Give Out Creek

by J.G. Toews

In the small mountain town of Nelson, newspaper reporter Stella Mosconi never speaks of her crippling fear of deep water. Now spring runoff is in the alpine, the creeks are on the rampage, and Stella watches the lake rise outside her door. When a new friend is found dead in her rowboat, she is drawn into the investigation despite a complicated history with the police officer in charge. The death of a second woman—a suspect in the case—brings more trouble Stella's way as she struggles to hold her family together. But can she find the courage to face her most intense fear if that's what it will take to solve the murders?

Genres: Canada, Mystery

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Nelson, British Columbia, this beautifully crafted story of a small-town murder had me intrigued from the beginning. Reporter Stella Mosconi is a well-drawn protagonist whose personal and professional conflicts add depth to the story.

The pacing was spot on and author J.G. Toews’ elegant writing style managed to create tension on every page with little physical conflict. In this book, suspense is created not merely by what happened but by what could happen. The conflict kept me on me turning the pages throughout the short chapters.

A couple of issues were left unresolved, but the one regarding Stella’s personal life is expected in a debut mystery series. The mystery with respect to one of the suspects might have been more satisfying if resolved, but I’m one of those who likes as many loose ends as possible tied up. It does make me wonder if this character will reappear in the next installment, though. I intend to find out, given that Give Out Creek is a terrific read.

[JT Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plotting is suburb and the characters so vividly drawn I feel I know them. There's also that undercurrent of suspense throughout that kept me hooked and up well past my bedtime, and if that isn't the mark of a great book, I don't know what is.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella Mosconi has moved back to Nelson, BC where she lived for the early part of her life. Now she is married with two young boys, her husband a teacher. Stella is working at the small newspaper as a reporter and is settling back into the community. When Lillian, a friend of hers is found murdered, she is determined to be included in the investigation. Ben is the leading investigator, a man she knew in high school and is now a sergeant with the local RCMP detachment.
A woman was living with Lillian as her housekeeper and it seems she has become the number one suspect until she is found murdered too.
A good mystery and apparently the first in the series with this main character.

[Joyce Ganong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED reading this book. Toews captures the intimacy of living in a small community and the intertwined relationships that occur out of necessity - social, professional, family, business. The plot has twists and turns to keep any crime story reader happy. There are hints of intrigue sufficient to keep the imagination busy, without gory crime scenes or steamy sex scenes. Best of all there are a few loose ends, raising the question for me "Did they get the right person?" I guess I'll find out as this series evolves!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the character development in this book as it felt like small town Canada or cottage country anywhere type people. There are always those that live there year round, those that are lifers, those recently transplanted from a big city and those that started as cottagers, but became locals. Having just been to Nelson for a holiday last week the places were familiar and felt comfortable. Looking forward to more books in the series!

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught my attention right away. Contemporary new mystery, set in Nelson, BC, and featuring reporter Stella Mosconi; in contrast with the excellent Iona Whishaw' Lane series, set in the Kootenays post WW2, featuring Lane Winslow, an ex-British secret service agent.

Well constructed, great locale, lots of tension(of various sources). Look forward to the next volume, since this is supposed to be a series.

[Pamela Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that flows along like its namesake creek. I found the romance situation a bit formulaic and common in a number of novels. The husband is a narcissist and I wouldn't be surprised he cheats. I thought the heroine would kick him to the kerb by the end. I was shocked when she didn't. Since this is a series maybe he will get the bounce in an upcoming novel. The variety of characters and their part in the story is well done.

[Vesanto Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery, featuring a small town reporter, is an outstanding read from beginning to end. Busy though I am, I wanted to ignore other demands and have time to go back to it and see what’s next.The characters truly come to life, and the community of Nelson is very realistic. Toews is an excellent writer!!! Vesanto MelinaGive Out Creek

[Dave Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, Judy Toews. This is a wonderful debut novel and a great read, a true Canadian who-done-it set in the idyllic area around Nelson, BC and Kootenay Lake. Despite many challenges thrown her way, and a long list of could-be culprits, Stella Mosconi works hard to solve a very puzzling murder. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next in the series.

[Marmot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in 4 days - the fastest I’ve read a book in a very long time! It was so fun reading a book set in the area I live. It was a good story, though I had figured out the ending by the time was halfway through the book - I think it would have been better if there were more passages written from the culprits point of view, as that was the giveaway for me.

[Lori Bamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this book ... it's always a treat to discover a new mystery writer who covers the BC beat.

In my view, there were a few tiny missteps, but from beginning to end, I was enthralled. I look forward to more in the series.

[Papajohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun enjoyable read. Lots of twists and turns. A good whodunit.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was SO much fun reading a book where the story unfolded within the little town I live in!! Well done!!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Local author, local settings and a mystery that moves along!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty darn good.