Under Cold Stone

Constable Molly Smith #7

by Vicki Delany

Passionate environmentalist, old-time hippy Lucky Smith and Paul Keller, Chief Constable of Trafalgar, British Columbia, are an unlikely couple. Their vacation to the Rocky Mountains is a chance to explore their fledgling late-in-life relationship. They plan to indulge themselves at the famous Banff Springs Hotel.
But trouble interferes when strong-willed Lucky stands up to two bullies in the local coffee shop, one of whom turns out to be Paul’s estranged son, Matt.
This chance encounter soon becomes a quagmire of trouble when a frantic Matt calls his father for help. Lucky and Paul rush to his aid to find a body, but no Matt. All signs indicate that Matt—an experienced wilderness adventurer—has escaped into the backcountry. To RCMP Sergeant Eddie Blechta, running is all the proof of guilt he needs.
Paul Keller can do nothing but watch the investigation from a distance, terrified that Blechta is right.
Lucky’s daughter, Constable Molly Smith of the Trafalgar City Police, abandons her chaotic Thanksgiving kitchen to offer her mom support. She has no intention of meddling in the investigation, but when Matt’s girlfriend, Tracey, asks for her help, Molly Smith finds herself not only interfering but putting herself on the wrong side of Eddie Blechta.
Can they find Matt and clear his name?

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Canada, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Cozy

296 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.

She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany

Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)

Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com

Reviews

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been really busy but this book kept me interested and turning the pages. I've read others in the series and I honestly mostly turn up for the atmosphere of Trafalgar and environs. The mystery here was good and I did not figure out who the mastermind of the murder was. Very well done. I am already on to the next.

I read this through Kindle Unlimited. Recommended.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joining your mom on her first romantic vacation with the new man in her life, who also happens to be your boss, is just what every adult daughter wants to do right!?! Not even a little bit, but Molly is off to Banff to help her mom and the Chief find the Chief's missing son and find out if he's also a killer. After all, it's what all dutiful daughter's do. An interesting installment in the Smith/Winter's series and it definitely will keep you intrigued. The storylines are always multi-layered and entertaining and this one is no exception. My only issue is that this seems to be the last of the Smith/Winters series so I highly recommend you start with the first book in the series to get to know the characters more in-depth and to make your entertaining enjoyment last longer!

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was OK. took too long to piece in the story

[Gloria Feit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucky Smith, the mother of Molly Smith and recently widowed, and Chief Constable Paul Keller, recently divorced and Molly’s boss, somehow after years of antagonism have formed a relationship. So when Canadian Thanksgiving loomed, they decided to take a fancy long weekend at the plush Banff Springs Hotel. Of course, there turns out to be a fly in the ointment of a potentially idyllic four days: Paul’s ne’er-to-do (and estranged) son, Matt, and his boorish roommate, Barry, encounter Lucky when she is waiting on line at a coffee emporium, attempting to shove in past her. Never one to ignore a confrontation, Lucky fends them off. But later, sitting in the dining room at dinner with Paul, the two men enter and Barry pours tea on Lucky.

Paul is embarrassed by his son, but later that night he gets a phone call from Matt, who had found Barry in their apartment stabbed to death. Paul tells him to call the police. Instead he flees, making him suspect number one. Naturally, Paul as a policeman becomes involved with the Mounties, who make no progress in finding Matt or solving the murder. Lucky, very upset, calls Molly to travel to Banff and support her in her effort to keep Paul’s spirits up. Not one to sit still, Molly informally starts nosing around despite being warned by the RCMP sergeant in charge of the case to stay clear of the investigation.

Meanwhile, back in Trafalgar, the construction of vacation homes on a prime tract of wilderness land provides another subplot as environmentalists threaten demonstrations. All seem to tie together as this, the seventh novel in the Constable Molly Smith series, draws to a close. The characters are well-drawn and the plot moves forward at a brisk pace. The only question left unresolved is when will Molly and Adam, her fiancé, get married. And then there is the incipient Lucky-Paul bond to consider.

Recommended.

[Karl K · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok but plodding.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#7 in the Constable Molly Smith series. This 2014 series entry by author Delany provides movement in the lives of the series characters. Molly's widowed mother Lucky Smith has entered a relationship with divorced Chief Constable Paul Keller, Molly's boss. Meanwhile, Molly and RCMP K-9 officer, Adam Tocek, are now engaged and have moved in together. A complex plot follows that strains credulity but is skillfully assembled. An enjoyable read.

At a Banff restaurant, Molly's widowed mother, Lucky Smith, and Lucky's boyfriend, Chief Constable Paul Keller, who's Molly's boss, have a run-in with two abrasive men, one of whom turns out to be Paul's estranged son, Matt Keller. Later, Matt goes on the run after he becomes a suspect in a murder. At Lucky's request, Molly travels to Banff. Her colleague, Sgt. John Winters, remains in Trafalgar to face a potentially ugly protest against a new development, Grizzly Resort, which poses an environmental threat to the wilderness area. While the police search for Matt, Molly befriends Matt's insecure girlfriend, Tracey McMillan, and questions his roommates, among others.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book seven of eight

Molly is called upon to help her mother and boyfriend investigate a murder. The son is the prime suspect. It all works out leading to the arrest and a happy ending 😀.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤🐶

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Paul Keller's son Matt seems a likely suspect in the homicide of his roommate, Constable Molly Smith drives to Banff to see how she can help her mom and her boss who are vacationing there. We meet a host of characters connected with Matt's life in the resort town. Meanwhile back in Trafalgar, Sgt. Winters and RCMP Adam Tocek are monitoring a potential situation between developers and environmentalists with the Grizzly Resort. While I enjoyed this installment, I was sad so much of it occurred away from Trafalgar. (3.5 stars)

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was much more on the procedural side than the cozy side, whereas previous books in the series have straddled the border more.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. I read this book on an airplane and in the airport. Maybe I’m not giving it a real chance. But the premise of meeting up with your mom, who is on a romantic getaway with a man who happens to be your boss, is just a little odd. And the idea of Molly, who is NOT a detective, solving a complex case is a little too tidy. I do think that the plot of eco-terrorists who maybe unwittingly supporting investors in fracking is a great twist. But this is not a series I will continue.

[Libby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow! Have visited Canada many times, including the area of Banff, but I have never encountered such rude people. They seem ridiculous…a guy that harasses someone in a grocery store because he didn’t get away with cutting in line…..a woman who spills wine on another woman and doesn’t apologize or care. The book has several of these silly scenarios that aren’t believable. I kept waiting for something important to happen, except rude behavior.

At this point, I don’t like any characters. Not sure how Paul could raise a son like Matthew who harasses total strangers. Maybe it would get better, but there are too many other books to read.

[Millie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not Vicki Delany's best work. I have enjoyed all of the previous books in this series but the first half was dull and disjointed. There was too much narrative on the relationships of the recurring characters and not enough on the murder. A dead body, one presumptive suspect, and no clues....ho hum. The action didn't pick up until Chapter 50 at which point all the pieces came together and wrapped up quickly with the solution of the murder being rather undramatic. I thought the conclusion to be a bit contrived.

[Candace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the Constable Molly Smith series, but this one didn't have enough plot to carry it for almost 300 pages. I got tired of dialogue for the sake of stringing out the story.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Under Cold Stone - Constable Molly Smith Mystery Book 7
Author: Vicki Delany
Publisher: Poisoned Penn Press
Published: 4-1-2014
Pages: 309
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Women's Sleuths;
ISBN: 9781464202339
ASIN: B00JERUG04
Reviewed For NetGalley and Poisoned Penn Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4 Starts

Passionate environmentalist, old-time hippy Lucky Smith and Paul Keller, Chief Constable of Trafalgar, British Columbia, are an unlikely couple. Their vacation to the Rocky Mountains is a chance to explore their fledging late-in-life relationship. They plan to indulge themselves at the famous Banff Springs Hotel.

But trouble interferes when strong-willed Lucky stands up to two bullies in the local coffee shop, one of whom turns out to be Paul’s estranged son, Matt.

This chance encounter soon becomes a quagmire of trouble when a frantic Matt calls his father for help. Lucky and Paul rush to his aid to find a body, but no Matt. All signs indicate that Matt—an experienced wilderness adventurer—has escaped into the backcountry. To RCMP Sergeant Eddie Blechta, running is all the proof of guilt he needs.
Paul Keller can do nothing but watch the investigation from a distance, terrified that Blechta is right.

Lucky’s daughter, Constable Molly Smith of the Trafalgar City Police, abandons her chaotic Thanksgiving kitchen to offer her mom support. She has no intention of meddling in the investigation, but when Matt’s girlfriend, Tracey, asks for her help, Molly Smith finds herself not only interfering but putting herself on the wrong side of Edward Blechta.
Can they find Matt and clear his name?


A different style of writing for Vicki Delany. This series is a darker mystery. There is nothing cozy about the Constable Molly Smith Mysteries. The flow was not smooth, rather the scenes jump back and forth in such a way as to the reader a little dizzy.


The story was interesting with developed characters that you will enjoy very much.



My rating of "Under Cold Stone" is 4 out of 5 stars.



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[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting plot to this series..... Good story. Keeps your interest.....

Passionate environmentalist, old-time hippy Lucky Smith and Paul Keller, Chief Constable of Trafalgar, British Columbia, are an unlikely couple. Their vacation to the Rocky Mountains is a chance to explore their fledgling late-in-life relationship. They plan to indulge themselves at the famous Banff Springs Hotel.
But trouble interferes when strong-willed Lucky stands up to two bullies in the local coffee shop, one of whom turns out to be Paul’s estranged son, Matt.
This chance encounter soon becomes a quagmire of trouble when a frantic Matt calls his father for help. Lucky and Paul rush to his aid to find a body, but no Matt. All signs indicate that Matt—an experienced wilderness adventurer—has escaped into the backcountry. To RCMP Sergeant Eddie Blechta, running is all the proof of guilt he needs.
Paul Keller can do nothing but watch the investigation from a distance, terrified that Blechta is right.
Lucky’s daughter, Constable Molly Smith of the Trafalgar City Police, abandons her chaotic Thanksgiving kitchen to offer her mom support. She has no intention of meddling in the investigation, but when Matt’s girlfriend, Tracey, asks for her help, Molly Smith finds herself not only interfering but putting herself on the wrong side of Eddie Blechta.
Can they find Matt and clear his name?

[Robert Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

++++Finished 06/04/2014. Lucky & Chief Keller are vacationing in Banff & Lucky is threatened by two young men while in line for tea. Turns out one of them is K's son Matt. Ma is stringing along a waitress at a run down cafe leading her to believe that she loves him. Ma & his dad have been at odds for years. Then Ma comes home from bartending & finds his roommate dead on the floor of their rental. He calls his dad & in the end His mom, her rich lover, & Molly are all there & the local Mountie is very much not impressed by outsiders or females. Molly & Tracey find Matt & exonerate him. Back in Trafalgar, Sgt Winters is again confronted with demos against the Grizzly development and it all ties into Matt's mom's lover.++++

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the change of venue, the larger scene. It felt a little bogged down in the middle—too much of the same people being asked the same questions over & over. But then it picked up again at the end. I’m not sure about a dog being left in a non-running car overnight in the Canadian Rockies in Oct.

May I just add—as I take a look at other reviews, I’m reminded of it—that I hate reviews that start by recapping the story. The summary of the story is already here! Right above the reviews! Why would I need to read it again? And again & again & again?

May I also say, if you’re going to rate a book as low ad 1 or 2 stars, I think you have an obligation to explain why.

[Tina Billings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello from Smiths Falls, Ontario!!! I almost busted something when I read that Tracey was from here. However you must know something I don't - the secret location of this "Bingo Palace" you wrote about lol. Just kidding but it would be nice.

I enjoyed this book, it was one I picked up in a bulk buy box from our local bookstore - Arlie's Books, I have never read anything by this Author, I gave it a fair shot and was happy with the story, the characters were interesting and I will definitely add this writer to my list of must reads.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly's mother, Lucky, and Chief of Police, Paul Keller, have gone to Banff for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Lucky, unluckily runs into Paul's estranged son and his friend, who try to bully her at a local coffee shop. When the friend turns up dead, the son is wanted for murder, but has gone missing.
Lucky calls Molly for support, who becomes involved in finding Matt.
Meanwhile, back in Trafalgar, Detective Winters becomes involved with problems at the new condo development.

[ahn mur · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual, my favourite thing with this series is how Delany portrays the setting. As a twist, for this novel we leave behind Trafalgar and venture to Banff! Another place I know and love. It was interesting to read about Banff from both the perspective of visitors on a romantic trip, and from locals trying to get by and make a living. I enjoyed this plot and appreciated Molly trying to step up more than in previous books.

[Deborah Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been enjoying this series. I find the characters to have some depth and the story lines well developed. This has been a great summer read. However this installment got off to a slow start. Took me to midway through to want read non stop. Delaney managed o ce again to bring the edges together and tie up all the loose pieces.

[Groucho42 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit over complex, but enjoyable. Lucky and Paul go to Banff for a vacation, and his son, Matt, is accused of murder. Molly comes out to help Lucky and gets involved. Meanwhile, back in Trafalgar, a protest is questionable. The final setup of the undercover cop was just too much. It was, however, balanced with the wonderful "the eagle flies at midnight" reference.

[SD · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to see Molly exercise her investigative chops. She was not on shift and could not lean on winters. Liked seeing how Molly got her "skills" from Lucky. Multilayered story. A bit of a slow burn but enjoyable nonetheless.

Surprised about Molly and Adam, I didn't think she was all that into him, but I guess I was wrong.

An enjoyable read.

Happy Reading!

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I mostly enjoyed this book, it wasn’t one of the better books I’ve read in this series. The plot didn’t move along at a steady pace, & some more focused editing would have improved things a lot.

[Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Under Cold Stone” Enjoyable cozy mystery set in beautiful Banff, British Columbia. This cozy is a wonderful blend of cozy mystery and police procedural. This is my first Constable Molly Smith novel but it won’t be my last. This was the perfect vacation book read.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the plot! Molly got to join her mom on her romantic get away with her new love interest. How awkward is that? She hasn’t even decided if she likes her mom dating and she’s being invited into their intimate getaway to help solve a crime. Great read!

[Cathy Nunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book makes most cozies into thrillers. Besides the main characters the women were mainly witches, the men were jerks. Most of the side characters were described in very negative terms. Not a fan of Molly.

[E'Who'Reads'a'Thousand'Mysteries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canadian mystery series

The pages of this high quality, award winning Canadian mystery are loaded with lots of twists and turns, interesting characters and captivating storytelling. Good series!

[Jenny Pansing · Rating 4 out of 5]

New setting, a bit different approach. Molly Smith comes through with her instincts , and solves the case.

Even when she is out of her jurisdiction and has her moms mutt living in the car as a kennel.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars