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Hunter Rayne Highway Mystery #3
Sea to Sky
During what was supposed to be a few days of skiing at the Whistler Mountain resort with an attractive female acquaintance, former homicide detective Hunter Rayne finds himself the prime suspect in the RCMP's hunt for "The Chairlift Killer". Hunter has no choice but to get involved in the investigation in order to clear his name.
Meanwhile, trucker Hunter was scheduled to haul a load of freight to Northern California, so he calls up his old friend, biker Dan Sorenson, to take his place behind the wheel. What connects the badass biker from Yreka, California to the most prolific female serial killer in US history? And what happens when dispatcher El Watson ignores Hunter's warning and sends the biker on a search for clues to the motive behind the murder?
In the midst of the investigation, Hunter's life gets complicated when the progress of his new relationship is hampered by the appearance of a woman from his troubled past.
Sea to Sky is the third novel in the Hunter Rayne highway mystery series.
Meanwhile, trucker Hunter was scheduled to haul a load of freight to Northern California, so he calls up his old friend, biker Dan Sorenson, to take his place behind the wheel. What connects the badass biker from Yreka, California to the most prolific female serial killer in US history? And what happens when dispatcher El Watson ignores Hunter's warning and sends the biker on a search for clues to the motive behind the murder?
In the midst of the investigation, Hunter's life gets complicated when the progress of his new relationship is hampered by the appearance of a woman from his troubled past.
Sea to Sky is the third novel in the Hunter Rayne highway mystery series.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 21, 2021
A dead man rides a chairlift at the popular ski resort on Whistler Mountain. Follow Hunter Rayne as he gets involved in a murder investigation. Although the third in the series, Sea to Sky can be read as a stand-alone. This story is set way back in 1997, so make allowances for the changes in technology that people take for granted nowadays. Later on in this story Hunter goes into a public library to obtain information that today can be grabbed with a few taps on a smartphone anywhere in the world. On the trucking side there are no digital tachographs, telematics or vehicle tracking.
Sea to Sky is a mystery surrounding the private life of Hunter. This all makes for a very relaxed cosy murder mystery. There are bits of relationships that progressed from books one and two, a little romance, some trucking with the usual challenges plus the investigation to find the chairlift killer.
The pace of this novel was quite slow and laboured over the characters from the earlier books and those surrounding the chairlift killer. There were odd bits of dialogue to make you smile, for example…
“If you would just shut the heck up for five seconds and let me speak, woman!” boomed Sorry. “Sasha, Bruno. Say hello to the big lady.” The two kids looked up briefly from petting Peterbilt and said in unison “Hello, big lady.” One was a little girl about seven years old, the other a little boy of about five.
...The story plodded along with gentle and very minor sub plots. Apart from the actual scenes of the chairlift murder and how the victim was killed, nothing else was exciting or gripping in this story.
I found Sea to Sky a relaxing read to simply roll along with - better than a daily newspaper but nothing to recommend to a friend. Sea to Sky is an OKAY 3 star read but nowhere near as good as the previous novel called Ice on the Grapevine.
Sea to Sky is a mystery surrounding the private life of Hunter. This all makes for a very relaxed cosy murder mystery. There are bits of relationships that progressed from books one and two, a little romance, some trucking with the usual challenges plus the investigation to find the chairlift killer.
The pace of this novel was quite slow and laboured over the characters from the earlier books and those surrounding the chairlift killer. There were odd bits of dialogue to make you smile, for example…
“If you would just shut the heck up for five seconds and let me speak, woman!” boomed Sorry. “Sasha, Bruno. Say hello to the big lady.” The two kids looked up briefly from petting Peterbilt and said in unison “Hello, big lady.” One was a little girl about seven years old, the other a little boy of about five.
...The story plodded along with gentle and very minor sub plots. Apart from the actual scenes of the chairlift murder and how the victim was killed, nothing else was exciting or gripping in this story.
I found Sea to Sky a relaxing read to simply roll along with - better than a daily newspaper but nothing to recommend to a friend. Sea to Sky is an OKAY 3 star read but nowhere near as good as the previous novel called Ice on the Grapevine.
February 4, 2013
"Sea to Sky" by R.E.Donald was free on Amazon so I took a chance on this murder mystery that looked a lot of fun. Set in Whistler it starts with a great set up of the characters, Hunter Rayne, his new girlfriend and her hot-blooded ex-husband. When the latter is murdered on a chairlift by a single gun shot to the head suspicion falls on Hunter. Although there are some more suspects, Hunter, a former investigator himself, decided to solve the case himself.
Hunter Rayne is a great and likeable main character, particularly at the beginning we get to know him well and so care for him when he becomes a suspect. The story is well written, entertaining and cleverly enough plotted to keep the reader guessing.
Hunter Rayne is a great and likeable main character, particularly at the beginning we get to know him well and so care for him when he becomes a suspect. The story is well written, entertaining and cleverly enough plotted to keep the reader guessing.
June 26, 2015
"HellovaGood Read. 5 stars because the character El, who I've known
5-stars because of the character EL whom I've known as a truckers wife and an a WW11 Nurse. Also have known a Sorry or two.
I've read the first three books and am beginning the fourth. All are 5-star for me. I like the descriptions of areas of which I have some familiarity. Lived In WA state for 7 years and trips to Canada to exhibit our dogs and finish a Champion or three.
The main character, Hunter, is an complex man and his landlord is an interesting person. Altogether, these mysteries meet my criteria for a satisfying read. Kudos to the author who so convincingly captures the voices of men.
My only con would be the over use of the F word. I grew up amongst hard boiled construction worked and was on the job site amongst dump trucks, deadlines cats and mechanics & heard nothing more than "Damn and shits " from my Dad and friends.
5-stars because of the character EL whom I've known as a truckers wife and an a WW11 Nurse. Also have known a Sorry or two.
I've read the first three books and am beginning the fourth. All are 5-star for me. I like the descriptions of areas of which I have some familiarity. Lived In WA state for 7 years and trips to Canada to exhibit our dogs and finish a Champion or three.
The main character, Hunter, is an complex man and his landlord is an interesting person. Altogether, these mysteries meet my criteria for a satisfying read. Kudos to the author who so convincingly captures the voices of men.
My only con would be the over use of the F word. I grew up amongst hard boiled construction worked and was on the job site amongst dump trucks, deadlines cats and mechanics & heard nothing more than "Damn and shits " from my Dad and friends.
February 16, 2013
This was my first introduction to the protagonist, Hunter Rayne. I like him. I think R.E. Donald has done an admirable job of making him a well-rounded and believable character. Few women, writing about men, can do as well.
The story is engaging and truly a mystery. Readers are going to want to turn the page.
I was drawn in by the story of a secondary character, Daniel Sorenson, and disappointed that there wasn't more about him and his story was left incomplete.
I'll look forward to more Hunter Rayne stories.
The story is engaging and truly a mystery. Readers are going to want to turn the page.
I was drawn in by the story of a secondary character, Daniel Sorenson, and disappointed that there wasn't more about him and his story was left incomplete.
I'll look forward to more Hunter Rayne stories.
February 5, 2013
This book is number three in a series about an ex RCMP turned trucker turned amateur detective. I haven’t read the previous two books but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this, as everything I needed to know for the story was explained, without it clogging up the storyline.
The scene is set with our hero, Hunter Rayne, having a public spat with the soon to be murdered man and Hunter’s subsequent investigation into the circumstances and reasons for the death. As you would expect, this involved plenty of subtle clues and red herrings before we discovered who the killer was.
I enjoyed this book as it worked well as a standalone story, with well-formed characters and locations. I liked the storyline which involved the biker Dan Sorenson (known as Sorry) and this had a nice conclusion with him discovering things about himself. If I was to cite a negative about the book I suppose it was Hunter’s ‘boss’ El. She needed to be in the story in order to link Hunter and Sorry and also to facilitate some of the plot, but for me, she was made to be a bigger character than she needed to be.
Overall though, a minor niggle and I would recommend this book to those that like a murder mystery. 4/5.
The scene is set with our hero, Hunter Rayne, having a public spat with the soon to be murdered man and Hunter’s subsequent investigation into the circumstances and reasons for the death. As you would expect, this involved plenty of subtle clues and red herrings before we discovered who the killer was.
I enjoyed this book as it worked well as a standalone story, with well-formed characters and locations. I liked the storyline which involved the biker Dan Sorenson (known as Sorry) and this had a nice conclusion with him discovering things about himself. If I was to cite a negative about the book I suppose it was Hunter’s ‘boss’ El. She needed to be in the story in order to link Hunter and Sorry and also to facilitate some of the plot, but for me, she was made to be a bigger character than she needed to be.
Overall though, a minor niggle and I would recommend this book to those that like a murder mystery. 4/5.
August 16, 2024
Hunter Rayne Highway Mystery book #3
Former homicide detective hunter Rayne finds himself the prime suspect in the RCMP’s hunt for “The Chairlift Killer” what a way to spoil his weekend at Whistler and putting a lid on a potential romance. He has no choice but to get involved in order to clear his name.
The believable and interesting plot aids the story to move along well enough to hold attention till the last page. Of course this is a relaxed and cozy read with some rough patches. After all, the entire story is about a murder investigation leaving Hunter relationship on hold. It is easy to get irritated with him and how he interacts with the opposite sex at times but what woman does not love a tall silent type persona, he surely fits the profile. There were odd bits of dialogue and some funny moments to make us smile but not much is really exciting or even captivating.
Although this is a well-written book with pretty good characters “Sea to Sky” brings nothing new to the genre. Hunter now a truck driver will always be a RCMP at heart and “will uphold the right and always get his man” (official motto of the RCMP)
Enjoyable story that works well as a stand-alone.
Former homicide detective hunter Rayne finds himself the prime suspect in the RCMP’s hunt for “The Chairlift Killer” what a way to spoil his weekend at Whistler and putting a lid on a potential romance. He has no choice but to get involved in order to clear his name.
The believable and interesting plot aids the story to move along well enough to hold attention till the last page. Of course this is a relaxed and cozy read with some rough patches. After all, the entire story is about a murder investigation leaving Hunter relationship on hold. It is easy to get irritated with him and how he interacts with the opposite sex at times but what woman does not love a tall silent type persona, he surely fits the profile. There were odd bits of dialogue and some funny moments to make us smile but not much is really exciting or even captivating.
Although this is a well-written book with pretty good characters “Sea to Sky” brings nothing new to the genre. Hunter now a truck driver will always be a RCMP at heart and “will uphold the right and always get his man” (official motto of the RCMP)
Enjoyable story that works well as a stand-alone.
February 13, 2020
4 ½ *stars REALLY
I LIKE THE STRONG SILENT TYPE BUT HUNTER IS A TURN OFF WITH IT. HE LIVES A VERY QUIET LONELY LIFE, WHICH HE SEEMS TO LIKE AT TIMES. HE IS SO SAD TO ME, HIM BEING A NOMAD AND LONGING FOR LOVE JUST DOESN’T SPELL HAPPY GUY. I HOPE HUNTER WILL FIND HIS HEA WITH SOMEONE. I LIKED THE FIRST (WHITE LINERS) IN THIS STANDALONE SERIES IT WAS BETTER THAN THIS ONE. ;D
I LIKE THE STRONG SILENT TYPE BUT HUNTER IS A TURN OFF WITH IT. HE LIVES A VERY QUIET LONELY LIFE, WHICH HE SEEMS TO LIKE AT TIMES. HE IS SO SAD TO ME, HIM BEING A NOMAD AND LONGING FOR LOVE JUST DOESN’T SPELL HAPPY GUY. I HOPE HUNTER WILL FIND HIS HEA WITH SOMEONE. I LIKED THE FIRST (WHITE LINERS) IN THIS STANDALONE SERIES IT WAS BETTER THAN THIS ONE. ;D
August 22, 2024
A dead man rides a chairlift at the popular ski resort on Whistler Mountain. Former homicide detective Hunter Rayne finds himself at the top of the suspect list, so he has no choice but to get involved in the investigation in order to clear his name.
