*Spoiler Alert* – Red Mountain

*SPOILER ALERT* – Please only read if you have read my novel Red Mountain.

Below are my thoughts on the controversial ending.

You might recall the cliffhanger ending in Red Mountain, the one many have given me a hard time about. What you may not know is that I had no intentions of writing a sequel. Against my wife’s advice, I stood by the ending, believing there was no other way to conclude my story. Looking back, it was my hardheaded artistic self that wouldn’t budge. I believed the theme of hope would carry through and give the readers a chance to tie things up themselves. For the record, I didn’t necessarily write the sequel to answer the cliffhanger, but more because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters. (As I start to think about the next and final book in the series, I’m still not ready to say goodbye!)

Nevertheless, it has saddened me to read reviews from folks who adored the story but became irate over the ending. Or they felt cheated. Not everyone will love a book but clearly, my artistic choice might have been a poor one. I’ve spent a long time wondering how I might have added a bit more to the story. Yesterday, I wrote one last paragraph to end the book, and I’ve added it to all future copies. It’s not the biggest deal in the grand scheme of things, but I thought you might enjoy the process. Let me know your thoughts on both endings and on my change of heart. Though this addition still doesn’t answer all the questions, perhaps it will be enough of an encouraging glimpse to satisfy future readers. The lesson I have learned is that I’m not only writing for me and my hardheaded artistic self. Much more importantly, I’m writing for you, and I don’t want you to ever think I’ve cheated you or stolen your time. DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVE YET TO READ RED MOUNTAIN.

In the end of the book, the group is standing around Joan in the hospital, all holding hands. Otis howls, calling out to his mate. Ahhh-woooo. The howl is where I previously left the story. I’ve now added:

As the echo of Otis’s howl subsided, a surge of energy ran through his hand, and Joan softly squeezed his palm. Otis gasped and looked down. Though her eyes were still closed, he knew she was on her way back to him.

I welcome your thoughts and opinions.

Comments

79 Responses

  1. Just finished the third book in the Red Mountain Series. What a fantastic read they were. You know you’ve found an exceptional writer when the words leap from the page and send you on a magically descriptive journey that stays with you. The story lines and characters were so real. The books actually made me want to learn more about wines too. Please. Please. I implore you to keep the series alive. I’m far from ready to leave the mountain. What a fabulous writer you are. Thank you. Thank you.

  2. Enjoyed your three Red Mountain series!

    Just one (maybe more later,) question? Why a all the trash talking about Lodi, CA? There isn’t any wine in Lodi being made with the label “Pink Flamingo.” There is a winery named “River Bend,” in Chippewa Falls WI that has labeled a wine”Pink Flamingo” under their name with the pink Catawba grape. Catawba does not grow in Lodi. Pinotage does, but there is hardly any acres of it planted.
    Lodi AVA has roughly 120 thousand acres planted in wine grapes, larger than Napa, Sonoma and Lake County. Those counties do not grow enough grapes to fulfill the zillions of wineries in those areas. Therefore, they buy grapes from Lodi. If claiming an AVA on a bottle of wine according to law, 75% have to be from that region. Meaning other area can and do put 24.99% of Lodi grapes in their bottles without having to declare Lodi. Our grapes must not be that bad if large named wineries are buying Lodi fruit.
    Speaking of large names, it was Robert Mondavi and his brother Peter that actually got their start selling Lodi grapes to Napa wineries and then later opening their own wineries respectively up in Napa. They both graduated from Lodi High School.

    I am hoping that you will shout out a little praise for Lodi wine grapes if and or when you are to write more “Red Mountain” sequels.

    1. Great points! Thanks for the education, Sue. Of course, there are so many lovely wines made there. I’ll keep this in my thoughts. Much love to you and Lodi!

  3. While at my daughter’s house, on Prince of Wales Island, AK, this past Christmas, she loaned me the three Red Mountain books to read. All I can say about Red Mountain, having read your notes above, is that I, too, would have felt so let down had that last paragraph not been in the book. Throughout my reading of all 3 books, I felt like I was right there with the characters and knew them all personally. Your writing pulls a person into the story and makes them feel as if they are living the story along with everyone else.

    I look forward to reading more of your work!
    Claudia Ross
    Carriere, MS

  4. Well, I have just finished Red Mountain Burning. Also read Marriage well done and An Unfinished story……loved them all! So glad “you know who didn’t go with you know who!”I love the area of Washington and now I am desperate to go again. Being 83 kind of puts the breaks on some of my travels but maybe this an important pilgrimage I need to make! Keep writing…..can’t wait to see where you go next.

      1. Loved all three Red Mountain books & hope there will be more! Brooks breaks my heart & I hoped for a happy life for him.

  5. I recently read Red Mountain and I loved it on so many levels. I love the way the characters come together slowly connecting everyone. And I love the short chapters. I have already recommended it to 2 friends and will recommend it to all I know who enjoy well written stories. Seldom these days are there stories that do not include murder, mayhem and all kinds of violence. (Although I like and read these as well.) A story of people who come together and help each other- without the fairy tale that no negative things ever occur- is rarely found. I could barely put it down and there are things that need to be done especially as the holidays approach. I also enjoy books written by people who write what they want to read and who care what others think. I was initially very disappointed at the ending. I really like stories with all the bows tied neatly at the end. But the more I thought about it the more- it seemed right to end it that way. I do not think the additional paragraph is a better ending. Of course, I am delighted that you have decided to write a sequel which I definitely will read. And I will also read some of your other books. Thank you for writing such a great story. Keep it up and I will keep reading them. Thanks for asking for a comment. I would never have done this without encouragement.

  6. When I first stumbled across Red Mountain on Amazon and began to read, I thought it was the most boring book I’d ever opened. I even commented as much on my Facebook page. But then…I actually found time to sit down and read enough to get into the story and found the fault to be all mine! I had to apologize to my Facebook peeps and realign my view. I couldn’t put it down and then raced to purchase the entire series, all FABULOUS reads. Being transported to Red Mountain wine country sent me shopping for a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon, even though I’m not much of a wine drinker. I preordered An Unfinished Story and have just started reading it. It promises not to disappoint! Thank you, Boo Walker, for enriching our literary lives. (((((HUGS)))))

  7. I have enjoyed the first four Red Mountain books very much. I loved learning about wine making. I am also curious to see how Jasper’s life progresses. Please keep writing. I appreciate the mix of characters, food, wine, music and the unique landscape.
    I get my books from Novel, a local bookstore in Memphis, TN. They have a great space for authors to host a book signing, so come visit!

  8. I just found you and your books. I thoroughly enjoyed Red Mountain and was delighted to know that there are sequels to this. I have ordered the other 3 and look forward to receiving the new one in August

  9. I love the world of Red Mountain and the people that live there. I just finished reading Red Mountain Burning
    And I hope it’s not the last book. There is so much more I want to know about the characters you have created.

    How will Emilia do as a Winemaker, Will Brooks ever find love and so much more. Please don’t end the series.

  10. I absolutely loved the book! The chapters that jumped from character to character really kept my attention (not an easy feat. ha). Definitely a cliffhanger ending. I have the copy with the paragraph you added. I may have been disappointed if my friend didn’t tell me there’s a sequel, which gave me hope. Can’t wait to read it. Ordering now !!

  11. I loved this story, but I just felt it has to go one…everyone with lose ends that need to be tied up!!
    Thank you for these wonderful characters, learning a lesson along the way. We all mess up, time to leave it behind and move on…

  12. I didn’t mind the ending as it got me to search out the sequel but then it was readily available as I recently discovered these books! But now, I NEED the 3rd one and seemingly have to wait a bit! Amazon only has kindle listed. I sure hope there’s a paper book-I pass all these great books on. Thanks Boo.

  13. I never wanted the book to end. I read it in about 5 days, just last week, thankfully I planned to finish it the night, Red Mountain Rising came in the mail. Please don’t stop writing these, I love this story!

  14. I just finished this book, and my kindle copy had the revised ending. Having read your comments on the change, I think I would have been a little disappointed with a cliffhanger. BUT, I would have immediately purchased the sequel…which I did anyway! You have a way with painting a word picture that really drew me in. Thank you… I look forward to reading more of your work.

    1. I totally agree. I can live with an ending. I felt myself feeling for all the characters and wanting a small house to part of them. I was left searching for books from Boo Walker. I’m a loyal fan of authors I find.

  15. I don’t know if it’s my age,82, but I took Joan’s squeeze of Otis hand as her way of letting him know she heard him and sending him goodbye love.

  16. It was my turn to select and purchase the required 5 books for our monthly bookclub. I was drawing a blank and while scanning through Amazon books your name caught my eye…Boo…I liked it and wished I had thought of that when naming my son. After doing a little research on you I decided to pick “Red Mountain” and I’m very glad I did. I started reading yesterday and finished today…it was GOOD. Don’t be alarmed if your ears start burning September 27th it’s only due to our club discussion. Thank you Boo Walker keep up the good work.

  17. Finished Red Mountain last night and, sad to say, did feel cheated, but I love the final paragraph you’ve added. I am a hopeless optimist, but didn’t see the howling as hopeful. In fact, with the italics, I wondered if he collapsed as she was dying. Now I feel better!

    1. Loved the book with all the twists and turns and all the quirky things Margo did.will enjoy your next sequel …

  18. You could not possibly write too many installments in this series. You have that rare gift of a writer who can create characters that the readers long to be their friends—their family—and leaving them gives us longing for our next visit to this magical place. Thank you for the reading pleasure you’ve given us, and please keep writing!

    1. Stephen, you know how to motivate a guy. Thank you so much. I just read your note to my wife and told her it was enough to keep me going for months.

  19. I just finished binge-reading your 3 Red Mountain books on kindle and look forward to the next. I get so attached to the characters and engrossed in their stories. When I read the Red Mountain book, it already had the 2nd ending and it seemed perfect. I’m a retired 72 year old and a prolific reader. I’m so happy to have discovered you. Thank you.

  20. I just turned 79 yesterday. I read constantly and have just finished “Red Mountain Rising”. I cannot express
    In words how much I enjoyed them. They are by far my favorites of the hundred books I’ve read on the shelves in my house. I found myself wanting to be part of this wonderful group of people. I’m not good with words but just know that I look forward to reading all that you have written and all that the future may bring.
    Boo Walker is now my favorite!

    1. I was born and raised in Birmingham, SO so when I saw a book named Red Mountain I thought it was about Birmingham’s Red Mountain. It wasn’t. Instead I read about wonderful characters that came alive through your writing. I’ve read all the books and have loved each one. February 1st can’t happen soon enough! I love the world you’ve created and can’t read enough. Thank you! Now get back to work and write more. 😃

      1. Not quite, but I’ve been to your Red Mountain as well. No grapevines there! Thank you so much for writing. It means everything. Oh, and guess what… Red Mountain Burning is coming out early! As in tomorrow. Stay in touch.

  21. I’m a chef, not a writer. I like the ending because it really isn’t an ending. It leaves all things open. The reader can add some sugar and spice or salt and vinegar. Whatever the soul needs more of. Therefore I’m fine with your non-ending. Thank you for giving us enjoyable hours while traveling with our mind to Red Mountain.
    Pia

      1. Have read your books..I need to be back in this world. Please continue with this story. Thank you so much for allowing me to fall in love with these people and this mountain !

  22. I’ve always thought that writing for others was a little like prostitution. I write poetry
    but will never try to publish since what I write really only has meaning to me. It is a
    way to put my feelings into words. So I hate to see you add a happier ending to please
    others. Yet a novel is different and while you are writing with your own muse, you are
    writing for other people to read. Life doesn’t always come with happy endings but if it
    makes your fans happier – do what you have to do.

  23. Its amazing what a difference a couple of sentences can make. I think it improves it tremendously because the addition does offer real hope. And the comment about American movies and happy endings I can think of several where the main characters are killed off. Boys in the band immediately comes to mind and a Sally field movie where her daughter dies. Same with a Shirley McClain movie where her daughter dies. It was a cool one where shirleys character gets involved with the astronaut next door. And especially tv series many years ago because Rob tapert is sexist and also because he didnt want his new wife working he took a major series one that inspired women of all ages namely xena and brutally killed her at the series end for a totally senseless reason and then takes his male series and has them walking off into the sunset. And he was constantly killing off strong female characters the fans loved during the seasons. So you cant assume the character is going to live without a little encouragement in that direction. Doctors on tv are constantly saying the patient is stable and might pull through and then they develop a brain bleed or throw a clot and die. Ghost whisperer had that happen with her husband and they had this immense love for each other. It was one of the inspiration points of that series. So I prefer the hope and encouragement of the hand squeeze. Because then you think maybe just maybe she will pull through.
    P.s. one lesson you didnt mention…to listen to your wife. Because you said she told you not to do it the first time.

  24. The way you left the first ending was fine. I ached to find out what happened to Joan. Yep, I was that invested. In your rewrite you have created what I would call “An American Ending” to a movie. American movies always need to have a happy ending to be successful. I love these books. Actually all of your writing is enjoyable. It’s OK to mess with your readers and make them want more.

  25. Love the new ending. Answers readers question and still leaves them wanting to read more. Great Segway to Red Mountain Rising.
    Looking forward to book 3.

  26. I didn’t mind the first ending. But this new one, with a squeeze of her hand, does give us hope. And for those of us that have fallen in love with Red Mountain (and your other works), that is good, as well.

    Remember, you are the artist, the person who has all of this in your mind, and if you see a story ending in one manner, you don’t need to explain yourself to others. My book club read another book that just left us hanging – and while some were not happy with it – it sure gave us something to discuss. But I would never expect that author to make a change to an ending just because of comments from readers. The ending is up to you.

    Can’t wait for more, be it in Red Mountain or elsewhere. Enjoy your day!

  27. Yes I liked the first ending, but also the second one. I love reading your books… always waiting for the next one! Thank you!!

  28. Thank you for the new ending!!! The original left to much uncertainty and heartbreak. Some of us need a little help finding hope in our worlds.

  29. Thank you, Boo. I love your additional paragraph. But having said that, I respect your artistic license to write your books exactly as you see fit. I love you characters.

  30. It is a good ending, other one was too!
    All I can say is…
    Be true to YOU, Boo!!!!
    That’s what I love about your writing, I can feel you in there… not what you think someone wants to hear😘

  31. I Love the new ending. It is the perfect segue into Red Mountain Rising and makes your readers eg for more!

  32. Honestly the ending did not leave me on the edge of my ottoman. Predictable for me but may e I am that entwined with the characters. Still finishing your last BOOk. You are fun.

  33. In my reading, she had not decided. Either solution was possible–leave the body or return. Having been in a coma myself, there is that point at which my spiritual advisors showered me with love and freedom. It was a beautiful energy, without time or space. She has now decided to return to her Res Mountain life.

    1. I much prefer the additional paragraph above. There’s so much negativity in the world these days that hope is very much needed. It’s not like the whole book was sweetness and Light. It wasn’t. There were plenty of things going wrong so that I couldn’t believe you kept piling on the negative things for almost all the characters. People calling the above paragraph an American ending seemed to have missed all the other angst. Loved the book, though, and will be buying the sequel, something I am willing to pay full Kindle price for! More Love and Light, however! 😉

  34. When I finished RED MOUNTAIN I really did know that Joan would be okay (optimist at heart). I finished RED MOUNTAIN RISING and now I want more. Love all the characters. Also I finished your new short story OFF YOU GO. in book form, not a fan of e-books…just love the feel and smell of a book in my hands. I hope Dewey Moses will be in a new series. He is terrific. Thanks !!!

  35. Personally I liked the cliff hanger. It totally ordered the next book to find out the ‘rest of the story’. I could decide the fates of the characters if I chose not to read the next book.

  36. You could have saved yourself a lot of grief had you included that paragraph in the first edition. But on the other hand you wouldn’t have had us all chomping at the bit for the next book!

    1. I wasn’t disappointed with your original ending this added paragraph does tie it in a bit better.
      Loved the Red Mountain Series. Your characters are fantastic!!3 I read A Marriage Well Done last,after Red Mountain Chronicles and really enjoy that as well. You’re terrific. I’m getting ready to read one of your mysteries that you wrote earlier. Thanks again for the great characters. Couldn’t put the Red Mountain books down. When I had spare time I found myself wanting to see what was going on with the wonderful characters and terrific storyline!!!

  37. Way ahead of you. In my mind, I finished the book with Otis’ wolf howl causing Joan to rejoin the group.
    Please don’t give up on the group until you are ready, Red Mountain is a favorite.

  38. I believe the new paragraph will appease some who found your previous ending lacking. It is a great addition to what is a fabulous book. The ending leaves us looking for more as any good book should.

  39. I commented on Amazon that I thought the ending was perfect, but yes, this new one is also good. Thank you.

  40. Good! Improves the book by giving. me hope for two individuals I came to love and appreciate as you developed them in the story. The next-door scoundrel should not separate them by nasty action, but should better cement their mutual strength and future as they recover. There is room in the third book of the series to add this wonder to the Red Mountain story. I’ll appreciate this development.

    This is not a bot (whatever that is).

    Second submission

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Boo Walker

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