At the Edge of the Woods

Lew Ferris #3

by Victoria Houston

Someone is murdering pickleball players in Loon Lake and Sheriff Ferris is on the hunt for their killer in Victoria Houston’s third nail-biting Lew Ferris mystery, perfect for fans of Marc Cameron and Nevada Barr.

When a local pickleball player is shot in the head while practicing at an abandoned tennis court with his partner-slash-lover, Sheriff Lew Ferris suspects that the bullet was a stray shot from hunters in the area. It’s not until a second player–the first victim’s mistress and pickleball partner–is killed that Sheriff Ferris realizes this is no hunting accident. Someone is hunting people, and it’s up to her to find out who.

With the first victim’s crazed widow breathing down Lew’s neck, there’s no room to breathe, let alone to find time to appreciate the beautiful Loon Lake fall and go fishing. Adding to Sheriff Ferris’ difficulties are three pickleball players convinced someone has targeted them, someone who will do anything, even murder, to frighten them away from the courts where they play – but why ?

Who is really at risk? The pickleball players, or Lew and the people close to her?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Procedural, Book Club, Crime

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

She is the author of the Loon Lake Mystery Series -- DEAD ANGLER, DEAD CREEK, DEAD WATER, DEAD FRENZY, DEAD HOT MAMA, DEAD JITTERBUG, DEAD BOOGIE, DEAD MADONNA, DEAD HOT SHOT, DEAD RENEGADE. DEAD DECEIVER, DEAD TEASE, DEAD INSIDER, DEAD HUSTLER, DEAD RAPUNZEL, DEAD LOUDMOUTH, DEAD SPIDER, DEAD FIREFLY, DEAD BIG DAWG and WOLF HOLLOW in hardcover, trade paperback and as an eBook from Simon & Schuster. The mysteries are set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin against a background of fishing – fly fishing as well as fishing for muskie, bass, bluegill and walleyes.
Houston’s mystery series was featured in a story on the front page of The Wall Street Journal (January 20, 2004) and on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation with Neal Conan” (February 2, 2006). Both can be seen/heard on the website: www.victoriahouston.com.

She has also written or co-authored over seven non-fiction books. An award-winning author specializing in family issues, Houston’s non-fiction books include the highly recommended ALONE AFTER SCHOOL: A Self-Care Guide for Latchkey Children and Their Parents (Prentice Hall, 1985); the national bestseller, LOVING A YOUNGER MAN: How Women Are Finding and Enjoying a Better Relationship (Contemporary Books (1987); Pocket Books (1988); MAKING IT WORK: Finding the Time and Energy For Your Career, Marriage, Children and Self (Contemporary Books, 1990) -- which was published by Simon & Schuster's Fireside imprint in August 1991 as a trade paperback titled MAKING IT WORK: Creative Solutions For Balancing Your Career, Marriage, Children And Personal Life. Houston co-authored RESTORE YOURSELF: A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Her Libido and Passion for Life (The Berkley Publishing Group/2001) with Dr. James Simon, a Past President of the North American Menopause Society.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

Accident or Murder?

When Bert Willoughby, a local dentist is shot at an old tennis court where he was practicing for an upcoming pickleball tournament with his mistress Sheriff Lew Ferris suspects a hunter's stray bullet took down the man. Later his partner, Robin Carpenter is killed on the same court and Lew can no longer believe the deaths were accidental. She learns the dentist has ruffled a lot of feathers over the years which means a lot of potential suspects. His pickleball friends believe they are being targeted. His overwrought widow wants his murderer found yesterday and is taking Lew to task. Lew calls in the "Wausau Boys" to help her get to the bottom of this case as soon as possible.

Are the pickleball players the only targets? Or is a serial killer on the loose with evil motives?

____

Every time I open a book in this series it is like visiting old friends. Lew is a capable sheriff who has assembled a great team to help her handle everything thrown at her. Her relationship with Doc Osbourne continues to grow at a comfortable pace. They enjoy the same things and are so good for each other. They work great together on cases and she continues to help him step up his flyfishing skills. Bruce Peters, a talented forensic scientist, and his "boys" from Wausau have become Lew's go-to guys instead of the director of the crime lab who is not supportive of a woman as sheriff. Bruce is also an avid fisherman so he trades lessons for his work. She also calls on her friend Ray Pradt, a unique individual but an expert tracker and all-around good guy. Ms. Houston's characters are well-crafted and well-developed and continue to easily draw me into their lives.

Ms. Houston's descriptive voice paints clear pictures of the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods. Her love for the area and flyfishing shines in every story. Like Lew, it was my grandfather who instilled her love of fishing. She took that love and ran with it while I have only gone fishing a few times since my grandfather passed, but every time I start one of Ms. Houston's books my grandfather is front and center in my mind.

The author has written a fast-paced compelling mystery. What pushes someone to kill? Lew follows every clue, twist, and turn but the crime lab report and a key piece of evidence sealed the deal. That said the ending was unexpected.

At the Edge of the Woods is a great mystery filled with engaging characters and is a wonderful addition to this long-running series. Ms. Houston does provide enough backstory to jump in anywhere but it is a series that is fun to read from the start.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff Lew Ferris is back in At the Edge of the Woods by Victoria Houston. Once again we find ourself dealing with murder in between fly fishing lessons in Loon Lake. The usual set of characters are there but also some new ones, even though life expectancy can be short in this rural community. I myself has never been much for fishing or eating fish but the books are so well written it's a pleasure reading about the mysteries going on. I love small town series and this is one of those. I must thank Crooked Lane Books, Netgalley and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy.

[Lauren Vick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read for those who love pickleball, dentistry, and solving the killings of pickleball players and dentists.

[KY · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's my first read from Houston. I was unaware of the series.tho i didnt need tl read the other two in order to understand this one.
Nevertheless, I am disappointed with this book.
I do think the plot has potential , I liked it. The writing was very simple, no big brainer. easy, cozy read.
However, there were a lot of characters for a novella, and most of them were usless.
There wasn't depth to the story, nor the story offer any thrill or excitement. The story is very straightforward. I have a feeling that Houston was trying to build up complexity, thus so many characters??!
It's a typical detective plot, I was so upset when the kid was used as the reason of his death. Seriously?! I hated that to be honest.
It was so disappointing. The reveal was straightforward and simple - " Oh yesi did it now I will run" ...
There could have been a lot of chance for twist and thrilling reveal.
I hoped for some actions, some confrontation with the villain or some sort.
I am sorry, i just didn't not enjoy this.

Thanks for NetGalley for the ARC.
All opinions are my own.

[Kelly Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much talk about fishing OMG, I won’t be reading anymore from this author.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The man shot on the pickleball court was a real piece of work and the only one who might have missed him was the woman set to inherit a lot of money at his death. I can't remember a mystery with so many utterly disagreeable characters! Not the law enforcement or their support staff, but too many of the characters involved with the first one murdered. The imagery is right on target, the rural law enforcement well done, and the interdepartmental procedures clear. The plot is quite well developed, and it is filled with fishing lore as well!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Victoria Houston and Northern Wisconsin fish stories with a little bit of murder. Makes me want to go fishing! All the characters are so realistic, like friends in my small town.

[Annie Leadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say Money is the Root of all Evil , & that happens to be a strong motive for the Murders that happen in this Book, I've only given 4*'s because for me some sections dragged a bit or seemed almost to repeat themselves, but it was a light hearted Murder Mystery. #NetGalley, #Goodreads, #FB, #Amazon.co.uk, #Instagram, #, #, #.

[Karin H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In At the Edge of the Woods by Victoria Houston, readers are transported to the intriguing setting of Michigan's Loon Lake, where a tantalizing mystery begins to unravel. The story commences with the shocking murder of Bert Willoughby, a local dentist with a reputation as both an expert pickleball player and an unpleasant individual. Sheriff Lew Ferris, tasked with investigating the case, soon discovers that in this tight-knit community, there's no shortage of potential suspects, given Willoughby's abrasive personality and numerous detractors.

The plot takes a riveting turn when Robin Carpenter, Bert's lover and pickleball partner, meets a tragic end on the very same court. With the stakes higher and the pressure mounting, Sheriff Ferris and her team must navigate the complex web of motives and alibis to uncover the truth. Is someone specifically targeting pickleball players, or is there a more sinister motive lurking beneath the surface?

Victoria Houston's storytelling prowess shines through in this atmospheric mystery, where the Michigan backdrop adds a layer of charm and intrigue. As readers dive deeper into the narrative, they'll be captivated by well-drawn characters, particularly the tenacious Sheriff Lew Ferris, her endearing companions Doc and Bruce, and the eccentric yet lovable Ray. On the flip side, Jane Willoughby and her daughter emerge as villains you'll relish disliking.

Moreover, At the Edge of the Woods isn't just a mystery; it's also an immersive lesson in various outdoor pursuits, from fly fishing to tracking muskies and understanding grouse behavior. The author's knack for seamlessly weaving in these informative elements adds depth to the story and enriches the reader's experience.

In conclusion, At the Edge of the Woods is a five-star read that promises a delightful blend of mystery, nature, and well-crafted characters. Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Victoria Houston for the opportunity to enjoy this advanced copy.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bert Willoughby, local dentist and expert pickleball player, is just starting to practice with his lover Robin Carpenter when he is shot dead. County sheriff Lew Ferris begins her investigation only to learn the most of the residents of Loon Lake are suspects. Not only was Willoughby a bad dentist and a bad husband, he was stingy, unpleasant and thoroughly unliked. The case changes abruptly when Robin Carpenter is also killed on the pickleball court. Are pickleball players being targeted? Or is there a darker reason for these deaths? Lew must find the murderer before there is another victim.

This is my first in the Lew Ferris series and it will not be my last. The Michigan location is captivating, the characters are well described, especially Lew, Doc and Bruce. Ray is delightful and quirky while Jane Willoughby and her daughter are villains you love to hate. Not only have I just finished a well written mystery, I’ve leaned a lot about fly fishing, finding muskies and grouse behavior. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Victoria Houston for this ARC.

[Cheryl Bellingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an ok read but not one that gripped me. I the characters did not seem to have enough depth. Although the book was based around a possible murder I couldn’t sense the seriousness of the possible crime from the characters. Not one for me

[Marilyn Shea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was ready to chuck this book aside by page 2 when the author asked me to swallow, "Pop, pop, pop went the pickleball from racket to racket....Robin, racket ready, heard a different sound: a muffled pop....To her, it sounded like the pop of death." The pop of death, you say? The pop of death???? My eighth grade English teacher, Rosemary Jividen, told me long ago that I should give a book, any book, at least forty pages to prove its worth before I do any aside chucking. So, I valiantly continued on for forty pages. Several things bothered me as I read. First, there were two characters named Robin and the other characters in the book keep getting them mixed up, so what chance do I, the lowly reader, have of keeping them straight? Second, I found many of the sentences were convoluted and contained too much extraneous information. "The woman who strode toward the man leaning over the still form sprawled on the old tennis court wore a khaki uniform that emphasized her wide shoulders and sturdy build." Sorry, who is wearing khaki? The woman, the man, the still form? Couldn't one just say, "The woman approaching the scene wore..." instead of talking about a man leaning and a still form sprawling and throwing in the old tennis court detail? How about this sentence? "She had been enjoying her second cup of coffee a quarter mile away at the home of a dear friend with whom she had spent the night when she received an emergency alert from her department's switchboard." I'm thinking about this spending the night with a dear friend and wondering what sort of spending the night relationship they might have had. I really didn't need to know where she was, did I? Did I need to know she was having her second cup of coffee in a house a quarter mile away? Couldn't I just have been told she received an alert? Old friends and night spending don't really impact the forward motion of the narrative, do they? It seems that the author climbs over the back of a chair when she wants to just sit down. It's awkward and somewhat painful, the way her sentences go together. I completed forty pages, Mrs. Jividen, and I believe I will chuck the rest aside as was my impulse on page two. Wait! Did you hear that? I believe it was the pop of death!

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Edge of the Woods by Victoria Houston is akin to a cozy mystery set in the Northern Wisconsin woods and full of fly fishing along with a murder investigation. It is highly recommended.

In Loon Lake a local dentist Bert Willoughby is shot while practicing with his partner Robin Carpenter for an upcoming pickleball tournament. Sheriff Lew Ferris suspects that the bullet may have been a stray shot from hunters in the area, but the investigation shows that Willoughby was an extremely unlikable man. The local rumor mill and retired men's coffee group (via Doc Osborne) have plenty of inside information and there is more than one local who could be a suspect in eliminating him.

After meeting Jane Willoughby and her daughter, it becomes clear that the whole family is unlikable. Lew is intent on solving the mystery and always hopeful to get in some fishing in too. Then another murder may change the questions she needs to ask.

This is always a fun, fast-paced murder mystery series to pick up and At the Edge of the Woods is a nice addition to the series. (The other two are Wolf Hollow and Hidden in the Pines.) These novels are akin to cozy mysteries, only set in Wisconsin and feature a lot of talk about fly fishing as well as other outdoor pursuits. There is enough information provided in the narrative that you can easily enjoy the books as a stand-alone read, but they do compliment each other.

Known characters are back and make an appearance, if even briefly, as Lew investigates. The pace is fast and the short length makes this a quick, comfortable, and entertaining series to pass the time with. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...

[Poonguzhali A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Victoria Houston and I wanted to try her book seeing that she is quite popular in the thriller genre. "At The Woods" is the 3rd book of the Lew Ferris Mystery series by her where Lew is brought into investigate the death of a prominent dentist of the community, Bert. He had been shot while he was playing picketball with his game partner Robin Carpenter and Lew's team seem unable to determine if it is accidental or intentional. The fact that Bert had made a lot of enemies in the town owing to his attitude about money doesn't make it easier on the team.

When Robin Carpenter is also killed a couple of days later in the same court where Bert was killed, Lew begins to think that she might have been wrong after all. How are the deaths connected? Were they killed by the same person or by different people?

The story is quite straight forward and the events that take place surrounding the death are convoluted enough to keep the readers interested. I found the majority of the characters of the book likable and some were even intriguing. The prominent characters have a lot of things going for them and it is clear that they are a team in the making owing to the experiences they have had together in the pervious books; I loved all these aspects of the book.

Houston has a clear and crisp narrative style that makes the book easy to read and understand. Her narrative majorly stays at the shallow level and the reader mostly just gets an overview of what a character thinks or feels. I wouldn't particularly consider that a major problem as this makes it a short book and hence easier to stay engaged with the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and thrilling read that won't ask you to engage your emotions.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Lew Ferris mystery series. I chose it, despite not having read the first two books, because I was interested in the Northern Wisconsin setting. Lew is the sheriff. She was elected after some years as police chief of Loon Lake. And while being a sheriff is her job, her real love is fly fishing. She is an expert and an excellent teacher.

When a local dentist is shot while playing pickleball at a court he built at on old summer camp, Lew has a mystery to solve. She is of the opinion that the gunshot the killed him was an accident since deer season is coming up and lots of hunters are sighting in their guns and some aren't too concerned with safety. But there are a fair number of people who could have wanted the dentist dead including his wife and daughter.

Lew begins her investigation with lots of help from the local rumor mill. When the dentist's pickleball partner and the woman he planned to marry after divorcing his wife is also killed, Lew doesn't suspect a second accident.

I liked all the talk about fishing that was woven into the story. I thought the characters were interesting. I didn't really like the abrupt resolution to the mystery and felt that it was overshadowed by other parts of the plot.

Fans of the series will enjoy this one as well as fans of Northern Wisconsin.

[Share · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light intriguing mystery to read. I loved the fact it has a unique focus around a pickleball community in a small outdoors loving town called Loon Lake

A local dentist is murdered on the pickleball court, and shortly after, his pickleball partner and beau is murdered on the same court. Is someone targeting puckleballers? Who knew pickleball was such a cutthroat sport!

The best part of the book for me was the crafting of words to vividly visual Loon Lake and all the characters. Despite the murders, the area seems like just the quaint cozy and quiet kind of town one would love to retire at.

The character development is great in this book and the storyline flows at an attention holding pace. I was able to binge read it in one afternoon by the pool.

Four solid stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the digital advanced reader copy to read and review.

This is my first read by Victoria Houston and definitely won’t be my last! I love discovering new authors to enjoy!

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Houston and have every single one of her Loon Lake books. But not this one. It fell short. And who picked the cover? It doesn't scream Loon Lake or Northwoods WI.
But that's besides the point. The story line has so many holes. After the second pickleball player is killed she couldn't fathom who would do such a thing, despite knowing about the will?! Ferris is an intelligent character but she fumbled this one. No character development, especially to figure out who did it early on. And yes, we get it, Ferris is Sherrif. The repetitions "sorry, Sheriff Ferris" even after a close friends daughter called her Ms. Ferris.
I sure hope the next book is better!

Also, So far this series isn't as good as the one featuring Dr. Osborn. Those were so much better. I loved Doc and Ray.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free of charge from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 3rd book in the Lew Ferris series and I'm here for it. I feel like I'm back with old friends in Lew, Doc, Ray and the Wausau boys in a northern Wisconsin town. Once again someone is murdered and Lew and team have to solve the mystery. Who would murder Bert? The wife? his lover and pickleball partner, Robin? It is even a bigger mystery when Robin is also shot. Now Lew has two murders to solve.

While the story and mystery are not complex, this is a fun and quick cozy mystery. I love that this book focuses on Lew and her view point and we get to learn more of her back story. While Doc and Ray are involved in the story, they take more of a back seat.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read and review an advanced copy of this book.

Victoria Houston’s books about the fictional Loon Lake, Wisconsin are ones that I eagerly wait for, possibly because I used to take vacations in Wisconsin in very similar settings. Again, Sheriff Lew Farris must solve the mysterious deaths of residents in the area, calling on her team and colorful, faithful friends (Doc and Ray) for help. In addition to the investigation, you can always expect some fishing side-stories (fly and bait fishing), as that is a real passion of the main characters.

I thoroughly enjoy these stories, and I can’t wait unit the next one is written.

[Lyndsey Capps · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first read by Victoria Houston. This book was a simple and quick read. If you are interested in a quick murder mystery book, this one is for you.

For me, it didn't quite hit the mark. The writing for me was almost too simple. I also had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. The references and information given about fly fishing, I felt, was not necessary and added nothing to the book for me. Solving the mystery was not hard at all, and while I don't want the twist in a book to be impossible to figure out, this one didn't require much thinking at all.

I appreciate the advanced copy from #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Edge of the Woods is the third book in the Lew Ferris series.

A pickleball player in Loon Lake is shot and Sherriff Ferris is pretty sure it was an accident in spite of every clue points to murder, until a second player is also shot. The first victim’s widow is sure her husband is to blame as sets out to frame her for the crime. It turns out the first victim had a lot of enemies, and it could be any one of them.

This was a fun cozy mystery and a quick afternoon read. It is fun to read about a place you know about. We used to go through these towns on our way to go muskie fishing. Thoroughly enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect Loon Lake isn't the only place where non-players are irritated by pickleball but that's not really what's going on here. Lew must sort through the murders to figure out whether Bert was a target because he was cheating, because he was a lousy dentist or for some other reason. And then there's another murder. This is a well done small town procedural with details about fishing that I find interesting. While it's the third in a series, it will be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[William Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have taken to these characters (from the 19 books in the Loon Lake mysteries & the previous books in this series) like they are my own friendly neighbors. It has been interesting watch Houston's writing develop and blossom since I first read Dead Angler, 20 some years ago. I enjoyed the switch in main characters from everyone's favorite fishing dentist, Doc Osborne, to his post-traumatic marriage love, Lew Ferris.

This is a well-constructed story, and aside from a few copy-editing glitches (at least one double-up parenthetical phrase) it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Ashleigh Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an arc of the book. This book will be released on 23rd April 2024.

This book was a simple and quick read. If you are interested in a quick murder mystery book, this one is for you. Solving the mystery was not hard at all, and while I don't want the twist in a book to be impossible to figure out, this one didn't require much thinking at all.

[Fishgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fly-fishing and dentistry? Be still my heart. Good old "Goodreads" led me to this author. You know how I always say "right book at the right time," well this was a classic case of just that. Delightful read and I didn't know who did it until the very end when it was revealed. Mystery writers amaze me, how do they keep all the characters and plot lines straight?

Tight lines fellow readers and anglers,
Pam/Fishgirl

[Egin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novel, the author skillfully blends elements of historical fiction and romance to create a story that is both sweeping in scope and intimate in its portrayal of human relationships. With its lush prose and vivid setting, it's a captivating read that transports readers to another time and place.

[Megan Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pickleball and murder? What a perfect combo!! A shooting takes place on a pickleball court, is it an accident or murder!? You will have to listen and find out! This was a fun filler read for me. I enjoyed the whole dunnit aspect and didn’t see the final twist! This was a fun and the characters were very likeable!

Do you play pickleball?

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the multiple viewpoints, including the killers. More of Lew's personality is coming out. I like her bartering of services system. This is a good cozy murder mystery with pickleball, dentists, toxic relationships, and lots of guns. This is a quick read/listen.
Narrator is good, listened at 2.3 speed.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and fast paced mystery that kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the well developed plot, was glad to travel to Loon Lake and catch up with Sheriff Ferris
I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novel, the author crafts a meticulously researched historical setting filled with richly drawn characters and immersive storytelling. Its vivid descriptions and compelling plot make it a captivating read that transports readers to another time and place.