The River We Remember

A Novel

By: William Kent Krueger

Narrated by: CJ Wilson

AN EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE

In 1958, a small Minnesota town is rocked by a shocking murder, pouring fresh fuel on old grievances in this dazzling novel, an instant New York Times bestseller and “a work of art” (The Denver Post).

On Memorial Day in Jewel, Minnesota, the body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River, dead from a shotgun blast. The investigation falls to Sheriff Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero who still carries the physical and emotional scars from his military service. Even before Dern has the results of the autopsy, vicious rumors begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has recently returned to Jewel with a Japanese wife. As suspicions and accusations mount and the town teeters on the edge of more violence, Dern struggles not only to find the truth of Quinn’s murder but also put to rest the demons from his own past.

Caught up in the torrent of anger that sweeps through Jewel are a war widow and her adolescent son, the intrepid publisher of the local newspaper, an aging deputy, and a crusading female lawyer, all of whom struggle with their own tragic histories and harbor secrets that Quinn’s death threatens to expose.

Both a complex, spellbinding mystery and a masterful portrait of mid-century American life that is “a novel to cherish” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis), The River We Remember offers an unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home, a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal, and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about the places we call home.

Critic reviews

"CJ Wilson brings compelling, troubled characters to life while narrating this stand-alone murder mystery set in mid-century Minnesota. His voice embodies a folksiness that belies the audiobook's dark undertone...Listeners will find themselves placed inside a small town whose secrets and insights are found in its auto repair garages and coffee shops. Wilson's performance demonstrates his skill at capturing the feel of this time and place."

Another Winner from William Kent Krueger

4.5 Stars

I love William Kent Krueger. I have read many of his books and I am always moved by them (with This Tender Land as my absolute favorite). Although I am giving this book 4.5 Stars, the rating is based solely on the Epilogue, when the author updates the reader on what happened to the characters decades later. This is where I had an issue...the book opens as the story of Broady Dern, the sheriff of Jewel, a small town in Minnesota, but ends up focusing on the accused's lawyer. This disappointed me. Otherwise, the book is a thoughtful tapestry of life in a small American town where Memorial Day celebrations still take place and everyone likes to eat at the local diner. The Americans and the Native Americans seem to get along...but trouble is never far away due to simmering feelings of racism.

The book kicks off when the rich and powerful (but much despised) farmer Jimmy Quinn is found dead in the Alabaster River. It's now up to Brody to not only investigate the murder but to keep the temperature down on the growing racial tension between the local farmers and the Indians who also populate the small town. Noah Bluestone is arrested for the murder and yet refuses to speak about it, complicating the situation for Brody. Could Noah be protecting his wife Kyoko, the Japanese immigrant? As the sheriff soon learns, everyone -- including him -- harbors secrets and until he learns what they are, Noah might face the death penalty.

The narration by CJ Wilson is superb. He seems to embody the characters he reads, especially that of Brody. It's a bravura performance.

I did love this book and its story and theme. I loved Brody Dern as the lead and enjoyed seeing him investigate the murder in his slow but honest way. What I didn't like was the ending, when Krueger suddenly transforms the story into that of Charlie, Bluestone's lawyer. This disappointed me...but, honestly, it's the only part of the book that did. I loved it otherwise.

Another wonderful story!

I love the imagery that WKK writes. It is always perfect for the setting, the time and the characters. An example that stands out is the stars began to salt the sky— absolutely perfect! Love his writing.

Unforgettable

I have yet to be disappointed by any of William Kent Krueger’s novels, but this is my favorite to date. His descriptive prose makes me feel like I am a citizen of the town. His characters are relatable and his story fills my heart with sorrow, compassion, and tenderness.

Captivating

This may very well be my fav WKK book! The characters draw you in. The description of the setting makes you see it all around you. These characters tugged at my heart strings and I didn’t want to let the book go! 5 star all around!

Good book!

My husband and I listen to books when we travel. We both really enjoyed this book.