While he’s busy in Whistler, trucker Hunter is forced to hire biker Dan Sorenson to take his place behind the wheel. What connects the badass biker from Yreka, California to the most prolific female serial killer in US history? And what happens when Hunter’s dispatcher El Watson gets the biker involved in the murder investigation?
In the midst of the investigation, Hunter’s life becomes complicated when the progress of a new relationship is arrested by the appearance of a woman from his troubled past.
Sea to Sky is the third novel in the Hunter Rayne highway mystery series.
While he’s busy in Whistler, trucker Hunter is forced to hire biker Dan Sorenson to take his place behind the wheel. What connects the badass biker from Yreka, California to the most prolific female serial killer in US history? And what happens when Hunter’s dispatcher El Watson gets the biker involved in the murder investigation?
In the midst of the investigation, Hunter’s life becomes complicated when the progress of a new relationship is arrested by the appearance of a woman from his troubled past.
Sea to Sky is the third novel in the Hunter Rayne highway mystery series.
April 19, 2013
Sea to Sky by R. E. Donald
The Hunter Rayne series is evolving into into a great saga, and I'm thrilled R. E. Donald has based the story in Canada. Protagonist Rayne is a retired RCMP officer, living in North Vancouver. In his new life he drives The Blue Knight, a semi truck, on long-haul freight pickups and deliveries. In and out among these treks, he discovers mysteries and crimes that need to be solved. Rayne, himself a likeable, caring and responsible fellow, has a tendency to get hooked once he has taken up the chase, and he doesn't let go until he has solved it and turned the information over to the RCMP. Divorced, with two young adult daughters, he has not quite figured out how to find a new life; right now all he wants is the quiet and solitude of the long-haul freightliner.
Rayne is surrounded by a small but consistent circle of friends: his landlord, a retired lawyer, who lives upstairs and from time to time passes out wise advice along with tea or a beer; El (Elspith), the formidable but good-hearted, call-a-spade-a-spade owner of the dispatching service Rayne works with, despite her not always helpful attempts to solve the mystery; and Sorry (Sorenson), the biker with the cobra tatoo, who helps Rayne out but has a lot of trouble with impulse control. This crew inevitably provides a complex and entertaining story.
In Sea to Sky, Rayne is meeting a woman he barely knows for a weekend of skiing in Whistler, BC. When the woman's ex-spouse, who has continued to stalk and harass her, gets himself murdered, not only the woman, but Rayne himself turn out to be among the main suspects. Rayne has to unravel this mystery fast, as the police won't allow him to leave town, much less the country, and his livelihood depends on trucking.
R. E. Donald weaves an intricate and intriguing plot and creates in-depth characters who readers come to feel are friends.
For a great mystery novel, read: Sea to Sky!
The Hunter Rayne series is evolving into into a great saga, and I'm thrilled R. E. Donald has based the story in Canada. Protagonist Rayne is a retired RCMP officer, living in North Vancouver. In his new life he drives The Blue Knight, a semi truck, on long-haul freight pickups and deliveries. In and out among these treks, he discovers mysteries and crimes that need to be solved. Rayne, himself a likeable, caring and responsible fellow, has a tendency to get hooked once he has taken up the chase, and he doesn't let go until he has solved it and turned the information over to the RCMP. Divorced, with two young adult daughters, he has not quite figured out how to find a new life; right now all he wants is the quiet and solitude of the long-haul freightliner.
Rayne is surrounded by a small but consistent circle of friends: his landlord, a retired lawyer, who lives upstairs and from time to time passes out wise advice along with tea or a beer; El (Elspith), the formidable but good-hearted, call-a-spade-a-spade owner of the dispatching service Rayne works with, despite her not always helpful attempts to solve the mystery; and Sorry (Sorenson), the biker with the cobra tatoo, who helps Rayne out but has a lot of trouble with impulse control. This crew inevitably provides a complex and entertaining story.
In Sea to Sky, Rayne is meeting a woman he barely knows for a weekend of skiing in Whistler, BC. When the woman's ex-spouse, who has continued to stalk and harass her, gets himself murdered, not only the woman, but Rayne himself turn out to be among the main suspects. Rayne has to unravel this mystery fast, as the police won't allow him to leave town, much less the country, and his livelihood depends on trucking.
R. E. Donald weaves an intricate and intriguing plot and creates in-depth characters who readers come to feel are friends.
For a great mystery novel, read: Sea to Sky!
February 1, 2018
Three Fathers, Three Sons
This story is as much about the relationship between fathers and sons as it is about an intriguing murder mystery. The author lets us really get to know the fathers and sons that are intertwined with the murder. One of the sons is the murder victim.
The story picks up shortly after the end of the previous book in the series. While not essential, reading them in order is helpful.
I found this story to be much better and more interesting than the previous book. In part, this was because I already knew some of the characters including our protagonist, Hunter, and Aloha (an attorney from the previous books), and Hunter's dispatcher, El. The truck trips seemed more natural instead of seeming to be contrived.
The book brings closure to some story arcs while providing a lot of options for what comes in the next books in the series.
This story is as much about the relationship between fathers and sons as it is about an intriguing murder mystery. The author lets us really get to know the fathers and sons that are intertwined with the murder. One of the sons is the murder victim.
The story picks up shortly after the end of the previous book in the series. While not essential, reading them in order is helpful.
I found this story to be much better and more interesting than the previous book. In part, this was because I already knew some of the characters including our protagonist, Hunter, and Aloha (an attorney from the previous books), and Hunter's dispatcher, El. The truck trips seemed more natural instead of seeming to be contrived.
The book brings closure to some story arcs while providing a lot of options for what comes in the next books in the series.
February 14, 2015
This was a nice light read with a taste of reality. The MC spends a weekend trying to develop a relationship with a woman when her abusive ex-husband shows up. When the ex-husband is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect. Yet, despite the evolving mystery, the MC, an ex-cop and currently driving a big rig for a living, is concerned that he's spending money faster than he's making it when he gets involved in the investigation. The editing was clean, the plot well organized and the story flowed. However, the ending came together too simply for my liking. But I enjoyed it and will read more by this author.
April 5, 2016
Not what I expected.
Always look for a new author and good who dunning mystery, reviews I read was good, but not my kind of page turner. Abused husband, first wife still afraid of him. Second wife is trying to keep her children happy, lost all her friends. But father-in-law is aware of the life his grandchildren are living. And he is very sick. Truck driver is person of interest, also looking for a runaway.
Always look for a new author and good who dunning mystery, reviews I read was good, but not my kind of page turner. Abused husband, first wife still afraid of him. Second wife is trying to keep her children happy, lost all her friends. But father-in-law is aware of the life his grandchildren are living. And he is very sick. Truck driver is person of interest, also looking for a runaway.
August 29, 2013
I really liked this book. My first Hunter Rayne Highway Mystery and I'm a fan! Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader captured. I love surprise endings and this book didn't let me down!
Will be looking for more books by R.E. Donald.
Will be looking for more books by R.E. Donald.
January 24, 2016
Twists and turns
A fast paced,easy read of a book. Plenty of twists and turns in the story but not too many to cause confusion. A map at the start may help non north american readers.
A fast paced,easy read of a book. Plenty of twists and turns in the story but not too many to cause confusion. A map at the start may help non north american readers.
June 25, 2023
First of all, I want to point out that. I really like this type of content. Boating, yachting, sailing, fishing and anything that falls under the concept of a marina.
I leave this information below for those who want to read it. A look at Boat and Yacht History:
the ships we encounter today are; They are large, robust and self-propelled watercraft used to transport cargo across the seas and oceans. This was not the case hundreds of years ago, and current ships went through centuries of development until they became what they are today.
In ancient times, sailors used rafts, bamboo logs, reed bales, inflated animal hides, and baskets covered with pitch to cross small bodies of water.
As a matter of fact, the first boat; it was in the form of a simple frame made of interconnected rods and sewn animal hides that skillfully covered them. These boats could easily carry large and heavy loads. Information about similar old boat examples; You can find it among bull boats, Eskimo canoes, and British Islander merchant ships on the North American plains. In addition to these, another old-style boat is the one carved from the log and the ends of which are sharpened. Some of these were 60 feet (approx. 18 m) long.
