A Review
“Practical Sins For Cold Climates” is not a cozy mystery - but it is well-written and held this reader’s interest, forcing more than one sleepless night as he tried to get to the end of the who-done-it. The author is a skilled practitioner of the writer’s art, experienced both as a short story author and a novelist - this is the first book in a new series.
The story has its roots in New York City, but the action takes place in the northern hills of eastern Canada on the shores of Lake Wendaban - among the camps, villages, and homes that line the edge of the lake. Valjean Cameron was not built for that climate, but that is where her job had taken her. It doesn’t take long for her to stumble on the two year old unsolved murder of Leslie Decker (nee Selkirk). Just as the action is scattered along the shores of Lake Wendaban, so are the suspects. It would take Val a little less than two weeks to move through the personal history of the various suspects to discover who to believe and who to lead the local constabulary to arrest.
The story has its roots in New York City, but the action takes place in the northern hills of eastern Canada on the shores of Lake Wendaban - among the camps, villages, and homes that line the edge of the lake. Valjean Cameron was not built for that climate, but that is where her job had taken her. It doesn’t take long for her to stumble on the two year old unsolved murder of Leslie Decker (nee Selkirk). Just as the action is scattered along the shores of Lake Wendaban, so are the suspects. It would take Val a little less than two weeks to move through the personal history of the various suspects to discover who to believe and who to lead the local constabulary to arrest.
Disappointingly, this book, if made into a movie, as written, would warrant an “R” rating. However, since most of the sexuality and language that would force this rating onto the movie is unnecessary, it very well could end up with a “PG-13” rating. Having said that, the sexuality and language is not so blatant that most readers would be offended, just be aware that it is present.
If the reader is looking for a good - though not quite cozy - mystery, “Practical Sins For Cold Climates” may just be what the doctored ordered. Given its late summer setting, the book may be a perfect read for any time of the year as it warms the heart on a cold winter’s ever or as the reader settles down for their own written feast this next summer.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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