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The Storm Murders Trilogy #2
Seven Days Dead
Acclaimed novelist Trevor Ferguson writing as John Farrow continues his Storm Murders series--set in storm ravaged locations and featuring retired detective Emile Cinq-Mars.
In Seven Days Dead, a woman races in a small boat through a torrential sea storm to Grand Manan island, located off the coast of Maine. She is determined to reach her dying father's bedside. Meanwhile, Detective Cinq-Mars is enjoying a vacation on the island with his wife until he's caught up in the investigation of a murder. Long-held secrets start to emerge, and Cinq-Mars begins to wonder if the dying father and the other death are related.
The Storm Murders, the previous book in the series, received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews. Bookpage said, "This terrific story, with sympathetic characters and Farrow's crisp prose, is some of the best fiction to come out of Canada. Louise Penny won't be bumped off the podium, but she'll have to clear some space next to her." Seven Days Dead may very well get even better reviews.
In Seven Days Dead, a woman races in a small boat through a torrential sea storm to Grand Manan island, located off the coast of Maine. She is determined to reach her dying father's bedside. Meanwhile, Detective Cinq-Mars is enjoying a vacation on the island with his wife until he's caught up in the investigation of a murder. Long-held secrets start to emerge, and Cinq-Mars begins to wonder if the dying father and the other death are related.
The Storm Murders, the previous book in the series, received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews. Bookpage said, "This terrific story, with sympathetic characters and Farrow's crisp prose, is some of the best fiction to come out of Canada. Louise Penny won't be bumped off the podium, but she'll have to clear some space next to her." Seven Days Dead may very well get even better reviews.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 24, 2016
58 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
John Farrow
33 books73 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Farrow is the pen name of Trevor Ferguson, a Canadian writer who has written seventeen novels and four plays and has been named Canada's best novelist in both Books in Canada and the Toronto Star. Under the name John Farrow, he has written ten crime novels featuring Émile Cinq-Mars which have been highly acclaimed and popular around the world. He was raised in Montreal and lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
John Farrow is the pen name of Trevor Ferguson, a Canadian writer who has written seventeen novels and four plays and has been named Canada's best novelist in both Books in Canada and the Toronto Star. Under the name John Farrow, he has written ten crime novels featuring Émile Cinq-Mars which have been highly acclaimed and popular around the world. He was raised in Montreal and lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
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February 25, 2020
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
I somehow had not been aware of this Canadian mystery series. The author is an esteemed literary writer, Trevor Ferguson, who writes mysteries under the pseudonym, John Farrow. The series features Montréal City police detective, Emile Cinq-Mars, now retired. The author’s literary background and skill are evident in this enthralling mystery. The prose is beautiful. The atmospheric setting with vivid descriptions of weather, the cliffs, the treacherous sea and community transported me.
I had visited Grand Manan twice on overnight stays for whale seal and puffin watching. I now yearn to return for a longer visit. While reading, I wanted to go out for a package of dulse for a snack.
The characters were intriguing, believable, and well developed. Much of the dialogue was compelling. I found the plot suspenseful, intense, with a puzzling mystery throughout which was most difficult to solve.
The story begins with a woman hiring a boat to bring her to the island in the midst of a raging storm. Her estranged father, Alfred Orrock, is on his death bed. She does not want to wait for the morning ferry, as she wants to speak with him before his imminent death. Orrock is a man of great wealth who controls much of the fishing industry, salmon farming and dulse gathering on the island. He is tyrannical and is widely despised by most everyone including his daughter. On her arrival, she finds her father alone and dead in his bed. He had been attended by his pastor and housekeeper, but they had already left the mansion. The cause of her father’s death was attributed to old age but later revised to murder.
With the storm still raging on this dark night, some strange things are occurring outside. During this disastrous storm, people are wandering about on the wooded paths leading to the dangerous cliff. There is a very enigmatic and handsome recluse, the pastor, several other individuals, and a bizarre group of outsiders tenting in the rain, thunder and lightning. The Pastor, Reverend Lescavage, a man known to have lost his faith, has been discovered brutally murdered and eviscerated nearby.
Two RCMP officers from St. John arrive, but can only be on the island for a couple of days per week. The case is left for the local policeman to handle. The RCMP transferred Officer Louwagie to this quiet island to recover from a severe case of PTSD. He does not feel he can handle the stress of the investigation and has already had an episode following viewing photos of the pastor’s body.
