Liam D. Dwyer

This mystery is a quick read, perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Ian Murdoch, an Ontario Provincial Police homicide investigator, finds a body washed ashore on his island. Foul play is determined and Murdoch becomes the lead investigator into the case. A set of human remains is also soon discovered so Murdoch is charged with solving two cases.

Part of the appeal for me was the setting, the Muskoka region of Ontario with which I am familiar. What is interesting is that the author doesn't just use the beautiful scenery of the area as a backdrop; he incorporates tourist attractions like the Segwun, the oldest operating steamship in North American, and the history of the region as well, including the World War II prisoner-of-war camp for German naval officers.

There is sufficient suspense to keep a person reading. The primary technique to create this suspense is point of view. The killer's identity is revealed to the reader early on; the suspense comes from wondering when Murdoch will learn the killer's identity and if he will do so in time to save another potential victim.

The ending is a surprise that I think few readers would guess beforehand. What is great is that when the reader thinks back, he/she will realize that there is foreshadowing but it is subtle enough so as not to ruin the surprise. All the pieces fit.

The book is not flawless. There are some gaps in logic. For example, a character receives a phone call and says, "'. . . I can tell by the ring that it's long distance'" (114). Was this possible in 2004? There are also some too-convenient coincidences: a chance encounter between Murdoch and the killer; a rental car break-down which requires the killer to make a convenient change in vehicles; the involvement of a particular police officer in the investigation.

The problems are minor, however. Anyone looking for a fast-paced, entertaining mystery would enjoy this one.… (mehr)