Killings at Little Rose

by Finley Martin

In a coastal village where what's been buried doesn't stay buried, what's lost at sea doesn't stay lost.

Sleuth Anne Brown finds herself in an eastern PEI fishing community, working undercover for the new owner of a seafood-processing plant plagued by vandalism, loss, and ill luck. The community around Little Rose Harbour has been shocked by the discovery of old, secret remains of a baby, and all their entangled secrets are coming to the surface.

On the cusp of a clandestine love affair and herself keeping secrets, Anne must sort through gossip, rumours, and lies—and dodge the menace of violence—to uncover the canker at the core of Little Rose.

But will she learn in time to prevent the mystery from becoming motive for murder?

300 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2019

About the author

Finley Martin was born in Binghamton, New York and grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He received a B.A. degree in English at the University of Scranton, and during the 1960’s he served as an officer with the United States Marine Corps at posts in America, the Caribbean, and Asia.

He lives in the fishing village of Beach Point, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Reviews

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is realistically set in a small fishing community in Prince Edward Island. Anne Brown has been hired by the new owner to investigate theft and vandalism at the seafood processing plant. The body of a long-dead infant has been discovered nearby. An interesting, well thought out backstory set in the past leads to to the difficulties the plant experiences in the present. This involves long-held secrets, resentments, and revenge.

I tended to get bogged down in the narrative due to a large number of characters and an assumed identity while trying to keep them all straight in my mind. I thought this prevented in-depth character development. While the story dragged a bit after I sorted out the many people some killings occurred, but I hadn’t related sufficiently to the victims for an emotional reaction.

The violence at the conclusion and a surprising twist proved that the author can write strong action scenes. Overall, I thought this was a complex, clever, and interesting mystery, but the number of characters was problematic.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

#3 Anne Brown/Billy Darby detective series set on Prince Edward Island

Anne is hired to investigate a string of vandalism at a fish plant in Little Rose Harbour. As with the others in the series, the plot is fairly complicated.

It's always a pleasure to read on of these. The only negative comment I have is about the melodramatic writing that creeps in.

EG pg236 "The elements had ushered a dreary presence that spoke of hopelessness, and Anne felt as if she were being enveloped in a slowly closing fist."

[marjorie hall-venmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

# killings at little Rose # Netgalley
What a brilliant book, excellent story line that keeps you gripped, it’s a book you will struggle to put down begore I knew it the morning had arrived and I was just finishing the book. It’s most definitely a book I recommend, you will not be disappointed. How I missed myself requesting this boom last year I will never know. Don’t miss out on this book I almost did. One of the better books by far highly recommended

[Marisa Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a small coastal town on Prince Edward Island, a female investigator is hired by the new owner of a seafood processing plant. She is to find out the people and reason behind vandalism and thefts that are occurring at the plant. Long ago grudges and family secrets are involved.

Interesting main character. You'll learn about lobster fishing and processing.

[Kelly Greenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Libby read. This mystery was a pleasant read, and timely as I read it shortly after a trip to PEI. Anne Smith may have felt short in stature, but she was no pushover. From a ball room fight to not quitting even when the client fired her, the Darby detective exhibited strong will and determination, and good sense about when softer approaches would help her obtain more information.

[Digitally Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia- Killings At Little Rose By Finley Martin. Similar to The Dead Letter By Finley Martin, this book has it's events that come in waves from relaxed to extreme, while continuing the story. At the beginning I was excited because I had fallen in love with the wonderful character of Anne Brown, but when I realised it might just be because I liked her that the book seemed good, I lost some love for the book. It led me to believe for a few pages that it was going to be a mellow story and it wasn't going to live up to its name, but it proved me wrong within about the last 20 pages, the story exploded with emotion, death, grief, loss and more devastation. Reading literally the last 4 pages, it had me trembling. My mouth was open, my eyes wide and body shivering at the exciting and devastating end of the book. The feeling after finishing this book gave me a rush that made me feel like I could run up a wall. This book is without a doubt one to give a try! (BUT READ THE DEAD LETTER FIRST, IF YOU HAVEN'T!) I rate this a 5/5 star with absolute pride! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Savannah:
Killings at Little Rose by: Finley Martin was an exceptional read perfect for the Halloween season. Much like the Dead Letter this book stars PI Anne Brown whom I’ve grown to love even more. We got more character development and witty humour from the female investigator. Set in PEI this book mentioned places I’ve been to and transported me right into the book. The narrative dragged at spots but the surprise ending made up for it! I really appreciated this brilliant mystery. It kept me entertained and couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book and give it 5/5 ⭐️

[Florita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Lots of twists and turns. Bring your Newfoundland language book.