Dollycas's Thoughts
Accident or Murder?
When Bert Willoughby, a local dentist is shot at an old tennis court where he was practicing for an upcoming pickleball tournament with his mistress Sheriff Lew Ferris suspects a hunter's stray bullet took down the man. Later his partner, Robin Carpenter is killed on the same court and Lew can no longer believe the deaths were accidental. She learns the dentist has ruffled a lot of feathers over the years which means a lot of potential suspects. His pickleball friends believe they are being targeted. His overwrought widow wants his murderer found yesterday and is taking Lew to task. Lew calls in the "Wausau Boys" to help her get to the bottom of this case as soon as possible.
Are the pickleball players the only targets? Or is a serial killer on the loose with evil motives?
____
Every time I open a book in this series it is like visiting old friends. Lew is a capable sheriff who has assembled a great team to help her handle everything thrown at her. Her relationship with Doc Osbourne continues to grow at a comfortable pace. They enjoy the same things and are so good for each other. They work great together on cases and she continues to help him step up his flyfishing skills. Bruce Peters, a talented forensic scientist, and his "boys" from Wausau have become Lew's go-to guys instead of the director of the crime lab who is not supportive of a woman as sheriff. Bruce is also an avid fisherman so he trades lessons for his work. She also calls on her friend Ray Pradt, a unique individual but an expert tracker and all-around good guy. Ms. Houston's characters are well-crafted and well-developed and continue to easily draw me into their lives.
Ms. Houston's descriptive voice paints clear pictures of the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods. Her love for the area and flyfishing shines in every story. Like Lew, it was my grandfather who instilled her love of fishing. She took that love and ran with it while I have only gone fishing a few times since my grandfather passed, but every time I start one of Ms. Houston's books my grandfather is front and center in my mind.
The author has written a fast-paced compelling mystery. What pushes someone to kill? Lew follows every clue, twist, and turn but the crime lab report and a key piece of evidence sealed the deal. That said the ending was unexpected.
At the Edge of the Woods is a great mystery filled with engaging characters and is a wonderful addition to this long-running series. Ms. Houston does provide enough backstory to jump in anywhere but it is a series that is fun to read from the start.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
Accident or Murder?
When Bert Willoughby, a local dentist is shot at an old tennis court where he was practicing for an upcoming pickleball tournament with his mistress Sheriff Lew Ferris suspects a hunter's stray bullet took down the man. Later his partner, Robin Carpenter is killed on the same court and Lew can no longer believe the deaths were accidental. She learns the dentist has ruffled a lot of feathers over the years which means a lot of potential suspects. His pickleball friends believe they are being targeted. His overwrought widow wants his murderer found yesterday and is taking Lew to task. Lew calls in the "Wausau Boys" to help her get to the bottom of this case as soon as possible.
Are the pickleball players the only targets? Or is a serial killer on the loose with evil motives?
____
Every time I open a book in this series it is like visiting old friends. Lew is a capable sheriff who has assembled a great team to help her handle everything thrown at her. Her relationship with Doc Osbourne continues to grow at a comfortable pace. They enjoy the same things and are so good for each other. They work great together on cases and she continues to help him step up his flyfishing skills. Bruce Peters, a talented forensic scientist, and his "boys" from Wausau have become Lew's go-to guys instead of the director of the crime lab who is not supportive of a woman as sheriff. Bruce is also an avid fisherman so he trades lessons for his work. She also calls on her friend Ray Pradt, a unique individual but an expert tracker and all-around good guy. Ms. Houston's characters are well-crafted and well-developed and continue to easily draw me into their lives.
Ms. Houston's descriptive voice paints clear pictures of the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods. Her love for the area and flyfishing shines in every story. Like Lew, it was my grandfather who instilled her love of fishing. She took that love and ran with it while I have only gone fishing a few times since my grandfather passed, but every time I start one of Ms. Houston's books my grandfather is front and center in my mind.
The author has written a fast-paced compelling mystery. What pushes someone to kill? Lew follows every clue, twist, and turn but the crime lab report and a key piece of evidence sealed the deal. That said the ending was unexpected.
At the Edge of the Woods is a great mystery filled with engaging characters and is a wonderful addition to this long-running series. Ms. Houston does provide enough backstory to jump in anywhere but it is a series that is fun to read from the start.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.
