Hidden in the Pines: Library Edition

Lew Ferris #2

by Victoria Houston, Whitney Dykhouse (narrator)

Sheriff Lew Ferris knows how to land a sweet brook trout—but can
she catch a cold-blooded killer in the thrilling second installment in the Lew Ferris mysteries.

It’s Lew Ferris’s first day as the newly-elected Sheriff of McBride County, and already things are heating up in the Wisconsin Northwoods. The tragic drowning of a teenage girl draws an eerie parallel to the unsolved murder of another teen thirty years earlier, but one of Lew’s new subordinates—Alan Stern, Chief of the Deer Haven Police Department—has ruled it an accidental death by drowning. Neither Lew nor the girl’s family accept the ruling, but Lew is up against a wall of sexism and subterfuge. Not only is Stern belligerent and dismissive of Lew, but he takes the word of the local coroner, Ed Pecore, who Lew believes is completely unqualified for the job.

Adding to Lew’s headaches, an unwelcome interference in the case by a multimillionaire resident reopens a cold case that stretches back decades—and could lead to an anguished relative taking justice into his own hands to avenge a crime the cops never solved. And when Lew’s dear friend, Dr. Paul “Doc” Osborne, finds himself witness to a sophisticated money laundering scheme that could threaten the lives of his daughter and her close friend, Lew finally feels like she’s reached the breaking point.

The fish may be biting in McBride County—but now, Lew is on the line to uncover the long-buried secret that could ensnare a killer once and for all.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Procedural, Thriller, Contemporary, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery

Audio CD

First published January 10, 2023

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

Newly elected Sheriff Lew Ferris isn’t going to have a lot of time for flyfishing as she tries to get things in order in McBride County, Wisconsin.

Deer Haven Chief of Police, Alan Stern is livid when he finds out his new boss is looking into a case he had closed and ruled as accidental. The case has been brought to Lew’s attention by the family’s lawyer because the family does not accept the girl’s death was accidental. When Lew sees that Ed Pecore, the county’s embarrassment of a coroner is behind the ruling she agrees to take a second look. The case has a lot of similarities to an unsolved case from 30 years ago.

Meanwhile, Dr. Paul “Doc” Osborne receives some stunning information that could put the lives of his daughter and her friend in danger. He is going to need some help from Lew to keep them safe.

Lew’s first days as Sheriff are going to be filled with mayhem as she juggles it all trying to uncover the truth to finally put a killer behind bars where he belongs.

_____

While this is the second book in the series from Crooked Lane, there were 19 books featuring this cast of characters prior to those. Don’t worry the author will give you enough details to feel quite a home no matter where you jump into the series.

I have enjoyed this series so much. The characters are like old friends. I do love that Lew took the leap and has become the Sheriff of the whole county after being Chief of Police for Loon Lake for years. She is qualified and strong enough to deal with the flack she is going to receive by being a woman in typically man’s position. Her relationship with the man in her life, Doc Osborne is comfortable and realistic. I liked that his daughter had a role in this story. Ray Pradt continues to be a fave. He is truly a man with his own set of rules and talents and is always game for anything.

We do meet a very interesting new character in this story connected to the 30-year-old open case. I hate to say too much but she fits in really well with everyone and I am happy that it looks like she will be sticking around.

The mysteries are very interesting with some nice moments of suspense. The cold case really tugged at my heartstrings. Still being haunted by something that happened so long ago was a huge load to shoulder. I was so happy that by the end of this book, the character finally had some closure.

As always, the author’s descriptions of life in the Wisconsin Northwoods are always a delight. The places, the actions and the dialogues always ring true. The flyfishing excursions always remind me of my grandfather. I can always picture him in his waders, reel in his hand, just around the next curve from where Doc and Lew are. He has been gone a very long time but he was happiest casting out a line just like so many characters in these stories.

Victoria Houston is such a fine storyteller and her love of the Northwoods always shines. I am always able to escape right into her stories. Hidden in the Pines is a terrific addition to this series. I can’t wait for my next visit up north.

[Audra Grenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time thinking they were mispronouncing Ashwaubenon the whole time.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 2.5

The characters and setting are fine, but there is no mystery. Its a small town. There’s one character who is twirling their mustache and tying women to railroad tracks. Let me guess. It’s that person!

A cozy mystery for those who seriously don’t want to think.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author weaves such an authentic story with multiple plots lines involving cold cases and current cases for the characters to solve with such a realistic touch that you feel like you are in the thick of the case with the police rather than just entertaining yourself with a fictional story. Lew is a strong woman who is now the head of the area police forces overseeing both sheriff offices and town police forces. Being a woman in a top position isn't an easy feat, yet she does it with strength and grace. I love the people that the author has created in her created town and the relationships that are intertwined throughout the story line. Having the characters being so dependent on outdoor activities makes them seem even more real and relatable to both women and men. I've actually recommended that my husband start this series as he loves a good cop drama and this series will definitely fit the bill! If you like a good mystery involving quality police investigation then you'll definitely enjoy this series!

[Kimberly R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Held my interest from start to finish. This was my first book by this author. I’ll definitely be reading more of her books!

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author weaves such an authentic story with multiple plots lines involving cold cases and current cases for the characters to solve with such a realistic touch that you feel like you are in the thick of the case with the police rather than just entertaining yourself with a fictional story. Lew is a strong woman who is now the head of the area police forces overseeing both sheriff offices and town police forces. Being a woman in a top position isn't an easy feat, yet she does it with strength and grace. I love the people that the author has created in her created town and the relationships that are intertwined throughout the story line. Having the characters being so dependent on outdoor activities makes them seem even more real and relatable to both women and men. I've actually recommended that my husband start this series as he loves a good cop drama and this series will definitely fit the bill! If you like a good mystery involving quality police investigation then you'll definitely enjoy this series!

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 stars. This didn't wow me as a thriller. It was a bit better than the last one. But i wasn't really wowed, and i felt it was just average.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start! Edge of your seat thrilling. This is a page turner.
The world building is incredible. We connect with Judith immediately. Her tragic story stays with you. It stayed with her for almost 60 years!
The death of her sister that her parents felt she was too young to know the truth about has haunted her since she was 8 years old.
Now retired, her own daughter wants her to move south to be closer to family and away from bad memories that haunt her.
A chance glimpse at a job posting changes all those plans.
This is such a great story. Even if police procedurals are not your thing, or true(ish) crime, you will find yurself staying up late to see what hapens. Can evil be generational?
I don't want to give the story away but grab this book! It will pull you in and you will appreciate the characters. Not all cops are good, not all bad guys are the worst. Sometimes the truth takes digging.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Hidden in the Pines is the second book of a tie-in series to Loon Lake by Victoria Houston. Released 10th Jan 2023 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in Dec 2022. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

The author is a competent storyteller and the book is redolent with scenes of small town life and rural living. She's clearly familiar with the outdoorsy life and it adds a great deal of verisimilitude to the story. The action is mostly straightforward; there aren't a lot of twists and turns and few red-herrings to confuse along the way.

Protagonist Lew Ferris is just starting her job as the newly-elected sheriff of McBride county in the Wisconsin northwoods, and she's already dealing with a tragic drowning death/murder? with creepy parallels to a case from 3 decades before, money laundering with dangerous potential to harm the people she loves, as well as heaping helpings of sexism and an entrenched "old boys" network. No time for trout fishing in her near future.

This is a standalone series and it doesn't seem necessary to be familiar with the author's other series to follow along here. It's a procedural(ish) mystery and the denouement and resolution were satisfying and complete. This is book 2, and there are 19 books extant in her other series, so it might be a good candidate for a binge read. 

Three and a half stars. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[HappyBookWorm2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this mystery. The descriptions of the Wisconsin Northwoods made me want to visit, particularly the descriptions of the woods with their fall colors, and the streams with their abundant fish and the clouds of insects hovering over the water. The story has a rural feel to it, although it has its share of corruption and secrets.

The story is set in a county in the Wisconsin Northwoods where winter is a dangerous season and fishing is an art to be studied and practiced lifelong. Lew Ferris is the new sheriff of McBride County. She is reviewing files when she reads about the recent drowning of a teenaged girl, that was categorized as an accidental death by the coroner. It sounds off to her, and she knows that the elected coroner does not have a medical background. Lew finds a way to legally request an autopsy and the result that comes back is murder. She has now made enemies of the coroner and the Chief of Police in the town that the death occurred in. Then she finds another years old file where another girl's death was ruled a drowning.

That girl's sister was a young child when her sister died at camp so many years ago, but she has never forgotten what she overheard from her parents. Judith had applied and been accepted for a job at the new sheriff's office in the hopes of being able to find out more about her sister's death. I was pleased that Judith shares her suspicions with her coworkers.

There is also another mystery that involves art, money and murder. A millionaire who collects valuable artwork lives in a nearly mansion, where years ago another young woman was found dead. Now a young woman who runs an art gallery is visiting and may have found out too much.

I received an e-arc of this book for review from the publisher Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

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

Hidden in the Pines by Victoria Houston is a highly recommended procedural and the second installment of the Lew Ferris series.

Lew Ferris is now the newly-elected Sheriff of McBride County, in the Wisconsin Northwoods. The official cause of death of a teenage girl is being questioned by her parents and Lew, but Alan Stern, Chief of the Deer Haven Police Department and a subordinate to Lew, has ruled it accidental. It appears that there may be some interference in the case, which has some suspicious similarities to a death from years ago.

Newly retired Judith Hanson has returned to the area and been hired to help Dani in the sheriff's office, but what Judith would really like to discover is the truth behind her sister's death fifty years ago. Adding to the stress, Doc Osborne's daughter Mallory learns that there is some suspicious activity being carried out by wealthy local Matt Brinkerhoff. Also, it seems Dani may have her eyes set on Ray, the local fishing guide.

Wolf Hollow, the first Lew Ferris novel in the series was very enjoyable and the second book, Hidden in the Pines, is a worthy follow up to it. These novels are akin to cozy mysteries, only set in Wisconsin and feature a lot of talk about fly fishing. There is enough information provided in the narrative that you can easily enjoy both books as a stand-alone read, but they do compliment each other.

This is a satisfying and pleasing series. Although the mysteries are very straightforward and not extremely complicated, they will hold your attention throughout the novel. With a quick pace and exciting action, the investigations logically follow the clues and discoveries which is a plus in any procedural.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/1...

[Rebecca RebeccasFamAndMore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished Hidden in the Pines by Victoria Houston a few days ago. This is the second book in the Lew Ferris series, however it was perfectly fine as a standalone. I did not read the first novel but she does a great job keeping the reader up to date with the character storylines involved.

I purposely chose this book because I live in Wisconsin and used to vacation up north. I was very familiar with the areas mentioned but Victoria is very atmospheric in her writing style so anyone could imagine the lush waterways, fishing spots and forest areas we have. The story begins very captivatingly with a mystery of a girl’s death. In the beginning paragraphs the younger sister (Judith) who overhears the the officer at the door, understands enough to know that something doesn’t feel right about how everything was handled. So 50 years later, when she’s about to retire, she comes back to do something about it.

Meanwhile, there’s a new sheriff in town and she doesn’t take crap from anybody! But underneath her exterior is a soft, loving teddy bear. Judith finds her way into Lew’s office, and the rest, as they say, is history! Current and cold cases are solved, cozy mysteries are uncovered. The author gives us a crescendo and chase through the woods, with the end satisfying enough while still letting you know that another one is coming. The storyline for the most part, just wasn’t at my speed. But I’ll be honest, life up north in Wisconsin is like this. So my 3 star rating is just for my personal taste for cozy mysteries—they are not my thing.

[Anessa | Uncorked Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Hidden In The Pines
Author: Victoria Houston
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Release Date: January 10, 2023

Review: I want to thank Victoria Houston, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. This is my first book by Victoria Houston and I doubt it will be my last. This book captivated me from the beginning and kept me wanting to read more. It’s been a bit where I’ve stayed up late due to not wanting to put it down or stop reading. This is book two in the Lew Ferris Series and there is also a Loon Lake Series that is connected as well. Although this is the second book in the series and my first book, I didn’t feel lost or confused at any time during the book. I highly recommend this book and just going off this one, the series as well. I can’t wait to read more.
There were two mysteries and twists that kept you on your toes. One mystery bringing Judith back to her hometown and meeting new friends while solving another mystery together. The two storylines were intriguing and although you could at times see where it might be going, it didn’t ruin the suspense. It was definitely a thrill at the end with the intense journey and hunt. I would probably say this would be a 4-4.5 star book, just because I could see where it was going, but it still captivated me and kept me wanting more.

4/5 Stars

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[Anna Sarvello · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 stars rounded up to 3 only because I’m feeling generous today and this takes place in WI. Wanted to like this book because it takes place in small towns in northern WI… which I liked, but the book lacked depth and was repetitive and inconsistent, and I’m sorry to say that. One of the main characters was described throughout the book as “manager of marketing” and then a few pages later, an “executive”? And then a few pages later a “senior marketing manager” and then a few pages later she claimed she was “head of production”? First, just state her occupation once. It does not need to be repeated 3+ times throughout different conversations. Every time it was mentioned, it was something different? This was just one of many inconsistencies. Also chapter 39 ends with Sarah “not hearing the footsteps” and then chapter 40 starts with Sarah dragging herself through the woods because she “heard feet approaching.” ?? Which is it? It felt like no one caught the details throughout the book.

I think I was too distracted by the inconsistencies and holes in this book to fully appreciate the storyline. :(

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this book, Hidden in the Pines.

I have read all of Victoria Houston’s ‘Loon Lake Fishing Mysteries’ as well as her ‘Lou Ferris Mysteries’ and I have never been disappointed. Maybe it is the mythical setting in Loon Lake, Wisconsin. Maybe it is the assortment of characters that are involved in helping now county sheriff Lew Ferris solve murder mysteries. Maybe it is just Houston’s writing style. I just enjoy the stories and how the plots unfold. This latest story continues the series with the usual characters; Lew (in her new role as county sheriff), her assistant, Dani, and new hire, Judith (who really just wants to find out the truth about her sister’s death many years in the past), Doc, Lew’s partner, in love and in fishing, and Ray, the colorful fishing guide who charms all of the ladies.

This is another delightful story, making me wait for the next book in the series.

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hidden in the pines by Victoria Houston is the second book in this new series but with the old characters Lew Ferris and Doc Osborne. I really like these series and the atmosphere is wonderful. There is one thing though that bothers me and that is the fact that Houston has lost control. The timeline is so out of whack that despite the number of winters Lew and Doc has been an item it has only been 3 years! In this book she even involves a new coroner that has some of the bad habits that the current is supposed to have, that means that she has divided one coroner into two. Apart from that I love this book, we have murder and mayhem as usual with a little fishing in between and the usual characters are all there. I like the fact that Lew now is the sheriff of all three counties and I'm looking forward to what this will bring. I will continue reading this series despite the small things that disturbs me because it's a wonderful crew of characters and I enjoy the setting. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for letting me read this book.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second of the Lew Ferris series, Hidden in the Pine by Victoria Houston is a rural sheriff saga. It begins with a flashback, when Judith learnt about her older sister’s murder. Still grieving and investigating, fifty years on, Judith quits her job and takes an admin-assistant role at McBride County Sherriff’s Department. Newly-elected Sheriff Lew Ferris investigates the drowning death of a teenage girl, with her belligerent boss and an incompetent coroner having ruled it an accident. Having not read the first book was no disadvantage, as there was plenty of focus on all characters to such an extent the crime seemed secondary. A pleasant crime story with an almost folksy feel that was an enjoyable three stars gentle crime read mystery. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

[Rebecca RebeccasFamAndMore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished Hidden in the Pines by Victoria Houston a week ago. This is the second book in the Lew Ferris series, however it was perfectly fine as a standalone. I did not read the first novel but she does a great job keeping the reader up to date with the character storylines involved.

I purposely chose this book because I live in Wisconsin and used to vacation up north. I was very familiar with the areas mentioned but Victoria is very atmospheric in her writing style so anyone could imagine the lush waterways, fishing spots and forest areas we have. The story begins very captivatingly with a mystery of a girl’s death. In the beginning paragraphs the younger sister (Judith) who overhears the the officer at the door, understands enough to know that something doesn’t feel right about how everything was handled. So 50 years later, when she’s about to retire, she comes back to do something about it.

Meanwhile, there’s a new sheriff in town and she doesn’t take crap from anybody! But underneath her exterior is a soft, loving teddy bear. Judith finds her way into Lew’s office, and the rest, as they say, is history! Current and cold cases are solved, cozy mysteries are uncovered. The author gives us a crescendo and chase through the woods, with the end satisfying enough while still letting you know that another one is coming. The storyline for the most part, just wasn’t at my speed. But I’ll be honest, life up north in Wisconsin is like this. So my 3 star rating is just for my personal taste for cozy mysteries—they are not my thing.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden in the Pines is a great continuation of the Lew Ferris series. She is now the new sheriff in town and she is dealing with a case that is, in her opinion, is being mishandled. The parents of the young drowning victim agree and things get complicated. Add Judith, their new hire, who has been haunted by the death of her sister fifty years ago. Judith was only eight at the time and now she wants to get some answers. Hence her desire to work for Lew. The stage is set for a very engaging police procedural and I enjoyed it. The setting the atmosphere, all of it supported a fine cast of characters and a very good mystery to untangle. If you haven't read the first entry in this series, Wolf Hollow, no worries, Hidden in the Pines works well as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Haripriya Shridhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than 50 years later Indian returns to her home-town to uncover the mystery behind her sister's death. And in order to do so she gets a job with the sheriff's office. Will she be able to finally Find the peace that she has been looking for all her life?
The story has a great plot. A woman trying to figure out what happened to her sister and why was it never arranged. I loved how as the story progressed, newer sub-plots were introduced but the story never felt off track.
It was an adventurous mystery ride that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I could totally see what was coming and who the bad man was, but I still enjoyed the ride all the same.
The women in this story are truly inspiring
“ a gripping adventure down a 50+ year old mystery”

[Roxanne Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book to focus on Lew Ferris (though I have discovered there's another Loon Lake series that centers on Doc) and picks up as she begins her new job as Sheriff. Lew is a middle-aged woman who's known adversity, but who's always had the strength to pick up and soldier on. She's smart and independent and loves fly-fishing. This depiction of a career cop in a small town in Wisconsin is a refreshing twist on police procedurals, and a nice easy-going read. Not a traditional whodunnit, but an engaging story nonetheless. I wasn't convinced about Lew and Loon Lake after the first book (Wolf Hollow), but I"m glad I gave this series a second chance.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as much for the characters (and to be honest, the fishing) as for the mysteries. Lew Ferris is one unlucky Sheriff at the moment. She's dealing with other law enforcement officers who resent her a coroner she does not believe is competent, the drowning death of a teen and the arrival to town of the sister of another girl who died thirty years ago. Oh, and there's a money laundering case as well. There is perhaps too much compressed into this novel but that's the way life works sometimes. The Loon Lake setting is atmospheric (and provides opportunity for digressions about fishing). Don't worry if you missed the first one - this will be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the Lew Ferris Mystery series. This is a spin-off from the Loon Lake series with many of the same characters. This series is told from Lew Ferris’ perspective. I have read the first book, ‘Wolf Hollow’, and I enjoyed this book more. I think that enjoyment has more to do with continuing with the series than anything else. There is more familiarity with characters, setting, and the author’s writing style. This book is a straightforward police procedural investigation with emphasis on small town and outdoor (fly fishing) activities to add depth to the story and its characters. The story is well told and keeps you interested until the end. A solid addition to the series.

[Louise Hendricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Lew Ferris series. I enjoyed the first one, so I was excited to read this one.

There is a lot going on in the novel. Two murders, one a cold case and one recent, but they have similar injuries so they must be connected, right? There is an art/money laundering scheme that the reader has to keep straight as well. Each individual character has a lot going on as well. At times there was too much going on, and keep it all straight is hard. One portion of the book lost my attention completely, but this was due to my lack of knowledge about fly fishing. The fact that fly fishing is incorporated is a nice break from MCs that have no side hobby or a generic hobby.

I want to thank Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can this be an unbiased review when the descriptions of the Northwoods of Wisconsin are so clear and reminiscent of the places I once knew well?
The imagery is right on target, the characters are memorable, the rural law enforcement well done, and the interdepartmental procedures clear. The plot is well developed right down to minutiae, and it is filled with fishing lore as well! I loved it and got a couple of the other books in a related series sent to my sister who still lives near there (and is a fishing addict).
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Tiyasha Ganguly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read from the Victoria Houston collection and I am glad I requested this. I was intrigued by the title and cover and it lived up to its premise which was extremely interesting.

A thriller that also focuses on the personal aspect of the characters rather than just being a chase to solve the mystery. The strong female characters was a huge plus for me. The book immediately grips you with the first chapter and I was following the journey of the protagonists. Liked the imagery used in the book and the use of fishing for the storyline.

Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.

[Tiyasha Ganguly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read from the Victoria Houston collection and I am glad I requested this. I was intrigued by the title and cover and it lived up to its premise which was extremely interesting.

A thriller that also focuses on the personal aspect of the characters rather than just being a chase to solve the mystery. The strong female characters was a huge plus for me. The book immediately grips you with the first chapter and I was following the journey of the protagonists. Liked the imagery used in the book and the use of fishing for the storyline.

Thank you Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of my honest review.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lew is just starting off as sheriff and immediately has to deal with a death of a young woman that was handled completely wrong. Turns out this case has a connection to something that happened years ago, but we don't figure out exactly how until Judith turns up asking questions about her sister that was killed. Her parents spent years lying to her about what happened, and now all she wants is the truth. This was the case I was most interested in finding out more about.
I loved that this book was filled with strong female characters, it was also full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great plot, pacing, and story! Lew Ferris, now Sheriff in the northern woods of Wisconsin, oversees a cold case from the 1960s that begins to merge with a current day one. Lots of interesting details about art galleries and old DNA. I love Doc Osborne and Dana Wright as well as Ray Pradt. A new character also arrives on the scene that I liked and hope she continues in the Sheriff’s office in future books.

My only complaint would be the book had numerous editing issues in the hardcover: missing words in several sentences throughout most chapters, or wrong tense or typos. Aggravating, but I liked the story enough to keep going. My stars are based on the story not the editing.

[Barry Martin Vass · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is part of a larger series, but as is the case with most series fiction these days, Hidden in the Pines works perfectly well as a standalone. It's Lew Ferris's first day as the sheriff of McBride County in northern Wisconsin, and she definitely has her hands full. Author Victoria Houston has populated these novels with quirky yet understandable characters that make the story very involving. Wisconsin-nice isn't all it's cracked up to be, and Houston's tale of scheming police chiefs, sinister hedge fund managers, pot-smoking wilderness trackers, and a woman seeking vengeance for her sister's murder fifty years ago makes for a crackling good read.