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A Loon Lake Mystery #16
Dead Loudmouth
It's a bright summer morning in Loon Lake when Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris is called to the scene of a horrific accident that occurred in the dead of night at a local gentleman's club. The club is owned by one of the victims, a member of the private Deer Creek Fishing and Hunting Preserve and the scion of a wealthy Wisconsin family. When the county coroner is unavailable due to a car accident, Chief Ferris deputizes her close friend and fellow fly-fisherman, retired dentist "Doc" Osborne, to step in.
Osborne's discovery of mysterious footprints confirms Chief Ferris's suspicions: this is no accident; it's murder. Leaning on Doc Osborne for his forensic and interrogation skills, Lew also hopes to enlist the help of Ray Pradt, fishing guide and expert tracker. But Ray's time is limited as he is coaching the University of Wisconsin's fishing team in a muskie fishing tournament. Things get complicated when Doc Osborne's granddaughter disappears on the first day of the tournament. Sunny June days turn dark as a desperate search ensues.
Osborne's discovery of mysterious footprints confirms Chief Ferris's suspicions: this is no accident; it's murder. Leaning on Doc Osborne for his forensic and interrogation skills, Lew also hopes to enlist the help of Ray Pradt, fishing guide and expert tracker. But Ray's time is limited as he is coaching the University of Wisconsin's fishing team in a muskie fishing tournament. Things get complicated when Doc Osborne's granddaughter disappears on the first day of the tournament. Sunny June days turn dark as a desperate search ensues.
206 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2016
87 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Houston
36 books272 followersShe is the author of the Loon Lake Mystery Series -- DEAD ANGLER, DEAD CREEK, DEAD WATER, DEAD FRENZY, DEAD HOT MAMA, DEAD JITTERBUG, DEAD BOOGIE, DEAD MADONNA, DEAD HOT SHOT, DEAD RENEGADE. DEAD DECEIVER, DEAD TEASE, DEAD INSIDER, DEAD HUSTLER, DEAD RAPUNZEL, DEAD LOUDMOUTH, DEAD SPIDER, DEAD FIREFLY, DEAD BIG DAWG and WOLF HOLLOW in hardcover, trade paperback and as an eBook from Simon & Schuster. The mysteries are set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin against a background of fishing – fly fishing as well as fishing for muskie, bass, bluegill and walleyes.
Houston’s mystery series was featured in a story on the front page of The Wall Street Journal (January 20, 2004) and on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation with Neal Conan” (February 2, 2006). Both can be seen/heard on the website: www.victoriahouston.com.
She has also written or co-authored over seven non-fiction books. An award-winning author specializing in family issues, Houston’s non-fiction books include the highly recommended ALONE AFTER SCHOOL: A Self-Care Guide for Latchkey Children and Their Parents (Prentice Hall, 1985); the national bestseller, LOVING A YOUNGER MAN: How Women Are Finding and Enjoying a Better Relationship (Contemporary Books (1987); Pocket Books (1988); MAKING IT WORK: Finding the Time and Energy For Your Career, Marriage, Children and Self (Contemporary Books, 1990) -- which was published by Simon & Schuster's Fireside imprint in August 1991 as a trade paperback titled MAKING IT WORK: Creative Solutions For Balancing Your Career, Marriage, Children And Personal Life. Houston co-authored RESTORE YOURSELF: A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Her Libido and Passion for Life (The Berkley Publishing Group/2001) with Dr. James Simon, a Past President of the North American Menopause Society.
Houston’s mystery series was featured in a story on the front page of The Wall Street Journal (January 20, 2004) and on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation with Neal Conan” (February 2, 2006). Both can be seen/heard on the website: www.victoriahouston.com.
She has also written or co-authored over seven non-fiction books. An award-winning author specializing in family issues, Houston’s non-fiction books include the highly recommended ALONE AFTER SCHOOL: A Self-Care Guide for Latchkey Children and Their Parents (Prentice Hall, 1985); the national bestseller, LOVING A YOUNGER MAN: How Women Are Finding and Enjoying a Better Relationship (Contemporary Books (1987); Pocket Books (1988); MAKING IT WORK: Finding the Time and Energy For Your Career, Marriage, Children and Self (Contemporary Books, 1990) -- which was published by Simon & Schuster's Fireside imprint in August 1991 as a trade paperback titled MAKING IT WORK: Creative Solutions For Balancing Your Career, Marriage, Children And Personal Life. Houston co-authored RESTORE YOURSELF: A Woman’s Guide to Reviving Her Libido and Passion for Life (The Berkley Publishing Group/2001) with Dr. James Simon, a Past President of the North American Menopause Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 29, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning.
