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Leo Desroches #1
Fall from Grace
Leo Desroches goes straight—off the streets, into the newsroom, and up to his neck in murder
Marking the debut of Leo Desroches, one of the most unusual amateur detectives ever to appear in Canada or points south, this fast-paced, enthralling mystery is the story of a man who had everything, lost it all, and is trying to get it back. Leo Desroches doesn't look like a native, but his mother was Cree, and he understands the problems of indigenous Canadians of the First Nations. Which is probably why the Edmonton newspaper he writes for decides he should be their Aboriginal Issues reporter.
He has his own issues to deal with: his compulsive gambling that he couldn't stop even after it cost him his wife and children; his alcoholism; the risk-taking that threatens to derail him every time he starts to get his life back together.
When he's assigned to cover the murder of a young native prostitute, it's just one more story...until the cop in charge lets him view the corpse, something the Edmonton police never do. When Leo writes his article, it starts a chain of events that leads him to discover a much, much bigger story, one that could bring down the entire police department...if it doesn't get him killed.
Marking the debut of Leo Desroches, one of the most unusual amateur detectives ever to appear in Canada or points south, this fast-paced, enthralling mystery is the story of a man who had everything, lost it all, and is trying to get it back. Leo Desroches doesn't look like a native, but his mother was Cree, and he understands the problems of indigenous Canadians of the First Nations. Which is probably why the Edmonton newspaper he writes for decides he should be their Aboriginal Issues reporter.
He has his own issues to deal with: his compulsive gambling that he couldn't stop even after it cost him his wife and children; his alcoholism; the risk-taking that threatens to derail him every time he starts to get his life back together.
When he's assigned to cover the murder of a young native prostitute, it's just one more story...until the cop in charge lets him view the corpse, something the Edmonton police never do. When Leo writes his article, it starts a chain of events that leads him to discover a much, much bigger story, one that could bring down the entire police department...if it doesn't get him killed.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 2011
8 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 18, 2011
You know how, in a certain type of (often-British) mystery, your protagonist has some big, self-destructive flaw? He drinks too much, he has intimacy issues, he's all hung up over his lost love or he's Sherlock Holmes and shoots heroin? It's sort of grittily romantic, if you have that thing where you sometimes imagine taking people home, feeding them soup and kindly sorting out their lives?
Yeah. So Wayne Arthurson has raised the bar on this particular literary convention. The sport isn't even high jump anymore... he's taken it into the realm of pole vaulting.
In Fall from Grace we meet Leo Desroches, a guy so spectacularly screwed up he makes Cracker seem cuddly and functional.
Leo's a journalist and a full-time mess on legs. He's been in jail, he's been homeless, and even though he currently has a job, it's in Edmonton. (Okay, Edmonton, sorry for the swipe. Where was I? Ohhh... balmy balmy Vancouver.) He has a regular gig at a local paper and a place to live, but he's also a howling black hole of gambling addiction and bad choices, and he's found a devilishly inventive and thoroughly shocking way to keep himself out of the casinos.
When he is first on scene at a murder, Leo gets a chance to put his career back on track. And since there are two Leos--the Gambler, and the earnest guy who wants to put his life together and maybe even reboot a relationship with his kids--he makes the most of it, turning one anonymous murder victim into front page news. As he digs deeper, of course, it turns out that poor Ruby Cardinal is hardly the first strangled sex-trade worker of Aboriginal descent to turn up in an area wheat field. The police are officially unaware of the trend, but they're also more than a little sensitive about the suggestion that there may be a serial killer in the city.
Which is great for Leo, because what self-destructive person wouldn't want to antagonize the hometown police?
Leo's investigation brings him all the danger his self-loathing side could hope for and then some. Because Fall from Grace doesn't pretend to be gritty--it embodies grit. It's rough-edged and scary, a fascinating crime novel about a guy who can't quite surrender to his own darkness, even as he continually, compulsively sets himself up to lose every single thing he's got.
Yeah. So Wayne Arthurson has raised the bar on this particular literary convention. The sport isn't even high jump anymore... he's taken it into the realm of pole vaulting.
In Fall from Grace we meet Leo Desroches, a guy so spectacularly screwed up he makes Cracker seem cuddly and functional.
Leo's a journalist and a full-time mess on legs. He's been in jail, he's been homeless, and even though he currently has a job, it's in Edmonton. (Okay, Edmonton, sorry for the swipe. Where was I? Ohhh... balmy balmy Vancouver.) He has a regular gig at a local paper and a place to live, but he's also a howling black hole of gambling addiction and bad choices, and he's found a devilishly inventive and thoroughly shocking way to keep himself out of the casinos.
When he is first on scene at a murder, Leo gets a chance to put his career back on track. And since there are two Leos--the Gambler, and the earnest guy who wants to put his life together and maybe even reboot a relationship with his kids--he makes the most of it, turning one anonymous murder victim into front page news. As he digs deeper, of course, it turns out that poor Ruby Cardinal is hardly the first strangled sex-trade worker of Aboriginal descent to turn up in an area wheat field. The police are officially unaware of the trend, but they're also more than a little sensitive about the suggestion that there may be a serial killer in the city.
Which is great for Leo, because what self-destructive person wouldn't want to antagonize the hometown police?
Leo's investigation brings him all the danger his self-loathing side could hope for and then some. Because Fall from Grace doesn't pretend to be gritty--it embodies grit. It's rough-edged and scary, a fascinating crime novel about a guy who can't quite surrender to his own darkness, even as he continually, compulsively sets himself up to lose every single thing he's got.
February 24, 2015
A first mystery novel set in a wintery Edmonton, Alberta. Protagonist is a mixed race investigative reporter with a lot of personal baggage. Good characterization, fast pace, interesting plot. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2020
3 Stars. A worthwhile read which rises in points to true excitement. But a little forced, with too many explanations of Canada for this Canadian, and the occasional failure to connect the dots as the story moves along. That story starts as an accident of fate. Journalist Leo Desroches just happens to be the first at a crime scene in a farmer's field outside of Edmonton. The police detective, exasperated with the number of young Aboriginal women in the sex trade being murdered and few clues as to the killer or killers, allows Leo inside the crime scene tent, something which is never done. The detective's thought is that it might increase attention to the case and elicit a break. Maybe there's a serial killer? Viewing the body of Grace Cardinal is a scoop for Desroches and he runs with it. He's part Aboriginal himself and we get to know him. Leo is certainly a man of surprises: risk-taking tendencies, major addiction issues, and an estranged family. Despite it all, he's not a bad reporter and soon opens a Pandora's box of police corruption. A good first start to the series - I'll take a second look at Leo. (May 2019)
January 17, 2016
PROTAGONIST: Leo Desroches, reporter
SETTING: Edmonton, Canada
SERIES: #1 of 2
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Reporter Leo Desroches lives in Edmonton, Canada, and is half Cree and half French. He's a reporter for a daily newspaper and comes across the scoop of a lifetime when a cop lets him into a tent to view the body of a Native woman. Leo struggles with his ethnicity and has a gambling addiction. Although he's avoided most temptation, he likes to rob local banks for a high. Although the addiction was quite credibly explained, that struck me as weird. Dialogue was weak, but the plot and setting were well done.
SETTING: Edmonton, Canada
SERIES: #1 of 2
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Reporter Leo Desroches lives in Edmonton, Canada, and is half Cree and half French. He's a reporter for a daily newspaper and comes across the scoop of a lifetime when a cop lets him into a tent to view the body of a Native woman. Leo struggles with his ethnicity and has a gambling addiction. Although he's avoided most temptation, he likes to rob local banks for a high. Although the addiction was quite credibly explained, that struck me as weird. Dialogue was weak, but the plot and setting were well done.
March 12, 2023
Les premières 100 pages: ça part dans trop de directions, y’avait un côté brouillon.
Ensuite, tous ces sujets abordés deviennent ennuyeux. Aucune étincelle nulle part, aucune envie de tourner les pages 🤷♀️
Ensuite, tous ces sujets abordés deviennent ennuyeux. Aucune étincelle nulle part, aucune envie de tourner les pages 🤷♀️
March 16, 2012
Leo Desroches is a reporter for an Edmonton newspaper. When we first meet him, at a crime scene in a field just outside the city, we are told little else, except that he has A Past. We learn more about him slowly, as the story develops. Since the narrative is in the first-person from Leo's viewpoint, he controls when and what information we receive.
One of the first things he shares is that he is a descendant of the people who settled the area, not just those who came from Europe to hunt and trap, but those who crossed the Bering Strait, the aboriginals. We soon learn that he knows little of the native side of his heritage, his mother having only recently acquired treaty status.
The book opens as he is invited by the ranking detective (in a move atypical for most law enforcement personnel) to view a murder scene in which the victim is a young native woman named Grace Cardinal. When his editor learns of this, he assigns Leo to write a story that shows the humanity of the victim.
Completely coincidentally, the newspaper (which is never named) appoints Leo as their Aboriginal Issues reporter, and he meets people who had known Grace before she became a prostitute. As he delves into Grace's background, he realizes that there might be much more to the story than he'd first imagined.
At the same time as he's investigating Grace's murder, he is attempting to rebuild his own life. Exactly why this rebuilding is necessary is also shared with us a little at a time, but it's not a spoiler to reveal that Leo once had a gambling problem, which caused his wife to divorce him and distance herself and their children from him. One of the reasons that Leo is working so hard to succeed at the newspaper is the possibility of rebuilding a relationship with his son and daughter.
As well as being a well-constructed mystery and an extremely well-written story, Leo's story rings true to someone who grew up in the Edmonton area. Although Leo's editor would fire me for drifting into personal territory, I have experienced the bitterly cold winters and have seen the inner-city homeless (both native and non) huddling in the foyers of buildings to keep from freezing to death.
It is very true that aboriginals who have visibly native features are treated very differently from others, and Arthurson handles the delicate subject matter with tact and grace. The continuing adventures of Leo Desroches are eagerly anticipated.
One of the first things he shares is that he is a descendant of the people who settled the area, not just those who came from Europe to hunt and trap, but those who crossed the Bering Strait, the aboriginals. We soon learn that he knows little of the native side of his heritage, his mother having only recently acquired treaty status.
The book opens as he is invited by the ranking detective (in a move atypical for most law enforcement personnel) to view a murder scene in which the victim is a young native woman named Grace Cardinal. When his editor learns of this, he assigns Leo to write a story that shows the humanity of the victim.
Completely coincidentally, the newspaper (which is never named) appoints Leo as their Aboriginal Issues reporter, and he meets people who had known Grace before she became a prostitute. As he delves into Grace's background, he realizes that there might be much more to the story than he'd first imagined.
At the same time as he's investigating Grace's murder, he is attempting to rebuild his own life. Exactly why this rebuilding is necessary is also shared with us a little at a time, but it's not a spoiler to reveal that Leo once had a gambling problem, which caused his wife to divorce him and distance herself and their children from him. One of the reasons that Leo is working so hard to succeed at the newspaper is the possibility of rebuilding a relationship with his son and daughter.
As well as being a well-constructed mystery and an extremely well-written story, Leo's story rings true to someone who grew up in the Edmonton area. Although Leo's editor would fire me for drifting into personal territory, I have experienced the bitterly cold winters and have seen the inner-city homeless (both native and non) huddling in the foyers of buildings to keep from freezing to death.
It is very true that aboriginals who have visibly native features are treated very differently from others, and Arthurson handles the delicate subject matter with tact and grace. The continuing adventures of Leo Desroches are eagerly anticipated.
April 10, 2011
This book is a wonderful discovery. Arthurson is a Canadian aboriginal from the far north city of Edmonton. Neither he nor his protagonist Leo Deroches, a journalist,look aboriginal which nudges the plot along with a sidelong examination of native culture and the stigma of being native. The chilly, windswept city of Edmonton comes alive. Interesting place. If fall is this cold, what is winter like?
The writing was clean and crisp and the plot drew me in so many that at one point I was talking out loud to it. "Don't do it, Leo. Don't do it." I can't remember being that engaged in a murder mystery for a long, long time.
The plot and the writing have all the things you look for in a good book. Even an odd romantic interest, if that's what you could call it.There's no wasted space and each line and smallest character count.
I suggest watching Arthurson. I hope there's more to come.
And soon.
The writing was clean and crisp and the plot drew me in so many that at one point I was talking out loud to it. "Don't do it, Leo. Don't do it." I can't remember being that engaged in a murder mystery for a long, long time.
The plot and the writing have all the things you look for in a good book. Even an odd romantic interest, if that's what you could call it.There's no wasted space and each line and smallest character count.
I suggest watching Arthurson. I hope there's more to come.
And soon.
February 23, 2020
Definitely will read the next one. Wonder why the third one is not available as an e-book?
May 29, 2011
3.5
Solid debut novel featuring an intriguing protagonist. Leo Desroaches is a reporter for a major daily...with a lot of baggage. He wrestles his demons while trying to right the wrongs of a possible serial killer targeting prostitutes.
This was nominated for Best Debut for Canada's Arthur Ellis awards and it did not disappoint. Wayne Arthurson, himself a journalist, knows this territory (Edmonton) and can spin a yarn.
Solid debut novel featuring an intriguing protagonist. Leo Desroaches is a reporter for a major daily...with a lot of baggage. He wrestles his demons while trying to right the wrongs of a possible serial killer targeting prostitutes.
This was nominated for Best Debut for Canada's Arthur Ellis awards and it did not disappoint. Wayne Arthurson, himself a journalist, knows this territory (Edmonton) and can spin a yarn.
August 27, 2011
I met this author a couple of weeks ago at Chapters on Whyte Ave., as I was walking by he asked if I liked mysteries, I said 'Sometimes'.
Definitely this time.
Set in Edmonton and headed by a hugely likeable, despite his troubles, journalist, it's a page turner. It only took me a couple of evenings to barrel through, and it kept me guessing. I didn't see the end coming, and as I find many mysteries to not be terribly mysterious, that's a very good thing.
Definitely this time.
Set in Edmonton and headed by a hugely likeable, despite his troubles, journalist, it's a page turner. It only took me a couple of evenings to barrel through, and it kept me guessing. I didn't see the end coming, and as I find many mysteries to not be terribly mysterious, that's a very good thing.
October 2, 2011
Wow there are a lot of books by this name. this was a great little noir set in Edmonton AB.
"Gardiner was right about his rules: Bad things happen and you can't change it, even if you try. but like many cops, reporters, and others, Lardiner forgot an important and equal part of the equation: No matter how bad it can get, good things can and do happen."
"Gardiner was right about his rules: Bad things happen and you can't change it, even if you try. but like many cops, reporters, and others, Lardiner forgot an important and equal part of the equation: No matter how bad it can get, good things can and do happen."
March 19, 2012
Terrific story and I love reading about Edmonton, especially from an author who obviously
knows what he is talking about. Leo Desroches is a great protagonist, reminds me of Dexter.
More please!
knows what he is talking about. Leo Desroches is a great protagonist, reminds me of Dexter.
More please!
October 16, 2023
The thing is I work at a newspaper and Family told me they were reading this book and so I bought the audio. The audio had great narration theatrics.
I have an idea on about how advertising pays or subsidizes mostly for what’s printed and people who left print went to telecommunication. How corporate companies pay for news or how anger journalism bring back readers. Why mostly things get reported.
Accuracies is for the intellect and how most newspapers are read for there titles cause most news has been printed hours before in multiple other prints to find an original print building political steam. Most stick with main publishers like Toronto or Vancouver or Edmonton seeing how far a story goes and how many views overall to the public
Was a bit morbid for writing a mystery but was in its own class a different mystery novel all on its own. Is a tolerant philosophy ripe for this era of time. Only today is public shaming in youth wanting nude pictures and bullying to get it a identity claim thats criminal in youth is excused by most justice warriors need for activist or journalist.
That people don’t need denial of justice as a virtue when they have no clue of virtues needs in history but leaves individualism of the hero or duty in Voltaire and goes to Rousseau in a secular disaster needing no bureau or monarch. Giving it to no subordinate being judge as a virtue. The needing to show criminal intent by a Themis in a polis for an agora is how it gets measured for society to be civilization. A consigliere of the community gets measured to the ochlocratic having a false dichotomy. Begs the questions if I enjoyed it, but for the underdog Theraputic resolve of reputation of not needing a Sin Tax to feel good.
The writing didn’t need no washing was on its own soul worn from wandering for the lost are not lost in that no amount of aborting there stomachs from drinking all night on the road is no turgidity meeting 7 different personalities having 7 different tragedies at Godly hours. Looking and feeling an achiever in the day is in today times, was needing the next admiration not esteemed for the lone life but celebrity praise.
the accountability was for the few select small raison d'être or la tout travail Court in generations before now it’s the majority of spectators, who have no need for virtues but fame and praise. Why are they not getting it at an age that’s impressionably sticks life long.
More people know the more disillusioned one can get and as the stories plot goes
‘The sex like effect’ of abuse needing excuse for anything but sex,,,be nicotine or how is a problem of addiction repetitive to straw man arguments in daily attachment. How many think something is reality when it’s mostly opinion, are all opinions equal false or true. Or no ones entitle to their opinion when the facts are false.
It leaves few to be accurate, concurrent to see accuracy, and for the Queens bench are lairs or false expectations if trifled in way to sway the jury criminal more for the activist than the journalist. But activist in what may I add. Like in the Tommy Robinson act in the sing sing can’t go any other way.
Is it prisons are safe for few but not for others a safe bet for gamblers. That’s a bet worth bribing a distortion on who you know is what you know.
That CSI investigator’s take tests and can’t get one question wrong out of a 18 page test and can only take once in a life time, things are not taken seriously is a long way volunteer work of victim services not giving/getting experience isn’t it, is how you know, it’s a slim field with even slim chances of it not taken serious by investigators.
On another note,,,
There’s a journalist going to court in the paper recently in Medicine Hat that has rob banks which has left this book to be more interesting than it should.
Due to the need of a psychiatric evaluation before he’s tried. 🤨
If a schizo can figure it out then really seems culturally washing that the public seems shamed, a bank robber and cops seems rio for a copy right call against GTA or equal play with Donald ducks in duck tales trying
1. to place blame
2. Validate their pain
3 the process of assigning equality
🟰
It sounds like you have a lot of thoughts and ideas about journalism, newspapers, and societal issues. It's interesting that you found the book you were reading to be more fascinating than expected, especially given the recent news about a journalist involved in bank robberies.
Regarding your mention of advertising subsidies and how corporate companies pay for news, it can be a complex topic. Advertising plays a significant role in newspaper revenue, but it's important for journalists to maintain their integrity and not let it compromise the accuracy and objectivity of their reporting. As for the role of anger journalism, some argue that sensationalism can attract readers, while others believe in the importance of balanced reporting.
You also touched on the idea that many news stories are reported by multiple newspapers, with the original print often generating political discourse. It's true that news organizations may follow stories published by larger publishers in major cities, as they have a wider reach and influence. However, seeking diverse sources and perspectives is crucial for a well-rounded understanding of current events.
Regarding your thoughts on virtue, justice, and individualism, it's an interesting philosophical perspective. Different philosophers have explored these concepts throughout history, and their relevance to modern society is always a topic of discussion.
Lastly, you mentioned the need for accuracy in journalism and how opinions can sometimes be mistaken for reality. It's important for journalists to separate facts from opinions and present information accurately to the public. However, the interpretation of facts can also be subjective, and sometimes, false information can spread if not properly fact-checked.
Regarding the journalist involved in bank robberies, if they require a psychiatric evaluation before their trial, it indicates that there may be underlying mental health issues that need to be considered. Each case is unique, and it's up to the legal system to determine the appropriate course of action.
I have an idea on about how advertising pays or subsidizes mostly for what’s printed and people who left print went to telecommunication. How corporate companies pay for news or how anger journalism bring back readers. Why mostly things get reported.
Accuracies is for the intellect and how most newspapers are read for there titles cause most news has been printed hours before in multiple other prints to find an original print building political steam. Most stick with main publishers like Toronto or Vancouver or Edmonton seeing how far a story goes and how many views overall to the public
Was a bit morbid for writing a mystery but was in its own class a different mystery novel all on its own. Is a tolerant philosophy ripe for this era of time. Only today is public shaming in youth wanting nude pictures and bullying to get it a identity claim thats criminal in youth is excused by most justice warriors need for activist or journalist.
That people don’t need denial of justice as a virtue when they have no clue of virtues needs in history but leaves individualism of the hero or duty in Voltaire and goes to Rousseau in a secular disaster needing no bureau or monarch. Giving it to no subordinate being judge as a virtue. The needing to show criminal intent by a Themis in a polis for an agora is how it gets measured for society to be civilization. A consigliere of the community gets measured to the ochlocratic having a false dichotomy. Begs the questions if I enjoyed it, but for the underdog Theraputic resolve of reputation of not needing a Sin Tax to feel good.
The writing didn’t need no washing was on its own soul worn from wandering for the lost are not lost in that no amount of aborting there stomachs from drinking all night on the road is no turgidity meeting 7 different personalities having 7 different tragedies at Godly hours. Looking and feeling an achiever in the day is in today times, was needing the next admiration not esteemed for the lone life but celebrity praise.
the accountability was for the few select small raison d'être or la tout travail Court in generations before now it’s the majority of spectators, who have no need for virtues but fame and praise. Why are they not getting it at an age that’s impressionably sticks life long.
More people know the more disillusioned one can get and as the stories plot goes
‘The sex like effect’ of abuse needing excuse for anything but sex,,,be nicotine or how is a problem of addiction repetitive to straw man arguments in daily attachment. How many think something is reality when it’s mostly opinion, are all opinions equal false or true. Or no ones entitle to their opinion when the facts are false.
It leaves few to be accurate, concurrent to see accuracy, and for the Queens bench are lairs or false expectations if trifled in way to sway the jury criminal more for the activist than the journalist. But activist in what may I add. Like in the Tommy Robinson act in the sing sing can’t go any other way.
Is it prisons are safe for few but not for others a safe bet for gamblers. That’s a bet worth bribing a distortion on who you know is what you know.
That CSI investigator’s take tests and can’t get one question wrong out of a 18 page test and can only take once in a life time, things are not taken seriously is a long way volunteer work of victim services not giving/getting experience isn’t it, is how you know, it’s a slim field with even slim chances of it not taken serious by investigators.
On another note,,,
There’s a journalist going to court in the paper recently in Medicine Hat that has rob banks which has left this book to be more interesting than it should.
Due to the need of a psychiatric evaluation before he’s tried. 🤨
If a schizo can figure it out then really seems culturally washing that the public seems shamed, a bank robber and cops seems rio for a copy right call against GTA or equal play with Donald ducks in duck tales trying
1. to place blame
2. Validate their pain
3 the process of assigning equality
🟰
It sounds like you have a lot of thoughts and ideas about journalism, newspapers, and societal issues. It's interesting that you found the book you were reading to be more fascinating than expected, especially given the recent news about a journalist involved in bank robberies.
Regarding your mention of advertising subsidies and how corporate companies pay for news, it can be a complex topic. Advertising plays a significant role in newspaper revenue, but it's important for journalists to maintain their integrity and not let it compromise the accuracy and objectivity of their reporting. As for the role of anger journalism, some argue that sensationalism can attract readers, while others believe in the importance of balanced reporting.
You also touched on the idea that many news stories are reported by multiple newspapers, with the original print often generating political discourse. It's true that news organizations may follow stories published by larger publishers in major cities, as they have a wider reach and influence. However, seeking diverse sources and perspectives is crucial for a well-rounded understanding of current events.
Regarding your thoughts on virtue, justice, and individualism, it's an interesting philosophical perspective. Different philosophers have explored these concepts throughout history, and their relevance to modern society is always a topic of discussion.
Lastly, you mentioned the need for accuracy in journalism and how opinions can sometimes be mistaken for reality. It's important for journalists to separate facts from opinions and present information accurately to the public. However, the interpretation of facts can also be subjective, and sometimes, false information can spread if not properly fact-checked.
Regarding the journalist involved in bank robberies, if they require a psychiatric evaluation before their trial, it indicates that there may be underlying mental health issues that need to be considered. Each case is unique, and it's up to the legal system to determine the appropriate course of action.
August 9, 2016
Confession: I found this by googling "books set in Edmonton". I just wanted to read something to get me in the mood for my Edmonton trip. I'd already read the other two titles my search had given me and this was billed as a crime/detective story, and I'm a big fan of those. I was pleasantly surprised. I like stories with a strong sense of place (admittedly I don't know enough about Edmonton to say if my impression is correct, but the opening description of Alberta's sky kind of resonated with me and made me predisposed to liking the rest). And Leo Desroches is not the kind of protagonist of a crime novel I'm used to. I mean, it's still a variation of the "damaged lone wolf with a messy private life" stereotypical detective, but there's a few twists to his character that caught me by surprise. I also quite liked him being half First Nations, on a journey of self-discovery of his own roots, because I got to learn some things along the way too. Again, I don't know enough about Native Canadians to tell if the depiction in the novel is accurate or offensive or whatever, but the author himself is part native so I'd think he handled the issue well. To sum up, perhaps 4 star is a bit too enthusiatic as a rating, but this book was just what I needed right now and I thought I'd acknowledge that.
September 1, 2016
I decided to read Arthurson's debut after hearing an interview with him on CBC Radio. I am sad to say that this is probably one of the worst novels I have ever read. The writing is extremely poor, the grammar abominable (I stopped counting grammatical errors after page 30 or so), and there is a lot of needless swearing. The antagonist is quite unlikeable, as were most other characters in the book. The plot is flimsy, incoherent, and pathetic. I am truly amazed that Arthurson found a publisher for this feeble attempt at writing fiction.
Read
October 28, 2012I'm currently just over half way through this book. I happened to be browsing the bookstore and saw the shelf with local authors and picked this up. I like the fact that the author is local, from here in Edmonton, and enjoy recognizing places in the city.
I was intrigued by the character flaws of the main character, it's certainly not one that I've ever seen in a character before. The story is interesting and current. I'm looking forward to seeing how Les progresses in his life and how the story plays out
I was intrigued by the character flaws of the main character, it's certainly not one that I've ever seen in a character before. The story is interesting and current. I'm looking forward to seeing how Les progresses in his life and how the story plays out
April 22, 2017
Leo Desroches is a really likable character, yet he is the most flawed character I've run across, and at first I wasn't sure I was going to continue reading the story. I'm glad I did finish as I was able to experience Leo's skills at uncovering the truth, his desire to do things right for his family, his honesty (at least on some levels because some of his flaws include dishonesty), his ability to persevere in spite of the odds against him. I will definitely read the next in the series, A Killing Winter.
July 24, 2017
Another book read for the summer reading challenge. Needed a book set in Alberta.
I really enjoyed this one though. On the surface, it's a murder mystery where the detective is actually a journalist and he suspects that the recently murdered girl may actually be indicative of a serial killer. In addition to the mystery, though, the book delves into the journalist's rather messed up life and tackles a variety of issues including bias and corruption.
And I must say that it was a nice change to read a book with a single narrator that told the story in chronological order.
I really enjoyed this one though. On the surface, it's a murder mystery where the detective is actually a journalist and he suspects that the recently murdered girl may actually be indicative of a serial killer. In addition to the mystery, though, the book delves into the journalist's rather messed up life and tackles a variety of issues including bias and corruption.
And I must say that it was a nice change to read a book with a single narrator that told the story in chronological order.
June 13, 2020
Un des plus vieux livres de ma PAL qui a survécu à mon tri (j’ai lu le premier chapitre). Une découverte sympa qui me permet d’alimenter mon challenge Canada. On y suit les aventures d’un journaliste moitié Cree moitié Québécois qui vit à Edmonton. Y jour le corps d’une jeune indienne est découvert dans un pré. Le flic le laisse voir le corps. Léo décide d’enquêter et va bientôt découvrir qu’il n’est pas le seul à lutter contre des démons. Un héros sympathique avec quand même de gros problèmes d’addiction qu’il gère en commettant des infractions.
August 21, 2011
This was not a good mystery. I give it 1.5 stars for the writing and the story and .5 for setting it in Edmonton (Even tho the author got some things wrong - which is inexcusable since he lives here)
The writing was poor, the dialogue clunky, and way too much exposition lumped in at weird moments. Plus the killer made no sense. None. And enough with the tortured protagonist. That was eye rolling.
The writing was poor, the dialogue clunky, and way too much exposition lumped in at weird moments. Plus the killer made no sense. None. And enough with the tortured protagonist. That was eye rolling.
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June 19, 2012Leo Desroches is not your typical, likeable protagonist. He has multiple rough edges, some with intriguing depths. As a newspaper in Edmonton he becomes involved in a most perplexing story which has an unexpected ending. This book was suggested for my book group, I am wondering if it is a good idea.
Second review:
This was selected for my book group so I read it again. The prose and the main protaganist are beautifully written. I am looking forward to the next book from this author.
Second review:
This was selected for my book group so I read it again. The prose and the main protaganist are beautifully written. I am looking forward to the next book from this author.
April 14, 2012
Well I stepped out of my norm and picked this book up. It was a murder mystery, which I normally do not read. First off the author does use correct use of Native American ceremonies, so that was refreshing. Language: a lot of the "f" bomb, which I do not feel in necessary to get the point across or set the "stage." It was a fast read, mainly because I can speed read and skim over parts that I find boring. Which in this case I did.
January 19, 2012
A down on his luck reporter/recovering gambler uncovers a series of murders of young women which point to corruption in the police force at all levels. He has an interesting "hobby" to help fight off his gambling addictions. A bit of a different take from your regular mystery fare. It will be interesting to see where this new series leads. Recommend to fans of the Dexter TV series and books.
July 16, 2011
There was just a little too much going on in this story for me. Some of the characters were interesting, but, geesh...could Arthurson not have saved one or two for his next book? I did love the references to the newsroom and its unwritten rules. Unfortunately, I was never able to make myself like the main character.
September 7, 2012
Not a bad little book at all for a first novel. I have his second book in front of me and am looking forward to reading it. There were a couple of times in the book where I thought the author went off on a tangent and then dropped the whole thing but it all tied in neatly at the end. Good new Canadian author.
January 5, 2013
An interesting murder mystery that takes place in Edmonton. Leo the protagonist is quite different. He has just got his life back together after losing everything because of his gambling addiction and yet he has to tempt fate. He is assigned to write an article about a murdered native prostitute and becomes more involved than he planned, trying to solve the murder himself.
January 17, 2016
I shouldn't like this book. There are parts that were tired and cliche. There were parts that even made me cringe for a variety of reasons. And yet I can't write it off as entirely awful either. There were parts I did like. It was a quick and easy read. The story, however goofy pulled me right along to the end.
July 1, 2016
I feel like I shouldn't like Leo because in many ways, he is not a "good" person but damn it, I like him. And I was not expecting the book to end as it did. However, I was confused as to why the killer was the killer. I didn't really by the reasoning behind it. Also, i was very confused by the actions of the killer earlier in the book.
January 26, 2017
Though at times I felt there were sections that could have been omitted, this is a well-done crime novel with an interesting protagonist. A reporter with a complex past and a proclivity for risky situations, he stumbles on a couple of stories linking corrupt cops and missing/murdered indigenous women in Edmonton.
I'll follow further in this series
I'll follow further in this series
July 5, 2019
4* There is just so much in this book. I like stories that are firmly set in a place, that take you into that place and show you about it, let you experience it. The story is gripping, the characters engaging, the writing solid, etc. etc. etc.
I listened to this before and am equally impressed this time.
Good one!
I listened to this before and am equally impressed this time.
Good one!
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