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A Joanne Kilbourn Mystery #1
Deadly Appearances
Andy Boychuk was a successful Saskatchewan politician – until one sweltering August afternoon when the party faithful gathered at a picnic. All of the key people in Boychuk’s life were there – family, friends, political acquaintances, and even an enemy or two.
It happened so quickly. Boychuk stepped up to the podium to make a speech, took a sip of water, and dropped dead. One of his closest friends, Joanne Kilbourn, was soon on the case delving into Boychuk’s history. What she found was a Bible college too good to be true, a woman with a horrifying and secret past, and a murderer about to strike again.
Won't you join Joanne in her début as Canada’s leading amateur sleuth?
It happened so quickly. Boychuk stepped up to the podium to make a speech, took a sip of water, and dropped dead. One of his closest friends, Joanne Kilbourn, was soon on the case delving into Boychuk’s history. What she found was a Bible college too good to be true, a woman with a horrifying and secret past, and a murderer about to strike again.
Won't you join Joanne in her début as Canada’s leading amateur sleuth?
Audio CD
First published January 1, 1990
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About the author
Gail Bowen
57 books177 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 - 30 of 155 reviews
June 29, 2015
I collected many Gail Bowen novels but didn’t expect stellar mysteries. They’re everywhere; churned out for decades. Not only is “Deadly Appearances” one of the most finely-crafted novels I’ve ever read but it broke the typical mould so often, I was regularly treated to the thrill of surprise. Its construction is wonderfully tight and on every inch is Gail’s impressively articulate writing. From the first sentence I was aware of being in gifted hands. Phrases like “we saw geese in the sky practicing a preliminary V” and the senseless death of her husband “was like a metaphysical sneer at cause and effect”.
That was such a profound way to process the agony of unexpected death, it helps me cope with the passing of our four year-old cat. Few understand the struggle: healthfulness and keeping out of trouble should make us safe. I was incredulous that fiction-writing could offer this balm. The way to receive my ear in literature, more importantly than the topic; is to place me in harmony with the protagonist’s feelings - with originality. Joanne is a speechwriter whose employer collapses in public. It’s refreshing to meet a prairie Canadian political team. Some readers are smug about guessing culprits but naturally, it has to be one of the characters! I’m solely perplexed that a staggering familial revelation went no further than being a red herring.
A discerner of quality considers all the moving parts and will see why the composition of this novel is stunning. Readers remain in synch with Joanne: how she cherishes family, friends, fits into daily life. These enhance interest in this story. A suspenseful unease pervades from the beginning. Joanne’s path to sifting out clues is gradual and realistic; involvement is never a contrived stretch. We’re compelled forward by sensitive and beautiful, astute writing.
That was such a profound way to process the agony of unexpected death, it helps me cope with the passing of our four year-old cat. Few understand the struggle: healthfulness and keeping out of trouble should make us safe. I was incredulous that fiction-writing could offer this balm. The way to receive my ear in literature, more importantly than the topic; is to place me in harmony with the protagonist’s feelings - with originality. Joanne is a speechwriter whose employer collapses in public. It’s refreshing to meet a prairie Canadian political team. Some readers are smug about guessing culprits but naturally, it has to be one of the characters! I’m solely perplexed that a staggering familial revelation went no further than being a red herring.
A discerner of quality considers all the moving parts and will see why the composition of this novel is stunning. Readers remain in synch with Joanne: how she cherishes family, friends, fits into daily life. These enhance interest in this story. A suspenseful unease pervades from the beginning. Joanne’s path to sifting out clues is gradual and realistic; involvement is never a contrived stretch. We’re compelled forward by sensitive and beautiful, astute writing.
May 23, 2022
For me this novel has considerable literary merit in the author's detailed description of each scene and her careful development of the characters who are relevant to the mystery. Although other reviewers have said they spotted the culprit quickly, I was baffled most of the way, just like the first-person narrator Joanne Kilbourn. I had just reached the "no, it couldn't be" stage when Joanne's dogged amateur detective work finally turned up the answer she'd been looking for, but now I see clues that both of us missed.
In that sense it's a satisfying mystery--the writer left just enough of the truth in amongst all her painstakingly designed red herrings that a reader might well piece it together before I did or Joanne did. This is the debut of a series in which Joanne becomes a major figure in Canadian mystery fiction, but this story remains very personal to the end and gives no hint that she might have a career in detection in her near future.
All that said, it was slow going for this reader, thanks to a writing style reminiscent of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries novels that might be assigned in a literature course (I'm thinking of Somerset Maugham at this point). And one element of the story line was troublesome for me, starting around the 75% mark so I have to put most of my comment in a spoiler tag--I didn't think it was in keeping with Joanne's personality and intelligence . Three stars, then, which still means "I liked it" in Goodreads' code.
