Search results for """ "Minnesota Mysteries""

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Book SynopsisThe ninth and final Minnesota mystery, in which Shadwell Rafferty, with the inimitable Sherlock Holmes, may have solved his own murder​ Like many mysteries, this one begins with a murder. But in this case the victim happens to be the detective, on the verge of revealing the culprit in an earlier crime. Had Shadwell Rafferty identified his own murderer? When news of Rafferty’s death reaches Sherlock Holmes, in Chicago on the last leg of an American speaking tour, the world’s most famous detective and his redoubtable companion Watson rush to Minnesota to hunt for their friend’s killer. Set amid the glittering society and sordid underworld of 1928 St. Paul, Larry Millett’s ninth and final Shadwell Rafferty mystery takes readers through the serpentine twists of Rafferty’s fatal investigation, even as Holmes, following in Rafferty’s tracks, may be closing in on the answer to both cases. This ingenious double mystery takes us to every corner of St. Paul, from the city’s most notorious speakeasy to a home for unwed mothers to the mansions of Summit Avenue, and at every turn we find another suspect: an ambitious mayor and his devoted fixer-in-chief, a heartless blackmailer and a police detective mired in city hall connections, a poet-turned-mystery writer with a suspicious coterie, and a priest hiding a terrible secret. A mysterious woman in Minneapolis who makes certain illicit arrangements and a young man in possession of incriminating documents provide Holmes with vital clues that lead to a final confrontation with an exceptionally devious murderer worthy of the exceptionally devious plot that brings the Minnesota mystery series to a fitting and powerful conclusion. Trade Review "Richly woven and sprinkled with moments of humor and pathos, Rafferty's Last Case is maybe his best case. The genius of Larry Millett's adventures is how he weaves local history, culture, personalities, architecture, and the Holmes canon together in a way that finds me always asking for more. His final account of the late, great Shadwell Rafferty hooked me from the start. An ultimate triumph!"—Tim Johnson, curator of the Sherlock Holmes Collections, University of Minnesota Libraries "One can only hope that, while this mystery is called Rafferty’s Last Case, it isn’t Larry Millett’s last book. In this engrossing tale, Sherlock Holmes, with the help of Watson and the notes left behind by Rafferty, solves a very complicated case of three murders among the upper class of St. Paul. The twists and turns are amazing and shocking until the case is solved with a wonderful flourish. Start reading and hang on for the ride!"—Mary Logue, author of The Streel "Murder, blackmail, and the foulest corruption have turned 1928 St. Paul, Minnesota, into a frozen Gomorrah. Even the world’s greatest consulting detective may have met his match when he wades into the icy muck hunting the killer of an old friend in Larry Millett’s latest Sherlock Holmes American adventure. Propelled by a hair-raising plot, rich in period detail, and crawling with intriguing characters, Rafferty’s Last Case is a terrific read."—W. A. Winter, author of The Secret Lives of Dentists Table of Contents Prologue: A Knife to the Back Book One. A Body, a Funeral, a Promise 1. “Are You Here?” 2. “It Is the Darkest of Days” 3. “I Give You My Promise” Book Two. Rafferty Investigates 4. “Was That a Gunshot?” 5. “We Are Entering Deep and Dangerous Waters” 6. “I Took Him Up to the Sixth Floor” 7. “There Is Still Much We Must Learn” Book Three. Suspects and Clues 8. The Blackmailer 9. “I Must Warn You to Be Careful” 10. “We Must Dig and Dig” 11. The Policeman 12. “You Are Sniffing at the Clouds” 13. “The Mystery Deepens” 14. The Poet 15. “You Are Being Insolent” Book Four. More Suspects, More Questions 16. “She Is a Woman Who Makes Arrangements” 17. “How Old Do You Suppose He Is?” 18. The Priest 19. “I Fear for Your Soul” 20. “We Are Tangled Up in a Web” 21. The Politicians 22. “We’re Always Just a Step Behind” 23. “We Are on the Cusp” 24. “I Pose No Threat to You” 25. “We May Have No Other Choice” 26. “The Game Is Afoot!” Book Five. Endgame at the Ryan 27. Convergence 28. “You Are a Monster” 29. “How I Wish He Was Still Here!” 30. “May He Rest in Peace” Epilogue: There Were Reports of His Death

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Book SynopsisThe ninth and final Minnesota mystery, in which Shadwell Rafferty, with the inimitable Sherlock Holmes, may have solved his own murder​ Like many mysteries, this one begins with a murder. But in this case the victim happens to be the detective, on the verge of revealing the culprit in an earlier crime. Had Shadwell Rafferty identified his own murderer? When news of Rafferty’s death reaches Sherlock Holmes, in Chicago on the last leg of an American speaking tour, the world’s most famous detective and his redoubtable companion Watson rush to Minnesota to hunt for their friend’s killer. Set amid the glittering society and sordid underworld of 1928 St. Paul, Larry Millett’s ninth and final Shadwell Rafferty mystery takes readers through the serpentine twists of Rafferty’s fatal investigation, even as Holmes, following in Rafferty’s tracks, may be closing in on the answer to both cases. This ingenious double mystery takes us to every corner of St. Paul, from the city’s most notorious speakeasy to a home for unwed mothers to the mansions of Summit Avenue, and at every turn we find another suspect: an ambitious mayor and his devoted fixer-in-chief, a heartless blackmailer and a police detective mired in city hall connections, a poet-turned-mystery writer with a suspicious coterie, and a priest hiding a terrible secret. A mysterious woman in Minneapolis who makes certain illicit arrangements and a young man in possession of incriminating documents provide Holmes with vital clues that lead to a final confrontation with an exceptionally devious murderer worthy of the exceptionally devious plot that brings the Minnesota mystery series to a fitting and powerful conclusion. Trade Review "Richly woven and sprinkled with moments of humor and pathos, Rafferty's Last Case is maybe his best case. The genius of Larry Millett's adventures is how he weaves local history, culture, personalities, architecture, and the Holmes canon together in a way that finds me always asking for more. His final account of the late, great Shadwell Rafferty hooked me from the start. An ultimate triumph!"—Tim Johnson, curator of the Sherlock Holmes Collections, University of Minnesota Libraries "One can only hope that, while this mystery is called Rafferty’s Last Case, it isn’t Larry Millett’s last book. In this engrossing tale, Sherlock Holmes, with the help of Watson and the notes left behind by Rafferty, solves a very complicated case of three murders among the upper class of St. Paul. The twists and turns are amazing and shocking until the case is solved with a wonderful flourish. Start reading and hang on for the ride!"—Mary Logue, author of The Streel "Murder, blackmail, and the foulest corruption have turned 1928 St. Paul, Minnesota, into a frozen Gomorrah. Even the world’s greatest consulting detective may have met his match when he wades into the icy muck hunting the killer of an old friend in Larry Millett’s latest Sherlock Holmes American adventure. Propelled by a hair-raising plot, rich in period detail, and crawling with intriguing characters, Rafferty’s Last Case is a terrific read."—W. A. Winter, author of The Secret Lives of Dentists Table of Contents Prologue: A Knife to the Back Book One. A Body, a Funeral, a Promise 1. “Are You Here?” 2. “It Is the Darkest of Days” 3. “I Give You My Promise” Book Two. Rafferty Investigates 4. “Was That a Gunshot?” 5. “We Are Entering Deep and Dangerous Waters” 6. “I Took Him Up to the Sixth Floor” 7. “There Is Still Much We Must Learn” Book Three. Suspects and Clues 8. The Blackmailer 9. “I Must Warn You to Be Careful” 10. “We Must Dig and Dig” 11. The Policeman 12. “You Are Sniffing at the Clouds” 13. “The Mystery Deepens” 14. The Poet 15. “You Are Being Insolent” Book Four. More Suspects, More Questions 16. “She Is a Woman Who Makes Arrangements” 17. “How Old Do You Suppose He Is?” 18. The Priest 19. “I Fear for Your Soul” 20. “We Are Tangled Up in a Web” 21. The Politicians 22. “We’re Always Just a Step Behind” 23. “We Are on the Cusp” 24. “I Pose No Threat to You” 25. “We May Have No Other Choice” 26. “The Game Is Afoot!” Book Five. Endgame at the Ryan 27. Convergence 28. “You Are a Monster” 29. “How I Wish He Was Still Here!” 30. “May He Rest in Peace” Epilogue: There Were Reports of His Death

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Here is a real treasure. Authentic and beautifully told, The Search for the Homestead Treasure weaves together the endearing story of an unlikely friendship with a compelling and intriguing mystery. Ann Treacy brings to vivid life the hardship and rewards of early twentieth-century rural Minnesota in this gem of a book."—Margi Preus, author of Enchantment Lake*"Martin is a quiet character who will not let go of my heart! While his story is one bound in family and history, his struggles and grit will speak to every modern young reader who knows loss and heartbreak. Treacy’s message of perseverance and hope make Martin a protagonist to root for and a boy never to forget."—Helen Hemphill, author of The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones"Ann Treacy shows a gift for mystery shot through with historical details, but never overwhelmed by the past. Reading The Search for the Homestead Treasure made me want to find lost treasure and—almost—made me want to grab hold of the plow with Martin, clearing the land for planting and clearing a path for him into the grown-up world."—Gwenyth Swain, author of Wanda Gág: Storybook Artist and Riding to Washington"Set in rural Minnesota in 1903, this evocative effort neatly weaves in period details. It reflects the demands of farming and the significant prejudice that was harbored by the white farmers against the Roma, documented both in the story that depicts their culture and in an informative author's note. A good bet for fans of historical fiction."—Kirkus Reviews"[A] tightly written novel."—Publishers Weekly"Ann Treacy loves the craft of writing-- not just the flow of words and the stories that bubble up, but truly crafting the right phrases, tone, and pace."—Lake Superior Magazine"A dramatic and well-paced tale, rich with an array of incidents involving vivid characters."—Picks and Reads for Kids"Extensive research and a compelling protagonist make this title a great fit for classes exploring their family trees."—Booklist"Infused with historical details... this book has regional, genealogical, and classroom appeal."—VOYA"Written in short chapters, the steady plot moves along with suspenseful episodes and events appropriate to the time period."—School Library Journal"Highly recommended for classrooms and middle grade readers who want more than your average pioneer story!"—Beth’s Book-Nook Blog"A story of hard work, grit, determination and surviving tough times."—Hibbing Daily Tribune

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Book SynopsisEdward Marston has written well over a hundred books, including some non-fiction. He is best known for his hugely successful Railway Detective series and he also writes the Bow Street Rivals series featuring twin detectives set during the Regency; the Home Front Detective novels set during the First World War; and the Ocean Liner mysteries.

