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Hunter Rayne Highway Mystery #2
Ice on the Grapevine
2012 Global Ebook Awards finalist
On a warm July morning in L.A. County, a frozen corpse turns up at a highway brake check just south of the Grapevine Pass. Ex-homicide detective Hunter Rayne, who now drives an eighteen wheeler, is persuaded by his irascible dispatcher, Elspeth Watson, to help clear two fellow truck drivers who are arrested for the murder. His job is made more difficult by the fact that the suspects, a newlywed couple, won't speak up in their own defense.
The circumstantial evidence is strong, and a rookie detective from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department is eager to score a win. The investigation crosses the Canada-U.S. border when the victim is identified as a second rate musician from Vancouver, and it turns out there were more than a few desperate people happy to see him dead, including the accused couple. Hunter has to use all his investigative skills to uncover the truth.
Hunter’s ex-wife maintains that by taking to the highway Hunter is running away from his past, but he believes that the solitude of days on the road is helping him to heal from guilt over the failure of his marriage and the suicide of his best friend. Tangled relationships and multiple suspects emerge throughout the novel, as Hunter butts heads with more than one officer of the law to solve the crime.
On a warm July morning in L.A. County, a frozen corpse turns up at a highway brake check just south of the Grapevine Pass. Ex-homicide detective Hunter Rayne, who now drives an eighteen wheeler, is persuaded by his irascible dispatcher, Elspeth Watson, to help clear two fellow truck drivers who are arrested for the murder. His job is made more difficult by the fact that the suspects, a newlywed couple, won't speak up in their own defense.
The circumstantial evidence is strong, and a rookie detective from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department is eager to score a win. The investigation crosses the Canada-U.S. border when the victim is identified as a second rate musician from Vancouver, and it turns out there were more than a few desperate people happy to see him dead, including the accused couple. Hunter has to use all his investigative skills to uncover the truth.
Hunter’s ex-wife maintains that by taking to the highway Hunter is running away from his past, but he believes that the solitude of days on the road is helping him to heal from guilt over the failure of his marriage and the suicide of his best friend. Tangled relationships and multiple suspects emerge throughout the novel, as Hunter butts heads with more than one officer of the law to solve the crime.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 2, 2012
I like this sequel so much, I plan to read the first book. I enjoyed all of the characters and I was unable to guess who the killer was.
Not many novels I've read involved this many locations. I found this fascinating and all of the locations were realistic and enjoyable.
If I were told I have to pick the character in this book I like the least it would be Christine, Hunter Rayne's ex-wife. I say this only because she feels he's running from his past and she's so mean to him.
The twists and turns kept me glued to my Kindle Fire. Laced with humor and a touch of romance, I highly recommend you read this second book in the series. It goes without saying, reading the first book is not necessary, but you will definitely want to after reading this one.
Very well written surprise ending.
Rebecca Scarberry
April 19, 2020
Hunter Rayne Highway Mystery book #2
“Ice on the Grapeline” is a tense murder mystery featuring a tough-minded ex-homicide detective turned eighteen-wheel truck driver. Hunter Rayne will do his best to try to find the truth and see that justice is done.
Rayne is persuaded by his irascible dispatcher, Elspeth Watson, to help clear two fellow truck drivers who are arrested for murder. The frozen body of a man was discovered in their trailer while they were crossing borders between Canada and the USA .Dispatched to the scene and put in charge of the investigation is a rookie detective from L.A. that is very eager to score a win….Rayne butts head with more than one officer of the law…… on both side of the borders. Of course, from then on is a good and suspenseful mystery to keep us flipping pages to see what will come next.
This is a traditional “whodunits” story with a complex plots, multiple suspects and a surprise ending. In realistic subplots that mesh beautifully both the crime and the victim we have recurring characters we came to love in the past. The writing style reflects the deep knowledge of the trucking world the author was once part of and Ms. Donald has penned a solid and captivating storyline with many plot twists for our pleasure. Some may notice the lack of logical break between some threads, I agree this can be annoying to some but simply take a pause and move on. (Editing errors happen). All through till we turn the final page, the tempo keeps a steady pace and never wavers.
