Tag: mystery series

Book Reviews, Fiction

The Fundy Vault by Linda Moore

by IdaLeave a Comment on The Fundy Vault by Linda Moore

img_3627“If I had just kept my nose in my book – if only I hadn’t looked up when I heard the crows.”

The Fundy Vault is the latest release in a mystery series that follows criminologist, Rosalind. In this second installment she has rented a cottage on Minas Basin in Nova Scotia, where she plans to explore ideas for her next theatre production. However, soon after her arrival she spots a body, which she witnesses being retrieved by a mysterious helicopter/team. She calls in her old sleuthing partner, McBride who ends up disappearing during their investigation and Rosalind is left to search for clues and figure out the truth.

I very much enjoy a good mystery novel, especially in the form of a series that I can follow and look forward to new releases. The main thing that draws me into a series is the compelling nature of the characters who carry the story and piece together the mystery. From the beginning of this novel it is clear that it has those kind of characters, ones that will interest you and have you turning the pages to see what will happen and where the story will go. The setting in Nova Scotia is lovely and it is wonderful to explore that particular region through the descriptions and the wonderful way the author brings it to life. A thoroughly enjoyable novel and a series I look forward to reading more of and following in the future.

*Book provided by publisher for an unbiased review.

Book Reviews, Fiction

A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny

by IdaLeave a Comment on A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny

img_2737“Armand Gamache sat in the little room and closed the dossier with care, squeezing it shut, trapping the words inside.”

With those words, Louise Penny marks the start of her twelfth and what is possibly her best Inspector Gamache mystery novel. We are taken to the town of Three Pines where an old map has been discovered hidden in the walls of the bistro. While it looks like something of a novelty at first glance, it becomes obvious upon closer inspection that there is a greater significance to this discovery than originally thought. The map is given as a gift to Gamache for his first day of work as the new Commander of the Sûreté Academy, and soon becomes part of a murder investigation in which there are many worthy of suspicion, including Gamache himself.

“It’s so easy to get mired in the all too obvious cruelty of the world. It’s natural. But to really heal, we need to recognize the goodness too.”

This series has been a favourite of mine for a few years now, and with each new release it is always lovely to be transported to the beloved Three Pines and its familiar and charismatic cast of characters. Each book delivers an intriguing mystery and a new adventure, all of which have been entertaining and easy to get lost in. A Great Reckoning is no exception, and I found it to be an outstanding novel that has fast become my favourite in the series. The mystery as always is compelling, however the truly exceptional part of Louise Penny’s books is the depth and nuance with which the characters are portrayed. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and character driven stories. It can absolutely be read as a stand alone if you have not read the series, however there are certain aspects that would be a spoiler for events that occurred in previous books. A Great Reckoning is a wonderful novel and I eagerly anticipate any future releases.