The Monster of Minnesota (News from the Edge, Book 1) [Paperback]

Mark Sumner (Author)

Book Description

Series: News from the Edge | Publication Date: July 1, 1997

Investigative reporter Savannah ""Savvy"" McKinnon journeys to northern Minnesota to probe the deaths of four people, supposedly killed by a mysterious lake monster called Big Jelly. Original."

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Ace (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441004598
• ISBN-13: 978-0441004591
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #770,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mark Sumner is the author of numerous novels, including Devil's Tower which was nominated for the World Fantasy Award. His News from the Edge series (including The Monster of Minnesota and Vampires of Vermont) was the basis for the television series The Chronicle which appeared on the SyFy network.

His latest book, The Evolution of Everything, is his first non-fiction work. In it, he looks at how Darwin's ideas have been misunderstood, and how selection affects not just the natural world, but everything around us.

He worked for two decades as a field geologist, discovering miles of cave beneath western Kentucky, uncovering dinosaurs in South Dakota, and exploring for minerals across many western states. He now works in an office -- which is not nearly as scenic or exciting, though it does tend to stay warm and dry.

He is a contributing editor at the political web site Daily Kos, where he frequently writes on issues of science, the environment, and the economy. He holds a Masters Degree from Washington University, and lives with his wife and son in a drafty log cabin near St. Louis, Missouri. He still owns a rather rickety ultralight plane for use on those occasions when the world seems a little too safe.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introducing Savvy Skye, May 28, 2004

By 

Joshua Koppel (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Monster of Minnesota (News from the Edge, Book 1) (Paperback)

In keeping with the tradition of trying to alert readers to books they would probably overlook, this week I am recommending THE MONSTER OF MINNESOTA by Mark Sumner.

Billed as a cross between the Cat Who... books and the X-Files, this is the story of Savannah McKinnon, a writer for a notorious supermarket tabloid. Although she works for a tabloid, Savvy wants to get into serious journalism. When she gets a tip off the line about a lake monster that involves several deaths, Savvy goes out and does the almost unthinkable; she lands a field assignment. But things don't go quite the way she had hoped. First, her source turns out to be a kid. Then other bits of the case go sour. But there are still the bodies, the monster rumors, and a new chemical plant that seems to be killing of the fishing trade; a trade that keeps the town alive. Slowly Savvy begins to put together the pieces and her chances or a serious story.

THE MONSTER OF MINNESOTA is the first in a series called News From the Edge. The ending leaves plenty of room for Savvy to continue on her journalistic path. This book is really a mystery with an element of the fantastic and written by an author who seems to understand the genres. Savvy is a talented and interesting character. As with a modern trend in mysteries Savvy has her sights set on an equally interesting man. He runs a small weekly paper that she often submits articles to (which displeases her boss at the tabloid). The two have an interesting relationship that promises further development if the series continues.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming! Go get it before it becomes a tabloid rumor, July 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Monster of Minnesota (News from the Edge, Book 1) (Paperback)

This slim little book is probably going to disappear like Nessie diving in cold water, but while it's here mystery fans have a chance to visit with a charming and, dare I say, *spunky* heroine. Cleverly plotted and colorful.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A cool cosy mystery hiding in the SF aisle, July 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Monster of Minnesota (News from the Edge, Book 1) (Paperback)

Very fun, and sassy. Savannah McKinnon is a young, smart talking reporter who is a little goofy, sweet, soft hearted, and very astute all at the same time. Savvy suspects everyone, and chases every red herring, but she eventually tracks down the mystery. After reading a dozen mysteries in a row that all seem the same, this one was delightfully different