner dilemmas were a bit skipped over, I would have liked more depth. All in all, very informative and enjoyable!
April 8, 2024
This was an awesome read, with a unique and engaging plot and story line! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great mystery.
January 8, 2025
Original story line!
Enjoyed the story and characters, especially Dom. After seeing the bog men in Ireland it was easy to visualize this story.
Enjoyed the story and characters, especially Dom. After seeing the bog men in Ireland it was easy to visualize this story.
June 2, 2023
The Mud Man By Donna Marie West
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Engaging, Absorbing, Captivating
Genre: Pre-historic Fiction/Contemporary Fiction/Mystery
Veronica had no idea that the telephone call she had just taken was the most important call of her career. Yet, when she arrived at the site, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was the ultimate ‘artefact’ that an archaeologist could ever wish to unearth. As they began to uncover the man who was still wearing part of the original skins of his people, it became evident that he was still alive, albeit barely, and Veronica hadn’t even began to contemplate the long and difficult road that lay ahead and how to communicate the intricacies of the modern world versus his rudimentary past, not to mention the whereabouts of the people he would have undoubtedly left behind, and what they could learn from him……but the bigger question of all hung in the air, would he even survive?
The Mud Man is a well constructed thought provoking novel and I have to commend the author for the amount of research and preparation that must have gone into writing this book. From medical facts to medication, to the tools he and his people would have made and used, clothing and practices that existed in the Mud Man’s time, and also the language, although I gather from the ‘About the author’ blurb at the end, that she is an translator so therefore has a flare for languages. The book gave a fascinating insight into the indigenous man’s customs and all the modern culture that he would have to cope with and learn. Particularly the trauma of realising that he no longer has a friend or a living relative in existence . The eventual reason discovered for his survival was very cleverly explained but at the same time was undemanding for anyone reading who does not have a great interest in detail of pre-historic times. It was contemporary with today enough to keep any readers attention. The Mud Man was very childlike in his demeanour but also, clearly, extremely bright, being able to pick up words and activities from Veronica and the others. However, his frustration at finding himself ‘alone’ in a strange place when he expected to die all those thousands of years ago was evident, and although he continued to put on a good front after his initial reaction to the news from Veronica because he felt that that was what was expected of him, it was hard to believe that he would be happy existing in ‘Vee’s world’. The conclusion didn’t particularly feel like an unexpected one to me. Towards the end of the novel I had wondered whether the end would allow for a sequel but it felt fitting for our ‘Mud Man’ and for all concerned to end on the note that it did. The ‘Mud Man’ is an extremely absorbing and captivating read. I may not have been inspired purely by the title and the cover and on this occasion and did read something of the synopsis but it was most definitely worth my time and I hope the author considers my review to be worthy of her work. I have already recommended it to others.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Engaging, Absorbing, Captivating
Genre: Pre-historic Fiction/Contemporary Fiction/Mystery
Veronica had no idea that the telephone call she had just taken was the most important call of her career. Yet, when she arrived at the site, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was the ultimate ‘artefact’ that an archaeologist could ever wish to unearth. As they began to uncover the man who was still wearing part of the original skins of his people, it became evident that he was still alive, albeit barely, and Veronica hadn’t even began to contemplate the long and difficult road that lay ahead and how to communicate the intricacies of the modern world versus his rudimentary past, not to mention the whereabouts of the people he would have undoubtedly left behind, and what they could learn from him……but the bigger question of all hung in the air, would he even survive?
The Mud Man is a well constructed thought provoking novel and I have to commend the author for the amount of research and preparation that must have gone into writing this book. From medical facts to medication, to the tools he and his people would have made and used, clothing and practices that existed in the Mud Man’s time, and also the language, although I gather from the ‘About the author’ blurb at the end, that she is an translator so therefore has a flare for languages. The book gave a fascinating insight into the indigenous man’s customs and all the modern culture that he would have to cope with and learn. Particularly the trauma of realising that he no longer has a friend or a living relative in existence . The eventual reason discovered for his survival was very cleverly explained but at the same time was undemanding for anyone reading who does not have a great interest in detail of pre-historic times. It was contemporary with today enough to keep any readers attention. The Mud Man was very childlike in his demeanour but also, clearly, extremely bright, being able to pick up words and activities from Veronica and the others. However, his frustration at finding himself ‘alone’ in a strange place when he expected to die all those thousands of years ago was evident, and although he continued to put on a good front after his initial reaction to the news from Veronica because he felt that that was what was expected of him, it was hard to believe that he would be happy existing in ‘Vee’s world’. The conclusion didn’t particularly feel like an unexpected one to me. Towards the end of the novel I had wondered whether the end would allow for a sequel but it felt fitting for our ‘Mud Man’ and for all concerned to end on the note that it did. The ‘Mud Man’ is an extremely absorbing and captivating read. I may not have been inspired purely by the title and the cover and on this occasion and did read something of the synopsis but it was most definitely worth my time and I hope the author considers my review to be worthy of her work. I have already recommended it to others.
February 15, 2026
The Mud Man tells the story of Dom, the titular Mud Man, after he’s exhumed from thawing permafrost near Bennett Lake. Found to still be alive, albeit barely, he’s nursed back to health at a specialized medical centre and the story unfolds from there.
Told at a relaxed pace, it’s clear Donna did a lot of research prior to writing the book to be as medically accurate as possible. The characters are memorable and all perform their roles well. It’s also a nice touch that the page breaks the book uses – two concentric circles – is Dom’s symbol. This distinct concentric circle symbol is both his name in petroglyphs and a distinct tattoo he has that is referenced several times.
The ending was unexpected, but a good way to finish the book on an emotional note. It’s the most realistic thing a man from 9500 years ago would do in response to the overwhelming number of years between himself and the world he knew that has been gone for millennia.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Mud Man. I’d recommend it to anyone who is interested in books on anthropology, archaeology, medicine, or that are set in Canada, as the book has consistent references to all four throughout.
Told at a relaxed pace, it’s clear Donna did a lot of research prior to writing the book to be as medically accurate as possible. The characters are memorable and all perform their roles well. It’s also a nice touch that the page breaks the book uses – two concentric circles – is Dom’s symbol. This distinct concentric circle symbol is both his name in petroglyphs and a distinct tattoo he has that is referenced several times.
The ending was unexpected, but a good way to finish the book on an emotional note. It’s the most realistic thing a man from 9500 years ago would do in response to the overwhelming number of years between himself and the world he knew that has been gone for millennia.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Mud Man. I’d recommend it to anyone who is interested in books on anthropology, archaeology, medicine, or that are set in Canada, as the book has consistent references to all four throughout.
November 27, 2022
Just finished reading, "The Mud Man." What a glorious read! The subject matter was completely new to me, so I didn't know what to expect. I'd never read anything comparable. To my utter surprise, I loved every page. Donna Marie is an accomplished writer in that she was able to place me within the story itself. I felt as if I personally witnessed what was occurring. I don't want to elaborate on the storyline, because I don't want to spoil your journey. Just know that it will keep you interested page after page, and you will keep wanting to know what happens next. Good job and lovely writing, Miss West!
May 25, 2023
Author, Donna Marie West offers up an interesting and poignant story set in British Columbia, Canada, where a man estimated to be over 9,500 years old is discovered in the frozen earth and revived. This is such a wonderful, engrossing story that does not lean on the usual tropes at all. The character development was excellent, the range of emotion is very evident in the author's storytelling voice, and the story itself flows smoothly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and give it a high recommendation.
--MJ Preston, author of Highwayman
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and give it a high recommendation.
--MJ Preston, author of Highwayman
January 19, 2025
The Mud Man by Donna Marie West is an extraordinary blend of mystery, history, and emotion. From the moment Veronica Booth uncovers the enigmatic man in the bog, I was hooked. The concept of a 9,500-year-old man adapting to the modern world is both fascinating and deeply moving. Donna Marie West’s storytelling is masterful, with well-developed characters and a narrative that kept me engrossed from start to finish. This book is a unique and unforgettable read, leaving me reflecting on its themes long after I turned the last page. Highly recommended!
January 5, 2023
The Mud Man had me intrigued by its blurb. when i got it and started it i found i really enjoyed Veronica and The Mud man she found. The science was easy to follow and the book was an really easy read for me. the characters and plot was well thought out. it is a great book to read.
June 17, 2023
The Mud Man is a great read. Full of intrigue and some suspense. Strong characterization and sequence of events. I would definitely recommend reading at the beach or cottage for this summer.
April 10, 2024
Great premise well told
May 11, 2025
2.5 stars
April 30, 2026
This book was a surprise to me. I wasn’t prepared for all this. And I cried ugly at the end. It’s really great book! I highly recommend reading this story.
July 26, 2023
Amazingly interesting and entertaining. I hated to put it down, hated it more when I finished it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews