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Hawk’s Valley: A Good Place to Die

By Arvid Lloyd Williams

266 pages, softcover: $15.95

Reviewed by Bill Scurlock for MUZZLELOADER. Published in September/October 2004 issue.

Another good historical novel with a Western slant is Arvid Williams’ Hawk’s Valley: A Good Place to Die. Set in Minnesota in 1861, Hawk’s Valley follows the adventures of Hawk Owen, who is forced to leave the family’s hardscrabble farm after another run-in with his mean-spirited father. Hawk grabs his rifle and a few supplies and sets out find his own place and live off the land as he had been taught by his Uncle Robert as a boy.

Hawk’s brother Jake was determined to stay on the farm, mainly for his mother’s benefit, but that plan is soon disrupted by the terrible murder of Mrs. Owen by rogue Indians. With his mother dead and his father (John) missing, Jake sets out for revenge on his own. Although the three Owen men are on separate paths with different purposes, you know that their paths will cross again.

Williams weaves an interesting tale based on the history of Minnesota, specifically the events leading to the Indian battles at Fort Ridgely, Redwood Ferry and Birch Coulee. In these scenes his fictional characters interact with historical figures like Alexander Ramsey, Henry Sibley, Joseph Rolette, Little Crow and John Other Day. It’s a good read, even for those not knowledgeable about the Sioux Conflict of 1861–1862.

Born and raised in northern Minnesota, Arvid Williams participates in rendezvous events around the state. His love of the natural history and geography of the state is evident in this book. Hawk’s Valley is the first in a series of historical novels and can be ordered through the publisher at <www.evergreenpublish.com>. Order by mail by sending $15.95 plus $4.00 shipping to Evergreen Publishing, Attn. Order Center, 15539 Shadow Creek Road, Minneapolis MN 55311.