THE PAPER ROUTE

by Jacqueline C N Cayer Nelson McDonald

THE PAPER ROUTE is a triple award winning murder mystery wrapped in a family saga. It moves from mid-century mill-town, Lowell, Massachusetts to Beat Generation Greenwich Village. The protagonist is a paper girl who, in the course of her daily delivery of the newspaper, unwittingly collects information relevant to an on-going murder investigation.Part mystic-part truant, the paper girl can tell good people from bad at a glance. Compelled to undo a reported injustice, she seeks out and shares her insights with the childless and charmed case detective. Together they solve two murders and inadvertently trigger another.

THE PAPER ROUTE has won the following

Genres: Fiction

292 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2021

About the author

I was born in the mid-century in mill town, Lowell, Massachusetts. We were Canucks, not fans, not players just working class Franco-Americans. Although he was a bit before my time, I've always felt a kinship with fellow French Canadian Lowellian, Jack Kerouac. He lived on "sad Beaulieu" and I lived a couple of streets down from him.

Like Mr. Kerouac, I was and remain enamored of the written word. Unlike him, I've been an ordinary writer: high-school editor for the Lowell Sun newspaper, TV reporter for the Lowell Sun, free-lance magazine article writer, commercial newsletter writer in the electronics and telecommunications industries, professional technical writer, and children's book author.

My large, loud and loving family is my most cherished treasure. To them I dedicate my triple award-winning trilogy, THE LOWELL TRILOGY, comprised of THE PAPER ROUTE, HUMMING BRIDGE and EPIPHANY.

To Jesus Christ , my Lord and Savior, I give thanks for all my blessings.

To you, my dear readers, I offer my sincere thanks for your support.

Reviews

[Ed DeJesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Paper Route,” an entertaining debut novel by Jacqueline Cayer Nelson McDonald, was wonderfully written. The author unveiled an array of well-developed and “colorful characters” that were depicted as admirably as any Maeve Binchy or John Irving ensemble.
It took a few chapters to catch on to the writer’s gist and rhythm, and at times I was perplexed by all the different characters being introduced, but it is because of a large caring and struggling French family and the essential back story for plotting that unfolds quickly thereafter. You will soon find yourself pulling for the prominent characters and moved by the gut-wrenching hardships they endure. And it is not all bad times, as the author graciously sprinkles humor throughout; I chuckled often.
Occasionally I read a good book about a tight-knit family’s struggles and think… it would make a nice Hallmark theater movie. This boomer-era-story with its ethnic richness, sound plotting, and a vulnerable but gifted protagonist has a foundation that makes it worthy of scripting an HBO mini-series. Though the closing has it set up for a sequel, that unless it is altered or fulfilled might deter that chance of such lofty recognition.
Either way, I really enjoyed the author’s work and anxiously look forward to her future tales.
Ed D.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. The back cover description does not do it justice. There is so much more to this story. The characters are endearing, the mystery is exciting, and the various family relationships evoke so many emotions. I did find it a little confusing in the beginning as we are being introduced to everyone and their back stories. It was hard to follow who was who and what their relevance was. But once I got into it the intertwining plot lines and characters really developed nicely. I did not like ending at all though. And I mean the very last page, up to the last few sentences I loved it all. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that I always hate stories that end like that.

[Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all the nuances that are mentioned such as places (Cameo Diner, Cotes market … etc.) and people of renowned fame. As an interesting side note my wife and I purchased the house of Ms. Martin from her in 1978 (our first house) - as Jacqueline describes the interior of the house it beckoned pleasant memories. I truly enjoyed her style of descriptive writing and look forward to what happened to our “little Jackie”.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked!

I absolutely loved reading this book. I loved the characters and you really felt like you were in the story. I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait to read some more from this author!

[Eve Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must remember when adding books tbr: make a note of where I first saw/heard/read about them! Not sure how I stumbled across this book, but I absolutely love it.
It's the kind of quirky book I like, a family story of Franco-Americans struggling to get by in Lowell, Massachusetts. Jackie, the heroine, is an intelligent, feisty and observant child, possibly on the spectrum. She helps to vindicate a wrongly accused person, and the police to identify a murder suspect while looking after her brother and uncle and keeping house due to her mother's illness.

Another thing I like about the book is that it introduced me to a group of people I knew nothing about, Franco-Americans of Canadian origin who came to work the Lowell cotton mills.

The action is revealed via a helicopter view of events, switching sometimes abruptly between Jackie's experience and her interior life and the POV of other characters. Towards the end the setting changes from Lowell to New York's Chelsea and the beat scene, but I don't want to give too much away.

Please can we have a sequel soon!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book! Couldn’t put it down!

Characters were well developed and interesting. “Good guys” so lovable, “bad guys” so not. The plot evolved in unlikely ways but still drew you in, making you happy to suspend disbelief. Can’t wait to read the sequel.

[Jeannie Tremblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book, being from Lowell, MA and recognizing the street names and locales. I loved reading about the French names and Uncle Vic and his French comments. Even the character names were familiar to me -- my Dad's name was Raymond and my brother was Ray too. Marchand's Oil was my uncle. I had an aunt Blanche too. A fun, interesting, easy to read book -- right up until the ending. What the heck???

[Hayley Rader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Paper Route by Jacqueline Cayer Nelson McDonald
Genre: Historical Murder Mystery
Triggers: Murder, Acts of Violence, Death, Desecration of a Corpse, Affairs, Gambling


While overall the book was good, I personally struggled to stay focused on which character I was with throughout. The view point of the story bouncer between characters who were not announced every chapter and sometimes multiple times within a single chapter. But I hung in there and ended up enjoying the book.

