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Things In Ditches
A murder mystery novel. The story of Phillip "Dutch" Cleland, a man with a hidden past and a future about to explode in his face. A seemingly average man whose love for two women drives him to such extremes that deception, even murder and suicide are not longer unthinkable. When a lovely corpse is discovered near Dutch's home town, the nearby ditches begin to yield a harvest of secrets, none of them comforting for Dutch. Soon he is forced to flee for his life, before his past and the police slip a noose around his neck. Things In Ditches is peopled with small town characters that are so humorous and eccentric, their oddball antics enliven every paragraph and page. A reader can't help but be reeled in by the strange citizens of Willow River, until soon discovering they're really not so different from all of us and Dutch's story is the oldest story on earth; good and evil, betrayal and laughter. And finally, the power of love and friendship, forging one man's determination to overcome all odds, even death.
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First published December 28, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 23, 2016
THINGS IN DITCHES by Jimmy Olsen is a murder mystery that had me savoring every quirky and eccentric small town character, feeling the cold of a Minnesota blizzard and sympathizing with the murder suspect. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Olsen’s writing style and the surprising twist at the end.
Philip “Dutch” Cleland is Willow River’s butcher and self-confessed murderer of the beautiful and naked corpse found in a ditch. Turn himself in, commit suicide or flee? I loved reading his decision making process and subsequent actions that follow.
Meanwhile, the very colorful cast of characters that are draw into the mystery had me turning the pages with a laugh or for worry about violence against them. You never knew what these characters had in store for them and it made reading this story so compelling. All of the characters are three dimensional and you could visualize them being truly alive and interacting in this small town.
This book has a plot that is full of twists and had me guessing throughout. The true ending in the epilogue was brilliant.
I highly recommend this book for anyone, not just mystery readers. I cannot thank Mr. Olsen enough for gifting me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. It was truly a book that I enjoyed on so many levels.
Philip “Dutch” Cleland is Willow River’s butcher and self-confessed murderer of the beautiful and naked corpse found in a ditch. Turn himself in, commit suicide or flee? I loved reading his decision making process and subsequent actions that follow.
Meanwhile, the very colorful cast of characters that are draw into the mystery had me turning the pages with a laugh or for worry about violence against them. You never knew what these characters had in store for them and it made reading this story so compelling. All of the characters are three dimensional and you could visualize them being truly alive and interacting in this small town.
This book has a plot that is full of twists and had me guessing throughout. The true ending in the epilogue was brilliant.
I highly recommend this book for anyone, not just mystery readers. I cannot thank Mr. Olsen enough for gifting me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. It was truly a book that I enjoyed on so many levels.
December 29, 2013
Book – Things in Ditches
Author – Jimmy Olsen
Publication Date – Not listed
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance, Suspense
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Review
I was pleasantly surprised; I liked this book as much as I did….that is once I got past the first 20-30%. See, in the beginning, I was confused – the author threw out so many names that I kept getting confused on who was who and how they fit in the story…but he did such a fantastic job of describing little idiosyncrasies of each character that it wasn’t long before I felt right at home!
I loved how the author took us on a fantastic journey while continuing to put little humorous parts in to keep the murder mystery light and enjoyable.
Re-Cap
This is a story of Dutch who is suspected of murdering his “mistress” from the past. This murder starts the domino effect around the town. We flip-flop from the present to the past to explain the connection between the murdered woman and Dutch.
Between Dutch trying to run away to safety, the town cop, Dutch’s wife and his friend, the lawyer, we are taken through a roller coaster ride of “who-dunit”.
But it’s the ending that really grabs you and at that moment, you will be slapping yourself on the forehead, never expecting the solution!
Wrap Up
This is a surprising and pleasing murder mystery book with a hint of romance and humor thrown in. I loved how small this town was and how the author incorporated a mix of different personalities to tie the story all in together.
Author – Jimmy Olsen
Publication Date – Not listed
Type – Stand Alone
Genre – Romance, Suspense
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Review
I was pleasantly surprised; I liked this book as much as I did….that is once I got past the first 20-30%. See, in the beginning, I was confused – the author threw out so many names that I kept getting confused on who was who and how they fit in the story…but he did such a fantastic job of describing little idiosyncrasies of each character that it wasn’t long before I felt right at home!
I loved how the author took us on a fantastic journey while continuing to put little humorous parts in to keep the murder mystery light and enjoyable.
Re-Cap
This is a story of Dutch who is suspected of murdering his “mistress” from the past. This murder starts the domino effect around the town. We flip-flop from the present to the past to explain the connection between the murdered woman and Dutch.
Between Dutch trying to run away to safety, the town cop, Dutch’s wife and his friend, the lawyer, we are taken through a roller coaster ride of “who-dunit”.
But it’s the ending that really grabs you and at that moment, you will be slapping yourself on the forehead, never expecting the solution!
Wrap Up
This is a surprising and pleasing murder mystery book with a hint of romance and humor thrown in. I loved how small this town was and how the author incorporated a mix of different personalities to tie the story all in together.
August 14, 2013
Can a murder mystery novel be funny? Maybe quirky is a better word. I know I found Things in Ditches by Jimmy Olsen extremely entertaining, if nothing else! I can’t even call the murderer evil, strange, misguided, unfaithful, cheating rat, yes, but evil? Not so much. Vicky Johnson was a beautiful murder victim. Her killer tells of his attraction to her, his love for her, she made him crazy, he called it a love tumor, said she made him feel “more.” Did I mention that Dutch Cleland was a married man and he loved his ever-faithful wife? Maybe it was Vicky’s fault she was murdered, showing up after several years and a couple of husbands later, in need of Dutch’s “help.”
Dutch is now on the run, from Vicky’s husbands, the law and his conscience, maybe he should have gone through with his murder/suicide plan, instead of stopping after murder. One thing for sure, the small Minnesota town he comes from FINALLY has some big time gossip and tongues are wagging, the tales are getting bigger and Dutch is almost a celebrity as every coffee shop, bar and home is spreading the word about a murder, or could there have been more than one? Depends on who is doing the talking, I guess. Meanwhile, Dutch is nowhere to be found and folks figure he has high-tailed it off to some tropical island someplace. Who knows?
Jimmy Olsen seems to have his own style that shines through in all of his work. Although Things in Ditches is not as dark as another one of his pieces, it has that same detailed character-driven plot where each character seems to enjoy their moment in the spotlight! One thing I noticed for sure, no matter how quirky his small town folks were, they deal in gossip the same as everyone else, we all become experts on the current topic and keep any confidences about as long as it takes to turn to the next person!
I need to thank Mr. Olsen for providing me a review copy of this thoroughly entertaining tale of love, passion, hate and murder in Minnesota!
Publication Date: October 2, 2010
Publisher: Hoffman House
Originally Published December, 2000
ASIN: B0045OUHSM
Number of Pages: 312
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Genre: Adult Murder Mystery
Dutch is now on the run, from Vicky’s husbands, the law and his conscience, maybe he should have gone through with his murder/suicide plan, instead of stopping after murder. One thing for sure, the small Minnesota town he comes from FINALLY has some big time gossip and tongues are wagging, the tales are getting bigger and Dutch is almost a celebrity as every coffee shop, bar and home is spreading the word about a murder, or could there have been more than one? Depends on who is doing the talking, I guess. Meanwhile, Dutch is nowhere to be found and folks figure he has high-tailed it off to some tropical island someplace. Who knows?
Jimmy Olsen seems to have his own style that shines through in all of his work. Although Things in Ditches is not as dark as another one of his pieces, it has that same detailed character-driven plot where each character seems to enjoy their moment in the spotlight! One thing I noticed for sure, no matter how quirky his small town folks were, they deal in gossip the same as everyone else, we all become experts on the current topic and keep any confidences about as long as it takes to turn to the next person!
I need to thank Mr. Olsen for providing me a review copy of this thoroughly entertaining tale of love, passion, hate and murder in Minnesota!
Publication Date: October 2, 2010
Publisher: Hoffman House
Originally Published December, 2000
ASIN: B0045OUHSM
Number of Pages: 312
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Genre: Adult Murder Mystery
April 2, 2014
MN setting was fun but some really brutal characters and some could have been developed a bit more...really didn't understand or like some of the relationships amongst the authorities. Not a sympathetic main character either
September 16, 2013
‘Things in Ditches’: Jimmy Olsen
A body has been found in the woods. There’s been a murder in Willow River. Normally, most towns are accustomed to this sort of tragedy. Willow River, however, has never had more than a misdemeanor hiccup or two. Now, as a blizzard prepares to bear down on them, the townsfolk need their serenity back. We see the bits & pieces of the entire event unfold almost as if we, the readers, are a part of their community.
Each character is indispensable to the make-up of the story. Shell-shocked veteran Charlie is the town’s version of law & order. Aspirations of being a big-time detective have always taken a backseat to hauling drunks out of the bar on weekends. Now, he has a chance to be somebody if he can close this case. Walleye is a bit of an outcast in town, usually receiving only sympathetic glances. Once he’s known for finding the corpse in the woods, he feels compelled to help someone who’s beyond it. Len escaped the fast-paced world of the city to settle in Willow River. With his background as an attorney, his services will soon be needed if he can stay sober long enough to help. People the town has never seen have shown up as well. Some are media & some have ulterior motives.
Then, we have poor Dutch. He & his wife, Jean, thought they’d put his affair behind them. But, on the morning that Willow River changes forever, Dutch knows that he’s the cause of it all. Overnight, he’s gone from being a simple butcher to a fugitive. Combined with a Mayberry-esque crew of townspeople, Willow River must face not only a death that alters their existence, but the fact that one of their own is not what he seems. Dutch is their native son. Small towns always protect their own.
Jimmy Olsen has done a marvelous job with ‘Things in Ditches’. Essentially, he’s flipped the stereotypical murder mystery inside out. By working backwards in the plot, we’re able to follow the trail with the town. I loved that both the blizzard & the town took on lives of their own to become actual characters so to speak.
