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It is winter in the San Juan Islands. For investigative reporter Adele Plank it is also a season of death and mystery that finds her seeking answers following the unexpected loss of one of the island community's own. Adele journeys by land and sea looking for pieces to an increasingly complicated and dangerous puzzle. There are those who want her to succeed. There are those who want her to fail. And there are those who would see her dead. "A series with intrigue, suspense, and romance." -Mimi "The town and the islands are full of quirky and interesting characters, and there are many twists and turns along the way." -Nancy K. Oliver

249 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2017

594 people are currently reading
181 people want to read

About the author

D.W. Ulsterman

89 books176 followers
D.W. Ulsterman is the bestselling author of THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS MYSTERY SERIES.

His most recent novel, THE TRUTHING TREE, is now available.

All of his novels are available here: http://goo.gl/kEPU6R

"Mr. Ulsterman doesn't disappoint."

-THRILLER JUNKIE

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5 stars
697 (56%)
4 stars
376 (30%)
3 stars
137 (11%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2017
Another great read.

Fall in love with this series from the beginning. The Writer was great book, if you're interested reading this series, start reading them from the beginning. Author developed each character more and more with each book. They're more like you and me. Investigating reporter Adele, goes beyond her job puts her in danger but conveys a great massage. Can't wait for the next book.
Thank you Mr Ulsterman, never heard of this great singer, songwriter Warren Zevon, he is very good.
Profile Image for Lisa Jolley white.
11 reviews
June 26, 2017
Wonderful story

One of the best books I've read in a long time. You've gotta read it you will not be able to put it down
19 reviews
February 18, 2022
The writing in books 1-2-3 is decent.

Endings are often too abrupt and overly convenient.
In this book I thought the ending solution, as conceived by Adele, was weak.

Also If Yuri is as cruel and inhuman as described, Sergei doesn’t live to threaten Adele at the end- and if Sergei is as ruthless as depicted her retaliates to being slapped more aggressively than to back out a door.

Part of me likes Adele and part of me doesn’t care for elements of the character.
I like her strength and determination- she has no shortage of moxie- she expects everyone to tell her everything and gets angry quickly with those who don’t.

Meanwhile she holds back all manner of thoughts and feelings from others.

I’ve vacationed on the San Juan’s twice and that’s what drew me to these books originally and I have book 4 so I’ll read it at some point.

I doubt I’ll go deeper into the series than that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Margot.
71 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2024
Best mystery series…and set in San Juan Islands!

Every now and then a book really stand out. The story is interesting, compelling to finish, and characters become so real they feel like friends. There are useful tidbits about life, dealing with adversity, importance of loyalty and friendship sprinkled in.

This series starting with The Writer, has all that, and it has been set in the very special place, the San Juan Islands. After reading the first book in the series, I read the next, and the next, and the next until finishing each book that is available written by Ulsterman. This series has become one of my favorites, I’m spreading the word to other readers, San Juan Islanders, friends and cousins from the midwest and everyone I talk to about books.
If you like a well told story, read one, then read them all!
65 reviews
April 29, 2023
First three read in a row

I especially enjoy DW style of writing, east, going quickly, then settles in to a good read. His knowledge of the San Juan Island is an islander where mine is sailing up to the cozy coves, Matia, Sucha, Eastsound and small towns and staying all summer on our sailboat. . Then enjoying the winter at Rosario, Westsound, Friday Harbor, Deer harbor etc. DW is exceptional in how he describes the San Juan Islands with an appreciation that reaches the readers at his best.
1 review
May 30, 2023
Another Fantastic Read

I read Book 3 in one sitting less than 8 hours ago. It is 6am, and I couldn't resist ordering the next in the series. Need I say more? The character development is delightful, and the descriptions are amazing. You can almost feel the salt water spray and smell the coffee at times. I live on Camano Island and can't wait to visit Friday Harbor again with a new set of eyes. Thank you, DW, for restoring my love for reading.
Profile Image for LaRee.
16 reviews
August 6, 2017
I enjoyed all three of D.W. Ulsterman's books in this series. He is a very good writer. I appreciated the flow of all of the books. The stories are interesting, the characters well developed. I am actually quite surprised that I can read this quality of a book through Kindle Unlimited. I will be looking for more from D.W. Ulsterman.
1 review1 follower
August 14, 2017
Great book

Have never written a review, although have read hundreds of books. Read it in a day. Love Adele. Her honesty and honor and her relationship with the various characters in the book. Read first book yesterday. So glad did not have to say Good-by all those wonderful people, including those that had died.
45 reviews
November 9, 2017
Another winner.

I fell in love with this series after reading the first
book, The Writer. I read The Writer a second time before reading Murder on Matia. I am happy to report Murder on Matia as another winner. Interesting characters, surprising twists, complicated relationships and an unexpected ending. I cannot wait to read the next one...
Profile Image for Linda.
59 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2018
A Swell of Great Waves

This start to the San Jaun Islands Series was welldone! Amidst the island doings, there is plenty of intrigue, twists and engulfing waves! Murders, drugs, from fatales, and not just one but two love interests! What more can you ask? I will be snagging my best around the
San Juan Islands Series to capture some more page turning intrigue!!!!
12 reviews
April 5, 2019
I have enjoyed each of the San Juan Islands Mystery series. For me the writing quality flows well, stories hold my interest with a good amount of twists and turns. I also really like the location as I had not heard of the San Juan Islands and now they have become a place I would like to visit. I read the books with a map of the islands.
Profile Image for Elizabeth James.
43 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2021
Never Disappoints

This is the third in the San Juan Islands series, and it's even better than the first two. The characters continue to gain depth and it's intriguing to see how their interactions progress. I really love reading about strong independent women, especially when the men around them respect and support their independence.
Profile Image for Micheal.
79 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2023
Enjoyable read

Using the familiar diverse characters to paint an emotional plot with twist and turns.
A beautiful tranquil setting facing modernization problems that could change the Islands forever.
A love triangle wrought with emotion, self promotion and insecurity.
Highly recommended for the Adele Plank fans.
17 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2024
San Juan Islands mysteries

I've enjoyed watching the character, Adele, grow while at the same time faultering as she works through situations that challenge her. I appreciate that she thinks out of the box, appreciates there's often more grey than black and white in our lives, and finds workable solutions to satisfy her own sense of morality.
51 reviews
March 14, 2025
The third in this series continues the story of Adele in her role with the newspaper and solving the never-ending mysteries in the San Juan Islands. This one also included an unexpected friendship developing, and the challenges of relationships, which leaves the reader hanging. Think Longmire!! Looking forward to more.
1 review
October 10, 2025
Intrigue and excitement in the San Juans

These stories are entertaining and fun given my knowledge of the San Juans and the many places where the stories take place. Complex relationships, notorious villains and not so innocent bystanders create a fun web of action set in the beautiful San Juans Islands.
50 reviews
August 25, 2017
Fantastic!

I loved all three of Ulsterman's SJI books! I tried to savor them and make them last, but I couldn't put them down! Thriller, suspense, and the San Juan islands = perfect. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
2 reviews
September 2, 2017
Love the series!

The San Juan Islands series is currently one of my favorites. I cannot wait for the new one. Quick easy reads that are hard to put down as you get immersed in the locals luves.
157 reviews
November 21, 2017
This series started out well with The Writer but the next two books, while interesting to read, were disappointing in the endings. For both books, it was as though the author just gave up and threw an ending in to just finish. Not sure that I will read any future books.
32 reviews
July 15, 2022
Always a pleasure

It's fun to read a plot that's set in familiar territory. The San Juan's are indeed a special part of this world, and Ulsterman folds many special settings into his murder mystery.
107 reviews
October 19, 2022
Ongoing character development

The characters continue to develop from the first story. The series is developing a structure inside of which the author presents the diversity of the human condition of the island folks.
11 reviews
November 25, 2022
cannot read this series fast enough

I live in the San Juan’s and know just how special they are. I am aware of what is true and what is the writer’s imagination; the two worlds combine seamlessly between the pages. The series is a joy to read.
1 review
December 8, 2023
Best yet in the series.

Enjoyed the growth of the characters personalities and learning more about the magical San Juan islands. I'm sure we have not heard the last of the Russian mobsters and Roland's complex financial plans for the ppl
Profile Image for Diane.
420 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2017
another good one....had me guessing but not as much as the others.....
Like the Adele "love triangle"...looking forward to #4
308 reviews
September 3, 2017
I would recommend this book

I really enjoy these stories. There is a great deal of wisdom contained in this book; along with suspense and action.
19 reviews
September 5, 2017
Must read series.

Great characters,great reading. I enjoyed the series and can't wait for the next book. Read each book in one evening. Not wordy and a great pace.
Profile Image for C.E. DeJoria.
115 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2017
Book 3 in a continuing series

Each book in a complete mystery, but with relationships that grow and change from book to book. All set on the lovely San J u an Islands of Washington.
Profile Image for Bridget Eggers.
9 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2018
A people and place you'll want to vist...

Come for the story, stay for the scenery and return for the company of characters of the San Juan Isle people.
Profile Image for Carolyn Taylor.
4 reviews
October 14, 2018
Fast paced

This book was very fast paced with a bit more excitement. Excellent series with ver good writing that just flows.
1 review
October 17, 2018
Great series of books

I've enjoyed all of Ulsterman's books. I find all of them interesting from beginning to end. I look for to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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