When we look at the history of seafaring in ancient times, we come across a very interesting study of human strength and survival instincts. For example, in ancient times, the simple shovel mechanism we know was not used. Instead, people used their hands to move through the water in tiny boats. They propelled their rafts forward, pushing the masts to the bottom of the rivers. Increasingly, using his creative instincts and ingenuity, man redesigned the posts by straightening them and widening one end, thus making it usable in deeper waters. Later, this form was masterfully redeveloped and the blade fixed to the sides of the boat was transformed into the shape of a wide oar.
Invention of the sail
The invention of the sail was the greatest turning point in maritime history. Sails replaced human muscle movements, and sailboats were able to travel longer with heavier loads. The first ships used square sails, which were best suited to sail downwind. Side sails were invented later.
The Egyptians credit the emergence of advanced sailing cargo ships. These were made by connecting and stitching together small pieces of wood. These cargo ships were used to transport large stone pillars used in the construction of monuments.
Here are the contents I love about two beautiful marinas.
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-170-s...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-170...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-25-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-25-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-23-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-23-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-27-ed...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-27-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-leg...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
I leave this information below for those who want to read it. A look at Boat and Yacht History:
the ships we encounter today are; They are large, robust and self-propelled watercraft used to transport cargo across the seas and oceans. This was not the case hundreds of years ago, and current ships went through centuries of development until they became what they are today.
In ancient times, sailors used rafts, bamboo logs, reed bales, inflated animal hides, and baskets covered with pitch to cross small bodies of water.
As a matter of fact, the first boat; it was in the form of a simple frame made of interconnected rods and sewn animal hides that skillfully covered them. These boats could easily carry large and heavy loads. Information about similar old boat examples; You can find it among bull boats, Eskimo canoes, and British Islander merchant ships on the North American plains. In addition to these, another old-style boat is the one carved from the log and the ends of which are sharpened. Some of these were 60 feet (approx. 18 m) long.
When we look at the history of seafaring in ancient times, we come across a very interesting study of human strength and survival instincts. For example, in ancient times, the simple shovel mechanism we know was not used. Instead, people used their hands to move through the water in tiny boats. They propelled their rafts forward, pushing the masts to the bottom of the rivers. Increasingly, using his creative instincts and ingenuity, man redesigned the posts by straightening them and widening one end, thus making it usable in deeper waters. Later, this form was masterfully redeveloped and the blade fixed to the sides of the boat was transformed into the shape of a wide oar.
Invention of the sail
The invention of the sail was the greatest turning point in maritime history. Sails replaced human muscle movements, and sailboats were able to travel longer with heavier loads. The first ships used square sails, which were best suited to sail downwind. Side sails were invented later.
The Egyptians credit the emergence of advanced sailing cargo ships. These were made by connecting and stitching together small pieces of wood. These cargo ships were used to transport large stone pillars used in the construction of monuments.
Here are the contents I love about two beautiful marinas.
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-170-s...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-170...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-25-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-25-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-23-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-23-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-27-ed...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-27-...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-leg...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
June 14, 2022
Hunter Rides Above the Fray
In this story, Hunter Rayne somewhat reluctantly agrees to meet a female acquaintance for a skiing weekend at Whistler mountain only to be drawn in to a murder mystery, where he becomes a person of interest, if not a suspect. Hunter manages to navigate through the tangle of characters, including clashing and then collaborating with a private investigator. Throughout all these events, the reader sees the various other aspects of Rayne's life. He also gets a call from someone from his past to help find her runaway son. This situation unexpectedly affects other characters in the story, either directly or indirectly. Rayne also forms a friendship with the victim's father. Hunter is driven to solve the crime and somehow manages all the complexity. The author paints a vivid picture of some of the highways and byways of the Pacific Northwest. R.E. Donald does a great job of tying the disparate elements together and is an excellent story teller. Good read. 👍
In this story, Hunter Rayne somewhat reluctantly agrees to meet a female acquaintance for a skiing weekend at Whistler mountain only to be drawn in to a murder mystery, where he becomes a person of interest, if not a suspect. Hunter manages to navigate through the tangle of characters, including clashing and then collaborating with a private investigator. Throughout all these events, the reader sees the various other aspects of Rayne's life. He also gets a call from someone from his past to help find her runaway son. This situation unexpectedly affects other characters in the story, either directly or indirectly. Rayne also forms a friendship with the victim's father. Hunter is driven to solve the crime and somehow manages all the complexity. The author paints a vivid picture of some of the highways and byways of the Pacific Northwest. R.E. Donald does a great job of tying the disparate elements together and is an excellent story teller. Good read. 👍
March 14, 2017
Hunter Rayne, a long-haul trucker and retired RCMP homicide detective, meets his potential love interest at a Whistler ski resort for a getting-to-know-you weekend. A man, whom Hunter has had a run-in with, ends up dead on the chairlift, and Hunter is one of the top suspects. While the dead man deserved what he got, it wasn’t Hunter who helped him shuffle off this mortal coil, so Hunter has to get involved in the investigation to clear his own name.