Each character is so uniquely different but so completely necessary to the flow of the story. I have to say this has been one of the top 10 that I’ve read this year. With this being a 5 star novel, it won’t be long until Jimmy Olsen rises up the bestseller charts. Wonderfully done!
I received 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A body has been found in the woods. There’s been a murder in Willow River. Normally, most towns are accustomed to this sort of tragedy. Willow River, however, has never had more than a misdemeanor hiccup or two. Now, as a blizzard prepares to bear down on them, the townsfolk need their serenity back. We see the bits & pieces of the entire event unfold almost as if we, the readers, are a part of their community.
Each character is indispensable to the make-up of the story. Shell-shocked veteran Charlie is the town’s version of law & order. Aspirations of being a big-time detective have always taken a backseat to hauling drunks out of the bar on weekends. Now, he has a chance to be somebody if he can close this case. Walleye is a bit of an outcast in town, usually receiving only sympathetic glances. Once he’s known for finding the corpse in the woods, he feels compelled to help someone who’s beyond it. Len escaped the fast-paced world of the city to settle in Willow River. With his background as an attorney, his services will soon be needed if he can stay sober long enough to help. People the town has never seen have shown up as well. Some are media & some have ulterior motives.
Then, we have poor Dutch. He & his wife, Jean, thought they’d put his affair behind them. But, on the morning that Willow River changes forever, Dutch knows that he’s the cause of it all. Overnight, he’s gone from being a simple butcher to a fugitive. Combined with a Mayberry-esque crew of townspeople, Willow River must face not only a death that alters their existence, but the fact that one of their own is not what he seems. Dutch is their native son. Small towns always protect their own.
Jimmy Olsen has done a marvelous job with ‘Things in Ditches’. Essentially, he’s flipped the stereotypical murder mystery inside out. By working backwards in the plot, we’re able to follow the trail with the town. I loved that both the blizzard & the town took on lives of their own to become actual characters so to speak.
Each character is so uniquely different but so completely necessary to the flow of the story. I have to say this has been one of the top 10 that I’ve read this year. With this being a 5 star novel, it won’t be long until Jimmy Olsen rises up the bestseller charts. Wonderfully done!
I received 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2014
“I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
One of my favorite shows this last summer was a show called “Motive”. I am not exactly sure what it was about the show that drew me in but something did and this book was no different.
Just like the show, you are given the names/face of the killer and his/her victim with in the first 30 seconds, what you are lacking is the motive. Sure, we all have our own ideas as to was the motive is and more often than not, those ideas don’t pan out but it the case of this story, a clear line starts forming from point a to point b and everything starts to make sense… if you’re paying attention to detail that is.
Before I delve too deeply into the story’s plot let me say, one of the most appealing things about this title was the simplicity of its design. Things in Ditches does not have a flashy cover or fancy design, but that’s part of the appeal, it’s understated like the book’s many characters and the small town it takes place in. When you crack open he book, you are greeted by a clean and aesthetically pleasing font that is easy on tired eyes and a story to match. The title itself may have no real significance to readers at first but in due time, once you’ve gotten to know each character a little better, everything makes sense.
Each character is well planned and their story executed pristinely with no apparent inconsistencies. It’s a book I can really get behind.
I think one of the things that attracted me most was not the synopsis like most stories I review, but a review by John Molene from The Saint Cloud Daily Time. In the review he states “His name may be Jimmy Olsen but he writes like superman…” I’m a nerd and damn proud, so that complement in itself sold me. After reading Things in Ditches, I have to admit I agree wholeheartedly. Jimmy Olsen is one helluvah talented author who writes a gripping tale of a small town man that does the unthinkable and cheats on his wife, years later after the affair has ended the betrayal still strong in his heart leads him to commit an even more heinous crime, murder…
To read my full review please visit http://tipsyink.blogspot.com/2014/01/...
One of my favorite shows this last summer was a show called “Motive”. I am not exactly sure what it was about the show that drew me in but something did and this book was no different.
Just like the show, you are given the names/face of the killer and his/her victim with in the first 30 seconds, what you are lacking is the motive. Sure, we all have our own ideas as to was the motive is and more often than not, those ideas don’t pan out but it the case of this story, a clear line starts forming from point a to point b and everything starts to make sense… if you’re paying attention to detail that is.
Before I delve too deeply into the story’s plot let me say, one of the most appealing things about this title was the simplicity of its design. Things in Ditches does not have a flashy cover or fancy design, but that’s part of the appeal, it’s understated like the book’s many characters and the small town it takes place in. When you crack open he book, you are greeted by a clean and aesthetically pleasing font that is easy on tired eyes and a story to match. The title itself may have no real significance to readers at first but in due time, once you’ve gotten to know each character a little better, everything makes sense.
Each character is well planned and their story executed pristinely with no apparent inconsistencies. It’s a book I can really get behind.
I think one of the things that attracted me most was not the synopsis like most stories I review, but a review by John Molene from The Saint Cloud Daily Time. In the review he states “His name may be Jimmy Olsen but he writes like superman…” I’m a nerd and damn proud, so that complement in itself sold me. After reading Things in Ditches, I have to admit I agree wholeheartedly. Jimmy Olsen is one helluvah talented author who writes a gripping tale of a small town man that does the unthinkable and cheats on his wife, years later after the affair has ended the betrayal still strong in his heart leads him to commit an even more heinous crime, murder…
To read my full review please visit http://tipsyink.blogspot.com/2014/01/...
October 12, 2013
This cleverly written murder mystery by Jimmy Olsen will test your endurance on long investigative navigation in an attempt to capture Phillip "Dutch"Cleland believed to be guilty of murdering his former lover. The infamous question of why would someone murder a lover of long ago may never truly get answered but neither too may many things fail to find concrete finality in a town laden with deception.
As mentally challenged Walleye discovers Vicky dead in a ditch the attempts at justice and revenge would entwine a web of Dutch's present wife Jean, "vampire rapist" Murdock, Len the Attorney, and Charlie Benson investigative cop. It won't begin or end in the courtroom but high up in the cabin enclosure you will peer into Dutch's flashbacks of Vicky and understand more how revenge could surface. His story to Len will open your eyes to truth but then again, in this novel, be careful about securing truth.
What appears as a climax at the cabin may in fact be just the beginning of a new season. Hold loyalty and love loosely in your hands as well as the word "conclusion". Man, you will find, is fickle and darn right deceptive.
Not only will you be glued to the pages, but the revelations and twists will soar your adrenaline to new heights time and again. Perhaps you read many murder mysteries but this one is sure to stand out in a very unique way. I give it a 5 star rating and recommend it for its ingenious plot.
As mentally challenged Walleye discovers Vicky dead in a ditch the attempts at justice and revenge would entwine a web of Dutch's present wife Jean, "vampire rapist" Murdock, Len the Attorney, and Charlie Benson investigative cop. It won't begin or end in the courtroom but high up in the cabin enclosure you will peer into Dutch's flashbacks of Vicky and understand more how revenge could surface. His story to Len will open your eyes to truth but then again, in this novel, be careful about securing truth.
What appears as a climax at the cabin may in fact be just the beginning of a new season. Hold loyalty and love loosely in your hands as well as the word "conclusion". Man, you will find, is fickle and darn right deceptive.
Not only will you be glued to the pages, but the revelations and twists will soar your adrenaline to new heights time and again. Perhaps you read many murder mysteries but this one is sure to stand out in a very unique way. I give it a 5 star rating and recommend it for its ingenious plot.
March 13, 2014
This was the lovely book sent to me to review by the ever-obliging Jimmy Olsen. AND I LOVED IT.
I did not expect Things in Ditches by Jimmy Olsen to be as good as it was. A murder mystery set in a small town in Minnesota? What could be interesting about that? Plenty, it turns out. Having lived in small towns most of my life, I was pleasantly surprised by the true-to-life foibles and quirks of the characters of Willow River, Minnesota, who seemed as though they could step out of the pages at any moment to give me their small-town gossip. This book especially shone in comparison to an anthology I have recently read, all stories claiming to be in small towns of just over 700 people, yet complete with street gangs, multiple insurance firms, and booming coal businesses.
The mystery itself was intriguing and kept me guessing, even, at times, laughing. The conclusion was all one could hope for, with a resolution to every loose end and a twist at the revelation of the true killer that infinitely satisfying.
One other aspect I found endearing, being from Winnipeg myself, was Olsen's mention of it as the protagonist's possible getaway point.
All in all, I give this novel 5 stars out of 5 and recommend it to anyone looking for a mystery that could be happening right now, next door.
Congrats to Jimmy Olsen for a stellar first novel.
I did not expect Things in Ditches by Jimmy Olsen to be as good as it was. A murder mystery set in a small town in Minnesota? What could be interesting about that? Plenty, it turns out. Having lived in small towns most of my life, I was pleasantly surprised by the true-to-life foibles and quirks of the characters of Willow River, Minnesota, who seemed as though they could step out of the pages at any moment to give me their small-town gossip. This book especially shone in comparison to an anthology I have recently read, all stories claiming to be in small towns of just over 700 people, yet complete with street gangs, multiple insurance firms, and booming coal businesses.
The mystery itself was intriguing and kept me guessing, even, at times, laughing. The conclusion was all one could hope for, with a resolution to every loose end and a twist at the revelation of the true killer that infinitely satisfying.
One other aspect I found endearing, being from Winnipeg myself, was Olsen's mention of it as the protagonist's possible getaway point.
All in all, I give this novel 5 stars out of 5 and recommend it to anyone looking for a mystery that could be happening right now, next door.
Congrats to Jimmy Olsen for a stellar first novel.
December 10, 2013
Though I love to read for instruction ever since childhood I've found it difficult to get into reading for entertainment. As a child my mind would wander too much to find reading fiction enjoyable. Now that I'm older and more able to focus I'm getting into reading just for "fun".
Things In Ditches is very much a book for adults. There's murder, adultery, passion, betrayal and other things that you probably wouldn't want your teen or pre-teen to be reading about. The story put me very much in the mind of watching a true crime mystery from a late night news show unfolding from behind the scenes. It really drew me in.
Please go to http://reviews.earthformed.com to read my complete review
Things In Ditches is very much a book for adults. There's murder, adultery, passion, betrayal and other things that you probably wouldn't want your teen or pre-teen to be reading about. The story put me very much in the mind of watching a true crime mystery from a late night news show unfolding from behind the scenes. It really drew me in.
Please go to http://reviews.earthformed.com to read my complete review
January 18, 2014
Things in Ditches is murder mystery that leaves you shaking your head, swearing at the book, and eager to continue reading because you got to know what happens next. I've always like mystery books yet adding murder to it makes the book something incredibly heart pounding thrill reading this book. What I loved most about this book was it kept you guessing until the very end. The ending of the book blew me away with shock and awe at the dastardly deed. I'll be honest the killer is pure slime from head to toe. I will definitely reading more of Mr. Olsen's works in the future.
October 23, 2014
I was really ready to hate the ending, but Olsen keeps you guessing until the very last page. Even after, really. With a cast of characters that every Minnesotan knows, and everyone else can love, this book is a thrilling read. I had a hard time putting it down. Bravo, 5 stars from me.
May 21, 2008
St. Cloud writer. Thought it looked interesting, but a real disappointment
November 14, 2014
Things in Ditches: Jimmy Olsen
Sometimes when someone gets too close to you they need to be disposed of. The story opens in a unique way with the murderer describing why he decided to kill his former lover and the method he used. While eating breakfast with his wife this sick, twisted and sad sack character discusses his plans for what he hopes will end his life. But, not everything goes as planned as this man finds out as he decides that when trying to pull the trigger and leaving a note tucked somewhere for his wife to find, he never completed this simple task.
Willow River is the setting for his dark and macabre story as we enter the minds of many different characters in a town that thrives on gossip, loves to feed on the misery of others and finds itself in the middle of two murders and maybe more before all is said and done. Walleye is the main focus of the first encounter with a body found as the title says: Things in Ditch. Well, this body is found within the confines of a ditch by Walleye a junk man. Walleye is slow in comparison to others and his feelings are easily hurt. Because of his disabilities many of the people of this small town are mean to him and often ridicule or belittle this man. Not dangerous just trying to find his way in the world, looking through garbage cans and doing his job, poor Walleye Hertz is what you might think a cast aside. Walleye finds his way into garbage and what starts this off in this case a ditch. But, Walleye like many others like him have different ways of dealing with daily activities and in his case repetition is one. Keeping to a schedule and following a regimented routine he rides his tricycle throughout the roadways of this small town. But, something would change it all as he is riding and ice cases him to slip and fall and not able to ride his tricycle home. Trying to flag down a car to help him no way pays him any mind. Leaving it where he was he decides to walk home after one last try at fixing it. Ditches are exciting to him and you never know what good stuff you can find until you find something that you never expect. Walleye learned that ditches in the woods can be dangerous to explore but he believed they contained great treasures. So, on the way home he decided to explore one more ditch even though he got covered in freezing water and what he found would change it all. Within a heavy plastic he uncovered the body of a woman who was unclothed, dead and definitely not what he expected. Afraid, scared and unable to speak Walleye did not know who she was but he also knew it was not quite the treasure he hoped for.
Within this small town there is one Police Chief named Charlie Benson who does not carry again. Along with the undertaker, they decide to assess the crime scene in a unique way. From the start you can tell that Charlie is quite good and his ability to run an investigation, although limited at times, seems better than that of the local Sheriff who wants him out of his way and not involved. Within this small town they rarely have to deal with murders and now they had a corpse with no identification and no idea where she came from or who she was. Charlie might think this surpassed his abilities or skills but the unidentified victim deserved more respect and a proper funeral and autopsy and he was determined to see it happened. Where as the sheriff could care less and only wanted to be reelected.
Within the story we hear the voice of Dutch the man who committed the murder and then another of someone he thought would get in the way of his freedom and who was related to the first victim. Getting to know Dutch we also get an inside look at his relationship with Vicky, their time together and her relationships with other men. You begin to wonder just why he veered towards her and why his wife would remain with him. When Charlie questioned Jean about Dutch she remained steadfast and would not divulge anything that would lead to his capture. But, on the loose was Vicky’s two husbands, one ex and one current who decided to take matters into their own hands and create a trail of destruction and death before all was said and done. Going to a motel that terrorized the young boy at the reception desk. Added in the found Walleye and sent him on the run or did they kill him? With the corpse missing and now finally found what will the Sheriff plan to do next to hinder Charlie’s investigation as he insults, hits and causes havoc wherever he goes but lucky for him he has Marlene to center him.
The story is graphic and the violence will make you shudder as we enter the motel and feel the pain inflicted on Danny and then the fear in Walleye as he runs for his life. This once quiet sleepy little town is no longer safe for anyone. So, why would a man’s wife stay with him, be so loyal and not betray him? What happens when Murdock and Johnson attack her? Putting the pieces together Charlie is surprised when several come forward with information that might change their perspective about Dutch.
Hiding out he enlists the help of Dylan and Sally who seem bent on aiding him with the help of many others. But, his friend Les is on the way and finally catches up and what happens next will provide another twist to the plot. Why would he want to help him? What happens when Charlie and Jean team up to find Dutch? Who really killed Vicky? Was it Dutch or was it someone else?
This is a story of a town torn apart by fear, deceit lies, abuse, betrayal and greed and one lawman whose primary goal was Power. Can Charlie find the answers he needs or will he too be a casualty?
Sheriff Matton’s only concern is making sure that Vicky’s body was taken to St. Cloud but when it went missing and the truth comes out during a press conference things change. While Charlie and Jean are going in one direction, Gordon Murdock and Carroll Johnson go in another and someone finds Dutch. As he relates in his own words what he remembers on the night that Vicky died, you realize that it’s not that he’s sorry but that he might get caught.
Gordon Murdock might be her current husband but is he a killer and rapist too? Jean Cleland didn't say much to Charlie nor will she provide much help until she had no choice. When things come to a head Dutch comes face to face with two men that might prove more dangerous than the Sheriff or the courts. An ending that will surprise readers and an added twist that you won’t expect. Who killed Vicky? What is Dutch’s fate? Will justice prevail? If so whose? What is next for Charlie and will the Sheriff really be reelected? The only way to find out is if you visit Willow River. Characters that will not endear you to them and one Chief of Police that definitely deserves better.
This is an intricately and delicately woven story that will keep you transfixed to the printed page from start to finish by author Jimmy Olsen. This is one story that will make you wonder what is the definition of deceit, betrayal and JUSTICE! Things in Ditches: You never know what or whom you might find?
FRAN LEWIS: Reviewer
Sometimes when someone gets too close to you they need to be disposed of. The story opens in a unique way with the murderer describing why he decided to kill his former lover and the method he used. While eating breakfast with his wife this sick, twisted and sad sack character discusses his plans for what he hopes will end his life. But, not everything goes as planned as this man finds out as he decides that when trying to pull the trigger and leaving a note tucked somewhere for his wife to find, he never completed this simple task.
Willow River is the setting for his dark and macabre story as we enter the minds of many different characters in a town that thrives on gossip, loves to feed on the misery of others and finds itself in the middle of two murders and maybe more before all is said and done. Walleye is the main focus of the first encounter with a body found as the title says: Things in Ditch. Well, this body is found within the confines of a ditch by Walleye a junk man. Walleye is slow in comparison to others and his feelings are easily hurt. Because of his disabilities many of the people of this small town are mean to him and often ridicule or belittle this man. Not dangerous just trying to find his way in the world, looking through garbage cans and doing his job, poor Walleye Hertz is what you might think a cast aside. Walleye finds his way into garbage and what starts this off in this case a ditch. But, Walleye like many others like him have different ways of dealing with daily activities and in his case repetition is one. Keeping to a schedule and following a regimented routine he rides his tricycle throughout the roadways of this small town. But, something would change it all as he is riding and ice cases him to slip and fall and not able to ride his tricycle home. Trying to flag down a car to help him no way pays him any mind. Leaving it where he was he decides to walk home after one last try at fixing it. Ditches are exciting to him and you never know what good stuff you can find until you find something that you never expect. Walleye learned that ditches in the woods can be dangerous to explore but he believed they contained great treasures. So, on the way home he decided to explore one more ditch even though he got covered in freezing water and what he found would change it all. Within a heavy plastic he uncovered the body of a woman who was unclothed, dead and definitely not what he expected. Afraid, scared and unable to speak Walleye did not know who she was but he also knew it was not quite the treasure he hoped for.
Within this small town there is one Police Chief named Charlie Benson who does not carry again. Along with the undertaker, they decide to assess the crime scene in a unique way. From the start you can tell that Charlie is quite good and his ability to run an investigation, although limited at times, seems better than that of the local Sheriff who wants him out of his way and not involved. Within this small town they rarely have to deal with murders and now they had a corpse with no identification and no idea where she came from or who she was. Charlie might think this surpassed his abilities or skills but the unidentified victim deserved more respect and a proper funeral and autopsy and he was determined to see it happened. Where as the sheriff could care less and only wanted to be reelected.
Within the story we hear the voice of Dutch the man who committed the murder and then another of someone he thought would get in the way of his freedom and who was related to the first victim. Getting to know Dutch we also get an inside look at his relationship with Vicky, their time together and her relationships with other men. You begin to wonder just why he veered towards her and why his wife would remain with him. When Charlie questioned Jean about Dutch she remained steadfast and would not divulge anything that would lead to his capture. But, on the loose was Vicky’s two husbands, one ex and one current who decided to take matters into their own hands and create a trail of destruction and death before all was said and done. Going to a motel that terrorized the young boy at the reception desk. Added in the found Walleye and sent him on the run or did they kill him? With the corpse missing and now finally found what will the Sheriff plan to do next to hinder Charlie’s investigation as he insults, hits and causes havoc wherever he goes but lucky for him he has Marlene to center him.
The story is graphic and the violence will make you shudder as we enter the motel and feel the pain inflicted on Danny and then the fear in Walleye as he runs for his life. This once quiet sleepy little town is no longer safe for anyone. So, why would a man’s wife stay with him, be so loyal and not betray him? What happens when Murdock and Johnson attack her? Putting the pieces together Charlie is surprised when several come forward with information that might change their perspective about Dutch.
Hiding out he enlists the help of Dylan and Sally who seem bent on aiding him with the help of many others. But, his friend Les is on the way and finally catches up and what happens next will provide another twist to the plot. Why would he want to help him? What happens when Charlie and Jean team up to find Dutch? Who really killed Vicky? Was it Dutch or was it someone else?
This is a story of a town torn apart by fear, deceit lies, abuse, betrayal and greed and one lawman whose primary goal was Power. Can Charlie find the answers he needs or will he too be a casualty?
Sheriff Matton’s only concern is making sure that Vicky’s body was taken to St. Cloud but when it went missing and the truth comes out during a press conference things change. While Charlie and Jean are going in one direction, Gordon Murdock and Carroll Johnson go in another and someone finds Dutch. As he relates in his own words what he remembers on the night that Vicky died, you realize that it’s not that he’s sorry but that he might get caught.
Gordon Murdock might be her current husband but is he a killer and rapist too? Jean Cleland didn't say much to Charlie nor will she provide much help until she had no choice. When things come to a head Dutch comes face to face with two men that might prove more dangerous than the Sheriff or the courts. An ending that will surprise readers and an added twist that you won’t expect. Who killed Vicky? What is Dutch’s fate? Will justice prevail? If so whose? What is next for Charlie and will the Sheriff really be reelected? The only way to find out is if you visit Willow River. Characters that will not endear you to them and one Chief of Police that definitely deserves better.
This is an intricately and delicately woven story that will keep you transfixed to the printed page from start to finish by author Jimmy Olsen. This is one story that will make you wonder what is the definition of deceit, betrayal and JUSTICE! Things in Ditches: You never know what or whom you might find?
FRAN LEWIS: Reviewer
November 8, 2016
There is nothing better than a good murder mystery, right? The kind that leaves you on the edge of your seat, book in toe wherever you go. You never know where or how you might discover the next ok, good, interesting, page turner. Where or how you find your next prompt to mystery, I do apologize I mean murder mystery novel is not my concern. Sharing with you my thoughts is. I’m not here to sway or dis-sway. Now I can only presume what may or may not be on your mind is…why? Well if your anything like me relying on a description, catchy title or book cover design doesn’t always cut it. Now that’s not saying I will be sharing all the juicy bits, just saying a basic overview with minimal “spoilers.”
So here’s to my “overview” and a critique, review, whatever you like to call it. If it helps lead you onto your next adventure let me say “adios y feliz lectura/bye and happy reading.” To my fellow readers who don’t find the fit just right, thus I say to you, ” adios Adios y buena suerte en tu próxima aventura/bye and good luck on your next adventure.”
Onwards and forward:
I first want to start off with a snippet from chapter...hmm.. ah doesn’t matter. This is just a sneak peak or “SPOILER” from Things in ditches – a murder mystery novel by Jimmy Olsen. Here we go, I guess this where I say SPOILER!
“[Dutch]…’Trouble with infidelity…’ ‘…is you fool yourself into believing it’s harmless. Can love be wrong?...’ ‘You go slightly mad in the end, of course kill your girlfriend and try and blow your own head off.’ He grinned. ‘All for harmless, little old love.’ He caught the dog by the collar and drew him in close until they were nose to nose. ‘It’s not only me, you know.’
….The mask of his life removed and him there naked and small as only God knew him. That would be the killer. Could he indeed deal with that?
Willow River was the one place on earth were he fit perfectly. They knew him, and while not everyone loved him, he had here as much love, respect, and place as he would ever get in his life. Some people feel at home wherever they are, but not him. This was the only home he’d ever known. He’d the same sentiment from a New Yorker once who claimed not to be his real self outside the city.
Hard then to tell the truth, when his unmasking might both convict and vindicate him. People had come to expect the truth from him after all. No one knew him as a liar.
So what should he do, walk into Charlie Benson’s office and confess?’
[Charlie] SAFE IN HIS GARAGE, LEN DAVIS listened to his car radio in stunned silence as reporter Cheri Py summarized Day Two: The Willow River Murders, Dutch Cleland, who still eluded police. Those in isolated rural areas cautioned to lock their doors, stay alert. Behind the wheel of his Midnight Blue 1964 Corvette, Len felt bit criminal himself. (Things in ditches).” (Things in Ditches).
For me sharing a snippet from things in ditches by Jimmy Olsen a 310 page novel is for one a better and more accurate description if you grab the “write” (pun intended), snippets. You get a feel for the writing style as well as a better idea of what the book is about. Spoiler or not a Spoiler, you decide that for yourself.
Jimmy Olsen brings a his own flare to things in ditches with a bit of Janet Evanovich, John Grisham, and James Patterson. Olsen combined his own unique writing style that blends into a mysterious, devious, murderous, and a little bit of humor. Not a easy feet what so ever. There are numerous characters we are introduced to that helps the story to move forward.
As you read along , and learn more about the events that are unfolding and the mysterious reasons why, there are several transitions from one character to the next. Unfortunately as the transition sets the next pace for the story, it’s not always clear which character that is being talked about, or time, place, tone. To make for a smoother transition. A scene transition needs to identify Place, time, viewpoint in character especially if there had been a change. Now I’m not saying the author does not use scene transitions but they are not always clear. A scene transition does not always need to be detailed, if you give a hint in the previous chapter of what’s to come. If the teaser or hint for a another chapter than the next scene transition should be clear and descriptive. Give the reader a good idea of what is to come and where and what place and time it is taking place in. This will make for a smoother transition. That is where the author makes a small error, when making his scene transitions there not always abundantly clear of place, time, and focal, if it’s past or present. You only get the idea once you have read a page or two into the chapter. There are points where it’s effectively used.
One other thing I saw were very small grammatical errors. In one spot, it’s actually a more common mistake than not. Actually a lot of English writers confuse these words, although each has a different meaning. For example there is a point where the author uses ‘were’ in the place of ‘where.’
***Note: the use of were in place of where in a sentence.
Line: “Willow River was the one place on earth were he fit perfectly.”
This is a common mistake, many writers make all to often.
All together though, Olson’s writing style does captivate the reader. You will laugh, you will be that obnoxious person that you see in theaters yelling don’t go in there but at a book instead. It will otherwise leave you hanging just so you don’t put the book down. It will give you pause, and a few of those “wtf” moments because you either don’t agree with a characters choice or because the character you love to hate did something you did not expect. It’s characters are witty, serious, killer, psychotic, and mysterious. Even with the most famous writers you will find mistakes, errors, but what also makes a good story is the plot, the storyline, and it’s characters. This book, even with a few rough transitions, still was a good book. With what I named previously about a good book, is what made me want to read on. Want to know more. Had me wanting find out who, what, where, and why.
Things in ditches by Jimmy Olsen is a good book. It’s a murder mystery that will have you guessing till the end because just right when you think though know, there is a new plot twist thrown in.
So here’s to my “overview” and a critique, review, whatever you like to call it. If it helps lead you onto your next adventure let me say “adios y feliz lectura/bye and happy reading.” To my fellow readers who don’t find the fit just right, thus I say to you, ” adios Adios y buena suerte en tu próxima aventura/bye and good luck on your next adventure.”
Onwards and forward:
I first want to start off with a snippet from chapter...hmm.. ah doesn’t matter. This is just a sneak peak or “SPOILER” from Things in ditches – a murder mystery novel by Jimmy Olsen. Here we go, I guess this where I say SPOILER!
“[Dutch]…’Trouble with infidelity…’ ‘…is you fool yourself into believing it’s harmless. Can love be wrong?...’ ‘You go slightly mad in the end, of course kill your girlfriend and try and blow your own head off.’ He grinned. ‘All for harmless, little old love.’ He caught the dog by the collar and drew him in close until they were nose to nose. ‘It’s not only me, you know.’
….The mask of his life removed and him there naked and small as only God knew him. That would be the killer. Could he indeed deal with that?
Willow River was the one place on earth were he fit perfectly. They knew him, and while not everyone loved him, he had here as much love, respect, and place as he would ever get in his life. Some people feel at home wherever they are, but not him. This was the only home he’d ever known. He’d the same sentiment from a New Yorker once who claimed not to be his real self outside the city.
Hard then to tell the truth, when his unmasking might both convict and vindicate him. People had come to expect the truth from him after all. No one knew him as a liar.
So what should he do, walk into Charlie Benson’s office and confess?’
[Charlie] SAFE IN HIS GARAGE, LEN DAVIS listened to his car radio in stunned silence as reporter Cheri Py summarized Day Two: The Willow River Murders, Dutch Cleland, who still eluded police. Those in isolated rural areas cautioned to lock their doors, stay alert. Behind the wheel of his Midnight Blue 1964 Corvette, Len felt bit criminal himself. (Things in ditches).” (Things in Ditches).
For me sharing a snippet from things in ditches by Jimmy Olsen a 310 page novel is for one a better and more accurate description if you grab the “write” (pun intended), snippets. You get a feel for the writing style as well as a better idea of what the book is about. Spoiler or not a Spoiler, you decide that for yourself.
Jimmy Olsen brings a his own flare to things in ditches with a bit of Janet Evanovich, John Grisham, and James Patterson. Olsen combined his own unique writing style that blends into a mysterious, devious, murderous, and a little bit of humor. Not a easy feet what so ever. There are numerous characters we are introduced to that helps the story to move forward.
As you read along , and learn more about the events that are unfolding and the mysterious reasons why, there are several transitions from one character to the next. Unfortunately as the transition sets the next pace for the story, it’s not always clear which character that is being talked about, or time, place, tone. To make for a smoother transition. A scene transition needs to identify Place, time, viewpoint in character especially if there had been a change. Now I’m not saying the author does not use scene transitions but they are not always clear. A scene transition does not always need to be detailed, if you give a hint in the previous chapter of what’s to come. If the teaser or hint for a another chapter than the next scene transition should be clear and descriptive. Give the reader a good idea of what is to come and where and what place and time it is taking place in. This will make for a smoother transition. That is where the author makes a small error, when making his scene transitions there not always abundantly clear of place, time, and focal, if it’s past or present. You only get the idea once you have read a page or two into the chapter. There are points where it’s effectively used.
