Crime Wave A Canada West Anthology
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a well balanced collection of short crime fiction, compiled by the Sisters in Crime Canada West chapter. Without spoilers, here’s a brief recap:
In The Potluck Brigade, Alice Bienia entertains us with a group of seniors whose monthly potluck has deliberately deadly consequences. A unique concept, well delivered.
In Local Intelligence by Debra Henry, a new-to-town RCMP officer tries to solve a series of mannequins found floating in the waters surrounding Turnaround Bay. A clever fish-out-of-water mystery in more ways than one.
In Salty Dog Blues, Winona Kent spins a “tail” of a kidnapped service dog on a cruise ship. Amusing and inventive, and sure to be a hit with dog lovers and cruise aficionados alike.
In Cold Wave, Marcel Dube’s skiing protagonist faces frostbite and hyperthermia as she tries to navigate a deadly situation. The story is terrific, but it was the last line made me laugh out loud. Probably one of my favourite last lines, ever.
In News on the Buckhorn, K.L. Abrahamson’s risk-resistant teen, Ellie James, gets more than she bargained for as she investigates the murder of her beloved horse. Great world-building, skillfully told, but as an animal lover, this one was a tough read.
In Autumn is the Time for Dying, Merrilee Robson takes us back to WWI and a small farm town in Saskatchewan where RNMP officer Frank Stuart isn’t convinced a man died by drinking too much whiskey. A well-plotted story with a social message.
In A Midsummer Night’s Scream, J.E. Barnard plays with Shakespeare’s “Dream” in murderously fine fashion. Lovers of the Bard will especially enjoy this tale.
In Pickled to Death, Charlotte Morganti shows us that there are deadly consequences to losing at the annual Perfect Pickle Competition. Told in a gossipy letter format from aunt to niece, this was by far my favorite story.
Overall, a nice group of stories, though as with any multi-author collection, I preferred some over others. If I had one complaint it would be that with only eight stories, it’s a thin read for an anthology. A solid 4 stars.
GOODREADS RATING SYSTEM:
5: It was amazing
4: really liked it
3: liked it
2: It was okay
1: didn’t like it