Casting in Dead Water

Max Addams Fly-Fishing Mystery #2

by David Leitz

Max Addams runs a fly fishing lodge in the small hamlet of Loon, Vermont. He must unravel a mystery involving big business, small town politics, and murder in order to save his trout stream from destruction. Filled with great characters and local flavor, this is the first in a winning new series.

Genres: Mystery

281 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

David Leitz grew up on a farm in Indiana and his love for the outdoors began in the woodlots and small ponds that surrounded his home. His love for writing began at about the same time and flourished along with painting at Syracuse University. An advertising agency copywriter and creative director in New York City, San Francisco and Boston for over thirty years, David has written and directed many famous award-winning ads and television commercials. He and his wife Frances live in a 250 year old farm house near the ocean on Massachusetts' north coast although David does much of his writing in a rustic little cabin a roll cast away from a trout stream in southern Vermont. He is the author of five Max Addams' novels as well as numerous award winning short stories.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a midlife crisis, some guy starts a fly fishing business in Vermont. It's the 1990's and fly fisherman definitely think they're some sort of superior person to the rest of humanity.

A logging company starts operations. Fish and people start dying...and my attention started to wander.

[Taiyo Watt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The ending was a little predictable, but it was a fun setting for a murder mystery. Fly fishing mystery is a niche I didn’t know existed but I’m glad it does.

[A Turtles Nest Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always had a small interest in Fly fishing, but the story that goes along with it is holds your attention. Definitely down to earth, and I can see the struggles he goes through a part of everyday life.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s early spring in Vermont, and Max Addams is looking forward to a booked season of fly fishermen, hospitality and relaxation. A warning from a part-time helper who soon disappears and a huge fishkill on Max’s stretch of the river radically change the season. Max has a murderer to find, an illegal logging operation to stop, and a lodge and livelihood to rescue.

The characters are likeable and look out for one another. The setting is vivid and the suspense palpable. This out of print series (5 titles) if you can get copies, should appeal to readers of outdoor mystery suspense like Paul Doiron, C. J. Box, and Keith McCafferty. Recommended.

Readalikes:
Paul Doiron’s Mike Bowditch Maine game warden mysteries; C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett novels; Sean Stranahan/Sheriff Martha Ettinger mysteries; Victoria Houston’s Loon Lake fishing mysteries; William G. Tapply’s Stoney Calhoun mysteries.

Pace: Fast
Character: Likable;
Storyline: Plot-driven; Intricately plotted
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Suspenseful
Frame: Rural Vermont; Contemporary
Themes: Ecological crime; Betrayal

Red flags/Trigger warning: Lots of cigarette smoking;