Although Chapman has also written other mysteries, Cold Mourning is the first in a new series. Native American Kala Stonechild joins the Ottawa Police Department with a past that she carries with her even as she tries to leave it behind. Detective Jacque Rouleau also has a past, a more recent one, from which he is recovering.
Stonechild, the newest member of Rouleau's team, has only recently arrived in Ottawa and is staying at the YMCA/YWCA. As a Native American and a woman, Stonechild has her work cut out for her; there are prejudices to overcome. Rouleau's acceptance goes a long way.
When wealthy, influential businessman Tom Underwood goes missing and is later found murdered, Rouleau's team begins a thorough investigation with plenty of suspects.
An exceptional mystery, Cold Mourning kept me guessing. Some suspects are unlikable, some are detestable, and a few are sympathetic; a variety of possible motives and no decisive evidence. Yes, I had suspicions about the actual killer, but I suspected almost everyone at some point! So...no points for me there. By the time I was certain, it was only because Kala Stonechild unexpectedly uncovered the information. I knew when she did.
I most certainly look forward to more from Brenda Chapman, Kala Stonechild, and Jacques Rouleau.
Read in Sept.; review scheduled for February.
NetGalley/Dundurn
Mystery/Police Procedural. March 1, 2014.
Nice! I like small series to start. I get overwhelmed by the huge ones. I will have to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kailana, kind of nice to start with a new series and you aren't far behind. Granted I usually fall behind quickly :)
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this one!
Kelly - Right, an nice new series to keep up with, instead of one to catch up on!
ReplyDeleteIliana - :) Not just fall behind, but with many series, so many books that have been missed altogether. I don't always work my way through from beginning to end of a series, although I have good intentions.
I've got to read this! Adding it to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteWendy - I really enjoyed this one, and I'm always happy to find a new author that I like.
ReplyDelete