Mary Logue has an interesting repertoire: she writes mysteries, nonfiction, poetry, and children's books. She has won a Caldecott Honor and been nominated for an Edgar and has written for the New York Times and the Village Voice. Lake of Tears is part of Logue's Claire Watkins mystery series. Claire is a Deputy Sheriff in Fort St. Antoine in Wisconsin and a level-headed and efficient woman.
Sheriff Talbot, Claire's boss, has a heart attack, and Claire becomes acting sheriff. The day after a replica Viking longboat is burned at the autumnal equinox, a charred skeleton is discovered in the remains, and Claire becomes responsible for the investigation of this bizarre murder.
To make the situation even more difficult, Andrew Stickler, the latest deputy hire, is a recently returned Afghanistan veteran who is dating Claire's daughter--and all of the evidence appears to be pointing towards Andrew.
Logue makes a statement about war and the psychological effects war has on veterans. Andrew would like to move on from his war experiences, but a particular episode from his last tour continues to haunt him.
I liked the characters, especially Claire's partner Rich, whose role is minimal, but who obviously maintains a solid support system for both Claire and Meg.
NetGalley/F+W/Adams Media
Mystery. Jan. 18, 2014. Print version: 210 pages.
Sounds like a good mystery!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying the holiday season!