Minnesota is known for frigid weather, thousands of lakes, and Scandinavian humor. But in this anthology of ten short stories, J. L. Larson shows a different side of the state via unique tales of conflict, adventure, and intrigue that often transport characters outside it borders.

In July of 1970, at a benign looking intersection in the middle of Minnesota farmland, a fateful mishap occurs yet again What is it about this seemingly nondescript junction that makes it such a repetitive and bloody deathtrap? Is it the terrain, the weather, the drivers-or a combination of these and maybe a few other factors? In another story, a paper company executive and his wife must cope with an empty nest and the loss of his job. He's doing fine ... until he receives a strange, late-night call about his self-centered, malicious nemesis from the old job. In tale after tale, Larson showcases eclectic characters who embark on adventures that include a disaster on a popular lake, an emotional confrontation in a university classroom, the mysterious travel exploits experienced by a young man with his uncle, and the recurring, dramatic impact on a young teen as his life moves forward following a seemingly insignificant encounter.

"The Accident at Sanborn Corners and Other Minnesota Short Stories" is an entertaining compilation of situations and themes that illustrate how various characters cope with the unexpected in life.

It was a warm June weekend in 1931 when five people met coincidentally at a lake town in Minnesota. Three of the five were outsiders. Two law school buddies, James Lawton and Charlie Davis were in town on a lark, but immediately began noticing some strange happenings at a nearby lake resort. The other, Lindy MacPherson, had more serious business. As an inexperienced investigator from the Minneapolis branch of the U.S. Attorney's office, her task was to explore a rumor about an alleged gambling operation in the vicinity of Lake Minnewaska. It was supposed to be a simple job neither lengthy nor precarious-more to give her investigative experience while under cover as a travel magazine writer. She'd been observing the same odd occurrences in the town.

The other two, a local father and son, John and Adam Bailey, had been ignoring these unusual activities and antics of the peculiar assortment of guests at nearby Chippewa Lodge like everyone else in town. It had been best to do so for the good of the community. Glenwood was thriving during an otherwise very diffi cult economic time all around the country.

MacPherson's orders had been strict. If she were to find any evidence relating to illegal gambling, she would leave Glenwood and promptly turn over her findings to the state patrol or the Bureau of Investigation and let them handle any potential arrests. MacPherson did not have an exemplary record of following 'strict orders' --especially when prompt action was needed.

Normally, taking on the mob would not be considered by anyone in their right mind. That weekend these five people made a decision. Circumstances required their immediate attention.

It was a warm June weekend in 1931 when five people met coincidentally at a lake town in Minnesota. Three of the five were outsiders. Two law school buddies, James Lawton and Charlie Davis were in town on a lark, but immediately began noticing some strange happenings at a nearby lake resort. The other, Lindy MacPherson, had more serious business. As an inexperienced investigator from the Minneapolis branch of the U.S. Attorney's office, her task was to explore a rumor about an alleged gambling operation in the vicinity of Lake Minnewaska. It was supposed to be a simple job neither lengthy nor precarious-more to give her investigative experience while under cover as a travel magazine writer. She'd been observing the same odd occurrences in the town.

The other two, a local father and son, John and Adam Bailey, had been ignoring these unusual activities and antics of the peculiar assortment of guests at nearby Chippewa Lodge like everyone else in town. It had been best to do so for the good of the community. Glenwood was thriving during an otherwise very diffi cult economic time all around the country.

MacPherson's orders had been strict. If she were to find any evidence relating to illegal gambling, she would leave Glenwood and promptly turn over her findings to the state patrol or the Bureau of Investigation and let them handle any potential arrests. MacPherson did not have an exemplary record of following 'strict orders' --especially when prompt action was needed.

Normally, taking on the mob would not be considered by anyone in their right mind. That weekend these five people made a decision. Circumstances required their immediate attention.

Minnesota is known for frigid weather, thousands of lakes, and Scandinavian humor. But in his anthology of ten short stories, J. L. Larson shows a different side of the state via unique tales of conflict, adventure, and intrigue that often transport characters outside its borders. In July of 1970, at a benign looking intersection in the middle of Minnesota farmland, a fateful mishap occurs. Two drivers have just sped through the Sanborn Corners junction, not realizing that the intersection has earned a reputation as a bloody deathtrap. Now everyone wants answers to the grisly question: what brought each of these people to Sanborn Corners at precisely the same time? A paper company executive and his wife must now cope with an empty nest and the loss of his job. He's doing fine-until he receives a strange, late-night phone call that he will never forget regarding his nemesis from his old job. In tale after tale, Larson showcases eclectic characters who embark on adventures that include a disaster on a popular lake, an emotional confrontation in a university classroom, and a golf tournament that tests four men in unimaginable ways. The Accident at Sanborn Corners is an entertaining compilation of short stories that illustrate the diversity of a region and its residents as each attempt to cope with the unexpected in life.