William Kent Krueger's The River We Remember is praised for its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, capturing small-town dynamics with authenticity. The plot intricacies keep readers engaged, though some may find the pacing uneven. Themes of memory and redemption resonate, but a few critics note predictable elements. Overall, a compelling read.

Readers who relish a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and richly drawn characters will appreciate The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger. Fans of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series and Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing will find a similarly engaging and atmospheric storytelling style.

Set in post-World War II Jewel, Minnesota, William Kent Krueger’s The River We Remember follows Sheriff Brody Dern as he investigates the murder of local land baron Jimmy Quinn. Prejudice and past traumas surface as the Dakota man Noah Bluestone is suspected, but layers of community and familial secrets unravel to reveal the true circumstances. The novel includes depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Mysterious / Dark / Gritty / Suspenseful / Melancholic

**Brody Dern**  
A decorated World War II veteran serving as the county sheriff, Brody is a dedicated law enforcement officer and complex character haunted by his war experiences.

**Noah Bluestone**  
The novel’s only Indigenous character, Noah is a Dakota man with a strong sense of cultural identity, who maintains a farm and family despite facing prejudice in his community.

**James (Jimmy) Quinn**  
The deceased character whose murder initiates the story, Jimmy was a wealthy landowner with a notorious reputation for abusive behavior.

**Connie Graff**  
The retired sheriff who works with Brody, characterized by his sense of duty and friendships, including gifting Brody his dog, Hector.

**Angie Madison**  
Runs the Wagon Wheel Café and is Brody’s love interest, noted for her kindness and community involvement despite a complicated past.

**Garnet Dern**  
Brody’s sister-in-law and lover, Garnet navigates her complex relationships while upholding her religious principles.

**Kyoko Bluestone**  
The strong and resilient Japanese wife of Noah, she faces prejudice and personal loss but remains ethical and dignified.

**Charlie Bauer**  
A semi-retired lawyer who returns to her hometown to advocate for social justice, especially in defense of Noah Bluestone.

**Sam Wicklow**  
A war veteran and newspaper editor, Sam supports historical truth and social justice while dealing with his own war-related trauma.

**Scott Madison**  
Angie’s son who represents the theme of coming of age and experiences rites of passage that shape his understanding of masculinity.

**Tyler Creasy**  
An antagonist in the story, marked by his bigotry and abusive behavior, with a background of trauma from his military service.

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Part 1: “Black Earth County”

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 11

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Part 2: “The River We Remember”

Part 2, Chapters 24-40

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Part 2, Chapter 41-Epilogue

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