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LeGarde Mystery #9
Under the Ice
What do you do when your past comes back to kill you?
After escaping her abusive husband, life is finally good for Camille LeGarde and her daughter, Shelby. She has a great relationship with her new husband, Gus, who also loves Shelby like his own child. But the LeGarde family’s fragile oasis is shattered when the man of Camille’s nightmares is released from prison.
Greg Robinson never wanted to be a father. But he’s playing the biological card for all it’s worth to get close to Shelby, so he can realize his true goal — revenge against Gus LeGarde, the man who “stole” his wife and daughter.
Lured by the promise of connecting with her real dad, Shelby vanishes, sending Gus and Camille on a desperate race through the worst ice storm of the century to find her before Robinson can act on his chilling threat...
If I can’t have them, neither can you.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2015
446 people are currently reading
1064 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Paul Lazar
42 books188 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. Author of 28 books, including three addictive mystery series, writing books, a romantic suspense series, and a new love story series, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com. Aaron has won 21 book awards for his novels and finds writing to be his form of "cheap therapy." Feel free to network with him on Facebook or his website; he loves to connect with readers!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
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June 26, 2015The writing is all over the place in this one, in serious need of a good edit. Managed 12% and threw in the towel.
July 5, 2015
Review of Under the Ice
Good character development. Very believable conversations among characters. Well-constructed plot. Tied up all the loose ends. Short chapters kept me reading longer.
Good character development. Very believable conversations among characters. Well-constructed plot. Tied up all the loose ends. Short chapters kept me reading longer.
July 11, 2015
Boring
Way too much of Gus impressed with himself. Boring. Eliminate all the cooking ,playing with babies and descriptions of what everyone is wearing and the story might be a lot more interesting. if all the books are like this one it is my last.
Way too much of Gus impressed with himself. Boring. Eliminate all the cooking ,playing with babies and descriptions of what everyone is wearing and the story might be a lot more interesting. if all the books are like this one it is my last.
May 5, 2024
Sorry, but I've listened to three hours of this, and I'm still waiting for the mystery. So far it was all about the protagonist's wonderful extended family life, too much obnoxious baby-talk and a mother-in-law who dresses as if she is colour-blind and for whom respect for boundaries comes second to see her boyfriend.
I guess there are people who have enjoyed this story but it's not for me. Obviously.
I guess there are people who have enjoyed this story but it's not for me. Obviously.
April 1, 2016
How is this book 9?
This was one of those Amazon suggestions. I have no idea why Amazon suggested it.
I'm honestly stuck for words to describe how much I disliked this book. It's on a par of 50 Shades of Grey bad. Luckily, it's one of those 90%book, 10%shameless self promotion jobs.
First person. First person is always bad. This is one of the worst examples I've come across to date. This guy is definitely Too Stupid To Live.
There is indeed something under the ice. It vaguely gets a mention amongst the endless drivel, but has very little to do with the so called story.
There are so many holes in the plot, you could use it a sieve.
Shelby and her father. A truly concerned parent or step parent, might have spoken to a lawyer instead of worrying hard about food? Checked the call list on the cell phone? Not left her alone?
How? How is a ferry surreal?
Attempted murder charges dropped on a whim. Cliched bad boy exchange students as an obvious red herring. Every single character in jail, or sick or broken or abused and unable to survive without the sainted, genius Gus Legarde...
Too many "mien gotts!" To be Christian fiction, but enough delusional, hypocritical, sanctimonious nonsense to feel like it is. Their 'monster' teenager? Not that bad! Although, I don't blame her for hating him.
The prolonged, pointless descriptions of food. The main character apparently horrified at using a magazine recipe, but no qualms about stuffing down fish with almonds, garlic, pineapple and mango? Or stopping to whip up some kind of gourmet peanut butter feast from scratch in the (shock, horror!) Badly stocked kitchen of the house of the people associated with 'kidnapping' his oh-so-precious stepdaughter? Maybe this guy should write a cookbook of disgusting sounding food. It can't be worse than this book.
This was one of those Amazon suggestions. I have no idea why Amazon suggested it.
I'm honestly stuck for words to describe how much I disliked this book. It's on a par of 50 Shades of Grey bad. Luckily, it's one of those 90%book, 10%shameless self promotion jobs.
First person. First person is always bad. This is one of the worst examples I've come across to date. This guy is definitely Too Stupid To Live.
There is indeed something under the ice. It vaguely gets a mention amongst the endless drivel, but has very little to do with the so called story.
There are so many holes in the plot, you could use it a sieve.
Shelby and her father. A truly concerned parent or step parent, might have spoken to a lawyer instead of worrying hard about food? Checked the call list on the cell phone? Not left her alone?
How? How is a ferry surreal?
Attempted murder charges dropped on a whim. Cliched bad boy exchange students as an obvious red herring. Every single character in jail, or sick or broken or abused and unable to survive without the sainted, genius Gus Legarde...
Too many "mien gotts!" To be Christian fiction, but enough delusional, hypocritical, sanctimonious nonsense to feel like it is. Their 'monster' teenager? Not that bad! Although, I don't blame her for hating him.
The prolonged, pointless descriptions of food. The main character apparently horrified at using a magazine recipe, but no qualms about stuffing down fish with almonds, garlic, pineapple and mango? Or stopping to whip up some kind of gourmet peanut butter feast from scratch in the (shock, horror!) Badly stocked kitchen of the house of the people associated with 'kidnapping' his oh-so-precious stepdaughter? Maybe this guy should write a cookbook of disgusting sounding food. It can't be worse than this book.
September 4, 2015
Apparently this is number nine in the Gus LeGarde Mystery series. So I would give this author a pat on the back with how well this book is written. Having not read a single previous book in the series I dropped right into this one, picked up the characters, the locations and their lives all without realizing it was the ninth in the series until the very end when prompted to buy another in the series.
As mentioned above the characters and locations are all well written and you are immediately drawn into this busy family and their lives together. The story is mainly about Gus Le Garde and his step-daughter, Shelby. She is the main reason the book has dropped a star from me. Apparently she was in a coma from the age of 6 to 15, then came out and is living a normal teenage life, with the teenage attitude accompanied and even learning to drive. All a little bit far-fetched.
That aside, the storyline is actually really good. Shelby has discovered boys and dating, has the typical teenage angst and more importantly her biological father is getting out of prison and has apparently turned over a new leaf. Plenty to keep Gus on his toes and concerned about her. But with several grandchildren cluttering up the house, a serious flu and his best friend becoming so paralysed with fear he is practically homebound, Gus certainly has his work cut out for him. Can he keep it all together?
Guy is a likeable character who you do root for quickly. He is just nice, an all round good guy who seems to come up against problem after problem.
This novel is somewhere in between the genres of cosy mystery and thriller. Something that can be read quite quickly, easily and manages to keep the reader engaged.
As mentioned above the characters and locations are all well written and you are immediately drawn into this busy family and their lives together. The story is mainly about Gus Le Garde and his step-daughter, Shelby. She is the main reason the book has dropped a star from me. Apparently she was in a coma from the age of 6 to 15, then came out and is living a normal teenage life, with the teenage attitude accompanied and even learning to drive. All a little bit far-fetched.
That aside, the storyline is actually really good. Shelby has discovered boys and dating, has the typical teenage angst and more importantly her biological father is getting out of prison and has apparently turned over a new leaf. Plenty to keep Gus on his toes and concerned about her. But with several grandchildren cluttering up the house, a serious flu and his best friend becoming so paralysed with fear he is practically homebound, Gus certainly has his work cut out for him. Can he keep it all together?
Guy is a likeable character who you do root for quickly. He is just nice, an all round good guy who seems to come up against problem after problem.
This novel is somewhere in between the genres of cosy mystery and thriller. Something that can be read quite quickly, easily and manages to keep the reader engaged.
February 1, 2015
UNDER THE ICE. (GUS LEGARDE MYSTERIES #9) AARON PAUL LAZAR
To say that life in the LeGarde household is in supreme turmoil would be an understatement. The story opens with several of the family members with severe flu symptoms. Gus’s friend police officer Joe asks for his help in getting over something from his past however is gripped with severe agoraphobia and unable to cope with everyday life. Meanwhile teenager Shelby, his having growing pains of her own. Rebellious and disobedient she tests Gus and Camille to the limits of their sanity. What’s next you wonder? Camille’s abusive ex-husband has been let out of prison and wants to reconnect. There is real trouble brewing here as he thinks Gus is in the way. What’s worse? There is a winter ice storm brewing that will test everyone’s chances of survival.
Under the ice is a gripping tale with themes of mental illness, teenage rebellion, and revenge. You’ll be reading and praying that everybody comes out on top of things. In his usual style, Aaron Lazar has penned another masterpiece of mystery and suspense. This was another one I couldn’t put down and I recommended to all Gus Legarde fans. A brilliant five-star read!
July 4, 2015
Meh...
First, this is not a mystery book. No detectives, sleuths or other characters trying to solve a crime with the reader. Nor is it a thriller with suspense that leaves you on the edge of the seat where you can't put the book down. So if that is what you are looking for, stop now and look elsewhere.
That being said, I would classify this book as contemporary fiction. Basically, it is told from the point of view of a stepfather that loves his adopted stepdaughter who is a typical, rebellious teenager wanting to connect with her biological father released from prison. In a nutshell, if her mouth is open, she is lying and the ears aren't listening.
The book is well edited and the author has a simple, light writing style appropriate even for teenagers. Unfortunately, I found the story boring, predictable and the ending dragged on and on.
This book might be enjoyed by those who like stories about typical, blended family issues. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
First, this is not a mystery book. No detectives, sleuths or other characters trying to solve a crime with the reader. Nor is it a thriller with suspense that leaves you on the edge of the seat where you can't put the book down. So if that is what you are looking for, stop now and look elsewhere.
That being said, I would classify this book as contemporary fiction. Basically, it is told from the point of view of a stepfather that loves his adopted stepdaughter who is a typical, rebellious teenager wanting to connect with her biological father released from prison. In a nutshell, if her mouth is open, she is lying and the ears aren't listening.
The book is well edited and the author has a simple, light writing style appropriate even for teenagers. Unfortunately, I found the story boring, predictable and the ending dragged on and on.
This book might be enjoyed by those who like stories about typical, blended family issues. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
October 9, 2015
Camille LeGarde has escaped an abusive marriage. She and her daughter, Shelby, are now safe under the protection of her new husband, Gus LeGarde—or, so they think. Then, her former husband, Shelby’s father, is released from prison, and their nightmares begin again.
Shelby, curious about her biological father, runs away to be with him, not knowing that he is not interested in being a father—only in getting revenge against Gus, the man he blames for stealing his wife and daughter.
Under the Ice is the sixth in Aaron Paul Lazar’s Gus LeGarde mystery series. It has all the elements of a first rate mystery-thriller; misdirection, moments of tension that have your teeth on edge and your fingers clenched, and thrills that make the hairs on the back of your neck tingle in anticipation. The characters are real people, acting and reacting as real people would. All in all, a book I found it impossible to put down once I started reading.
A great addition to your mystery library.
Shelby, curious about her biological father, runs away to be with him, not knowing that he is not interested in being a father—only in getting revenge against Gus, the man he blames for stealing his wife and daughter.
Under the Ice is the sixth in Aaron Paul Lazar’s Gus LeGarde mystery series. It has all the elements of a first rate mystery-thriller; misdirection, moments of tension that have your teeth on edge and your fingers clenched, and thrills that make the hairs on the back of your neck tingle in anticipation. The characters are real people, acting and reacting as real people would. All in all, a book I found it impossible to put down once I started reading.
A great addition to your mystery library.
January 3, 2016
--I was given this audiobook is exchange for an honest review.
I loved that even though this is the ninth book of series, I was able to listen to this book and feel right at home with all of the characters. Gus makes you fall into his everyday life, taking care of Joe and dealing with his teenage stepdaughter, Shelby. I would love to be a guest at one of his meals! With that being said, getting to know the characters and meeting Shelby's real father as he gets out of jail, finding out what she thinks the relationship there should be and what he wants, and who is under the ice? So much going on, you get sucked in and just keep listening.
Lou Hecker does n amazing job narrating this. His voice is very rich and warm, but is able to portray the young, old, accents...amazing portrayal.
I loved that even though this is the ninth book of series, I was able to listen to this book and feel right at home with all of the characters. Gus makes you fall into his everyday life, taking care of Joe and dealing with his teenage stepdaughter, Shelby. I would love to be a guest at one of his meals! With that being said, getting to know the characters and meeting Shelby's real father as he gets out of jail, finding out what she thinks the relationship there should be and what he wants, and who is under the ice? So much going on, you get sucked in and just keep listening.
Lou Hecker does n amazing job narrating this. His voice is very rich and warm, but is able to portray the young, old, accents...amazing portrayal.
February 13, 2015
Under the Ice by Aaron Paul Lazar is wonderful. These characters have grown on me so much, it was terrific to get caught up. The story line in this one brings so many of the back ground characters into the fore front. I really enjoyed seeing their strengths and love. Under The Ice is a mystery from the very first paragraph, and its the details that bring everything full circle. Such an amazing story of an amazing family. Very, very well done.
June 26, 2015
First time reading this author
Great character's. I am unfamiliar with culture & geography of upstate NY, but author's characterizations & vividly descriptive prose made feel as though I was there. The action was well paced with enough. mystery & suspense in the plot to keep me reading. I will read more of Aaron Paul Lazar's books..
Great character's. I am unfamiliar with culture & geography of upstate NY, but author's characterizations & vividly descriptive prose made feel as though I was there. The action was well paced with enough. mystery & suspense in the plot to keep me reading. I will read more of Aaron Paul Lazar's books..
April 1, 2016
I find myself wondering why this book is classified as a "mystery". While there are a few 'seedy' events, identifying these as " mysterious" is a stretch. The storyline was OK but quite predictable and, at times, the author often added lengthy descriptions when LESS VERBAGE would have best fit the bill.
February 10, 2015
I wish I could give it seven stars. I love this series! It is the only group of characters that can just make you feel right at home with them while reading them. If people like Gus existed in my world, I'm sure I'd never be sad. Aaron Paul Lazar is one of my favorite authors and will remain so.
July 1, 2015
Arron Paul Lazar has outdone himself.
Having chosen Under The Ice as my first book to read on my new Kindle, I was engrossed from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Having chosen Under The Ice as my first book to read on my new Kindle, I was engrossed from start to finish. I look forward to reading more of his work.
June 26, 2015
Easy Read
The story easily ambles along until the critical suspenseful moments. Great family story. Family interaction is realistic and the final results provide the reader with a pleasant sigh.
The story easily ambles along until the critical suspenseful moments. Great family story. Family interaction is realistic and the final results provide the reader with a pleasant sigh.
July 13, 2015
Under the Ice
I loved the way all the family and friends lived and ate together. Made me want to live a life like that. To be around people that you truly liked and loved.
Good story.
I loved the way all the family and friends lived and ate together. Made me want to live a life like that. To be around people that you truly liked and loved.
Good story.
July 15, 2015
Love the mix of suspense and some romance
I loved all the characters in the book especially Gus and Joe. This book is easy to follow and keeps you on your toes. I would definitely try more of the authors books.
I loved all the characters in the book especially Gus and Joe. This book is easy to follow and keeps you on your toes. I would definitely try more of the authors books.
May 10, 2016
Not as good as I expected. Shelby is a spoiled brat and needs a firmer hand than Gus can manage and Camille is almost as bad. How she found her superman is beyond me. The story itself is interesting but I would not recommend it to anyone.
June 7, 2016
What a good book! I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and the shenanigans of the children. Apparently, there are more of the Gus LaGarde mysteries and I sure hope I can find them without spending mega bucks because I think I'm gonna have to read them all!
Want to read
June 25, 2015Free 06-25-15 (Suspense-Thriller)
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Ice-LeGar...
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Ice-LeGar...
February 7, 2016
Great book! Had elements of a cozy mystery but also a suspenseful read. And a good book to read in the winter!
June 28, 2015
Great book
A little confusing at times but the story is great. I read the book in under a day with Aaron Paul laser bravo
A little confusing at times but the story is great. I read the book in under a day with Aaron Paul laser bravo
July 6, 2015
A wonderful story
I loved ft his book. Full of drama, great characters that made me me wish I could actually meet them. Highly recommended.
I loved ft his book. Full of drama, great characters that made me me wish I could actually meet them. Highly recommended.
July 9, 2015
Under the ice
This book started off very slow, about the time I was going to but the book down. The story line really picked up. Finished off fantastic.
This book started off very slow, about the time I was going to but the book down. The story line really picked up. Finished off fantastic.
July 19, 2015
Interesting group of characters. A good read. Keeps you guessing on how it will end. I would not call it a mystery though.
July 21, 2015
Wow!
This was an exciting book. I loved the characters. I look forward to reading more of Aaron Paul Lazar's books.
This was an exciting book. I loved the characters. I look forward to reading more of Aaron Paul Lazar's books.
July 25, 2015
Good storyline, interesting characters. Think I'll start at book one and cover the series!
September 5, 2015
Under the Ice
This is the first book I have read in this series. I really enjoyed it . It was a very good mystery . I would recommend this book.
This is the first book I have read in this series. I really enjoyed it . It was a very good mystery . I would recommend this book.
November 2, 2015
Enjoyable read
Wholesome mystery that was very relatable and easy to read. This novel captures the feelings any parent experiences when their child is in danger.
Wholesome mystery that was very relatable and easy to read. This novel captures the feelings any parent experiences when their child is in danger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews