Another novel by Steff Penney but, having read this one, I'm not quite sure where the title came from. Yes, the story is set in the Canadian wilderness of the mid 19C, when the population was sparse and conditions for human living were primitive, but wolves don't feature in the story at all, except one expects to encounter them at every turn of the page. Perhaps that's the point.
However, that's by the by. The story centres around the murder of Laurent Jammet, a French born trapper who settled in the small settlement of Dove River and befriended the 17 year old adopted son of a local couple. When the boy goes missing, he is immediately suspected of the murder by everyone in the local community except his mother, who recruits the help of a visiting scout and the pair set of to find the missing boy. They are joined by others who have vested interests in the outcome.
The current intrigue the tale reveals, and the old mystery that is resolved, unfold as the journey progresses. The understated relationship between the scout and the stubborn wife/mother adds subtle flavour to the mix.
A story of determination, mystery, loyalty and a mother's love and harsh lives lived in primitive conditions. A good read.
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