"This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout. The style and tone are also consistent with or will appeal to readers of the intended genre."- Judge, 31st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
"The plot starts as a terrible mystery then morphs into a hunt for a serial killer, while the main characters think something underworldly is the cause. The relationship of the main characters to a victim and the land is well-played. The mystery continues with sacrifice and heroic deeds." - Judge, 31st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
Origins
So, why does a guy from New Jersey write a story about Wisconsin? Well, it might have something to do with the fact that my wife, Janet, hails from the Badger State—Sheboygan County to be precise. We were married in a small country church not far from the farming community of Howards Grove where she grew up—her first home, and what would become a second home away from home. Like the folks in my story, Janet and her family are direct descendants of the first wave of German immigrants to the region in the 1840s. So, as we made repeated trips over the years from the East Coast back to her homeland with our two growing sons, my fondness for cheeseheads, brats, and dairy farms only grew. When I wasn’t rooting for the Eagles, I was pulling for the Packers!
Sheboygan River and Harbor at Lake Michigan, Wisconsin.
As my fondness for this beating dairy heartland of America grew, my admiration for the people most attached to the land—its Indigenous population—also blossomed into a deep respect for their culture and traditions. Reading the works of Paul Radin (The Winnebago Tribe) and David Lee Smith (Folklore of the Winnebago Tribe) and other online sources, my fascination and respect for the history, folklore, and oral traditions of the Wisconsin Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) and other woodland tribes of this region only deepened.
Winnebago, or “People of the Bad Waters,” was the name given to these people by the Algonquin tribes that also settled this area and refers to the sometimes foul-smelling marshlands of the regions they settled. In 1994 the Wisconsin Winnebago drafted a new constitution, replacing the previous one established in 1963. Structured after the federal and state governments, the new constitution formally restored the tribe’s traditional name, Ho-Chunk Nation, variously translated as “People of the Big Voice” or “Sacred Language.” When French explorer Jean Nicolet landed at the Red Banks on the northern shores of Green Bay in 1634, he was reportedly greeted and entertained by upward of 5,000 Ho-Chunk warriors. Nicolet was the first European to make direct contact with Native peoples of Wisconsin. Historians estimate the total Ho-Chunk population at that time to be upward of 20,000.
My story might be considered a modern-day folktale. Drawing on the myths and legends of the Ho-Chunk, I have attempted to weave a tale that combines the myriad threads of ancient Native American culture with today’s world while striving to maintain the highest degree of respect and regard for their origins and authenticity. I apologize if I failed in any way to do so or offended anyone in any manner of speaking.
Native American wigwam and village campsite (Sheboygan County Historical Museum)
Praise for Beneath The Maize
“Are you looking for a good murder mystery? Or is it murder? The book has it all -- longstanding mystery, past historical chapters to inform the reader of background information (helpful), great descriptions of events and physical surroundings. Love the Native American history, folklore & legends, and rituals inserted into the story. If you are into sci-fi reading, this book has crop circles in GMO corn fields and gigantic mushrooms. How does it all tie in to the murders/missing persons? Oh, and it has Wil.....Nope can't tell you. You will have to read this enthralling story.” - Carol Edholm, 5-Star Goodreads Review
"A crime story with a difference. Investigating missing persons going back over many years, with a young reporter whose sister was one of the early missing people, last know location a strange crop circle in a field of corn. It moves between times from the local Native American tribe perspective, now and in the past. Characters are strong, fully developed and make the flow of the book easy and keeps your interest to the very end. A well written book that is definitely worth reading, with some unusual ideas explored for your reading pleasure." - Lesley Jackson, 5-Star Goodreads Review
"Beneath the Maize is a brilliant story. It follows along with a few characters who all play a role in the events that are unfolding in this small town puzzling its citizens. I loved the world building that was established from all points of views, from the local Sheriff to the background knowledge of the Native American folklore. We see lots of different point of views between the Characters and you never feel as if something was left out from them. The Author wrote the Characters in a way I was able to go through the emotions with them throughout the story. The writing and story line was captivating, really pulls you in with such suspense I didn't want to the put the book down, always left wanting to read just one more chapter." - Stephanie Cox, 5-Star Goodreads Review
Interview with the Author
In December (2023), I was approached by the editors of the Sociology Group to be interviewed. I happily obliged. Sociologygroup.com is an online blog that explores a wide range of topics impacting current events and social issues. The focus of this interview is my recent novel, Beneath the Maize, and related topics. Go To Interview
Book Review: Beneath the Maize
January 29, 2024 by Sociology Group
GO TO REVIEW
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