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Book SynopsisMidwest Book Award Winner — Young Adult FictionA disturbing call from her great aunts Astrid and Jeannette sends seventeen-year-old Francie far from her new home in New York into a tangle of mysteries. Ditching an audition in a Manhattan theater, Francie travels to a remote lake in the northwoods where her aunts’ neighbors are “dropping like flies” from strange accidents. But are they accidents? On the shores of Enchantment Lake in the woods of northern Minnesota, something ominous is afoot, and as Francie begins to investigate, the mysteries multiply: a poisoned hotdish, a puzzling confession, eerie noises in the bog, and a legendary treasure said to be under enchantment—or is that under Enchantment, as in under the lake? At the center of everything is a suddenly booming business in cabin sales and a road not everyone wants built. To a somewhat reluctant northwoods Nancy Drew, the intrigue proves irresistible, especially when it draws her closer to the mysteries at the heart of her own life. What happened to her father? Who and where is her mother? Who is she, and where does her heart lie—in the bustle of New York City or the deep woods of Minnesota? With its gripping story, romantic spirit, and a sly dash of modern-day trouble (including evil realtors and other invasive species), Enchantment Lake will fascinate readers, providing precisely the charm that Margi Preus’s fans have come to expect.Trade Review"After playing a detective on TV, Francie travels to idyllic northern Minnesota to help her aunts. People are dying in strange accidents on Enchantment Lake, and the deaths seem to revolve around a treasure—could it be hidden at the bottom of the lake? In this charming first mystery, Francie finds the answers to most of her questions and even a bit of enchantment for herself."—Mary Logue, author of Lake of Tears and Sleep like a Tiger"Minnesota’s master storyteller Margi Preus gives us another gem of a novel—funny and moving, gorgeously written, and suspenseful. As much as this book is an absorbing mystery, it’s also a deeply felt love letter to our uniquely enchanted northwoods. This is a book to lose yourself in."—Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs and The Real Boy"Preus, whose Heart of a Samurai (2010) was a Newbery Honor Book, offers intriguing characters, suspenseful moments, and a love interest—plenty to keep readers involved."—Booklist"A delightful story for readers of all ages."—Play Off the Page"A quick-moving mystery whose lovely descriptions of the Minnesota landscape add a pleasing layer of smalltown Midwestern atmosphere."—Publishers Weekly"Reminiscent of the classic Nancy Drew mysteries of my youth, Enchantment Lake offers a quirky tale on the murder mystery genre, featuring a strong seventeen year old heroine and a cast of strange and eccentric characters. A cute, original, and entertaining read."—Throw Me a Book"Likable, quirky, and entertaining."—VOYA"A fun, adventurous romp of a story. A lovely read."—A Fantastic Librarian"It was fun, it was fast and it had a cast of colorful characters."—Lovely Literature"A good mystery novel with fun characters and interesting occurrences."—A Dream Within A Dream"A quick, enjoyable read."—All Things Bookish"Pure, innocent fun."—Constantly Reading Momma"As Enchantment Lake speeds toward its resolution, you’re surprised and sad your time at the lake is over."—Star Tribune

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Book SynopsisFrancie returns to Enchantment Lake looking for answers, only to get dragged into a murder mystery she might not survive Francie’s brother Theo has secrets—secrets Francie thinks she wants to know. But what if one of those secrets is that Theo is a murderer? To avoid considering that possibility, Francie plunges into her senior year at a small-town high school near Enchantment Lake in northern Minnesota. It’s a radical change from her private school in New York, but she hopes to keep an eye on her great aunts and maybe finally learn more about the mother she never knew. A small silver box seems to hold the answers, and she is determined to get her hands on it.But when her long-lost brother turns up, so does a dead body, and once again Francie is drawn into a mystery. A long list of suspects, with Theo at the top, keeps her head spinning. When Francie herself becomes a suspect she starts to feel like she is walking on thin ice, but it isn’t until she is literally walking on thin ice that the pieces start to come together—and by then it may be too late.In her previous adventure Enchantment Lake, Francie was thrown into northern Minnesota lake living: fishing, berry picking, lost kayaks and scary boat rides, poisoned hotdishes, exploding bulldozers, a forest fire . . . and murder. But if she thinks things have settled down, she’s in for a surprise. A new school with new friends (and a few enemies), a lead role in a play, an encounter with a giant muskie, archaeological twists, secret tunnels, thin ice, and a strangely sticky murder are all coming her way in The Clue in the Trees.Trade Review"Margi Preus delightfully captures the latest mystery and mayhem at Enchantment Lake through the eyes of fearless teenage detective Francie Frye. The quirky details of life in the north country add to the sometimes menacingly scary situations set in the remote woods. From the late-night chase scene through a giant muskie-shaped gift shop to the unnerving feeling of being watched by an unknown observer in the forest, the mystery unfolds with both humor and suspense. Francie, with her brains, bravery, and dying flashlight, is a detective for the ages."—Chris Monroe, author of the Monkey with a Tool Belt series"This quick read is meant for a young bookworm cozying up in their northern Minnesota cabin."—Minnesota Monthly"A fun, light murder mystery reminding me of a modern Nancy Drew."—Bookality"This was a fast-paced, cozy mystery book. I enjoyed this book it was fun and quick and with interesting characters and murder! What more could you want?"—Haunted by Book 13 "It’s fast moving and a fun read!"—The Critic Uncritical Bookworm "Preus draws attention to broader issues such as Native rights, global warming, and crude oil pipelines. It is this attention to the political—and the necessity of sensitizing young people to these issues—that sets The Clue in the Trees apart from other young-adult murder mysteries."—The CorresponderTable of ContentsContents1. Something Is Not Right2. Muskie Bait3. At School4. At Enchantment5. An Unpleasant Surprise6. Auditions7. Ricing8. The Silver Box9. From Play Practice to Protest10. The E.R.11. Later the Same Day12. Wind13. Raven Is On to Francie14. Trip to Enchantment15. Theo Is Gone16. Dragon Bone17. Halloween18. The Lie Detector19. The Aquarium in the Wardrobe20. 8 A.M.21. Opening Night22. Under Enchantment23. Sleep at Last24. Warm25. The Situation26. The Situation Gets Sticky27. Thanksgiving DinnerAuthor’s NoteAcknowledgments

