"Buried Secrets" by Mike Martin
Mike's mystery books are different from most police-based novels. The reader gets to know the officer as a family man in addition to his official duties. And the rural Grand Bank, Newfoundland, setting gives an additional hometown feel.
While each of Mike Martin's books can be read as a stand-alone, it's helpful to read the series in order. References to previous cases and family activities have more depth if you do.
In this book, Sgt. Windflower is investigating the death of a retired minister. The case draws Windflower back to Grand Bank from a special duty assignment (Book 10) in St. John's, the capitol. Covid also plays a minor role in the story. As Winston delves into the buried secrets surrounding the minister's demise, he encounters several societal issues including drug abuse, human trafficking, embezzlement, vehicle-moose accidents, and sexual harassment within the ranks of the RCMP.
On the family side of the story, we follow along as Winston and his wife Sheila raise their two young daughters. Each night they read the girls bedtime stories. One was Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. When I taught kindergarten, it was a favourite with my students for it's repetition and colourful pictures.
One last bit of news. Mike just released a post on his Facebook page about his Reading Equity Program. You can read more about it here. I applaud Mike for giving away twenty-five free books to individuals who cannot afford to purchase one of their own. As the Children's Literacy motto goes, "Reading is Fundamental." Good for you Mike. -- Margy
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Maritimes and Newfoundland
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They sound an interesting series as you say you don't often find out about the family man behind the policeman. I was hoping to visit Newfoundland pre Covid. Not so sure now.
ReplyDeleteWe have visited twice and I would love to return when the world settles back to normal after Covid. - Margy
DeleteLoved reading this book and following along with the Windflower family. Wondering what will happen in the next phase of their life.
ReplyDeleteThe ending seemed ready for a sequel book twelve. Maybe the B&B will open back up. I'm pretty sure it will still be set in Grand Bank unless possibly the family goes to Alberta to experience where Winston grew up. Thanks for getting me started on this series and allowing me to get to know Mike as an author. - Margy
DeleteThe PI noir reviewed on my blog (tomorrow) also shows the man/family life as well as the mystery. I like that. And how generous of Mike Martin to give away 25 books. ♥️ Thanks for reviewing, Margy!
ReplyDeleteI'll check out the new series. Mike Martin is a very active author within the Canadian mystery writing community. And yes, he is to be commended for his Reading Equity Program. - Margy
DeleteThis is a series I have on my list to read. The setting would be so interesting. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI especially like it because of our vacations to Newfoundland. The places are familiar and the characters are believable. Small towns aren't always as peaceful as they appear on the surface. - Margy
DeleteThere have been a lot of reviews as part of series this month! As you recommended, I prefer to read them in order! Sounds like a good story. Thanks for reviewing.
ReplyDeleteI think many authors are writing books in a series. It used to be trilogies, now like Mike they can working into many more titles than that. - Margy
DeleteInteresting! I'll look into reading it. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely series -- I'm looking it up on Kindle as soon as I send this! (and hoping the first book is alos on Kindle Unlimited). I'm about ready for a new "reading machine" as well -- mine is slowing down.
ReplyDeleteGood review! I like mysteries and will have to look up this book and author.
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