Death in Cold Water by Patricia Skalka

Back to one of my favorite places, Door County, Wisconsin.  The setting is real, only I hope the death never happens as in the novel.   The romance takes a good turn, so I'm all for that.

Dave Cubiak, former Chicago PD homicide, moved to Door County, a little New England, and is elected Sheriff.  Just when things should be festive, warm, and colorful in autumn, arrests are made.  

Gerald Schnieder, heralded philanthropist, is missing.  Schnieder formerly ran a Home for wayward children, too.  When human bones wash up on the beach, Cubiak has an instinct they're related to Schnieder and not in a good way.

It would be nice to have Cate at home, but Cubiak knows she's on a photo shoot and isn't sure she wants to be around.  Their relationship still has a lot of work to be done along with secrets dealt with.

I enjoy the twists and surprises Skalka directs the mystery and the romance.  Hidden history and a pull of gossip give Schnieder a whole new persona, and a meaning to the bones.  Needing Cate's help with photos, there's an opportunity for a meaningful discussion.  Let's hope this leads to a solved mystery and a strengthened romance.

Happy reading,

Dawn    

  

Death Stalks Door County by Patricia Skalka

 Door County is a peaceful and beautiful peninsula.  Why would anyone commit suicide at the county park with comforting nature all around?  

When the list of deaths gets longer, Dave Cubiak can't help but check on his suspicions.  Cubiak left Chicago after burnout as a homicide detective and the death of his family, hoping to regroup and find himself.  Being a detective is the way he thinks.  Multiple unexplainable deaths isn't normal.

Cubiak is  accepted and pulled into a small group of locals.

  There's the motherly ones, fatherly, and friendly residents.  And those that hide their thoughts versus share them.  He's seeking the hiders and meets several capable of committing murder.  

Cate Wagner, a photographer, approaches Cubiak at a party he attends.  He's looking for clues and finds a little more.  Eventually they realize their backgrounds are what they have in common, at least the part on how to deal with themselves.  A mutual interest develops in short interludes. 

I like the fact that many suspects are studied, and it's not easy to figure out who did it.  Also, the romance isn't a for sure thing. I'm going to have to read the series and see how far Cubiak and Cate get together or apart.

Happy reading,

Dawn  

North of the Tension Line by J.F. Riordan

Set in the beautiful Washington Island of Door County, Wisconsin amidst the flurries and cold of winter, Fiona Campbell decides her life needs a touch more excitement.  She attends this idea by buying a rundown yet historic home on Washington Island, through a bet with her BFF, Elisabeth.

                                       

Fiona, originally a city girl, needed more activities and a larger number of people to do them with.  She immediately questioned her decision to move further from people and the lights of civilization.  She even missed Coffee, the coffee house in Ephraim.  The owner, Roger, a recluse as much as he could be, even made moves on Elisabeth.  So what was wrong with an outgoing former city girl?  She had almost given up on the idea of a boyfriend until she acquainted herself with the island.

Fiona met a stodgy neighbor, had a blend of odd animals trespassing, learned of the island politics, and attempted to seduce a handsome man at a Chicago wedding.  Unrealized by herself, her heart had altered and the respite of a quiet island grew into a snug fit. 

She eventually learned that the island men needed more than a stare or simple hello in order to learn they also come in many sizes and one might fit just right.

North of the Tension Line relaxes the reader, letting them remember when things were simple, yet had just as much meaning in life as our hectic schedules today.  A great novel to curl up by the fireplace in the cold of winter, or put a pair of sandals on and sit in the sun for the southern readers!

 

Happy reading,

Dawn