Book cover of Forty Words for Sorrow

Book description

"One of the best novels of [the year]. . . Giles Blunt has a tremendous talent." -Tony Hillerman

"Forceful . . . surprising . . . [Blunt's] insights into suffering and madness give his characters their true voice." -The New York Times

In the quiet Canadian town of Algonquin Bay,…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Forty Words for Sorrow as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I absolutely love Blunt’s writing in this series. It is nuanced and beautifully paired with the troubled, multi-faceted characters. The books are set in the fictional town of Algonquin Bay, based in North Bay in Northern Ontario, a part of the country I know well having grown up a bit farther north and west. The setting permeates the stories—small town, dead of winter, lots of bush and conifer trees. The discovery of a body in a mine shaft fits perfectly. John Cardinal, lead cop, is struggling to help his clinically depressed wife and has recently been demoted. He’s a compelling…

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The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

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