The Mad Trapper

When it began, he was just another stranger without a name. When it ended, he was the most notorious criminal in North America, the object of the largest manhunt in RCMP history.

This is the story of Albert Johnson, the Mad Trapper, a silent man of superhuman strength and endurance, who defied capture for fifty days in the bitter cold of winter, north of the Arctic Circle. He was a man who crossed hundreds of miles of frozen tundra on foot, who survived dynamite blasts and the pursuit of police, trappers and the army, and who became the first man to cross the Richardson Mountains in a blizzard.

The Mad Trapper centers on a criminal whom police chase across the Arctic tundra.

When it began, he was just another stranger without a name. When it ended, he was the most notorious criminal in North America, the object of the largest manhunt in RCMP history.

This is the story of Albert Johnson, the Mad Trapper, a silent man of superhuman strength and endurance, who defied capture for fifty days in the bitter cold of winter, north of the Arctic Circle. He was a man who crossed hundreds of miles of frozen tundra on foot, who survived dynamite blasts and the pursuit of police, trappers and the army, and who became the first man to cross the Richardson Mountains in a blizzard.

Jamie Roszel - Children's Literature

Based on a true story, Wiebe's novel recounts the 1931 manhunt in the Northwest Territories of Canada for Albert Johnson. (a.k.a. the Mad Trapper). Containing fictional characters, such as Corporal "Spike" Millen, and inserting dramatized perspectives into the motivation behind the actions of Johnson, Wiebe begins the story with Johnson settling in Fort McPherson on the Peel River. Soon after arriving there, Johnson comes into conflict with others in the settlement, and a warrant is procured for his arrest. The attempted capture ends in one officer being wounded and setting off a chase that would eventually last seven weeks, concluding fatally for Johnson and two officers. Wiebe's narration of the story resembles modern media. He splits it up into sections that keep readers focusing on multiple situations simultaneously. This does prevent any in-depth insight into the characters; however, it will likely keep young readers wanting to turn the page. The novel culminates with a vivid final confrontation between Millen and Johnson—one that seals forever the mystery of the Mad Trapper's motives behind his actions. Fictionally retelling the true story of the Mad Trapper, Wiebe weaves a story that will leave young readers both entertained and possibly interested in finding out more about a unique story in history. 2003 (orig. 1980), Jackpine House Ltd, Ages 8 to 12.

Rudy Wiebe, widely published internationally and winner of numerous awards, including two Governor General's Awards for Fiction, is the author of nine novels, four short story collections, and five non-fiction books. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and lives in Edmonton.