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Blood on Lake Louisa
An apparent hunting accident may prove to be something far more sinister in this thrilling Golden Age mystery by the author of the Duncan Maclain series.
Doc Ryan has practiced medicine for twenty years in the quiet Florida town of Orange Crest, the county seat of Manasaw County. He knows more about the lives of the town's inhabitants than anyone else--not that it amounts to much. There's not a lot to do in Orange Crest apart from going to the movie theater, where all the latest pictures are shown. There is, however, hunting and fishing, which draws in tourists from all over.
On the final night of the season, Ryan heads out to fish, taking his shotgun along as well in order to bag a duck or two if he's able. As the sun sets, the fish aren't taking the bait, though Ryan manages to fire off a few rounds at some mallards. But when he goes to collect his prize, he instead finds the body of David Mitchell, with shotgun wounds near his heart . . .
When Sheriff Pete Crossley hears his friend Ryan claim to be a murderer, he doesn't believe him. Something about the story doesn't add up. And together, sheriff and doctor will set out to find the real killer and restore peace to Orange Crest.
Baynard Kendrick was a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America, the holder of the organization's first membership card, and a winner of its Grand Master Award. He wrote the Duncan Maclain Mysteries and the Miles Standish Rice Mysteries. Blood on Lake Louisawas his first novel.
Doc Ryan has practiced medicine for twenty years in the quiet Florida town of Orange Crest, the county seat of Manasaw County. He knows more about the lives of the town's inhabitants than anyone else--not that it amounts to much. There's not a lot to do in Orange Crest apart from going to the movie theater, where all the latest pictures are shown. There is, however, hunting and fishing, which draws in tourists from all over.
On the final night of the season, Ryan heads out to fish, taking his shotgun along as well in order to bag a duck or two if he's able. As the sun sets, the fish aren't taking the bait, though Ryan manages to fire off a few rounds at some mallards. But when he goes to collect his prize, he instead finds the body of David Mitchell, with shotgun wounds near his heart . . .
When Sheriff Pete Crossley hears his friend Ryan claim to be a murderer, he doesn't believe him. Something about the story doesn't add up. And together, sheriff and doctor will set out to find the real killer and restore peace to Orange Crest.
Baynard Kendrick was a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America, the holder of the organization's first membership card, and a winner of its Grand Master Award. He wrote the Duncan Maclain Mysteries and the Miles Standish Rice Mysteries. Blood on Lake Louisawas his first novel.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1943
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Baynard H. Kendrick
58 books11 followersAlso wrote under the pseudonym Richard Hayward
Kendrick was an American lawyer and executive who became a full-time writer in 1932. His first mystery novel, Blood on Lake Louisa was published in 1934.
In 1914 Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army, one hour after that country declared war.
He married Edythe Stevens in 1919 and Jean Morris in 1971, and became an executive and manager of hotels and publishing companies. Kendrick was the organizer and only sighted member of the Blinded Veterans Association.
He was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and held membership #1. In the 1960s he retired to Florida.
Kendrick was an American lawyer and executive who became a full-time writer in 1932. His first mystery novel, Blood on Lake Louisa was published in 1934.
In 1914 Kendrick was the first American to enlist in the Canadian Army, one hour after that country declared war.
He married Edythe Stevens in 1919 and Jean Morris in 1971, and became an executive and manager of hotels and publishing companies. Kendrick was the organizer and only sighted member of the Blinded Veterans Association.
He was also a founding member of the Mystery Writers of America and held membership #1. In the 1960s he retired to Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 25, 2025
This was a book my mystery loving mom (born in 1920) had on her shelf and loved. I finally got around to reading it. It was a very atmospheric, complicated murder mystery that takes place in the swamps, lakes , and woods of Florida. Some may be put off by a few racial terms but they were unfortunately typical of the time that this was written, 1934.
October 30, 2012
A fine stand alone book from Baynard Kendrick about murders in Florida during the 1930's, some people might be put off by the racial terms in the book. Remember that the book was written in the 30's and those terms were normal in the south at that time.
July 17, 2021
This was Kendrick's first novel and it would have benefitted from some editorial pruning and plot-tightening.
For those who like their crimes with an atmospheric setting, this will be heaven, with the swamps, lakes and forests of Florida featuring heavily. It is also very male-dominated, and guns, hunting and fishing are all much in evidence.
The death of a banker in the small town of Orange Crest sets off the investigations, partly professional but mainly amateur, and soon other crimes are uncovered.
There is a lot of stereotyping of racial minorities and although to an extent this fits with the time, early 1930s, and the place, I did find it very difficult to stomach.
I had previously only read a short story featuring one of the writer's series characters, Duncan Maclain, and found this disappointing in comparison.
3.25 stars.
For those who like their crimes with an atmospheric setting, this will be heaven, with the swamps, lakes and forests of Florida featuring heavily. It is also very male-dominated, and guns, hunting and fishing are all much in evidence.
The death of a banker in the small town of Orange Crest sets off the investigations, partly professional but mainly amateur, and soon other crimes are uncovered.
There is a lot of stereotyping of racial minorities and although to an extent this fits with the time, early 1930s, and the place, I did find it very difficult to stomach.
I had previously only read a short story featuring one of the writer's series characters, Duncan Maclain, and found this disappointing in comparison.
3.25 stars.
January 20, 2025
a superb murder mystery from the 30’s.
This a wonderful atmospheric murder mystery that takes place in old Florida. It is fast paced and very detailed with a smart narrator who is very much a part of the swift paced action. A pure pleasure to read.
This a wonderful atmospheric murder mystery that takes place in old Florida. It is fast paced and very detailed with a smart narrator who is very much a part of the swift paced action. A pure pleasure to read.
December 13, 2013
Kendrick at his best. This man is one of the founders of Mystery Writers of America and one of the best authors of his day. Although his books are now dated, they are well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews