A MURDER OF CROWS-- review

A MURDER OF CROWS by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett ISBN: 978-147-1412424 A 2022 release from Embla Books Billed as a cosy mystery, this UK crime novel is far more complex and mysterious than the typical cozy. Readers can acquire clues to the depth and breadth of the story by looking at the map in the front of the printed edition of the novel. Principal character is Dr. Nell Ward, a licensed, educated and trained ecologist. In the UK that's an important job requiring a substantial scientific education and a willingness to penetrate grubby situtions populated by nasty lives of bats, insects and other critters, often dismissed out of hand by developers and most other humans. Habitat research surveys are legally rquired in new development on previously existing farms and plantations. Such surveys have financial implications and Dr. Ward is an ecologist who considers the job of vital importance to the environment. We find her searching through brambles and a long-closed, abanoned tunnel at Manor House Farm where she becomes emeshed in a murder investigation. In fact, she becomes suspect, not illogically, due to certain indiscretions in her past which give any police team investigating the murder, pause. Dr. Nell Ward is a woman of talent, intelligence and conviction who carries a checkered past. Protecting her reputation as a lady, helping to preserve bat and critter habitat and moving forward with her nascent love life in the company of fellow scienctists and college buddies, while helping solve the murder, moves this rich and entertining novel forward, if not always at the best pace. This is, however, a well-plotted, incident-rich story following several fascinating characters. If the pace slows occasionally, the narrtive is bolstered by the main narrative and the work of Dr. Nell Ward and her scientific coleagues. Dr. Ward is a modern woman well worth appreciation.

THE SILENCE OF THE LOONS--Commentary

THE SILENCE OF THE LOONS ISBN: 1-932472-36-3 A 2005 release from Nodin Press Frankly, I have personal interest in this collection of short stories from Minnesota authors. One of the thirteen tales of mystery is one I wrote. Minnesota is an active place with many well-known and talented writers and my fellow members of the Minnesota Crime Wave decided to bring more of them to public awaareness. Our local publisher agreed. So, I will not offer a critical assessment of the stories because of my apparent prejudice. I do however want to note that several well-regarded authors, including Janet Rudolph and Laura Lippman have contributed accolades for the stories herein contained. Thirteen tales of mystery all based in a limited environment. Yes, when we invited Minnesota authors to submit we required tales of murder, mystery and crime set, of course in Minnesota. But we also set another requirement. We created a list of eight clues or elements and we required the writers to use at least four of the eight clues or elements in their story. The creative minds of our author friends were immediately engaged and we were intrigued. The result was this anthology of Minnesota mysteries. The collection is easily and widely available. And, oh yes, here are the required Clues: A headless barbie doll; a page torn from a dictionary; footprints in the snow; the sound of a train whistle; a temporary tattoo; the scent of Obsession; a wig; a soiled ballet slipper.

THE INTRUDER -- Review

THE INTRUDER by Freida McFadden A Poisoned Pen release, 2025 Cashiered teacher Casey is living her current life in an isolated cabin somewhere on the fringes of society. Readers unfamiliar with this author cn get a strong and accurate sense of the author's style and of Casey by reading the first and second paragraphs of the novel. A storm is brewing and the author adroitly uses it as a motivting forces to introduce other characters an other lives. This novel, mysterious, long-reaching, moody and extremely well written quickly draws readers into the narrator's life, both as a child and an adult. It is almost impossible to discuss th novl without revealing the book's secrets. That would be unfair to the reader. Solet this reviewer end by stating this is a thoughtful, careful dramatic and gripping story.