I did notice a few editing errors throughout my reading - example below:
Daddy’s accident is in is on the front page. (I fell that it should be “is in it”

The author did a great job on including significant landmarks and well known markers throughout the book. As well as introducing the reader to the Franco-American heritage and using French names French Food and French language in her writing.

The main character Jackie is a charismatic young girl who enjoys observing the world around her. Her adventures at points keep the reader pacing right along, but at other times with the viewpoints changing it gets a little muddled. I personally would have liked to see a little more character development in some of the characters along the way.

I feel that this book came to an abrupt ending and left some things that the reader would like to see better explained or answered.

Overall 4/5
#bookloungereviewteam

[Catherine Mellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paper Route is an intriguing, page-turning fun read full of adventure, murder and nostalgic moments of a history once lived. When newspapers were once dropped off on sidewalks and delivered on foot, milk bottles delivered to your front door, neighbors looking out for each other and officers of the law going above and beyond their call of duty. I am from Lowell, Massachusetts where this story takes place and I enjoyed reading about Jackie's walks throughout the neighborhood of Centerville and downtown, sometimes with her little brother Moe in tow. It took me back to a time when the Lowell Police would park their police car and rally all us kids into a game of basketball at the park on the corner of Lawrence and Moore Street. Jackie's bonded friendship with a detective and her quick to be judged by her appearance, makes her an irresistible character I instantly adored. Along with being young, ambitious and full of mystery, she is kind, helpful and wise beyond her age. As you follow Jackie through her determination to get answers for crimes unsolved, you find yourself entangled in other story lines that will warm your heart, fill your belly with laughter and your eyes with tears.
Author Jacqueline Cayer Nelson McDonald did a superb job in weaving her words to create this brilliantly told masterpiece of written fiction. I highly recommend this book and give it a well-deserved five stars 🌟

[NANCY Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember why I chose this book...a Kindle or Goodreads recommendation, maybe a review. I wasn't certain this was a book for me when I started but it didn't take long to want to sit down and keep reading. Unfortunately life interrupted and I could only read for short periods. I loved the connection between Detective Dahm and Jackie. I hurt whenever something bad happened and cheered when they had something to celebrate. Truly shocked at one point, ready to weep. I look forward to reading about these characters and their journey through life.

[John R Finegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and entertaining

This is not my typical fare, which made the story even more entertaining. I lived in Lowell for years, which gave me a comfortable familiarity with the locations and general feel of the neighborhood. But the story itself was really well crafted and offered insights into the personalities of the characters through the young protagonists eyes. Plenty of mystery and humor as well.

[Amy Story · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked the story. Sometimes difficult to follow the voice of the story as it moved from first to third person in parts where first person wasn't present but then suddenly was. Ended abruptly like a cliffhanger on a 2 part tv show. Would have liked more character development such as how the main character sees people as colors. It was there throughout the book but not utilized as well as it could have been which made it kind of confusing.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just read The Paper Route.
I believe it was self-published by the author.
The story - once the book is finished- is a decent story but woven in many turns and unnecessary details. Grammar needs improvement— comma placement in particular.
There were some places I was confused as to who she was referring to in the story.
I can now understand how important editors and publishers are for the stories to flow with occasional grammar/spelling errors.

[Leeann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so, I was stuck between a two star, and a three star rating, first I went with a 2, then I switched to a 3. Why the 2? At times this book lost me, like how one minute Moe is a baby then all of a sudden he’s talking and walking? Maybe I missed the time jump but I’m not sure, a lot of things didn’t make sense to me. Then I switched to 3 stars because I love the characters and the story despite the discrepancies in the plot, I found myself unable to stop reading, I read for enjoyment, not to critique, and I really enjoyed this book.

[leslie burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story took place in my neighborhood. The writer wove a mystery into a story about a Lowell family going through extreme hard times.
The main characters were unique and their stories stayed with you.
Jackie is an outstanding character and I am hoping for a sequel

[Colleen A. Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story with strong characterizations. However, it seemed there were two narrators, Jackie and someone not identified. I found this jarring and confusing. Otherwise, it was very well written, and I enjoyed the story.

[Mcohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I grew up in Lowell, I enjoyed this book very much. I visited the Cameo Diner many times with my dad. We always sat at the counter and was waited on by (B) Plouffie. Jackie was a great character and I look forward to seeing what is next for her.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally immersed in the colorfull working class characters. Having been born in the Saguenay region of Quebec the French Canadian sayings brought back many beautiful memories. The main character was unusally honorable and bright. Im looking forward to a sequel.

[Sandra Nolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Wonderful story, mostly geographically correct, except there is no Centralville it's Centerville. Also, the French pork spread is Gorton, not Corton. Can't wait to read book 2.

[Ann B. Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

A little bit of everything…days in the life of a curious young girl in Lowell, MA, can’t wait for the sequel!

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book because of The Sun on the cover. My father was from Lawrence and my mother from Lowell.
I’m so glad I chose this book. What a great surprise.
There just has to be a book 2

[Barbara Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book until the ending. What on earth?! It was like someone slammed the door in my face. Disappointing

[Julie Zack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story but got somewhat confused in the time frame of writing. Pleasant read all in all.

[Robin Witts · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very intriguing book. It is a great murder mystery with a heartbreaking family saga. I really hope there is another book, a serious cliffhanger!!!

[Cindy gamache3]

Great book

Enjoyed reading! Kept me interested the entire way, loved the story. Highly recommend, you will certainly love reading this book and learn a few things too.

[Jade Guidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost DNFd about halfway through as wasn't what was expecting and was getting confused by all of the characters/aunts/friends etc but persevered and it improved.