Midwest Book Review on Mikel Classen’s True Tales: The Forgotten History of the U.P.

Review by Carolyn WIlhelm for MBR

Pioneer days conjure up romantic, sentimental ideas of simple living and being close to nature. However, the truth also included lawless, rugged, difficult times. Native Americans and those from Europe mined, traveled, worked, logged, and sailed Lake Superior’s frontier wilderness amid uncivilized criminals, kidnappers, and slavers. Laws were few, enforcement was scarce, violent events were often, and shipwrecks were many. Wonderful life-saving deeds of kindness and compassion are also recorded on these pages as opportunities to be a hero were many.

Consider mining. Yes, rarely paired with pioneers such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, yet it is part of history at the same time. And Lake Superior! So few people understand how cold it is year-round (about 40 degrees) or how many shipwrecks (about 350) have taken place in the deepest waters of the Great Lakes. Before modern mariner tools, sailors had a strenuous, grueling life when pirates were plundering boats. Surviving crashes in winter required ingenuity and persistence unless a body became an icicle. And slavers trafficked women to stockades, as detailed in the book.

Classen does history an excellent service by revealing the truth. Sometimes we think humanity has advanced little. An attitude quickly challenged in these pages. Readers will feel gratitude for all they have today after finishing these tales.


True Tales: The Forgotten History of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Mikel B. Classen
Modern History Press
https://www.modernhistorypress.com
B09WJMKV12, $5.95 Kindle
9781615996353, $29.95 HC, $18.95 PB, 162 pp.

Carolyn Wilhelm, Reviewer
Wise Owl Factory LLC

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Doggone Honeymoon - Book #5 [PB]

SKU 978-1-61599-848-7
$18.95
1
Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-848-7
Brand: Modern History Press
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Author: Diane Wing
Pages: 144
Publication Date: 10/01/2024

In Doggone Honeymoon, newlyweds Autumn and Lieutenant Ray Reed's romantic getaway quickly turns into a chilling mystery when a lifeless body interrupts their Pocono Mountains tranquil retreat. With their loyal canine companions, Chrissy and Ace, by their side, they find themselves swept into a riveting murder investigation. As secrets unravel and suspicions mount, Autumn and Ray must navigate treacherous terrain - not only in the scenic mountains but also within the relationships of those living in the small town of Stroudsburg. Will they uncover the truth behind the ominous discovery at the dock, or will the shadows lurking in this idyllic setting threaten to shatter the community? Join Autumn, Ray, Chrissy, and Ace in this gripping tale of love, loyalty, and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

BONUS: "Recipes Inspired by the Tall Tree Inn", "Book Club Questions", and a reprint of the debut book chapter!

"Together, Ray and Autumn face recent crises when a missing person situation becomes a complex series of mysteries and whodunnits. A bit of honeymoon sweet stuff and a whole lot of craziness-and, of course, Chrissy and Ace: their majestic and fabulous pet companions." --Molly G. Hamblin

"I really enjoyed meeting new characters and following the plot twists. Whenever a new character was introduced, I thought, "Oh, he/she is the killer!" only to find out I was wrong. I also suspected a few innocent characters and was truly surprised when the true murderer was revealed. I highly recommend this cute, cozy mystery." -Terri Chalmers, New Jersey

"I absolutely love Doggone Honeymoon, the fifth installment in Diane Wing's cozy mystery series. Grab a cup of tea, a soft blanket and set aside a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the suspenseful, jaw-dropping, intriguing plot twist with the lovable, huggable characters of Autumn, Chrissy, Ray and Ace." --Annette Sadelson, Maryland

"A killer is loose at Moonlight Lake. Diane Wing takes her Chrissy's Mysteries series to new heights in Doggone Honeymoon, a fresh and highly entertaining read with twists and turns that will surprise and confound even the most experienced reader's inner sleuth." --Maxine Ashcraft, California

Book #5 in the Chrissy the Shih Tzu Mysteries

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