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"I don’t go looking for it, but trouble seems to find me.”
It’s the summer of 1977 in Medicine Hat, Alberta and twelve-year-old Will Widmann’s biggest problems are worrying about starting junior high in the fall, maintaining his summer lawn-mowing business, and avoiding the bullying Lowe brothers. But a bigger problem emerges when he meets Harper, a tough-talking teenaged girl who seems to be hiding in fear for her life. Will doesn’t know it yet, but evil has come to sleepy Medicine Hat, and by helping Harper he’ll be running afoul of a criminal gang and ending up at the centre of a robbery, kidnapping, and murder plot that puts him into heart-stopping danger.
Told in Will Widmann’s anxious, self-deprecating, and frequently hilarious voice, Chinook is a fast-paced thriller with a painfully observant perspective on emerging from childhood into adolescence as well as touching relationships; colorful, specific characters; complicated family dynamics; and sharp, funny dialogue.
It’s the summer of 1977 in Medicine Hat, Alberta and twelve-year-old Will Widmann’s biggest problems are worrying about starting junior high in the fall, maintaining his summer lawn-mowing business, and avoiding the bullying Lowe brothers. But a bigger problem emerges when he meets Harper, a tough-talking teenaged girl who seems to be hiding in fear for her life. Will doesn’t know it yet, but evil has come to sleepy Medicine Hat, and by helping Harper he’ll be running afoul of a criminal gang and ending up at the centre of a robbery, kidnapping, and murder plot that puts him into heart-stopping danger.
Told in Will Widmann’s anxious, self-deprecating, and frequently hilarious voice, Chinook is a fast-paced thriller with a painfully observant perspective on emerging from childhood into adolescence as well as touching relationships; colorful, specific characters; complicated family dynamics; and sharp, funny dialogue.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Rich Wambolt grew up in Medicine Hat, Alberta and like Will Widmann of Chinook was once (a long time ago) an awkward twelve-year-old boy. In his life he has encountered many good people who had some wicked in them and vice versa. A few of these people changed the direction of his life, so he decided to write about how that can happen in a thriller with a sense of humour.
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CONTACT
Reviews and Raves
Independent Press Award 2026 Distinguished Favorite for Young Adult Category.
“Chinook stands out because of its specific setting and grounded emotional focus. …readers who appreciate character-driven stories with a suspenseful edge will find it rewarding.”
—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW
“Chinook is a great read. The book is a well-designed mix of humour, suspense and thriller, all played to a soundtrack of the 70's.” —AMAZON CUSTOMER REVIEW
“Chinook is a delightful novel that will take you to Medicine Hat, Alberta for a thrilling adventure. A must read.” —GOODREADS REVIEW
“I started it and could not put it down. This author captured the youth of days gone by, the "Hat", and set it to an adventure. I love this book and all of its characters. Don't miss the read.” —GOODREADS REVIEW
“Chinook is a well-written story that draws the reader in and keeps them turning the page. The cultural references to the '70s era made me smile and chuckle out loud.”
—GOODREADS REVIEW
“5 star!!⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️” —GOODREADS REVIEW
“A popcorn read to be gobbled up in one session! Relatable characters you're right with on every page who surprise you with laugh out loud funniness. Can't wait to see what they get up to next.” —GOODREADS REVIEW