One positive note in contrast--this novel (and I guess the series) brings the Canadian province of Saskatchewan to vivid life for those of us who live far, far away from the prairies of western Canada. The setting is the provincial capital, Regina, with several trips to Saskatoon and Wolf River, and several of the characters bring us into the life of Ukrainian Catholics (with only a small misstep regarding the sacraments--the part that yields a major clue, however, is quite valid).
If you were expecting more insight into provincial politics, though, given that several principal characters are deeply involved in it, you'll find that the author is stepping very cautiously to be sure we know her depiction of government affairs in Saskatchewan is fictional. The focus is on political campaigning, and Joanne is the speech-writer for the opposition leader, Andrue (Andy) Boychuk, who's murdered on page one in the best possible way: right up there on stage at a major outdoor appearance, and just before he can start his speech.
Through Joanne's eyes we get to know maybe a dozen characters very well over the next four months, and each of them becomes harder to see as a suspect the better we know them. Joanne's own involvement in the case deepens sharply when she feels the police have arrested the wrong person. Until then the parallel with her own life has been at the center of her motivation, because her politician husband Ian was also murdered not too long ago (a senseless killing, quickly solved, with no material connection to Boychuk's murder).
As you can imagine, grief is a major theme here, along with the genuine love many of these people have for each other. It's a warm-hearted, elegantly written novel that starts and ends with an exciting murder mystery.
In that sense it's a satisfying mystery--the writer left just enough of the truth in amongst all her painstakingly designed red herrings that a reader might well piece it together before I did or Joanne did. This is the debut of a series in which Joanne becomes a major figure in Canadian mystery fiction, but this story remains very personal to the end and gives no hint that she might have a career in detection in her near future.
All that said, it was slow going for this reader, thanks to a writing style reminiscent of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries novels that might be assigned in a literature course (I'm thinking of Somerset Maugham at this point). And one element of the story line was troublesome for me, starting around the 75% mark so I have to put most of my comment in a spoiler tag--I didn't think it was in keeping with Joanne's personality and intelligence . Three stars, then, which still means "I liked it" in Goodreads' code.
One positive note in contrast--this novel (and I guess the series) brings the Canadian province of Saskatchewan to vivid life for those of us who live far, far away from the prairies of western Canada. The setting is the provincial capital, Regina, with several trips to Saskatoon and Wolf River, and several of the characters bring us into the life of Ukrainian Catholics (with only a small misstep regarding the sacraments--the part that yields a major clue, however, is quite valid).
If you were expecting more insight into provincial politics, though, given that several principal characters are deeply involved in it, you'll find that the author is stepping very cautiously to be sure we know her depiction of government affairs in Saskatchewan is fictional. The focus is on political campaigning, and Joanne is the speech-writer for the opposition leader, Andrue (Andy) Boychuk, who's murdered on page one in the best possible way: right up there on stage at a major outdoor appearance, and just before he can start his speech.
Through Joanne's eyes we get to know maybe a dozen characters very well over the next four months, and each of them becomes harder to see as a suspect the better we know them. Joanne's own involvement in the case deepens sharply when she feels the police have arrested the wrong person. Until then the parallel with her own life has been at the center of her motivation, because her politician husband Ian was also murdered not too long ago (a senseless killing, quickly solved, with no material connection to Boychuk's murder).
As you can imagine, grief is a major theme here, along with the genuine love many of these people have for each other. It's a warm-hearted, elegantly written novel that starts and ends with an exciting murder mystery.
March 17, 2022
Well, I finished it. Not a great book to my thinking. It was mah, ok. so a 2 stars from me. I did not like any of the characters even the kids. Warning: don't read on if you haven't finished because I do include spoilers.
August 2, 2018
I begin my journey with amateur detective Joanne Kilbourn in this first of seventeen novels in the series. Joanne is a middle-aged widow with three teenagers, living in Regina, Saskatchewan. Since I was born and raised in this prairie province, the beautiful setting is very familiar to me and that added a layer of interest. After the opening chapter in which a politician is murdered, the book slows down and introduces a lot of characters -- but then the action begins to escalate and it's gripping right until the totally unexpected climax. Kudos to the author for creating such a relatable protagonist, such an evil villain, and such an unusual method of murder! I can't say any more, except that I look forward to seeing what Joanne tackles in the next book.
June 27, 2025
***2025 Summer: Murder Across Canada***
Saskatchewan
I have to hand it to Gail Bowen, she writes a great mystery. I love her amateur investigator, Joanne Kilbourn, a widow who is still re-finding her footing in the world. Normally, I avoid books that centre on politics, but I was drawn into this one despite myself. The opening chapter plunged me into the circumstances surrounding the death of a newly selected party leader and the aftermath. I was hooked because the human relationships predominated, not the political ones. The author very carefully avoids naming the party that Joanne has worked for, although one comment about a past Prime Minister pretty much nailed her party affiliation for me. I wonder if I'm right?
When a politician is murdered, there are a plethora of suspects. This was a refreshing mystery in large part because it didn't follow the police investigation. Joanne has an interview with the detective in charge early in the novel, but doesn't hare off to conduct her own research, despite the fact that she is a suspect. Instead, she deals with the death of her friend, her daughter moving out to go to university, friends moving away, and finding a new focus for her energy and her life. I find this much more believable than running out to “find the murderer,“ as happens in so many mysteries. What Joanne does decide is to write a biography of her friend—she is researching his life, not his death.
Bowen gets the Prairie details just right, knowing that Saskatchewan residents are fondly/dismissively called “stubble jumpers,” the prevalence and influence of Bible colleges, and the prominence of Ukrainian-Canadians in Western Canada. She has lived and taught in Saskatchewan long enough to know. If her prose is any indication, she is an awesome teacher and a woman who would be fascinating to have coffee with.
This is a riveting mystery, extremely well written and it blew me away. There are many more books in the series and I wouldn't be surprised if book two finds its way into my reading queue soon. If you like mysteries, I highly recommend it.
Saskatchewan
I have to hand it to Gail Bowen, she writes a great mystery. I love her amateur investigator, Joanne Kilbourn, a widow who is still re-finding her footing in the world. Normally, I avoid books that centre on politics, but I was drawn into this one despite myself. The opening chapter plunged me into the circumstances surrounding the death of a newly selected party leader and the aftermath. I was hooked because the human relationships predominated, not the political ones. The author very carefully avoids naming the party that Joanne has worked for, although one comment about a past Prime Minister pretty much nailed her party affiliation for me. I wonder if I'm right?
When a politician is murdered, there are a plethora of suspects. This was a refreshing mystery in large part because it didn't follow the police investigation. Joanne has an interview with the detective in charge early in the novel, but doesn't hare off to conduct her own research, despite the fact that she is a suspect. Instead, she deals with the death of her friend, her daughter moving out to go to university, friends moving away, and finding a new focus for her energy and her life. I find this much more believable than running out to “find the murderer,“ as happens in so many mysteries. What Joanne does decide is to write a biography of her friend—she is researching his life, not his death.
Bowen gets the Prairie details just right, knowing that Saskatchewan residents are fondly/dismissively called “stubble jumpers,” the prevalence and influence of Bible colleges, and the prominence of Ukrainian-Canadians in Western Canada. She has lived and taught in Saskatchewan long enough to know. If her prose is any indication, she is an awesome teacher and a woman who would be fascinating to have coffee with.
This is a riveting mystery, extremely well written and it blew me away. There are many more books in the series and I wouldn't be surprised if book two finds its way into my reading queue soon. If you like mysteries, I highly recommend it.
September 22, 2025
IN A NUTSHELL
I quickly became immersed in this book, not because I wanted to solve the mystery of who the murderer was but because Joanne Kilbourne seemed so real and her involvement in solving the murder felt authentic and unforced. The novel vividly evokes the world of regional Canadian politics which Joanne is actively in. For me, the power of the story arose from seeing how solving the mystery forced the recently widowed Joanne both to reassess what she thought she knew about the politicians she worked with and to consider what choices she should make about her own future. I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series.
‘Deadly Appearances‘ is the first book in a twenty-one book series featuring Joanne Kilbourne. a widowed mother, political analyst and university professor who finds herself occasionally involved in criminal investigations in various parts of Saskatchewan.
In this first book, Joanne Kilbourne is a well-established campaigner and speechwriter at the regional level of her local party. The story starts with the charismatic candidate she’s promoting being murdered on the hustings as Joanne watches. Without any intention to do so, Joanne becomes more and more involved in trying to find out who killed him.
This may make it sound like a typical clever-amateur-sleuth-solves-the-murder-that-baffles-the-police novel. It wasn’t. It was a much more intimate account than that. The story focuses more on Joanne, her history and her future than it does on solving the murder. In a way, the murder being solved is just a by-product of Joanne working through her guilt and reshaping her view of the world and her role in it.
The story is told from Joanne's point of view. From the beginning, I loved her narrative voice. It was rich and human.
The emotional impact of the killing that opens the book caught me by surprise. This wasn't a story where the first murder is just a trigger for a fascinating murder mystery. In this story, the death of the politician had some weight. There was a strong sense of loss, of a life cut short, of people left bereft by his violent death.
I liked that events unfolded over months rather than days. This grounded the story in reality. It also gave me an opportunity to get a solid sense of who Joanne was along the way.
The murder mystery wasn't full of twists and shocking revelations; it was more a gradual discovery of the private life of the dead man and how he was regarded by the people who knew him best, and Joanne's realisation of how little she had known about the man she'd been helping to elect.
This prompted her to write the man's biography, a decision that ultimately led the killer to perceive her as a threat.
I enjoyed the gradual increase in tension. I didn't guess the killer's identity, but it made sense when it was revealed.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series and discovering how Joanne's life choices work out.
I quickly became immersed in this book, not because I wanted to solve the mystery of who the murderer was but because Joanne Kilbourne seemed so real and her involvement in solving the murder felt authentic and unforced. The novel vividly evokes the world of regional Canadian politics which Joanne is actively in. For me, the power of the story arose from seeing how solving the mystery forced the recently widowed Joanne both to reassess what she thought she knew about the politicians she worked with and to consider what choices she should make about her own future. I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series.
‘Deadly Appearances‘ is the first book in a twenty-one book series featuring Joanne Kilbourne. a widowed mother, political analyst and university professor who finds herself occasionally involved in criminal investigations in various parts of Saskatchewan.
In this first book, Joanne Kilbourne is a well-established campaigner and speechwriter at the regional level of her local party. The story starts with the charismatic candidate she’s promoting being murdered on the hustings as Joanne watches. Without any intention to do so, Joanne becomes more and more involved in trying to find out who killed him.
This may make it sound like a typical clever-amateur-sleuth-solves-the-murder-that-baffles-the-police novel. It wasn’t. It was a much more intimate account than that. The story focuses more on Joanne, her history and her future than it does on solving the murder. In a way, the murder being solved is just a by-product of Joanne working through her guilt and reshaping her view of the world and her role in it.
The story is told from Joanne's point of view. From the beginning, I loved her narrative voice. It was rich and human.
The emotional impact of the killing that opens the book caught me by surprise. This wasn't a story where the first murder is just a trigger for a fascinating murder mystery. In this story, the death of the politician had some weight. There was a strong sense of loss, of a life cut short, of people left bereft by his violent death.
I liked that events unfolded over months rather than days. This grounded the story in reality. It also gave me an opportunity to get a solid sense of who Joanne was along the way.
The murder mystery wasn't full of twists and shocking revelations; it was more a gradual discovery of the private life of the dead man and how he was regarded by the people who knew him best, and Joanne's realisation of how little she had known about the man she'd been helping to elect.
This prompted her to write the man's biography, a decision that ultimately led the killer to perceive her as a threat.
I enjoyed the gradual increase in tension. I didn't guess the killer's identity, but it made sense when it was revealed.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series and discovering how Joanne's life choices work out.
January 11, 2021
Four stars comes with a grain of salt because this book is 30 years old and does contain some dated language including very awkward use of honorifics as well as uncomfortable homophobic slurs and tropes. A few plot holes, and some shaky character introductions which could either be me not understanding early 90's social norms (I thought Joanne and Howard were dating for the first 30% of the book) or simply first-novel sloppiness. My rating is definitely based on enjoyment and not literary value. Overall though it's a fun start to a mystery series that's been on my radar for a while. Other than my one attempt at Louise Penny's second-most-recent installment, which I disliked enough to part ways with the series, I have not read much crime fiction lately even though it used to be my favourite genre.
I love that this series is set in Saskatchewan. We don't get much of that here, so it's fun to read stories where you can truly picture the setting! Half the characters are Ukrainian LOL. Bowen mixes in enough made-up names of hospitals and high schools and streets with real ones, so the story feels "fictional enough" to be fun and not gross. What I mean by that is crime fiction is about people getting murdered and I personally don't "enjoy" reading about people getting murdered and their grieving families (which I guess is why I'm no fan of true crime), but when it's clear-as-day fiction, it's desensitizing enough to not feel like one is a sociopath to be enjoying it.
Overall a fun book that I enjoyed reading, and I sped through it. I did guess the killer right from the start, so it wasn't a shocking reveal by any means, but I still was engaged to find out how and why they did it. Regardless I plan to reach for this series when I'm in the mood for crime fiction, until I get sick of it!
Book 2 is called Murder at the Mendel. Come on! Way too Saskatchewan.
I love that this series is set in Saskatchewan. We don't get much of that here, so it's fun to read stories where you can truly picture the setting! Half the characters are Ukrainian LOL. Bowen mixes in enough made-up names of hospitals and high schools and streets with real ones, so the story feels "fictional enough" to be fun and not gross. What I mean by that is crime fiction is about people getting murdered and I personally don't "enjoy" reading about people getting murdered and their grieving families (which I guess is why I'm no fan of true crime), but when it's clear-as-day fiction, it's desensitizing enough to not feel like one is a sociopath to be enjoying it.
Overall a fun book that I enjoyed reading, and I sped through it. I did guess the killer right from the start, so it wasn't a shocking reveal by any means, but I still was engaged to find out how and why they did it. Regardless I plan to reach for this series when I'm in the mood for crime fiction, until I get sick of it!
Book 2 is called Murder at the Mendel. Come on! Way too Saskatchewan.
December 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book, a mystery, that concentrates more on the characters and their lives, that the solving of the murder itself, but it gets solved none the less. Very good read, set in Canada, and a view of the political climate, which is very much like our own here.
April 22, 2023
3 Stars. Quite an opening for the first of a continuing series. Good on author Gail Bowen. Provincial party leader and local MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) in Saskatchewan, Canada, Andy Boychuk steps up to the podium at a sweltering summer picnic and drops dead. Gail gets into the action with a bang! Not literally - but murder is soon confirmed; there was something in his glass of water. Who hated him that much? He was only Opposition Leader, not even Premier. It happens in front of thousands of people, party faithful enjoying buttered corn, bbq chicken and beer! Some family and friends too. All waiting for new leader Boychuk to give a short speech. His close political and personal friend, Joanne Kilbourn, wrote that speech. In trying to save him, she herself becomes the first suspect. But real suspicion falls on Andy's strange and somewhat reclusive wife, Eve. Joanne starts to ask questions. Enjoyable, but I found a few drawbacks. For those of us who read a lot of mysteries and thrillers, some clues were not as well disguised as one would hope. The social attitudes are a touch dated too. Tomorrow? I'm buying volume #2. (April 2023)
June 24, 2018
I was surprised to find that this novel is set not only in Canada, but in Saskatchewan, and is of a political nature. It started off very interestingly with the death of the party candidate, and becomes a whodunit in short order. However, the plot drags, and even though I am interested in Canadian politics, the political part just dragged. I don't know why Joanne could not figure out what was wrong with her...I had it pegged down right away. And it wasn't long before I figured out who was responsible. Then it was just skim the rest of the book to verify my thoughts. I will read another of her books, because it was not a terrible story, but I just couldn't get into it. I like a book that I look forward to reading each day. This one, sadly, I could go days without reading it.
August 13, 2017
Meh. I actually wanted to give this one closer to two stars, but I tend to round up on first books of a series. Also, I was generous for nostalgia and reasons other than the book itself (see below). So, I gave three stars even though objectively I think the book was closer to two.
I remember reading these books years ago, and thinking that I must have enjoyed them as I read most/all of the series. I was looking forward to the re-read. The nostalgia value of the book lasted for a short time but soon wore thin. Now, I have no idea why I read so many of the series, but suspect that it was because I was in a very different place in my life and my psychological and emotional health. That this book helped me realize those factors also prompted me to round up to three stars.
One of the factors that irritated me about this book was that although it is billed as a mystery novel, it reads as a 'Joanne navel gazing about things I do not care about at all' novel. There was no mystery in this mystery. Yes there were murders. No, there was no real investigation taking place, there was no suspense, no real anything to make this a mystery. Yes, there was also a resolution, but the 'who dunnit' was fairly obvious, and in a ploy that irks me greatly in mystery novels, the solution was revealed almost accidentally rather than through any type of logical progression or investigation on the part of the protagonist (or anyone else for that matter).
The bigger factor that irritated me, and which made me realize how far I have come on my own healing journey, was the protagonist Joanne Kilbourn. This time around I actively hated this character. If this character were a real person in my life I would avoid her like the plague. Joanne reads as snarky, shallow, selfish, and self-involved. She seems to value people almost entirely for their utilitarian value to her and/or her political cause, denigrating others who do not fully support her quest, including the newly-widowed wife of the murder victim who - gasp! - felt that she (the wife) ought to have a say on how her newly-late-husband's funeral and burial should go - wrong opinions according to Joanne, as the wife's plans did not match those of the political cause. Seriously!?! How insensitive is that?!? Aside from that Joanne, while feigning superiority over those around her, also behaves in fairly stupid ways herself.
I must admit, however, that I am grateful for the annoyance that this character caused me, because it really did help me to see how far I had come. When I read these books, closer to the times they were published, I never noticed how egoistic and selfish Joanne was. That I never noticed this factor at the time shows how bad my life and the people around me were at the time, and how off I was in my perceptions that Joanne's behaviour seemed 'normal' to me. Now, I am in a very different place in my inner and outer lives. That i noticed how awful Joanne is as a character helps me to realize how much progress I have made. While years ago many/most of the people in my life were 'Joannes' who valued me for my utilitarian value to them, now I allow only good people into my life who value me for myself (and I them for themselves). So, I am thankful to this book for helping me to see the difference in where I was an where I am. But, I also have no interest in having this type of person, real or fictional, in my life, so I will not be reading anymore books in this series.
I remember reading these books years ago, and thinking that I must have enjoyed them as I read most/all of the series. I was looking forward to the re-read. The nostalgia value of the book lasted for a short time but soon wore thin. Now, I have no idea why I read so many of the series, but suspect that it was because I was in a very different place in my life and my psychological and emotional health. That this book helped me realize those factors also prompted me to round up to three stars.
One of the factors that irritated me about this book was that although it is billed as a mystery novel, it reads as a 'Joanne navel gazing about things I do not care about at all' novel. There was no mystery in this mystery. Yes there were murders. No, there was no real investigation taking place, there was no suspense, no real anything to make this a mystery. Yes, there was also a resolution, but the 'who dunnit' was fairly obvious, and in a ploy that irks me greatly in mystery novels, the solution was revealed almost accidentally rather than through any type of logical progression or investigation on the part of the protagonist (or anyone else for that matter).
The bigger factor that irritated me, and which made me realize how far I have come on my own healing journey, was the protagonist Joanne Kilbourn. This time around I actively hated this character. If this character were a real person in my life I would avoid her like the plague. Joanne reads as snarky, shallow, selfish, and self-involved. She seems to value people almost entirely for their utilitarian value to her and/or her political cause, denigrating others who do not fully support her quest, including the newly-widowed wife of the murder victim who - gasp! - felt that she (the wife) ought to have a say on how her newly-late-husband's funeral and burial should go - wrong opinions according to Joanne, as the wife's plans did not match those of the political cause. Seriously!?! How insensitive is that?!? Aside from that Joanne, while feigning superiority over those around her, also behaves in fairly stupid ways herself.
I must admit, however, that I am grateful for the annoyance that this character caused me, because it really did help me to see how far I had come. When I read these books, closer to the times they were published, I never noticed how egoistic and selfish Joanne was. That I never noticed this factor at the time shows how bad my life and the people around me were at the time, and how off I was in my perceptions that Joanne's behaviour seemed 'normal' to me. Now, I am in a very different place in my inner and outer lives. That i noticed how awful Joanne is as a character helps me to realize how much progress I have made. While years ago many/most of the people in my life were 'Joannes' who valued me for my utilitarian value to them, now I allow only good people into my life who value me for myself (and I them for themselves). So, I am thankful to this book for helping me to see the difference in where I was an where I am. But, I also have no interest in having this type of person, real or fictional, in my life, so I will not be reading anymore books in this series.
June 15, 2022
I give this a 4.5 for a terrific first novel by Gail Bowen. The characters are realistic, the plot is very well done, the suspense builds and the story elevated into a page turner. I highly recommend this book.
September 17, 2019
Just before our trip to Saskatchewan we found Gail Bowen, a prolific mystery writer living and writing books that take place in Regina. She is very popular in Canada and several of her books have been televised there. It's harder here to find her books. there were only three of her 20 or so that we checked out from Denver public library.
This is the first in her Joanne Kilbourn series. I like the character Joanne and enjoyed the background plots of her life, children and relationships. But like most fictional amateur sleuths she does get herself into dangerous situations that she should have the good sense to avoid.
I like Bowen's writing style and found the occasional charming turn of phrase that I just had to flag for saving:
"She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. 'You're made of good stuff, lady, really good stuff.'
I hugged those words to myself all the way to Regina."
"That day it all began to fall apart and, for a while it looked as if all the king's horses and all the king's men wouldn't be able to put it together again."
This is the first in her Joanne Kilbourn series. I like the character Joanne and enjoyed the background plots of her life, children and relationships. But like most fictional amateur sleuths she does get herself into dangerous situations that she should have the good sense to avoid.
I like Bowen's writing style and found the occasional charming turn of phrase that I just had to flag for saving:
"She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. 'You're made of good stuff, lady, really good stuff.'
I hugged those words to myself all the way to Regina."
"That day it all began to fall apart and, for a while it looked as if all the king's horses and all the king's men wouldn't be able to put it together again."
April 25, 2021
I read one of Gail Bowen's 'Rapid Reads' mysteries and enjoyed it. It was succinct and got right down to the story.
This mystery was just okay -- some things I figured out or had an inkling to -- only surprised by one twist -- but glad to be. Being of Ukrainian heritage, I noted that if Andy Boychuk was raised in the Ukrainian Catholic faith, he would not have had a confirmation, as babies are baptized and confirmed at the same time. Early on in the book, his Confirmation was mentioned. Later in the book, the same event was his First Communion. (Confirmation = Roman Catholic, as an older child.)
Bowen's detailed descriptors were extremely detailed. Sometimes they detracted from the story.
Having the story told in the first person and for "Joanne Kilbourne" to remember all those details -- that was a bit hard for me to digest.
This mystery was just okay -- some things I figured out or had an inkling to -- only surprised by one twist -- but glad to be. Being of Ukrainian heritage, I noted that if Andy Boychuk was raised in the Ukrainian Catholic faith, he would not have had a confirmation, as babies are baptized and confirmed at the same time. Early on in the book, his Confirmation was mentioned. Later in the book, the same event was his First Communion. (Confirmation = Roman Catholic, as an older child.)