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Book SynopsisNow A Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Movie MURDER, SHE BAKED: A Plum Pudding Murder Mystery The yuletide season in Lake Eden, Minnesota, guarantees a white Christmas, delectable holiday goodies from Hannah Swensen's bakery, The Cookie Jar—and murder…   The Cookie Jar's busiest time of the year also happens to be the most wonderful time...for Christmas cookies, Hannah's own special plum pudding—and romance! She also gets a kick out of “Lunatic Larry Jaeger’s Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot,” a kitschy carnival taking place smack-dab in the middle of the village green. But then Hannah discovers the man himself dead as a doornail in his own office...   Now, with so many suspects to investigate and the twelve days of Christmas ticking away, Hannah's running out of time to nab a murderous Scrooge who doesn't want her to see the New Year...   Includes Hannah’s

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Book SynopsisIn the final Enchantment Lake mystery, Francie’s search for the truth about her mother—and herself—plunges her into danger during a North Woods winter When she wakes in her aunts’ cold cabin on the shore of Enchantment Lake, Francie remembers: everything about her life has changed. Or is about to. Or just might. Everything depends on the small, engraved silver box that she now possesses—if only she can follow its cryptic clues to the whereabouts of her missing mother and understand, finally, just maybe, the truth about who she really is. Francie, it turns out, has a lot to learn, and this time the lessons could be deadly. Her search for answers takes her and her best friends Raven and Jay as far afield as an abandoned ranch in Arizona and as close to home as a sketchy plant collector’s conservatory and a musty old museum where shadows lurk around every display case. At the heart of it all is a crime that touches her own adopted North Woods: thieves dig up fragile lady’s slippers, peel bark from birches, strip moss off trees, cut down entire forests of saplings to sell for home décor. But Francie is up against no ordinary plant theft. One ominous clue after another reveal that she possesses something so rare and so valuable that some people are willing to do anything to get it. When Francie’s investigation leads her into the treacherously cold and snowy North Woods, she finds out that she too is being pursued.Trade Review"Margi Preus shows her deep knowledge of and appreciation for Minnesota while telling an engaging story with puzzles and action and heart. The Silver Box is truly a celebration of our state—from its North Woods to its Twin Cities landmarks."—Kurtis Scaletta, author of Lukezilla Beats the Game"This is a great end to what was a really enjoyable YA adventure/mystery series. A fun, entertaining read."—The Book Lover’s Boudoir"A modern Nancy Drew replacement grounded in current technology but largely reliant on brain power and courage."—Kirkus Reviews"I think mystery lovers will definitely enjoy the pacing of this book as well as its unforgettable characters and charming Northwoods setting. It’s an excellent series to get lost in if you’re looking for an engrossing story or something to distract from reality."—The Story Sanctuary "Francie continues to get herself and others into precarious situations. However, in this book she comes across more consequences to her choices than in the previous books. More details are unraveled and the reader gets to know the characters on deeper levels. That being said, there are still twists and turns all along the way up to the end of the book. As with the other books in the series, this is for mystery lovers and young sleuths. However, this is also more of a coming of age and self-discovery book."—Compass Book Ratings"As always, Margi’s engaging prose carries the story."—Lake Superior Magazine"Filled with humor and suspense, The Silver Box is the final book in the Enchantment Lake Mystery trilogy."—Northern Wilds "This is a great mystery series for middle schoolers: the characters are interesting. the action moves at a great, page-turning pace, and the Northwoods setting is just perfect for a mystery."—Mom Read ItTable of ContentsContents1. The Wolf2. The Puzzle Box3. Snowshoeing4. The Cabin5. Strange Lodgings6. The Apartment7. At School8. At the Museum9. Granddad Interferes10. School, Then Birch Grove11. Hiding the Box12. The Minneapolis Institute of Art13. Como Park Conservatory14. A Bit of Down15. Trouble16. The Stake-Out17. More Trouble18. A Suspicious Death19. Arizona20. The Ranch House21. An Acting Gig22. Birch Grove23. The Red Fishhouse24. Killing of Time25. A Little Interlude26. Community Service27. Loretta’s Cabin28. Out on the Lake29. Christmas EveningAuthor’s Note

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Book SynopsisIn the final Enchantment Lake mystery, Francie’s search for the truth about her mother—and herself—plunges her into danger during a North Woods winter When she wakes in her aunts’ cold cabin on the shore of Enchantment Lake, Francie remembers: everything about her life has changed. Or is about to. Or just might. Everything depends on the small, engraved silver box that she now possesses—if only she can follow its cryptic clues to the whereabouts of her missing mother and understand, finally, just maybe, the truth about who she really is. Francie, it turns out, has a lot to learn, and this time the lessons could be deadly. Her search for answers takes her and her best friends Raven and Jay as far afield as an abandoned ranch in Arizona and as close to home as a sketchy plant collector’s conservatory and a musty old museum where shadows lurk around every display case. At the heart of it all is a crime that touches her own adopted North Woods: thieves dig up fragile lady’s slippers, peel bark from birches, strip moss off trees, cut down entire forests of saplings to sell for home décor. But Francie is up against no ordinary plant theft. One ominous clue after another reveal that she possesses something so rare and so valuable that some people are willing to do anything to get it. When Francie’s investigation leads her into the treacherously cold and snowy North Woods, she finds out that she too is being pursued.Trade Review"Margi Preus shows her deep knowledge of and appreciation for Minnesota while telling an engaging story with puzzles and action and heart. The Silver Box is truly a celebration of our state—from its North Woods to its Twin Cities landmarks."—Kurtis Scaletta, author of Lukezilla Beats the Game"This is a great end to what was a really enjoyable YA adventure/mystery series. A fun, entertaining read."—The Book Lover’s Boudoir"A modern Nancy Drew replacement grounded in current technology but largely reliant on brain power and courage."—Kirkus Reviews"I think mystery lovers will definitely enjoy the pacing of this book as well as its unforgettable characters and charming Northwoods setting. It’s an excellent series to get lost in if you’re looking for an engrossing story or something to distract from reality."—The Story Sanctuary "Francie continues to get herself and others into precarious situations. However, in this book she comes across more consequences to her choices than in the previous books. More details are unraveled and the reader gets to know the characters on deeper levels. That being said, there are still twists and turns all along the way up to the end of the book. As with the other books in the series, this is for mystery lovers and young sleuths. However, this is also more of a coming of age and self-discovery book."—Compass Book Ratings"As always, Margi’s engaging prose carries the story."—Lake Superior Magazine"Filled with humor and suspense, The Silver Box is the final book in the Enchantment Lake Mystery trilogy."—Northern Wilds "This is a great mystery series for middle schoolers: the characters are interesting. the action moves at a great, page-turning pace, and the Northwoods setting is just perfect for a mystery."—Mom Read ItTable of ContentsContents1. The Wolf2. The Puzzle Box3. Snowshoeing4. The Cabin5. Strange Lodgings6. The Apartment7. At School8. At the Museum9. Granddad Interferes10. School, Then Birch Grove11. Hiding the Box12. The Minneapolis Institute of Art13. Como Park Conservatory14. A Bit of Down15. Trouble16. The Stake-Out17. More Trouble18. A Suspicious Death19. Arizona20. The Ranch House21. An Acting Gig22. Birch Grove23. The Red Fishhouse24. Killing of Time25. A Little Interlude26. Community Service27. Loretta’s Cabin28. Out on the Lake29. Christmas EveningAuthor’s Note