One other thing I saw were very small grammatical errors. In one spot, it’s actually a more common mistake than not. Actually a lot of English writers confuse these words, although each has a different meaning. For example there is a point where the author uses ‘were’ in the place of ‘where.’
***Note: the use of were in place of where in a sentence.
Line: “Willow River was the one place on earth were he fit perfectly.”
This is a common mistake, many writers make all to often.
All together though, Olson’s writing style does captivate the reader. You will laugh, you will be that obnoxious person that you see in theaters yelling don’t go in there but at a book instead. It will otherwise leave you hanging just so you don’t put the book down. It will give you pause, and a few of those “wtf” moments because you either don’t agree with a characters choice or because the character you love to hate did something you did not expect. It’s characters are witty, serious, killer, psychotic, and mysterious. Even with the most famous writers you will find mistakes, errors, but what also makes a good story is the plot, the storyline, and it’s characters. This book, even with a few rough transitions, still was a good book. With what I named previously about a good book, is what made me want to read on. Want to know more. Had me wanting find out who, what, where, and why.
Things in ditches by Jimmy Olsen is a good book. It’s a murder mystery that will have you guessing till the end because just right when you think though know, there is a new plot twist thrown in.
Read
November 2, 2022I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a lifetime Minnesotan, I could really relate to the locations described in the book. The characters were believable, just like people we may know. I liked the way the characters were described gradually as the story went on. By the end of the book, the reader would know many aspects of the characters. When I read it, the whole murder scenario seemed rather far fetched. Then a couple of weeks later, a murder happened here in Minnesota with some similar characteristics. That made the whole story seem more believable. You never know what will happen in fiction and in life till the end.
April 10, 2020
New style mystery. Loved it. The ending was delightful.
July 13, 2014

A Magnificent Author, Jimmy Olsen, presents a one of a kind Murder Mystery!
July 13, 2014
Picturesque, should be the description of the small town, Willow River. 'Noted for murder', wasn't what the Town Council wanted for their peaceful village's, welcome sign.
Author, Jimmy Olsen, has created an engrossing, one of a kind, murder mystery. This adult novel, reminds me of a snow globe on steroids. Give it a good shake, and the snow falls faster, tensions rise higher, while seriously demented, characters, run amuck. His untamed plot isn't stingy with gore, and in direct contrast, Jimmy kicks in marvelous, dry satire!
The reader will know who and what before the antics ensue in the little town, hidden in northern Minnesota. Olsen's, natural sense of wild adventure and excellently written prose, offers an maniacal ride, that you'll be recommending, for years to come.
Every town has at least one, 'oddball'. Willow River, has Walleye Wertz. Born ... slow, he still lives alone, in his childhood home. Walleye's known as the local junk man. He scrounges for cast asides in the garbage, alleyways, and in ditches. He's, sensitive and get his feelings hurt. Residents of Willow River, belittle him. They claim him harmless, but nuttier than squirrel poo. Though the public's descriptions may be accurate, there's other sides of Walleye Hertz.
Repetition, is Walleye's coping mechanism. He rides his homemade tricycle, up and down Willow River's, alleyways and roads. Today, riding up the main road's steep bank, the freezing temperature makes it hard to maneuver his tricycle. The ice causes the trike to slip and it breaks down.
Too cold, it's out of the question to push his tricycle home. Walleye waves his arms in all directions to get the attention of passing cars. He turns in circles debating on leaving his tricycle and walking back to town. A final attempt to fix the tricycle, leaves Walleye, kicking and screaming.
All of his drama stops when he sees an object that makes him forget his circumstances. Something, maybe of wealth, lay just shy of the ditch and in the woods. Walleye had been told as a child, that woods were bad. Woods were scary. Ditches. Now, ditches were good! He looked at what could be a treasure.
Walleye jumped into the ditch, soaking himself in frigid water. The possible gem wasn't within reach. The object lay just a couple of feet inside the tree line, and should've willed Walleye away. Who was he kidding! He wasn't going to waste this opportunity! Maybe, if he took long careful, fast steps just over the berm, he could stretch out his arm? Now, just a little further and quickly grab the, plastic? Hmm, plastic. The plastic was heavy. So, with both hands he yanked it toward the ditch. He never had to pull a second time.
His eyes turned to saucers as his mouth opened, but no noise came out. The plastic was wrapping a naked lady! A beautiful, naked, dead, lady. Walleye didn't recognize her from Willow River. The lady had yellow hair and glassy eyes. Today he found something discarded, though it wasn't aluminum cans.
Willow River's, Police Chief, Charlie Benson, didn't even carry a gun. Benson and the local undertaker, stood staring at the body, and possible crime scene. Growing up together in Willow River, neither had run across a murder. Here they had a real police case with nothing to go on, but a corpse. Both started in with speculation, then ended up bickering like an old married couple. They both knew that Charlie was out of his league this time. The unidentified murder victim would be easier to deal with, than having to contact the sheriff. The sheriff, like a hell hound, was fat and phoney, up for reelection, with his own agenda.
Prior to today, Charlie's most graphic crime scenes were tavern brawls or break ins at the laundromat. His safe hometown was one of predictability and secureness. In a small town everyone knows who everyone else is, or knows some one who does. They all know the news before it's published, and this murder was no different.
Police Chief, Benson, was determined to break this case wide open by himself without the sheriff's, help. The murderer might be easy to uncover, but other circumstances bring unsuspected surprises. Amazing surprises, making it hard to believe ... in the murder, at all.
Genius work. Enjoy!
(Author, Jimmy Olsen, hales from the Midwest, and Willow River is a real town, population 415, located just south of St. Paul, Minnesota. The junctions of the Willow and Kettle Rivers, were once home to the Ojibway Indians. From Native Americans, trappers and sod busters, a thriving logging industry was able to support a town. In March, 1874, Willow River was born.)
A Magnificent Author, Jimmy Olsen, presents a one of a kind Murder Mystery!
July 13, 2014
Picturesque, should be the description of the small town, Willow River. 'Noted for murder', wasn't what the Town Council wanted for their peaceful village's, welcome sign.
Author, Jimmy Olsen, has created an engrossing, one of a kind, murder mystery. This adult novel, reminds me of a snow globe on steroids. Give it a good shake, and the snow falls faster, tensions rise higher, while seriously demented, characters, run amuck. His untamed plot isn't stingy with gore, and in direct contrast, Jimmy kicks in marvelous, dry satire!
The reader will know who and what before the antics ensue in the little town, hidden in northern Minnesota. Olsen's, natural sense of wild adventure and excellently written prose, offers an maniacal ride, that you'll be recommending, for years to come.
Every town has at least one, 'oddball'. Willow River, has Walleye Wertz. Born ... slow, he still lives alone, in his childhood home. Walleye's known as the local junk man. He scrounges for cast asides in the garbage, alleyways, and in ditches. He's, sensitive and get his feelings hurt. Residents of Willow River, belittle him. They claim him harmless, but nuttier than squirrel poo. Though the public's descriptions may be accurate, there's other sides of Walleye Hertz.
Repetition, is Walleye's coping mechanism. He rides his homemade tricycle, up and down Willow River's, alleyways and roads. Today, riding up the main road's steep bank, the freezing temperature makes it hard to maneuver his tricycle. The ice causes the trike to slip and it breaks down.
Too cold, it's out of the question to push his tricycle home. Walleye waves his arms in all directions to get the attention of passing cars. He turns in circles debating on leaving his tricycle and walking back to town. A final attempt to fix the tricycle, leaves Walleye, kicking and screaming.
All of his drama stops when he sees an object that makes him forget his circumstances. Something, maybe of wealth, lay just shy of the ditch and in the woods. Walleye had been told as a child, that woods were bad. Woods were scary. Ditches. Now, ditches were good! He looked at what could be a treasure.
Walleye jumped into the ditch, soaking himself in frigid water. The possible gem wasn't within reach. The object lay just a couple of feet inside the tree line, and should've willed Walleye away. Who was he kidding! He wasn't going to waste this opportunity! Maybe, if he took long careful, fast steps just over the berm, he could stretch out his arm? Now, just a little further and quickly grab the, plastic? Hmm, plastic. The plastic was heavy. So, with both hands he yanked it toward the ditch. He never had to pull a second time.
His eyes turned to saucers as his mouth opened, but no noise came out. The plastic was wrapping a naked lady! A beautiful, naked, dead, lady. Walleye didn't recognize her from Willow River. The lady had yellow hair and glassy eyes. Today he found something discarded, though it wasn't aluminum cans.
Willow River's, Police Chief, Charlie Benson, didn't even carry a gun. Benson and the local undertaker, stood staring at the body, and possible crime scene. Growing up together in Willow River, neither had run across a murder. Here they had a real police case with nothing to go on, but a corpse. Both started in with speculation, then ended up bickering like an old married couple. They both knew that Charlie was out of his league this time. The unidentified murder victim would be easier to deal with, than having to contact the sheriff. The sheriff, like a hell hound, was fat and phoney, up for reelection, with his own agenda.
Prior to today, Charlie's most graphic crime scenes were tavern brawls or break ins at the laundromat. His safe hometown was one of predictability and secureness. In a small town everyone knows who everyone else is, or knows some one who does. They all know the news before it's published, and this murder was no different.
Police Chief, Benson, was determined to break this case wide open by himself without the sheriff's, help. The murderer might be easy to uncover, but other circumstances bring unsuspected surprises. Amazing surprises, making it hard to believe ... in the murder, at all.
Genius work. Enjoy!
(Author, Jimmy Olsen, hales from the Midwest, and Willow River is a real town, population 415, located just south of St. Paul, Minnesota. The junctions of the Willow and Kettle Rivers, were once home to the Ojibway Indians. From Native Americans, trappers and sod busters, a thriving logging industry was able to support a town. In March, 1874, Willow River was born.)
March 20, 2016
Things in Ditches is a debut novel by Jimmy Olsen. Sure, published in 2000 but a timeless mystery/crime/drama which, if you are partial to Fargo either the movie or current ‘hot’ series, is a perfect book to settle down with on a weekend. And, really, Things in Ditches truly reads like another season of the series. It is sooooo Fargo-esque. I started reading it one morning and could not put it down.
Okay, the plot is entirely credible in a crazy sort of way. Quickly: There’s a woman’s body found in the ditch by a local fellow, Walleye, who is a few bricks short of a load, and well-known in Willow River. Turns out Dutch, the local butcher, killed the woman who is called Vicky. They were former lovers. Dutch’s wife, Jean, won’t cover for him when he tells her. But she won’t rat him out when he flees town with his dog, Nimrod. Vicky’s current ex, Carroll, tells Charlie, the town chief of police, that his ex is missing, missed a coffee date and she is always punctual. Vicky’s current husband, Gord Murdock, a career criminal and serial killer, is in town looking for Dutch and pumps Len, Dutch’s friend and a lawyer, as to where he is....Gordy does find Dutch who defends himself and dislocates Gordy’s jaw leaving him in the alley behind his butcher shop in a barrel. Dutch thinks he is dead. Charlie finds him, not dead but really, really furious.
Let’s take a breath here. Honestly, this book is so well-written, the characters are plentiful, colourful and all key to the plot (so, do keep track!), the dialog just sings driving the plot along at breakneck speed, and the Minnesota setting is totally authentic, you can see it, touch it and believe it. The whole story just shouts, “Fargo!” at every turn. It is simply delicious.
There are a couple of editing glitches and it bogs down just a bit during the ‘chase’ part in the wilds of a Minnesota snow blizzard, but, on second thought, why not? Time does stand still when so many people, it seems, are after Dutch so the slow bit is warranted. The lull a narrative plot device, perhaps. At any rate, it works.
Let’s back up to the many characters who people this book. Many come and go and many stay and all have a part to play in the search for Dutch. Some deliver sightings of Dutch on the run, in the woods, in the fields. (Walleye, meanwhile, does something so laugh out loud crazy to save Vicky). Those after Dutch: Murdock and Carroll an odd combo if there ever was one; Len (as a friend); 2 bartenders from Togo who want the reward if there is one; Charlie and Jean. They are all headed north to Dutch’s cabin near the Canadian border. Remote, un-findable so Dutch thinks. No mystery book would be complete without a shootout and there is one at Dutch’s cabin. There’s another dead body but not by Dutch’s hand. The result is just priceless. Is Dutch taken into custody? Did he really kill Vicky? Or does he get away on his snowmobile heading north to freedom? There are things that haunt Charlie at book’s end like that set of keys found near Vicky’s body that fit nothing, no cars, no locks, but...
There may be no modcoms like cell phones in this book, and, again, so like the second season of Fargo, it all works, the era is clear in our mind and it is very agreeable, a blast to the past and in the case of Things in Ditches, a bit more current, just.
A drama, a comedy, a mystery and a lesson in excellent storytelling is Things in Ditches. Find it, read it. (2000, North Star Press, St. Cloud, Minnesota)
Okay, the plot is entirely credible in a crazy sort of way. Quickly: There’s a woman’s body found in the ditch by a local fellow, Walleye, who is a few bricks short of a load, and well-known in Willow River. Turns out Dutch, the local butcher, killed the woman who is called Vicky. They were former lovers. Dutch’s wife, Jean, won’t cover for him when he tells her. But she won’t rat him out when he flees town with his dog, Nimrod. Vicky’s current ex, Carroll, tells Charlie, the town chief of police, that his ex is missing, missed a coffee date and she is always punctual. Vicky’s current husband, Gord Murdock, a career criminal and serial killer, is in town looking for Dutch and pumps Len, Dutch’s friend and a lawyer, as to where he is....Gordy does find Dutch who defends himself and dislocates Gordy’s jaw leaving him in the alley behind his butcher shop in a barrel. Dutch thinks he is dead. Charlie finds him, not dead but really, really furious.
Let’s take a breath here. Honestly, this book is so well-written, the characters are plentiful, colourful and all key to the plot (so, do keep track!), the dialog just sings driving the plot along at breakneck speed, and the Minnesota setting is totally authentic, you can see it, touch it and believe it. The whole story just shouts, “Fargo!” at every turn. It is simply delicious.
There are a couple of editing glitches and it bogs down just a bit during the ‘chase’ part in the wilds of a Minnesota snow blizzard, but, on second thought, why not? Time does stand still when so many people, it seems, are after Dutch so the slow bit is warranted. The lull a narrative plot device, perhaps. At any rate, it works.
Let’s back up to the many characters who people this book. Many come and go and many stay and all have a part to play in the search for Dutch. Some deliver sightings of Dutch on the run, in the woods, in the fields. (Walleye, meanwhile, does something so laugh out loud crazy to save Vicky). Those after Dutch: Murdock and Carroll an odd combo if there ever was one; Len (as a friend); 2 bartenders from Togo who want the reward if there is one; Charlie and Jean. They are all headed north to Dutch’s cabin near the Canadian border. Remote, un-findable so Dutch thinks. No mystery book would be complete without a shootout and there is one at Dutch’s cabin. There’s another dead body but not by Dutch’s hand. The result is just priceless. Is Dutch taken into custody? Did he really kill Vicky? Or does he get away on his snowmobile heading north to freedom? There are things that haunt Charlie at book’s end like that set of keys found near Vicky’s body that fit nothing, no cars, no locks, but...
There may be no modcoms like cell phones in this book, and, again, so like the second season of Fargo, it all works, the era is clear in our mind and it is very agreeable, a blast to the past and in the case of Things in Ditches, a bit more current, just.
A drama, a comedy, a mystery and a lesson in excellent storytelling is Things in Ditches. Find it, read it. (2000, North Star Press, St. Cloud, Minnesota)
March 3, 2015
Those of you who like murder mysteries and suspense, this will be the book for you to read! It's not a new novel, but it is certainly a fascinating one that makes you question the many facets of being guilty of a crime.
Dutch Cleland lived in a small town with his wife, Jean. Their relationship was still somewhat tumultuous even though it had been quite a while since Dutch cheated on his wife with Vicky. He fell for Vicky and she told him she loved him. Eventually, though, the hate, rage, and anger that had been lying beneath the surface so long finally erupts and Dutch finished her off, leaving her in a ditch for another to find. The story goes viral in such a small town. Murder isn't something that happens in Willow River. While Dutch holes himself up in the middle of nowhere, a search commences for him and Vicky's now missing body while a blizzard rages on. There are more dangers in Willow River than Dutch Cleland. Vicky's husband, Gordon Murdock, and ex-husband, Carroll Johnson, are both in town and while her ex isn't much to worry about, it seems that her current one is. He's a "reformed rapist" and out to get Dutch along with everyone else. Only thing is that Murdock will plow through whoever he must to find him. All the while, Dutch is tying to figure what exactly to do about the whole situation. Run or stay and face the music?
I received a paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on it and I think this is a very complex tale of murder and intrigue. It is really interesting how Olsen made it so it was really hard to decide who was bad and who was good and to what depth of either one they were. In all honesty, pretty much no one in the book is completely good or bad. Even the chief of police, Charlie Benson, has his flaws, which includes his temper occasionally besting him and clouding any clear thinking when it comes to certain things, especially this particular case. Everyone thinks that Dutch committed the crime and have him marked as some mad butcher, which is ironic since he is a butcher by trade. But the guy has his reasons for finally letting loose on Vicky, which comes to light later on. No one deserves to die like that, but I can only call this woman one thing and that's a home wrecker. Plain and simple. I didn't think so at first, but the more you get into the book, the more you feel kind of sorry for all of the men involved with her and the more you dislike her. Any woman who has no scruples about being married and sleeping with various other men (mostly married ones) and breaking up or messing up marriages is a home wrecker. That's Vicky. The detail in this book is also really in depth and makes the story come alive. It can just as easily disgust you in some scenes as create awe in others.
A solid 5 star read!!
Dutch Cleland lived in a small town with his wife, Jean. Their relationship was still somewhat tumultuous even though it had been quite a while since Dutch cheated on his wife with Vicky. He fell for Vicky and she told him she loved him. Eventually, though, the hate, rage, and anger that had been lying beneath the surface so long finally erupts and Dutch finished her off, leaving her in a ditch for another to find. The story goes viral in such a small town. Murder isn't something that happens in Willow River. While Dutch holes himself up in the middle of nowhere, a search commences for him and Vicky's now missing body while a blizzard rages on. There are more dangers in Willow River than Dutch Cleland. Vicky's husband, Gordon Murdock, and ex-husband, Carroll Johnson, are both in town and while her ex isn't much to worry about, it seems that her current one is. He's a "reformed rapist" and out to get Dutch along with everyone else. Only thing is that Murdock will plow through whoever he must to find him. All the while, Dutch is tying to figure what exactly to do about the whole situation. Run or stay and face the music?
I received a paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on it and I think this is a very complex tale of murder and intrigue. It is really interesting how Olsen made it so it was really hard to decide who was bad and who was good and to what depth of either one they were. In all honesty, pretty much no one in the book is completely good or bad. Even the chief of police, Charlie Benson, has his flaws, which includes his temper occasionally besting him and clouding any clear thinking when it comes to certain things, especially this particular case. Everyone thinks that Dutch committed the crime and have him marked as some mad butcher, which is ironic since he is a butcher by trade. But the guy has his reasons for finally letting loose on Vicky, which comes to light later on. No one deserves to die like that, but I can only call this woman one thing and that's a home wrecker. Plain and simple. I didn't think so at first, but the more you get into the book, the more you feel kind of sorry for all of the men involved with her and the more you dislike her. Any woman who has no scruples about being married and sleeping with various other men (mostly married ones) and breaking up or messing up marriages is a home wrecker. That's Vicky. The detail in this book is also really in depth and makes the story come alive. It can just as easily disgust you in some scenes as create awe in others.
A solid 5 star read!!
July 5, 2015
Phillip (Dutch) Cleland has more than a few problems. His wife Jean, who had endured his infidelity years ago with Vicky Johnson, now suspects he may have had something to do with her death. In the opening lines of the story, he knows he killed Vicky and left her body in a ditch. Vicky’s husband shows up to find her and takes on Dutch. In self-defense, Dutch nearly kills him too. Dutch considers killing himself but instead decides to hide out in a cabin he used years ago. But if he’s going, he needs to go quickly as a blizzard is moving in.
In the meantime, Ervin (Walleye) Wertz finds Vicky’s body. He is mentally handicapped and is often looking for things in ditches. He collects all kinds of things turning in cans to earn a little extra money. He refers to this find as ‘the lady’ who stared right at him. Willow River Chief of Police Charlie Benson comes to investigate the scene then instructs the undertaker to take the body to the ME for an autopsy. He’s delayed due to the weather. By the time he gets the hearse to the ME, it is empty. Either the body fell out or somebody took it.
There’s a lot of play in characters in this delightful mystery and a lot more going on than meets the eye. Willow River, MN is a small town and the story gives off a small town feel. In a few chapters, Dutch recalls memories of his time spent with Vicky years before. All aspects of this mystery are woven together so well, and the reader becomes confident of the ending. But more than once I experienced a feeling of ‘Oh, I didn’t see that one coming’. I’m betting you will too. For a main character, I felt that Dutch could have been fleshed out better. By the end, I still didn’t feel I knew him very well. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story and all of its lovable and not so lovable characters. Rating: 4 out of 5.
In the meantime, Ervin (Walleye) Wertz finds Vicky’s body. He is mentally handicapped and is often looking for things in ditches. He collects all kinds of things turning in cans to earn a little extra money. He refers to this find as ‘the lady’ who stared right at him. Willow River Chief of Police Charlie Benson comes to investigate the scene then instructs the undertaker to take the body to the ME for an autopsy. He’s delayed due to the weather. By the time he gets the hearse to the ME, it is empty. Either the body fell out or somebody took it.
There’s a lot of play in characters in this delightful mystery and a lot more going on than meets the eye. Willow River, MN is a small town and the story gives off a small town feel. In a few chapters, Dutch recalls memories of his time spent with Vicky years before. All aspects of this mystery are woven together so well, and the reader becomes confident of the ending. But more than once I experienced a feeling of ‘Oh, I didn’t see that one coming’. I’m betting you will too. For a main character, I felt that Dutch could have been fleshed out better. By the end, I still didn’t feel I knew him very well. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story and all of its lovable and not so lovable characters. Rating: 4 out of 5.
April 25, 2015
Things in Ditches by Jimmy Oleson
Reviewed by Author Holly Newhouse for Eternal Book Reviews
Description:
"Vicky Johnson's killer rolled onto his right side, drew his knees up under the warm covers and cautiously peeked through the darkness at the crisp digits of the clock-radio counting his last moments on earth, death waiting patiently for him to shower and dress. The secret he thought, is not to open your eyes and let the world in.
"So begins the story of Dutch Cleland, a man with a hidden past and a future about to explode in his face. A seemingly average man whose love for two women drives him to such extremes that deception, even murder and suicide are no longer unthinkable."
Review:
In this murder mystery novel by Author Jimmy Oleson, there is plenty of murder, mystery, suspense and intrigue to satisfy any reader who seeks it out. I was hooked by the end of chapter one! This is an amazingly well written book with a very well-developed and complex story as well as complex characters who are exquisitely well-developed at the right pace. There are many twists and turns that keep you on your toes so that just when you think you have it figured out who the good guy is and who the bad guy is, you find out you are so very wrong, each is someone you would have never guessed. I would put Mr. Oleson up there with the greats in this genre because his writing ability is just that amazing and his ability to engage the reader on the deepest of levels is fascinating and truly brilliant! I highly recommend this book!
Jimmy Olsen
Hoffman House Press (October 2, 2010)
312 pp. $0.99 on Amazon Kindle and $14.95 on Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Things-Ditches-...
Reviewed by Author Holly Newhouse for Eternal Book Reviews
Description:
"Vicky Johnson's killer rolled onto his right side, drew his knees up under the warm covers and cautiously peeked through the darkness at the crisp digits of the clock-radio counting his last moments on earth, death waiting patiently for him to shower and dress. The secret he thought, is not to open your eyes and let the world in.
"So begins the story of Dutch Cleland, a man with a hidden past and a future about to explode in his face. A seemingly average man whose love for two women drives him to such extremes that deception, even murder and suicide are no longer unthinkable."
Review:
In this murder mystery novel by Author Jimmy Oleson, there is plenty of murder, mystery, suspense and intrigue to satisfy any reader who seeks it out. I was hooked by the end of chapter one! This is an amazingly well written book with a very well-developed and complex story as well as complex characters who are exquisitely well-developed at the right pace. There are many twists and turns that keep you on your toes so that just when you think you have it figured out who the good guy is and who the bad guy is, you find out you are so very wrong, each is someone you would have never guessed. I would put Mr. Oleson up there with the greats in this genre because his writing ability is just that amazing and his ability to engage the reader on the deepest of levels is fascinating and truly brilliant! I highly recommend this book!
Jimmy Olsen
Hoffman House Press (October 2, 2010)
312 pp. $0.99 on Amazon Kindle and $14.95 on Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Things-Ditches-...
July 22, 2015
This book doesn't really seem like a mystery because after all, we know who did it. Or do we?
Dutch Cleland is from a small town called Willow River, MN. He murders the woman, Vicky, that he was having an affair with in the past. So what makes him murder her now after all this time? The whole book we are trying to figure out why he did it. How could your well educated, but down to earth upstanding citizen become a murderer?
He first contemplates suicide rather than face people knowing of his crime. But he can't go through with it. Supposedly he is thinking about the mess his wife Jean will have to face. He may have cheated on her but he still loved her in his way.
There are many characters in this book to like and enjoy following in this story. There was Ervin Wertz (Walleye) who was the town mentally challenged individual and found the body. He steals the body and causes a big uproar over the missing corpse.
You get to really like Charlie Benson who is investigating this crime that his friend committed. I think him, Dutch Cleland and the setting of small town America are the ingredients that made this book a success. You know Dutch Cleland killed Vicky but a large part of you doesn't want him to be caught and if caught, not punished too much.
"Things In Ditches" was well written, lacked the grammatical errors so common in Kindle books recently and kept me wanting to read more to see what was going to happen next. Then just when you think the book ends, it doesn't. There is still yet another twist at the end. Be sure to pick this book up so you can be entertained with this murder crime/mystery.
I received this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Dutch Cleland is from a small town called Willow River, MN. He murders the woman, Vicky, that he was having an affair with in the past. So what makes him murder her now after all this time? The whole book we are trying to figure out why he did it. How could your well educated, but down to earth upstanding citizen become a murderer?
He first contemplates suicide rather than face people knowing of his crime. But he can't go through with it. Supposedly he is thinking about the mess his wife Jean will have to face. He may have cheated on her but he still loved her in his way.
There are many characters in this book to like and enjoy following in this story. There was Ervin Wertz (Walleye) who was the town mentally challenged individual and found the body. He steals the body and causes a big uproar over the missing corpse.
You get to really like Charlie Benson who is investigating this crime that his friend committed. I think him, Dutch Cleland and the setting of small town America are the ingredients that made this book a success. You know Dutch Cleland killed Vicky but a large part of you doesn't want him to be caught and if caught, not punished too much.
"Things In Ditches" was well written, lacked the grammatical errors so common in Kindle books recently and kept me wanting to read more to see what was going to happen next. Then just when you think the book ends, it doesn't. There is still yet another twist at the end. Be sure to pick this book up so you can be entertained with this murder crime/mystery.
I received this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 11, 2015
Being asked to write a book review is always a pleasure and a privilege. But, it can also be challenge. You want desperately to love every page and to scream out loud “well done” and tell everyone to “read it now”. In this case I am happy to say that is exactly what I recommend. After reading three of Mr. Olsen’s books; The Poison Makers, Things in Ditches and The Hero of Blind Pig Island, and other island stories, I found all of his works of fiction to be skillfully written, descriptive and often pushing me to the edge of my seat. He does not tell the tale of a murder as you would expect and that is what makes his books stand out. The unexpected is welcome and can even be educational. It is the Island book that became my favorite though. The stories of a scuba diver / instructor and the adventures on land and sea soon had me hooked. We are quickly reminded that the sea can be both “friend and enemy”. This collection of stories could only be written by a true adventurer and lover of the sea. Mr. Olsen is a scuba diver, instructor and adventurer himself and that is the key that opens the door to these well written stories. Love, hate, life lessons, loss and island life are depicted in a way that transports you through words. Soon you can almost hear the waves crashing as group of students make their way into the frigid waters. Or the palpable sensation you get in your chest when a boy cries out for his grandfather in rough waters. Or the sadness you feel at the loss of someone’s life and dream. Each story different from the next but written with a pen surely dipped in salt water. Copyright© KatherinesCorner.com
July 11, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: Mr. Olsen had a lot of good stuff in this book. I have to quote my favorite line. It was the internal thoughts of a suicidal murderer on the run, “But of course he didn’t fear prison. He feared exposure –the world seeing him for what he really was. The mask of his life removed and him there naked and small as only God knew him.”
I thought that was profound and probably more common than we think that both criminals and non-criminals fear exposure more than jail. I also liked the ending of the book.
But overall, I found it outdated and sexist. Some of the male characters are Viet Nam Vets. All the Nam vets I know are past seventy. These guys were in their thirties and maybe, forties. It didn’t fit. There were also several scenes that really turned me off. Here’s one of many scenes that made my skin crawl:
“Once again she lay exposed. The plump mortician stood and pressed a fist into his lower back. That’s it, he said. ‘Hand me the cover.’
“Not quite.” Charlie remained on the ground near the woman’s bare feet. ‘Check her vagina.’”
The male characters often make references to how attractive the dead woman is and frequently discuss her vagina. Ewww, is the only word I can think of to accurately describe many scenes in this book.
Would I recommend it: I’d probably recommend a different mystery . . . something more up to date, like a Karin Slaughter or a Michael Connelly mystery.
As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/06/re...
I thought that was profound and probably more common than we think that both criminals and non-criminals fear exposure more than jail. I also liked the ending of the book.
But overall, I found it outdated and sexist. Some of the male characters are Viet Nam Vets. All the Nam vets I know are past seventy. These guys were in their thirties and maybe, forties. It didn’t fit. There were also several scenes that really turned me off. Here’s one of many scenes that made my skin crawl:
“Once again she lay exposed. The plump mortician stood and pressed a fist into his lower back. That’s it, he said. ‘Hand me the cover.’
“Not quite.” Charlie remained on the ground near the woman’s bare feet. ‘Check her vagina.’”
The male characters often make references to how attractive the dead woman is and frequently discuss her vagina. Ewww, is the only word I can think of to accurately describe many scenes in this book.
Would I recommend it: I’d probably recommend a different mystery . . . something more up to date, like a Karin Slaughter or a Michael Connelly mystery.
As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/06/re...
July 27, 2016
The book for review is ‘things in ditches: a murder mystery novel” by Jimmy Olsen. This book falls in the genre of murder, action and mystery.
Meet Charlie Benson, a small town law man, who does his job well with what little crime falls his town of Willow River. His department is small. Not much happens here. Until local resident Walleye find a body in a ditch while looking for things to collect.
It isn’t long before Charlie is in on it as well as another sheriff who is in charge of where the body was found. To figure out this mystery Charlie has to do his job and be careful about it before he gets fired.
The local butcher is suspected of being the killer. Why? The dead woman was his mistress years ago. Why would he kill her now after breaking it off a few years back is something that bothers Charlie. It doesn’t help that Dutch, the butcher, makes a break for it. Now everyone is after him from the law, the dead woman’s husband and people out to collect the bounty on Dutch’s head. People are closing in on the suspect and it is a race to see who gets there first.
I am so glad this author asked me to read and review this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pages went by fast as I wanted to know the ending. You might think you know how it ends but don’t skip anything in between. There are twists that make this book a great read.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
Meet Charlie Benson, a small town law man, who does his job well with what little crime falls his town of Willow River. His department is small. Not much happens here. Until local resident Walleye find a body in a ditch while looking for things to collect.
It isn’t long before Charlie is in on it as well as another sheriff who is in charge of where the body was found. To figure out this mystery Charlie has to do his job and be careful about it before he gets fired.
The local butcher is suspected of being the killer. Why? The dead woman was his mistress years ago. Why would he kill her now after breaking it off a few years back is something that bothers Charlie. It doesn’t help that Dutch, the butcher, makes a break for it. Now everyone is after him from the law, the dead woman’s husband and people out to collect the bounty on Dutch’s head. People are closing in on the suspect and it is a race to see who gets there first.
I am so glad this author asked me to read and review this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pages went by fast as I wanted to know the ending. You might think you know how it ends but don’t skip anything in between. There are twists that make this book a great read.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2013
Below is a preview of the review. The full review is live on
The Guide to Good Books
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Warning! There are some spoilers!
Chapter 15, page 159.
Things in Ditches is written in third person past and follows the life of Dutch Cleland, the Butcher of Willow River.
Dutch Cleland is a lying, cheating, sneaky rat, and above everything else, the murderer of his mistress, Vicky Murdock, whom he loved with all his heart. Was it that love that ultimately got her killed?
In a small town like Willow River, stealing is unheard of and murder, even less. Cleland, unable to commit suicide, runs off into hiding, leaving Jean to face the music of his murder of which he detailed in a little note left in the kitchen. But on his way to pick up some food from his butcher shop, he's held up and things for him start getting much, much worse. Whatever Dutch thought he could save of his future was thrown down the drain.
Warning! There are some spoilers!
Marlene came in carrying a candle.
"Ah, Lady Macbeth!" he sighed with great drama. "Whyfore did he kill her now after all these leagues?"
"League is a distance, dope, not a time," she said pouring hot candle wax into a puddle beside him."
Chapter 15, page 159.
Things in Ditches is written in third person past and follows the life of Dutch Cleland, the Butcher of Willow River.
Dutch Cleland is a lying, cheating, sneaky rat, and above everything else, the murderer of his mistress, Vicky Murdock, whom he loved with all his heart. Was it that love that ultimately got her killed?
In a small town like Willow River, stealing is unheard of and murder, even less. Cleland, unable to commit suicide, runs off into hiding, leaving Jean to face the music of his murder of which he detailed in a little note left in the kitchen. But on his way to pick up some food from his butcher shop, he's held up and things for him start getting much, much worse. Whatever Dutch thought he could save of his future was thrown down the drain.
July 15, 2015
Things in Ditches is a different kind of murder mystery. It's a fun romp with a group of quirky characters at every turn. Phillip "Dutch" Cleland is a man caught between two loves, his wife, Jean, and a cheating, multi-married and divorced woman, Vicky Johnson. Dutch tries to get life back after an on off affair with Vicky when she suddenly comes back into his life. She had left him for other men but now needed his help because her latest husband was abusing her. Dutch wants no part of Vicky and loses his cool and strangles her. He is now on the run and wanted by not only the police but Vicky's crazy current husband, Gordon Murdock, and former husband, Carroll Johnson. Now you throw into the mix a bull-headed Police Chief, Charlie Benson, two inept police officers, a simpleton, Walleye Wertz, a fool for a lawyer, Len Davis, and you have the makings of a thoroughly comical and enjoyable story.
The author has gifted this book to me for an honest review. I found this book to be a refreshing and entertaining read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read something different. This is the second book I have read by this author and look forward to reading more from Jimmy Olsen.
The author has gifted this book to me for an honest review. I found this book to be a refreshing and entertaining read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read something different. This is the second book I have read by this author and look forward to reading more from Jimmy Olsen.
October 13, 2013
In a passionate rage, Phillip ‘Dutch’ Cleland kills Vicky Murdock, a woman he had an affair with a long time ago, but he knows the law will come after him. He runs away without bothering to cover his tracks. The crime sets off an investigation by the Willow River Chief of Police, Charlie Benson. Gordon Murdock, a convicted serial rapist, comes to town looking for Vicky and her murderer, trampling on people along the way. The chase leads everybody to a snowbound log cabin deep in the woods, resulting in a shootout. In the confusion, Dutch slips away.
With ‘Things in Ditches’, Jimmy Olsen takes the reader into a convoluted murder mystery and a bungled investigation that involves a cast of real characters behaving like people usually do in a small town. The story isn’t polished, and people make mistakes, but this is where Jimmy Olsen shines. In the real world, things are seldom neatly wrapped up. The book is an interesting excursion into the minds of simple townsfolk who are caught up in a murder committed by one of their own, The ending is interesting, and will bring a smile to the reader.
With ‘Things in Ditches’, Jimmy Olsen takes the reader into a convoluted murder mystery and a bungled investigation that involves a cast of real characters behaving like people usually do in a small town. The story isn’t polished, and people make mistakes, but this is where Jimmy Olsen shines. In the real world, things are seldom neatly wrapped up. The book is an interesting excursion into the minds of simple townsfolk who are caught up in a murder committed by one of their own, The ending is interesting, and will bring a smile to the reader.
December 5, 2014
“Things in Ditches” by Jimmy Olsen is a well-written and accomplished murder mystery. Cleverly told in several narratives we get to see multiple perspectives and time lines to understand the murder of Vicky, found dead in a ditch, a little better. The torn feelings of the murderer and his escape form one part of the book, while the police investigation led by Police Chief Charlie Benson forms another. Both are fascinating parts of the whole construction. There are plenty of interesting things about this book, not least the inhabitants of Willow River and the uncovering of how things got to the point of no return. Everything comes together in an unexpected and well-constructed way.
This is a cosy mystery in parts, while a little more gruesome in others, the story features really great characters and scenes and has its own unique charm. As I followed the story I found myself much more engaged and drawn in that I had originally anticipated. Olsen makes several poignant subtle points and really makes you think about the characters and their lives.
A surprise find and an excellent read.
This is a cosy mystery in parts, while a little more gruesome in others, the story features really great characters and scenes and has its own unique charm. As I followed the story I found myself much more engaged and drawn in that I had originally anticipated. Olsen makes several poignant subtle points and really makes you think about the characters and their lives.
A surprise find and an excellent read.
July 16, 2014
SOOOOOO GOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm going to leave the review short and sweet because I don't want to give anything away. It's a mystery :)))
I love a really good mystery and sometimes they are hard to come by but Things in Ditches was just that. It was humorous and a page turner. This murder mystery takes place in a small town in Minnesota. is a story of Dutch who is the suspect that killed Vicky who was found dead in a ditch. Throughout the story we are told of Vicky's life and how she ended up deceased and left in the ditch. Dutch who is experiencing murder/suicide is on the run.
The plot was very thought out and I enjoyed reading it so much. As I said it is humorous and has some twist in the story. It reminded me of Perry Mason, Murder She wrote, and all of those other t.v shows that are like that. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Rating 5stars
Recommend? Yes!!
I'm going to leave the review short and sweet because I don't want to give anything away. It's a mystery :)))
I love a really good mystery and sometimes they are hard to come by but Things in Ditches was just that. It was humorous and a page turner. This murder mystery takes place in a small town in Minnesota. is a story of Dutch who is the suspect that killed Vicky who was found dead in a ditch. Throughout the story we are told of Vicky's life and how she ended up deceased and left in the ditch. Dutch who is experiencing murder/suicide is on the run.
The plot was very thought out and I enjoyed reading it so much. As I said it is humorous and has some twist in the story. It reminded me of Perry Mason, Murder She wrote, and all of those other t.v shows that are like that. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Rating 5stars
Recommend? Yes!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews