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Homicide at Blue Heron Lake
Emily Gray returns to the lakeside community of Baxter, Maine, expecting a peaceful week in her family's island cottage. Instead, she and her high school crush, Nate Holman, discover the body of Henry Derbin, an elderly island resident. Amid rekindling her old friendship with Nate and trying to make sense of the murder, Emily shares her faith with an old schoolmate. When a second body turns up, the cottagers on Grand Cat Island are frightened and baffled. Is this why Mr. Derbin forbade everyone from going on his land? Can Emily and Nate overcome past hindrances to their romance long enough to dig up clues that will help solve both murders?
191 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2014
218 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Susan Page Davis
176 books525 followersFROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: I'm a native of central Maine, and grew up on a small farm with a wonderful mom and dad, three sisters and a brother. Most of my books take place in small towns, many of them in Maine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 4, 2020
Basic Christian Mystery/Romance story
Being a Christian I look for books by Christian authors. I can expect them to be clean from sex, foul language, etc. I’m not a fan of the romantic stuff, but know many do, so I accept it if I want the clean stuff.
‘Homicide at Blue Heron Lake’ will not disappoint in mystery and I’m assuming the romance, not being a fan I can’t give an honest review.
However, when it comes to the Christian authors writing about ‘faith’ few ever mention Jesus Christ as the source of their faith.
Such is the case of ‘Homicide at Blue Heron Lake’. The way author Susan Page Davis has Emily shares her faith to Raven is basically the same nothing of other things Raven has placed her search for peace.
Sorry, I don’t mean to get preachy, but if the synopsis says ‘Emily shares her faith with an old schoolmate’ but never mentions sins and Jesus, Emily has shared nothing of saving faith.
If an author wants to promote their work as Christian great. I’m even okay if the author doesn’t write about their faith, but if in the synopsis and in the actual work that you’re going to ‘share your faith’ don’t forget the need for out faith, our sin and the name of the one who the faith is in Jesus Christ.
Being a Christian I look for books by Christian authors. I can expect them to be clean from sex, foul language, etc. I’m not a fan of the romantic stuff, but know many do, so I accept it if I want the clean stuff.
‘Homicide at Blue Heron Lake’ will not disappoint in mystery and I’m assuming the romance, not being a fan I can’t give an honest review.
However, when it comes to the Christian authors writing about ‘faith’ few ever mention Jesus Christ as the source of their faith.
Such is the case of ‘Homicide at Blue Heron Lake’. The way author Susan Page Davis has Emily shares her faith to Raven is basically the same nothing of other things Raven has placed her search for peace.
Sorry, I don’t mean to get preachy, but if the synopsis says ‘Emily shares her faith with an old schoolmate’ but never mentions sins and Jesus, Emily has shared nothing of saving faith.
If an author wants to promote their work as Christian great. I’m even okay if the author doesn’t write about their faith, but if in the synopsis and in the actual work that you’re going to ‘share your faith’ don’t forget the need for out faith, our sin and the name of the one who the faith is in Jesus Christ.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Emily Grant returns to the lakeside community of Baxter, Maine, expecting a peaceful week in her family's island cottage. Instead, she and her high school crush, Nate Holman, discover the body of Henry Derbin, an elderly island resident. Later, Emily finds another body, buried more than a decade earlier, on Mr. Derbin's land. Can Emily and Nate overcome past hindrances to their romance long enough to dig up clues that will help solve both murders?
REVIEW: This new-to-me mystery series was an enjoyable, easy read, cozy mytery. The main characters, Emily and Nate, work together to solve 2 mysterious deaths and in the course re-examine the feelings they had for one another in high school. Written much in the vein of Agatha Christie/Murder She Wrote mysteries, it is easy to follow and the clues keep you guessing just enough to keep your interest. Susan Page Davis, known mostly for her great historical Christian fiction, collaborates with her daughter on this series and it worked well.
REVIEW: This new-to-me mystery series was an enjoyable, easy read, cozy mytery. The main characters, Emily and Nate, work together to solve 2 mysterious deaths and in the course re-examine the feelings they had for one another in high school. Written much in the vein of Agatha Christie/Murder She Wrote mysteries, it is easy to follow and the clues keep you guessing just enough to keep your interest. Susan Page Davis, known mostly for her great historical Christian fiction, collaborates with her daughter on this series and it worked well.
December 8, 2025
great small mystery read.
October 19, 2020
As far as contemporary fiction goes, the writing is adequate, at least as good as most writers today. A few editorial mistakes but not enough to be annoying. Too many light "Christian" romances are really soft porn. This is not. The two main characters behave as Christians should. The mystery is well written with all the necessary clues and red herrings.
I would not call this really a "Christian" book. Faith in God is discussed but he is a vague, no-name God. I know my God's name. He is the eternal triune great I AM and He came to earth as Jesus and Jesus is the only means of salvation. While sharing their faith the name of Jesus is never mentioned. They happily share that they know a better way but never explain that better way. Not a bad book but not a great book either and very Christian-lite.
I would not call this really a "Christian" book. Faith in God is discussed but he is a vague, no-name God. I know my God's name. He is the eternal triune great I AM and He came to earth as Jesus and Jesus is the only means of salvation. While sharing their faith the name of Jesus is never mentioned. They happily share that they know a better way but never explain that better way. Not a bad book but not a great book either and very Christian-lite.
December 28, 2015
This is the first book in the Mainely Murder Mystery Series by Susan Davis and her daughter Megan. Emily Gray returns to her hometown/island to get her mother's home prepared to sell. She enjoys renewing ties with ex-boyfriend Nate Holman when one of the long-term residents of her island gets murdered. Emily's a reporter and Nate runs the marina and gives boat rides to anyone needing transport to the tiny island. The two join forces to try to figure out who committed this murder and another murder from long ago. This is the third book I've read from Susan Davis, a conservative Christian writer who I've discovered lately. I recommend it for anyone who likes Christian cozy mysteries.
April 9, 2011
Emily, a young woman returns home to sell a lake cabin wondering about her high school sweetheart, Nate, who she has compared to all others. She finds him still there. The tranquil lake community is shattered when she finds two bodies, both murders. Her reporter skills quickly take over to try to solve the murders. Along the way she rekindles her relationship with Nate.
An easy book to read; Christian Mystery Novel. No worries about graphic murder detail, sexual situations or profanity; very refreshing.
An easy book to read; Christian Mystery Novel. No worries about graphic murder detail, sexual situations or profanity; very refreshing.
October 23, 2020
Whodunit?
A brand new murder. A twelve year old murder. Are they somehow connected? Homicide at Blue Heron Lake, set in Baxter, Maine, begins the Mainely Mysteries series by Susan Page Davis. Emily and Nate meet again after a separation of seven years. Will they rediscover the budding romance that got nipped before it really started? There are many mysteries to solve. Ms. Davis does an excellent job of pulling all the bits & pieces together. Some proofreading was needed, but not so much to deter one from reading.
A brand new murder. A twelve year old murder. Are they somehow connected? Homicide at Blue Heron Lake, set in Baxter, Maine, begins the Mainely Mysteries series by Susan Page Davis. Emily and Nate meet again after a separation of seven years. Will they rediscover the budding romance that got nipped before it really started? There are many mysteries to solve. Ms. Davis does an excellent job of pulling all the bits & pieces together. Some proofreading was needed, but not so much to deter one from reading.
August 26, 2021
While they're not my favorite reading material, I have nothing against a decently written "inspirational" mystery (by which they always mean Christian, of course). But this entry by a mother-daughter team doesn't have enough else going for it, in my opinion. Journalist Emily comes back to her old home town and finds that Nate, the boy who loved her in high school, still loves her. But the two are distracted by the death of a local landowner, whose body they discover. They--well, mostly Emily--solve several crimes, and God gives them a path to happiness.
March 15, 2016
"Homicide at Blue Heron Lake" by Susan Page David was a decent mystery. I liked that a decent cast of plausible culprits were scattered through the novel. The solution and investigation of the mystery made sense. Nate and Emily made good casual amateur sleuths. The setting at a summer resort in Maine with a cottage-country island in the middle of a lake, with a boys camp one island over, was evocative of vacations and happy times. Nice contrast with the two murders!
October 6, 2020
Awesome and really good who-dun it! I appreciated the way the peace of God was brought into the story. I would recommend this book to everyone because it’s an all round good read. I chose 5 stars because I couldn’t put it down.
I appreciated the peace of God was brought into the story. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who was searching for peace. I gave it 5 stars because I could not put it down. The plot was well written.
I appreciated the peace of God was brought into the story. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who was searching for peace. I gave it 5 stars because I could not put it down. The plot was well written.
October 15, 2020
Love this mystery
Really liked that thus love story intertwined with a mystery. The flash backs into their past really helped to show just how much their lives intertwined.
The one problem I had was the author needed to have at least one more person proof read this story. There were several places that her grammar/sentences needed to be corrected. Reading this story in the Kindle I can't you the page number, etc.
Really liked that thus love story intertwined with a mystery. The flash backs into their past really helped to show just how much their lives intertwined.
The one problem I had was the author needed to have at least one more person proof read this story. There were several places that her grammar/sentences needed to be corrected. Reading this story in the Kindle I can't you the page number, etc.
November 1, 2020
A Great Read!
It was a first read for me from this author. I love mysteries with good characters. And this was both! I enjoyed the two main characters / they were well rounded / the plot definitely kept me moving to want to find out who did it. Im looking forward to reading more. When I began the book I actually determined that if she did not tie it up at the end with the two Main characters -I was not going to read another book by her. But She did and I will!
It was a first read for me from this author. I love mysteries with good characters. And this was both! I enjoyed the two main characters / they were well rounded / the plot definitely kept me moving to want to find out who did it. Im looking forward to reading more. When I began the book I actually determined that if she did not tie it up at the end with the two Main characters -I was not going to read another book by her. But She did and I will!
October 30, 2015
The Good: I really enjoyed this mystery; two murders solved in one book, with gentle romance to boot!
The Bad: Not really "bad", but it seemed way too far stretched that the main characters were finding soooo many clues to turn over to the police -- didn't seem like the police were doing anything.
The Ugly: Nothing ugly about this one.
The Bad: Not really "bad", but it seemed way too far stretched that the main characters were finding soooo many clues to turn over to the police -- didn't seem like the police were doing anything.
The Ugly: Nothing ugly about this one.
February 29, 2020
I got this Kindle book a couple of years ago and I'm so happy I dug it out of the depths of my reader!! I am a big fan of this author and this book is as good as her Maine Justice series!! She co-wrote this with her daughter. Beautiful setting, authentic details and a touch of romance give this mystery novel a big boost. It wasn't easy to figure out, and the "why" kept me reading until the end!
October 4, 2020
Finding peace
Such a sweet romance with an interesting story. Who wouldn't love a summer in a cabin on a lake in Maine? The characters were well written and it did feel as if I'd stayed on the island. Some twists and turns and a reason
to look forward to the next in this series!
Such a sweet romance with an interesting story. Who wouldn't love a summer in a cabin on a lake in Maine? The characters were well written and it did feel as if I'd stayed on the island. Some twists and turns and a reason
to look forward to the next in this series!
September 15, 2011
I loved this book!!! It was written with humor mixed with a sense of suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and if you are looking for a good read that is very entertaining, this is the book for you...actually mine was 3 in 1 so I just finished reading the 3rd..great book!!
May 19, 2016
A sweet romantic suspense set in northern Maine. I had an inkling of whodunit, but it still could have been one of several folks, so Ms. Page did a great job in keeping me hooked until the final reveal.
July 1, 2018
Excellent book. A look at returning home and facing the past. But wait...not just Emily's. Who dun it and how? Why? Loved the development of Emily and Nate's relationship. Could picture myself in their environment. Highly recommend.
April 13, 2020
This was really good. It was a nice love story focused on great characters with a lot of character. The mystery was good I didn't figure it out. The authors didn't give away too much at least not that I picked up on.
I hope to ready more of this series.
I hope to ready more of this series.
April 26, 2020
Fun Read
An enjoyable suspense read with some romance mixed in. Great fun and very relaxing. Easy to put down and pick right back up where you left off reading without losing track of the story.
An enjoyable suspense read with some romance mixed in. Great fun and very relaxing. Easy to put down and pick right back up where you left off reading without losing track of the story.
August 3, 2024
Really: 3.5 stars. First published in 2008, so the tech is behind the times, but the story stands up. It's a classic coming home to find you didn't really know your neighbors as well as you thought. Good romance, and sound Biblical principles, though not in depth.
August 21, 2010
This book was entertaining enough...very predictable, but still entertaining.
January 21, 2011
mystery with Christian theme.
April 4, 2014
Loved the start to this series! Great mystery, and a solid current of faith in actio.
December 24, 2014
A good mystery...keeps you interested, but at times can be a little laid back
January 29, 2015
I enjoyed this book. A little romance, a little mystery a lot of rain.
February 4, 2016
Average mystery - average characters. A little bland, though. Just so-so.
March 28, 2016
Sweet mystery. I liked the main characters and small town in Maine setting. It needed a bit more excitement or humor to make it REALLY good.
October 20, 2016
Enjoyable cozy mystery with a strong Christian message.
March 27, 2020
Fantastic Mystery
I loved the interaction of the characters, the Christian values, the setting and trying to guess "who did it". Very enjoyable!
I loved the interaction of the characters, the Christian values, the setting and trying to guess "who did it". Very enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews