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Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
In The Musher Man by Kevin L. Hostbjor, Denny Darkcloud is part Haitian and part Kootenai Indian. To protect him, his mother, Panacaea, adapts the way she raises him. From her, he learns the healing traditions passed down through the Haitian lineage. From his Kootenai aunt, he discovers more about his father, who died in the Korean War. Inspired by his father’s legacy, he enlists in the Navy. But just before he heads to boot camp, a heartrending tragedy strikes. Meanwhile, the town of Whitefish, Montana, has been haunted by a string of unsolved winter murders from 1967 to 1971. From the very first death, the clues point disturbingly close to home. However, Sheriff Jacobson refuses to accept where they lead. When tragedy strikes Denny’s family again, the clues and the continued denial are no longer an option. As Denny grapples with this loss, the question remains: will the truth finally come to light and justice catch up with this killer hiding in plain sight?
The Musher Man by Kevin L. Hostbjor thoughtfully examines the theme of prejudice and lingers long after the final page. The sadness and anger settled in quietly, making me question human nature and justice. When Denny’s mother chooses a different upbringing for her son, one rooted in cultural heritage and healing, it reveals the sad truth of how the world treats those who are different. Yet she responds not with hatred, but with a quiet strength. That she chooses the kinder route, labeling the prejudice as merely ignorant and stupid, speaks of her character: empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and deeply aware of the power words hold. She passes these values on to Denny, teaching him compassion and clarity. These values form part of Denny’s inheritance. When grief comes, his mourning is subdued, almost detached, an ache that doesn’t scream. It just sits heavily on the soul. It is a sorrow buried under years of silence, shaped by years of restraint. Even in the wake of profound loss, the story offers moments of quiet grace, reminders that human connection can find us when we need it most. I highly recommend Denny’s story to readers who appreciate emotionally layered narratives with quietly strong protagonists.
