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An Amanda Doucette Mystery #1
Fire in the Stars
A former aid worker returns home haunted by her time in Africa and channels her pain into a murder investigation that’s all too personal.
After surviving a horrific trauma in Nigeria, international aid worker Amanda Doucette returns to Canada to rebuild her life and her shaken ideals. There, the once-passionate, adventurous woman needs all her strength and ingenuity when a friend and fellow survivor goes missing along with his son.
A trained first-aid and crisis responder, Doucette ― always accompanied by her beloved dog Kaylee ― joins forces with RCMP officer Chris Tymko to discover the truth about the disappearance. Their search leads them to the Great Northern Peninsula, a rugged landscape of Viking history, icebergs, whales, and fierce ocean storms. Elsewhere, a body gets hauled up in a fisherman’s net, and evidence is mounting of an unsettling connection with Amanda’s search for her friend. Fradkin writes evocatively of the beautiful, often hostile, Newfoundland landscape where Amanda soon finds herself fighting for her very survival.
After surviving a horrific trauma in Nigeria, international aid worker Amanda Doucette returns to Canada to rebuild her life and her shaken ideals. There, the once-passionate, adventurous woman needs all her strength and ingenuity when a friend and fellow survivor goes missing along with his son.
A trained first-aid and crisis responder, Doucette ― always accompanied by her beloved dog Kaylee ― joins forces with RCMP officer Chris Tymko to discover the truth about the disappearance. Their search leads them to the Great Northern Peninsula, a rugged landscape of Viking history, icebergs, whales, and fierce ocean storms. Elsewhere, a body gets hauled up in a fisherman’s net, and evidence is mounting of an unsettling connection with Amanda’s search for her friend. Fradkin writes evocatively of the beautiful, often hostile, Newfoundland landscape where Amanda soon finds herself fighting for her very survival.
328 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2016
About the author
Barbara Fradkin
29 books170 followersBarbara Fradkin (nee Currie), an award-winning Canadian mystery writer and retired psychologist whose work with children and families provides ample inspiration for murder. She is fascinated by the dark side and by the desperate choices people make.
Her novels are gritty, realistic, and psychological, with a blend of mystery and suspense. She is the author of three series, including ten novels featuring the exasperating, quixotic Ottawa Police Inspector Michael Green, and three short novels about country handyman Cedric O'Toole which provide an entertaining but quick and easy read. FIRE IN THE STARS is the first book in her new mystery thriller series which stars passionate, adventurous, but traumatized aid worker Amanda Doucette.
Fradkin's work has been nominated for numerous awards, and two of the Inspector Green books have won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel from Crime Writers of Canada. Fradkin was born in Montreal but lives in Ottawa.
Series:
* Inspector Green Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2005): Fifth Son
◊ Best Novel (2007): Honour Among Men
Her novels are gritty, realistic, and psychological, with a blend of mystery and suspense. She is the author of three series, including ten novels featuring the exasperating, quixotic Ottawa Police Inspector Michael Green, and three short novels about country handyman Cedric O'Toole which provide an entertaining but quick and easy read. FIRE IN THE STARS is the first book in her new mystery thriller series which stars passionate, adventurous, but traumatized aid worker Amanda Doucette.
Fradkin's work has been nominated for numerous awards, and two of the Inspector Green books have won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel from Crime Writers of Canada. Fradkin was born in Montreal but lives in Ottawa.
Series:
* Inspector Green Mystery
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2005): Fifth Son
◊ Best Novel (2007): Honour Among Men
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 26, 2023
Amanda ist Mitte dreißig, war Entwicklungshelferin in Nigeria und liebt ihre Hündin Kaylee sowie ihr Motorrad. Zurück in Kanada möchte sie mit ihrem Kollegen Phil, der gemeinsam mit ihr in Nigeria war, eine Tour durch Kanadas Wildnis machen. Die Reise soll den beiden helfen, ihre traumatischen Erlebnisse als Entwicklungshelfer in Nigeria zu verarbeiten. Doch zum vereinbarten Treffpunkt taucht Phil nicht auf. Er und sein 11-jähriger Sohn Tyler gelten als vermisst. Amanda ist beunruhigt und macht sich auf die Suche.
