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Big Lake #13
Big Lake Snowdaze
Big Lake's first annual Snowdaze celebration to kick off the winter season was off to a good start. Mother Nature cooperated with the event planners with a cold front that brought a heavy snowfall to the White Mountains of Arizona, dumping over a foot of the white stuff at the higher elevations just two days before Snowdaze weekend began in early December. The little mountain town looked like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, with Christmas decorations strung from the light poles on Main Street, kids building snowmen in their yards, and smoke rising from chimneys all over Big Lake.
Yes, it looked like Snowdaze was going to come off without a hitch. Everybody was saying so. Well, almost everybody. Maybe Sheriff Weber was a natural born grinch, as his fiancée, Deputy Robyn Fuchette, sometimes implied. Or maybe his years wearing a badge had made him cynical.
Either way, when they found the nude body of a woman floating in the lake's cold water during a polar bear plunge, the sheriff summed things up very well when he said, "And I thought the worst thing that could possibly happen this weekend was when the mayor killed Santa Claus!"
Yes, it looked like Snowdaze was going to come off without a hitch. Everybody was saying so. Well, almost everybody. Maybe Sheriff Weber was a natural born grinch, as his fiancée, Deputy Robyn Fuchette, sometimes implied. Or maybe his years wearing a badge had made him cynical.
Either way, when they found the nude body of a woman floating in the lake's cold water during a polar bear plunge, the sheriff summed things up very well when he said, "And I thought the worst thing that could possibly happen this weekend was when the mayor killed Santa Claus!"
- GenresMystery
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 10, 2021
I like the characters in these books, the stories are usually pretty good and Russell mixes in enough humor every time. He's good.
BUT, hire an editor? People are who, not that. Toward, not towards. And there was a "phased" when there should have been "fazed."
Yes, I do edit for a living and maybe that makes me a nitpicker. I'll admit it. But I also won't apologize for it!
All that said, read these books.
BUT, hire an editor? People are who, not that. Toward, not towards. And there was a "phased" when there should have been "fazed."
Yes, I do edit for a living and maybe that makes me a nitpicker. I'll admit it. But I also won't apologize for it!
All that said, read these books.
May 23, 2026
Most of the series seems to deal in murder and for such a small town that has a lot of tourism, it seems a bit of overkill. There's usually the main story (naked dead woman found in town lake at the polar plunge challenge for the Snowdaze town promotion).
Not sure why the town needed a promo to attract more visitors when there are already new ski resorts in the area bringing them in. At least it wasn't the wacko Mayor Chet's idea but he was all in. There is the hilarious Santa drop though which brings some comic relief.
As Sheriff Weber investigates the death, seems the married woman had many suitors while her husband was out of town and the suspects are many. It was eventually deemed accidental but how did a dead woman end up in the lake?
An ok mystery, a funny Mayor Chet brainstorm that didn't gel and the usual cast of characters. I am however getting tired of the Marsha/Parks couple-besides Marsha having nothing but explicit conversations, she's also a nag on Parks eating habits when she should look at herself first.
More of a 2.75 rounded up.
Not sure why the town needed a promo to attract more visitors when there are already new ski resorts in the area bringing them in. At least it wasn't the wacko Mayor Chet's idea but he was all in. There is the hilarious Santa drop though which brings some comic relief.
As Sheriff Weber investigates the death, seems the married woman had many suitors while her husband was out of town and the suspects are many. It was eventually deemed accidental but how did a dead woman end up in the lake?
An ok mystery, a funny Mayor Chet brainstorm that didn't gel and the usual cast of characters. I am however getting tired of the Marsha/Parks couple-besides Marsha having nothing but explicit conversations, she's also a nag on Parks eating habits when she should look at herself first.
More of a 2.75 rounded up.
July 14, 2023
A “B” rated author
I’m a big fan of the criminal justice genre. There are numerous great authors who write engaging and accurate crime series. Russell is more a writer of fluff. Weber is fairly likable, but becoming less so. If Russell is trying to channel Lucas Davenport, he’s failing miserably. The police-work done is unrealistic and pretty darn shoddy.
Just a very small example…in this particular book, a blond hair was found on the pillowcase in a bedroom. Why didn’t they do a ultraviolet light test on the sheets to check for semen? The sheets were obviously unwashed.
Now this might sound minor, and perhaps it is, but with the half dozen or so authors I follow, this would be unacceptable.
I like a little accuracy at the very least.
I’ve stuck it out as long as I could. I’ll have to go back to the tried and true.
If anyone wants to know who I consider a more engaging author of this type of character and story, I’ll be happy to share.
I’m a big fan of the criminal justice genre. There are numerous great authors who write engaging and accurate crime series. Russell is more a writer of fluff. Weber is fairly likable, but becoming less so. If Russell is trying to channel Lucas Davenport, he’s failing miserably. The police-work done is unrealistic and pretty darn shoddy.
Just a very small example…in this particular book, a blond hair was found on the pillowcase in a bedroom. Why didn’t they do a ultraviolet light test on the sheets to check for semen? The sheets were obviously unwashed.
Now this might sound minor, and perhaps it is, but with the half dozen or so authors I follow, this would be unacceptable.
I like a little accuracy at the very least.
I’ve stuck it out as long as I could. I’ll have to go back to the tried and true.
If anyone wants to know who I consider a more engaging author of this type of character and story, I’ll be happy to share.
May 14, 2018
Snowdaze
This is the 13th book in the Big Lake Series by Alan Russell and I was so disappointed that the next one is not out yet and I can not wait for the next one to be released. At the end there was an introduction into the 14th, and it seems to me that this is going to be as exciting as the 1st thru to the 13th. This small town series has been a great ride for me. There is a great murder mystery that you can not figure out who did it until the very end in all of the books. I have read most of Alan Russell’s other series and have not found one that I haven’t loved. He is a master of writing skills. His books are clean and has some very funny, laugh out loud people and actions excluded in them alongside things that actually make the Sheriff the good guy along with his deputies.
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This is the 13th book in the Big Lake Series by Alan Russell and I was so disappointed that the next one is not out yet and I can not wait for the next one to be released. At the end there was an introduction into the 14th, and it seems to me that this is going to be as exciting as the 1st thru to the 13th. This small town series has been a great ride for me. There is a great murder mystery that you can not figure out who did it until the very end in all of the books. I have read most of Alan Russell’s other series and have not found one that I haven’t loved. He is a master of writing skills. His books are clean and has some very funny, laugh out loud people and actions excluded in them alongside things that actually make the Sheriff the good guy along with his deputies.
.
March 22, 2021
I'm sure you know what my review will say.
It's a Nick Russell book, that's all I need to say! His name is an automatic five stars for me! This book kept my interest til the end. Wondering who, from all the people involved, could be the killer. I always find Jimmy's method of finding the killer fun. He is so good at keeping his temper, when dealing with idiots. But did lose it, in this book, with one person who desperately needed it! I love all the characters and the friendships they have together. It's one big happy family. The humor is outrageously funny!! This book has everything you'd want and a heck of a lot more! I highly recommend this book. Thank you Nick, for having your books in Kindle Unlimited, so more people can enjoy them.
It's a Nick Russell book, that's all I need to say! His name is an automatic five stars for me! This book kept my interest til the end. Wondering who, from all the people involved, could be the killer. I always find Jimmy's method of finding the killer fun. He is so good at keeping his temper, when dealing with idiots. But did lose it, in this book, with one person who desperately needed it! I love all the characters and the friendships they have together. It's one big happy family. The humor is outrageously funny!! This book has everything you'd want and a heck of a lot more! I highly recommend this book. Thank you Nick, for having your books in Kindle Unlimited, so more people can enjoy them.
July 14, 2018
Mayor Wingate kills Santa Clause. Now there is a campaign slogan for you. Ole Chet comes up with the bright idea to have Santa parachute in for Snowdaze. He is going to be Santa , but it is actually a dummy that will be parachuting. Doesn't take long to see who the real dummy is. Glad to see the mayor back for comic relief, because, during the Polar Bear plunge competition between the fire department and the police department, a naked woman turns up from under the ice. Apparently, she was the town nymphomaniac, so there are a lot of suspects to choose from. Problem is, there are no marks on her to indicate she was murdered. Another Big Lake Winner
March 15, 2025
A definite must read book and series
When Big Lake decided to have a winter festival, none of them could have ever anticipated the shocking tragedies that occurred. Well, maybe they did predict one of them. Lol!! The Sheriff's department is working hard on trying to figure out what happened to cause the latest tragedy, as well as who else was involved. However, unlike previous cases, this one has several persons of interest, each one worse than the last. It was a heartbreaking story, but not for the reasons that you might expect, but certainly not one to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
When Big Lake decided to have a winter festival, none of them could have ever anticipated the shocking tragedies that occurred. Well, maybe they did predict one of them. Lol!! The Sheriff's department is working hard on trying to figure out what happened to cause the latest tragedy, as well as who else was involved. However, unlike previous cases, this one has several persons of interest, each one worse than the last. It was a heartbreaking story, but not for the reasons that you might expect, but certainly not one to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
April 7, 2022
Who killed Santa???
Mayor Chet has had some crazy ideas in his day but a parachuting Santa is the craziest? Of course it all went wrong! And a Polar bear dip in Big Lake in December? Nobody planned on dead woman crashing the swim. Who is this woman? How did she die? How did she get into the lake? All good questions. Find the answers in this excellent book. Highly recommended.
Mayor Chet has had some crazy ideas in his day but a parachuting Santa is the craziest? Of course it all went wrong! And a Polar bear dip in Big Lake in December? Nobody planned on dead woman crashing the swim. Who is this woman? How did she die? How did she get into the lake? All good questions. Find the answers in this excellent book. Highly recommended.
December 12, 2017
Love the Big Lake series
Nick Russell continues with another great story about Sheriff Weber and crew.
I think this was the most clear story line yet.
The teaser for the next book has me intrigued. Get busy Nick, I read this in a day and half because you can't put them fown.
Great job!
Nick Russell continues with another great story about Sheriff Weber and crew.
I think this was the most clear story line yet.
The teaser for the next book has me intrigued. Get busy Nick, I read this in a day and half because you can't put them fown.
Great job!
January 1, 2018
Big lake snowdaze
No matter what book l am reading ,l will put aside for this series . l love the big lake series l always feel like l stepped in to mayberry. And am never disappointed. Kinda of missed the bumbling archer in this one.but still the best series ever and definitely waiting for the next one ,my kinda of town and people well done again nick 💓
No matter what book l am reading ,l will put aside for this series . l love the big lake series l always feel like l stepped in to mayberry. And am never disappointed. Kinda of missed the bumbling archer in this one.but still the best series ever and definitely waiting for the next one ,my kinda of town and people well done again nick 💓
January 1, 2018
Another Great Book By Nick Russell
I have read all the books in this series and enjoyed all of them. Mr Russell has a style of writing that is "smooth" and easy to read. I love the characters and their relationships and the moments of humor in the story. Looking forward to the next book.
I have read all the books in this series and enjoyed all of them. Mr Russell has a style of writing that is "smooth" and easy to read. I love the characters and their relationships and the moments of humor in the story. Looking forward to the next book.
July 27, 2018
Great story
And the drama continues in Big Lake.... All of these books were great. This story is a mystery, " a who done it "... You keep reading to find out. Then surprise ! And No it wasn't Santa, he was doomed when he was pushed out of an airplane... Ready to read the last Big Lake.. Great series.
And the drama continues in Big Lake.... All of these books were great. This story is a mystery, " a who done it "... You keep reading to find out. Then surprise ! And No it wasn't Santa, he was doomed when he was pushed out of an airplane... Ready to read the last Big Lake.. Great series.
January 4, 2018
Ice water
It is a great winter tale and part of a great series. I enjoy the ability Nick Russell has to make you laugh and then be totally serious. His books have a feel of real life and are very entertaining.
It is a great winter tale and part of a great series. I enjoy the ability Nick Russell has to make you laugh and then be totally serious. His books have a feel of real life and are very entertaining.
September 25, 2020
Big Lake Snowdaze
This is the thirteenth book in this series. I can only say the same thing I have been saying that this series is great. It has lots of suspense and thrills and it has a little humor thrown in. I highly recommend this book and series
This is the thirteenth book in this series. I can only say the same thing I have been saying that this series is great. It has lots of suspense and thrills and it has a little humor thrown in. I highly recommend this book and series
November 7, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Enough going on throughout the book to keep me from wanting to put it down. Always wanting to know what's coming next. I'm actually going to miss all the regular characters in this series when I'm done with it. I will be looking forward to more books from this series.
August 8, 2021
A.good story. The man who killed.Santa. love!y side story that will.carry forward. Based on real-life how exciting.
just part of the story. Winter festivals to add to small towns, always a twist to those events.
Well played.
just part of the story. Winter festivals to add to small towns, always a twist to those events.
Well played.
April 6, 2022
Another good story!
One of those series were you wish there was really a town filled with all those people in it! Love this series and really enjoyed all I have read so far! Loved how it ended too!
One of those series were you wish there was really a town filled with all those people in it! Love this series and really enjoyed all I have read so far! Loved how it ended too!
May 17, 2022
another outstanding mystery
Another outstanding mystery in the lives of the sheriff and deputies of big lake. There’s no dull moments in each chapter of each episode. I recommend this book to all my friends and family members who love great mysteries.
Another outstanding mystery in the lives of the sheriff and deputies of big lake. There’s no dull moments in each chapter of each episode. I recommend this book to all my friends and family members who love great mysteries.
December 14, 2024
Frozen death
This story keeps you guessing the whole time. Lots of lovers and men that could have been with Tom’s cheating wife when she died. Good luck trying to figure this mystery out.
This story keeps you guessing the whole time. Lots of lovers and men that could have been with Tom’s cheating wife when she died. Good luck trying to figure this mystery out.
June 7, 2025
Cold Water in Winter
As usual the twists continue to entertain the reader. As the series continues the familiarity of the characters improves and adds to overall enjoyment. Thanks, Nick Russell.
As usual the twists continue to entertain the reader. As the series continues the familiarity of the characters improves and adds to overall enjoyment. Thanks, Nick Russell.
December 12, 2017
One of his best!
We’ve read all of Nick’s Big Lake books, and they’re all great. But some work better than others. This one stands out! Highly recommended!
We’ve read all of Nick’s Big Lake books, and they’re all great. But some work better than others. This one stands out! Highly recommended!
December 18, 2017
Good book
As always, hard to put down. This author has a way of engaging you on page one of his books and not letting you go until he is finished.
As always, hard to put down. This author has a way of engaging you on page one of his books and not letting you go until he is finished.
December 26, 2017
Loved the series.
They were all great, can't wait for the next one.
😅 All thirteen books are worth the time, enjoy them all, I did.
They were all great, can't wait for the next one.
😅 All thirteen books are worth the time, enjoy them all, I did.
January 28, 2018
Interesting mystery
A good read trying to figure out who did what to whom! Some laughs, some sorrows, and some good detective work too. I enjoyed iy.
A good read trying to figure out who did what to whom! Some laughs, some sorrows, and some good detective work too. I enjoyed iy.
February 10, 2018
Always good
I have liked all of the big lake stories. Love the characters. Love the small town setting. Will be looking forward to the next one.
I have liked all of the big lake stories. Love the characters. Love the small town setting. Will be looking forward to the next one.
February 16, 2018
Big Lake adventures
Even after all these different crimes, I still want to move to Big Lake. Each of these incidents are well thought out and the books are well written.
Even after all these different crimes, I still want to move to Big Lake. Each of these incidents are well thought out and the books are well written.
April 12, 2018
Good reading
Awesome storyline as usual. I like that you can't figure out the "bad guy" until the very end! Keep on writing them, and we will keep in reading them!
Awesome storyline as usual. I like that you can't figure out the "bad guy" until the very end! Keep on writing them, and we will keep in reading them!
December 27, 2018
Who killed Santa Claus
I really enjoy the Big Lake series! the mayor who causes more clusters than good. The Big Lake police dept keeps busy with murder and more! Enjoy the read !
I really enjoy the Big Lake series! the mayor who causes more clusters than good. The Big Lake police dept keeps busy with murder and more! Enjoy the read !
February 23, 2020
Big Lake Snowdaze
Really enjoyed this book, have many of this author's books and have enjoyed all of them. Keep up the good work Nick
Really enjoyed this book, have many of this author's books and have enjoyed all of them. Keep up the good work Nick
April 28, 2020
Good
This book is part of a series and this contues to show how the sheriff and his dept.works to slove crimes.
This book is part of a series and this contues to show how the sheriff and his dept.works to slove crimes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews