Randall Probert pens new book

    Randall Probert, a retired Maine Game Warden, has recently released his newest book, “Trial at Norway Dam”, another historical novel situated in T7-R9 near Norway Dam on Matagamon Lake, in northern Maine, and a sequel to his two other books about the Matagamon region.
    In his book “Mysteries at Matagamon Lake”, Probert tells of an old bottle that was found behind the Matagamon Dam containing a note (to Sarah) and a map where the author of the note had hidden some gold coins he had stolen. In this new book, Probert creates the character, Sarah, and others to explain the bottle and note.
    Although the story Probert created to explain the note is fictional, he assures me that there was indeed a bottle found with a note and a map; and found by (I’ll call him Mr. Q to protect his identity), a seasonal camper at the Matagamon Wilderness camp ground.
    Probert also takes the reader back in time to the vast area between Shin Pond and Matagamon Lake when it was a busy lumbering community. The reader will relive the history at the old Shin Pond Hotel, the Crommett Farm, the Hay Brook Farm, the Seboeis Farm and Colonel Brown’s Mill at Saddle Pond, and mixed in with this history are some of Probert’s experiences as a game warden.
    “Why is it called Norway Dam? And what exactly is the trial?”
    “The first time I saw Norway Dam, it reminded me of fiords in Norway. But you’ll have to read the book to learn why it’s called Norway Dam. To me it is one of the most beautiful places in the state. The main character in the book, Percival Spieman, is put on trial for his life there.”
    “Are you working on another book now?”
    “There’s one that I am thinking about doing. But it’ll take a bit of research. I’m looking at the history in the Grafton Notch area in the mountains of western Maine.”
    Mr. Probert will be doing a book signing during Midnight Madness on July 3, starting at 6 p.m.