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Book SynopsisSt. Paul, Minnesota. October 1, 1917. High above the city, a renowned local financier named Artemis Dodge lies facedown on the floor of his armored penthouse sanctuary, a single bullet hole in his head. Thirty stories up, in the city’s tallest building, and not a shred of evidence or sign pointing to anyone having broken into the wealthy man’s fortress. It is—to all appearances—an impossible crime. Enter Shadwell Rafferty: Irishman, St. Paul saloonkeeper, sometime detective, and old friend of the celebrated sleuth Sherlock Holmes. Summoned by Louis B. Hill—son of railroad magnate James J. Hill—to investigate, Rafferty descends into a world dominated by greedy tycoons and awash in political intrigue and wartime fearmongering. Suspects lurk in every corner of the city—including Dodge’s beautiful young widow, his slippery assistant, and a shadowy anarchist—and Rafferty pursues them from the streets of Ramsey Hill and the rooms of the Ryan Hotel to the labyrinthine caves under the Schmidt brewery. Matching wits with his foes at the police department and his unsavory rival, the St. Paul detective Mordecai Jones, Rafferty knows that in order to bring a killer to justice he must first unravel the riddle of a single bullet fired in a locked room, three hundred feet above the streets of St. Paul.Set during a bitter streetcar strike and amid the clandestine activities of a ruthless commission charged with enforcing wartime patriotism, Larry Millett has created a classic and perfectly executed locked-room mystery in the great tradition of John Dickson Carr. From locked rooms and civil unrest to murder and wartime paranoia, The Magic Bullet presents Rafferty’s most challenging case, and its gripping conclusion—with a timely assist from Sherlock Holmes—finds both Rafferty and Millett at the top of their games.Trade Review"Millett’s excellent sixth Sherlock Holmes pastiche featuring Shadwell Rafferty offers a tantalizing, impossible crime. . . . John Dickson Carr fans will appreciate this intelligent homage to the master of the locked-room mystery." —Publishers Weekly, starred review "Diabolically clever . . . This book works, first of all, as a classic locked-room puzzle in the John Dickson Carr tradition. It brings back the World War I look and feel of old St. Paul (Minnesotans, especially, will love this series, as will anyone interested in architecture), along with an expert overview of the tensions (a streetcar strike, civil unrest) of the time. Engaging characters and a hold-your-breath plot also make this one an all-around winner." —Booklist "Strongly recommended, especially for fans of locked room mysteries." —Mystery Scene Magazine "Larry Millett’s pen remains as sharp as a bullet. The Magic Bullet is sure to introduce the classic locked-room mystery to a whole new generation of mystery lovers. And what a mystery! I found the story’s twists and turns through the streets of my old hometown both dazzling and maddening at the same time." —Steve Thayer, author of The Weatherman and Saint Mudd"Diabolically clever . . . This book works, first of all, as a classic locked-room puzzle in the John Dickson Carr tradition. It brings back the World War I look and feel of old St. Paul (Minnesotans, especially, will love this series, as will anyone interested in architecture), along with an expert overview of the tensions (a streetcar strike, civil unrest) of the time. Engaging characters and a hold-your-breath plot also make this one an all-around winner." —BooklistTable of ContentsIntroduction Book I. The Magic Bullet 1. “We Were Dead Wrong” 2. “May God Have Mercy on Our Poor Souls” 3. “I Need You Now More Than Ever” 4. “Wait until the Inspector Hears about This” 5. “This Will Save Me a Lot of Trouble” 6. “I Am Thinking He Is Up to No Good” 7. “These Men Have Business with Me” 8. “This Is a Rum Case All Around” 9. “I Wish You Good Luck” Book II. The Terrorist 10. “I’m Sure He’ll Have Much to Tell Us” 11. “This Is a Thing I Do Not Like” 12. “We’ll Talk Again Soon” 13. “Something about It Looks Familiar” 14. “Not Exactly” 15. “It Is a Matter of Life and Death” 16. “We’ll Find Her” 17. “I Have Bad News” 18. “This Is War” 19. “Everything Is Going to Hell” Book III. The Dodge Fragment Book IV. Secrets of the Locked Room 20. “I Fear We Are Not Done with This Business Yet” 21. “Inside Job” 22. “Do You See What It Must Be?” 23. “There Could Be Blood on Our Hands” 24. “Come Meet the Murderer of Artemus Dodge” 25. “I Do the Best I Can” Epilogue: “The Best Saloonkeeper and Finest Detective” Author’s Note

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Book SynopsisIn this outdoors thriller, the investigation of a bizarre wolf attack leads to evidence of murder, conspiracy, and shocking family secrets.A decades-old promise haunts Sam Rivers, but the wildlife biologist refuses to return home—not with his abusive and estranged father still there. Rivers left the family farm some 20 years ago. He found solace in nature and built a respected career as a special agent for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. His experiences have given him a penchant for understanding predators—a skill he’ll need, now, more than ever.After his father’s mysterious death, Rivers is lured back to his hometown of Defiance, in northern Minnesota, to fulfill his mother’s dying wish. But all is not as it seems. Rivers breaks into his childhood home during a howling winter storm and discovers something sinister. His suspicions are heightened after a bizarre wolf attack on local livestock. The events lead the special agent to a series of clues that could change everything he knows—or thinks he knows—about the town, his family, and himself.With the help of alluring reporter Diane Talbott, Rivers must unravel the wolf kill and learn what really happened to his father—a man Rivers has hated for most of his life. It is a case unlike any he’s worked before. His knowledge of frigid winters, wolves, and wilderness will be put to the test, as he tries to solve the case—and stay alive.In Wolf Kill, natural history writer Cary J. Griffith introduces readers to Sam Rivers, the predator’s predator, and weaves a masterful tale of danger and suspense in the far north.Trade Review“In northern Minnesota, winter is full of dangers that can kill: Hard cold, hard men, and hungry wolves. Cary Griffith brings the menace of all three into play in his riveting new thriller. Returning to the childhood home he fled twenty years earlier, Sam Rivers finds himself battling a group of scheming reprobates and struggling against an avalanche of painful memories. Griffith’s intimacy with the territory he writes about comes through in every line. I loved this novel and recommend it highly. But I suggest you enjoy it under a warm blanket. Honestly, I’ve never read a book that evokes the fierce winter landscape of the North Country better than Wolf Kill.” —William Kent Krueger, Edgar Award-winning author of This Tender Land “Griffith’s prose makes you feel the winter chill… and the twisty plot delivers a chill down your spine. This is a Minnesota mystery with razor-sharp teeth.” —Brian Freeman, New York Times best-selling author of The Deep, Deep Snow “Up here in the North Country, we have a bounty of fine mystery writers. Krueger, Housewright, Eskins, Freeman, Mejia, Sanford... add to that list Cary Griffith, whose Wolf Kill thrills for its plotting, superb writing, and unforgettable characters, not least the brutal Minnesota winter. Sam Rivers is not only a fine sleuth, but a complicated man with a complicated history and a fair family grudge. Taken together, he’s a force, both on the page and long after you finish reading his story. Good thing there’s more of him to go around, and I’ll be first in line for the next Sam Rivers novel.” —Peter Geye, author of Northernmost “Wolf Kill is a terrific read! The writing is so good that you can feel the frigid winds blowing through this dark and masterfully crafted novel even as the suspense heats up. And the wolves are as magnificent and frightening as you could hope.” —David Housewright, Edgar Award-winning author of What Doesn’t Kill Us “I love books where I go on a great adventure, but I also learn something along the way. Wolf Kill does all this and more—it’s the beginning of a series featuring a smart wildlife special agent who takes us into the wilderness and safely out again. A deeply satisfying read.” —Mary Logue, author of Claire Watkins mysteries and The Streel The deep freeze of a Minnesota winter meets the chilling underbelly of a small Iron Range town in Cary Griffith’s fantastic Wolf Kill. I loved meeting Sam Rivers, the wolf expert and USFW field agent assigned to protect the nation’s wildlife, and can’t wait to follow Rivers on his next adventure. —Mindy Mejia, author of Leave No Trace and Strike Me Down “Cary J. Griffith defines the savage, howling beauty of a Northern Minnesota winter in this taut, compulsively readable mystery. I want more Sam Rivers!” —Wendy Webb, author of The Haunting of Brynn Wilder “Fans of Paul Doiron’s The Poacher’s Son or the Joe Pickett books will appreciate this descriptive novel with an intriguing plot and well-written characters.” —Lesa Holstine, Library Journal “Cary J. Griffith’s Wolf Kill is a surprisingly fast-paced, highly intriguing outdoor action thriller with some mystery and romance thrown in for good measure.” —Joseph B. Hoyos, Gumshoe “In Wolf Kill, natural history writer Cary J. Griffith introduces readers to Sam Rivers, a predator’s predator, and weaves a masterful tale of danger and suspense in the far north.” —Thoughts on This’n That “... involving, fast-paced... [Cary J. Griffith’s] writing is so vivid the reader wants to bundle up and enjoy the beauty of the landscape, even at 20 below zero.” —Mary Ann Grossmann, Pioneer Press “The latest from accomplished Minnesota author Cary J. Griffith brings us a new North Woods hero to join the ranks of William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connell and Allen Eskens’ Max Rupert. He even gives Brian Freeman’s Minnesota-to-the-core Jonathan Stride a run for the money.” —Genny Greene, Star Tribune “[Sam Rivers’] experiences have given him a penchant for understanding predators—a skill he'll need now more than ever.” —Duluth News Tribune

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Book SynopsisA richly illustrated tour of Minnesota’s premier natural history museum after 150 years From its humble start in 1872 as a one-room cabinet of curiosities, the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum of natural history has grown to be one of the state’s most important cultural institutions. Within its walls are displayed the natural wonders of Minnesota and the world beyond, a standing invitation to explore, understand, and appreciate our natural environment—and, for visitors of all ages, both seasoned observers and curious onlookers, to experience the delight of discovery. A Natural Curiosity is a tale well told, a lively ride across 150 years of important scientific advancement. Drawing on a wealth of materials unearthed during the museum’s recent move to its new building, this gorgeously illustrated book chronicles the remarkable discoveries, moments, and personalities that have made the Bell Museum what it is today. Among the stories of ornithologists, botanists, tycoons, and conservationists, readers will encounter the magnificent dioramas created by renowned artist Francis Lee Jaques, the adventures behind some of the Bell’s more curious specimens (like the bones of Philippine orangutans and moonrats, a high-flying moose, and a simple fungi sample that saved a man’s life), and the dramatic accounts of the critical advances made by the museum in wildlife telemetry, conservation biology, and scientific learning—all in defense of our planet’s threatened biodiversity. In a photographic finale, readers will be treated to a tour of the new, reimagined museum, complete with the planetarium that inspired one Minnesota boy to become a NASA astronaut.From its conception as part of a state-mandated geological and natural history survey, to its most recent ventures into technology, environmental science, and DNA sequencing, the Bell Museum has informed, explained, and expanded our relationship to the natural world. Its story, engagingly told in A Natural Curiosity, reveals and explores the profound changes undergone by society, science, and the natural landscape over the museum’s lifetime.Trade Review"The book is beautiful, with full-color pages packed with illustrations and photos."—Racket"Drawing on a wealth of materials unearthed during the museum’s recent move to its new building, this gorgeously illustrated book chronicles the remarkable discoveries, moments, and personalities that have made the Bell Museum what it is today."—The Timberjay"The story of this natural history museum is well told in the lavishly illustrated volume."—Minnesota Alumni"This volume documenting the 150-year history of the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum is a must for your coffee table so you can easily dip into the stories behind our state's only natural history museum."—MSP Home & Design"A Natural Curiosity serves as a well-written and abundantly illustrated introduction to the history of the Bell Museum."—H-Net ReviewsTable of ContentsContentsForewordFord W. BellIntroductionBell Museum Timeline1. A Museum is Born, 1872–1940Documenting Minnesota: The Geological and Natural History SurveyThe Menage Expedition: How Orangutan Bones Landed in the Bell Museum CollectionsJosephine Tilden: Paving the Way for Women in ScienceT. S. Roberts: Naturalist, Doctor, DirectorMaking a Museum for the Public: The Early Dioramas2. Growing an Institution, 1920s–1950sThe Many Talents of Walter BreckenridgeEarly Public Education: Reaching “the whole people . . .”James Ford Bell: The Man Behind the NameHeyday of the Dioramas: Windows into NatureTaking Flight: The Artistic Journey of Francis Lee Jaques3. Wildlife Explorations, 1940s–1980sAt the Poles: Arctic and Antarctic ResearchThe Bride Wore . . . Boots?Migrations: The Life and Times of Dwain WarnerTracking Nature: The Rise of Wildlife TelemetryMystery of the Missing Toads4. The Museum in the Environmental Era, 1960s–1990sTouch and See: Pioneering Hands-On LearningPublic Programs: From Education to EngagementInterpreting Nature: The Student Guide ProgramFrom Student Guide to College ProfessorMaking Movies: Reaching a Bigger AudienceHoneybees on the Roof: Sweetening Science EducationWidening the Inquiry: Bringing together Ecology, Evolution, and BehaviorNature vs Nurture: Frank McKinney and the Evolution of Animal BehaviorMinnesota’s Rarest: Naming the State’s Endangered Flora and FaunaFlight of the Peregrine: Bud Tordoff and the Return of an Endangered SpeciesArt and Natural History: The Evolution of a LegacyScience through the Lens of Art: Resident Artists at the BellChange Comes to the “Eternal” Museum: Temporary and Traveling Exhibits5. Rediscovering the Collections, 1980s–2022Collections offer Clues to Environmental ChallengesA Botanical Treasure: The University of Minnesota HerbariumThe DNA Revolution Comes to the Bell MuseumRe-thinking the Tree of LifeBell Museum Scientists on the Global StageBiodiversity Research: Understanding Life’s Threatened Diversity100 Years Later: Minnesota Updates its Natural History SurveyCollections Go Online6. A Museum for the Twenty-first Century, 1990s–2022Saving an Endangered Museum: Surviving and Thriving in a University SettingFrom the Earth to the Cosmos: The Journey of Minnesota’s PlanetariumThe Ride of His LifeThe Road to a Re-Imagined MuseumDesigning with Nature: The Bell Museum’s New HomeMoving Minnesota: Dioramas in a New HabitatThe Experience: A Journey through TimeAfterwordDenise YoungAcknowledgmentsAppendixesThe Bell DioramasSelect Exhibitions at the Bell MuseumPublications of the Bell MuseumSelect ReferencesContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisSherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson come to Minnesota, on the trail of the famous Kensington Rune StoneTrade Review"What separates this adventure from other Holmesian derivatives are Millett’s crisp writing and imaginative plotting." —St. Louis Post-DispatchTable of ContentsContentsMap of Area around Alexandria, Minnesota, 1899xIntroductionxiii1. “The Whole Thing Is Nothing But a Crude Hoax”12. “I Guess You Haven’t Heard”163. “Just Who Exactly Might the Two of You Be?” 284. “Rochester Knows” 415. “One Might As Well Have Stolen the Mona Lisa”546. “Her Name Was Mary Robinson” 667. “Well, I Guess I Win”798. “He Is Also Said to Be the Richest Swede in America” 969. “I Killed No One” 10810. “Fooled You All” 12111. “Give Me the Gun”13312. “There Was Something Very Wrong on That Farm” 14513. “I Felt the Presence of a Horrible Chill” 15814. “Murder Is Always Hard to Believe” 17215. “I Have Formulated a Little Plan”18416. “You Will Have to Play Along”19617. “This Case Has Become a Conspiracy of Lies” 20918. “I Do Not Have to Tell You What That May Mean” 22219. “You Can Answer a Question for Me” 23420. “I Don’t Like the Look of This” 24521. “Bad Man” 25722. “We Are Finished Here, Mr. Holmes” 27223. “You Will Tell Us What You Have Done with the Rune Stone” 285Epilogue: “Who Is to Say We Might Not Meet Again?” 297Notes 303Author’s Note 315

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Book SynopsisSacred artifacts have gone missing from the Minnesota Red Earth Reservation and the suspect list is growing. While it could be the racists from the bordering town, or a young man struggling with problems, or the county coroner and his cronies, the need for answers and apprehending the culprit is amplified when the Tribal Chairman, is murdered.

