The Canadian Civil War: Volume 3 - West to the Wall

This third book in the series mixes accounts of early explorations in west and attempts to reach the Pacific through the "Wall" of Rocky Mountains, with an ongoing description of the breakdown of Canada into northern and southern sections. While the government in Green Bay attempts to win friends in the south, an American agent opens a new front in the conflict by bringing a band of men to attack Sioux villages in the west. Shawn Murphy happens to be in the west researching early French attempts to push past the "Wall" of mountains to reach the Pacific. His confrontation with the American agent and his "angry-men" nearly costs him his life.

I have three sets of books here. The first is an alternative history of the US, envisioning how things might have gone had the French prevailed in the French and Indian War. That series comes from some personal experiences. I have canoed sections of the Fox, and driven along its banks. I have followed the voyageur route from the Sault to Quebec and traveled from Green Bay to New Orleans by car and by boat. My wife and I have spent many happy days on Mackinac Island and in Door County.
The Jessica Thorpe series is very different. It takes place in the tiny town of Amberg, Wisconsin, a place where I used to live. I wanted to describe that town and its troubles. Initially the novel involved a militia take over of the town, and it was called "Two Angry Men." But both men were predictable and boring. I had decided to have the story narrated by the town bartender - Jessica - and I soon realized she was the most interesting character in the book. She became the lead in the Jessica Thorpe series.
I restarted the series with a fight over a proposed water plant with Jessica balancing environmental rights and business rights. I put Jessica right in the middle of a real problem we are experiencing here in Wisconsin (and most other places). How badly does a tiny town need jobs? How much environmental damage should we accept?
The third series changes the lead character. Catherine Johnson solves mysteries. She also travels. It took her to many places I have been. The last several books take place in Russia. I admit I have no idea what is motivating the current madness there. Catherine looks, she tries to help, she struggles. What else can any of us do?