Bowen's detailed descriptors were extremely detailed. Sometimes they detracted from the story.
Having the story told in the first person and for "Joanne Kilbourne" to remember all those details -- that was a bit hard for me to digest.
June 9, 2022
If this were a modern day mystery, sexual secrets wouldn't alone be motive for murder. Nor would it be something the amateur sleuth would ruminate over. But this is the era where anyone who is a deviant is either someone worth killing or someone with a motive to kill.
The thing though that kept me reading was Joanne's progressive illness. Through the course of the book, which covers about two months, her health declines. The how and why of her illness is by far the more interesting mystery than who killed the politician.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
The thing though that kept me reading was Joanne's progressive illness. Through the course of the book, which covers about two months, her health declines. The how and why of her illness is by far the more interesting mystery than who killed the politician.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2022
I restarted this one to 2/18/22. I tried to listen to two books at once and just cannot do that. I can read several at a time, but apparently that doesn't work for me with audiobooks. LOL
Well, this was ok. Not great, but I would be willing to read the next in the series.
Well, this was ok. Not great, but I would be willing to read the next in the series.
October 3, 2022
Introspective, thoughtful, dated, and frustrating. The mystery isn't all that mysterious if you're a regular reader of mysteries, but I did enjoy the character development a lot. The deep melancholy of the book affected me strongly. All that talk of widowhood is bound to make me a bit teary.
October 24, 2025
Andy is a politician and a new leader of his party who is poisoned just before he is about to head on stage. One of his assistants, Joanne, goes about trying to figure out who might have done this to Andy, though the police seem to think it’s Andy’s wife, Eve. Joanne, at the same time, starts a relationship with a reporter.
It was ok. I think maybe I wasn’t crazy about the writing style. I didn’t really care about Joanne or any of the other characters, for that matter. It’s too bad, as the book is set in my home province. It’s always fun to recognize the names of places and be able to picture them, but I just wasn’t all that excited about the story, itself. I did figure out who the culprit might be earlier on in the book (it was a guess; I wasn’t sure), and I was right (this doesn’t happen often). I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series.
It was ok. I think maybe I wasn’t crazy about the writing style. I didn’t really care about Joanne or any of the other characters, for that matter. It’s too bad, as the book is set in my home province. It’s always fun to recognize the names of places and be able to picture them, but I just wasn’t all that excited about the story, itself. I did figure out who the culprit might be earlier on in the book (it was a guess; I wasn’t sure), and I was right (this doesn’t happen often). I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series.
April 22, 2021
This was an enjoyable mystery that got better the further I got into the book. I like Joanne Kilbourne, the protagonist. The characters are interesting. I enjoy the Canadian geographical references, especially the ones I am familiar with. I believe this was a first book by this author a d I look forward to reading more of her work.
January 8, 2020
I have read this entire series and love them. Taken individually they are some of the most realistic mysteries that I have ever read. Of course it helps that they take place in Saskatchewan, which is where I'm from. I love the main character, Joanne Kilbourne, and can easily imagine sitting down and talking with her.
March 1, 2022
You know what this is not my style of book at all but I loved it! A fun political murder mystery in Saskatchewan with some great twists. Like low-key may pick up the next one somewhere down the line.
October 1, 2017
This is my first Gail Bowen novel. I quite enjoyed it and do like the way Ms. Bowen writes. The characters are believable and the plot moves along at a good speed – not a real page turner – but quite reasonable. I will try the second in her Joanne Kilbourn series.
December 31, 2020
Set in Saskatchewan with recognizable locations and personality types, Bowen writes a compelling “who dun it” with a focus on character development and a well-crafted resolution. A good read.
January 19, 2022
Show, don't tell.
Ms. Bowen's first installment in her Joanne Kilbourn series is a so-so read during which I sometimes found myself wanting to discover the truth behind Andy Boychuk's murder and sometimes wanted to set the book down permanently. Far too much of the writing is spent on telling the reader what Jo will do, then having her do it. (Strangely, nearly every act involves her eating a meal.) All of the characters come with backstories; unfortunately, these backstories are tedious rather than suspense-building.
Ms. Bowen's first installment in her Joanne Kilbourn series is a so-so read during which I sometimes found myself wanting to discover the truth behind Andy Boychuk's murder and sometimes wanted to set the book down permanently. Far too much of the writing is spent on telling the reader what Jo will do, then having her do it. (Strangely, nearly every act involves her eating a meal.) All of the characters come with backstories; unfortunately, these backstories are tedious rather than suspense-building.
July 29, 2009
I picked up Gail Bowen's "Deadly Appearances" first and foremost because of its setting in my current home region - the province of Saskatchewan, on the Canadian Prairies. It's rare to find a fiction book set in this area, and I'm pleased to be able to recommend this series as a fine offering in the mainstream mystery genre. The story has an unpredictable yet conceivable ending, and it also introduces an appealing, believable "detective" character. Joanne Kilbourn is a 46-year-old widow with 3 teenagers, and her life is one most people can appreciate and understand, if not necessarily fully identify with. Her academic bent and history in politics were also intriguing, but you don't have to know anything about either "world" to enjoy or understand the story.
Another reason I would recommend this book is that it does a great job of showing Canadian, and particularly Saskatchewanian, culture. Anyone who is curious about either can immerse themselves in this book, the first in a series of several.
Another reason I would recommend this book is that it does a great job of showing Canadian, and particularly Saskatchewanian, culture. Anyone who is curious about either can immerse themselves in this book, the first in a series of several.
June 18, 2022
"ON A HOT AUGUST AFTERNOON a picnic is being held to celebrate the election of Andy Boychuk as leader of Saskatchewan's Official Opposition. All of the key people in Boychuk's life-family, friends, enemies-have gathered. About to begin his speech, Boychuk takes a sip of water from a glass on the lectern. Within seconds he is dead.
Joanne Kilbourn, Boychuk's speechwriter, is stunned, but she is no stranger to sudden death-her own husband was brutally murdered several years before. While trying to help Boychuk's widow Eva, through the trauma, Joanne delves into Andy's past, and unexpectedly enters a world of concealed passions and sexual intrigue. "
Well the best thing was that it was Canadian. Just a so so mystery. One of the reason the Politician was murdered was because he was gay. And this was his big secret. This is so not feasible in 2022. The person that was the murdered was the heartthrob of the main character …..was all too predictable. I’d give it a 2.5!
Joanne Kilbourn, Boychuk's speechwriter, is stunned, but she is no stranger to sudden death-her own husband was brutally murdered several years before. While trying to help Boychuk's widow Eva, through the trauma, Joanne delves into Andy's past, and unexpectedly enters a world of concealed passions and sexual intrigue. "
Well the best thing was that it was Canadian. Just a so so mystery. One of the reason the Politician was murdered was because he was gay. And this was his big secret. This is so not feasible in 2022. The person that was the murdered was the heartthrob of the main character …..was all too predictable. I’d give it a 2.5!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2014
This is the first book in the Joanne Kilbourn Mystery Series. I really like this book and its author. It was a murder mystery without being a detective story, but even though the main character was actively gathering information to help find her friend's killer, the book did not feel like one of those cozy mysteries where a totally unqualified person one-ups the police. There was a lot of family and relationship stuff, and since the main character is heavily into the local political scene, there was lots of Canadian politics which I thought was really different, and really interesting. The ending was good and logical, but it was a bit of a nail-biter.
I will definitely add this series to the growing list of books I intend to continue.
I will definitely add this series to the growing list of books I intend to continue.
April 17, 2019
This author is coming to speak at a local writer's conference so I chose the first book in the series to get a feel for her style of writing. I felt the book got off to a good start with the murder of a Saskatchewan politician and I liked Joanne Kilbourn, the protagonist. However, after that, it seemed to just drift along. The focus seemed to be on planning the politician's funeral and writing his biography rather than trying to determine who killed him, and why. The police in this story were practically non-existent which didn't seem realistic. I liked the writing style so I might try another book in the series which will hopefully have a more intense and realistic plot.
June 15, 2022
The first time I have read Gail Bowen and what a fun read. It was recommended to me by the same people, and at the same time as Louise Penny, and I can see parallels in their work. Whereas Penny’s story reflected life in Quebec, Bowen reflects life in Saskatchewan.
I particularly enjoyed they gradual unveiling of the murder victim; so much more to him than what meets the eye. It’s interesting to think that much of what transpired in the story, which takes place in 1990, would not happen today, for reasons I won’t go into here (spoilers and all that). Still, the story was well crafted and kept me guessing for a long time. I look forward to reading more of Bowen’s work in the future.
I particularly enjoyed they gradual unveiling of the murder victim; so much more to him than what meets the eye. It’s interesting to think that much of what transpired in the story, which takes place in 1990, would not happen today, for reasons I won’t go into here (spoilers and all that). Still, the story was well crafted and kept me guessing for a long time. I look forward to reading more of Bowen’s work in the future.
September 13, 2018
This is the first Joanne Kilbourn mystery to read and I'm impressed. I just met the author at the library in Belleville and I can now see why she has accumulated the accolades she has. I like the main character and how she is presented. She is not the amateur sleuth, she is one of the people that a murder directly impacts and she works her way through it. The writing is honest, and concise. There is not a single sentence that could be omitted in her book. Once you start, you are not going to put this book down until you have finished it.
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