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Sgt. Windflower Mysteries #7
Darkest Before the Dawn
Darkest Before The Dawn is the latest adventure in the Sgt. Winston Windflower mystery series, the popular Maritime tales about a Mountie who finds himself with a new family and a new life in tiny Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Ghosts, mysterious deaths, and a new, perplexing character confront Windflower, Tizzard and the other police officers in Grand Bank as they unearth secrets that have been lying hidden in the sleepy hamlet for decades. A fast-moving mystery, Darkest Before The Dawn is also a story of love, loss and learning how to grow old gracefully; a tale of family, community and looking after each other, of not giving up hope, just before the dawn.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2018
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November 5, 2018
Although Darkest Before The Dawn is the latest in a series of cosy murder/mysteries set in the small town of Grand Bank, Newfoundland, it could be read as a standalone at a push but like any series started half way through means the development of the characters and their storylines are missed.
Sergeant Winston Windflower, an RCMP officer, is a full-blooded Cree from Northern Alberta who practises the native customs of his ancestors. He begins each day with a smudging ritual and gratitude for the good in his life. Also passed down the generations is the ability to learn to experience dreams and take note of the predictions/insights they may offer. Windflower is friendly, an advocate of community policing and has won over the residents of Grand Bank, who can initially be disinclined to welcome outsiders.
Windflower and his wife, Sheila, are the proud parents of one month old Amelia Louise, and completing their lovely family is Lady, the collie. It’s a refreshing change, once in a while, to have a protagonist without issues and one who is more than happy with his lot. Windflower loves his family, his job and gets on well with most people. He and Sheila are also in the process of opening a B&B. I enjoy the way the author captures life in a small town and the interactions between the residents. The setting descriptions are lovely, food is a big part of life in Grand Bank and shown to be so.
A dark cloud casts a shadow over the town when a teenager seems to have attempted suicide, then two murders are discovered. The first, reclusive computer techie, Jacob Crowder has been found dead in his home, stabbed repeatedly. The second had a link to Crowder. As the investigation into the murders gains momentum, Windflower and his team uncover more than they could have imagined.
Darkest Before The Dawn was a pleasurable and easy going read. Windflower, Sheila and his team are an asset to Grand Bank, in more ways than one. Sheila, as mayor, is trying to advocate a mental awareness program to help deal with issues such as an increase of people using drugs, along with male depression and suicides, which seem not to have been recognised in the past. The relationships between the well defined characters plays a large part in the story, woven in with credible plot lines which develop at a steady pace. The area, characters and community are appealing—a very enjoyable read.
I chose to read and review Darkest Before The Dawn based on a copy of the book supplied by the author.
Sergeant Winston Windflower, an RCMP officer, is a full-blooded Cree from Northern Alberta who practises the native customs of his ancestors. He begins each day with a smudging ritual and gratitude for the good in his life. Also passed down the generations is the ability to learn to experience dreams and take note of the predictions/insights they may offer. Windflower is friendly, an advocate of community policing and has won over the residents of Grand Bank, who can initially be disinclined to welcome outsiders.
Windflower and his wife, Sheila, are the proud parents of one month old Amelia Louise, and completing their lovely family is Lady, the collie. It’s a refreshing change, once in a while, to have a protagonist without issues and one who is more than happy with his lot. Windflower loves his family, his job and gets on well with most people. He and Sheila are also in the process of opening a B&B. I enjoy the way the author captures life in a small town and the interactions between the residents. The setting descriptions are lovely, food is a big part of life in Grand Bank and shown to be so.
A dark cloud casts a shadow over the town when a teenager seems to have attempted suicide, then two murders are discovered. The first, reclusive computer techie, Jacob Crowder has been found dead in his home, stabbed repeatedly. The second had a link to Crowder. As the investigation into the murders gains momentum, Windflower and his team uncover more than they could have imagined.
Darkest Before The Dawn was a pleasurable and easy going read. Windflower, Sheila and his team are an asset to Grand Bank, in more ways than one. Sheila, as mayor, is trying to advocate a mental awareness program to help deal with issues such as an increase of people using drugs, along with male depression and suicides, which seem not to have been recognised in the past. The relationships between the well defined characters plays a large part in the story, woven in with credible plot lines which develop at a steady pace. The area, characters and community are appealing—a very enjoyable read.
I chose to read and review Darkest Before The Dawn based on a copy of the book supplied by the author.
November 18, 2018
There’s something about Canadian police procedurals that really appeals to me and I can’t really put my finger on it. Sure, I love the whole idea of red-jacketed Mounties on their grand steeds—who doesn’t?—but those guys don’t show up all that often and most of the procedurals are with cops and detectives that could just as easily be found in Phoenix or Cleveland. I do know one thing and that’s that Canadian police procedurals tend to have a gentler tone, easier on the psyche than many American books of the same subgenre.
Now, as it happens, Sgt. Windflower really is a Mountie based in a small village in Newfoundland. Even tiny towns in remote places have their issues with crime and, not surprisingly, this one is also dealing with the dissatisfaction of its youth. Still, life is pretty pleasant until Winston and his colleagues are faced with a a rash of violence and financial crimes and he starts looking into potential connections to the Dark Web.
On the whole, Darkest Before the Dawn and, I believe, the whole series, is a feel-good kind of story. Sgt. Windflower and his family, including Lady the Collie, have a happy life. Winston, a member of the Cree tribe, has dreams that he ties to his First Nation status and sometimes interprets in his criminal investigations and those investigations are good puzzles. At the same time, we get to spend a lot of time with the family and with Sgt. Windflower’s fellow officers, not to mention the townspeople. All in all, this was an exceedingly enjoyable read and I intend to go back to the beginning of the series.
Now, as it happens, Sgt. Windflower really is a Mountie based in a small village in Newfoundland. Even tiny towns in remote places have their issues with crime and, not surprisingly, this one is also dealing with the dissatisfaction of its youth. Still, life is pretty pleasant until Winston and his colleagues are faced with a a rash of violence and financial crimes and he starts looking into potential connections to the Dark Web.
On the whole, Darkest Before the Dawn and, I believe, the whole series, is a feel-good kind of story. Sgt. Windflower and his family, including Lady the Collie, have a happy life. Winston, a member of the Cree tribe, has dreams that he ties to his First Nation status and sometimes interprets in his criminal investigations and those investigations are good puzzles. At the same time, we get to spend a lot of time with the family and with Sgt. Windflower’s fellow officers, not to mention the townspeople. All in all, this was an exceedingly enjoyable read and I intend to go back to the beginning of the series.
July 7, 2019
Grand Bank Newfoundland is experiencing a veritable crime wave. First a young man attempts suicide, mind you I’d want to escape his father but there must be better ways.
Second a meowing cats leads to the discovery of a man decomposing in front of his still running laptop. Hold your nose!
Third his van is discovered near the dump with another body bearing gunshot wounds.
For a place where the fog rolling in is news this is scary stuff. Suddenly locking your doors seems necessary in a place where many doors don’t even bear locks.
Sergeant Windflower has by volume 7 in the series married his ladylove Shiela and they have an adorable one-year-old daughter. Eddie Tizzard who was shot in a volume I have yet to read is climbing the walls waiting to be approved to go back on full duty and still has the lead foot. His girlfriend has been transferred to the area. An officer is being transferred to Alberta. Shiela is still the mayor.
Have I caught up on all the gossip?
The book combines Native Spiritualism with hi-tech police work; cops who quote Shakespeare with cooking lessons. This volume could do with a further edit.
Second a meowing cats leads to the discovery of a man decomposing in front of his still running laptop. Hold your nose!
Third his van is discovered near the dump with another body bearing gunshot wounds.
For a place where the fog rolling in is news this is scary stuff. Suddenly locking your doors seems necessary in a place where many doors don’t even bear locks.
Sergeant Windflower has by volume 7 in the series married his ladylove Shiela and they have an adorable one-year-old daughter. Eddie Tizzard who was shot in a volume I have yet to read is climbing the walls waiting to be approved to go back on full duty and still has the lead foot. His girlfriend has been transferred to the area. An officer is being transferred to Alberta. Shiela is still the mayor.
Have I caught up on all the gossip?
The book combines Native Spiritualism with hi-tech police work; cops who quote Shakespeare with cooking lessons. This volume could do with a further edit.
November 28, 2024
After a couple of pretty serious reads, I needed a visit to the cozy, friendly community of Grand Bank, Newfoundland, and all the fictional friends I have there. This installment of the series finds Sergeant Winston Windflower enjoying new fatherhood with his wife Sheila and new daughter Amelia Louise. Unfortunately the peace of the community is disturbed by several disturbing events. A series of break-ins, an attempted suicide, and then two murders rattle the little community. It appears that big city problems are coming to the little town where people seldom lock their doors. The juxtaposition of Windflower's happy little family and the heavy demands of his job is rather jarring, and reminds us of the responsibility police officers carry, even in small towns. This book also tackles the subject of mental health, and is really a surprisingly serious book masquerading as light entertainment. Don't worry though, there are still plenty of light moments and the quirky characters we have come to love. There are a number of sub-plots that are all developed quite well. I will just say, though, that the author perhaps doesn't know quite enough about babies, post-partum women, or cats.
October 3, 2022
3.5/5*
This is the latest book in a series about First Nation RCMP Sergeant Winston Windflower posted to Grand Bank, NL, but the first one I've read. Obviously, I've missed quite a lot of backstory but overall I had no trouble figuring out who was who and how they were connected to one another.
This time, Sgt Windflower is looking into the mysteries of the Dark Web, which is connected to a couple of murders in the otherwise peaceful town. He and his wife are also preparing for the opening of their B&B, so there is some progress in that area, in that they are going to open the restaurant first so that Winston can use his love of cooking on a more regular basis. The sergeant has been in Grand Bank for almost a decade so is, more or less, a local now and knows his way around comfortably. He is even trying to sound more local by using the occasional, quirky Newfoundland phrase. I don't know anything about the author or if he's a Newfoundlander, but being a Canadian myself, I could certainly hear the Newfoundland in some of the characters. It was captured well - I'm not sure there's any Canadian who wouldn't be able to distinguish a Newfoundlander's distinctive speech!
The RCMP detachment, like so many scattered across Canada, is quite small and the officers are adept at multi-tasking, taking on whatever job needs doing as and when necessary. Sgt Windflower is also a dream weaver, taking note of the symbolism and images in his dreams as a precursor to his external life. He also maintains his morning ritual of sage and prayer. I did find the sharing of a dream and the change in the sharer overnight a bit convenient, but I don't know the ways of these sorts of things.
The book was an easy read and the mystery well done, although it was on the leisurely side. Sgt Windflower leads an idyllic life so there’s not much excitement. His wife Sharon is the mayor of Grand Bank and is on maternity leave from her position to care for their new daughter Amelia Louise. She’s happy, the baby is happy (and seems to always be sleeping), Winston is happy, the dog is happy, the cat is happy…The lack of drama leads to a lack of suspense and ‘grit’ that makes a mystery gripping. Also, Sgt Windflower’s predilection for quoting Shakespeare and having ‘quote offs’ with a superior officer is the third I’ve read this year, so I wasn’t overly keen on that. That could just be my luck with books, though.
However, all that said, I enjoyed it and my visit home (although I’m an Ontarian, not a Newfoundlander). It was a very pleasant way to spend a few hours and I’d be happy to start at the beginning to see where Sgt Windflower began and how he ended up in Grand Bank.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
This is the latest book in a series about First Nation RCMP Sergeant Winston Windflower posted to Grand Bank, NL, but the first one I've read. Obviously, I've missed quite a lot of backstory but overall I had no trouble figuring out who was who and how they were connected to one another.
This time, Sgt Windflower is looking into the mysteries of the Dark Web, which is connected to a couple of murders in the otherwise peaceful town. He and his wife are also preparing for the opening of their B&B, so there is some progress in that area, in that they are going to open the restaurant first so that Winston can use his love of cooking on a more regular basis. The sergeant has been in Grand Bank for almost a decade so is, more or less, a local now and knows his way around comfortably. He is even trying to sound more local by using the occasional, quirky Newfoundland phrase. I don't know anything about the author or if he's a Newfoundlander, but being a Canadian myself, I could certainly hear the Newfoundland in some of the characters. It was captured well - I'm not sure there's any Canadian who wouldn't be able to distinguish a Newfoundlander's distinctive speech!
The RCMP detachment, like so many scattered across Canada, is quite small and the officers are adept at multi-tasking, taking on whatever job needs doing as and when necessary. Sgt Windflower is also a dream weaver, taking note of the symbolism and images in his dreams as a precursor to his external life. He also maintains his morning ritual of sage and prayer. I did find the sharing of a dream and the change in the sharer overnight a bit convenient, but I don't know the ways of these sorts of things.
The book was an easy read and the mystery well done, although it was on the leisurely side. Sgt Windflower leads an idyllic life so there’s not much excitement. His wife Sharon is the mayor of Grand Bank and is on maternity leave from her position to care for their new daughter Amelia Louise. She’s happy, the baby is happy (and seems to always be sleeping), Winston is happy, the dog is happy, the cat is happy…The lack of drama leads to a lack of suspense and ‘grit’ that makes a mystery gripping. Also, Sgt Windflower’s predilection for quoting Shakespeare and having ‘quote offs’ with a superior officer is the third I’ve read this year, so I wasn’t overly keen on that. That could just be my luck with books, though.
However, all that said, I enjoyed it and my visit home (although I’m an Ontarian, not a Newfoundlander). It was a very pleasant way to spend a few hours and I’d be happy to start at the beginning to see where Sgt Windflower began and how he ended up in Grand Bank.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
November 25, 2018
Sgt Winston Windflower is a Canadian Mountie who is settling into his new routine of having a newborn around the house along with the love of his life, Sheila. Grand Banks is a quiet town, but something seems amiss and between a murder, troubled and suicidal teenagers and the other mystery, Sgt Windflower has his work cut out for him in trying to solve the mysteries and murder, so things can get back to normal. Tensions between various folks rise making his job that much more difficult.
I haven’t read the other books but seeing as I am partial to mysteries I gave this one a shot. That being said, I do not think I missed much, and I certainly didn’t feel as though I was out of the loop in regards to the development of certain characters. The author is really good in spinning mysteries and was able to keep Sgt. Windflower a likeable and agreeable character. His writing style is good, and the story had a fairly even pace throughout
I haven’t read the other books but seeing as I am partial to mysteries I gave this one a shot. That being said, I do not think I missed much, and I certainly didn’t feel as though I was out of the loop in regards to the development of certain characters. The author is really good in spinning mysteries and was able to keep Sgt. Windflower a likeable and agreeable character. His writing style is good, and the story had a fairly even pace throughout
October 16, 2018
‘We got a call about a shooting up near the seniors’ club.’
Canadian author Mike Martin, born in Newfoundland, is well known freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand. His books include Change the Things You Can: Dealing with Difficult People as well as his ongoing series The Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series of which DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN is the 7th volume. He now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario.
For those for whom this is the first exposure to the series, the Sgt. Winston Windflower mystery series shares tales about a Mountie who finds himself with a new family and a new life in tiny Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Many of the characters from the first volume remain and most assuredly the setting of the dramas remains a place we learn to know well, but Mike has that uncanny ability to open a new story with enough mix of entertainment and magnetizing hints of the mystery to come to capture the attention and imagination. For example, in the first paragraphs we read, ‘Winston Windflower was surrounded by women. Literally and figuratively. At home, his beautiful wife, Sheila Hillier, was busy minding the new joy of their lives. Amelia Louise was just over a month old, and she was the most beautiful thing that the RCMP sergeant had ever seen. Right in front of him was a gaggle of ladies from the Grand Bank United Church Women. He was finishing up the latest in a series of seminars the local Mounties were conducting on how to make your home safer. The sessions were in response to a series of break-ins around the Burin Peninsula in recent months. There had been ten reported in Grand Bank alone. This was concerning to the locals who were used to living in a community where you never had to lock your doors at night. It was disturbing to the RCMP as well because they had no idea who was behind this latest crime spree. Usually, that was the easiest part of their job. Break and enters were often carried out by drug users looking for quick money for hits or professionals who would stake out a home or business that had particularly valuable assets. There were random robberies for other reasons, too, but ten in one small town was more than unusual. What was even stranger was that houses had been broken into, and nothing appeared to be missing. That had startled the RCMP and scared the local women who had come out tonight to hear about double bolts and security systems.’
Mike summarizes the plot in his synopsis: ‘Ghosts, mysterious deaths, and a new, perplexing character confront Windflower, Tizzard and the other police officers in Grand Bank as they unearth secrets that have been lying hidden in the sleepy hamlet for decades. In addition to a tense mystery this is also a story of love, loss and learning how to grow old gracefully; a tale of family, community and looking after each other, of not giving up hope, just before the dawn.’
This is one finely written mystery, complete with all the aspects of mature writing that allow the description to be ‘a cozy mystery’. It has it all. Highly Recommended.
Canadian author Mike Martin, born in Newfoundland, is well known freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand. His books include Change the Things You Can: Dealing with Difficult People as well as his ongoing series The Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series of which DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN is the 7th volume. He now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario.
