Frontier justice is a missed blessing in this week’s Between the Covers podcast
A town outcast is blamed for a young girl’s murder in Guy Vanderhaeghe’s novel The Last Crossing (McClelland & Stewart).
Custis Straw is not the most popular guy in town plus he knows the murdered girl. When the body is found the local sheriff doesn’t think he has to look too far for the culprit. It’s a good thing that Custis has a friend in the town doctor or he might not have even made it to trial.
The victim’s sister has her own ideas about who the guilty party is and she’s won’t let the real culprit get away with it.
Meanwhile Charles Gaunt is looking for a guide to help him search for his missing brother.
At this point in the novel the various stories start to come together.
Episode four: Custis lends a helping hand while Lucy plots revenge.
Episode five: Custis meets Charles Gaunt.
Episode six: Charles finally meets Jerry Potts.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at the Between the Covers podcasts. If you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
Words at Large is CBC’s online destination for Canadians who love books. Look for something new every day, from CBC programs and podcasts, to interviews with writers and more. Stay tuned for our newly designed and expanded site.