***
Mein Leseeindruck:
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen! Der Großteil der Handlung spielt in der Wildnis Kanadas, was für mich neu und sehr interessant war. Die Beschreibungen der unberührten Natur haben mich dabei faszinieren können.
Die Krimihandlung konnte mich ebenfalls überzeugen. Einmal geht es natürlich um die Suche nach Phil und seinem Sohn Tyler, gleichzeitig wird aus dem Meer ein Toter gefischt. Es ist spannend zu verfolgen, welche Zusammenhänge sich nach und nach dem Leser offenbaren.
Amanda ist dabei eine sehr interessante Protagonistin. Sie ist eine sehr starke und eigensinnige Frau, die ihren eigenen Willen hat. Mir hat es Spaß gemacht, sie eine Weile zu begleiten.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist ebenfalls sehr angenehm. Das Buch hat sich leicht und flüssig lesen lassen. Die Story ist schlüssig, spannend und das Setting einfach grandios.
Ich kann diesen Kanada-Krimi auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen!
***
Mein Leseeindruck:
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen! Der Großteil der Handlung spielt in der Wildnis Kanadas, was für mich neu und sehr interessant war. Die Beschreibungen der unberührten Natur haben mich dabei faszinieren können.
Die Krimihandlung konnte mich ebenfalls überzeugen. Einmal geht es natürlich um die Suche nach Phil und seinem Sohn Tyler, gleichzeitig wird aus dem Meer ein Toter gefischt. Es ist spannend zu verfolgen, welche Zusammenhänge sich nach und nach dem Leser offenbaren.
Amanda ist dabei eine sehr interessante Protagonistin. Sie ist eine sehr starke und eigensinnige Frau, die ihren eigenen Willen hat. Mir hat es Spaß gemacht, sie eine Weile zu begleiten.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist ebenfalls sehr angenehm. Das Buch hat sich leicht und flüssig lesen lassen. Die Story ist schlüssig, spannend und das Setting einfach grandios.
Ich kann diesen Kanada-Krimi auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen!
September 3, 2016
I enjoyed reading this mystery/thriller. Amanda Doucette is a former aid worker who was in Nigeria during some of the worst massacres of innocent women and children. She is is still haunted by memories of those terrible times. But she has been gradually getting over her grief with the help of counseling. She gets an invitation from her friend Phil, another aid worker who is also suffering from the trauma of those days. Phil refused all counseling and has become moody and withdrawn from his wife and son. Phil decides to go on a camping trip with Tyler, his 11 year old son and Amanda. Amanda has driven up to Newfoundland from mainland Canada to meet Phil. But when she gets off the ferry, Phil is not there to meet her. She goes to Phil's house and finds that Phil has left with Tyler, leaving his wife, Sheri, with no idea of their destination, except someplace on the wild, rugged northern peninsula of Newfoundland.
Meanwhile, a fishing boat out of St. Anthony, almost at the top of the peninsula, has pulled up a dead body in its net. There are a couple more murders and they are all explained with a very good ending.
Pros: The author has done a lot of research on Newfoundland, including dialect, which sounds authentic(I have never been there), search and rescue procedures and police procedures/jurisdiction. The police officers are all from the RCMP and none from the RNC(Royal Newfoundland Constabulary) which is not a province wide police force. RCMP provides police services to most rural areas in Newfoundland.
Cons: Occasional formatting problems, i.e., split words and uneven line drops in the middle of a sentence.
One quote: "And the ocean...dancing, undulating, like onyx glittering with stars."
A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn the publisher and the author for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Meanwhile, a fishing boat out of St. Anthony, almost at the top of the peninsula, has pulled up a dead body in its net. There are a couple more murders and they are all explained with a very good ending.
