The Loon Lake Murders

Sandy & David #2

by Robert Sutherland

edicion 1987, 121 paginas, edicion en ingles, tapa blanda, en buen estado general

121 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Robert Sutherland is one of Canada's most successful YA novelists, having already published 13 novels. He has received numerous nominations and prizes for his fiction. His novels have been translated into French, Norwegian, Swedish, German and Korean. "Survivor's Leave" developed from his experience during WWII when he served as an anti-aircraft gunner on a Loch Class frigate (HMCS Loch Morlich). When his ship was in dry dock in London for repairs, he experienced the German V-1 bombing.

Reviews

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second novel by the wonderful Robert Sutherland, "The Loon Lake Murders", didn't open as enchantingly as the setting of Sandy's homeland. However residents of Scotland or that hemisphere certainly might in reverse, find Canada the exotic location. Rather than cities the setting is a lush, dense, Ontario wilderness among lakes; thus I quickly drifted into an appreciation of that atmosphere. I thought how wonderful it would be to show it to an out-of-country friend and I especially delighted in Sandy beholding our Canadian wilderness for the first time.

One aspect I found peculiar, is that an advanced crewman of her uncle's working ship should be deemed an inexperienced canoeist. However given the complexity of her hiding and racing with David, she gathered her bearings rapidly. The mystery is original, if nothing ancient or historical and this couple's missions are always arduous to the extreme. The stamina required, distances, and wit it takes to overcome being chased are always mammoth and staggering. The calmness they each maintain seems abnormal. What Robert writes exceptionally well, second to none, is the necessity for plans B and C. This is the stuff of real life, where you rethink strategy upon an unheralded situation, or an avenue you planned does not match what you estimated, or the course you were going to take is unavailable. I love seeing them through the adrenaline and critical thinking they employ, to change course on the run.

It is worth noting that although Sandy visits David's home after the first mystery, I didn't own this second adventure. I thus read "The Ghost Of Ramshaw Castle" ahead of "The Loon Lake Murders". It works out well. Volume II is the uniquely Canadian setting, whereas volume III closely succeeds the first Scottish adventure in subject matter and in titular culprits.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly unlikely tale of murder and theft in Algonquin Park, with a hero and heroine who seem remarkably asexual, given that they seem to be in their late teens, as at least one of them has a driving licence. A quick read!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this book as a child and for decades always remembered part of it. Through the magic of the internet I searched what I thought was the plot from back then; "swap murder kids witness". When I saw the cover I knew this was it. Then I year later I found it at a used book sale. Score!

Even reading it as an adult I really liked it. There is a lot going on and it still held my attention many years later.