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Everybody in the publishing business knows about really small presses and self-published novels. Right? They're poorly written, badly edited and not worth the time or the money. Here's a novel that proves the exception to the rule. BONE FLOUR is proof that the source of the book may have nothing whatever to do with the quality of the work. That's especially true if the author, typically in control of every step in the process, works carefully and avoids compromising quality at any step. BONE FLOUR is a handsome volume with a nice cover, good design and excellent production. What's more it's a fascinating story with strong roots in Minnesota's historic milling industry. A modern mystery, the novel taps into the current wave of historic preservation, Funk has done her homework carefully, from the cover illustration to the facts of the matter. The conflicts are real and the family connections are excellently drawn, so one never loses sight of possible motives. There are lots of those. The characters are individuals with distinct voices. The pace and quality of the writing never flags. The essence of the story is this: Emma Randolph, Minneapolis architect and relative of the powerful Randolph milling family, is embroiled in a fight with the city over the preservation of the centuries old Randolph grain elevator and mill, located in the old milling district on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. The disagreement is a common one, the preservationists Emma represents want the widest possible latitude and the mone yto accomplish their aims. The Randolph family and city officials, including Emma's former lover, want something far less ambitious. Indeed, they'd prefer to tear down the place altogether. A late night fire of mysterious origins may scuttle the preservation plans. Was the fire a failed effort to circumvent the preservation group? Why is a small front end loader digging around at the back of the place? And why are some older members of the Randolph family worried about the project whichever way it goes? Against a background of civic corruption, dancing family skeletons, and emotional upheaval for Emma and her father, Emma perseveres to reach surprising and logical solutions. This is an excellent read and one hopes to see more mystery fiction from author Susan Funk. The reviewer is the author of: INNER PASSAGES and A SUPERIOR MYSTERY http://www.Minnesotacrimewave.org
Reviewed by Carl Brookins, December 2002
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