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Lane Winslow #7
A Match Made for Murder
Winner of the 2021 Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award
“An intriguing mix of character, plot, time, and place. Highly recommended.” —Ian Hamilton, author of the bestselling Ava Lee novels
Lane and Darling's Arizona honeymoon is interrupted by gunshots in the newest instalment in a series Kirkus Reviews calls "relentlessly exciting."
It’s November, and Lane and Darling have escaped the chilly autumn in the Kootenays for a honeymoon at the posh and romantic Santa Cruz Inn in sunny Tucson, Arizona. But despite her very best intentions to relax, soon after their arrival Lane’s plans to spend the holiday poolside with a good mystery are interrupted by gunfire. One of the hotel’s wealthy guests has been shot point blank and Lane is second on the scene.
Though Lane and Darling attempt to distance themselves from the investigation, the longer they stay at the Santa Cruz Inn, the deeper they are drawn into a web of suspects and bystanders, and a collection of seemingly perfect marriages fraught with jealousy and violence. The situation threatens first their honeymoon and then their lives when Lane puts herself directly in the sights of local criminals who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Back in Nelson, Sergeant Ames has been left in charge of the department during Darling’s absence. As he investigates a case of vandalism at the Van Eyck garage, it seems to lead directly to the death of the suspected vandal himself. Working with Constable Terrell, the new recruit, to piece together what happened in this strange and unsettling murder, Ames finds his romantic interest in mechanic Tina Van Eyck creates complications that are more than awkward; they could be deadly.
Fans of Maisie Dobbs and the Kopp sisters will delight in the latest Lane Winslow, a study of matrimony and mirage in the American Southwest.
“An intriguing mix of character, plot, time, and place. Highly recommended.” —Ian Hamilton, author of the bestselling Ava Lee novels
Lane and Darling's Arizona honeymoon is interrupted by gunshots in the newest instalment in a series Kirkus Reviews calls "relentlessly exciting."
It’s November, and Lane and Darling have escaped the chilly autumn in the Kootenays for a honeymoon at the posh and romantic Santa Cruz Inn in sunny Tucson, Arizona. But despite her very best intentions to relax, soon after their arrival Lane’s plans to spend the holiday poolside with a good mystery are interrupted by gunfire. One of the hotel’s wealthy guests has been shot point blank and Lane is second on the scene.
Though Lane and Darling attempt to distance themselves from the investigation, the longer they stay at the Santa Cruz Inn, the deeper they are drawn into a web of suspects and bystanders, and a collection of seemingly perfect marriages fraught with jealousy and violence. The situation threatens first their honeymoon and then their lives when Lane puts herself directly in the sights of local criminals who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Back in Nelson, Sergeant Ames has been left in charge of the department during Darling’s absence. As he investigates a case of vandalism at the Van Eyck garage, it seems to lead directly to the death of the suspected vandal himself. Working with Constable Terrell, the new recruit, to piece together what happened in this strange and unsettling murder, Ames finds his romantic interest in mechanic Tina Van Eyck creates complications that are more than awkward; they could be deadly.
Fans of Maisie Dobbs and the Kopp sisters will delight in the latest Lane Winslow, a study of matrimony and mirage in the American Southwest.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
90 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Iona Whishaw
16 books429 followersIona Whishaw has been a youth worker, social worker, teacher and an award winning High School Principal, who continued with her writing throughout her working life. Receiving her Masters in Creative writing from UBC, Iona has published short fiction, poetry, poetry translation and one children's book, Henry and the Cow Problem. The Lane Winslow mystery series is her first foray into adult fiction.
Iona was born in Kimberley BC, but grew up in a number of different places, including a small community on Kootenay Lake, as well as Mexico and Central America, and the US because of her father's geological work. She took a degree in history and education from Antioch College, and subsequent degrees in Writing at UBC and pedagogy at Simon Fraser University. Her own writing output took a brief back seat during her teaching career, but she shared her passion for writing by nurturing a love of writing in the students in English, Creative Writing, and Spanish classes. During the course of her career as a Principal in Vancouver she was awarded the Woman of Distinction in Education by the YWCA in 2010 and a Canada's Outstanding Principals award in 2012.
Her hobbies have included dance, painting, reading, and gardening. She currently is a vocalist for a small Balkan dance band in Vancouver, and is patiently waiting for her next opportunity to engage in her current pash, long distance, cross country rambling in England.
She is married, has one son and two grandsons, and lives in Vancouver with her artist husband, Terry Miller.
Iona was born in Kimberley BC, but grew up in a number of different places, including a small community on Kootenay Lake, as well as Mexico and Central America, and the US because of her father's geological work. She took a degree in history and education from Antioch College, and subsequent degrees in Writing at UBC and pedagogy at Simon Fraser University. Her own writing output took a brief back seat during her teaching career, but she shared her passion for writing by nurturing a love of writing in the students in English, Creative Writing, and Spanish classes. During the course of her career as a Principal in Vancouver she was awarded the Woman of Distinction in Education by the YWCA in 2010 and a Canada's Outstanding Principals award in 2012.
Her hobbies have included dance, painting, reading, and gardening. She currently is a vocalist for a small Balkan dance band in Vancouver, and is patiently waiting for her next opportunity to engage in her current pash, long distance, cross country rambling in England.
She is married, has one son and two grandsons, and lives in Vancouver with her artist husband, Terry Miller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
February 7, 2023
4 stars for a welcome addition to an engaging historical fiction mystery series set in post WWII British Columbia, Canada. This book has two plots: a murder in Arizona, where Lane Winslow and her husband Fred Darling are honeymooning, and a suspicious death back in rural British Columbia.
Since Darling is away, newly promoted Sergeant Ames is in charge of the suspicious death.
Both cases are resolved satisfactorily.
There are several elements in the plot that make it interesting:
A sexual predator who targets underage girls
Domestic violence
There are several twists and turns in the plot, such that I did not put it all together until nearly the end. Seemingly perfect marriages are revealed to be anything but.
One quote by a man who has beaten his wife so badly that she is in the hospital:
"He'd have to go back to the hospital and make it all okay. Say he was sorry and forgive her. The nurse had told him she'd lost the baby."
This is book 7 in the series, but it would work as a stand alone. I have read books 1-6, and there are ongoing developments in Lane's personal life
Thanks to Curtis Samuel at Touchwood Editions for sending me this book.
Update Jan. 11, 2023: My wife has just read this book and regarding the man in the above quote, she says "This man is a pig and deserves to die!"
Since Darling is away, newly promoted Sergeant Ames is in charge of the suspicious death.
Both cases are resolved satisfactorily.
There are several elements in the plot that make it interesting:
A sexual predator who targets underage girls
Domestic violence
There are several twists and turns in the plot, such that I did not put it all together until nearly the end. Seemingly perfect marriages are revealed to be anything but.
One quote by a man who has beaten his wife so badly that she is in the hospital:
"He'd have to go back to the hospital and make it all okay. Say he was sorry and forgive her. The nurse had told him she'd lost the baby."
This is book 7 in the series, but it would work as a stand alone. I have read books 1-6, and there are ongoing developments in Lane's personal life
Thanks to Curtis Samuel at Touchwood Editions for sending me this book.
Update Jan. 11, 2023: My wife has just read this book and regarding the man in the above quote, she says "This man is a pig and deserves to die!"
July 23, 2022
my fave part is how darling keeps being like “let’s just go back to bed” and lane is like “NO UP AND ABOUT”
as usual, the character dynamics are the best part. I liked seeing Ames and Terrell getting to bond as well, tho also as usual, the mystery itself was a little inconsistent / kinda rested on a coincidence - like with all that motive it felt like a copout to have the murder be almost a mistake. Also who was the actual young lover??
ALSO DANIEL!!!! Why is it so perfect that Ames’s first name is Daniel 😭😭 and how he tried to WEAR HIS NICE SHOES to impress Tina 😭😭😭 what an idiot I love him
as usual, the character dynamics are the best part. I liked seeing Ames and Terrell getting to bond as well, tho also as usual, the mystery itself was a little inconsistent / kinda rested on a coincidence - like with all that motive it felt like a copout to have the murder be almost a mistake. Also who was the actual young lover??
ALSO DANIEL!!!! Why is it so perfect that Ames’s first name is Daniel 😭😭 and how he tried to WEAR HIS NICE SHOES to impress Tina 😭😭😭 what an idiot I love him
March 28, 2020
It's always a wonderful time spent with Lane, Darling and Ames. This was especially nice to read at this time - a nice escape into a cozy kind of mystery - needed to block out some of the harsh reality right now.
I have only one very minor quibble and that it's I find these a touch too long, as in I always feel the denouement could be revealed sooner. But it is a very minor quibble because I do so enjoy my time with these three characters!
I have only one very minor quibble and that it's I find these a touch too long, as in I always feel the denouement could be revealed sooner. But it is a very minor quibble because I do so enjoy my time with these three characters!
May 13, 2020
There were many things I liked about this book, but overall I thought it tried to do too much in terms of the issues it challenged. I was much more interested in Ames back in Nelson than I was in the honeymooners, who seemed out of their element in more ways than one. I've loved all these books but just not this one quite so much. I missed the Nelson supporting characters and the gentle humour that comes with the various relationships. Looking forward to seeing them again though.
April 23, 2020
The Lane Winslow Mystery series is one of my favorites in historical fiction. The post-WWII historical setting, the former spy heroine, the Canadian small town police inspector hero, and the colorful local personalities all combine to charm me into reading each successive novel.
This time, the action moves to the United States. On their honeymoon, Lane and Darling check into a resort in Tucson, Arizona, where trouble finds them. Or they find trouble. Depends on how you look at it. 🙂
Darling wants nothing more than enjoy his honeymoon and spend some time with an old friend. But when a murder happens right in front of Lane, he knows that is not going to happen. Darling is the man that recognizes his wife’s independence, intelligence, heart and determination to see justice done. This is a couple for the modern age of the 1940’s and for today.
While things get complicated in Tucson, back home in Nelson, Sergeant Ames has his own case involving a woman that he would like to get to know better. The back and forth between Tucson and Nelson is easy to follow and having two cases to follow is no problem. The question is, and you know you have to ask it, are these two cases related?
I won’t answer that question. There are all sorts of spins and twists to keep you guessing – just the way I like it. I will also say that Sergeant Ames is a character that is endearing himself to me more with each novel in this series.
Both cases highlight discrimination. In Nelson, Ames is working with a new recruit, Constable Terrell, who is black. In Tucson, Lane is assisted by a resort maid and a taxi driver who are immigrants from Mexico. The discrimination is not overly emphasized, but it is not ignored either, adding the historical aspect to intolerance that is not all that different from the prejudices of today.
The characters grow a little with each book in the series, so it is nice to read each book in order, however all the books in the series can be read as standalone.
The series genre is hard to pin down. The sometimes quirky, and always strongly-developed characters give this a cozy mystery feel, but the plots feel a like straight murder mystery. Readers of both genres will appreciate Lane Winslow.
Thanks to the publisher who provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This time, the action moves to the United States. On their honeymoon, Lane and Darling check into a resort in Tucson, Arizona, where trouble finds them. Or they find trouble. Depends on how you look at it. 🙂
Darling wants nothing more than enjoy his honeymoon and spend some time with an old friend. But when a murder happens right in front of Lane, he knows that is not going to happen. Darling is the man that recognizes his wife’s independence, intelligence, heart and determination to see justice done. This is a couple for the modern age of the 1940’s and for today.
While things get complicated in Tucson, back home in Nelson, Sergeant Ames has his own case involving a woman that he would like to get to know better. The back and forth between Tucson and Nelson is easy to follow and having two cases to follow is no problem. The question is, and you know you have to ask it, are these two cases related?
I won’t answer that question. There are all sorts of spins and twists to keep you guessing – just the way I like it. I will also say that Sergeant Ames is a character that is endearing himself to me more with each novel in this series.
Both cases highlight discrimination. In Nelson, Ames is working with a new recruit, Constable Terrell, who is black. In Tucson, Lane is assisted by a resort maid and a taxi driver who are immigrants from Mexico. The discrimination is not overly emphasized, but it is not ignored either, adding the historical aspect to intolerance that is not all that different from the prejudices of today.
The characters grow a little with each book in the series, so it is nice to read each book in order, however all the books in the series can be read as standalone.
The series genre is hard to pin down. The sometimes quirky, and always strongly-developed characters give this a cozy mystery feel, but the plots feel a like straight murder mystery. Readers of both genres will appreciate Lane Winslow.
Thanks to the publisher who provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2020
I love a good comforting series that always delivers for me. Iona Whishaw masterfully conducts two investigations- one in Canada and one in Arizona. Even on her honeymoon, Lane Winslow can't escape murder. Wonderful read.
July 16, 2020
Always happy to hang out in Iona Whishaw's world but this particular installment didn't feel as compelling to me as the most recent ones did.
It's nice that some diversity was added in to the series, but I'm not sure it felt particularly realistic. Terrell, the new Black constable, seems like a pretty faultless person, but that's about his only trait. You get no inner thoughts from him as you do for Ames. It almost feels like he is there to be The Black Character. It also felt a bit anachronistic that Ames was matchmaking Terrell with Violet, the white waitress at the diner. This is the mid 1940s in rural Canada. While there were no official anti miscegenation laws in Canada, certainly race mixing was not encouraged.
Similarly, we have Martinez in Arizona who is basically the Latino Terrell - honorable and dogged, as are all the other Latinx characters. Again, you don't really get much more in the way of personality traits with them, except for the dubious section where we learn that the maid Chela apparently loves cleaning up after rich people because she loves looking at their clothes.
And then of course our main white characters - Lane, Darling, Ames - are all on the correct side of racial thinking. I only point this out as a small weakness because I have so enjoyed seeing Ames' multi-book journey of starting to understand and start to fight against sexism, gradually over time. It's been a real treat seeing how Whishaw deals with gender and power and sexism but not sure how well that has transferred to race here.
I agree with another reviewer that I was more engaged with the plotline back in Nelson, and less so with the plot in Arizona. I also felt very badly for the Darlings that they had such a terrible honeymoon, and I was somewhat confused about how little time Lane wanted to spend with her new husband - she was always rebuffing his suggestions for sexytime in lieu of investigating what was going on or going to read a book or planning social engagements. We do get some helpful insight about Lane valuing her independence and wondering if she is cut out for marriage, and I enjoyed that at the end she was able to open up to Darling about a part of her past. Interested to see how this dynamic continues.
It's nice that some diversity was added in to the series, but I'm not sure it felt particularly realistic. Terrell, the new Black constable, seems like a pretty faultless person, but that's about his only trait. You get no inner thoughts from him as you do for Ames. It almost feels like he is there to be The Black Character. It also felt a bit anachronistic that Ames was matchmaking Terrell with Violet, the white waitress at the diner. This is the mid 1940s in rural Canada. While there were no official anti miscegenation laws in Canada, certainly race mixing was not encouraged.
Similarly, we have Martinez in Arizona who is basically the Latino Terrell - honorable and dogged, as are all the other Latinx characters. Again, you don't really get much more in the way of personality traits with them, except for the dubious section where we learn that the maid Chela apparently loves cleaning up after rich people because she loves looking at their clothes.
And then of course our main white characters - Lane, Darling, Ames - are all on the correct side of racial thinking. I only point this out as a small weakness because I have so enjoyed seeing Ames' multi-book journey of starting to understand and start to fight against sexism, gradually over time. It's been a real treat seeing how Whishaw deals with gender and power and sexism but not sure how well that has transferred to race here.
I agree with another reviewer that I was more engaged with the plotline back in Nelson, and less so with the plot in Arizona. I also felt very badly for the Darlings that they had such a terrible honeymoon, and I was somewhat confused about how little time Lane wanted to spend with her new husband - she was always rebuffing his suggestions for sexytime in lieu of investigating what was going on or going to read a book or planning social engagements. We do get some helpful insight about Lane valuing her independence and wondering if she is cut out for marriage, and I enjoyed that at the end she was able to open up to Darling about a part of her past. Interested to see how this dynamic continues.
December 9, 2020
Lane and Darling are on their honeymoon in Tucson AZ, so the murder mystery in that half of the book does not take place in the rural, woodsy area of British Columbia—a loss as far as I was concerned. Lane, being Lane, gets enmeshed in solving a murder that may or may not have anything to do with the May-December couple in the suite next to theirs as Lane discovers the May half seems to be involved with other men. I thought it a little strange that she keeps inviting other people to join her and Darling instead of just enjoying his delightful company.
The other half of the book involves Ames who is temporarily in charge in Darling’s absence and a murder that initially didn’t look like a murder that involves a woman with whom Ames is quite smitten. A new character, Constable Terrell, an African-Canadian from Nova Scotia, is introduced, and I quite liked how Ames interacts and supports the new policeman.
I’m sorry to have read book 7 in this series, because there is no book 8 yet. I hope Whishaw is writing one!
The other half of the book involves Ames who is temporarily in charge in Darling’s absence and a murder that initially didn’t look like a murder that involves a woman with whom Ames is quite smitten. A new character, Constable Terrell, an African-Canadian from Nova Scotia, is introduced, and I quite liked how Ames interacts and supports the new policeman.
I’m sorry to have read book 7 in this series, because there is no book 8 yet. I hope Whishaw is writing one!
October 7, 2020
Recommended! This time Iona Whishaw skillfully weaves together two complementary plot lines in two settings for twice the mystery. Lower mainland British Columbia sinking into mournful winter and the tug of the troubled past lend just the right amount of atmosphere for a story that beautifully unpacks sinister domestic realities. The narrative threads are satisfyingly tied up one by one, as the female characters especially face danger and show what they’re made of. A Match Made for Murder is an absorbing mystery that left me guessing, but it’s also a wise exploration of guilt, mistaken assumptions and the burdens of the past.
November 23, 2022
Still really enjoying this series — and of course Lane and Darling have a Busman’s honeymoon — particularly love that Lane picks up Nine Tailors to while away her time beside the pool. Also love how hopelessly glamorous she is when away in Arizona. Never a dull moment.
April 13, 2021
A great cozy mystery series! Loved this installment
October 5, 2022
DNF! I only could get through some of the first and last chapters. Based on the premise, I knew it would be ridiculously far-fetched but hoped the author could finesse it. Blah! Lane was too preoccupied in getting to know the other occupants of the hotel they stayed in—in the first chapter!! It’s as if the author is skirting any type of romance between Lane and Darling! As well, happening upon a murder when honeymooning…biggest eye roll.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
I really enjoyed hopping back into this series after some time away! I liked the plot and the change of scenery, though not as much as some of the other books. This one dealt more with “social issues” which I didn’t mind or find too out of place, but I think it’s a little less interesting that all of the main characters have the “right” views by modern standards - seeing good people struggle to overcome their context and biases might have been more engaging for me. But, there was so much going on with the mysteries in here that I guess that would have taken up lots of real estate. I continue to like the series overall and will read another one soon I’m sure!
April 15, 2025
this series is getting better with each one. I am looking forward to the next book.
April 24, 2024
Another great mystery in this series!
April 27, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this 7th instalment of Lane Winslow’s Mysteries. Great job with character development and finding myself invested in all the happenings at Kings Cove.
October 12, 2021
I continue to enjoy reading about Lane & Darling’s adventures in post WWII Canada.
December 24, 2022
Each book in this series builds on the previous ones and fills in details about the main characters. This one takes place in Arizona and British Columbia and has mini-stories to feed the main ones. Sometimes it was a chore to connect the dots, but in the end, it all came together.
