I remember reading a book in the late 60s early 70s about a boy whose father had died trying to rescue someone. His mother had remarried and he did not like his stepfather. They went on an outfitting trip together, his stepdad got hurt and he ended up solving a murder mystery.
Any possibility this is Cold River by William Judson, 1976? A few details match: Lizzy and her step-brother Timothy go on a canoeing trip in the winter to experience the wilderness with Tim’s stepfather. It turns into a 3-month survival experience after the stepfather dies of a broken leg & pneumonia. I don’t remember a murderer, but there was at least one bandit or outlaw who stole their food. Good luck!
No. Not it. Thanx for the reply tho’
I don’t recall a murder, but I do recall the boy not liking his stepfather, and constantly worried that the man would just abandon him in the woods; there’s an uneasy peace between them at first. The stepdad did break his leg, and the boy had to struggle to bind and splint the leg, make the fire, and catch fish. This last is described in an exciting sequence, the boy trying to land a large vigorous fish (trout? bass?). Can’t recall if he did, but the whole thing is witnessed by his stepdad who’d hobbled out to see. The story ends with the boy and his stepdad with a growing respect for each other.
I think I read this around 1970, so the timing seems right. Hope this helps.
Oop, forget to add, I don’t recall the story’s name or author, but those were the pertinent details I recall, and they did seem in line with what you’re looking for.
Thanx for the reply. Sorry that is not it.