For those for whom this is the first exposure to the series, the Sgt. Winston Windflower mystery series shares tales about a Mountie who finds himself with a new family and a new life in tiny Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Many of the characters from the first volume remain and most assuredly the setting of the dramas remains a place we learn to know well, but Mike has that uncanny ability to open a new story with enough mix of entertainment and magnetizing hints of the mystery to come to capture the attention and imagination. For example, in the first paragraphs we read, ‘Winston Windflower was surrounded by women. Literally and figuratively. At home, his beautiful wife, Sheila Hillier, was busy minding the new joy of their lives. Amelia Louise was just over a month old, and she was the most beautiful thing that the RCMP sergeant had ever seen. Right in front of him was a gaggle of ladies from the Grand Bank United Church Women. He was finishing up the latest in a series of seminars the local Mounties were conducting on how to make your home safer. The sessions were in response to a series of break-ins around the Burin Peninsula in recent months. There had been ten reported in Grand Bank alone. This was concerning to the locals who were used to living in a community where you never had to lock your doors at night. It was disturbing to the RCMP as well because they had no idea who was behind this latest crime spree. Usually, that was the easiest part of their job. Break and enters were often carried out by drug users looking for quick money for hits or professionals who would stake out a home or business that had particularly valuable assets. There were random robberies for other reasons, too, but ten in one small town was more than unusual. What was even stranger was that houses had been broken into, and nothing appeared to be missing. That had startled the RCMP and scared the local women who had come out tonight to hear about double bolts and security systems.’
Mike summarizes the plot in his synopsis: ‘Ghosts, mysterious deaths, and a new, perplexing character confront Windflower, Tizzard and the other police officers in Grand Bank as they unearth secrets that have been lying hidden in the sleepy hamlet for decades. In addition to a tense mystery this is also a story of love, loss and learning how to grow old gracefully; a tale of family, community and looking after each other, of not giving up hope, just before the dawn.’
This is one finely written mystery, complete with all the aspects of mature writing that allow the description to be ‘a cozy mystery’. It has it all. Highly Recommended.
July 10, 2020
Darkest Before the Dawn is the seventh book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series by Mike Martin and I hope that you are as big a fan as I am.
The Sgt. Windflower Mystery series follows Sgt. Winston Windflower around as he carries on his life. Windflower lives in a little place called Grand Bank, Newfoundland where he oversees the local police force. Windflower is married to the Mayor, Sheila, and they have just welcomed their daughter Amelia Louise into the world. While Windflower is trying to navigate being a father, he still has to go to work and even when things are slow, they are never boring for him.
In Darkest Before the Dawn a crying cat leads to a dead body, a local teen attempts to kill himself which opens up a big can of worms, Windflower and Sheila are preparing to open up a new B & B, and Uncle Frank is visiting......
When the body of Jacob Crowder is found, not only is Windflower left with an orphaned cat but a mysterious death. Everybody knew of Jacob Crowder but no one really knew him. He kept to himself and didn't seen to cause trouble..... that is until his death and Windflower and crew do some digging. Crowder had many secrets and a lot of questions that need answers.
Darkest Before the Dawn continues to show Windflower as he grows and navigates fatherhood and his transititioning with Sheila into owners of a B & B. In this book readers are seeing a very, very happy man....which we don't always see. Windflower does have his moments but with Uncle Frank there and Windflowers continued practice of smudging and getting close to nature and himself, he remains grounded and positive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. I love seeing the changes in Windflower, his friends, and his family. I love reading about his every day life, even when it is boring and he is just hanging around at home with Sheila and the baby. I look forward to the next book to see how he navigates opening up the B & B for the season and how he is going to juggle that with the police responsibilities. You know as much as I do that he will have a hard time letting go of that job....it is a part of him and he is a part of it.
The Sgt. Windflower Mystery series follows Sgt. Winston Windflower around as he carries on his life. Windflower lives in a little place called Grand Bank, Newfoundland where he oversees the local police force. Windflower is married to the Mayor, Sheila, and they have just welcomed their daughter Amelia Louise into the world. While Windflower is trying to navigate being a father, he still has to go to work and even when things are slow, they are never boring for him.
In Darkest Before the Dawn a crying cat leads to a dead body, a local teen attempts to kill himself which opens up a big can of worms, Windflower and Sheila are preparing to open up a new B & B, and Uncle Frank is visiting......
When the body of Jacob Crowder is found, not only is Windflower left with an orphaned cat but a mysterious death. Everybody knew of Jacob Crowder but no one really knew him. He kept to himself and didn't seen to cause trouble..... that is until his death and Windflower and crew do some digging. Crowder had many secrets and a lot of questions that need answers.
Darkest Before the Dawn continues to show Windflower as he grows and navigates fatherhood and his transititioning with Sheila into owners of a B & B. In this book readers are seeing a very, very happy man....which we don't always see. Windflower does have his moments but with Uncle Frank there and Windflowers continued practice of smudging and getting close to nature and himself, he remains grounded and positive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. I love seeing the changes in Windflower, his friends, and his family. I love reading about his every day life, even when it is boring and he is just hanging around at home with Sheila and the baby. I look forward to the next book to see how he navigates opening up the B & B for the season and how he is going to juggle that with the police responsibilities. You know as much as I do that he will have a hard time letting go of that job....it is a part of him and he is a part of it.
October 21, 2018
This new-to-me series features Cree Indian Sgt. Winston Windflower of the RCMP. He mans an office in tiny Grand Bank. Windflower is getting used to his new life with wife Sheila Hillier (the town's mayor) and new baby Amelia Louise. Windflower has also brought along his collie, Lady.
Windflower becomes embroiled in a number of recent break-ins and now the murder of a loner, who appears to be deeply involved in the dark web, including identity theft and crypto-currency. The investigation shortly finds another victim apparently tied to the earlier stabbing death of the secretive loner. In addition, he is confronting the statistics of mounting suicide among teenagers and middle-aged men.