January 4, 2024
I really like the Lane Winslow series - it is always an enjoyable read with delightful characters and this novel was no exception.
September 29, 2020
Worth the anticipation of this 7th in Lane Winslow series..
Canadian police component simultaneous with Lane and Darling as they honeymoon in Arizona. Well plotted, a riveting read in a favourite series.
Canadian police component simultaneous with Lane and Darling as they honeymoon in Arizona. Well plotted, a riveting read in a favourite series.
October 23, 2021
Two mysteries in one... Lane and Darling are a great team, and Ames has turned out to be very competent! The book just got better and better to the very end.
June 13, 2021
This is my first Iona Whishaw novel and it was a gem that I stumbled on in my local library by accident while looking for something new to read. I saw the Canadian flag on the spine identifying it as a Canadian author and when I read the blurb on the back and saw that part of the plot occurred in one of the prettiest little towns in Canada, I had to get it.
The story is book 7 in the Lane Linslow series and takes place in 1947 in both Tuscon Arizona and Nelson, BC. Lane is a former British spy and is on her honeymoon in Tuscon with her new husband, Inspector Darling of the Nelson Police department. As it sounds like often happens with her, she finds herself in the middle of a murder in a swanky desert resort where the wealthy go to play surrounded by couples who aren't what they seem. In the meantime, back in Nelson, a second murder occurs with the local police force attempting to solve it without their Inspector.
I loved this book. I loved the historic era and the settings. The plotting and pace were clever and and engaging. The characters were well developed and the writing overall was engaging and colourful. And it was just a great mystery (x2!). Will definitely be checking out the rest of the series. The Kootenay region during that period was witness to a lot of BC history - particularly Japanese internment - and it will be interesting to see if she weaves that into any of her other stories.
The story is book 7 in the Lane Linslow series and takes place in 1947 in both Tuscon Arizona and Nelson, BC. Lane is a former British spy and is on her honeymoon in Tuscon with her new husband, Inspector Darling of the Nelson Police department. As it sounds like often happens with her, she finds herself in the middle of a murder in a swanky desert resort where the wealthy go to play surrounded by couples who aren't what they seem. In the meantime, back in Nelson, a second murder occurs with the local police force attempting to solve it without their Inspector.
I loved this book. I loved the historic era and the settings. The plotting and pace were clever and and engaging. The characters were well developed and the writing overall was engaging and colourful. And it was just a great mystery (x2!). Will definitely be checking out the rest of the series. The Kootenay region during that period was witness to a lot of BC history - particularly Japanese internment - and it will be interesting to see if she weaves that into any of her other stories.
July 5, 2020
Thank you, Touchwood for a review copy of this book!
With all of the craziness happening in the world right now, it’s really great to read something lovely and familiar. Lane Winslow’s latest adventure definitely fits the bill.
The story picks up shortly after A Deceptive Devotion; Lane and Darling are married and off on their honeymoon in Arizona. But while they hope for a relaxing trip, it inevitably takes a turn when a fellow hotel guest is murdered. Meanwhile, back in Nelson, Darling’s partner Ames is investigating a suspicious death of his own - two mysteries for the price of one.
Whishaw definitely doesn’t shy away from some pretty heavy themes in this book: institutionalized racism, sexual assault, PTSD and domestic abuse. Each issue is handled thoughtfully and respectfully - maintaining that familiar Lane Winslow tone that makes this series so fantastic and memorable.
So if you’re wondering whether book 7 is just as enjoyable as books 1 through 6, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed. I loved it, and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
With all of the craziness happening in the world right now, it’s really great to read something lovely and familiar. Lane Winslow’s latest adventure definitely fits the bill.
The story picks up shortly after A Deceptive Devotion; Lane and Darling are married and off on their honeymoon in Arizona. But while they hope for a relaxing trip, it inevitably takes a turn when a fellow hotel guest is murdered. Meanwhile, back in Nelson, Darling’s partner Ames is investigating a suspicious death of his own - two mysteries for the price of one.
Whishaw definitely doesn’t shy away from some pretty heavy themes in this book: institutionalized racism, sexual assault, PTSD and domestic abuse. Each issue is handled thoughtfully and respectfully - maintaining that familiar Lane Winslow tone that makes this series so fantastic and memorable.
So if you’re wondering whether book 7 is just as enjoyable as books 1 through 6, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed. I loved it, and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Read
May 4, 2025Works the usual spells! The Arizona setting is a little unusual for a series that "grew up" in Nelson, B.C., but there's a good reason for everything. Once again, plots are interconnected and there is a sense that there's hope for the good guys, always. These are very "feel-good" books; they reaffirm a sense of fundamental human decency which is all too often not obvious in daily non-fiction. And the characters continue to grow. [Second late-night read-aloud]
January 22, 2025
I started re-reading this series and I love each book even more than the last. The characters are so well developed. I’d like to meet them in real life! The books have unexpected twists and turns that keep readers interested. Just loved it.
August 8, 2022
Book 7 in the Lane Winslow series features the honeymoon of the Darlings, as well as the emergence of leadership from newly minted Sergeant Ames. The Darlings head to Tuscon, AZ for their honeymoon and, as one would expect from Lane, murder and mystery abound. Lane witnesses a murder and a few shifty guests at the hotel, and with Darling’s reluctant participation the seemingly separate crimes are neatly brought together. With dual plot lines – murders in each of Arizona and BC – there is also a connection across time and geography that places our heroes at the centre of the multiple stories, tying everything up nicely at the end and also setting up the next installment well.
A theme in this book is emancipation of women. Of course, Lane and Darling’s marriage is unconventional in several ways, not the least of which is her determination to retain her Winslow surname; I liked that, while she maintains this, she doesn’t bludgeon people who blunder about it. There are other characters who represent the emergence of independence, including Tina Van Eyck (Ames’ emerging romantic interest parallels Darling’s faltering start of things with Lane) and Priscilla Barr (a victim of partner abuse who is helped to safety and freedom by Lane). Any editorializing about this is in character for Lane and in keeping with the plot lines, and so fits very well with the story.
As an additional social and historical theme, the overlapping murders in Arizona and BC provide opportunities to look at racial discrimination of the times. Throughout their honeymoon, the Darlings are exposed to - and repulsed by - several instances of prejudice towards Hispanic members of the community; again as we’d expect, both Darling and Lane flout the locals by unabashedly crossing racial and class lines, befriending and championing good people everywhere. In Nelson, we are introduced to a new character; Constable Terrell is the replacement for Ames following his promotion to sergeant, and he also happens to be black. From Nova Scotia originally, he is subject to a moderate amount of direct and indirect discrimination from colleagues and citizens, all of which he endures with aplomb and tact. Ames is having none of it, and works diligently and bravely to ensure opportunities for training, recognition of excellence, and both public and private camaraderie.
The pacing and complexities of this book are excellent. There are lots of twists and turns, red herrings and cul-de-sacs, and excitement, all kept realistic and clever. The linkage between the Arizona and BC stories could have felt contrived, but Whishaw delivers the reveal of the connection with deftness. As with previous historical social themes explored by Whishaw, the influence and impact of this on the story is present but does not dominate the novel; rather her stories reflect the social milieux of the times and location and how those influence the characters and situations, and includes clear commentary through the characters without making any of the stories “about” the social issues or ills.
The ending is a great set-up for the next book, with the promise of a new domesticity for the Darlings, a delightful new character in Terrell, and resolution of romance for Ames. There are just two books left in the series (#9 was published earlier in 2022), and so I hope to finish them shortly to pass on to another reading buddy.
A theme in this book is emancipation of women. Of course, Lane and Darling’s marriage is unconventional in several ways, not the least of which is her determination to retain her Winslow surname; I liked that, while she maintains this, she doesn’t bludgeon people who blunder about it. There are other characters who represent the emergence of independence, including Tina Van Eyck (Ames’ emerging romantic interest parallels Darling’s faltering start of things with Lane) and Priscilla Barr (a victim of partner abuse who is helped to safety and freedom by Lane). Any editorializing about this is in character for Lane and in keeping with the plot lines, and so fits very well with the story.
