I did not start this book expecting to cry at the end! I read the summary and it gave me Justified/backwoods family vibes and I always found them so interesting in that TV show so decided to give this a try.

The story revolves around the Sawbrook family in Northern Michigan. They have lived on their land for generations, making a living running things illegally to and from Canada. Tourism has picked up in their area and their way of life has changed, but the land always comes first and foremost, no selling out to developers. Rhoda and Edward and their children, Lucy, Buckner and Jewell, have differing opinions on what to do with their land and everything hidden and repressed comes out into the open when Jewell accepts a risky job and starts a chain reaction that will forever change their family dynamic.

This book was so much more than I thought it would be. It's one of those books that you pick up with the intention of reading the first page or two to see if it would be something you like then discover you've blown through 30 pages in no time. Nothing was even happening, Mulhauser just has a way with words that have you immediately invested in the story. The characters instantly become real and tangible, I loved Rhoda and Edward's dynamic the most. The scene near the beginning where they rock on their chairs side by side, reminiscing on their early relationship while holding hands, was so beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

THE TROUBLE UP NORTH - Absolutely, a page-turner. It's just about a family, but with a history that keeps the pages moving. The new generation does not seem to hold up the reputation of the past generations. Good characters, especially, Rhoda, my favorite. Interesting story lines. Actions with intriguing effects that kept me figuring out solutions. Ending was sad but Rhoda was awesome. Source: Netgalley. 5*

The Trouble Up North was an engaging read about family and friends striving to protect their relationships, future, and land while grappling with addiction, stubbornness, and despair. The bond between the siblings felt incredibly authentic, and I deeply related to them—their story continues to linger in my thoughts.

That said, I wish the book had been more descriptive of the northern setting. As someone who loves visiting that area, especially with friends who are locals, I felt the scenery deserved more attention to truly capture its beauty and the reasons it’s worth defending.

While the portrayal of the resorters sometimes felt exaggerated, I’ve heard similar territorial rhetoric firsthand, so I applaud the author for capturing that dynamic. I also wanted to know more about the other characters; they were intriguing but lacked the depth I was hoping for. Overall, The Trouble Up North was an enjoyable read that resonated with me, even as I wished for richer descriptions of the setting and supporting characters.

The Sawbrooks are a fascinating family. I really enjoyed the story although it was difficult to relate to their experiences which were so different from my own. I was surprised by some of their choices and feel a bit as though, after all they went through, they just settled back into a close approximation of their old life.

This is an interesting story of a rather shady family. They have a history of bootlegging and breaking the law in their family.
The family owns acres of wilderness that is coveted by developers. The father is dying of cancer and their money is running out. In a series of events each of the children try in their own ways to help.

This is a dysfunctional family who don’t respect the law and will do what they have to to help each other. I can’t say I liked any of them, even the daughther who was trying to save the property. But I did enjoy reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy!

When I saw THE TROUBLE UP NORTH was set in Northern Michigan I knew I had to give this story a try. As a Michigan native I love books that are set in the state I know and love. The story follows the Sawbrook family, a dysfunction clan of bootleggers. Faced with lucrative offers from developers wanting to turn the beloved family land into condos and golf courses, adult daughter Jewell takes things into her own hands as she tries to keep her family afloat.

I really enjoyed the setting and the premise, but I was expecting a faster-paced story. Readers who are interested in a slow-burn family drama may find more enjoyment here. I enjoyed the writing by debut author Travis Mulhauser and will give him another try!

Many thanks to Grand Central Pub and Netgalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Trouble Up North is set in Northern Michigan's tourism territory. The landscape is being overrun by second homes, condos and tourists. The Sawbrook family, however, are locals. Edward, suffering from cancer, finds himself mostly homebound. Rhonda is the matriarch of the family and is his caregiver. Daughter Lucy works for the local park service; son Buckner is a struggling alcoholic and daughter Jewell is a gambler trying to find her way in the world. Money is tight, so when Jewell is offered a large some of money to commit what seems to be a victimless crime, she takes the opportunity. However, things don't go as planned and the siblings and their mother find themselves in a race to find a way out of the situation that has been created. I loved the very realistic family dynamics and the love/hate relationship amongst the siblings. As someone who has spent much time in Northern Michigan, I felt the author portrayed a realistic setting and was true to the local/visitor dynamic. Loved the local references like listening to the Tigers on the radio and call outs to local geography. Highly recommend.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group via NetGalley.

Every region of our country has stories of the first families that held land, cherished it, and would do anything short of betraying family for that land. They were pioneers, bootleggers, poachers, smugglers, doing what they had to to survive and rise. The novels always seem to be about Appalachia, Deep South, Texas or the like. This one is set in Michigan, my home state. “Up north” in Michigan is the northern lower peninsula, not the upper peninsula as a non-Michigander would guess. Well written with believable characters. A far-fetched tale that I found believable, oft told conflicts told in a new way.

This story of a colorful and eccentric family takes place on the lake shores of Michigan. Those very same shorelines provided the livelihood for the Sawbrook family for generations.

Years have passed; developers have circled and have landed, wanting the land; and the family is running out of time and of money. Will they be able to keep their valuable heritage, or will it become more golf courses and condominiums?

This novel takes the reader on a wild ride as the youngest grown daughter, Jewell, tries to cash in on some quick money to aid her family in their quest to keep their land.

It's a story of what one will do not only for love of land, but more importantly, love of family.

This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing, for this family saga mystery.