Amazon.ca
A Colder Kind of Death introduces Gail Bowen's amateur detective Joanne Kilbourn in a most inventive and intriguing murder mystery debut. Fortysomething Joanne, single mom and university professor, still hasn't quite come to terms with the murder of her husband when politician Andy Boychuk, a family friend and one of her husband's closest colleagues, is murdered at a picnic celebrating his election as leader of his party. Even though there seem to be few other suspects, Kilbourn is determined to clear Boychuk's wife, Eve, on whom all suspicions seem to be falling. But Joanne discovers that there are hidden secrets in Andy and Eve's past that someone doesn't want revealed, even if it means killing again.
In Joanne Kilbourn, Bowen has created an engaging amateur detective whose personal life as a working single mother is as intriguing as the mysteries she becomes embroiled in. Bowen adds to the mix a strong sense of life on the Canadian Prairies, the complexities of urban life and work, and often uneasy connections with a vibrant Native community. Readers who find themselves intrigued by Joanne Kilbourn will want to investigate other books in the series, including Verdict in Blood, A Killing Spring, and The Wandering Soul Murders. --Jeffrey Canton
Review
“A terrific story with a slick twist at the end.” –
Globe and Mail“A delightful blend of vicious murder, domestic interactions, and political infighting that is guaranteed to entertain.” –
Quill & Quire