I so enjoy this series. Rayne reminds me a bit of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire – both are a little old-fashioned when it comes to relationships, both have a strong sense of justice, a deep love of family, and a deep need to set things right. I like the relationships between the characters, the mostly Canadian settings, the descriptions of life on the road, and Hunter’s complicated relationships with the women in his life. I root for him to find peace and happiness in his life. There are also topical subplots involving domestic violence, industrial espionage, a runaway, missed connections, and missed opportunities.
I read some reviews where people complained about the profanity “in the first three pages” of this story. I’m not sure we read the same book. This is no cozy, that’s for sure, but it’s not a filth-filled piece of garbage either. It’s a traditional realistic mystery with great settings, some grit, and complicated characters with real problems and real emotions. I hope there are more in this series.
I so enjoy this series. Rayne reminds me a bit of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire – both are a little old-fashioned when it comes to relationships, both have a strong sense of justice, a deep love of family, and a deep need to set things right. I like the relationships between the characters, the mostly Canadian settings, the descriptions of life on the road, and Hunter’s complicated relationships with the women in his life. I root for him to find peace and happiness in his life. There are also topical subplots involving domestic violence, industrial espionage, a runaway, missed connections, and missed opportunities.
I read some reviews where people complained about the profanity “in the first three pages” of this story. I’m not sure we read the same book. This is no cozy, that’s for sure, but it’s not a filth-filled piece of garbage either. It’s a traditional realistic mystery with great settings, some grit, and complicated characters with real problems and real emotions. I hope there are more in this series.
February 13, 2020
I liked the premise and didn’t guess the murderer
Though I struggled to the end. It felt a bit slow to me. The characters were reasonably well drawn and there was a lot of detail about places. It was clearly well researched. I wasn’t familiar with the ex RCMP detective and probably won’t read the other books. Not for me. If you like a rugged detective with old-fashioned values and a bit of a philosophical bent, trucking, skiing and the huge distances of Canada, you will probably like this book.
Though I struggled to the end. It felt a bit slow to me. The characters were reasonably well drawn and there was a lot of detail about places. It was clearly well researched. I wasn’t familiar with the ex RCMP detective and probably won’t read the other books. Not for me. If you like a rugged detective with old-fashioned values and a bit of a philosophical bent, trucking, skiing and the huge distances of Canada, you will probably like this book.
April 17, 2024
An enjoyable read for the most part. It had some stereotypes just about all stories seem to have these days. All the female characters are model types. And a good number of the male characters see woman only as sex objects.
But that’s the old curmudgeon in me I guess. It would be nice to have more stories where the ladies are the ladies I meet every day and the guys are average guys. I meet every day.
At least Hunter seems to be a guy with decent morals and doesn’t have the ambition of climbing the sack with every woman he meets.
But that’s the old curmudgeon in me I guess. It would be nice to have more stories where the ladies are the ladies I meet every day and the guys are average guys. I meet every day.
At least Hunter seems to be a guy with decent morals and doesn’t have the ambition of climbing the sack with every woman he meets.
July 18, 2017
This was the second Hunter Rayne mystery I discovered via BookBub (thus at a great price). A clever mystery, although I thought the denouement was a bit rushed. I liked the characters, and I particularly liked that the exposition was, although in the third person, variously from the point of view of different characters. There was nothing profound about this book, but it was a fun summer campsite read.
June 7, 2017
A bit meandering but felt very real with Hunter's trouble, accused of killing a man, his lack of money and buying drinks while thinking how he is going to pay the bills. The whole Whistler/Black Comb situation was very nice. His introspective pérégrination were a little too 'not quite right' but on the whole I liked the truck driver and all his story. R. E. Donald will be one to look for.
January 26, 2020
Good characters
Funny, but I guessed the killer soon after reading about most of the suspects. I asked myself, who is the least likely, and managed to pick the right one. It was a good plot and the side stories about the truck drivers and missing kids made it interesting. I recommend it and hope others like it as well as I did.
Funny, but I guessed the killer soon after reading about most of the suspects. I asked myself, who is the least likely, and managed to pick the right one. It was a good plot and the side stories about the truck drivers and missing kids made it interesting. I recommend it and hope others like it as well as I did.
October 26, 2021
Sea to Sky
Enjoy R. E. Donald’s books tremendously. Good mysteries that keeps you reading. Characters are great. Following a trucker up and down the road and recognizing many of the places is fun. Hunter Rayne is a former RCMP and now very envolved in investigating crimes. For a fun and great read get all the Hunter Rayne books! Enjoy.
Enjoy R. E. Donald’s books tremendously. Good mysteries that keeps you reading. Characters are great. Following a trucker up and down the road and recognizing many of the places is fun. Hunter Rayne is a former RCMP and now very envolved in investigating crimes. For a fun and great read get all the Hunter Rayne books! Enjoy.
August 6, 2022
I just say I am thoroughly enjoying this mystery series. Great writing, interesting, believable characters, with an author knowledgeable on her subject and territory. I love this type of mystery where it’s not blood and gore. The pace is fast enough without car chases and explosions. I only wish there were more books in the series.
March 21, 2024
The story was well told with solid writing -I did not find the protagonist particularly appealing. I found him to be wishy washy lacking in depth and seemingly vacuous in making decisions re-his life choices. Its why I could only give the tale 3 stars. The emphasis on a genetic bad seed was a dead give away to the whodunit. So I found no surprises in the ending. Decent
read-
read-
January 9, 2018
Carolyn Dove
I really enjoyed this book. I thought I had everything figured out several times but it flipped on me lol.
I love books that keep me guessing from start to finish and this one filled the bill. I will definitely be reading more of your work!
I really enjoyed this book. I thought I had everything figured out several times but it flipped on me lol.
I love books that keep me guessing from start to finish and this one filled the bill. I will definitely be reading more of your work!
January 11, 2018
My first Trucker Book
Have always wondered when I would find one. The author was right on spot with DOT regs and the Calif speed for trucks. Loved the mystery. Really thought it was someone other than whodoneit. Very good book.
Have always wondered when I would find one. The author was right on spot with DOT regs and the Calif speed for trucks. Loved the mystery. Really thought it was someone other than whodoneit. Very good book.
January 17, 2018
A little bit different writing style for me but book was free. I really
enjoyed reading this book. It
definitely has a lot of detail
about all characters and their
environments. I thought the
ending was abrupt.
enjoyed reading this book. It
definitely has a lot of detail
about all characters and their
environments. I thought the
ending was abrupt.
January 22, 2018
Great story!
I enjoyed reading this book even though it was really slow moving. I liked the character of Hunter Rayne. He seemed like a really good guy. I didn't know who did it until the end.
I enjoyed reading this book even though it was really slow moving. I liked the character of Hunter Rayne. He seemed like a really good guy. I didn't know who did it until the end.
January 25, 2018
Wow! I guessed the killer right! That might be a first. I do not read many mysteries.
New author to me..I liked Hunter’s long-haul trucking job. That was the main draw for me reading this book.
Enjoyable read .. a bit slow. I would like to read more in this series. I like Hunter’s character.
New author to me..I liked Hunter’s long-haul trucking job. That was the main draw for me reading this book.
Enjoyable read .. a bit slow. I would like to read more in this series. I like Hunter’s character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews