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.

©2023 William Kent Krueger (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Another lovely story

This author’s quickly become one of my most favorite to read. His stories have it all and the telling of them takes you on a journey as though you were there. There are surprises, twists, and ironies. I highly recommend his novels!!

My new favorite William Krueger novel!

I found myself not wanting this book to end! And the twists and turns filled the book, all the way to the end! And the performance was perfection! I can see myself looking for audible books by this narrator instead of by author! Loved it!!!

Exciting all the way through

Great storyline and weaving all of the characters/storyline together. Couldn't figure it all out until it was told.

A good story

This was a good listen, I found myself eager to get back to it quickly. I don’t tend to listen to male narrators, but CJ Wilson was excellent.

Great read!!

I am fairly new to William Kent Krueger, but will be a forever fan. In the last 3 months I've read this book, The Levee, Ordinary Grace, and this tender Land. All 5 star reads IMO! This book kept me on my toes. I listened to it actually. I love the narrator, but wish women's voices could truly be women's voices! My only complaint! And that applies to all books listened to.

Captivating

The story and the characters were captivating. It had a satisfying ending.
The performance was well done and a pleasure to listen to.

Just ok

I am baffled by all the great reviews of this book. It was ok but nothing that stood out for me. There was alot of subplots that didn’t seem to fit into the main story.

Character

Character will out. Krueger outdoes himself again. He said he set Hemingway as his bar when he began writing and I feel he is there. A great plot with characters created in great depth. There it’s both triumph and tragedy. The setting in Minnesota of 1953 opens the door for prejudice against native Americans, Japanese, and Germans. There are two or three mysteries trapped in the story. I can see it will reward rereading. It raises The specter of the role of guns on our society.

1958

I loved the 1958 setting. I remember growing up in a small town. I remember good people that were glad the men were home. This was beautifully written. Perfect performance. Another great listen/read. I did both.

Character development

So well developed and interwoven, the novel captures the lingering effects of war and racism.