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Book SynopsisWomen Writing the West WILLA Award FinalistFrom “the reigning royalty of Minnesota murder mysteries” (The Rake) comes a striking new heroine: a young Irish immigrant caught up in a deadly plot in nineteenth-century DeadwoodWhen I was fifteen and my brother Seamus sixteen, we attended our own wake. Our family was in mourning, forced to send us off to America.The year is 1880, and of all the places Brigid Reardon and her brother might have dreamed of when escaping Ireland’s potato famine by moving to America, Deadwood, South Dakota, was not one of them. But Deadwood, in the grip of gold fever, is where Seamus lands and where Brigid joins him after eluding the unwanted attentions of the son of her rich employer in St. Paul—or so she hopes. But the morning after her arrival, a grisly tragedy occurs; Seamus, suspected of the crime, flees, and Brigid is left to clear his name and to manage his mining claim, which suddenly looks more valuable and complicated than he and his partners supposed.Mary Logue, author of the popular Claire Watkins mysteries, brings her signature brio and nerve to this story of a young Irish woman turned reluctant sleuth as she tries to make her way in a strange and often dangerous new world. From the famine-stricken city of Galway to the bustling New York harbor, to the mansions of Summit Avenue in St. Paul, and finally to the raucous hustle of boomtown Deadwood, Logue’s new thriller conjures the romance and the perils, and the tricky everyday realities, of a young immigrant surviving by her wits and grace in nineteenth-century America.Trade Review"With a poet’s eye, Mary Logue evokes the harsh world of frontier Deadwood, South Dakota. The Streel relates the journey of a scrappy young Irish woman as she’s forced from her homeland to the American midwest. Tersely and beautifully, Logue recreates the muddy streets of Deadwood, the haphazard keeping of the peace, and the rugged hearts and souls of those seeking their fortune in the Black Hills gold rush of the late 1800s. The Streel is both a taut mystery and a cautionary tale of the evils of greed. I loved the redoubtable heroine, Brigid Reardon, and I loved every stunning line of this fine story."—William Kent Krueger, author of This Tender Land"Mary Logue is, hands down, one of my favorite writers. The Streel shows her at the top of her game. The novel is a rich combination of elements—part history, part gripping mystery, and part immigrant saga. Highly recommended!"—Ellen Hart, author of Twisted at the Root"Mary Logue blends family lore and the history of the Irish diaspora in The Streel, a lively tale of teenage immigrants in 1880s America. Brigid finds work as a servant in St. Paul, then joins her brother and his friends in the gold fields of South Dakota, where she solves a murder and strikes it rich. Our great-grandmothers had the Right Stuff."—Elizabeth Gunn, author of Burning Meredith"Introduces a gritty, charming, clever protagonist whose musings provide a perfect period feel."—Kirkus Reviews"A well-constructed plot, lilting prose, and a heroine who’s determined to escape constricting female roles make this an exceptional regional historical."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Her background as a poet... lends her books a concise crispness not always to be found in today’s overly long novels. While this book clocks in at a little over 200 pages, it’s packed with character and action from the first page to the last."—Mystery Scene Magazine"The author of the Deputy Sheriff Claire Watkins series is off on a winning new tangent with Brigid Reardon." —The Washington Post"Logue does a wonderful job of putting the reader into what is barely a town at the end of the civilized world... From Galway to New York to a grand house in St. Paul that could be on Summit Avenue, and then to Deadwood, Brigid learns she can depend only on herself as she builds a life in the new world."—Pioneer Press"In young Brigid Reardon, she has created a unique detective with a winning story. Readers will not be disappointed."—The Emporia Gazette"[Logue] brings her signature brio and nerve to this new thriller, following a young immigrant caught in a deadly plot twist, surviving by her wits and grave in 19th century America."—Northern Wilds

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Book SynopsisTired of the same old tourist traps? Whether you're a visitor or a local looking for something different, let Minnesota Off the Beaten Path show you the North Star State you never knew existed. Ski, hike, or just relax at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; visit a three-billion-year-old rock in Yellow Medicine County; or fill up at the world's only Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned service station in Carlton County. So if you've been there, done that one too many times, get off the main road and venture Off the Beaten Path.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn Minnesota, much more than the magnificent scenery will take your breath away. Tales of fright-filled folklore span the length and breadth of the North Star State: * Phantom soldiers of the Civil War walk the remains of historic Fort Ripley, near Little Falls * Renovations to the elegant Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul awakened the ghost of Ben, the spirit of a stagehand from the early 1900s * After one of her clients suffers through a series of disturbing ghostly events, a Minneapolis realtor offers ghost-busting services to potential buyers * The Palmer House Hotel in Sauk Center is haunted by the mischievous ghost of renowned Minnesota author Sinclair Lewis * The last prisoner to be hanged in Minnesota is one of many spirits haunting the Ramsey County Courthouse in St. Paul * After the worst mining disaster in state history, the ghost of a miner and the phantom sound of his warning whistle chased new workers away from the Milford Mine * Minnesota''s paranormal experts reveal their approaches and some of the ghostly events they''ve witnessed. * From mischievous manifestations to grisly ghosts of vengeance, eerie apparitions arise in Rochester, Winona, Avon, Camden, Chanhassen, Stillwater, Montevideo, St. Cloud, Le Sueur and more.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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