Sgt. Windflower is surrounded by well-developed secondary characters such as Tizzard, Dr. Sanjay, and Betsy, his administrative assistant, who reminded me very much of Ruby of the Longmire TV series. He and his wife are in the process of opening a B&B.
The area around the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland is richly described, the small town setting picturesque. Windflower was probably well fleshed previously. This installment functions fine as a standalone as you get enough of the protagonist to get who he is now, but reading more of the series would definitely fill in missing back story. The dialogue flows naturally, but included some local colloquialisms.
It's a cozy mystery, slow to percolate. The narrative moved at a halting pace and a few plot points were repeated. The antagonist element is obvious. The sub-plot, that of suicide, is covered sensitively and the darknet explained adequately. The conclusion arrived quietly, except for one surprise you didn't expect of the antagonist. Encountered were obvious edit misses (i.e., flower for flour). While there were elements that pushed enough interest to continue to conclusion, it was low key.
I received this download from the publisher and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for those who enjoy small-town locales, cozies, and family oriented mysteries. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://wordpress.com/post/rosepointp...
Windflower becomes embroiled in a number of recent break-ins and now the murder of a loner, who appears to be deeply involved in the dark web, including identity theft and crypto-currency. The investigation shortly finds another victim apparently tied to the earlier stabbing death of the secretive loner. In addition, he is confronting the statistics of mounting suicide among teenagers and middle-aged men.
Sgt. Windflower is surrounded by well-developed secondary characters such as Tizzard, Dr. Sanjay, and Betsy, his administrative assistant, who reminded me very much of Ruby of the Longmire TV series. He and his wife are in the process of opening a B&B.
The area around the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland is richly described, the small town setting picturesque. Windflower was probably well fleshed previously. This installment functions fine as a standalone as you get enough of the protagonist to get who he is now, but reading more of the series would definitely fill in missing back story. The dialogue flows naturally, but included some local colloquialisms.
It's a cozy mystery, slow to percolate. The narrative moved at a halting pace and a few plot points were repeated. The antagonist element is obvious. The sub-plot, that of suicide, is covered sensitively and the darknet explained adequately. The conclusion arrived quietly, except for one surprise you didn't expect of the antagonist. Encountered were obvious edit misses (i.e., flower for flour). While there were elements that pushed enough interest to continue to conclusion, it was low key.
I received this download from the publisher and NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Recommended for those who enjoy small-town locales, cozies, and family oriented mysteries. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://wordpress.com/post/rosepointp...
October 15, 2018
Darkest Before the Dawn (Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series Book 7) by Mike Martin is a warm cozy mystery featuring Sgt. Windflower. Taking place in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, Windflower is just getting used to his new life with his brand new daughter Amelia, working and maintaining his family life, along with his dog Lady. When strange things start occurring in this small town, the use of drugs is ramping up, a young man, Levi, may or may not have tried to kill himself, and finally a dead body turns up; Windflower has his work cut out for him. The author Martin casts the bunch of characters well, creating a space in time that reflects what seems to be a simpler lifestyle and town, but in fact has a lot of secrets. The characters are well rendered, dialogue is easy and natural, and the mystery itself is substantial. You will enjoy getting to know everyone in this tale as you unravel the mystery along with Windflower. Highly recommend for a series of cozy mysteries. Looking forward to more from this author.
February 3, 2019
Newfoundland. A small town is confronted with the murder of a young loner and an attempted suicide of a young teenager. Sergeant Winston Wildflower and his(small)team have to solve this murder while he also has to take care of a B&B that he,his wife and their baby are starting up.
Well,I know this is supposed to be a cosy/cozy but this one definitely didn't work for me. The mystery is hardly a mystery at all and the showdown is more a bit of a let down.
So what is left is endless talk about babies,their burbs,their noises and their diapers,detailed lunches(apparently Sergeant Winston finds time to go home for lunch notwithstanding the murder case),walks with the dog,tea/coffee breaks with goodies,shopping lists for a dinner party,the elaborated preparation of this menu and a detailed testimony of the tender love between husband and wife(and their baby).
As this constitutes about 80% of the story it is hardly a mystery.
That said,I liked the characters(the sergeant and his team are well developed and very likeable )but I don't think I belong to the targeted audience...
Well,I know this is supposed to be a cosy/cozy but this one definitely didn't work for me. The mystery is hardly a mystery at all and the showdown is more a bit of a let down.
So what is left is endless talk about babies,their burbs,their noises and their diapers,detailed lunches(apparently Sergeant Winston finds time to go home for lunch notwithstanding the murder case),walks with the dog,tea/coffee breaks with goodies,shopping lists for a dinner party,the elaborated preparation of this menu and a detailed testimony of the tender love between husband and wife(and their baby).
As this constitutes about 80% of the story it is hardly a mystery.
That said,I liked the characters(the sergeant and his team are well developed and very likeable )but I don't think I belong to the targeted audience...
November 24, 2018
On the island of Newfoundland, Darkest Before the Dawn, Mountie Winston Wildflower investigates some unusual events in his quiet community. Mike Martin treats us to a novel in a place few people have heard of before. We learn more about this small town while Wildflower entreats his Indian ancestors to help his solve a death that turns into much more. The dark secrets that lurk Grand Bank are as elusive as the ghost seen wandering in the fog.
Mike Martin creates an aura from the beginning of Darkest Before the Dawn that makes the read expect suspense. I grew to love this quaint community in Canada as the author brought these characters to life. I found this novel hard to put down as this sergeant dealt with everyday problems people face and struggled to find the help they need. As the seventh book in this series the author offers more for the reader which suspense readers will enjoy.
Mike Martin creates an aura from the beginning of Darkest Before the Dawn that makes the read expect suspense. I grew to love this quaint community in Canada as the author brought these characters to life. I found this novel hard to put down as this sergeant dealt with everyday problems people face and struggled to find the help they need. As the seventh book in this series the author offers more for the reader which suspense readers will enjoy.
October 18, 2018
Sgt Windflower is back in action
Darkest before the dawn is another in the series that follows Sgt Windflower on his adventure in New Foundland with his new daughter and a rash of crime popping up without explanation. Sgt Windflower is in the middle of an increase in drug use along with Levi who may have attempted suicide and all the while thinking about his new baby and what his life is supposed to be. The characters are well developed and the story is gripping and drags you into the abyss of despair as the Sgt tries to solve the mystery. Great story for those who like mystery and twists of fate in the action. This was a fun read and held my attention well. I recommend this one to everyone looking for the good mystery.
Darkest before the dawn is another in the series that follows Sgt Windflower on his adventure in New Foundland with his new daughter and a rash of crime popping up without explanation. Sgt Windflower is in the middle of an increase in drug use along with Levi who may have attempted suicide and all the while thinking about his new baby and what his life is supposed to be. The characters are well developed and the story is gripping and drags you into the abyss of despair as the Sgt tries to solve the mystery. Great story for those who like mystery and twists of fate in the action. This was a fun read and held my attention well. I recommend this one to everyone looking for the good mystery.
November 19, 2018
Mystery with message!
A mystery changing fate is how I describe this book. The story revolves around Sgt. Winston Windflower who is starting a new life with a new family in tiny Grand Bank, Newfoundland. He hopes to have a peaceful life, but fate has something else planned. The town life that looked simple and easy turn out to be complex filled with suspense, murder, believe in ghost and unknown. The character description has been done well and twists throughout the story with focus on love, care, hope and life make it an enjoyable read.
A mystery changing fate is how I describe this book. The story revolves around Sgt. Winston Windflower who is starting a new life with a new family in tiny Grand Bank, Newfoundland. He hopes to have a peaceful life, but fate has something else planned. The town life that looked simple and easy turn out to be complex filled with suspense, murder, believe in ghost and unknown. The character description has been done well and twists throughout the story with focus on love, care, hope and life make it an enjoyable read.
November 30, 2022
Windflower and Shiela now have a young daughter who is the center of their lives although Sheila is still the mayor of Grand Banks and Windflower is head of the local RCMP office. When a two day dead body is discovered in a local house they are trying to determine who killed him. Things get more complicated when a second body is discovered in a van at the edge of the town dump. Further investigation indicates that Windflower is dealing with an international drug smuggling ring. As always, this is a great story.
June 2, 2023
moose stew and murder
This book in the Windflower series takes place in Grand Bank NL in June and gives me an idea of what it will be like when we visit there later this month. As always there’s plenty of eating going on; turkey and dressing sandwiches and moose stew. And a recommendation for Leo’s a fish and chips in downtown St John’s.
Oh, also there were a couple of murders, a computer hacker, illicit drugs and cryptocurrency. A fun light read.
This book in the Windflower series takes place in Grand Bank NL in June and gives me an idea of what it will be like when we visit there later this month. As always there’s plenty of eating going on; turkey and dressing sandwiches and moose stew. And a recommendation for Leo’s a fish and chips in downtown St John’s.
Oh, also there were a couple of murders, a computer hacker, illicit drugs and cryptocurrency. A fun light read.
January 21, 2024
I enjoyed the narration of Francis G. Kearney
Sgt Windflower is looking into the mysteries of the Dark Web, which is connected to a couple of murders in the otherwise peaceful town. He and his wife are opening of their own B&B. Helping Winston use his love of cooking on a more regular basis. The sergeant has been in Grand Bank for almost a decade and knows his way around comfortably.
Sgt Windflower is looking into the mysteries of the Dark Web, which is connected to a couple of murders in the otherwise peaceful town. He and his wife are opening of their own B&B. Helping Winston use his love of cooking on a more regular basis. The sergeant has been in Grand Bank for almost a decade and knows his way around comfortably.
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November 9, 2024Wonderful Canadian mystery
I absolutely enjoyed this Newfoundland Mountie mystery, from walking the dog in the forest, to the wild assortment of townsfolk and delicious local cuisine.
The vibrant storytelling is easy to follow, with never a dull moment. I'll definitely read more books by this author.
I absolutely enjoyed this Newfoundland Mountie mystery, from walking the dog in the forest, to the wild assortment of townsfolk and delicious local cuisine.
The vibrant storytelling is easy to follow, with never a dull moment. I'll definitely read more books by this author.
December 2, 2019
A little too much detail
The plot is good and the character likeable but I felt irritated by the descriptions of every meal prepared and eaten, and every single nappy change. Unnecessary details that to me smacked of fillers rather than content.
The plot is good and the character likeable but I felt irritated by the descriptions of every meal prepared and eaten, and every single nappy change. Unnecessary details that to me smacked of fillers rather than content.
March 17, 2023
I'm so glad I discovered this series and I'm definitely going to go back and read the earlier ones. I like the sense of community, and I really love the main character.
October 28, 2023
A typical Windflower read, same old same old. I only keep reading them as they are a relaxing, easy read and they come to my account at the library.
November 12, 2023
It felt like there was a bit of an editing issue at the beginning of chapter 19.
November 21, 2018
Reading Darkest Before the Dawn is like catching up with old friends, if your friends were an RCMP Sergeant and the mayor of a small town in Newfoundland. But all is not well in Grand Bank: there is a string of break-ins, suicide attempts and murders. So Winston Windflower has his hands full, especially with a baby at home and a new B&B to run. The story goes at a good pace, and the descriptions of Newfoundland and its weather are beautiful and evocative. However, I noticed a couple of small discrepancies: for example, when Levi Parsons lends a CD to Winston. I personally think that it is highly unlikely that a teenager would be carrying a CD with him. He would listen to music on his phone. In addition, Charlene Parsons’ sister has the same last name, even though Parsons is the name of Charlene’s husband. On the whole though, I really enjoyed Darkest Before the Dawn, the 7th book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series.
September 28, 2018
In this seventh installment of the series featuring Cree Indian and Mountie Winston Windflower, Windflower is trying to being a good husband to Sheila Hillier, a good father to brand new baby Amelia, and keep his faithful Collie, Lady, happy (she’s not too sure about this noisy new bundle that’s taking up so much of his time), all while managing the local Mountie detachment and dealing with a crime wave involving domestic violence, teen suicides, the dark web and identity theft, and crypto-currency.
Sometimes series tend to lose steam for me – I outgrow the characters, or the author seems to get tired. Not so with Windflower. I have enjoyed each of the previous entries in this well-written series, and this one was equally satisfying. I like spending time with Windflower and Sheila and Lady, as well as my favorite secondary characters (Windflower’s team of Mounties; Herb Stoodley, a retired Crown attorney Windflower goes to for advice and guidance; and Dr. Sanjay, the town coroner). I like the relationship between Windflower and Sheila (he values her opinion and input on his job). Usually I lose interest when babies come into the picture, but not in this series. Amelia just makes Windflower more “real” to me. Plus, it’s fun watching him grow into parenthood and figure out how to successfully navigate life and The Job.
The author skillfully balances Windflower’s home and work lives, and seamlessly ties in the topical subplots. There’s enough action to keep me reading, but not so much that I lose sight of the relationships between the characters, which is really what I read for. To me, this series is truly cozy – the crimes are realistic, but not excessively detailed; there’s an interesting central character (a Cree Indian Mountie), a great location (Newfoundland, Canada), a small-town setting; snappy dialogue; richly-detailed and dimensional secondary characters; intriguing plots; a love of food; and a good dog. That hits all the points on my cozy list.
I was privileged to be a beta reader for the author. I bought my own paperback copy - I like seeing those paperbacks lined up on my shelf. This series is a great break from the real world, and one I want to revisit again and again.
Sometimes series tend to lose steam for me – I outgrow the characters, or the author seems to get tired. Not so with Windflower. I have enjoyed each of the previous entries in this well-written series, and this one was equally satisfying. I like spending time with Windflower and Sheila and Lady, as well as my favorite secondary characters (Windflower’s team of Mounties; Herb Stoodley, a retired Crown attorney Windflower goes to for advice and guidance; and Dr. Sanjay, the town coroner). I like the relationship between Windflower and Sheila (he values her opinion and input on his job). Usually I lose interest when babies come into the picture, but not in this series. Amelia just makes Windflower more “real” to me. Plus, it’s fun watching him grow into parenthood and figure out how to successfully navigate life and The Job.
The author skillfully balances Windflower’s home and work lives, and seamlessly ties in the topical subplots. There’s enough action to keep me reading, but not so much that I lose sight of the relationships between the characters, which is really what I read for. To me, this series is truly cozy – the crimes are realistic, but not excessively detailed; there’s an interesting central character (a Cree Indian Mountie), a great location (Newfoundland, Canada), a small-town setting; snappy dialogue; richly-detailed and dimensional secondary characters; intriguing plots; a love of food; and a good dog. That hits all the points on my cozy list.
I was privileged to be a beta reader for the author. I bought my own paperback copy - I like seeing those paperbacks lined up on my shelf. This series is a great break from the real world, and one I want to revisit again and again.
October 26, 2018
This sleepy town will never be the same. Winston Windflower is a RCMP sergeant who has everything that a man could want. A loving wife & a beautiful baby daughter. But crime has come to his town and he knows that he will need outside help. A young boy tries to kill himself and there is no one that can help him cope with his depression so everyone is hoping that the mayor can get them the help that they need. Windflower knows that it will get sorted as his wife Sheila is the mayor. A body has been discovered by accident and it is murder but who would have wanted to kill him? No one knew too much about the murdered man as he kept to himself. Before the case can go further another body is found and they are related but Windflower needs to put the pieces together. He has so much going on at the moment, luckily he has a good team that helps him sort through all the evidence. A simple murder becomes a bigger case that will involve many of players and hopefully someone will be held accountable. Can Windflower solve these crimes so that the townsfolk can feel safe again? A really good read. Windflower is quite a man. A loving husband, a father, a leader and someone who would have your back. He makes everyone feel comfortable and they all seem to respect him. Sheila is definitely the right woman for him she keeps him grounded as he tries to take on too much. All the characters really add to the story and it is interesting to see how they all fit in the town. So glad that mental health was brought up as in small towns there isn't always help available. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley and the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2019
I have read all of the books in this series and absolutely love the characters in them. It’s like going home each time I read about Sgt. Winston Windflower, his family, and his fellow officers in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Winston is a strong but kind and considerate man who does all he can to help others in his line of work as a Mountie. He is dependable, hard-working, an exceptional husband and father and a friend to many. When someone needs a hand Winston is the man to turn to.
This is book 7 in this series which features each book as a stand alone story with plenty of problems at work for Winston to handle as he goes about his daily life with his wife, baby daughter, dog, Lady, and a new cat, Molly. The town of Grand Bank is somewhat of a sleepy town with inhabitants who help and care for one another. When something out of the ordinary happens they band together like a family. Grand Bank is the kind of place that is a safe place to raise a family.
I enjoy these stories that contain a little mystery and at the same time a cozy feel to the life and times of this good man, Sgt. Winston Windflower. It makes me want to move to this lovely community even though in the winter months it is a cold, snowy desolate place to be.
I look forward with anticipation to another one of these cozy mysteries. I was given a copy of this book and choose to review it without any compensation.
This is book 7 in this series which features each book as a stand alone story with plenty of problems at work for Winston to handle as he goes about his daily life with his wife, baby daughter, dog, Lady, and a new cat, Molly. The town of Grand Bank is somewhat of a sleepy town with inhabitants who help and care for one another. When something out of the ordinary happens they band together like a family. Grand Bank is the kind of place that is a safe place to raise a family.
I enjoy these stories that contain a little mystery and at the same time a cozy feel to the life and times of this good man, Sgt. Winston Windflower. It makes me want to move to this lovely community even though in the winter months it is a cold, snowy desolate place to be.
I look forward with anticipation to another one of these cozy mysteries. I was given a copy of this book and choose to review it without any compensation.
June 8, 2024
Sergeant Winston Windflower of the RCMP is enjoying several changes in his personal life with wife Sheila Hillier. They have a newborn daughter Amelia Louise, and are planning to open a B&B in a few weeks. Crime seems on the upswing in the tiny town of Grand Bank, Newfoundland. There is a series of recent break-ins and then loner Jacob Crowder is found stabbed to death in his home. The investigation soon reveals that Crowder was not the computer tech guy he claimed. He had a long criminal history and was involved in a complex scheme involving identity theft and crypto-currency. Then another man is found shot dead in his van and it is found that he had ties to Crowder. Jacob's elegant mother Eiizabeth arrives in town from Ontario but she is not a bereaved mother. Instead, she demands access to Jacob's house and eventually breaks in to conduct a frantic search. What is Elizabeth looking for?
It was nice to learn more about Windflower's personal life and routine with his family. This was an enjoyable quick read and a satisfying entry in the Sgt. Windflower mystery series.
I received an eARC via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
It was nice to learn more about Windflower's personal life and routine with his family. This was an enjoyable quick read and a satisfying entry in the Sgt. Windflower mystery series.
I received an eARC via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
October 3, 2018
It was just such a pleasure to read this book; pleasant, like taking a leisurely holiday away from my usual detective thrillers, intriguing, well-written and relaxing. I finished this book with the sense that the mystery storyline was actually secondary to the story of Sgt. Windflower, his family, friends and colleagues, and the intertwining of their lives in a small Newfoundland community - punctuated by the odd murder or two. Winston Windflower leads an idyllic life with his wife and baby and, not having been acquainted with the author's writing before, I felt I was just waiting for something really nasty to disturb the extremely happy scene. In the event though, the pleasantness continued throughout for them; not so for the victims of the mystery surrounding their demise in this small community. The mystery storyline was smoothly woven through, intriguing and keeping the reader guessing; well thought-out but perhaps not entirely resolved. However, it really didn't matter.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity. I will indeed seek out previous titles by this author.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity. I will indeed seek out previous titles by this author.
December 6, 2018
If you read a lot of crime novels, first be aware that this is really not that; not in feel, at the very least. Think less blood and grit, more Heartbeat or Midsomer Murders.
Windflower and colleagues are pleasant and likeable, as are his friends and family, and frankly, half of the criminals / suspects too. This leads the reader to a distinctly fluffy “feel good” reading experience, just with a side-serving of gradually unravelling mystery.
Notwithstanding the pleasantness of everyone stretching credulity a touch, characterization is strong throughout and dialogue itself is well-written, an area with which many authors struggle.
It’s worth noting that this is the seventh book in a series, so this is far from the author’s first effort. As for reading them in order; you might as well start at the beginning if you don’t have a pressing reason to do otherwise, but it won’t be a problem if you do want to just leap in here; no prior knowledge of the characters or setting is needed it to understand what’s going on right from the start.
All in all, an enjoyable book well-written.
Windflower and colleagues are pleasant and likeable, as are his friends and family, and frankly, half of the criminals / suspects too. This leads the reader to a distinctly fluffy “feel good” reading experience, just with a side-serving of gradually unravelling mystery.
Notwithstanding the pleasantness of everyone stretching credulity a touch, characterization is strong throughout and dialogue itself is well-written, an area with which many authors struggle.
It’s worth noting that this is the seventh book in a series, so this is far from the author’s first effort. As for reading them in order; you might as well start at the beginning if you don’t have a pressing reason to do otherwise, but it won’t be a problem if you do want to just leap in here; no prior knowledge of the characters or setting is needed it to understand what’s going on right from the start.
All in all, an enjoyable book well-written.
July 3, 2020
Grand Bank Newfoundland is experiencing a veritable crime wave. First a young man attempts suicide, mind you I’d want to escape his father but there must be better ways.
Second a meowing cat leads to the discovery of a man decomposing in front of his still running laptop. Hold your nose!
Third his van is discovered near the dump with another body bearing gunshot wounds.
For a place where the fog rolling in is news this is scary stuff. Suddenly locking your doors seems necessary in a place where many doors don’t even bear locks.
Sergeant Windflower has by volume 7 in the series married his ladylove Shiela and they have an adorable one-year-old daughter. Eddie Tizzard who was shot in a volume I have yet to read is climbing the walls waiting to be approved to go back on full duty and still has the lead foot. His girlfriend has been transferred to the area. An officer is being transferred to Alberta. Shiela is still the mayor.
Have I caught up on all the gossip?
The book combines Native Spiritualism with hi-tech police work; cops who quote Shakespeare with cooking lessons. This volume could do with a further edit.
Second a meowing cat leads to the discovery of a man decomposing in front of his still running laptop. Hold your nose!
Third his van is discovered near the dump with another body bearing gunshot wounds.
For a place where the fog rolling in is news this is scary stuff. Suddenly locking your doors seems necessary in a place where many doors don’t even bear locks.
Sergeant Windflower has by volume 7 in the series married his ladylove Shiela and they have an adorable one-year-old daughter. Eddie Tizzard who was shot in a volume I have yet to read is climbing the walls waiting to be approved to go back on full duty and still has the lead foot. His girlfriend has been transferred to the area. An officer is being transferred to Alberta. Shiela is still the mayor.
Have I caught up on all the gossip?
The book combines Native Spiritualism with hi-tech police work; cops who quote Shakespeare with cooking lessons. This volume could do with a further edit.
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