Nightwatchers

by Vincent Wyckoff

The small town of Black Otter Bay, on Minnesota’s North Shore, is being haunted by a sinister presence lurking in the forest behind town. When the body of a hiker shows up, Sheriff Marlon Fastwater is called in to investigate and soon finds himself involved with the Native American legend of the Manitou—the Trickster—and the mystique of a half Native Canadian/half French man who lives in the woods and holds true the ancient mystical beliefs of his elders. When the much-anticipated night of the Halloween Dance finally arrives, most of the major characters in town, including Gitch, the sheriff’s faithful dog, become involved in the night of terror. A fast-paced pursuit leads to a chilling ending set against the immensity of Lake Superior.

344 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2020

Reviews

[Vincent Pelaia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing was very descriptive, which is good but there were many instances of reintroducing characters - making the story drawn-out. I did enjoy the ending of the book, wouldn’t say it was a twist as I did guess it right away but the face paced descriptive language at the end was good.

My biggest grief is that the novel is an indigenous story written by a white author. There are very few indigenous characters which when it’s an indigenous story, I would think there’d be more. Piled on with use of outdated language, just left a sour taste in my mouth.

I think it’s important to have an understanding of indigenous stories before reading this book, could be better.

[Leah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun surprise! I picked it up at Back Forty books, a small bookstore on the shore of Lake Superior - and quickly fell in love with the characters and became swept up in the mystery.

Wyckoff’s writing is atmospheric and such a perfect descriptor of MN’s north shore, you can almost feel the autumn chill in the air as you’re reading. I love novels from the POV/thoughts of many characters and this story delivers. I was engrossed in the mystery and found myself almost as frustrated as Sheriff Fastwater that I too couldn’t put the pieces of the puzzle together despite having all the clues; but that made it so fun and such a rewarding read!

I especially loved the spooky and mystical elements of manitou folklore. The presence always being on the fringe and the openness of the main characters to acknowledge its power really lent to the mystery. I loved this book, it was perfect for an October read!

[Richard Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story set in an area that I have visited several times over the years.
The author has created compelling characters and a unique wilderness/small town setting. The story itself builds momentum as it goes along, hitting several high points on its way to a thrilling conclusion. Well done!

[Arizonagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Otter Bay series, book #2. I enjoy this series set in northern Minnesota. A local woman is murdered and the sheriff is convinced she was not killed by a local. As happens, a mysterious French Canadian homeless man happens in to town who is suspicious and talking about the Manitou. I'm looking forward to buying and reading book #3.

[Robyn Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great cabin read. I really enjoyed the continuing characters from the first book and the descriptions of the north shore. I felt like I was there. The story was engaging, too. I’m looking forward to the third one.

[Sybil Axner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of a trilogy (Black Otter Bay the first), this mystery set in a small town on Lake Superior's north shore. Loved the characters, setting and storyline - and Wyckoff's beautiful writing.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and beautiful descriptions of the Minnesota North Shore. Creepy but written in a way to not be too scary to read alone at night.

[Trudy Ackerblade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's my confession (even though I know you are not my priest). I fell in love with Sherrif Marlon Fastwater in Wyckoff's first book, Black Otter Bay; now I am ready to pop the question.