Emile Cinq-Mars and his wife have rented a cottage anticipating a quiet, peaceful vacation away from the Montreal crime scene. He refuses when the RCMP officers ask him to be involved in the murder investigations. He later reluctantly offers to help Officer Louwagie. A vacationing University professor has jumped or was pushed off the cliff.
This is a place where gossip and secrets are usually widespread by the next day, but there are long-held secrets from the past which remain hidden. Emile must discover and connect them to find a solution to the deaths. In doing so, he and his wife are placed in mortal danger. His brilliant deductive reasoning and philosophical mind help solve the crimes. He reveals and explains the mysteries in an Agatha Christie type setting. Mystery solved, but I wasn’t entirely pleased with the outcome.
This was a great book to start out the New Year, and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
I somehow had not been aware of this Canadian mystery series. The author is an esteemed literary writer, Trevor Ferguson, who writes mysteries under the pseudonym, John Farrow. The series features Montréal City police detective, Emile Cinq-Mars, now retired. The author’s literary background and skill are evident in this enthralling mystery. The prose is beautiful. The atmospheric setting with vivid descriptions of weather, the cliffs, the treacherous sea and community transported me.
I had visited Grand Manan twice on overnight stays for whale seal and puffin watching. I now yearn to return for a longer visit. While reading, I wanted to go out for a package of dulse for a snack.
The characters were intriguing, believable, and well developed. Much of the dialogue was compelling. I found the plot suspenseful, intense, with a puzzling mystery throughout which was most difficult to solve.
The story begins with a woman hiring a boat to bring her to the island in the midst of a raging storm. Her estranged father, Alfred Orrock, is on his death bed. She does not want to wait for the morning ferry, as she wants to speak with him before his imminent death. Orrock is a man of great wealth who controls much of the fishing industry, salmon farming and dulse gathering on the island. He is tyrannical and is widely despised by most everyone including his daughter. On her arrival, she finds her father alone and dead in his bed. He had been attended by his pastor and housekeeper, but they had already left the mansion. The cause of her father’s death was attributed to old age but later revised to murder.
With the storm still raging on this dark night, some strange things are occurring outside. During this disastrous storm, people are wandering about on the wooded paths leading to the dangerous cliff. There is a very enigmatic and handsome recluse, the pastor, several other individuals, and a bizarre group of outsiders tenting in the rain, thunder and lightning. The Pastor, Reverend Lescavage, a man known to have lost his faith, has been discovered brutally murdered and eviscerated nearby.
Two RCMP officers from St. John arrive, but can only be on the island for a couple of days per week. The case is left for the local policeman to handle. The RCMP transferred Officer Louwagie to this quiet island to recover from a severe case of PTSD. He does not feel he can handle the stress of the investigation and has already had an episode following viewing photos of the pastor’s body.
Emile Cinq-Mars and his wife have rented a cottage anticipating a quiet, peaceful vacation away from the Montreal crime scene. He refuses when the RCMP officers ask him to be involved in the murder investigations. He later reluctantly offers to help Officer Louwagie. A vacationing University professor has jumped or was pushed off the cliff.
This is a place where gossip and secrets are usually widespread by the next day, but there are long-held secrets from the past which remain hidden. Emile must discover and connect them to find a solution to the deaths. In doing so, he and his wife are placed in mortal danger. His brilliant deductive reasoning and philosophical mind help solve the crimes. He reveals and explains the mysteries in an Agatha Christie type setting. Mystery solved, but I wasn’t entirely pleased with the outcome.
This was a great book to start out the New Year, and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
April 27, 2021
Just some random thoughts as I mourn the fact I'm now caught up with this series & have none to read ( *ahem * Mr. Farrow? No time like the present, right?). This may not have been my favourite of the bunch but the series is consistently so well written, it's a high bar to reach. A compelling read that helped me escape reality for a few hours & as always, time with Émile is time well spent.
It seems I'm incapable of reading books in order so this actually completes the trilogy for me. It got me pondering what I look for in a book & why I've enjoyed this series so much. That led me to realize another of my favourite cops lives not far from Montréal. If Armand Gamache met Émile Cinq-Mars.....just think of the possibilities 🙌
3.5 stars rounded up
It seems I'm incapable of reading books in order so this actually completes the trilogy for me. It got me pondering what I look for in a book & why I've enjoyed this series so much. That led me to realize another of my favourite cops lives not far from Montréal. If Armand Gamache met Émile Cinq-Mars.....just think of the possibilities 🙌
3.5 stars rounded up
August 3, 2025
***2025 Summer: Murder Across Canada***
New Brunswick
Emile Cinq-Mars reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie's Poirot. He's a newly retired detective from Montreal, attempting his first real vacation with his wife, Sandra. It's hinted pretty strongly that his obsessive way of investigation has caused them marital strife. So, they have come to Grand Manan Island to hike, enjoy the sunsets, picnic, and pour cocktails. But Cinq-Mars has a puzzle solving mind and when he is somewhat interested in the two deaths that have occurred since he arrived on the island, his wife sternly reminds him that it is none of his business. As in Chrisie, one of the victims is despised and the other is rather ambiguous, a clergyman who has lost his faith.
Both Emile and Sandra have left the RCMP out of their calculations. The Island has a tiny detachment and one of the officers has severe PTSD. They try to recruit Emile to their investigation, but he resists because he wants to keep his wife. However, the daughter of one of the dead men eventually tracks him down, convinced that she is going to be accused of both deaths. Emile is about to turn her down when Sandra declares that he must help the woman. Finally, over half way through the book, Emile is on the case!
The setting is very much like Christie—a small population on a remote island. Everyone thinks they know all about everyone else. Emile drafts the officer with PTSD as his native guide and they set off together to see what they can discover. His empathy for the younger man is admirable. I have to say that I am impressed by Canadian authors regarding their unflinching willingness to depict police officers with severe PTSD and the accompanying complications of alcoholism and drug addiction. For whatever reason, our various police forces (and the Canadian military) are reluctant to admit that trauma can happen to their members or that mental health interventions might be necessary. In this case, it doesn't help that New Brunswick is a small province and is one of the have-nots. Their sparse population means a small tax base and their governments are perpetually under-funded.
After scene setting and build up for the first half of the book, events really get rolling. It's a fast sprint to the ending, which I found satisfying because I hadn't figured out all the details. Although my library has a couple more Emile Cinq-Mars books, I doubt that I will request them. I already have far too many titles on my TBR.
New Brunswick
Emile Cinq-Mars reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie's Poirot. He's a newly retired detective from Montreal, attempting his first real vacation with his wife, Sandra. It's hinted pretty strongly that his obsessive way of investigation has caused them marital strife. So, they have come to Grand Manan Island to hike, enjoy the sunsets, picnic, and pour cocktails. But Cinq-Mars has a puzzle solving mind and when he is somewhat interested in the two deaths that have occurred since he arrived on the island, his wife sternly reminds him that it is none of his business. As in Chrisie, one of the victims is despised and the other is rather ambiguous, a clergyman who has lost his faith.
Both Emile and Sandra have left the RCMP out of their calculations. The Island has a tiny detachment and one of the officers has severe PTSD. They try to recruit Emile to their investigation, but he resists because he wants to keep his wife. However, the daughter of one of the dead men eventually tracks him down, convinced that she is going to be accused of both deaths. Emile is about to turn her down when Sandra declares that he must help the woman. Finally, over half way through the book, Emile is on the case!
The setting is very much like Christie—a small population on a remote island. Everyone thinks they know all about everyone else. Emile drafts the officer with PTSD as his native guide and they set off together to see what they can discover. His empathy for the younger man is admirable. I have to say that I am impressed by Canadian authors regarding their unflinching willingness to depict police officers with severe PTSD and the accompanying complications of alcoholism and drug addiction. For whatever reason, our various police forces (and the Canadian military) are reluctant to admit that trauma can happen to their members or that mental health interventions might be necessary. In this case, it doesn't help that New Brunswick is a small province and is one of the have-nots. Their sparse population means a small tax base and their governments are perpetually under-funded.
After scene setting and build up for the first half of the book, events really get rolling. It's a fast sprint to the ending, which I found satisfying because I hadn't figured out all the details. Although my library has a couple more Emile Cinq-Mars books, I doubt that I will request them. I already have far too many titles on my TBR.
April 6, 2017
Seven Days Dead is the second of three novels by the Canadian novelist John Farrow featuring retired Detective-Sergeant Emile Cinq-Mars of the Montreal city police. The common thread that ran through the first book, The Storm Murders, was that each in a series of murders took place after a natural disaster. Seven Days Dead is based in large part on the same device. It’s well written, the principal characters are drawn in three dimensions, and it’s suspenseful to the end. Like its predecessor, however, the resolution is overly complex and ultimately unsatisfying.
Now sixty-six years of age, Cinq-Mars and his much younger wife Sandra arrive at a picturesque village on the coast of New Brunswick to begin a long-awaited vacation. In short order, the village is buzzing with news of a savage murder. The village’s popular pastor has been tied to a tree, sliced open, and eviscerated on an isolated trail near the ocean. Meanwhile, the old man who has a virtual monopoly on the town’s leading businesses died the same stormy night in the enormous mansion where he lives high above the shore. The local Mounties have never been confronted with any murders, much less one that reeks of such savagery. They are desperate for help from the famous retired detective. Cinq-Mars stoutly resists their pleas. Predictably, however, Cinq-Mars is soon drawn into investigating not just the murder but the old man’s death as well. But that’s as far as the predictability goes. The case turns out to be inordinately complicated, and Cinq-Mars is challenged to his limits both mentally and physically before he can resolve matters.
One thing lifts Seven Days Dead out of the realm of mediocre murder mysteries: Cinq-Mars is a supremely intelligent and thoughtful man who is clearly far more sophisticated and philosophically inclined than anyone might think a Detective-Sergeant would be. His thinking is intellectually challenging and makes reading the book worthwhile despite its limitations as detective fiction.
Now sixty-six years of age, Cinq-Mars and his much younger wife Sandra arrive at a picturesque village on the coast of New Brunswick to begin a long-awaited vacation. In short order, the village is buzzing with news of a savage murder. The village’s popular pastor has been tied to a tree, sliced open, and eviscerated on an isolated trail near the ocean. Meanwhile, the old man who has a virtual monopoly on the town’s leading businesses died the same stormy night in the enormous mansion where he lives high above the shore. The local Mounties have never been confronted with any murders, much less one that reeks of such savagery. They are desperate for help from the famous retired detective. Cinq-Mars stoutly resists their pleas. Predictably, however, Cinq-Mars is soon drawn into investigating not just the murder but the old man’s death as well. But that’s as far as the predictability goes. The case turns out to be inordinately complicated, and Cinq-Mars is challenged to his limits both mentally and physically before he can resolve matters.
One thing lifts Seven Days Dead out of the realm of mediocre murder mysteries: Cinq-Mars is a supremely intelligent and thoughtful man who is clearly far more sophisticated and philosophically inclined than anyone might think a Detective-Sergeant would be. His thinking is intellectually challenging and makes reading the book worthwhile despite its limitations as detective fiction.
February 12, 2020
I wasn't all that impressed with the 1st book in this trilogy, but I'm glad a went ahead and gave book number 2 a try. Much better mystery, nice little twist and turn during the wrap up, so I'm looking forward to reading the final book.
"In Seven Days Dead, a woman races in a small boat through a torrential sea storm to Grand Manan island, located off the coast of Maine. She is determined to reach her dying father's bedside. Meanwhile, Detective Cinq-Mars is enjoying a vacation on the island with his wife until he's caught up in the investigation of a murder. Long-held secrets start to emerge, and Cinq-Mars begins to wonder if the dying father and the other death are related."
"In Seven Days Dead, a woman races in a small boat through a torrential sea storm to Grand Manan island, located off the coast of Maine. She is determined to reach her dying father's bedside. Meanwhile, Detective Cinq-Mars is enjoying a vacation on the island with his wife until he's caught up in the investigation of a murder. Long-held secrets start to emerge, and Cinq-Mars begins to wonder if the dying father and the other death are related."
September 10, 2017
Another Emile Cinq-Mars book. Entertaining but rather implausible solution in the end.
June 22, 2016
started well. became distracted because the detective was a famous retired Montreal policeman along with his wife. No, these people do not come from Three Pines. Frankly, thought the ending was super complicated and felt like it came out of nowhere. Advise reading only if you're completely rested and willing to follow all the threads. Not my day.
August 8, 2016
An interesting murder mystery. Things get mixed up when a retired detective and his wife go on vacation to a small coastal town. They find a dead dog, discover that the richest man on the island has been murdered along with the island priest. And they had planned a vacation. This is a complex mystery with a lot of connections. It is the second in a trilogy. Reading the first one, The Storm Murders, helps understand what is happening here. A great mystery. No easy thrills and no red herrings.
May 18, 2017
Emile Cinq-Mars and his wife Sandra are trying to enjoy his retirement from the police force as a detective. But a murder and then other deaths draw him back into solving cases even though he does try to avoid it. The location and scenery of Grand Manan in Canada is beautifully described and the wild storms that rain over the island are very real in reading them. The mystery is intriguing for a while but develops rather slowly and the ending is hard to get straight as to who 'done it' and why.
August 30, 2017
The story takes too long to get there. Rather confusing until about 2/3 into the story, it finally gets really interesting and riviring that you have to read to the end to find out what happens, who dud it, etc... good read in the end.
August 8, 2016
Fine, until the final pages, where the mystery is resolved. That is a lot of hoo-hah.
July 11, 2017
Entertaining. Evokes a place. Ending left me a bit unsatisfied.
July 19, 2023
I've enjoyed most of what I've read in the Cinq-Mars series by John Farrow, but "Seven Days Dead" has been my least favorite of the lot. My biggest complaint is the same as I've had with Jo Nesbo's great Harry Hole (that's a name, not a condition...) character, to whit that the detective figures out a lot as he goes along but doesn't inform the reader of his progress and then makes an arrest that requires a long explanation to ensure we understand his thinking. Don't know about you, but one of the reasons I like this genre is that it gives me a chance to follow along and make educated guesses as the investigations proceed, but if not given the info in a timely manner I'm just reduced to waiting for the great 'exposition' at the conclusion. That's not to say I don't enjoy the writing and the characters....
Seven Days Dead begins with retired Montreal super-detective Emile Cinq-Mars on vacation on an island along the Canadian coast with his much younger wife. A rich, nasty old coot who 'owns' the island he's visiting dies alone in his mansion, followed by the gruesome murder of the minister who spent the rich guy's last moments with him. Since his reputation precedes him, Cinq-Mars gets pulled into the investigation by the deceased guy's estranged daughter who had happened to be on her way to visit him before his demise. Strange things happen in this relatively remote section of Canada and the author takes the opportunity to educate us on some of the unique aspects of life there. Cinq-Mars takes a member of the local chapter of the Mounties under his wing and they bounce around, making little progress and pissing the locals off. What actually happened with the murders is finally revealed at the book's conclusion and I'd normally say that there was no surprise, but the fact that Cinq-Mars thinking was kept to himself until the conclusion meant that the entire wrap up was a fairly large surprise.
Again, liked the writing and the characters are very well done. Just didn't enjoy the surprise ending.
Seven Days Dead begins with retired Montreal super-detective Emile Cinq-Mars on vacation on an island along the Canadian coast with his much younger wife. A rich, nasty old coot who 'owns' the island he's visiting dies alone in his mansion, followed by the gruesome murder of the minister who spent the rich guy's last moments with him. Since his reputation precedes him, Cinq-Mars gets pulled into the investigation by the deceased guy's estranged daughter who had happened to be on her way to visit him before his demise. Strange things happen in this relatively remote section of Canada and the author takes the opportunity to educate us on some of the unique aspects of life there. Cinq-Mars takes a member of the local chapter of the Mounties under his wing and they bounce around, making little progress and pissing the locals off. What actually happened with the murders is finally revealed at the book's conclusion and I'd normally say that there was no surprise, but the fact that Cinq-Mars thinking was kept to himself until the conclusion meant that the entire wrap up was a fairly large surprise.
Again, liked the writing and the characters are very well done. Just didn't enjoy the surprise ending.
August 29, 2017
I haven't read other books in this series. I don't think it was necessary or impacted on this novel not to be acquainted with the previous books.
Emile, a retired police detective, and his wife, Sandra, are gong on a summer vacation. Due to his occupation as a police detective, they have never had time to get away during the summer. They are both looking forward to this secluded island get away. Unfortunately, their arrival coincides with storms both meteorically and physically, as there are two deaths. One is definitely murder, the other a supposedly natural death of an old man, the patriarch of the island.
The island police do not have the resources or the experience to take on this investigation, especially when it is discovered that the old man was also murdered.
The beginning of this book read like a farce. When Maddy, the daughter of the old man, who raced through the storm to get there before he died, was interviewed by the RCMP, and accused of murdering both victims, it was nonsensical! I couldn't believe that any detective would interview someone in such a crass manner.
The solving of the mystery was reasonably well done, even though it was pretty obvious from the beginning who was involved.
Not the best laid out plot or execution of the mystery.
Really a 2.5 star book.
Emile, a retired police detective, and his wife, Sandra, are gong on a summer vacation. Due to his occupation as a police detective, they have never had time to get away during the summer. They are both looking forward to this secluded island get away. Unfortunately, their arrival coincides with storms both meteorically and physically, as there are two deaths. One is definitely murder, the other a supposedly natural death of an old man, the patriarch of the island.
The island police do not have the resources or the experience to take on this investigation, especially when it is discovered that the old man was also murdered.
The beginning of this book read like a farce. When Maddy, the daughter of the old man, who raced through the storm to get there before he died, was interviewed by the RCMP, and accused of murdering both victims, it was nonsensical! I couldn't believe that any detective would interview someone in such a crass manner.
The solving of the mystery was reasonably well done, even though it was pretty obvious from the beginning who was involved.
Not the best laid out plot or execution of the mystery.
Really a 2.5 star book.
September 25, 2017
Emile Cinq-Mars and his wife are enjoying an idyllic vacation on Grand Manan Island when he is contacted by a distraught young woman. Her father, who owns practically the whole island, has been murdered and she is under suspicion for his murder. He agrees to help her find the truth only to have someone else decide that he needs to stop his investigation and they make plans to stop Cinq-Mars, perhaps permanently.
March 8, 2018
The Isle of Grand Manan in the Bay of Fundy, someplace I've never been but would like to go, is the setting for this book. And the setting is definitely the best part of John Farrow's mystery novel. The island's major industry is harvesting dulse, a seaweed-type of red algae that comes in with the tide every day and is marketed in health food stores as a snack--an acquired taste apparently.
Quite well-known in Canada, Farrow is an interesting writer, with a Montreal-based detective named Emile Cinc-Mars. Reminded me somewhat of Louise Penny, but Grand Manan is no Three Pines--nothing cozy about the island or its residents. I loved parts of the novel but found the denouement a bit contrived. Might try some more just to see how Emile is getting on.
Quite well-known in Canada, Farrow is an interesting writer, with a Montreal-based detective named Emile Cinc-Mars. Reminded me somewhat of Louise Penny, but Grand Manan is no Three Pines--nothing cozy about the island or its residents. I loved parts of the novel but found the denouement a bit contrived. Might try some more just to see how Emile is getting on.
September 2, 2022
Second book in the trilogy. Everything a good mystery should be. A wise intelligent detective with an interesting wife. A Maine island off the Bay of Fundy. Learn about seaweed. A breathtaking rescue. Lots of weird islanders. Tangled clues with a tangled solution. Cannot wait for the third book.
May 8, 2024
A bit disappointing compared to the fist four books of
this series, but still a clever murder mystery. I will
say I am a bit tired of Cinq-Mars' wife constantly
being in danger (third book this has happened in).
It's bad enough that Emile himself is constantly
being accosted.
Mildly recommended, but I still love this whole
series.
this series, but still a clever murder mystery. I will
say I am a bit tired of Cinq-Mars' wife constantly
being in danger (third book this has happened in).
It's bad enough that Emile himself is constantly
being accosted.
Mildly recommended, but I still love this whole
series.
December 4, 2024
I was okay (but no more than okay) with this silly book until the last 50 pages or so.
And then silliness morphed into stupidity and I couldn't wait to be finished.
It's perfectly understandable to want to write something original.
But trying to cram loss of faith, infidelity, a weird cult, seaweed, and lord knows what else into a book is asinine.
And then silliness morphed into stupidity and I couldn't wait to be finished.
It's perfectly understandable to want to write something original.
But trying to cram loss of faith, infidelity, a weird cult, seaweed, and lord knows what else into a book is asinine.
October 26, 2019
Retired Montreal detective Emile Cinq-Mars is on his way to a rare summer vacation with his wife on the island of Grand Manan. This book is how he solves three murders.
John Farrow has good pace and believable characters.
Now I need to locate books #1 and #3.
John Farrow has good pace and believable characters.
Now I need to locate books #1 and #3.
January 9, 2022
Can’t believe I waited so long to get back to this series. This was a very entertaining read with the last half a could not put down page turner. And maybe I should put Grand Manan on my travel list.
October 13, 2024
Not sure how I have missed this excellent and Canadian! Mystery author. Interesting characters and a strong plot coupled with a fantastic setting made this a good read. Bonus marks for me starting with the second book in the series and feeling - as a reader - comfortable and not confused!
December 10, 2018
Great mystery, wonderful location in eastern Canada, local characters and a mystery to solve. This murderer is not revealed until the end and the trip to get there is fun!
August 31, 2020
Very involved plot, with lots of twists and turns.
May 13, 2021
This was the best book i've read in quite awhile. Characters were pretty well developed. a very enjoyable read.
Read
September 8, 2021Good story but disappointed in the ending. Almost seemed like a different story.
October 19, 2023
Interesting mystery on the Bay of Fundy. Lots of local color. Twists and turns and you'll never figure it out before the end!
Read
November 28, 2025First Chapter was too unpleasant, and I have no desire to read anymore of it.
May 25, 2016
From the publisher: During an epic storm in the Gulf of Maine, a lone woman races - - first by car, then by a life-threatening sea crossing - - to the island of Grand Manan. Her father is dying - - will she make it in time? Others also venture out into the maelstrom that night, including a mysterious band of men and women who gather on Seven Days Work, the sheer cliff that overlooks the wild sea. A housekeeper, a pastor, and a strange recluse are also wandering about in the tempest. Who else risks being out in the turbulent black night? And how many murder victims will be revealed at the break of dawn?
Emile Cinq-Mars, a retired Montreal detective whose reputation precedes him, is embarking on the first ever summer holiday he and his wife have taken in their long years of marriage. They have booked a cabin built in the 1920’s, “tidy, clean, and as charming as a fawn nuzzling a doe in a spring meadow.” When three men are found dead, he is asked to assist Officer Wade Louwagie (who suffers from PTSD) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,. They have absolutely nothing to go on, no leads, and too many suspects.
Early on, we meet 57-year-old Reverend Simon Lescavage, “a pastor who’s lost his faith yet still enjoys, and wants to keep, his job,” who is called – - ordered, really - - to hear the confession of Alfred Orrock, the patriarch of the island with the reputation, well-earned, as a tyrant, and now at death’s door. The day does not end well for either man.
The area is brought to graphic life in the wonderfully evocative descriptions by this author. As are the inhabitants: “For the most part . . . the natural friendliness of islanders surfaces first. Sometimes disputes are resolved by burning cars, but not a tourist’s car, and rarely even in the summer, because that’s just bad for the island’s reputation. Even when it comes to arson, a standard of etiquette is followed. You wrong me, I burn your dinghy. I wrong you, you burn my shed.” Towards the end, things take a much more lethal turn, and the writing at times had me breathless, as in literally holding my breath.
There is a wholly unexpected finish to the novel. I found this book, as its predecessor, “The Storm Murders,” very enjoyable, and it is recommended.
Emile Cinq-Mars, a retired Montreal detective whose reputation precedes him, is embarking on the first ever summer holiday he and his wife have taken in their long years of marriage. They have booked a cabin built in the 1920’s, “tidy, clean, and as charming as a fawn nuzzling a doe in a spring meadow.” When three men are found dead, he is asked to assist Officer Wade Louwagie (who suffers from PTSD) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,. They have absolutely nothing to go on, no leads, and too many suspects.
Early on, we meet 57-year-old Reverend Simon Lescavage, “a pastor who’s lost his faith yet still enjoys, and wants to keep, his job,” who is called – - ordered, really - - to hear the confession of Alfred Orrock, the patriarch of the island with the reputation, well-earned, as a tyrant, and now at death’s door. The day does not end well for either man.
The area is brought to graphic life in the wonderfully evocative descriptions by this author. As are the inhabitants: “For the most part . . . the natural friendliness of islanders surfaces first. Sometimes disputes are resolved by burning cars, but not a tourist’s car, and rarely even in the summer, because that’s just bad for the island’s reputation. Even when it comes to arson, a standard of etiquette is followed. You wrong me, I burn your dinghy. I wrong you, you burn my shed.” Towards the end, things take a much more lethal turn, and the writing at times had me breathless, as in literally holding my breath.
There is a wholly unexpected finish to the novel. I found this book, as its predecessor, “The Storm Murders,” very enjoyable, and it is recommended.
February 13, 2017
A good read. Nothing exceptional. It did make me want to go up to Nova Scotia again and explore the outer islands and watch the tides in the Bay of Fundy.
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