The Sinking of Souls

Breakwater Mystery Series #2

by Jean Paetkau

While attending a rowdy press conference at the historic Craigdarroch Castle, journalist Helene Unger once again finds herself in close proximity to a corpse. Despite threats to her own life, she is determined to unravel the murder of a wealthy man who attracted hate as much as money.

At the heart of the mystery is the sinking of the S.S. Clallam steamship in 1904, a real maritime distaster that claimed the lives of dozens of passengers off the coast of Victoria. More than one hundred years later, the rippling consequences of this tragedy continue to drag more victims to their deaths.

269 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2024

About the author

Jean Paetkau is an author and award-winning journalist who lives in Victoria, BC, which is located on the unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and WSANEC nations. Blood on the Breakwater is her first mystery, set on the shores of Vancouver Island. She has written three children's books including Rumpa and the Snufflewort. She takes daily walks on the Victoria breakwater where she photographs the vivid sunrises and sunsets.

Reviews

[Anna Delphine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of a treat.
Jean Paetkau's conveyance of and appreciation for the Victoria setting are what drew me to this series when Blood on the Breakwater was published last year. While I enjoyed the first book, The Sinking of Souls captivated me even more with its unpredictable plot, fun characters, lovely prose, and delightful wit.
This book is perfect for a fan of a cozy murder mystery, with the added bonus of being set on our little Vancouver Island (if you're from here!). The shifts between the past and present are perfectly balanced and thoroughly researched - I hadn't even heard of the foundering of the S.S. Clallam prior to reading this book's synopsis, and now I have a whole new historical event to be an angry feminist about. Speaking of, Paetkau's handling of sexism and gender politics in a present and historical context was spot on.
I love supporting Indie authors on principle, and this author is a perfect example of one whose writing deserves to be read far and wide.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book when I bought it (and it was published) last July. Unfortunately I have submechanophobia so no matter how much I prepared myself for a book centered around a shipwreck without even viewing pictures it got to be too much at times…. So I had to take it incredibly slowly…. But the author is incredible, the story is amazing, and the history is so well researched I had to finish! So here I am almost a year later finishing and having a new favorite!!

[ROBERT THOMPSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book plays with the title beautifully! It's more than a mystery, more than a shipwrecked tale. I read voraciously to find out what level some souls may sink before justice is served on a bed of metaphorical kelp. The 'dented journalist' Helene, on location, is to be admired. Her character is consistent and relatable. I'm not normally a mystery/detective reader, but what interested me was the local flavour and the story within the story. No I couldn't figure out 'who dun it' because I was more interested in Helene's interaction with history, both hers and the community in which she lives.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant follow-up to the author’s first mystery, Blood on the Breakwater. The author continues to develop her captivating characters, including the indefatigable journalist Helene Unger. This time the story includes the account of a real-life shipwreck off the coast of Victoria. The author’s poetic prose once again recount an unpredictable plot.

[Jackie Cox-Ziegler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the combination of current times and the historical event. This book was very well researched including details of what is was like being a woman in historical times. The reference to the many sites in Victoria, BC also added to the interest for me.
I also enjoyed Blood on the Breakwater featuring the same main character. Always a joy to read books with strong woman characters.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun mystery with quirky characters, humorous quips, and rife with powerful metaphors. I loved all the local color and history and how different strands from the narrative are pulled together in the final reveal of the murderer's identity. I can't say which ones since they would be spoilers, but the author drops a number of clues and you can't tell which will be relevant till the end.

[Selina Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read ….. better than the first novel. The interplay between the historical shipwreck and the current story was an interesting juxtaposition. Characters are continuing to develop. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Flemming G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely layered story, with a healthy but not frantic pace. Lots of characters, each with an equitable level of character development to the roles they fulfilled. If you are into a journalist solving detective type stories, you'll enjoy this read

[Cynthia Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good mystery.

The author does a good job of holding your interest to the end leaves you wanting more. Good reading for rainy weekends!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. The writing style is quite unique and fun. The story was slow building and difficult to try to figure out who did it! Really enjoyable read.