The River We Remember

A Novel

By: William Kent Krueger

Narrated by: CJ Wilson

Length: 13 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Excellent story, my new favorite narrator

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. And the narrator did a really great job. He didn't really try to make women's voices, but differentiated the individuals clearly. Kreuger did his usual wonderful job of story telling. This stand alone story ranks along with This Tender Land & Ordinary Grace in my opinion. Well done.

Love this author

I liked the humaness of the characters and the unique storyline.
I also loved the epilogue, I like to know how the characters end up. It was a lovely way to tell us the rest of the story.

Wow!

We all die. But some of us who are blessed or just lucky, have the opportunity before that end to be redeemed.
We can let go, forgive others, and also forgive ourselves. For the worst of what we are or have been.
~William Kent Krueger

Excellent

Great story once again. Enjoyed every word written. I highly recommend this author and reader.

Love Minnesota

Story was interesting; good description of a small town where everyone is in everyone else's business. The narrator was able to make the various voices natural sounding. I had volume control problems because when he was speaking some of the female parts it was so quiet I had to crank the volume up and then got blasted when he reverted to the next thing.

Sad tale of life in rural America

I love William Kent Krueger's books normally, but this one was somewhat of a disappointment. Chief Brody is great and I really enjoyed his slow and methodical way of solving a crime, showing his own humanity and frailties. Quinn got exactly what he deserved. It's sad that the only true American in this story and his Japanese wife were the targets when they had nothing to do with the tragedy. It just proves that even in small town America prejudices still exist which is very sad. The ending was satisfying when he explains what happens to those that are left after everything is finished.

Beautiful story

Author can tell a good story which was woven with human tragedy and compassion. A page turner that I didn’t want to put down.

William Ken Krueger always delivers

WKK can always be counted on to deliver a well-written, thought provoking tale.
Excellent narrator

wonderfully developed story

loved the characters, you could imagine the scenery, the river, the farms and I've never been to Minnesota, engrossing,

The River We Remember

Another wonderful book by this author. Great character development with a rich background of events and historical context.