The Winners' Circle

A Joanne Kilbourn Mystery #17

by Gail Bowen

Gail Bowen continues to enthrall with her masterfully compelling storytelling in Book 17 of her nationally bestselling Joanne Kilbourn series, combining a modern urban family with a gripping, satisfying mystery.


     As Joanne Kilbourn-Shreve, her husband, Zack, and their soon-to-be seventeen-year-old daughter, Taylor, rush through the rain from their cottage to their car, the Thanksgiving weekend they just spent at the lake with Zack's law partners is already slipping away, burnished into memory as pleasantly as the hundreds of other weekends the Falconer-Shreve families have shared at Lawyers' Bay. Thoughts of the weekend past will now focus on the future and be prefaced by the words "next time."
     Within weeks, a triple homicide will rip apart the lives of those related to the lawyers who, at the end of their first year in law school, only half-jokingly styled themselves "The Winners' Circle." Dazed by grief, Joanne will seek answers to an impossible "Why did they die?" 
     The facts behind the suicide of Christopher Altieri, known by his law partners as "the conscience of The Winners' Circle," appear to provide insights, but for Joanne those insights raise new, unsettling questions. Knitting this powerful narrative together is Joanne's unshakeable belief that the only thing worse than knowing is not knowing.

Genres: Mystery, Canada, Fiction, Crime

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2017

About the author

Gail Dianne Bowen (née Bartholomew) is a Canadian playwright and writer of mystery novels. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Bowen was educated at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and the University of Saskatchewan. She subsequently taught English in Saskatchewan, and is currently a professor of English at First Nations University of Canada. Bowen's mystery novels feature Joanne Kilbourn, a widowed mother, political analyst and university professor who finds herself occasionally involved in criminal investigations in various parts of Saskatchewan. Many have been adapted as Canadian television movies by Shaftesbury Films.

Series:
* Joanne Kilbourn Mystery

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (1995): A Colder Kind of Death

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay like wtf. I feel like in this series Gail gets bored with certain characters and often either writes them out in kind of a sloppy way (GREG looking at you deadbeat dad for no reason) or they just stop appearing altogether (Hilda, Ed and Barry!? Matron of honour at their wedding and then never mentioned again). So this book seemed to serve as like a wiping clean of the slate yet again - a neat and tidy triple hom to write out 75% of the current social circle. Let's see how things go from here!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment in the long-running Joanne Kilbourne series was stronger and more engaging than the previous couple. Bowen still wastes too many words in explaining who’s who in the book, how they’re all connected and what went on in the stories before. Her dialogue between characters is too lengthy as well, often doesn’t ring true and becomes tiresome. However all in all, a pretty decent story: tragic and shocking with an air of darkness and melancholy hanging over Joanne’s family and her innermost circle. All is not right at her husband Zack’s law firm; so successful for so many years and when tragedy strikes it’s terrible and finite. The reader is left wondering what life is going to look like for Joanne in future books.

[Sherry Wilson McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all the previous books in the Joanne Kilbourn (Shreve) series, I enjoyed catching up with The Winner’s Circle. The plot centres on the lives of husband Zack Shreve’s law partners—the eponymous “Winner’s Circle”—a group of five brilliant young lawyers who rose to the highest levels in their profession—and how the past casts long shadows on the present. As a bonus, we also learn about the dynamics of a law firm in trouble. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace as we revisit old friends. The mystery itself is slow to develop but when it comes, it’s a gut punch. Bowen’s eloquent style entertains and makes the wait worth it, and as always, Joanne’s love of family, and compassion and regard for her fellow human being, shines through.

The novel can be read as a stand-alone, but familiarity with the previous books helps in understanding the complex relationships among the families, and makes what transpires even more poignant. I’ll chase this one down with the latest in the series, A Darkness of the Heart, to find out what happens next.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always find the books in his series a bit disappointing-- and this one is no exception. There is a real crime, but the story is all about relationships rather than solving the crime. The actual solution is actually in those relationships as well, rather than in sleuthing or following clues. I did guess the ending early on. When it is presented in the plot though, it's almost a deus ex machina event -- a sudden twist.

[Jodine · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.co.uk in return for an honest review ***

The lawyers of Falconer-Shreve and their families are about to have their lives rocked to their core by a triple homicide that will expose secrets and change their lives forever.

The 17th novel in the Joanne Kilbourne series follows the familiar formula, with same cast. Having enjoyed the previous novel greatly, I found this one to be a little lacking. Still a good read/listen but not one of her best.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Joanne Kilbourn mystery. Although there will not be many characters left if they keep getting killed off

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I will start with saying I have not read all of the previous books in this series, just the last one and I really enjoyed that one. This one is really different from that one. This one concentrates on the law practice of Falconer-Shreve. Joanne and Zack always have all the partners to their cottage for Thanksgiving out to Lawyer Bay and this year was no different, however, now they are making plans for bring on more partners to strengthen their practice. What has been a contentious plan, one of the suggestions was passed over at first but then ultimately rescinds and passes. But wait, there is a triple homicide and the partners, minus Zack who was home sick, and all killed. Twists and turns and this one kept me listening when I should have been working (but I multitask) and I could not put this one down until I was done.

**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**

[Corinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is written beautifully and I enjoyed the setting in Regina and area, as well as the inclusion of First Peoples as characters. The point of reading a book for me, the plot and storyline, was just “meh” for me, however. There were way too many characters (children, grandchildren etc) that had to be introduced so they could be included and I thought they could have done without so many characters. The “mystery” part of the book takes way too long to develop. I have not read any other Joanne Kilbourn mysteries. With so much to choose from, I wouldn’t recommend. I only pursued to the end to count it in my challenge as it is not overly long.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joanne's husband, Zack, and his law partners have always been close, working together and spending time at their vacation homes on Lawyers' Bay. But with Zack now the mayor of Regina, and the group still suffering from some recent tragedies, the future of the law firm is unsteady. When a current employee seems to be targeting the lawyers, things become even more uncertain. Will Joanne and her family and friends be able to come out of the situation relatively unscathed? The Winner's Circle is the latest book in this long-running Canadian mystery series.

[Katemorgan999 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not enjoy the last two books in this series and almost passed on this one, but as tragic as the storyline is, overall the book seemed more like earlier ones in the series. I've also had issues in some of the previous books with errors in continuity from book to book (probably only noticeable because I binge read all the books in a row), but I only noticed one in this book. Overall enough of a good read that I'll continue with the series.

[Andrea Verwey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed all the books in this series, and look forward to a new arrival each summer to absorb in one big gulp in a deck chair. This year, I admit to being disappointed simply by virtue that at least half of the book was taken up with back story (and there is a LOT of backstory after so many books), leaving little room for the mystery or character development. At this stage, I am hankering for either a real detective romp, or a novel about the Kilbourn Shreves, but not....this.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking at my ratings for the last few entries in this series, I'm clearly only reading this for nostalgic purposes at this point, although I liked this one a little more as a fast read on an insomniac night. This series is really suffering, first of all, from the problem of any mystery series where the main character isn't a cop or a P.I. - why in god's name does everyone keep dropping dead around her? I mean, come on, the bounds of credulity were strained beyond belief long, long ago. Although it is sometimes nice and comforting to see the evolution of the characters over such a long arc, and my family is from Saskatchewan so I enjoy the setting, it's just all grown a little stale. In this case, by the time we figure out who did it I hardly even knew who the person was. It's like a cozy family drama where incidentally death and destruction pops in every now and then. And yet I keep coming back.

[Heather Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well...probably more a two and a half stars. Way too high on the improbale scale but if you ever meet Joanne it might be wise not to make friends with her - mortality rate is too high. And the law firm is a bjt hard to take too. Hadn't read one of the series for a while which made it difficult to remember all the characters especially the firm members. It felt like Bowen decided it was time to cull a few.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gail Bowen's books are more about the relationships within the extended family and work associates' lives and I appreciate how the author really creates this whole story about these people before knocking them off! I was just as shocked as Joanne Kilbourn when the Chief of Police came through the door and told her who had just died. Although I expected something, I certainly didn't see that one coming!

Love Gail Bowen. Love her books.

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read in this series. So many names! Everyone interrelated, and with a back story. I see that others who have been reading the series found it repetitive, while I found it all a muddle for some time. And then boom, something happens, everyone closes their eyes to the most obvious suspect and it is all quickly wrapped up in a few pages. What I like best was the setting, and for that I will give the series another try.

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Winners' Circle by Gail Bowen is a great mystery. I loved the imagery the author wrote, especially of the lake home. I could envision so many details. The characters appealed to me as well. I loved how the story had red herrings. Athena Karkanis did a great job performing the book. She added the right emotions to her voice. Thank you #NetGalley and #Bespeak Audio Editions for letting me review this book. I really enjoyed it.

[Nancy Milton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unsure who suggested this book to me.
Gail introduces what feels like 50 characters within the first 20 pages, and how they are connected. At page 100 I was still uncertain on where they all connected with the web, yet hung on.
At least 40 pages from the ended I felt sure of who the murderer was - and I've not had that happen in a book before.
Glad to have given it a shot and always enjoy reading a book that takes place in Canada.

[Georgiana Huizenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad to be back with Joanne and her family. My only objection was that the book ended too soon, so I will wait for the next one in the series! As in all of the books in this series, the mystery often takes a back seat to the sense of family that is here. This is what makes them so special. This one was very sad in parts, but I couldn't put it down.

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book, which took over my day after I picked it up. I did actually get a read on who the murderer was, part way through the book, and then dismissed it after reading further, only to discover close to the end that my first conclusion had been correct. I should pay more attention to my intuition, which is really mostly subconscious pattern recognition based on experience.

[Janet Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoy Gail Bowen's writing (although I'm beginning to need a character chart to keep everyone straight - especially in this book). Her characters stay (mostly) fresh and it's nice to read each instalment as everyone grows and changes. However? I had the murderer nailed almost right away. It's never who you/they think it is.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Bowen’s books out of loyalty,so yes in sone ways this is like reconnecting with an old friend, but at the same time, the books just aren’t that good anymore. I still enjoy the characters— although it’s really hard to keep track of all those m-name women, but the tone is getting so earnest. And yes there is real suspense in this one, but the denouement just comes out of nowhere.

[Barb Reimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another offering in the Joanne Kilbourn series. I think the best so far and they are all really excellent. I like the way she summarizes the important events of previous series into the early chapters so that someone who has only picked up this one can catch up. Her stories are about real human emotion and how we carry those through our lives to its benefit or detriment.

[Lana L Fiems · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all the Joanne Kilburn books and still yearn for the next one. The characters are well developed, the plots are great and they give a glimpse of Canadian life in Regina. I also liked the movies made from several books.

[Gail Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time to check in again with Joanne and her family and friends. Its oddly both eventful and uneventful, maybe because this time Joanne is almost more of a spectator to the crimes and never in danger herself. Still, I enjoyed it and will read the next one to catch up again with the Kilbourns.

[Victoria Shepherd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have not read any of the series, which probably hampered my ability to be interested in the story. I found it to be flat and uninteresting and have no interest in reading any further books in the series.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a combination/recap of many of the previous stories, but still a good read. Three of Zack's partners are shot in the office the day after they have spent an evening reminiscing and trying to recapture the spirit that the firm enjoyed in earlier years.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'm a bit weary of this series. It seems more and more like family drama with a bit of crime thrown in. Although the flap read like a thriller, I found the actual events didn't have much drama or excitement and it felt rather too neatly summed up at the end. Meh.....

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love the Joanne Kilbourn (and crew stories) but I did not enjoy this one as much as the others. Somehow it didn't ring as true, I was less engaged by Joanne and company, and I wasn't so caught up in the who-dunnit.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this okay, I struggle a bit with the narration and I am not overly engaged in the story but it was a pleasant enough listen.

I was given an advance copy of the audio by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

[Marci Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series so much that I immediately dove into the next book! I am so glad I did, these characters are awesome and the writing is amazing. I am going to have to read her entire backlog of books now, without question.

This author gets to the heart of the matter in a way that I really like - it isn't super direct nor is it too circuitous. It's the perfect mix and I am here for it. Again, she really does a great job of dealing with mental illness, emotional trauma, and disability. She normalizes all of it as just a part of the whole but at the same time doesn't trivialize, infantilize, or make you pity the character. Such a refreshing take.

I now have to add ANOTHER series to my list of series I am reading and begin at the start so that I can truly get to know the characters!

#TheWinnersCircle
#GailBowen
#NetGalley