I seldom post individual reviews and never in full. But this review by reader Sally Schmidt captures the essence of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. Without giving the whole story away. You can find this review on Goodreads and NetGalley. Thank you, Sally!!
“Too Close for Comfort is full of both the thrill and the warm cozy I’ve come to expect from this excellent series by author Mike Martin. The mystery and danger had me turning pages faster and faster. I enjoyed the fun family times, learning more about Windflower’s past and culture through his dream weaving, catching up, supporting and relying on friends, and the meals never fail to make me hungry.”
It is always a welcome treat when I read another Sgt. Winston Windflower book. Too Close for Comfort is the 15th book in the series, and once again, it’s the perfect balance of falling into the familiar while trying to solve another new, suspenseful, well-plotted mystery.
Windflower has had quite the interesting career so far with the RCMP: climbing through the ranks, going on temporary assignment and moving the family for a year or so, leaving the RCMP and becoming a community officer in Grand Bank, and now back on active duty, this time as Acting Inspector. He’s glad to be back; he’s a family man through and through and enjoys peace and quiet, but he doesn’t like to be idle, and it’s become apparent to him that he would rather be back with the RCMP than acting as a consultant. He welcomes the challenge of solving cases and is dedicated to ensuring the peace and safety of the residents under his jurisdiction.
While we are still treated to the Winston Windflower who loves cooking for friends and family, spending time with his girls and his wife, walking the dog and sparring with the cat, interacting with his friends, whether always having a quote at the ready or listening to more classical music recommended by Herb, and smudging and analyzing his dreams, in Too Close for Comfort we are also presented with the most intense Windflower we have seen yet. He has always been strong, competent, and capable, but this Sgt. Winston Windflower, Acting Inspector, is brave, determined, and unwavering in vowing to solve the crimes and mysteries and ensure nothing bad happens to Eddie Tizzard or anyone else Winston cares about.
I always say the latest book is the best one, and it’s always true. The best thing about this series is almost always hearing the story from Windflower’s point of view and having the pleasure of seeing the whole man. Over the years he’s grown and matured, cared for his family, and solidified his value to the community. He always steps up and does whatever is necessary, but this time he steps ahead, with caution but no apparent fear, and reveals himself as a mature, true leader. His wife Sheila has stepped up and grown stronger as well, accepting – although of course not liking – the danger that comes with being a law enforcement officer’s wife. They are a team and have always supported each other, but now she seems to be at peace with herself about it and gives her strength to him when he needs it.
Grand Bank, Newfoundland is a small town with all the small-town closeness and comforts, but it and the much larger nearby town of Marystown still have their share of crime. Smuggling, murder, arson, drugs, domestic abuse and other crimes have occurred; being small doesn’t make a town exempt, and Windflower has dealt with it all. Now a series or fires resulting in deaths seem to be related to a major gold heist on the mainland. Dangerous characters show up, people thought to be trustworthy may have ulterior motives, and – perhaps most unsettling of all – Windflower’s dream visits from his aunt and uncle point to serious danger for Eddie Tizzard. The story moves smoothly along at a fast pace, full of action, full of danger and not enough obvious clues for Windflower to fix things quickly. The suspense and worry about Eddie will keep you on edge.
As mentioned above, Too Close for Comfort is full of both the thrill and the warm cozy I’ve come to expect from this excellent series by author Mike Martin. The mystery and danger had me turning pages faster and faster. I enjoyed the fun family times, learning more about Windflower’s past and culture through his dream weaving, catching up, supporting and relying on friends, and the meals never fail to make me hungry.
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Virtual Book Launch Wednesday Oct 2, 2024 6:30 to 7:30pm EST
Reading and prizes
Sorry, only Virtual Cake. But it will be fun!!
Here is the Zoom link
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89397409788?pwd=bgmJbVclDYoWU2NEaIC6MTINfNV8b0.1
Meeting ID: 893 9740 9788
Passcode: 906323
Other Events:
Book Signing @ Perfect Books 1-3 pm November 9
Crime for Christmas @ Barrhaven Legion 3-8 pm Nov 19
Book Signing @ Books on Beechwood 1:30-3 pm Nov 30
Too Close for Comfort is now available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies are now available at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
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