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Victim
VICTIM (An Emily Taylor Mystery - Book 2)
Ancient evil comes in many forms…
School principal Emily Taylor is caught up in the inexplicable disappearances of two well-known woman and the violence linked to a disputed land claim.
When the legendary Walking Bear appears, she must also deal with the resurrection of an ancient legend and the terrified and unnerved villagers of the sleepy town of Burchill.
Once again, Emily is drawn into the unknown and must battle her own secret demons and fears. Only then, can she can unravel these mysteries—before there is more bloodshed.
Ancient evil comes in many forms…
School principal Emily Taylor is caught up in the inexplicable disappearances of two well-known woman and the violence linked to a disputed land claim.
When the legendary Walking Bear appears, she must also deal with the resurrection of an ancient legend and the terrified and unnerved villagers of the sleepy town of Burchill.
Once again, Emily is drawn into the unknown and must battle her own secret demons and fears. Only then, can she can unravel these mysteries—before there is more bloodshed.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2011
About the author
Catherine Astolfo
20 books27 followersCatherine Astolfo retired in 2002 after a very successful 34 years in education.
Catherine is a past President of Crime Writers of Canada and a Derrick Murdoch Award winner (2012).
Writing is Catherine’s passion. She can recall inventing fantasy stories for her classmates in Grade Three. Her short stories and poems have been published in a number of literary Canadian presses and anthologies. In 2005, she won a Brampton Arts Award. Her short stories won the Bloody Words Short Story Award (second and first) in 2009 and 2010. She won the prestigious Arthur Ellis Best Short Crime Story Award in 2012 and 2018.
Catherine has a 4-book novel series, The Emily Taylor Mysteries, one standalone Sweet Karoline, and two novellas that are combined in Twice The Chit. Her most recent novel is a collection of connected short stories, Auntie Beers. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, and The Mesdames of Mayhem. Catherine is a regular contributor of the Mesdames anthologies, all available on Amazon.
Catherine's books are gritty, yet portray gorgeous surroundings; they deal with sensitive social issues, but always include love and hope. They're not thrillers, but rather literary mysteries with loads of character and setting. And justice always prevails.
For all Catherine's books, check out her website.
Website: www.catherineastolfo.ca
Catherine is a past President of Crime Writers of Canada and a Derrick Murdoch Award winner (2012).
Writing is Catherine’s passion. She can recall inventing fantasy stories for her classmates in Grade Three. Her short stories and poems have been published in a number of literary Canadian presses and anthologies. In 2005, she won a Brampton Arts Award. Her short stories won the Bloody Words Short Story Award (second and first) in 2009 and 2010. She won the prestigious Arthur Ellis Best Short Crime Story Award in 2012 and 2018.
Catherine has a 4-book novel series, The Emily Taylor Mysteries, one standalone Sweet Karoline, and two novellas that are combined in Twice The Chit. Her most recent novel is a collection of connected short stories, Auntie Beers. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, and The Mesdames of Mayhem. Catherine is a regular contributor of the Mesdames anthologies, all available on Amazon.
Catherine's books are gritty, yet portray gorgeous surroundings; they deal with sensitive social issues, but always include love and hope. They're not thrillers, but rather literary mysteries with loads of character and setting. And justice always prevails.
For all Catherine's books, check out her website.
Website: www.catherineastolfo.ca
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 15, 2012
This is a very absorbing, well crafted mystery that details the conflict and tensions between the modern world and small town populations as well as the modern Native American conflicts. Very well done, with a light touch on the mysticism.
The plot seemed a little thin in some respects (map to a gold deposit?) but the vivid descriptive writing and individualism of the characters were very strong.
My only personal issue with this book is the "secret" that is hinted at but not revealed about the main character's prior life. It isn't really a cliffhanger (which I detest) but it was referred to enough to be a personal annoyance. If it is germane to the book and the plot, tell it. If it's not, doesn't need to be there. Again, strictly personal on my part but an irritant, particularly the 3rd or 4th time it was referred to.
The plot seemed a little thin in some respects (map to a gold deposit?) but the vivid descriptive writing and individualism of the characters were very strong.
My only personal issue with this book is the "secret" that is hinted at but not revealed about the main character's prior life. It isn't really a cliffhanger (which I detest) but it was referred to enough to be a personal annoyance. If it is germane to the book and the plot, tell it. If it's not, doesn't need to be there. Again, strictly personal on my part but an irritant, particularly the 3rd or 4th time it was referred to.
June 11, 2016
I couldn't finish this book. I found myself skipping over pages Indian Lore that I didn't care about. I skipped over the sweet, but typical love scenes.
I read the first in this series. Both books keep referring back to Emily and her Dr. husband's past where it sounds like he was jailed for a murder he did not do. They seem to be hiding from their past, but yet we don't know what this past is. Should this keep us interested? Add to the suspense? Well it doesn't. It's just frustrating. I thought maybe I missed a book in the series.
The book is set in a quaint small town that don't take kindly to outsiders, but would do anything for one of their own. That's about all I can say good about this book.
I read the first in this series. Both books keep referring back to Emily and her Dr. husband's past where it sounds like he was jailed for a murder he did not do. They seem to be hiding from their past, but yet we don't know what this past is. Should this keep us interested? Add to the suspense? Well it doesn't. It's just frustrating. I thought maybe I missed a book in the series.
The book is set in a quaint small town that don't take kindly to outsiders, but would do anything for one of their own. That's about all I can say good about this book.
December 21, 2012
I'm new to this series, but I thoroughly enjoyed VICTIM and will definitely be reading the others. Emily Taylor is an engaging protagonist and I loved the sense of community in Burchill. The descriptions were so detailed that reading this story was like taking a holiday in a peaceful Canadian village -- that just happened to be in the midst of an intriguing mystery. As a historian, I loved the inclusion of Ojibwa lore and tribal history. The characters were multidimensional and the relationships vivid and realistic. I especially liked the deepening friendship between Emily and May, and look forward to following their stories in the other books in this series.
January 30, 2016
Victim is the second in a series of mysteries set in a small town in northern Ontario. It fulfilled the promise of the first book, which I enjoyed but was somewhat marred by the subject matter. This one didn't have that problem, and was a solid, well-written mystery, with interesting and engaging characters. I really enjoyed it.
July 30, 2012
Victim is the first Emily Taylor Mystery I have read, but it won't be the last. Astolfo creates a welcoming setting with a sinister undertone, just right for the dastardly deeds that unfold. The plot keeps you guessing, and I particularly enjoyed the use of native folklore.
September 30, 2012
Thisw book was not that enjoyable...too much Ojibwa legends and weird stuff...not really into that but I was determined to finish it so that I could see what happened. Still disappointing...glad it's done!
December 11, 2012
I really enjoyed reading Catherine Astolfo's book, Victim. Emily Taylor is a well-defined character who gets the job done. The tale is shared by Emily and Frieda, a Native American woman. It is full of Ojibwa legends and lore that I adored! I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
September 7, 2014
This was not so good for me. I only finished reading it because it fit one of my challenges. Doubt I will read anymore.
November 30, 2012
Enjoyed this book very much. Loved the characters and the story. Suspense and kept you guessing until the end.
December 31, 2012
Native Canadian lore mixed in with the mystery. Very good read. I plan to read more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews