A literary mystery set in a small town on the Massachussetts coast, in winter.

Optioned for a feature film, Winter By Degrees delivers "gritty dialogue and earthy atmosphere."
           -- Kirkus Reviews

"What holds our attention is the rich atmosphere, the chill desolation of a shore town in midwinter.  John Smolens knows his territory, social as well as geographical and proves it in his first novel."
--Boston Sunday Globe

"A promising debut."
--Chicago Tribune

"...delivers gritty dialogue and earthy atmosphere."
--Kirkus

"Richly textured and intriguing. A gritty tale of mystery and violence...."
--Lansing State Journal

"Rich in detail....Captures the sense of gloom that hangs over seaside communities in the winter as if a tragedy is just around every corner."
--Cape Cod Chronicle

John Smolens, professor of English at Northern Michigan University, is the author of three novels and a collection of short stories.

Currently out of print.