The Rossiter File

Inspector Stride mysteries #2

by Thomas Rendell Curran

1947. St. Johns Newfoundland. Its late on a Monday night in August when a constable finds the beaten and battered body of an impoverished old mad lying on the concrete steps of a laneway. From the looks of it he was the victim of an accidental collision with two youths running from an act of candalism. Inspector Eric Stride of the Newfoundland Constabulary in not as convinced. Stride follows a trail of evidence and circumstantial clues that go back more than thirty years. At the end of the trail, he finds himself caught up in a complicated story of privilege and tragedy.

Genres: Mystery

341 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Thomas graduated with honours from Memorial University of Newfoundland (biology, chemistry) in 1961, and received his doctorate (plant pathology) from the University of Toronto in 1966. Following graduation, he worked in various capacities with Agriculture Canada, and for more than 20 years he was a senior researcher and writer with the Library of Parliament in Ottawa. He lives in Ottawa, but his roots remain in Newfoundland. He visits the island frequently for both research and for personal renewal.

Reviews

[Richard Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Goodreads Blurb: 1947. St. Johns Newfoundland. Its late on a Monday night in August when a constable finds the beaten and battered body of an impoverished old mad lying on the concrete steps of a laneway. From the looks of it he was the victim of an accidental collision with two youths running from an act of vandalism. Inspector Eric Stride of the Newfoundland Constabulary in not as convinced. Stride follows a trail of evidence and circumstantial clues that go back more than thirty years. At the end of the trail, he finds himself caught up in a complicated story of privilege and tragedy.

Complicated is a good word. The reader might want a flow chart. I think this was my favorite of the three Stride books. Lots of interesting Newfoundland history. Good characters, lots of twists.

This was book #9 on our 2025 Read-alouds With Lutrecia List and book #13 on our own 2025 Read-alouds List.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top tier mystery novel, set in pre-confederation St. John's.

An impoverished old man, is dead, murdered by the look at it. Who was he? Where did he live? What was he doing back in St. John's? What was his connected to a wealthy business family? The story follows Inspector Stride as he and his colleague Harry Phelan slowly dig out the facts, creating an ever-widening circle of people, places and events. The book nicely evokes the mood of a different era, weaving historical facts into dialogue, character and plot.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspector Stride, in 1947 St John’s, Newfoundland, is more central to the investigation than in Undertow and his private life is more evident and very realistic. Rossiter an old drunk, is murdered in an alley and his connection to a wealthy family and their mining interests pre-WWI becomes critical, although the perpetrator is introduced very late and peripherally. However, the characters are well-rounded, Stride likeable and authentic and the investigation believable

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written police mystery. The main and secondary characters are fleshed out and interesting. I truly enjoyed this book, from the beginning to the surprising end. I am looking forward to reading Curran's other books.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this novel as the characters are all well developed. The plot kept me interested throughout the story. The history and social details behind the murder were captivating
and were very thoroughly researched.

[Roy]

St Johns , Newfie , 1947. Late on a Monday night in August , a constable finds the battered body of an improvised old man lying on the concrete steps of a laneway . It appears he was the victim of an accidental collision with two youths running from an act of vandalism . But Inspector Eric Stride of the Newfoundland Constabulary is not convinced . And who is Samuel Rossiter?. To find the answers , Stride follows a trail of evidence and circumstances that goes back more than three decades . And at the end of that trail , Stride finds himself caught up in a complex story of privilege and tragedy .

[Luce Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very complex story with lots of well fleshed out characters and a story line that draws you in. I really enjoyed this novel and can see that the author has left a loose end that will probably be explored in a later novel in the series.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written about the life and times of St Johns Newfoundland just after WWII. Well written, informative as well as entertaining. This author is GOOD!!!! I am ordering his other books.

Murder, love, travel, history and food and culture!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Newfoundland whodunit