This time Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris is called to a gentleman’s club for two dead bodies. With the regular coroner is involved in a car accident on the way to the scene, Lew calls in “Doc” Osborne to look over the situation to determine if it was a freak accident or murder that left two people dead. She also calls in expert tracker, Ray Pradt, to advise on the case. Ray only has about an hour to scan the scene as he is coaching a team from the University of Wisconsin in a fishing tournament. He has even enlisted “Doc”‘s 11 year-old granddaughter to help with the tackle and food.
Lew is busy investigating the two deaths when she gets a frantic call that “Doc”‘s granddaughter is missing and so is one of Ray’s kayaks. Never a dull moment in Loon Lake which leaves very little time for fly fishing.
Ms. Houston’s love for fishing and the great outdoors again sings throughout story. The details unfold effortlessly and bring the rivers and forests to life. It would be so relaxing and calm if it wasn’t for those darn dead people. 🙂 She described the scene in the gentleman’s club as well, painting a picture of death I don’t think I will soon forget. A truly crazy way to die.
The main characters have become like friends over the series. For some reason I had in my head that Ray was older but that is neither here nor there. The are wonderfully real with every day issues in addition to the main plot. I liked getting to know Mason, Dr. Osborne’s granddaughter and that at just 11 years old she loves to fish with her grandpa, just like I did when I was that age. It was so easy to picture her in those waders. She has a harrowing experience that could change the way she feels but with the family she has to support her she seems to be alright.
The plot was crisp, with many suspects, due to some illegal shenanigans happening at the club. I was kept guessing right up until the end. Time passes quickly and so does the turning of the pages. It clearly portrays a small town that needs to call in a crime lab from a larger town to help them work the case. Of course the guy loves to fly fish so he is happy to help them out.
Another terrific escape from this author, just a few actual hours from home.
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning.
This time Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris is called to a gentleman’s club for two dead bodies. With the regular coroner is involved in a car accident on the way to the scene, Lew calls in “Doc” Osborne to look over the situation to determine if it was a freak accident or murder that left two people dead. She also calls in expert tracker, Ray Pradt, to advise on the case. Ray only has about an hour to scan the scene as he is coaching a team from the University of Wisconsin in a fishing tournament. He has even enlisted “Doc”‘s 11 year-old granddaughter to help with the tackle and food.
Lew is busy investigating the two deaths when she gets a frantic call that “Doc”‘s granddaughter is missing and so is one of Ray’s kayaks. Never a dull moment in Loon Lake which leaves very little time for fly fishing.
Ms. Houston’s love for fishing and the great outdoors again sings throughout story. The details unfold effortlessly and bring the rivers and forests to life. It would be so relaxing and calm if it wasn’t for those darn dead people. 🙂 She described the scene in the gentleman’s club as well, painting a picture of death I don’t think I will soon forget. A truly crazy way to die.
The main characters have become like friends over the series. For some reason I had in my head that Ray was older but that is neither here nor there. The are wonderfully real with every day issues in addition to the main plot. I liked getting to know Mason, Dr. Osborne’s granddaughter and that at just 11 years old she loves to fish with her grandpa, just like I did when I was that age. It was so easy to picture her in those waders. She has a harrowing experience that could change the way she feels but with the family she has to support her she seems to be alright.
The plot was crisp, with many suspects, due to some illegal shenanigans happening at the club. I was kept guessing right up until the end. Time passes quickly and so does the turning of the pages. It clearly portrays a small town that needs to call in a crime lab from a larger town to help them work the case. Of course the guy loves to fly fish so he is happy to help them out.
Another terrific escape from this author, just a few actual hours from home.
August 4, 2022
Definetely an unusual murder method. Dead Loudmouth by Victoria Houston is another humorous small town mystery. Although it seams that all the books have some rich or appearing rich people and some kind of inheritance, they all have a different twist.
October 13, 2017
Houston writes a pretty solid murder mystery with a twinge of police tactics and fishing references abound. She definitely sets herself apart from other murder mysteries due to her keen interest in fishing and the general down home appeal of her characters.
The synopsis of the 16th book in the series follows Chief Ferris on a hunt for a murderer that has crushed two people to death on a piano. Ferris finds through her investigation that there are many suspects with a motive to kill the two. With her sidekick Osborne, Ferris weaves through the mystery until the killer is found.
The story is short and therefore, fast paced. I found that the evidence was always right there so that took some of the fun away. Luckily, the characters are very well written and bring color to the story. Houston writes with a realistic stroke like I haven't seen in a while. Recommended for readers who like police driven murder mysteries in small fishing towns.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended!
*Received for free from publisher at Book Con 2016.
The synopsis of the 16th book in the series follows Chief Ferris on a hunt for a murderer that has crushed two people to death on a piano. Ferris finds through her investigation that there are many suspects with a motive to kill the two. With her sidekick Osborne, Ferris weaves through the mystery until the killer is found.
The story is short and therefore, fast paced. I found that the evidence was always right there so that took some of the fun away. Luckily, the characters are very well written and bring color to the story. Houston writes with a realistic stroke like I haven't seen in a while. Recommended for readers who like police driven murder mysteries in small fishing towns.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended!
*Received for free from publisher at Book Con 2016.
February 28, 2019
Hmmmm maybe I should try Muskie fishing.
June 15, 2018
Great Procedural
Let’s start with: don’t be scared about the #16. You can 100% jump in here and not feel lost at all, it reads as a standalone. Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris is called when two people are found dead in a strip club. The question is whether this was an accident that lead to a pretty embarrassing way to die, or murder. At just over 200 pages this is a quick, satisfying procedural that not only takes you into the process of solving the case but also follows the community. I rank this read as highly successful considering I have zero interest in fishing, and I loved the fishing community setting.
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: http://link.bookriot.com/view/56a8200...
Let’s start with: don’t be scared about the #16. You can 100% jump in here and not feel lost at all, it reads as a standalone. Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris is called when two people are found dead in a strip club. The question is whether this was an accident that lead to a pretty embarrassing way to die, or murder. At just over 200 pages this is a quick, satisfying procedural that not only takes you into the process of solving the case but also follows the community. I rank this read as highly successful considering I have zero interest in fishing, and I loved the fishing community setting.
--from Book Riot's Unusual Suspects newsletter: http://link.bookriot.com/view/56a8200...
June 17, 2016
From the publisher: It’s a bright summer morning in Loon Lake when Police Chief Lewellyn (“Lew”) Ferris is called to the scene of a horrific accident that occurred in the dead of night at a local “gentlemen’s club.” The club is owned by one of the victims, a member of the private Deer Creek Fishing and Hunting Club and the scion of a wealthy Wisconsin family. When the country coroner is unavailable due to a car accident, Chief Ferris deputizes her close friend and fellow fly-fisherman, retired dentist “Doc” Osborne, to step in. Osborne’s discovery of mysterious footprints confirms Chief Ferris’ suspicions. This is no accident; it’s murder. Leaning on Doc Osborne for his forensic and interrogation skills, Lew also hopes to enlist the help of Ray Pradt, fishing guide and expert tracker. But Ray’s time is limited as he is coaching Wisconsin State College’s fishing team in a muskie fishing tournament. Things get complicated when Doc Osborne’s granddaughter disappears on the first day of the tournament. Sunny June days turn dark as a desperate search ensues.
Lew’s ability to investigate the murders is hampered by the fact that she has only two full-time officers on her staff; and the assistance of Doc, Lew’s deputy coroner, is enabled primarily because he was the mayor’s brother-in-law. She finds no shortage of suspects, at least with regard to the dead woman; the second victim not so much. The Deer Creek Club is a fascinating entity: A private preserve, with three private lakes stocked with some of the Northwoods’ largest walleye and bass, it is off-limits to locals, including employees, it is comprised of over a thousand aces where never a living tree has been cut down.”
The setting is lovingly made palpable. Fishing is the background music running through the tale, as a preoccupation of the characters and most of the local residents. The characters are wonderfully vivid as well, especially Doc’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Mason. The plot is well-developed, and the novel as a whole is a perfect beach read; for those whose summer days include fishing, even more so. Recommended.
Lew’s ability to investigate the murders is hampered by the fact that she has only two full-time officers on her staff; and the assistance of Doc, Lew’s deputy coroner, is enabled primarily because he was the mayor’s brother-in-law. She finds no shortage of suspects, at least with regard to the dead woman; the second victim not so much. The Deer Creek Club is a fascinating entity: A private preserve, with three private lakes stocked with some of the Northwoods’ largest walleye and bass, it is off-limits to locals, including employees, it is comprised of over a thousand aces where never a living tree has been cut down.”
The setting is lovingly made palpable. Fishing is the background music running through the tale, as a preoccupation of the characters and most of the local residents. The characters are wonderfully vivid as well, especially Doc’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Mason. The plot is well-developed, and the novel as a whole is a perfect beach read; for those whose summer days include fishing, even more so. Recommended.
August 21, 2016
What a relief to spend a day reading about my favorite small town police chief! I just finished a 600+ page non-fiction book and a VERY silly 300+ page book for my book club. It was such fun to spend the day in Loon Lake with Lew, Doc and Ray!
November 30, 2020
Good story. Easy enough to read. Not so many characters you cant keep track. Small town talk and their small town habits is what I enjoyed, oddly. No ah-ha moments. Not a book you cant put down but I def wanted to keep reading. I found nothing annoying about it. Very straight-forward book with no twists or anything held back from readers like in a sherlock story. No big drama. I liked that I wasn't lead into thinking it was one character but then bam it was an unsuspecting person. Hate that because I often feel duped.
I liked that the killer was a person who had childhood emotional trauma and abuse and killed because of an emotional trigger by some loudmouth bitch that reminded him of his mother. But the great part was i didn't have to read or know about all the suffering he suffered. That is an emotional drain that turns me off in a book; recently i just haven't been able to tolerate that style.
I would read this author again.
I liked that the killer was a person who had childhood emotional trauma and abuse and killed because of an emotional trigger by some loudmouth bitch that reminded him of his mother. But the great part was i didn't have to read or know about all the suffering he suffered. That is an emotional drain that turns me off in a book; recently i just haven't been able to tolerate that style.
I would read this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2021
Loon Lake, because the denizens are flaming looney? Jeez what a group of who needed killing, and only two got their just desserts.
A man & woman are found dead atop each other, on top of a white grand piano that had been hoisted to the ceiling of a "gentleman's club"... being crushed to death. This is what was wrong: everything had been wiped clean of prints, but the murderer left footprints on the countertop when entering by the window. Made no sense to me.
It was easy to figure out who done it, but we never really got to know the victims or their ugliness as they were dead from the beginning of the book. So that made for their personalities to be hearsay.
I liked the main characters, they seemed to be good decent people... Even the description of fishing was entertaining, go figure. So I'll be reading more in this series.
A man & woman are found dead atop each other, on top of a white grand piano that had been hoisted to the ceiling of a "gentleman's club"... being crushed to death. This is what was wrong: everything had been wiped clean of prints, but the murderer left footprints on the countertop when entering by the window. Made no sense to me.
It was easy to figure out who done it, but we never really got to know the victims or their ugliness as they were dead from the beginning of the book. So that made for their personalities to be hearsay.
I liked the main characters, they seemed to be good decent people... Even the description of fishing was entertaining, go figure. So I'll be reading more in this series.
September 5, 2022
This was no where as good as the early Loon Lake mysteries but it was a decent installment. Still no real mystery. Someone dies (well two someones) Lew and Doc with some help from Ray solve the mystery, but just due to dumb luck. The reader has no hope of "figuring it out".
The reason this got the fourth star was because of the angle of having Doc's granddaughter working for Ray on the fishing tournament and Doc's attempt to outfit and promote her experience. And it ws time for a mindless read and that's what this provided.
These books are like young adult reading for adults. They are simply plotted, character development is minimal but when you want a friendly place they are there.
The reason this got the fourth star was because of the angle of having Doc's granddaughter working for Ray on the fishing tournament and Doc's attempt to outfit and promote her experience. And it ws time for a mindless read and that's what this provided.
These books are like young adult reading for adults. They are simply plotted, character development is minimal but when you want a friendly place they are there.
April 3, 2025
This series got off to a great start - the characters were likeable, the settings were enjoyable, the circumstances were believable. But as I read more and more of the series, little things started bugging me - time had passed, but characters didn't age... tiny stuff like that - It was almost as if Victoria Houston had contracted other writers to keep the stories going, and they didn't do their homework... or follow the style book... As I was reading these recovering from an illness, I was reading them one right after the other, so those inconsistencies would be more apparent....just my two cents.
June 30, 2018
The club owner and a stripper are found crushed against the ceiling of a "gentleman's club" by a piano that is raised and lowered for performances.
In the meantime, Doc's 11 year old granddaughter, Mason, is hired for $10 a day to help Ray lead a team of college boys in a fishing tournament. While attempting to catch the mother of all muskies, her borrowed kayak is dragged off the lake and up a stream. Seeking a telephone and shelter, she stumbles on a remote hunting cabin where she finds disturbing photos.
In the meantime, Doc's 11 year old granddaughter, Mason, is hired for $10 a day to help Ray lead a team of college boys in a fishing tournament. While attempting to catch the mother of all muskies, her borrowed kayak is dragged off the lake and up a stream. Seeking a telephone and shelter, she stumbles on a remote hunting cabin where she finds disturbing photos.
July 27, 2018
I always love a great Loon Lake story! They're great who-done-its and Doc and Lew are heart warmers for sure. This one had some elements that made me uneasy and squirmy. I always look forward to the next story from Victoria.
December 27, 2019
summer - 4th - dead couple on top of a piano, crushed to the ceiling! who pulled the lever? granddaughter is lost after hooking but losing big muskie, more success for fishing tourney college students
April 25, 2023
It’s another mystery for Lew the chief of police in a small town in northern WS. A couple was found together on a piano hanging from the ceiling in an entertainment building. How did they get there, accidentally or planned murder. Many possibilities but as always a surprise ending.
August 26, 2017
The mystery of who, why and how along with a storyline that seems innocent from the tragedy wraps everything up. I enjoyed this trip through the Wisconsin wilderness.
January 3, 2018
A most excellent 5 star read!
July 5, 2018
Another fun ride
The Loon Lake series is fun. This Book brings Doc's granddaughter into the plot which makes it very interesting. Enjoyable read.
The Loon Lake series is fun. This Book brings Doc's granddaughter into the plot which makes it very interesting. Enjoyable read.
July 2, 2022
Two bodies are found in a nightclub. Is it an accident or deliberate?
Chief Ferris and Dr. Osborne and the team have to figure out what happened.
Great series.
Chief Ferris and Dr. Osborne and the team have to figure out what happened.
Great series.
January 18, 2023
Mastery intense
Loved this episode of Lew, Doc, Ray and little Mason the Grandaughter. Another mystery making it hard to put this book down. Looking forward to boom 17.
Loved this episode of Lew, Doc, Ray and little Mason the Grandaughter. Another mystery making it hard to put this book down. Looking forward to boom 17.
January 28, 2023
Had me guessing until the end!
May 30, 2023
Another good installment in this series. I liked that it featured Docs granddaughter
June 6, 2023
Yes, sped through #15. Another good investigative yarn.
January 7, 2025
enjoyed the book...
April 26, 2016
Lewellyn (Lew) Ferris is the police chief of small town Loon Lake, Wisconsin. She's just getting comfortable in the fact that there hasn't been any crimes committed lately when she receives a phone call from her deputy Roger Adamczak that there's been what appears to be an accident: it seems a couple were crushed to death on a piano that was hoisted to the ceiling while they were in the middle of having sex (to be blunt).
It turns out the dead couple are Chet Wright and Tiffany Niedermeier. Chet is the owner of the club where they were found, and Tiffany was one of his employees. While what they were doing was obvious to anyone, why they were on the piano, and one that was connected to lines which allowed it to be hoisted to the ceiling, was not.
With the head coroner involved in an accident and in the hospital, Lew must depend on Dr. Paul "Doc" Osborne, deputy coroner, with certification of the deaths until the crime lab crew can arrive from Wausau to help out. Doc has helped her before; she depends on him noticing things she might have missed, and this case is no different. When finished examining the bodies, he notices something not readily visible: two sandy footprints on a table. When he brings it to the attention of Lew, she requests that Ray Pradt, a master tracker, to check a perimeter outside the club and see if he can find any more clues to who might be involved in the deaths.
Ray is also coaching the Wisconsin State College fishing team, and has offered Doc's granddaughter Mason a job helping out. Mason, eleven years old, is like her grandfather and enjoys fishing; she's excited to be doing this and eager to learn in the process.
But as Lew carries on the investigation, learning that it wasn't an accident but a double homicide, she also learns that there are people who may have wanted Chet Wright dead: his widow Karen, on whom he had been cheating for some time; and three friends whom he had been defrauding. But what surprises her is that there are even more who might have wanted Tiffany dead: her co-worker Nina Krezminski, for one, and, as it turns out, everyone else she came in contact with. Tiffany, by all accounts, was not a nice person, and nobody seemed to like her - except Chet. Which makes for a very interesting situation that Lew is left to untangle.
But Lew gets a break when a deer cam is found in a tree outside the club, with its camera trained on the back entrance. When it is discovered that the camera belongs to Joyce Harmon, the janitor who found the bodies, Lew thinks she might have gotten a break. But Joyce explains that she bought the camera because her supervisor, Fred Smith, is looking for a reason to fire her, and she needs the job. Fred, for his part, has known Chet's widow Karen since they were children and Karen saved him from a fire at his home. But what is also discovered on the camera is someone who was entering the club on the night of the murders; but since the person was covered head to foot and never faced the camera, it makes her job no easier than before; she still needs to discover if there is anything in the image on the camera that will help her find the killer.
To complicate matters, while Mason is working for Ray, she goes missing; and the murder investigation is temporarily suspended to find her, leaving Doc Osborne frightened and desperate, and Ray and his boys searching along with the police to locate her...
This was an excellent mystery. While not deeply enmeshed in suspense, it was well written and the characters are fleshed out and convincing. We sympathize with Doc when he agonizes over his granddaughter; we see the way Lew is sifting through clues and trying to come up with answers. It makes for a very good book, with people who are interesting and who you might want to spend time with.
Sometimes you have to ignore letting others in on the plot because in doing so would give too much away in solving the murder, and this is one of those books. Suffice it to say that when the murderer was discovered, it made sense while at the same time seeming rather sad. This book is the 16th Loon Lake book, and proves that a series need not become stale as it grows. Highly recommended.
http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016...
It turns out the dead couple are Chet Wright and Tiffany Niedermeier. Chet is the owner of the club where they were found, and Tiffany was one of his employees. While what they were doing was obvious to anyone, why they were on the piano, and one that was connected to lines which allowed it to be hoisted to the ceiling, was not.
With the head coroner involved in an accident and in the hospital, Lew must depend on Dr. Paul "Doc" Osborne, deputy coroner, with certification of the deaths until the crime lab crew can arrive from Wausau to help out. Doc has helped her before; she depends on him noticing things she might have missed, and this case is no different. When finished examining the bodies, he notices something not readily visible: two sandy footprints on a table. When he brings it to the attention of Lew, she requests that Ray Pradt, a master tracker, to check a perimeter outside the club and see if he can find any more clues to who might be involved in the deaths.
Ray is also coaching the Wisconsin State College fishing team, and has offered Doc's granddaughter Mason a job helping out. Mason, eleven years old, is like her grandfather and enjoys fishing; she's excited to be doing this and eager to learn in the process.
But as Lew carries on the investigation, learning that it wasn't an accident but a double homicide, she also learns that there are people who may have wanted Chet Wright dead: his widow Karen, on whom he had been cheating for some time; and three friends whom he had been defrauding. But what surprises her is that there are even more who might have wanted Tiffany dead: her co-worker Nina Krezminski, for one, and, as it turns out, everyone else she came in contact with. Tiffany, by all accounts, was not a nice person, and nobody seemed to like her - except Chet. Which makes for a very interesting situation that Lew is left to untangle.
But Lew gets a break when a deer cam is found in a tree outside the club, with its camera trained on the back entrance. When it is discovered that the camera belongs to Joyce Harmon, the janitor who found the bodies, Lew thinks she might have gotten a break. But Joyce explains that she bought the camera because her supervisor, Fred Smith, is looking for a reason to fire her, and she needs the job. Fred, for his part, has known Chet's widow Karen since they were children and Karen saved him from a fire at his home. But what is also discovered on the camera is someone who was entering the club on the night of the murders; but since the person was covered head to foot and never faced the camera, it makes her job no easier than before; she still needs to discover if there is anything in the image on the camera that will help her find the killer.
To complicate matters, while Mason is working for Ray, she goes missing; and the murder investigation is temporarily suspended to find her, leaving Doc Osborne frightened and desperate, and Ray and his boys searching along with the police to locate her...
This was an excellent mystery. While not deeply enmeshed in suspense, it was well written and the characters are fleshed out and convincing. We sympathize with Doc when he agonizes over his granddaughter; we see the way Lew is sifting through clues and trying to come up with answers. It makes for a very good book, with people who are interesting and who you might want to spend time with.
Sometimes you have to ignore letting others in on the plot because in doing so would give too much away in solving the murder, and this is one of those books. Suffice it to say that when the murderer was discovered, it made sense while at the same time seeming rather sad. This book is the 16th Loon Lake book, and proves that a series need not become stale as it grows. Highly recommended.
http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2016
An unusual look at what makes people respond to others' actions, all with the usual poetic prose of Houston's excellent series set in the Wisconsin Northwoods where more than just hunting and fishing prevail. As always, Chief of Police Lew Ferris and her deputized fishing buddies, Dr. Osborne and Ray Pradt, put aside their fishing poles to look into the nefarious actions of humans, who are more dangerous than the wildlife that surrounds their town of Loon Lake.
"He could hear the rustle of trees preparing for the moon's arrival." I just love the author's descriptions of scenes in nature. From the start of having an owl watching an intruder to the description of Buster, the monster fish that almost takes away Doc Osborne's grandchild, the book is resplendent with nature. Underlying all of these scenes is the very real nastiness of human nature. But, then, would we have mystery series, cozy or not, without that?
Houston's Loon Lake series is always a delight. Each book is as calm and comforting as the wonderful fishing scenes that are an important backdrop to the mystery.
"He could hear the rustle of trees preparing for the moon's arrival." I just love the author's descriptions of scenes in nature. From the start of having an owl watching an intruder to the description of Buster, the monster fish that almost takes away Doc Osborne's grandchild, the book is resplendent with nature. Underlying all of these scenes is the very real nastiness of human nature. But, then, would we have mystery series, cozy or not, without that?
Houston's Loon Lake series is always a delight. Each book is as calm and comforting as the wonderful fishing scenes that are an important backdrop to the mystery.
February 9, 2017
I love the characters and setting, and have read the entire series. The plots are intriguing, and as the series has matured there are fewer repetitive characters (moon-faced, with straight black hair like a cap), and regionalisms in speech (some are good, too many seem hokey). More attentive editing would avoid having Doc Osborne's daughter Erin's pretty Victorian house located in Loon Lake and simultaneously "right across town" (p 89) from character Irene Niedermeier, who lives on the "west side of Rhinelander" (p 82). That said, I look forward to enjoying the company of my friends from Loon Lake and rejoicing in the developing relationship between Doc and Loon Lake Police Chief Lew Ferris in future installments.
May 27, 2016
You can't go wrong with a Loon Lake Mystery!
I have read all sixteen books in the Loon Lake Fishing Mystery series. If you like mysteries that are a little light hearted, if you like fishing in the great white north, then you will enjoy these books. I wait for every new book in this series with the Doc, Ray Pratt "the loveable fishing guide who's a bit of a scoundrel", and Chief Lewellyn Ferris. Give this series a try!
I have read all sixteen books in the Loon Lake Fishing Mystery series. If you like mysteries that are a little light hearted, if you like fishing in the great white north, then you will enjoy these books. I wait for every new book in this series with the Doc, Ray Pratt "the loveable fishing guide who's a bit of a scoundrel", and Chief Lewellyn Ferris. Give this series a try!
June 3, 2016
Sheriff Lew Ferris is called to a bizarre scene at a local club. Two naked people have been crushed to death while on top of a piano that was mechanically lifted to the ceiling. Apparently there was no safeguard in place to stop it. Was it an accident or a murder? That's up to Lew to find out.
I enjoy the Loon Lake series. Mixed in with the investigation there are always interesting characters and information about fishing.
I enjoy the Loon Lake series. Mixed in with the investigation there are always interesting characters and information about fishing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2016
Another book in The Loon Lake Mystery Series set in my hometown area of Rhinelander, Wis. The Author Victoria Houston was raised in Rhinelander and was a classmate of mine. I have a hard time waiting for the next book about Chief Lewellyn Ferris, the Police Chief, Doc Osborne her side kick and Ray Pradt, a fishing guide and expert tracker and the next mystery that occurs in Loon Lake!
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