Pros: The author has done a lot of research on Newfoundland, including dialect, which sounds authentic(I have never been there), search and rescue procedures and police procedures/jurisdiction. The police officers are all from the RCMP and none from the RNC(Royal Newfoundland Constabulary) which is not a province wide police force. RCMP provides police services to most rural areas in Newfoundland.
Cons: Occasional formatting problems, i.e., split words and uneven line drops in the middle of a sentence.
One quote: "And the ocean...dancing, undulating, like onyx glittering with stars."
A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn the publisher and the author for this ARC in return for an honest review.
July 29, 2020
3.5 stars
January 19, 2018
Excellent book. I loved that it took place in Newfoundland, and I could follow the trip in my mind as I know where all the places are located. The author kept my interest right til the end. The characters are very realistic and this story could very easily have happened in real life. I recommend this book for sure.
July 4, 2018
3.5 stars
This is the first book in the Amanda Doucette series. It was enjoyable, fast paced and action packed, with a satisfactory conclusion. I have already started reading its follow up, the Trickster’s Lullaby, as I can’t wait to see where her next adventure takes her and in what dangers she finds herself.
Amanda is brave, determined and resourceful but tends to be impulsive and reckless. She was an aid worker in Cambodia and Northern Nigeria. There was a bloody slaughter in Nigeria and she has not entirely recovered from the massacre she observed. She has received counseling and is improving, unlike her friend, Phil, who suffers from PTSD and refused psychiatric help. They formed a bond and promised to help each other with the after effects of the trauma.
Phil writes Amanda, inviting her to go on a camping trip with him in his home province of Newfoundland. When she arrives from the mainland by ferry, Phil is not there to meet her as expected. There is no message and he does not answer his phone. His wife says he left several days earlier to go camping with their young son. She has no idea where they are and that he is unreliable and moody.
Amanda, with her faithful dog Kaylee, and befriended and helped by a Mountie, Chris, go in search of Phil and his son. Their search leads them to the Northern tip-off Newfoundland with its forests, spectacular coastline with small, isolated fishing villages. The setting with its rugged landscape, rough sea and cold, damp weather keeps the reader immersed in the locations. This is wonderful descriptive writing. I wish a map had be included to follow the places they visit.
As they search and question locals along the way, bodies start turning up. Those who have seen them describe Phil as angry and ignoring his promise to his son to see whales, puffins and ice bergs. He wants a boat to take them to most isolated areas. He was seen in the vicinity where an old hermit was brutally murdered. The RCMP suspect Phil and think he is on the run. Amanda has faith in Phil’s innocence but is concerned for the wellbeing of the boy. She is determined to locate him before the police do. She may be getting into a dangerous complicated case where she needs to be rescued herself.
I hope to read the subsequent books in the series.
This is the first book in the Amanda Doucette series. It was enjoyable, fast paced and action packed, with a satisfactory conclusion. I have already started reading its follow up, the Trickster’s Lullaby, as I can’t wait to see where her next adventure takes her and in what dangers she finds herself.
Amanda is brave, determined and resourceful but tends to be impulsive and reckless. She was an aid worker in Cambodia and Northern Nigeria. There was a bloody slaughter in Nigeria and she has not entirely recovered from the massacre she observed. She has received counseling and is improving, unlike her friend, Phil, who suffers from PTSD and refused psychiatric help. They formed a bond and promised to help each other with the after effects of the trauma.
Phil writes Amanda, inviting her to go on a camping trip with him in his home province of Newfoundland. When she arrives from the mainland by ferry, Phil is not there to meet her as expected. There is no message and he does not answer his phone. His wife says he left several days earlier to go camping with their young son. She has no idea where they are and that he is unreliable and moody.
Amanda, with her faithful dog Kaylee, and befriended and helped by a Mountie, Chris, go in search of Phil and his son. Their search leads them to the Northern tip-off Newfoundland with its forests, spectacular coastline with small, isolated fishing villages. The setting with its rugged landscape, rough sea and cold, damp weather keeps the reader immersed in the locations. This is wonderful descriptive writing. I wish a map had be included to follow the places they visit.
As they search and question locals along the way, bodies start turning up. Those who have seen them describe Phil as angry and ignoring his promise to his son to see whales, puffins and ice bergs. He wants a boat to take them to most isolated areas. He was seen in the vicinity where an old hermit was brutally murdered. The RCMP suspect Phil and think he is on the run. Amanda has faith in Phil’s innocence but is concerned for the wellbeing of the boy. She is determined to locate him before the police do. She may be getting into a dangerous complicated case where she needs to be rescued herself.
I hope to read the subsequent books in the series.
September 21, 2016
I read a book in Barbara Fradkin’s Inspector Green series some time ago. I enjoyed it a lot – impressed I was able to pick up a book mid-series and not feel as if I’d missed a thing.
The Canadian doesn’t have much of a profile here in Australia but her name recently leapt out at me and I eagerly requested her latest release, which is seemingly (from the subtitle) part of a new series.
Not only did it appeal because I was familiar with Fradkin’s work but the lead character, Amanda Doucette was a former aid worker and has returned to Canada to rebuild her life after a traumatic experience in Nigeria. Although I didn’t see death and first violence first-hand – which Amanda and her long-term friend Phil did – I spent several years of my life working in a similar setting so was drawn in immediately.
Amanda’s been back for a year and still struggling but meeting her friend Phil so they can share some memories and remain in touch. When she arrives however she discovers Phil’s already left on ‘their’ trip with his son. Phil’s wife doesn’t believe he’d harm their son, but Amanda sets off after them… concerned about Phil’s state of mind. She’s joined by RCMP officer Chris Tymko and naturally we wait with bated breath for the inevitable romance to blossom.
Thankfully Fradkin doesn’t fall into the cliché of a love / hate relationship… instead the pair work well together and the attraction is there but minimal.
However it’s not long before bodies start to mount and Amanda wonders if the Phil she knew would be capable of violence if under extreme pressure.
Fradkin creates a great character in Amanda. We’re mostly in her (and Chris’s) heads and both are likeable. Amanda’s very self-aware and – though still impacted by her experiences – she’s resilient and independent. Fradkin introduces a cast of quaint and amicable locals the pair meet as they scamper about the countryside; and there are a few bristling cop types, who don’t appreciate Chris’s interference…. Particularly given he’s officially on leave.
She doesn’t keep things light either… eventually sharing Amanda’s experiences in Nigeria and touching on refugees and illegal immigrants.
I’d definitely read more in this series though interested to see where Fradkin will take Amanda next.
I received a copy of this from the publisher for review purposes.
3.5 stars
The Canadian doesn’t have much of a profile here in Australia but her name recently leapt out at me and I eagerly requested her latest release, which is seemingly (from the subtitle) part of a new series.
Not only did it appeal because I was familiar with Fradkin’s work but the lead character, Amanda Doucette was a former aid worker and has returned to Canada to rebuild her life after a traumatic experience in Nigeria. Although I didn’t see death and first violence first-hand – which Amanda and her long-term friend Phil did – I spent several years of my life working in a similar setting so was drawn in immediately.
Amanda’s been back for a year and still struggling but meeting her friend Phil so they can share some memories and remain in touch. When she arrives however she discovers Phil’s already left on ‘their’ trip with his son. Phil’s wife doesn’t believe he’d harm their son, but Amanda sets off after them… concerned about Phil’s state of mind. She’s joined by RCMP officer Chris Tymko and naturally we wait with bated breath for the inevitable romance to blossom.
Thankfully Fradkin doesn’t fall into the cliché of a love / hate relationship… instead the pair work well together and the attraction is there but minimal.
However it’s not long before bodies start to mount and Amanda wonders if the Phil she knew would be capable of violence if under extreme pressure.
Fradkin creates a great character in Amanda. We’re mostly in her (and Chris’s) heads and both are likeable. Amanda’s very self-aware and – though still impacted by her experiences – she’s resilient and independent. Fradkin introduces a cast of quaint and amicable locals the pair meet as they scamper about the countryside; and there are a few bristling cop types, who don’t appreciate Chris’s interference…. Particularly given he’s officially on leave.
She doesn’t keep things light either… eventually sharing Amanda’s experiences in Nigeria and touching on refugees and illegal immigrants.
I’d definitely read more in this series though interested to see where Fradkin will take Amanda next.
I received a copy of this from the publisher for review purposes.
3.5 stars
November 8, 2019
This is a gripping thriller playing in the vastness of Newfoundland. It points out that post-traumatic needs can lead to great misfortune. On the one hand it affects two development workers who have experienced very bad things in Nigeria under the Boko Haram, on the other hand it shows the fate of the refugees who are being misused by human trafficker.
Amanda has agreed with Phil to take a tour of Newfoundland's vast expanse to work through their accomplishments in Nigeria. When she arrives in Newfoundland, Phil disappeared without a trace with his son Tyler. Amanda goes with the help of Chris Tymko in search. They experience nasty surprises.
The story is told exciting and makes you very thoughtful.
(4½)
Amanda has agreed with Phil to take a tour of Newfoundland's vast expanse to work through their accomplishments in Nigeria. When she arrives in Newfoundland, Phil disappeared without a trace with his son Tyler. Amanda goes with the help of Chris Tymko in search. They experience nasty surprises.
The story is told exciting and makes you very thoughtful.
(4½)
February 20, 2026
Book club read - not something I would usually read myself.
There were a lot of good things in this book - I liked the 2 main characters, the Newfoundland back drop, and the slow reveal of what happened in Nigeria. However, there also felt like there was something missing for me too. Some of the story was a bit repetitive, and it felt at times like there was too much going on to bulk the story out and it got a bit muddled.
There were a lot of good things in this book - I liked the 2 main characters, the Newfoundland back drop, and the slow reveal of what happened in Nigeria. However, there also felt like there was something missing for me too. Some of the story was a bit repetitive, and it felt at times like there was too much going on to bulk the story out and it got a bit muddled.
June 15, 2018
I liked this book but just okay for me. The part I liked most was the scenery in Newfoundland. Especially since I am going to be visiting part of that country in the next year. The scenery was definitely the highlight of the story for me. Some of the characters I liked, but the last third of the book and how it all ended up didn't quite sit right with me. The story of refugees made my heart tender. The story of how these people sacrifice all to get out of their country is quite stirring. I never got the whole story (for me at least) of why Africa had become such an impact in the main character's lives. You hear bits and pieces of it, but I never felt like I got why it was so impactful. It was suspenseful which I enjoyed, but not sure it was memorable.
July 19, 2018
This was really good and satisfying. Amanda Doucette is a complex, fully-drawn character who's got flaws and courage and heart. I also really hope we see more of Chris Tymko in the next book. The police procedural pieces of the book were really well done (flaws in this will take me out of a mystery faster than anything else - yes I'm looking at you Louise Penny). And the setting and depiction of the wild Newfoundland landscape was really gorgeously done.
I got a little tired of the dog being an essentially plot device and the wandering around the wilderness just missing being found, but that's a fairly minor quibble. Moving right along to the next book in the series.
I got a little tired of the dog being an essentially plot device and the wandering around the wilderness just missing being found, but that's a fairly minor quibble. Moving right along to the next book in the series.
January 2, 2023
This book was recommended by a friend who knew I loved mystery series and Newfoundland. I did enjoy the setting and while some of the references to the 'quaint cultures and customs' of NL were a tad overdone in my opinion, it was fun to have a mystery set in one of my favourite provinces. I found I was intrigued as to what happened until the end but, for me, I did find the storytelling and description a bit repetitive. However, it is a first novel in this series so I will certainly give the next one a try.
May 8, 2017
The Newfoundland setting was both unusual and interesting. The heroine's backstory (aid worker in war-torn Nigeria) also added a different dimension. Other than that, your basic good detective story.
January 28, 2016
An exciting new series from Barbara Fradkin -- Set in the beautiful back country of Canada.
November 27, 2017
Sometimes stories are more complicated than they need to be.
September 13, 2018
First of a trilogy. This one set in Newfoundland. Very interesting.
October 13, 2016
After a traumatic stint in Nigeria which has left Amanda Doucette with PTSD, she and her dog Kailey go to Newfoundland to meet Phil, her good friend and fellow aid worker in Nigeria. They were planning a trip into the wilderness to try and find some solace from each other and nature. Phil doesn't show and Amanfda finds out from his wife that he has taken their 11-year old son and disappeared.
What follows is a desperate search in the wilds of Newfoundland. The descriptions of the wild, untamed land and ocean are perfect, you feel you're there; with the threat of wild animals and being lost keeping you uneasy even in the safety of your bed. Wonderfully atmospheric, it's a mystery and adventure story that will keep you reading late into the night. Can't wait for the next adventure!
Thank you, Netgalley, Dundurn and Barbara Fradkin for the ARC.
What follows is a desperate search in the wilds of Newfoundland. The descriptions of the wild, untamed land and ocean are perfect, you feel you're there; with the threat of wild animals and being lost keeping you uneasy even in the safety of your bed. Wonderfully atmospheric, it's a mystery and adventure story that will keep you reading late into the night. Can't wait for the next adventure!
Thank you, Netgalley, Dundurn and Barbara Fradkin for the ARC.
February 25, 2020
cripes, read it straight through!
January 20, 2022
Comincia bene anche se sottotono questo mystery/thriller ambientato nella provincia Canadese di Newfoundland, poi si allunga e si perde, si perde come il viaggio della protagonista nelle terre desolate del nord.
Amanda e Phil hanno deciso di andare in campeggio assieme nelle terre selvagge per riprendersi da un trauma che hanno vissuto assieme in Nigeria.
Phil non si presenta all'appuntamento e Amanda, alla ricerca di notizie, si presenta a casa di Phil , la cui moglie la accoglie con sospetto reputandola la causa iniziale del viaggio di Phil in Africa.
Phil è partito con il figlio 11enne e il resto del libro segue amanda (e una serie di personaggi comprimari) sulle tracce di Phil e dell'intricata quanto improbabile vicenda in cui è rimasto coinvolto.
Molte cose strane e improbabili ed una trama in cui sembra esserci "troppo" con il traffico umano a cui siamo abituati nel mediterraneo e dei curdi finiti in Canada per nave con un trafficante russo. Non convince, sembra surreale e le parti piacevoli del libro rimangono slegate dal contesto narrativo.
Amanda e Phil hanno deciso di andare in campeggio assieme nelle terre selvagge per riprendersi da un trauma che hanno vissuto assieme in Nigeria.
Phil non si presenta all'appuntamento e Amanda, alla ricerca di notizie, si presenta a casa di Phil , la cui moglie la accoglie con sospetto reputandola la causa iniziale del viaggio di Phil in Africa.
Phil è partito con il figlio 11enne e il resto del libro segue amanda (e una serie di personaggi comprimari) sulle tracce di Phil e dell'intricata quanto improbabile vicenda in cui è rimasto coinvolto.
Molte cose strane e improbabili ed una trama in cui sembra esserci "troppo" con il traffico umano a cui siamo abituati nel mediterraneo e dei curdi finiti in Canada per nave con un trafficante russo. Non convince, sembra surreale e le parti piacevoli del libro rimangono slegate dal contesto narrativo.
August 7, 2016
Amanda Doucette is recovering from her aid stint in Nigeria and the violence of the Boko Haram that ended it. She knows her friend Phil, who lived through the same harrowing time, is still struggling with the memories, so they've hatched a plan to head into the wilderness of Newfoundland and try to reconnect with nature. But when Phil doesn't meet her at the ferry, Amanda begins an ever more desperate search for her troubled friend.
An interesting mystery and cracking adventure, Fire in the Stars kept me engaged and reading fast to find out what happened next. The rugged island and people of Newfoundland feature prominently, and by the end of the book I felt like I'd visited this easternmost province of Canada. I found it an especially good read to take my mind away from a humid summer day.
I received this book as an electronic advance reader copy courtesy of Dundurn Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting mystery and cracking adventure, Fire in the Stars kept me engaged and reading fast to find out what happened next. The rugged island and people of Newfoundland feature prominently, and by the end of the book I felt like I'd visited this easternmost province of Canada. I found it an especially good read to take my mind away from a humid summer day.
I received this book as an electronic advance reader copy courtesy of Dundurn Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2017
I always look forward to a book by Barbara Fradkin, and this one did not disappointment. This is the first in a new series, which is always interesting. Not that I don't love Inspector Green!
Set in Newfoundland, the story stats out with Amanda Doucette setting out to meet an old friend Philip for a hiking/camping trip in the rugged interior. Both have been through a traumatic experience in Nigeria, where they were foreign aid workers , and they barely made it out alive. This sort of thing melds a deep bond.
But Philip does not show up. She finds out he has disappeared, taking her young son with him. Amanda is determined to find him, and little by little she works her way along his trail.
I loved the sense of place in this story, the smell if the salty air, the rocks and gorse and all! Some may think it is less mystery and more adventure, but it is a great read, and that is enough for me!
Set in Newfoundland, the story stats out with Amanda Doucette setting out to meet an old friend Philip for a hiking/camping trip in the rugged interior. Both have been through a traumatic experience in Nigeria, where they were foreign aid workers , and they barely made it out alive. This sort of thing melds a deep bond.
But Philip does not show up. She finds out he has disappeared, taking her young son with him. Amanda is determined to find him, and little by little she works her way along his trail.
I loved the sense of place in this story, the smell if the salty air, the rocks and gorse and all! Some may think it is less mystery and more adventure, but it is a great read, and that is enough for me!
June 16, 2020
I was looking for a new Canadian mystery writer of the same ilk as Brenda Chapman -Sorely disappointed -I did not engage with any of the characters -in fact I downright disliked a lot of them -The story did not have a lot of relevance -nor intrigue-the terrorist element did not seem realistic-Flashbacks to African Nigeria -seemed obtuse -Though the backdrop of Newfoundland terrain appealed somewhat -it was not enough for me to want to read another -by this author-
November 3, 2017
Entertaining mystery that takes place in Newfoundland. The author obviously had lots of help with the local geography and the local customs, which made the story more authentic and at times amusing. Covering issues that are important currently in the world added a nice twist to the plot. All in all a very good read.
December 8, 2019
The characters were realistic. The setting beautifully described, so beautifully I want to visit. But, I just did not like the book.
It was not captivating enough. It was like watching a crime drama on tv. One that hits all the plot points with sufficient angst. Really not my thing in a book. I do like it on tv though.
It was not captivating enough. It was like watching a crime drama on tv. One that hits all the plot points with sufficient angst. Really not my thing in a book. I do like it on tv though.
August 7, 2017
Enjoyed this book a lot and will look for other books by this author. Her description of Newfoundland landscape was vivid as is her sense of the place and people. The impact of PDST on the lead characters was a twist that added to the suspense. A good read!
August 30, 2020
Gave this an extra star, due to:
- vivid description of Newfoundland.
- treatment of human trafficking
- treatment of PTSD
- general humanity
Reading was quite stressful though. I may not be up for more like this.
- vivid description of Newfoundland.
- treatment of human trafficking
- treatment of PTSD
- general humanity
Reading was quite stressful though. I may not be up for more like this.
July 14, 2016
Another solid mystery from Barbara Fradkin. I like this new set of characters and hope to see them again.
August 11, 2016
“Fire in the Stars” is a quick read. However, I found the actions in the storyline implausible and the characters flat.
good luck
**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
good luck
**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
January 24, 2018
This book needed a map!! It talks so much about geography and focuses a lot on travel that it would have been so great to have a visual of where this was taking place.
February 7, 2020
Was very interesting in the beginning but soon became so far fetched that I struggled to finish it.
January 31, 2022
Too much talk about the dog doing nothing noteworthy, too many deeply existential questions, too much self talk. Also, way too much talk about cell service.
Life's too short.
Life's too short.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews