Lucky Strike

by Pat Wilson, Kris Wood

Lucky Strike is a light-hearted laugh-out-loud mystery with a cast of characters who epitomize life Down East. Eric Spratt, a conservative accountant from Toronto, is forced to flee to the remote Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia and there, become Charles Trenchant, reclusive writer. He knows that anonymity and discretion are the only weapons he has to protect himself from the retribution of the Mafia dons whom he helped to send to jail. Surely, fifty years of a quiet, unassuming existence would prepare him for the life that he must now lead. However, the steamroller hospitality of the rambunctious locals overwhelms any hope that Charles has to keep his profile lower than low. Within days he is embroiled in their nefarious doings and wild antics. The resident rector, Father Donald Peasgood, and his redoubtable sister drag a reluctant Charles into the fold, while his disreputable next-door neighbor involves him in a scheme to burn down the house for the insurance money. Despite his best intentions to remain aloof, Charles lurches from crisis to crisis as this rollicking tale hurtles like a runaway train to its inevitable disastrous climax. When one very unpleasant lady ends up dead, and Charles is the prime suspect, it looks like the only way he can save himself is to flee the humble sanctuary and the open-hearted people he has come to love on the Eastern Shore. Lucky Strike is as full of fun as a Cape Breton kitchen party and as refreshing as a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

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Reviews

[Chloe Kenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a girl from Sheet Harbour, I thought this story was hilarious. A great local read that I think everyone from the eastern shore would enjoy. A sprinkle of a thriller and a murder mystery. Had me hooked, bravo!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Trenchant is moving to a small community on the coast of Nova Scotia as a member of the witness protection agency. He was working as an accountant in Toronto when he inadvertently became a Crown Prosecutor witness against a well known Mafia leader. Charles (aka Eric) never had many friends when he lived in Toronto, he kept to himself, so he is unprepared for the friendliness of the small community he has been moved to. He tries to keep a low profile but before he knows it, he has done anything but. I kept wondering where the mystery was but the story kept me involved as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. The inhabitants of the community were certainly colourful and I enjoyed the humour of the authors. An enjoyable story.

[Deane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this novel 5 stars because it is what it claims to be....a light, laugh-out-loud mystery set in eastern Nova Scotia in a small village miles away from the cities of Dartmouth and Halifax with their bright lights and activities. Many times I chuckled out loud at the actions of the locals which are indeed strange to Charles who is a 55-year old rather reclusive bachelor from Toronto who wants to be anonymous in the quiet village while he writes his book. A delightful read which could easily have a sequel!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this take on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore from a cfa (come from away) point of view. I have always wondered if small town Nova Scotia would be a good place for a Witness Protection Program. See how it plays out in this delightful murder mystery with characters that you may recognize in it from your own town!

[Lorna Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters and the plot had lots of twists and turns. I also liked that it was set in Nova Scotia.