From Publishers Weekly
Three recent books featuring different series characters (Lucy Trimble in 1999's Death on the Rocks; Joe Barley in 2000's The Kidnapping of Rosie Dawn; and this entry featuring newly retired Toronto policeman Mel Pickett) demonstrate Canadian author Wright's versatility and excellence. Mel and his new wife, Charlotte, have a total of four homes between them--Mel's house in Toronto, his cabin and trailer at the same site near Larch River, and Charlotte's home in Larch River. They haven't had time to sort out which to keep and which to sell, but Mel has rented the trailer to friend Eliza Pollock and the cabin to local farmhand Norbert Thompson. Thompson's murder at the remote cabin site has local police investigating the victim's sister-in-law and her new husband. But Mel is concerned that he, not Thompson, might have been the target--and that could endanger both Charlotte and Eliza. As he struggles with his retired status, which he circumvents in various ways, Mel also struggles with his relationship with a putative son and granddaughter. And he and Charlotte have adjustments to make to their new life together, including what secrets to share or keep hidden. There is nothing gratuitous in Wright's novels--not sex, nor violence, nor strangely quirky characters. Instead one gets careful plotting and a large, diverse cast of characters whose strengths and weaknesses ring perfectly true. (Mar. 9)Forecast: A solid midlist author, Wright could reach more literary readers with good word of mouth and careful handselling.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Wright reintroduces series protagonist Mel Pickett (Buried in Stone), a sixtyish retired Toronto police officer. Pickett rents out his beloved cabin on the river when he gets married, but someone murders his renter. Pickett investigates, suspecting that he himself was the intended victim. A likely purchase for fans of the series.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
