What the hell did I just waste my time reading!? The first story was ridiculous and poorly written, while the second story was entertaining for a while, but the ending was appalling, and altogether, this book was an entire waste of time and energy. Awful.1 Bonnie9

My 1st Hassler, I doubt there will be a 2nd1 Pat Roberts410 2

This is one downer of a book (actually two novellas, and the second is no more cheerful than the first). 1 Joe Stack767 6

It has been a pleasure to read the stories by Jon Hassler and these two novellas do not disappoint. There is beauty in Hassler's story telling. The characters and their dialogue are completely believable. As a reader, you are sure you've heard similar conversations at family gatherings. These stories are about camaraderie and reflections of life; stories where the plot is driven by dialogue and inner reflections, generally about relationships. Hassler's writing is graceful and often with a touch of humor, such as this from "The Life and Death of Nancy Clancy's Nephew:" "He remembered times when his wife was living and Nancy Clancy would show up for holiday dinners, at which she was not loved but admired an heirloom and always delivered home earlier than she wished." Tricia Florence120 1 follower

Quite entertaining and laugh outloud funny. Was not expecting that. I enjoyed it quite a bit. The dialogue was excellent and he tells a story in such a way as it's easy to keep track of the characters. Julie 44

Much as I enjoy Jon Hassler’s writing, I just couldn’t get into this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review Judith Kerr204

Not nearly as good as his other books. The characters were real hicks making for a jokey plot. Sharon Zink1,343 10

This book is more humorous than cliff hanging. It is about one murder a long time ago and one during the present time. The writing is good, and the characters are well developed.2021 Mary Zurn237 1 follower

Not quite to my liking. Oh I chuckled in a few spots but overall not my kind of book. Alex569 21

Two novellas in one volume by the inventor of the Minnesota town of Staggerford. These stories are about growing old, memory, and death. Bleak, yes, but extremely well crafted and well worth while.1 Sue Schleeter142 1 follower

It was 2 Novellas, but as different as they were, they did have a link between them.
I d them, a little silly but okay Mark Oppenlander809 24

Jon Hassler has long been one of my favorite authors. This book, actually two novellas, was written late in Hassler's career and just a few years before his death. It is definitely not his best work, but I would contend still worth the read as it's short and entertaining.

The first novella, "The Staggerford Murders," feels an experiment. The story is told from the POV of several different characters as they uncover a string of events from a number of years before to solve not one, but two murders. The story reads a little an Agatha Christie drama set in small-town Minnesota (this is Hassler after all) and with a few dashes of Elmore Leonard thrown in for spice. Definitely atypical, but amusing enough for what it is.

"The Life and Death of Nancy Clancy's" nephew is more typical (in my mind at least) of Hassler's abilities as a writer. A description of some of the last years of an old turkey farmer's life, laced with flashbacks that reveal pieces of his character, the novella is a bittersweet meditation on aging which is then topped off with an abrupt ending. Still, the quality of Hassler's writing is more evident here than in the first piece and the poignant observation of telling details that set his work apart certainly flow through this one. Recommended for those who d "Simon's Night" or "A Green Journey" - just don't expect as many warm fuzzies at the end.mystery John764 26

The book contains two novellas for the price of one.
"The Staggerford Murders" is a silly story about the murder of the director of the Staggerford Chamber of Commerce and, somewhat later, the disappearance of his widow. The events are told nine years later in the words of several characters as unsolved mysteries are solved. I don't think the storytelling methods works very well in this case.
"The Life and Death of Nancy Clancy's Nephew" is the story of an old man who s to run. Not much happens, really, and much of what does happen occurs in the memories of the main character. But he's a charming main character in a crusty, Minnesota sort of way, and I thought this was the more enjoyable of the two novellas. Didn't care for the ending, though.
Not among Hassler's better works, in my opinion, but OK as a diversion. Kristen2,087 148

This book is two novellas in the place of one. I thought this was okay. The first story deals with two seven year old cold case murders of a couple. I thought this story was a bit better than the second, which deals with some major players in their own POV. I gave this one a three, since this is a mystery. The second deals with a resident, aging beyond his year to visit his aunt, and showcases his life and then in the end, his death. I gave this one a two for this literary fiction/fiction story. That's a 2.5 or a three. Since there's no halves, it's a three. I'll let you guys be the judge on this one if you want to read it for a quick read. 8-09 fiction mystery Terry1,570

After my first reading, I wrote, "Not as complex or interesting as Hassler's earlier novels."

After a second reading, the two novellas in this book seem more perceptive than I thought 8 years ago. It may be that I have read about and experienced enough more life situations to be more charitable toward characters Grover and W.D. It could be that I was in a more receptive mood. In any case, I needed a short book after American Elsewhere's 600+ pages and this book turned out to be an excellent choice. Not quite 4 stars, though.fiction Nancy690 8

Hassler is what is called a regional writer. his books mostly take place in small-town Minnesota. I discovered him through my mother, a small-town MN girl until my Naval officer father lured her away to the bigger world. I have read most of Hassler's other books and have been enchanted with the simple straghtforwardness of the people in his stories. This book was actually 2 novellas - the titular one and "The Life and Death of Nancy Clancy's Nephew." The first one was just two quirky for me; the second one was bittersweet, until the end when it turned subtly sadder.contemporary Ginny292 7

Two short books. I read The Staggerford Murders, only. I have read the other Staggerford novels and found this at the library. I didn't recognize any of the characters. The story held my interest, but just barely. Kristin6 1 follower

When I'm looking for something light but not empty, I often turn to Jon Hassler. This novel (which is actually 2 novellas) has been just that. I can't wait to make myself a cup of tea, curl up on the couch, and finish this one tonight. Debbie1,326

Two novellas with very different tones. The first one reminds me of comic Eudora Welty. The second is more in the rather melancholic tone of the other Hassler novels--perhaps even more so. I d the Staggerford Flood perfectly fine. Bayneeta2,284 13

A couple of unrelated novellas--they both take place in the same part of Minnesota. No Agatha in either of these; and Hassler strangely reincarnates a hotel he tore down in a previous book. d it better than The Staggerford Flood . fiction summer-2010-book-discussion Jo Marie551 7

This is actually two very different novellas. Not sure why they're published as one book. Anyway, I didn't either one very much. The first one is just too silly, and the second "The life and death of Nancy Clancy's nephew" was more interesting but still not very good. Gayle173 3

Well, okay, I didn't read it. After 15 miserable pages, I couldn't justify the time. Maybe if I had a rural background and was interested in a "say it the way they do" book, I could get to page 16 and beyond. No Hassler for me -- ever. Sarah340

Two short stories, I found "The Staggerford Murders" not to my taste, but enjoyed Nancy Clancy's Nephew a great deal. I think this Hassler binge is done. Chris9

Very easy read Janet40 1 follower

a quirky book,2 short stories, ok i guess Jamie8

Two stories, the first very funny, the second kind of dull. Sarah589

Two quick, short reads. Being a native Minnesotans myself, I can relate to many of these characters and know people who are just them. Dawna63 3

Jon Hassler is one of my favorites but this book was so - so. Hassler's Staggerford, Simon's Night and A Green Journey are very good. I would recommend them without reservation. Marcia225

I used to love Jon Hassler books but I must have outgrown them :-( I was really really disappointed. book-club-books Carroll474

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