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Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery #5
Bleeding Darkness
David McKenna lies on his deathbed, his children gathered to say goodbye amid the suspicion that years ago, one of them got away with murder. When one of the gathered family disappears, Stonechild and Rouleau are called in and must set aside troubles of their own. As buried betrayals resurface, the suspect list — and body count — are only growing.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2018
32 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Chapman
40 books356 followersI'm an Ottawa author with 18 published novels in the mystery genre, both adult and YA. I am currently writing two adult mystery series: The Stonechild and Rouleau police procedurals from Dundurn include Cold Mourning (2014), which was shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis Award for crime novel of the year, Butterfly Kills, Tumbled Graves, Shallow End and Bleeding Darkness. Turning Secrets, 6th in the series, will be released spring 2019.
The Anna Sweet mysteries are novellas from Grass Roots Press for adult literacy or those wanting a quick read. My Sister's Keeper and No Trace were both shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis award and The Hard Fall and No Trace were shortlisted for the Golden Oak award.
Previous published fiction includes: the Jennifer Bannon mysteries for ages 10+, a full length adult murder mystery In Winter's Grip (Dundurn 2010), and a Rapid Reads mystery The Second Wife (Orca 2011), which was shortlisted for a Golden Oak award. Second Chances, a YA novel for ages 13+ was released by Dundurn in September 2012.
The Anna Sweet mysteries are novellas from Grass Roots Press for adult literacy or those wanting a quick read. My Sister's Keeper and No Trace were both shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis award and The Hard Fall and No Trace were shortlisted for the Golden Oak award.
Previous published fiction includes: the Jennifer Bannon mysteries for ages 10+, a full length adult murder mystery In Winter's Grip (Dundurn 2010), and a Rapid Reads mystery The Second Wife (Orca 2011), which was shortlisted for a Golden Oak award. Second Chances, a YA novel for ages 13+ was released by Dundurn in September 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 29, 2018
Whoo-hoo…book #5 has cemented this series as one of my faves. There’s always a well plotted police investigation to puzzle out while you catch up with the MC’s personal lives & that combination continues here.
The book synopsis sums up the investigative angle. One cold case, one fresh body. Both are connected to one of the most dysfunctional families you’ll come across. It’s clear early on that the recently deceased patriarch kept a big secret from the rest of them & as they gather at his bedside, all the old jealousies (and claws) come out.
We spend most of our time with Lauren, who grew up with her father’s love & her mother’s disdain. She just wants the funeral to be over so she can get the hell out of Dodge & back to her life in Toronto. Dealing with Mother is bad enough but the recent murder is bringing up memories of another death years ago that haunts her to this day. She’s under pressure from the family to tow the party line but when she meets cop Kala Stonechild, she’s tempted to tell her story.
When Kala & Paul Gunderdund are called to the crime scene, the body leads them directly to the McKenna’s, a family with another murder in their past. While colleague Woodhouse is assigned the new case, Kala begins to dig into the death of Lauren’s childhood friend.
The timing’s not great. Kala is taking care of her best friend’s teenage daughter & gets word the girl’s estranged father is looking for her after his release from prison. He’s a real piece of work & the last thing they need as Kala helps Dawn settle into her life. She also has a budding friendship with colleague Bennett…much to Gundersund’s dismay. But he’s hardly in a position to step in. He’s still married to Fiona, the she-devil from hell * (* all crabby comments are property of the reviewer).
Meanwhile, boss Jacques Rouleau has been forced to take on a more managerial role. The endless cycle of meetings & office politics is driving him crazy & Woodhouse continues to be a thorn in his side. The only bright light is a possible romance with reporter Marci Stokes. Could she be the one? (NOOO! For Pete’s sake, look right in front of you, Jacques!)
What a great read. Getting to know the McKenna’s is like spending time in a pit of vipers. Lauren is the exception. She’s a sympathetic young woman just beginning to find her spine and might just be ready to give up a few bad habits. But hey….who hasn’t slurped down a few cocktails after too much “family time”? Her need to finally break free of the past leads to a tentative relationship with Kala through which we slowly learn what happened all those years ago. Still, I wasn’t prepared for the final reveals. I had an inkling about one of the who-dunnits but the other left me gaping.
Several story lines are ongoing through the books & they continued to evolve in this one. I like these characters & I’ll be waiting on book #6 to see where the author steers them next.
4.5 stars
The book synopsis sums up the investigative angle. One cold case, one fresh body. Both are connected to one of the most dysfunctional families you’ll come across. It’s clear early on that the recently deceased patriarch kept a big secret from the rest of them & as they gather at his bedside, all the old jealousies (and claws) come out.
We spend most of our time with Lauren, who grew up with her father’s love & her mother’s disdain. She just wants the funeral to be over so she can get the hell out of Dodge & back to her life in Toronto. Dealing with Mother is bad enough but the recent murder is bringing up memories of another death years ago that haunts her to this day. She’s under pressure from the family to tow the party line but when she meets cop Kala Stonechild, she’s tempted to tell her story.
When Kala & Paul Gunderdund are called to the crime scene, the body leads them directly to the McKenna’s, a family with another murder in their past. While colleague Woodhouse is assigned the new case, Kala begins to dig into the death of Lauren’s childhood friend.
The timing’s not great. Kala is taking care of her best friend’s teenage daughter & gets word the girl’s estranged father is looking for her after his release from prison. He’s a real piece of work & the last thing they need as Kala helps Dawn settle into her life. She also has a budding friendship with colleague Bennett…much to Gundersund’s dismay. But he’s hardly in a position to step in. He’s still married to Fiona, the she-devil from hell * (* all crabby comments are property of the reviewer).
Meanwhile, boss Jacques Rouleau has been forced to take on a more managerial role. The endless cycle of meetings & office politics is driving him crazy & Woodhouse continues to be a thorn in his side. The only bright light is a possible romance with reporter Marci Stokes. Could she be the one? (NOOO! For Pete’s sake, look right in front of you, Jacques!)
What a great read. Getting to know the McKenna’s is like spending time in a pit of vipers. Lauren is the exception. She’s a sympathetic young woman just beginning to find her spine and might just be ready to give up a few bad habits. But hey….who hasn’t slurped down a few cocktails after too much “family time”? Her need to finally break free of the past leads to a tentative relationship with Kala through which we slowly learn what happened all those years ago. Still, I wasn’t prepared for the final reveals. I had an inkling about one of the who-dunnits but the other left me gaping.
Several story lines are ongoing through the books & they continued to evolve in this one. I like these characters & I’ll be waiting on book #6 to see where the author steers them next.
4.5 stars
March 14, 2023
Lots of suspects and plenty of reasons to kill!
The most polite word for the McKenna family is “dysfunctional”. There are certainly other less clinical (and less polite) adjectives which one might use – mean-spirited, nasty, selfish, narcissistic, perhaps even ugly and evil. Lauren borders on normal but perhaps that’s only because she’s unquestionably a problem drinker who souses herself in alcohol to block out the problems of the real world and her relationship with that family. Although her brother, Tristan, was acquitted of the murder of Lauren’s best friend Zoe fourteen years earlier, Lauren is still suspicious that Tristan was the killer.
When Tristan’s pregnant wife disappears into a Canadian winter storm on the shores of Lake Ontario, Lauren’s suspicions crystallize into a belief verging on certainty. The gathering of the family to attend the imminent death of their father becomes a pitiful reunion peppered with hate and scorn and it becomes clear that the father intends to pass away with more information concerning the long cold murder case than he let on to the police so long ago. In short, BLEEDING DARKNESS is a brilliant police procedural driven by a full cast of memorable and sublimely well-developed characters, each of whom seems to have the requisite means, motive and opportunity to be included on Kala Stonechild’s lengthy list of possible suspects.
Aside from the gripping murder case, BLEEDING DARKNESS continues the development of Kala Stonechild and her gaggle of orbiting friends and family. Kala Stonechild is damaged and complicated carrying the memory of a background of alcohol, absentee parents and violent sexual abuse. She’s still a lone wolf and still difficult to understand but she’s unquestionably a self-assured, strong-willed survivor who has matured into a valued and highly skilled member of the Kingston homicide unit. Despite considerable uncertainty regarding the mothering decisions she has to make, she’s grown more or less comfortably into her role as a loving surrogate parent for her niece, Dawn.
And what would such a series be without the possibility of developing romantic entanglements? – Stonechild with her colleague, Paul Gundersund and Stonechild’s boss and mentor, Jacques Rouleau, with a crusty and feisty local journalist, Marci Stokes. Last but not least, just as young Dawn seems to be reconciling herself to living comfortably with Stonechild and accepting the fact that her mother is cooling her heels in prison, Dawn’s father is released from prison and may be looking to re-establish his parental rights. A complicated but thoroughly fascinating series universe!!
Definitely recommended. BLEEDING DARKESS is the fifth in a series that moves from strength to strength and seems to be just getting better with each outing. A caution to potential readers … do yourselves a favour. DON’T START HERE. Head back to the beginning and treat yourself to Kala’s full story by starting with COLD MOURNING. Number six TURNING SECRETS is already on my shelf and I’m looking forward to it with considerable anticipation.
Paul Weiss
The most polite word for the McKenna family is “dysfunctional”. There are certainly other less clinical (and less polite) adjectives which one might use – mean-spirited, nasty, selfish, narcissistic, perhaps even ugly and evil. Lauren borders on normal but perhaps that’s only because she’s unquestionably a problem drinker who souses herself in alcohol to block out the problems of the real world and her relationship with that family. Although her brother, Tristan, was acquitted of the murder of Lauren’s best friend Zoe fourteen years earlier, Lauren is still suspicious that Tristan was the killer.
When Tristan’s pregnant wife disappears into a Canadian winter storm on the shores of Lake Ontario, Lauren’s suspicions crystallize into a belief verging on certainty. The gathering of the family to attend the imminent death of their father becomes a pitiful reunion peppered with hate and scorn and it becomes clear that the father intends to pass away with more information concerning the long cold murder case than he let on to the police so long ago. In short, BLEEDING DARKNESS is a brilliant police procedural driven by a full cast of memorable and sublimely well-developed characters, each of whom seems to have the requisite means, motive and opportunity to be included on Kala Stonechild’s lengthy list of possible suspects.
Aside from the gripping murder case, BLEEDING DARKNESS continues the development of Kala Stonechild and her gaggle of orbiting friends and family. Kala Stonechild is damaged and complicated carrying the memory of a background of alcohol, absentee parents and violent sexual abuse. She’s still a lone wolf and still difficult to understand but she’s unquestionably a self-assured, strong-willed survivor who has matured into a valued and highly skilled member of the Kingston homicide unit. Despite considerable uncertainty regarding the mothering decisions she has to make, she’s grown more or less comfortably into her role as a loving surrogate parent for her niece, Dawn.
And what would such a series be without the possibility of developing romantic entanglements? – Stonechild with her colleague, Paul Gundersund and Stonechild’s boss and mentor, Jacques Rouleau, with a crusty and feisty local journalist, Marci Stokes. Last but not least, just as young Dawn seems to be reconciling herself to living comfortably with Stonechild and accepting the fact that her mother is cooling her heels in prison, Dawn’s father is released from prison and may be looking to re-establish his parental rights. A complicated but thoroughly fascinating series universe!!
Definitely recommended. BLEEDING DARKESS is the fifth in a series that moves from strength to strength and seems to be just getting better with each outing. A caution to potential readers … do yourselves a favour. DON’T START HERE. Head back to the beginning and treat yourself to Kala’s full story by starting with COLD MOURNING. Number six TURNING SECRETS is already on my shelf and I’m looking forward to it with considerable anticipation.
Paul Weiss
June 3, 2018
This latest in the Stonechild and Rouleau series picks up with the same characters a few months after the action of the last volume. The primary people are in the same places except that Rouleau is now acting head of the department. His superior essentially ran off with his mistress for an undetermined length of time so Rouleau is removed from day to day police work and is full time pushing paper.
Meanwhile, a local family has gathered from around the country as the father is nearing death. The family, mother, two sons and one daughter, are fractured and not coping but not due to this impending death. Rather it’s due to old issues that have never cleared, including a murder 14 years ago, blamed on one of the sons but ultimately never proven. The toxic family could win an award in not coping. But there are moments of connection among the siblings.
Then there is another murder in the present day. And the spite, fear and anxiety are flowing.
Once again, I recommend this book and series to mystery readers. The Canadian setting is interesting, here with the terrible winter weather, the distances, etc and differences in law from the U.S. I believe this book could be read on its own, but for full background, it would be better to read some of the earlier books. Another good series!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review
Meanwhile, a local family has gathered from around the country as the father is nearing death. The family, mother, two sons and one daughter, are fractured and not coping but not due to this impending death. Rather it’s due to old issues that have never cleared, including a murder 14 years ago, blamed on one of the sons but ultimately never proven. The toxic family could win an award in not coping. But there are moments of connection among the siblings.
Then there is another murder in the present day. And the spite, fear and anxiety are flowing.
Once again, I recommend this book and series to mystery readers. The Canadian setting is interesting, here with the terrible winter weather, the distances, etc and differences in law from the U.S. I believe this book could be read on its own, but for full background, it would be better to read some of the earlier books. Another good series!
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review
January 18, 2023
Really interesting mystery that makes for a quick audiobook listen! If you’re someone who loves plot driven books and a classic police procedural, this is for you!
May 28, 2022
We’ll plotted with lots of twists and turns
Kala Stonechild is an intelligent and tenacious detective. Raising the troubled teenage daughter of her oldest friend and dealing with relationships with coworkers that complicate her work, she manages to find the hidden clues to two murders in the same family, 14 years apart. Things are not as they seem.
Kala Stonechild is an intelligent and tenacious detective. Raising the troubled teenage daughter of her oldest friend and dealing with relationships with coworkers that complicate her work, she manages to find the hidden clues to two murders in the same family, 14 years apart. Things are not as they seem.
September 18, 2018
Brilliant murder/mystery fleshed out to perfection
Bleeding Darkness is one of the best murder mysteries I have ever read because each unit of characters has an interesting life story, all of which make up the whole picture of the book.
The McKenna family, David and Evelyn, with their three children, Tristan, Adam and Lauren, are the centre of the plot. The McKennas have never recovered from the unsolved murder of Lauren’s friend and Tristan’s girlfriend Zoe Delgado. Fourteen years later they gather in their hometown around the bed of their dying father, when Tristan’s wife, Vivienne, goes missing. David dies but, before he does, his old friend and neighbour Boris Orlov visits him and during the visit, it becomes clear that they have a secret.
Because Vivienne is missing, the local police become involved. The police force makes up another unit within this amazing book that has stories of their own. Particularly Kala Stonechild, the first female First Nations Detective in Canada, who has much to deal with in her private life. The drama and politics of the town’s police force make exciting and riveting reading as well within the big picture of the story.
Chapman cleverly weaves historical influences into this community. Particularly the Orlovs who came from Romania with many secrets of their own. This angle makes up another interesting and exciting unit that has past and present woven into the whole story.
Indeed a “gripping read” (Publishers Weekly), which is well worth it! I look forward to more books from Brenda Chapman
BonnieK
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Bleeding Darkness is one of the best murder mysteries I have ever read because each unit of characters has an interesting life story, all of which make up the whole picture of the book.
The McKenna family, David and Evelyn, with their three children, Tristan, Adam and Lauren, are the centre of the plot. The McKennas have never recovered from the unsolved murder of Lauren’s friend and Tristan’s girlfriend Zoe Delgado. Fourteen years later they gather in their hometown around the bed of their dying father, when Tristan’s wife, Vivienne, goes missing. David dies but, before he does, his old friend and neighbour Boris Orlov visits him and during the visit, it becomes clear that they have a secret.
Because Vivienne is missing, the local police become involved. The police force makes up another unit within this amazing book that has stories of their own. Particularly Kala Stonechild, the first female First Nations Detective in Canada, who has much to deal with in her private life. The drama and politics of the town’s police force make exciting and riveting reading as well within the big picture of the story.
Chapman cleverly weaves historical influences into this community. Particularly the Orlovs who came from Romania with many secrets of their own. This angle makes up another interesting and exciting unit that has past and present woven into the whole story.
Indeed a “gripping read” (Publishers Weekly), which is well worth it! I look forward to more books from Brenda Chapman
BonnieK
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
January 12, 2018
This is book 5 in the Stonechild and Rouleau series. They are quickly becoming one of my favorite set of crime solvers. Set in Canada this story involves two murders 14 years apart. It is more crime investigation than graphic violence. Three siblings return to Kingston, Ontario as their father lay dying in the hospital. He confesses a terrible crime to his daughter, Lauren. Several days later ,Lauren's sister in law is murdered. As Stonechild and Rouleau work on solving this new murder the past starts taking part in the investigation. Very well written, the clues keep you guessing and the family interaction becomes a major part of the story. Great read even without reading the previous books.
March 2, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Dundurn for an advance copy of Bleeding Darkness, the fifth novel to feature Canadian detectives Kala Stonechild and Jacques Rouleau.
As David McKenna lies dying his dysfunctional family returns to Kingston to say their final goodbyes. This difficult time is overshadowed by the disappearance of his pregnant daughter-in-law, Vivian, and when her body is found close to where Zoë Delgado's body was found 14 years ago all eyes turn to Tristan as Vivian's husband and Zoë's recently ex-boyfriend and prime suspect at the time.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bleeding Darkness which is a good mix of mystery, procedural and the personal. Mostly told from Kala and Lauren McKenna's perspectives it builds slowly but steadily to a resolution with the dual voices giving the reader a wider and at the same time more intimate overview of the two cases and the politics involved. The solution is unexpected and unusual in some ways, ages old in others.
Kala is more or less convinced that Tristan is guilty, if only due to circumstances, i.e. no other suspect but works the Zoë Delgado cold case diligently to prove a link with Vivian's case which, due to office politics, is being led by someone else. Any facts she uncovers can be interpreted in several ways so the whodunnit element held my attention throughout. Personally I had no idea but Ms Chapman holds back her reveals until close to the end, giving the reader little to work with.
Lauren McKenna is the strongest character in the book. With two favoured brothers she can do no right in her mother's eyes despite running a successful business in Toronto. Her personal life, faced with this constant disapproval and the continual uncertainty over best friend Zoë's murder all those years ago, is a car crash with too many men, drugs and booze and yet, she is a survivor, tough and honest. I really enjoyed her narrative, from her struggles with her family to her suspicions of her neighbours. It makes the novel.
Bleeding Darkness is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
As David McKenna lies dying his dysfunctional family returns to Kingston to say their final goodbyes. This difficult time is overshadowed by the disappearance of his pregnant daughter-in-law, Vivian, and when her body is found close to where Zoë Delgado's body was found 14 years ago all eyes turn to Tristan as Vivian's husband and Zoë's recently ex-boyfriend and prime suspect at the time.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bleeding Darkness which is a good mix of mystery, procedural and the personal. Mostly told from Kala and Lauren McKenna's perspectives it builds slowly but steadily to a resolution with the dual voices giving the reader a wider and at the same time more intimate overview of the two cases and the politics involved. The solution is unexpected and unusual in some ways, ages old in others.
Kala is more or less convinced that Tristan is guilty, if only due to circumstances, i.e. no other suspect but works the Zoë Delgado cold case diligently to prove a link with Vivian's case which, due to office politics, is being led by someone else. Any facts she uncovers can be interpreted in several ways so the whodunnit element held my attention throughout. Personally I had no idea but Ms Chapman holds back her reveals until close to the end, giving the reader little to work with.
Lauren McKenna is the strongest character in the book. With two favoured brothers she can do no right in her mother's eyes despite running a successful business in Toronto. Her personal life, faced with this constant disapproval and the continual uncertainty over best friend Zoë's murder all those years ago, is a car crash with too many men, drugs and booze and yet, she is a survivor, tough and honest. I really enjoyed her narrative, from her struggles with her family to her suspicions of her neighbours. It makes the novel.
Bleeding Darkness is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 22, 2020
I don't often make it to Book 5 in a series and by then I'm usually starting to lose interest but not so with Brenda Chapman and her Stonechild & Rouleau series. Each book draws me in and I feel like I race through each one to find the resolution. It sounds like there are two more books in this series and I feel like that's a good place to end it. It's always nice to read a book that not only entertains you but also teaches you something and I learned quite a bit about Ceausescu and the Romanian revolution as well as the background of some native Canadians from this book. There were quite a few interesting side stories but nothing that distracted from the main story and I look forward to following some of those stories in future books. Many twists and turns. It's not often I go "Awww" but the last couple of pages were perfect for the ending of this novel. This book could probably be read as a stand-alone but I'd definitely recommend reading the whole series. Looking forward to #6!
July 17, 2018
I read book 3 in this series but have not read book 4 yet. I felt I missed some things and I noticed it in this book. I believe I really like the character, Kala Stonechild. I would read these books in order for this series to make the most sense. All in all, it was a pretty good suspense mystery book for me. "This book was given to me for free at my request from Netgalley and I provided this voluntary review."
February 12, 2018
5 stars
David McKenna is in the hospital dying. His family has come home to see him. David and his neighbor Boris Orlov have a secret. Boris and his wife Antonia are from the war torn years of Romania. They moved to Canada in 1990 following the deaths of the brutal dictator and his wife there.
When his four-month pregnant daughter-in-law Vivian goes missing, the police in the form of Kala Stonechild and Paul Gundersund are called in to investigate. Her husband, Tristan McKenna is still under suspicion for the murder of a young girl named Zoe Delgado fourteen years earlier. Tristan and Zoe had broken up a short time before she went missing. Zoe was David’s daughter Lauren’s best friend. Lauren has never gotten over her death. Lauren has always supported her bother Tristan, but harbors a small doubt over his innocence. Lauren is her father’s favorite child, but her mother Evelyn has little tolerance for her.
Kala and another officer named Tanya Morrison go to the location where Zoe’s body was found. The come upon Vivian’s body in the snow not far from where Zoe’s body was found. The reprehensible Zach Woodhouse has been given the lead on Vivian’s case. Woodhouse is convinced that Tristan is guilty not only of Zoe’s death, but of Vivian’s as well. He gets tunnel vision and pursues on Tristan. Kala is investigating the older case of Zoe.
David McKenna passes away. Lauren intends to head straight back home when she is sidetracked and winds up staying. She meets with Kala and Tanya and tells them that her father told her that he moved Zoe’s body from behind their house to where she was found. What she doesn’t tell her is that he also found the knife used to kill her, but threw it in the river.
Lauren is worried about Antonia. She has been ill with the “flu;” so why hasn’t Boris taken her to the hospital? She goes over to see her and Antonia is in bed and lets slip that she is Boris’ sister, not his wife. She begins to obsess about the whole Boris/Antonia situation.
Meanwhile, Kala is sent to interview Vivian and Tristan’s neighbors, friends and relatives. She learns quite a lot from them. She and Rouleau go to Montreal to interview a Romanian detective who has information about the Orlovs. The police officer tells them some very important news.
Lauren is getting her own suspicions. She sneaks over to see Antonia again and learns that she has not been taking the pills that Boris used to drug her. She pretty nearly tells her some devastating news. Could it be real? Is she having a drug-induced hallucination? Boris comes home and Lauren must hide in Antonia’s closet.
The identity of Zoe’s killer comes as a surprise. The reason for the killing is a very sad one. The identity of Vivian’s murderer is another surprise. Their motive is as old as the hills.
This is a very well written and plotted novel, as are all of Brenda Chapman’s Stonechild novels. They are a great addition to the current mystery/police procedural body of literature. I truly enjoy reading these books. I like Kala, and her relationship with her niece Dawn is strengthening all the time. I appreciate the added color that having a First Nations protagonist brings to the story. I like how she gets along will her colleagues, with the exception of the rude and boorish Woodhouse. The tension in this story begins almost immediately. The reader is kept guessing who killed Zoe and Vivian. While the focus seems to be mostly on the McKenna family, there are other viable suspects as well. The characters are very well fleshed out, but not too much so. The additional background information did not detract from the story at all. In fact, it added to it by making the people more real. Very well done, Ms. Chapman! Keep writing.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dundurn for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read and enjoy.
David McKenna is in the hospital dying. His family has come home to see him. David and his neighbor Boris Orlov have a secret. Boris and his wife Antonia are from the war torn years of Romania. They moved to Canada in 1990 following the deaths of the brutal dictator and his wife there.
When his four-month pregnant daughter-in-law Vivian goes missing, the police in the form of Kala Stonechild and Paul Gundersund are called in to investigate. Her husband, Tristan McKenna is still under suspicion for the murder of a young girl named Zoe Delgado fourteen years earlier. Tristan and Zoe had broken up a short time before she went missing. Zoe was David’s daughter Lauren’s best friend. Lauren has never gotten over her death. Lauren has always supported her bother Tristan, but harbors a small doubt over his innocence. Lauren is her father’s favorite child, but her mother Evelyn has little tolerance for her.
Kala and another officer named Tanya Morrison go to the location where Zoe’s body was found. The come upon Vivian’s body in the snow not far from where Zoe’s body was found. The reprehensible Zach Woodhouse has been given the lead on Vivian’s case. Woodhouse is convinced that Tristan is guilty not only of Zoe’s death, but of Vivian’s as well. He gets tunnel vision and pursues on Tristan. Kala is investigating the older case of Zoe.
David McKenna passes away. Lauren intends to head straight back home when she is sidetracked and winds up staying. She meets with Kala and Tanya and tells them that her father told her that he moved Zoe’s body from behind their house to where she was found. What she doesn’t tell her is that he also found the knife used to kill her, but threw it in the river.
Lauren is worried about Antonia. She has been ill with the “flu;” so why hasn’t Boris taken her to the hospital? She goes over to see her and Antonia is in bed and lets slip that she is Boris’ sister, not his wife. She begins to obsess about the whole Boris/Antonia situation.
Meanwhile, Kala is sent to interview Vivian and Tristan’s neighbors, friends and relatives. She learns quite a lot from them. She and Rouleau go to Montreal to interview a Romanian detective who has information about the Orlovs. The police officer tells them some very important news.
Lauren is getting her own suspicions. She sneaks over to see Antonia again and learns that she has not been taking the pills that Boris used to drug her. She pretty nearly tells her some devastating news. Could it be real? Is she having a drug-induced hallucination? Boris comes home and Lauren must hide in Antonia’s closet.
The identity of Zoe’s killer comes as a surprise. The reason for the killing is a very sad one. The identity of Vivian’s murderer is another surprise. Their motive is as old as the hills.
This is a very well written and plotted novel, as are all of Brenda Chapman’s Stonechild novels. They are a great addition to the current mystery/police procedural body of literature. I truly enjoy reading these books. I like Kala, and her relationship with her niece Dawn is strengthening all the time. I appreciate the added color that having a First Nations protagonist brings to the story. I like how she gets along will her colleagues, with the exception of the rude and boorish Woodhouse. The tension in this story begins almost immediately. The reader is kept guessing who killed Zoe and Vivian. While the focus seems to be mostly on the McKenna family, there are other viable suspects as well. The characters are very well fleshed out, but not too much so. The additional background information did not detract from the story at all. In fact, it added to it by making the people more real. Very well done, Ms. Chapman! Keep writing.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dundurn for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read and enjoy.
March 1, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Dundurn for the eARC.
What a fantastic book this is, I loved it. Set in my beloved Canada, this series has become one of my favorites and I'm thankful for the chance to read it.
The main character, Kala Stonechild, an indigenous Canadian, is one of the most interesting and likeable characters in mystery fiction. Her story is threaded through the series and she is once again looking after her niece Dawn, their relationship getting stronger and stronger.
When the McKenna family unites in Kingston as their father lies dying in hospital, his pregnant daughter-in-law is murdered. Suspicion falls on the husband, who was also thought to have murdered his ex-girlfriend 14 years ago, but never charged, plunges the family into another nightmare.
The couple next door, the Orlovs, who came to Canada from
Romania, feature heavily in this story. Their shadowy past under Chauchesku's rule comes to the forefront towards the end...fascinating!
The McKenna's daughter, Lauren, is a conflicted woman who lives in Toronto and can't wait to get back, away from her family, especially her mother. She hides a lot of pain, exaserbated by her nasty mother's obvious dislike of her. I liked Lauren a lot.
When the 2 murders are finally solved, it was quite a shock, I really didn't see that coming! Great book...I highly recommend this wonderful author and this series.
What a fantastic book this is, I loved it. Set in my beloved Canada, this series has become one of my favorites and I'm thankful for the chance to read it.
The main character, Kala Stonechild, an indigenous Canadian, is one of the most interesting and likeable characters in mystery fiction. Her story is threaded through the series and she is once again looking after her niece Dawn, their relationship getting stronger and stronger.
When the McKenna family unites in Kingston as their father lies dying in hospital, his pregnant daughter-in-law is murdered. Suspicion falls on the husband, who was also thought to have murdered his ex-girlfriend 14 years ago, but never charged, plunges the family into another nightmare.
The couple next door, the Orlovs, who came to Canada from
Romania, feature heavily in this story. Their shadowy past under Chauchesku's rule comes to the forefront towards the end...fascinating!
The McKenna's daughter, Lauren, is a conflicted woman who lives in Toronto and can't wait to get back, away from her family, especially her mother. She hides a lot of pain, exaserbated by her nasty mother's obvious dislike of her. I liked Lauren a lot.
When the 2 murders are finally solved, it was quite a shock, I really didn't see that coming! Great book...I highly recommend this wonderful author and this series.
October 1, 2024
The murder of teen Zoe Delgado, girlfriend of Tristan McKenna, years ago is tied to the current murder of Tristan's pregnant wife Vivian during the his and his siblings' return home shortly before the death of their father.
Kala is also slowly working out how to live with Dawn, while trying to get Rose, Dawn's mother, to meet with her daughter. On a regular visit to the penitentiary to speak with Rose, Rose warns Kala that Dawn's father is out of prison and needs to be kept away from Dawn.
Gunderson is Acting head of the department, and he assigns Kala to the cold case, and the bigoted Woodhouse as lead detective on Vivian's murder. Woodhouse is pursuing a grievance against Rouleau's handling of the department (complaints about the promotions and assignments of others more competent than Woodhouse), and he manages to do his best to show little to no compassion to the grieving family while assuming immediately that Tristan murdered his wife and his former girlfriend.
As the police delve into the lives the of the McKennas, we see dysfunction and secrets. Of the adult children, Lauren, disliked by her mother, is a heavy drinker, and longtime protector of her brother Tristan. Lauren seems the most stable of the siblings, sadly. Even though Lauren cares for Tristan, she's scarred by Zoe's murder, as Zoe was her good friend. She also still has a tiny suspicion that Tristan may have killed the girl, and she's never been able to resolve her feelings for that important incident. Then her father drops a shocking surprise on her shortly before his death.
Brenda Chapman has created a twisty case, with lots of suspects, and has also deepened the feelings Kala and Gunderson have for each other, and open Rouleau's life up for a little romance, too.
Kala and Dawn are carefully working out their relationship to one another, with Dawn beginning to research her heritage, which both finding rewarding.
This was a gripping story, and I’m impressed with this series. I have to squeeze in book three before heading eagerly to book six.
Kala is also slowly working out how to live with Dawn, while trying to get Rose, Dawn's mother, to meet with her daughter. On a regular visit to the penitentiary to speak with Rose, Rose warns Kala that Dawn's father is out of prison and needs to be kept away from Dawn.
Gunderson is Acting head of the department, and he assigns Kala to the cold case, and the bigoted Woodhouse as lead detective on Vivian's murder. Woodhouse is pursuing a grievance against Rouleau's handling of the department (complaints about the promotions and assignments of others more competent than Woodhouse), and he manages to do his best to show little to no compassion to the grieving family while assuming immediately that Tristan murdered his wife and his former girlfriend.
As the police delve into the lives the of the McKennas, we see dysfunction and secrets. Of the adult children, Lauren, disliked by her mother, is a heavy drinker, and longtime protector of her brother Tristan. Lauren seems the most stable of the siblings, sadly. Even though Lauren cares for Tristan, she's scarred by Zoe's murder, as Zoe was her good friend. She also still has a tiny suspicion that Tristan may have killed the girl, and she's never been able to resolve her feelings for that important incident. Then her father drops a shocking surprise on her shortly before his death.
Brenda Chapman has created a twisty case, with lots of suspects, and has also deepened the feelings Kala and Gunderson have for each other, and open Rouleau's life up for a little romance, too.
Kala and Dawn are carefully working out their relationship to one another, with Dawn beginning to research her heritage, which both finding rewarding.
This was a gripping story, and I’m impressed with this series. I have to squeeze in book three before heading eagerly to book six.
June 14, 2018
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
I did like where this book went in the direction it did. The only thing I would suggest is you may want to read this book in order first. I felt that I did miss a lot of different small things that Stonechild had gone through and it seemed to play a role in this book.
A murder happened fourteen years ago in this town and the cops had a suspect but really couldn't pin it on the boyfriend. When the family comes together for their father who is not doing good it seems that tensions will run high along with secrets that have been kept hidden. When Tristan's wife disappears it seems that everything is happening all over again. This family isn't a happy family so it makes you wonder will they be able to come together with this happening?
When everything comes out in the wash it was a bit of a surprise I thought I had the killer pegged but I was far from off.
As far as police work it was good and I liked Stonechild's approach on handling the speaking with the people she really has a knack for it. Though you can see there is something going on within the force as far as people being in charge and possibly some romance? I do believe I will be reading the first book in this series.
September 28, 2018
I enjoyed this fifth installment in the series but not as much as the previous entries. One reason is that I believe there were way too many descriptions of winter scenes (snow, storms, shoveling, etc.). I know we live in Canada and winters are harsh but still.
The second reason is that the characters are moving forward very slowly. As I was reading, I felt that the author was settling in for a long haul, which I never enjoy. This is a series, and characters develop over time, but I dislike when too many threads are not resolved by the end of the book.
The second reason is that the characters are moving forward very slowly. As I was reading, I felt that the author was settling in for a long haul, which I never enjoy. This is a series, and characters develop over time, but I dislike when too many threads are not resolved by the end of the book.
May 19, 2019
Loved this book. The characters story lines were intriguing. Couldn’t put this book down! If you like murder mysteries this ones for you! A Canadian author to boot :)
January 26, 2018
I’ve been reading this crime series from the start, and can’t say enough how much I like the series for its twisty plots that keep you guessing and character-driven drama both on the police force and among the family affected by each crime. Bleeding Darkness definitely had me guessing to the end; I love a good mystery where every character seems to fall under suspicion and it ends up being the one you least suspected after all. It’s also nice to see the direction of Kala and her niece Dawn’s relationship grow and strengthen in each book.
I read an advance copy from Dundurn, and the book comes out in a few months — crime fiction lovers, add this series to your TBR pile.
I read an advance copy from Dundurn, and the book comes out in a few months — crime fiction lovers, add this series to your TBR pile.
March 15, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Bleeding Darkness" by Brenda Chapman.
This is the fifth book in the series featuring Jacques Rouleau and Kala Stonechild - two of the most likeable characters to come along since Louise Penny's Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir - the main characters in this murder(s) mystery set, once again, in Kingston, Ontario Canada.
This time there are two mysteries - one from years ago and one current. Both feature the McKenna family (Adam, Tristan, Lauren and parents Evelyn and David). David McKenna is dying, and his family has returned from Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver to support their mother - Evelyn - at this time.
But David McKenna has carried a secret these many years about the death of his son Tristan's childhood girlfriend Zoe. Tristan was suspected (and still is), but never convicted.
Now, Tristan's pregnant wife is found murdered in the same area as Zoe. And he's once again suspected.
Our least-favourite cop, Woodhouse, is given the current case, and sets out to convict Tristan; Kala is given the job of investigating the cold case.
Added to the mix are an extremely reclusive neighbour couple - the Orlovs, who escaped Romania in the aftermath of Ceaucescu, and this figures in to the plotline along the way.
Twists and turns abound, but the story is brought to a satisfying conclusion - but not before the deaths of two more characters.
Recommended for anyone looking for a well-written and well-crafted mystery.
This is the fifth book in the series featuring Jacques Rouleau and Kala Stonechild - two of the most likeable characters to come along since Louise Penny's Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir - the main characters in this murder(s) mystery set, once again, in Kingston, Ontario Canada.
This time there are two mysteries - one from years ago and one current. Both feature the McKenna family (Adam, Tristan, Lauren and parents Evelyn and David). David McKenna is dying, and his family has returned from Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver to support their mother - Evelyn - at this time.
But David McKenna has carried a secret these many years about the death of his son Tristan's childhood girlfriend Zoe. Tristan was suspected (and still is), but never convicted.
Now, Tristan's pregnant wife is found murdered in the same area as Zoe. And he's once again suspected.
Our least-favourite cop, Woodhouse, is given the current case, and sets out to convict Tristan; Kala is given the job of investigating the cold case.
Added to the mix are an extremely reclusive neighbour couple - the Orlovs, who escaped Romania in the aftermath of Ceaucescu, and this figures in to the plotline along the way.
Twists and turns abound, but the story is brought to a satisfying conclusion - but not before the deaths of two more characters.
Recommended for anyone looking for a well-written and well-crafted mystery.
July 8, 2018
This was disappointing.
The story is good, which has been the case throughout this series. However, the writing is poor. The author includes an overabundance of wordage that contributes nothing but fluff. This story would have been better served as a novella.
The story is good, which has been the case throughout this series. However, the writing is poor. The author includes an overabundance of wordage that contributes nothing but fluff. This story would have been better served as a novella.
February 23, 2018
Brenda Chapman is one of my favourite mystery authors and I was delighted to read this fourth book in the Stonechild and Rouleau series. That they are all set in Canada is a bonus.
Disclosure: Dundurn is my publisher too, but I write nonfiction.
As grown children gather at their dying father's bedside in Kingston, ON, the pregnant wife of one of his sons is found murdered. His only daughter had never recovered from her best friend's murder fourteen years previously.
Chapman has deftly twined the two deaths into a dysfunctional family riven with strife and in fresh mourning. (To say more will spoil the story.) Each character is well defined and believable.
The protagonist is an indigenous RCMP officer who is the guardian of a teen and her story is woven through all books in the series. How she unpacks these two murders is fascinating to the point that I lost much sleep enjoying "Bleeding Darkness". I was sorry when the book ended — always a good sign. The author always creates excellent settings, plot, and sub-plots, which are evident again in this latest in the series.
Highly recommended to any murder mystery enthusiast.
Disclosure: Dundurn is my publisher too, but I write nonfiction.
As grown children gather at their dying father's bedside in Kingston, ON, the pregnant wife of one of his sons is found murdered. His only daughter had never recovered from her best friend's murder fourteen years previously.
Chapman has deftly twined the two deaths into a dysfunctional family riven with strife and in fresh mourning. (To say more will spoil the story.) Each character is well defined and believable.
The protagonist is an indigenous RCMP officer who is the guardian of a teen and her story is woven through all books in the series. How she unpacks these two murders is fascinating to the point that I lost much sleep enjoying "Bleeding Darkness". I was sorry when the book ended — always a good sign. The author always creates excellent settings, plot, and sub-plots, which are evident again in this latest in the series.
Highly recommended to any murder mystery enthusiast.
October 25, 2018
I enjoy this series more and more with each book. We are now up to the 5th instalment and the mystery is once again intriguing and clever and the characters continue to develop and hold your interest. I particularly like the Kingston/Ottawa/Montreal settings and that the mysteries are compelling without gratuitous violence and gore. This series should be read in order.
December 10, 2023
Solid mystery with well drawn characters but so much talk of snow—how much snow is falling, how much snow might fall, shoveling snow, walking in snow, traveling in snow, not being able to travel because of snow—that I’m docking this one a star.
May 7, 2018
This is my first book in this series and although, I didn’t know the history of the characters, I was able to follow along in this suspenseful mystery and get inside the family dramatics. I felt the novel was a slow burn, building in intensity and like most families, there were some individuals that I found more likable than others. I liked how the author showed me the many sides of some of these individuals by the time I finished the novel, as it helped me see the errors of my thinking and it made me see the whole person. They had come home to pay respects to their dying father but as they gathered together, there was so much more on their minds, his passing was just the beginning.
The diversity underneath this roof was entertaining and I knew once I met everyone that I wanted to be a fly on the wall and watch everything unfold within the walls of this house. From the individual who liked to talk about herself, to the one who liked her drink and late nights, to the one who was blamed for the murder many years ago, to a few others who had their own unique personalities, I liked this ragtag group of individuals. Oh, I can’t forget the mother, who I didn’t really care for, who cared a great deal about her image and liked to play the favorite child card. They were there for father, who had only a few days remaining with them, when suddenly Vivian is missing. The daughter-in-law had never returned from her walk and in her condition, everyone is concerned. When her body is finally discovered, it was located where Zoe’s body was uncovered years ago, a murder that Vivian’s brother-in-law was under investigation for. Are the two murders related? Why would someone murder Vivian and her unborn child?
Everyone gets involved and everyone has their own opinion. I wasn’t sure who the culprit was but I wanted to pin it on the mother as she was a cold woman and I didn’t care for her the minute I met her. I liked Lauren as she seemed like the only sane one, her escapes to the bar helped her unwind and it got her away from the commotion occurring back at the house.
I would like to go back and read this series from the beginning and get to the know the story from the beginning. It was an interesting and captivating novel.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Dundurn in exchange for an honest review.
The diversity underneath this roof was entertaining and I knew once I met everyone that I wanted to be a fly on the wall and watch everything unfold within the walls of this house. From the individual who liked to talk about herself, to the one who liked her drink and late nights, to the one who was blamed for the murder many years ago, to a few others who had their own unique personalities, I liked this ragtag group of individuals. Oh, I can’t forget the mother, who I didn’t really care for, who cared a great deal about her image and liked to play the favorite child card. They were there for father, who had only a few days remaining with them, when suddenly Vivian is missing. The daughter-in-law had never returned from her walk and in her condition, everyone is concerned. When her body is finally discovered, it was located where Zoe’s body was uncovered years ago, a murder that Vivian’s brother-in-law was under investigation for. Are the two murders related? Why would someone murder Vivian and her unborn child?
Everyone gets involved and everyone has their own opinion. I wasn’t sure who the culprit was but I wanted to pin it on the mother as she was a cold woman and I didn’t care for her the minute I met her. I liked Lauren as she seemed like the only sane one, her escapes to the bar helped her unwind and it got her away from the commotion occurring back at the house.
I would like to go back and read this series from the beginning and get to the know the story from the beginning. It was an interesting and captivating novel.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Dundurn in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2022
Definitely one of my favorite crime series, this installment of Stonechild and Rouleau does not disappoint. Rouleau is pulled away from his role as head of the Major Crimes unit to cover for his vacationing boss. Kala Stonechild’s main partner, Paul Gunderson is now filling Rouleau’s shoes. With so much upheaval in the unit including the odious Zach Woodhouse raising complaints with the union about the so-called mistreatment he’s received from his Major Crimes boss, it is not a good time for a difficult and puzzling case to come it’s way. However, a woman goes missing and the team is immediately engaged in the investigation. The missing woman’s family has lived under a dark cloud for 14 years when the high school girlfriend of the youngest son, was found murdered. No murderer was ever brought to justice but suspicion abounded over this young man being the killer. Bleeding Darkness introduces you to the dysfunctional McKenna family: David, dying with cancer, Evelyn his bitter and angry wife, Adam, the oldest son and his wife Mona, Tristan, the youngest son, suspected murderer of his high school girlfriend and now it’s his wife Vivian who has gone missing and finally Lauren, the middle sister who lost her best friend in that murder 14 years ago and never really recovered, leading a life full of self-destructive behaviors. As always, the empathetic, intelligent character of Kala Stonechild is the main source of this series’ strength as she is assigned to look into that cold case of the murdered Zoe Delgado 14 years ago. Still coping with the role of guardian to her best friend’s teenage daughter and her strong feelings for her partner, Gunderson, Kala soldiers on to solve these cases using her excellent insight and intelligence to pull together the threads of the complex crimes. Surprisingly, in Bleeding Darkness, it’s the troubled character of Lauren McKenna that resonates also with the reader and strengthens this particular story. Chapman does an excellent job creating a character in Lauren who is sympathetic and compelling. Tight, tragic and disturbing, the plot moves along at a quick pace to its surprising and satisfying ending. If you’re a fan of the police procedural and not yet tried this series, I recommend you give it a read.
May 15, 2018
As David lies dying in the hospital, his family gathers in Kingston, ON, to say good-bye ... along with his wife, Evelyn, are his daughter, Lauren, from Toronto, his son, Tristan, and his wife, Vivian, from Edmonton, and his son, Adam, and his wife, Mona, from Vancouver. The family is still living under the shadow of the unsolved murder of Tristan's high school girlfriend, Zoe, years ago ... many think Tristan did it because Zoe had broken up with him. When Vivian is found murdered shortly after David passes away, the police find it too coincidental that two loves of Tristan have been murdered so look to the family, even though they are grieving.
Police officer Jacques Rouleau is temporarily in charge while his boss is on an extended vacation. Not only does his team have to solve Vivian's murder, Rouleau also has to manage the different personalities and ambitions of his team.
Police officer Kala Stonechild is taking care of her teenage niece, Dawn, while Dawn's mother is in prison. Dawn's father has recently been released from prison and Kala uses her contacts to try to find out where he is. Dawn has always been a loner and is wondering why a popular girl is suddenly paying attention to her.
This is the fifth (and latest) in the Stonechild and Rouleau series and I enjoyed it. Though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone and you don't need to have read the previous ones to read this one (there is enough background given). It's always nice to read a book that is happening in Ontario (these characters live in Kingston and the author doesn't hide this fact). I liked the writing style and found the storyline interesting. It is written in third person perspective with the focus on the various characters wherever the action was happening. As a head's up, there is swearing.
I look forward to reading future books in this series and by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2018/05...
Police officer Jacques Rouleau is temporarily in charge while his boss is on an extended vacation. Not only does his team have to solve Vivian's murder, Rouleau also has to manage the different personalities and ambitions of his team.
Police officer Kala Stonechild is taking care of her teenage niece, Dawn, while Dawn's mother is in prison. Dawn's father has recently been released from prison and Kala uses her contacts to try to find out where he is. Dawn has always been a loner and is wondering why a popular girl is suddenly paying attention to her.
This is the fifth (and latest) in the Stonechild and Rouleau series and I enjoyed it. Though it is part of a series, it works as a stand alone and you don't need to have read the previous ones to read this one (there is enough background given). It's always nice to read a book that is happening in Ontario (these characters live in Kingston and the author doesn't hide this fact). I liked the writing style and found the storyline interesting. It is written in third person perspective with the focus on the various characters wherever the action was happening. As a head's up, there is swearing.
I look forward to reading future books in this series and by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2018/05...
January 5, 2021
“Bleeding Darkness” the fifth book in the exciting “Stonechild and Rouleau mysteries” opens with the unsolved murder of a high school student Zoe Delgado only to have the wife of her best friend’s brother found strangled near the Rideau Trail. Taking the lead on the case troublemaker Detective Woodhouse is determined to prove Tristan McKenna guilty of both crimes while Kala Stonechild probes deeper into the mysterious death fourteen years before hoping to discover clues and a motive that may link the two murders.
Fast-paced and emotionally-charged the plot heats up on a personal level as Kala struggles to find her foster niece’s father whose out on parole and maybe looking to renew his relationship with Dawn. Into this mix add Acting Staff Sergeant Paul Gundersund’s struggles to deny his feelings for Kala while his soon to be ex-wife is away on a working assignment, as well as Jacques Rouleau’s attraction to the quick-witted and smart journalist Marci Stokes.
With twists and turns including the McKenna’s Romanian neighbors; troubled Lauren McKenna’s renewed relationship with Matt Delgado; and a complaint filed against Rouleau, intensity and suspense quickly heat up as past secrets are revealed, and a betrayal is uncovered that may have provoked the latest murder. In a well-written story that keeps the reader enthralled from the first page to the last, the plot with all its undercurrents flows to a surprising ending.
Among the host of compelling characters are the patient and clever minded Kala Stonechild; the solitary and insecure Dawn; the malicious and vindictive Detective Woodhouse; the jaded and bitter Lauren McKenna and her brother, the weak-willed Tristan. All these personalities and others fuel this plot with excitement and tension.
Like all of Brenda Chapman’s Stonechild and Rouleau’s murder mysteries I thoroughly enjoyed “Bleeding Darkness” and look forward to the next book in the series.
Fast-paced and emotionally-charged the plot heats up on a personal level as Kala struggles to find her foster niece’s father whose out on parole and maybe looking to renew his relationship with Dawn. Into this mix add Acting Staff Sergeant Paul Gundersund’s struggles to deny his feelings for Kala while his soon to be ex-wife is away on a working assignment, as well as Jacques Rouleau’s attraction to the quick-witted and smart journalist Marci Stokes.
With twists and turns including the McKenna’s Romanian neighbors; troubled Lauren McKenna’s renewed relationship with Matt Delgado; and a complaint filed against Rouleau, intensity and suspense quickly heat up as past secrets are revealed, and a betrayal is uncovered that may have provoked the latest murder. In a well-written story that keeps the reader enthralled from the first page to the last, the plot with all its undercurrents flows to a surprising ending.
Among the host of compelling characters are the patient and clever minded Kala Stonechild; the solitary and insecure Dawn; the malicious and vindictive Detective Woodhouse; the jaded and bitter Lauren McKenna and her brother, the weak-willed Tristan. All these personalities and others fuel this plot with excitement and tension.
Like all of Brenda Chapman’s Stonechild and Rouleau’s murder mysteries I thoroughly enjoyed “Bleeding Darkness” and look forward to the next book in the series.
December 6, 2021
Bleeding Darkness
My fav lines:
The dreams were real and reality a dream.
the lonely feel of hopelessness.
He’d promised Vivian they’d be back in Edmonton by the weekend, but really, the promise was for himself as much as her.
There’s not a McKenna born who shows fear or pain.”
Her greatest strength had been twisting the truth to protect her version of the world.
it wasn’t that she didn’t want to … but something inside her wouldn’t relax.
A sixth sense about the universe.
The brilliant sunshine wouldn��t make a dent in the frigid temperatures.
She kept the engine running and the interior was toasty warm while the north wind pummelled the outside of the truck.
She and Bennett sat in the Tim Hortons parking lot and watched the traffic go by on Princess Street while they ate.
long winter evenings
He could see more pain in her face than she was likely aware.
reporter she’d become: dogged, closed off, and tough.
The role of keeping police and politicians honest can’t be underestimated.”
He took a long pull and handed the flask back to her. She did the same and closed her eyes as the golden bite hit the back of her mouth and the burn travelled down her throat.
the whirl of emotions that were filling her like poisonous gas.
She’d rather visit the morgue than spend a stifling, guilt-laden afternoon with her mother.
Lauren knew he was putting on false bravado. If he didn’t, the feelings inside him would shatter his rigid facial features into a million snivelling pieces right before their eyes.
you have the milk of human kindness running through your veins.”
She reminds me of a little sparrow startled by its own shadow,
He’s not free to be with you yet. The thought kept her in place but it was not enough to prevent a
not wanting to leave the anonymous warmth of the bar.
A pulse fluttered in her throat like a trapped butterfly.
her mood lifted and she was happy to be striding through the darkness with stars shining above her like a tray of sparkling diamonds on a cloth of plush black velvet.
the poetry of another’s existence.
The Tristan whom I came to know would more likely be the victim than the killer.”
Kala squeezed her hand and wouldn’t let her look away. “You don’t have to be alone in this. I’m going to check up on you every day until I know you’re okay.”
“I’ll be in Toronto.”
“That’s why God invented telephones.”
Lauren finally smiled as she said, “You aren’t ...
By not talking about Emily, she felt that Kala wouldn’t pity her when Emily stopped needing her help with math and stopped talking to her.
It’s exhausting to have to pretend all the time, but let go of that isn’t easy either.”
Sounds good,” she said because he seemed to need validation and it didn’t hurt her to give it.
My fav lines:
The dreams were real and reality a dream.
the lonely feel of hopelessness.
He’d promised Vivian they’d be back in Edmonton by the weekend, but really, the promise was for himself as much as her.
There’s not a McKenna born who shows fear or pain.”
Her greatest strength had been twisting the truth to protect her version of the world.
it wasn’t that she didn’t want to … but something inside her wouldn’t relax.
A sixth sense about the universe.
The brilliant sunshine wouldn��t make a dent in the frigid temperatures.
She kept the engine running and the interior was toasty warm while the north wind pummelled the outside of the truck.
She and Bennett sat in the Tim Hortons parking lot and watched the traffic go by on Princess Street while they ate.
long winter evenings
He could see more pain in her face than she was likely aware.
reporter she’d become: dogged, closed off, and tough.
The role of keeping police and politicians honest can’t be underestimated.”
He took a long pull and handed the flask back to her. She did the same and closed her eyes as the golden bite hit the back of her mouth and the burn travelled down her throat.
the whirl of emotions that were filling her like poisonous gas.
She’d rather visit the morgue than spend a stifling, guilt-laden afternoon with her mother.
Lauren knew he was putting on false bravado. If he didn’t, the feelings inside him would shatter his rigid facial features into a million snivelling pieces right before their eyes.
you have the milk of human kindness running through your veins.”
She reminds me of a little sparrow startled by its own shadow,
He’s not free to be with you yet. The thought kept her in place but it was not enough to prevent a
not wanting to leave the anonymous warmth of the bar.
A pulse fluttered in her throat like a trapped butterfly.
her mood lifted and she was happy to be striding through the darkness with stars shining above her like a tray of sparkling diamonds on a cloth of plush black velvet.
the poetry of another’s existence.
The Tristan whom I came to know would more likely be the victim than the killer.”
Kala squeezed her hand and wouldn’t let her look away. “You don’t have to be alone in this. I’m going to check up on you every day until I know you’re okay.”
“I’ll be in Toronto.”
“That’s why God invented telephones.”
Lauren finally smiled as she said, “You aren’t ...
By not talking about Emily, she felt that Kala wouldn’t pity her when Emily stopped needing her help with math and stopped talking to her.
It’s exhausting to have to pretend all the time, but let go of that isn’t easy either.”
Sounds good,” she said because he seemed to need validation and it didn’t hurt her to give it.
May 17, 2018
4.5 stars.
The fifth installment in the marvelous Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series, Bleeding Darkness by Brenda Chapman is a superb police procedural. This latest release can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
David McKenna is dying and Evelyn has summoned their three children Adam, Lauren and Tristan to say their final goodbyes. Lauren is unmarried and although her relationship with Evelyn is fractious, she adores her father. Her older brother Adam is the golden child of the family and he is a pilot who is married to Mona and they have a special needs son, Simon. Lauren is closest to her younger brother, Tristan, who is married to Vivian and they are expecting their first child together. Fourteen years earlier, Tristan was the suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend and Lauren's best friend Zoe Delgado's murder which still remains unsolved. So when Vivian vanishes and is later found murdered, suspicion inevitably falls on Tristan. With Officer Woodhouse leading the investigation into Vivian's death, Officer Kala Stonechild is assigned to look into Zoe's unsolved murder to see if the two cases are connected.
The McKenna family is extremely dysfunctional and their bedside gathering highlights their difficult relationships. Lauren is a successful business owner who drinks too much and looks for love in all the wrong places. Her visits home are extremely limited and she rarely sees her brothers. Adam's job as a pilot makes him a bit of an absentee husband but Mona is a dedicated mother to their son. Tristan is a published author whose first novel was a success but he has struggled to publish any other works. His marriage to Vivian hit a rough spot the previous year, but with the impending birth of their child, they are committed to making a go of things. Tristan is absolutely stunned by her murder and his worst fears come true when Officer Woodhouse zeroes in on him as the prime suspect in her death.
Kala is not one to make waves so she is content to scrutinize Zoe's unsolved murder. She is not as convinced as Woodhouse that the two cases are linked especially since the manner of death in each case is different. Kala is surprised when Lauren reveals troubling information about the long ago murder but with incomplete information, the new lead does not yield a new suspect. The one thing Kala is certain about is the killer (or killers) knows the McKenna family but with so little evidence in either case, she is uncertain whether or not they will make an arrest anytime soon.
With trouble brewing behind the scenes, Staff Sergeant Jacques Rouleau has no choice but to assign Woodhouse as the investigation lead. He is a bit dismayed that Woodhouse is determined to prove Tristan is the killer but he has complete confidence in Kala. When new evidence comes to light, Jacques fully supports her plan to try to unmask the murderer. Needless to say, everyone is on edge during a confrontation that leaks to an absolutely shocking confession by the killer.
Bleeding Darkness is an intricately plotted mystery that is quite riveting. Stonechild, Rouleau and the rest of characters (with one notable exception) continue to evolve and grow with each new installment of the series. In addition to the mystery aspect of this newest release, Brenda Chapman incorporates a Romanian atrocity into the storyline through the back story of the McKenna's neighbors. Old and new fans of the Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series are sure to enjoy this latest outing in which Kala once again shines as a police officer whose compassion puts her head and shoulders above some of her fellow officers.
The fifth installment in the marvelous Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series, Bleeding Darkness by Brenda Chapman is a superb police procedural. This latest release can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
David McKenna is dying and Evelyn has summoned their three children Adam, Lauren and Tristan to say their final goodbyes. Lauren is unmarried and although her relationship with Evelyn is fractious, she adores her father. Her older brother Adam is the golden child of the family and he is a pilot who is married to Mona and they have a special needs son, Simon. Lauren is closest to her younger brother, Tristan, who is married to Vivian and they are expecting their first child together. Fourteen years earlier, Tristan was the suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend and Lauren's best friend Zoe Delgado's murder which still remains unsolved. So when Vivian vanishes and is later found murdered, suspicion inevitably falls on Tristan. With Officer Woodhouse leading the investigation into Vivian's death, Officer Kala Stonechild is assigned to look into Zoe's unsolved murder to see if the two cases are connected.
The McKenna family is extremely dysfunctional and their bedside gathering highlights their difficult relationships. Lauren is a successful business owner who drinks too much and looks for love in all the wrong places. Her visits home are extremely limited and she rarely sees her brothers. Adam's job as a pilot makes him a bit of an absentee husband but Mona is a dedicated mother to their son. Tristan is a published author whose first novel was a success but he has struggled to publish any other works. His marriage to Vivian hit a rough spot the previous year, but with the impending birth of their child, they are committed to making a go of things. Tristan is absolutely stunned by her murder and his worst fears come true when Officer Woodhouse zeroes in on him as the prime suspect in her death.
Kala is not one to make waves so she is content to scrutinize Zoe's unsolved murder. She is not as convinced as Woodhouse that the two cases are linked especially since the manner of death in each case is different. Kala is surprised when Lauren reveals troubling information about the long ago murder but with incomplete information, the new lead does not yield a new suspect. The one thing Kala is certain about is the killer (or killers) knows the McKenna family but with so little evidence in either case, she is uncertain whether or not they will make an arrest anytime soon.
With trouble brewing behind the scenes, Staff Sergeant Jacques Rouleau has no choice but to assign Woodhouse as the investigation lead. He is a bit dismayed that Woodhouse is determined to prove Tristan is the killer but he has complete confidence in Kala. When new evidence comes to light, Jacques fully supports her plan to try to unmask the murderer. Needless to say, everyone is on edge during a confrontation that leaks to an absolutely shocking confession by the killer.
Bleeding Darkness is an intricately plotted mystery that is quite riveting. Stonechild, Rouleau and the rest of characters (with one notable exception) continue to evolve and grow with each new installment of the series. In addition to the mystery aspect of this newest release, Brenda Chapman incorporates a Romanian atrocity into the storyline through the back story of the McKenna's neighbors. Old and new fans of the Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery series are sure to enjoy this latest outing in which Kala once again shines as a police officer whose compassion puts her head and shoulders above some of her fellow officers.
June 20, 2024
Good police procedural combined with interesting personal stories comprise Bleeding Darkness. The story is set in Canada. This is the fifth boo.k win the series and I have read all five. Stonechild is an indigenous Canadian. She is a detective in the police department. The book identifies her as part of the Dakota tribe. Rouleau is the chief of the major crimes unit.
The story begins with a murder that happened 14 years earlier and is unsolved. Early in the book a second murdeer occurs in the same place as the first. A subplot is an older, experienced investigator feeling Stonechild is getting the good assignments. He complains and is put in charge of the investigation.
Stonechild is raising a teenage girl whose mother is in prison. So a second subplot is the dynamics of this family. Another subplot is with the family of the just murdered woman. Lauren, kind of an outcast in that family ends up playing an important role in tracking down the murder.
The final subplot deals with the neighbors of the victims family. It is a couple from Romania.
It takes awhile too sort out the various threads before tying together at the end. There are surprises.
this is hot a rich novel. it is a good story with a surprise ending.
The story begins with a murder that happened 14 years earlier and is unsolved. Early in the book a second murdeer occurs in the same place as the first. A subplot is an older, experienced investigator feeling Stonechild is getting the good assignments. He complains and is put in charge of the investigation.
Stonechild is raising a teenage girl whose mother is in prison. So a second subplot is the dynamics of this family. Another subplot is with the family of the just murdered woman. Lauren, kind of an outcast in that family ends up playing an important role in tracking down the murder.
The final subplot deals with the neighbors of the victims family. It is a couple from Romania.
It takes awhile too sort out the various threads before tying together at the end. There are surprises.
this is hot a rich novel. it is a good story with a surprise ending.
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