I enjoyed passing time with “Ice on the Grapeline” and I am looking forward to book #3 “Sea to Sky”
“Ice on the Grapeline” is a tense murder mystery featuring a tough-minded ex-homicide detective turned eighteen-wheel truck driver. Hunter Rayne will do his best to try to find the truth and see that justice is done.
Rayne is persuaded by his irascible dispatcher, Elspeth Watson, to help clear two fellow truck drivers who are arrested for murder. The frozen body of a man was discovered in their trailer while they were crossing borders between Canada and the USA .Dispatched to the scene and put in charge of the investigation is a rookie detective from L.A. that is very eager to score a win….Rayne butts head with more than one officer of the law…… on both side of the borders. Of course, from then on is a good and suspenseful mystery to keep us flipping pages to see what will come next.
This is a traditional “whodunits” story with a complex plots, multiple suspects and a surprise ending. In realistic subplots that mesh beautifully both the crime and the victim we have recurring characters we came to love in the past. The writing style reflects the deep knowledge of the trucking world the author was once part of and Ms. Donald has penned a solid and captivating storyline with many plot twists for our pleasure. Some may notice the lack of logical break between some threads, I agree this can be annoying to some but simply take a pause and move on. (Editing errors happen). All through till we turn the final page, the tempo keeps a steady pace and never wavers.
I enjoyed passing time with “Ice on the Grapeline” and I am looking forward to book #3 “Sea to Sky”
February 6, 2021
A lorry driver pulls over for a regular mid-journey vehicle check and discovers a frozen corpse in the trailer. A nightmare for any truck driver, still these things happen even when double-manning. This incident leads to the drivers being arrested and their transport manager enlists the help of ex-RCMP trucker Hunter Rayne to assist in their release.
This second book in the series can be read as a stand-alone and thankfully the reader does not need any back story. I found this book to be a refreshing mystery with plenty of characters and sub-plots. The story progressed at a steady pace and there was a lot of warmth between the characters.
The trucking parts provided a good backdrop for this story and I loved the little details like cabotage. Where this story scores though is the relationships people develop with others and not just the two legged sort. We meet Peaches, a Pomeranian who, like most dogs, love to travel.
I enjoyed the chemistry that developed between the characters, Hunter warming to Peaches, romance among the adults and sexy scenes to make you smile. Angie was a big surprise, one of those scenes that once you read you can’t unread. As for the couple who after the third time shared a can of Budweiser, well - laughing out loud - I would be very disappointed if you offered me half a can of beer after performing three times. I would want a full can and three biscuits, thank you.
I liked how this mystery unfolded with lots of possibilities about how the victim ended up in the trailer and all the likely people who may have wanted him off the scene.
I think this character driven mystery is a GOOD 4 star read and is considerably better than the first book in this series, Slow Curve on the Coquihalla.
This second book in the series can be read as a stand-alone and thankfully the reader does not need any back story. I found this book to be a refreshing mystery with plenty of characters and sub-plots. The story progressed at a steady pace and there was a lot of warmth between the characters.
The trucking parts provided a good backdrop for this story and I loved the little details like cabotage. Where this story scores though is the relationships people develop with others and not just the two legged sort. We meet Peaches, a Pomeranian who, like most dogs, love to travel.
I enjoyed the chemistry that developed between the characters, Hunter warming to Peaches, romance among the adults and sexy scenes to make you smile. Angie was a big surprise, one of those scenes that once you read you can’t unread. As for the couple who after the third time shared a can of Budweiser, well - laughing out loud - I would be very disappointed if you offered me half a can of beer after performing three times. I would want a full can and three biscuits, thank you.
I liked how this mystery unfolded with lots of possibilities about how the victim ended up in the trailer and all the likely people who may have wanted him off the scene.
I think this character driven mystery is a GOOD 4 star read and is considerably better than the first book in this series, Slow Curve on the Coquihalla.
May 27, 2012
ICE ON THE GRAPEVINE, by R.E. Donald, kept me guessing until the end. The action moves quickly and you’ll have to read carefully to follow all the threads. The main character, Hunter Rayne, an ex-member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, now drives an 18-wheeler for a living. He’s pulled right into the thick of things, when his dispatcher, Elspeth Watson, calls him to pick up a load of nacho sauce. Turns out that newlyweds Ray and Sharon, the nacho sauce drivers, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
From there, the ride gets as twisty and dangerous as the notorious Grapevine, with knotty relationships and shifting alliances that lead to numerous suspects. Add to that the multiple lawyers and the Canadian and American detectives working on the case, and it’s almost mayhem. With the dispatcher, El, pushing Hunter, he keeps untangling the complicated threads until he pulls out the right one that leads to the killer.
Though I haven’t yet read the first book in this series, I was able to pick right up with the characters. ICE ON THE GRAPEVINE is an easy, fun read that will keep you turning the pages until you find out who done it.
From there, the ride gets as twisty and dangerous as the notorious Grapevine, with knotty relationships and shifting alliances that lead to numerous suspects. Add to that the multiple lawyers and the Canadian and American detectives working on the case, and it’s almost mayhem. With the dispatcher, El, pushing Hunter, he keeps untangling the complicated threads until he pulls out the right one that leads to the killer.
Though I haven’t yet read the first book in this series, I was able to pick right up with the characters. ICE ON THE GRAPEVINE is an easy, fun read that will keep you turning the pages until you find out who done it.
February 14, 2015
Hunter Rayne is a retired detective. He has to make a delivery to Grapevine L.A. That day they discover a frozen corpse and Hunter is persuaded to investigate. He finds himself in a very confusing and frustrating situation with many suspects and a very annoying co- worker,Then the case get a little more confusing when it gets carried over Vancouver because the victim could me a Canadian musician. Hunter must use all of his investigative skills and resources to solve the case.
I wanted to read this book because I had already read the third book of this series and I was a little confused.
I finished this book because end leads in to the third book which I had already read.
I would recommend this book to Sammy. She doesn't really read this genre but I think she would like it .
I wanted to read this book because I had already read the third book of this series and I was a little confused.
I finished this book because end leads in to the third book which I had already read.
I would recommend this book to Sammy. She doesn't really read this genre but I think she would like it .
December 8, 2012
I found myself interested in Ice On The Grapevine because it is a route I have often driven and have found in the past that murder mysteries that take place in areas I know tend to lend visuals to aid in immersion and suspension of disbelief.
What I was pleasantly surprised by was the author's depth of understanding not just of the ins and outs of law enforcement and trucking but her ability to convey this knowledge in a layman's fashion while using the proper terminology and protocol. You really get the feel of being involved in the events that way instead of an outsider simplistic approach.
Character building starts on the first pages as does the actions, two traits of a well versed author. People who try to emulate some of their favorite authors such as Stephen King often make the mistake of not having action right away or delay on character building, King can get away with this because his readers are fans already, other authors should take this book's example and create entry level character building early on and action to hook the reader right away.
The dialogue is well written and smooth and without giving away any spoilers there are well thought out and believable twists. The pacing is good and the lead characters are likable, flaws and all, and though I haven't read the first book in the series I now want to and look forward to reading more in the future.
I highly recommend Ice On The Grapevine as a good read and a solid example of good writing. Plus, and this is probably most important, it is a fun ride.
What I was pleasantly surprised by was the author's depth of understanding not just of the ins and outs of law enforcement and trucking but her ability to convey this knowledge in a layman's fashion while using the proper terminology and protocol. You really get the feel of being involved in the events that way instead of an outsider simplistic approach.
Character building starts on the first pages as does the actions, two traits of a well versed author. People who try to emulate some of their favorite authors such as Stephen King often make the mistake of not having action right away or delay on character building, King can get away with this because his readers are fans already, other authors should take this book's example and create entry level character building early on and action to hook the reader right away.
The dialogue is well written and smooth and without giving away any spoilers there are well thought out and believable twists. The pacing is good and the lead characters are likable, flaws and all, and though I haven't read the first book in the series I now want to and look forward to reading more in the future.
I highly recommend Ice On The Grapevine as a good read and a solid example of good writing. Plus, and this is probably most important, it is a fun ride.
May 7, 2012
Although I haven't read the first book in the Hunter Rayne series, it did not affect my enjoyment of Ice on the Grapevine. The plot and situations were intriguing, and kept me guessing to the end. I found the characters very believable, especially the women. There even were traces of humor and romance. I'm curious to see how Hunter and the other characters develop as the series progresses, and I plan to read the first volume. R.E. Donald is definitely an author to revisit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it
October 21, 2012
I won this on Goodreads. Hunter is a retired Canadian Mountie who now drives a truck. A husband & wife trucker team get arrested for murder after they find a frozen man in their trailer and they dump him on the side of the road. Hunter tries to help out in between his truck runs and seeing his children. The story line was good with a lot of character development. I didn't figure it out until late in the book instead of knowing who the bad guy is early on. I thought it went a little too long but I did enjoy it.
January 30, 2015
This story starts off slow, like a fully loaded semi pulling away from a stoplight. Then it builds speed steadily, again like a semi. That’s appropriate since Donald’s main character, Hunter Rayne, is a semi-truck driver.
Hunter is a low-key guy, which makes him a refreshing change from some of the macho he-man types found in many novels.
I see there’s a third novel in this series. I’m adding it to my ‘To Read’ list.
Hunter is a low-key guy, which makes him a refreshing change from some of the macho he-man types found in many novels.
I see there’s a third novel in this series. I’m adding it to my ‘To Read’ list.
March 27, 2012
I enjoyed the return of the hero sleuth in a different mystery to solve but with the same integrity and once again I was kept guessing. The author has chosen characters that really seem true to life old and new. I would have liked to see his romantic side explored just a little more but otherwise equally as good as the last book.
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June 30, 2012While I don't usually read this genre, I was intrigued by the writing style. I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself engrossed in the story and anxious to find out what happens next. I was kept guessing right to the end. I liked that the characters were very believable and down to earth. I'm looking forward to the next Hunter Rayne mystery. Keep 'em coming, R.E.
December 21, 2012
I won this books on goodreads!
This is an interesting book and you can easely find yourself even if you dont have read the first one of the serie.
Briefly, a crime story on the road, with good character and a intrigue that keep the road and that keep you at it too.
I recommend it to everyone who like investigation of crime! Good book!
This is an interesting book and you can easely find yourself even if you dont have read the first one of the serie.
Briefly, a crime story on the road, with good character and a intrigue that keep the road and that keep you at it too.
I recommend it to everyone who like investigation of crime! Good book!
October 4, 2015
I received a free iBook copy of this novel from BookBub, so I gave it a try. I am not sure why exactly, but the characters all seemed pretty one-dimensional to me, with the exception of Sharon. Otherwise, it was sort of underwhelming and had some typographical errors that an editor should've caught.
November 11, 2014
A different mystery
One that presented a completely different intriguing and intensity from most mysteries. I do believe that they over used the four letter F word
One that presented a completely different intriguing and intensity from most mysteries. I do believe that they over used the four letter F word
August 7, 2018
Rough transitions and flat characters
The perspectives in this book shift with no logical break, making it hard to keep track of who is supposed to be doing what. There are also some odd, unfinished story threads that end up going nowhere. The female lawyer, for example, is apparently hiding from an abusive ex but absolutely nothing happens with that storyline. The lead detective is entirely unlikeable, all the women but El are victims, and I lost count of the number of times a woman was referred to as "just a whore." I could give additional examples but do not want to give away what little plot existed.
This was a book that had a decent premise but fell far short on execution. I managed to finish but had to force myself to do so. I won't be reading other books by this author and it isn't one I would recommend to others.
The perspectives in this book shift with no logical break, making it hard to keep track of who is supposed to be doing what. There are also some odd, unfinished story threads that end up going nowhere. The female lawyer, for example, is apparently hiding from an abusive ex but absolutely nothing happens with that storyline. The lead detective is entirely unlikeable, all the women but El are victims, and I lost count of the number of times a woman was referred to as "just a whore." I could give additional examples but do not want to give away what little plot existed.
This was a book that had a decent premise but fell far short on execution. I managed to finish but had to force myself to do so. I won't be reading other books by this author and it isn't one I would recommend to others.
March 13, 2025
I enjoyed this mystery. When a frozen body was found at a transport checkpoint, the police traced it back to a truck belonging to a married couple of drivers. Ex-homicide detective Hunter Rayne, now a transport truck driver, wanted to clear his friends of the murder. On his quest, he came across lots of interesting characters. Some were pleasant, and some were annoying.
Even though the story was interesting, I found it hard to follow at times. Reading on a Kindle was difficult because I would be reading along, engrossed in the story, when I would suddenly be reading about a different character at a different place. There wasn't any indication that this was happening - no spacing or anything showing the change. Because of this issue, the story didn't flow well.
Even though the story was interesting, I found it hard to follow at times. Reading on a Kindle was difficult because I would be reading along, engrossed in the story, when I would suddenly be reading about a different character at a different place. There wasn't any indication that this was happening - no spacing or anything showing the change. Because of this issue, the story didn't flow well.
August 27, 2018
Not so much a trucker tale as an engaging whodunnit
I gave this one 3-1/2 stars on my personal scale but Goodreads doesn't provide for such hair-splitting.
Well thought-out and carefully woven; keeps the mystery hidden very well, and doesn't give the reader much help sniffing out the main miscreant.
Sadly, Donald hasn't a good sense for typographical layout and the result is a yarn that is very difficult to follow, shifting from one P.O.V. to another; from one scenario to another with no visual cue. This is disconcerting and might leave another reader annoyed — but let's hope that I'm alone in this wish.
I gave this one 3-1/2 stars on my personal scale but Goodreads doesn't provide for such hair-splitting.
Well thought-out and carefully woven; keeps the mystery hidden very well, and doesn't give the reader much help sniffing out the main miscreant.
Sadly, Donald hasn't a good sense for typographical layout and the result is a yarn that is very difficult to follow, shifting from one P.O.V. to another; from one scenario to another with no visual cue. This is disconcerting and might leave another reader annoyed — but let's hope that I'm alone in this wish.
August 15, 2017
A Really Good Story
This book easily would have rated five stars except for a problem with editing. There are two branches or locations to the story and the book is written with NO indication of movement from one to the other. A skipped line between paragraphs would have allowed the reader to follow the location jumps better. I found myself pausing at these points to require the story line at the correct place.
That said, the author has developed an entertaining mystery that leaves the reader wondering until the very end. I will definitely read the rest of the set.
This book easily would have rated five stars except for a problem with editing. There are two branches or locations to the story and the book is written with NO indication of movement from one to the other. A skipped line between paragraphs would have allowed the reader to follow the location jumps better. I found myself pausing at these points to require the story line at the correct place.
That said, the author has developed an entertaining mystery that leaves the reader wondering until the very end. I will definitely read the rest of the set.
January 29, 2018
Good Mystery Once You Accept the Premise
The premise of a truck driver who was a outstanding RCMP detective was difficult and is still solving crimes in his spare time took a bit of reading to accept. However, the character development was good and that made Hunter and the story interesting. The characters tend to make poor judgments about how to help. The clues come in at a good rate and there are many plausible suspects.
A few threads are left unfinished, but it's not too hard to surmise the outcome.
This was good enough that I plan to read another in the series.
The premise of a truck driver who was a outstanding RCMP detective was difficult and is still solving crimes in his spare time took a bit of reading to accept. However, the character development was good and that made Hunter and the story interesting. The characters tend to make poor judgments about how to help. The clues come in at a good rate and there are many plausible suspects.
A few threads are left unfinished, but it's not too hard to surmise the outcome.
This was good enough that I plan to read another in the series.
March 20, 2025
Rounding this up to a 4. A retired detective who has become a trucker (and isn’t that a job switch?) is asked by his dispatcher to look into a case involving a frozen body. A married trucker couple have been arrested. The story was paced nicely enough to keep me reading. I haven’t read the first book in the series but didn’t feel that detracted too much. There was one part I didn’t find very believable involving the dispatcher and another involving romantic entanglements which kept my rating from being any higher.
June 4, 2018
Clever mystery
Hunter Rayne is an intriguing character - a former detective turned trucker. His broken marriage and troubled life as a cop give him time to brood while driving the highways. He is a good guy who steps in to help fellow newlywed truckers Ray and Sharon when a frozen body turns out to have been in their refrigerated meat delivery. Hunter gathers clues as he logs miles. Engaging and low key, this mystery was enjoyable to read.
Hunter Rayne is an intriguing character - a former detective turned trucker. His broken marriage and troubled life as a cop give him time to brood while driving the highways. He is a good guy who steps in to help fellow newlywed truckers Ray and Sharon when a frozen body turns out to have been in their refrigerated meat delivery. Hunter gathers clues as he logs miles. Engaging and low key, this mystery was enjoyable to read.
September 30, 2018
I WANTED TO SHAKE THE HELL OUT OF SHARON & RAY, PLEASE TALK TO HUNTER PLEASE. IT PISSED ME OFF THAT TWO PIECES OF EVIDENCE WAS JUST TOSSED ASIDE (to prolong the suspense I guess) DAMN! I DO LOVE A BOOK THAT STAYS WITH ME (in a good way) AFTER I’M DONE. THE CHARACTERS ARE WELL DEVELOPED AND MADE ME FEEL AS IF I KNEW THEM. I THINK THIS BOOK WOULD MAKE A GOOD MOVIE. I HOPE THE REST OF THIS SERIES IS AS GOOD AS THIS ONE WAS. ;D
August 17, 2017
Too many Characters that were left kind of hanging at the end of the book. The cutting back and forth between all of them, except the two main people, was pointless in my opinion. Why did we need to know about Alora and her crazy ex? What purpose did it serve? That plot line was not fleshed out enough and one of the ones left hanging at the end.
May 31, 2018
I stumbled across this book and I am so glad I did. My parents drove semis so I am always on the lookout for stories with truck drivers. The characters are so relatable and kinda broken. I plan on trying to read more of this series. In this one a double cross goes horribly wrong. Some find out you don't know your loved ones as well as you thought.
June 17, 2018
OK
This had a good story that was different from most books I read. But there was no way to tell when the story would drop from what was going on with one character to another character. Most writers at least leave a blank line in between. Because of this I almost didn't finish it.
This had a good story that was different from most books I read. But there was no way to tell when the story would drop from what was going on with one character to another character. Most writers at least leave a blank line in between. Because of this I almost didn't finish it.
June 20, 2018
Good reading
Likeable main character who is an ex cop turned long haul truck driver who uses his skills as a detective to prove the innocence of a fellow trucker husband and wife team. Well developed plot and story line with interesting people and places throughout. Page turner with many twists and turns.
Likeable main character who is an ex cop turned long haul truck driver who uses his skills as a detective to prove the innocence of a fellow trucker husband and wife team. Well developed plot and story line with interesting people and places throughout. Page turner with many twists and turns.
November 1, 2021
On the road
The lack of indications of change between the various scenarios is only indicated by the names of the characters leaving this reader feeling lost. The various locations, jurisdiction s, and characters overpowered the development of the mystery. A shame to waste a character like Hunter in promiscuity and other negative conduct.
The lack of indications of change between the various scenarios is only indicated by the names of the characters leaving this reader feeling lost. The various locations, jurisdiction s, and characters overpowered the development of the mystery. A shame to waste a character like Hunter in promiscuity and other negative conduct.
February 5, 2022
As ever a Good read from beginning to end !
The Hunter Rayne character is such an admirable man, one we would all be blessed to know . I like El too ! Having the story based in the trucking industry gives a lot of freedom of place, & interest for the reader. Looking forward to another volume in the set.
The Hunter Rayne character is such an admirable man, one we would all be blessed to know . I like El too ! Having the story based in the trucking industry gives a lot of freedom of place, & interest for the reader. Looking forward to another volume in the set.
November 29, 2016
Twists and Turns
For some reason this one did not grab me like the first book, somehow the story did not flow as well but the guilty party was a surprise. There were no clean wrap ups to personal storylines.
For some reason this one did not grab me like the first book, somehow the story did not flow as well but the guilty party was a surprise. There were no clean wrap ups to personal storylines.
May 28, 2018
Never saw it coming
This book had me intrigued throughout. I didn’t think it was the couple but I would never have imagined who the killer turned out to be. This was a great mystery from beginning to end
This book had me intrigued throughout. I didn’t think it was the couple but I would never have imagined who the killer turned out to be. This was a great mystery from beginning to end
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews