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Deadly Appearances
Paperback
Published May 17, 2011
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About the author
Gail Bowen
58 books178 followersGail Dianne Bowen (née Bartholomew) is a Canadian playwright and writer of mystery novels. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Bowen was educated at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and the University of Saskatchewan. She subsequently taught English in Saskatchewan, and is currently a professor of English at First Nations University of Canada. Bowen's mystery novels feature Joanne Kilbourn, a widowed mother, political analyst and university professor who finds herself occasionally involved in criminal investigations in various parts of Saskatchewan. Many have been adapted as Canadian television movies by Shaftesbury Films.
Series:
* Joanne Kilbourn Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (1995): A Colder Kind of Death
Series:
* Joanne Kilbourn Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (1995): A Colder Kind of Death
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 1, 2025
Politics, Secrets, and Murder: A Riveting Start to the Joanne Kilbourn Series
Gail Bowen’s Deadly Appearances is a masterful introduction to Joanne Kilbourn, a sharp and relatable amateur sleuth who dives headfirst into the tangled web of politics, secrets, and murder. The novel begins with a bang—literally—as Saskatchewan politician Andy Boychuk collapses mid-speech at a summer picnic, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a community on edge.
Bowen’s writing shines as she weaves together the personal and the political, exploring Boychuk’s life and the skeletons in his closet. The Bible college subplot adds a layer of intrigue, hinting at a façade that hides something far darker. And the woman with a horrifying past? She’s a haunting reminder that the past never stays buried.
What sets this book apart is its balance of suspense and humanity. Joanne isn’t just solving a murder; she’s grappling with her own emotions and relationships, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. The pacing is tight, the twists are unexpected, and the small-town setting is vividly drawn, adding an atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Deadly Appearances is a compelling start to the Joanne Kilbourn series, promising readers a blend of clever mystery and emotional depth. If you’re a fan of character-driven whodunits with a touch of political intrigue, this book is a must-read.
Gail Bowen’s Deadly Appearances is a masterful introduction to Joanne Kilbourn, a sharp and relatable amateur sleuth who dives headfirst into the tangled web of politics, secrets, and murder. The novel begins with a bang—literally—as Saskatchewan politician Andy Boychuk collapses mid-speech at a summer picnic, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a community on edge.
Bowen’s writing shines as she weaves together the personal and the political, exploring Boychuk’s life and the skeletons in his closet. The Bible college subplot adds a layer of intrigue, hinting at a façade that hides something far darker. And the woman with a horrifying past? She’s a haunting reminder that the past never stays buried.
What sets this book apart is its balance of suspense and humanity. Joanne isn’t just solving a murder; she’s grappling with her own emotions and relationships, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for. The pacing is tight, the twists are unexpected, and the small-town setting is vividly drawn, adding an atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Deadly Appearances is a compelling start to the Joanne Kilbourn series, promising readers a blend of clever mystery and emotional depth. If you’re a fan of character-driven whodunits with a touch of political intrigue, this book is a must-read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review