Principles to Live By

Principles to Live By follows RCMP officer John Delano as he investigates a decades-old case involving a young boy's death in New Brunswick. The investigation intertwines with Delano's personal struggles, including his separation from his wife and the disappearance of his son. The narrative moves between 1999 and the present day, tracking both Delano's original involvement with the case and his current attempts to uncover the truth. The story encompasses multiple perspectives from the small Maritime community, revealing how past events continue to impact the present. Set against the backdrop of rural New Brunswick, the novel explores themes of justice, redemption, and the weight of moral choices. Richards examines how principles - both keeping and breaking them - shape human lives and communities across generations.

Readers describe the book as a dark exploration of justice and morality through interweaving storylines. The non-linear narrative follows a detective haunted by a cold case. Positive reviews highlight: - Complex character development - Authentic portrayal of rural New Brunswick - Thought-provoking themes about right and wrong - Raw emotional impact Common criticisms: - Confusing timeline jumps - Too many subplots and characters to follow - Heavy-handed moral messaging - Slow pacing in middle sections One reader noted: "The fragmented storytelling style challenges you to piece together the mystery, but the payoff is worth it." Another commented: "The depressing tone and bleak worldview became overwhelming." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (246 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (28 ratings) Chapters/Indigo: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) The book earned nominations for the 2016 Governor General's Literary Award and Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize.

Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald A multi-generational Maritime family saga that unfolds through interconnected mysteries and examines the long-term impact of past decisions on present lives.

Mercy Among the Children by David Adams Richards The story of a Maritime family confronting persecution and injustice in their community while holding onto personal principles.

The Mountain and the Valley by Ernest Buckler A novel set in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley that traces how past choices echo through a rural community and shape individual destinies.

Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay The narrative follows a group of characters in Canada's north whose lives intersect through an investigation of historical events that continue to influence the present.

The Bishop's Man by Linden MacIntyre A Cape Breton priest investigates past crimes while confronting his personal demons in a story that moves between time periods and examines moral responsibility.

🔷 David Adams Richards is one of only three writers to have won Governor General's Literary Awards in both fiction and non-fiction categories. 🔷 The author's upbringing in Newcastle, New Brunswick heavily influences his work's authentic portrayal of Maritime life and culture. 🔷 Like the RCMP officer in the novel, Richards often explores characters wrestling with moral choices in his works, drawing from his Catholic background and philosophy studies. 🔷 The book's themes of justice and morality reflect Richards' own experience serving on the Canadian Senate from 2017-2023, where he advocated for social justice issues. 🔷 Richards has been compared to William Faulkner for his ability to create complex moral universes within specific regional settings.