Something Happened in Carlton by Pierre C. Arseneault

As Pierre confesses, this is not the usual horror story many know him for. This led me to be intrigued, eager and delighted to read it. While I do enjoy his horrifying tales, I wanted to see what else he could do.

Something Happened in Carlton is a fine example of a dramatic plot, compelling characters and a tale gently mixed with humour to make it work wonderfully. From the front cover to the back, this book stood out to me and the first chapter proved its value. Complemented well with throwbacks to previous novels, with the characters being introduced in Maple Springs— a novel that was published prior to this one— though written after it. Arseneault did well with sprinkling enough from his previous tale throughout as to not confuse the reader who picks up this story first.

Strong foreshadowing also helped boost the story, with wit and glamour that is reflective of a small town and police force. Chief Clovis, the arguably main character of this novel, looks away from a lot of criminal acts and clearly shows how he values people and the flaws they have that lead to mistakes. While normally not much happens in this quiet town, part of the charm and reason he moved back to Carlton, under the surface there resides a lot of tension, confusion and mischief.

Sprinkled nicely with some sweet romance and revenge plots, the author was able to properly honour the life of a small town respectively. As with any small community, while everyone knows everyone or at least who they are related to, it was also laced with secrets, confusion and chaos that leaked and left marks like a cranberry being stomped on.

“It didn’t happen often but occasionally Garth Blackett came to the realization that he was simply being an asshole.” Lines like this packed a punch and helped one take a different look at the possible villain of the story. It was easy to point fingers at many culprits who were despicable which simply proved the point that many characters have many sides that will be revealed if you look closely enough.

Arsenault touches on the idea that overlooking the law may just be a good thing and that flawed people do have some good in them. While sweetly romantic, mysteriously dramatic and cautiously humourous, this book speaks volumes about the grief felt in a small community and how life must go on after tough losses. This book would have been much improved with a tiny bit more editing, though it was easy to look past during the fast-paced plot and lovable characters. The cast was large while being so distinct it was easy to keep them straight and feel for all of them. The plot was wonderfully paced, the setting completely believable and the characters will live long after the last page read.

A fun lesson in patience, a heartfelt look at grief and a different look at the antics of a small town.

The youngest of eleven children, Pierre C. Arseneault grew up in the small town of Rogersville, New Brunswick, Canada. As a cartoonist, Pierre was published in over a dozen newspapers. As an author, he has written solo and in collaboration with six titles published so far. Pierre currently lives in the outskirts of his home town again, near Rogersville in New Brunswick, Canada.

Publisher: Artemesia Publishing (May 20th, 2025)
Paperback: 8″ x 6″ | 244 pp
ISBN: 9781963832105

Sarah Butland

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I am a struggling artist, a challenging and challenged mother who always thinks she is failing, an emerging freelance writer and reporter, an author with my name on several books crossing genres and always hoping to find more readers who enjoy them.

I am also a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and my family.