As an additional social and historical theme, the overlapping murders in Arizona and BC provide opportunities to look at racial discrimination of the times. Throughout their honeymoon, the Darlings are exposed to - and repulsed by - several instances of prejudice towards Hispanic members of the community; again as we’d expect, both Darling and Lane flout the locals by unabashedly crossing racial and class lines, befriending and championing good people everywhere. In Nelson, we are introduced to a new character; Constable Terrell is the replacement for Ames following his promotion to sergeant, and he also happens to be black. From Nova Scotia originally, he is subject to a moderate amount of direct and indirect discrimination from colleagues and citizens, all of which he endures with aplomb and tact. Ames is having none of it, and works diligently and bravely to ensure opportunities for training, recognition of excellence, and both public and private camaraderie.
The pacing and complexities of this book are excellent. There are lots of twists and turns, red herrings and cul-de-sacs, and excitement, all kept realistic and clever. The linkage between the Arizona and BC stories could have felt contrived, but Whishaw delivers the reveal of the connection with deftness. As with previous historical social themes explored by Whishaw, the influence and impact of this on the story is present but does not dominate the novel; rather her stories reflect the social milieux of the times and location and how those influence the characters and situations, and includes clear commentary through the characters without making any of the stories “about” the social issues or ills.
The ending is a great set-up for the next book, with the promise of a new domesticity for the Darlings, a delightful new character in Terrell, and resolution of romance for Ames. There are just two books left in the series (#9 was published earlier in 2022), and so I hope to finish them shortly to pass on to another reading buddy.
June 5, 2020
I discovered this series by accident when the second book in the series popped up in a review. I read it then discovered there were several. This is #7 in the series. Lane has now married inspector darling and still calls him Darling as opposed to his first name. She is not typical of the times. She was a former British spy and parachuted behind enemy lines during WW2. She still uses her own name. Lane and Darling are on their honeymoon at an upscale hotel in Tucson, AZ. They are enjoying the warm November weather. Darling has made contact with his former superior officer. Galloway is now assistant chief of police in Tucson and acting chief for the time being. Lane and Darling get together with Galloway and his beautiful wife, Priscilla. Lane gets a hint that all is not well with the marriage. At the hotel they meet two other couples - newlyweds on a delayed honeymoon and a May/December match. It soon becomes obvious that there are issues in both of these marriages especially the latter. The curvaceous young woman married to the older man spends a lot of time sneaking out and meeting other men and taking cabs.
Then a man is murdered. Despite trying to stay out of it, Lane, of course, gets embroiled in it indirectly. Meanwhile there is an ongoing corruption investigation going on in Tucson and it appears that one of the guests at the hotel is involved.
There is also a murder going on back home in Canada. Darling promoted Ames to Sgt before he left and now he is in charge. There is a new constable, Terrell, who has transferred from Novia Scotia. He is “colored” and some of his fellow police officers are having a difficult time accepting him, not to mention the public. The victim was not a nice man and has left a trail of sexual encounters behind. Unfortunately one of the suspects is Tina, the woman who accompanied Sgt Ames to Lane’s and Darling’s wedding and for whom Ames has developed feelings.
This is an interesting series. It takes place in post WW2 Canada and the author does a good job of staying faithful to the period.
January 6, 2022
I really enjoy these stories. They are light and full of wit and humour. The characters are people I would like to sit and have a drink with. Down to earth, not full of themselves and just all-around decent people.
When last we saw our beautiful Lane Winslow, she was marrying her handsome police inspector Fred Darling. In this book they are on their honeymoon at a resort in Tucson, Arizona. The year is 1947.
Of course, Lane and Darling become involved in a death and their lives are threatened even on their honeymoon. It seems the lovely Ms. Winslow can’t go anywhere but she runs into a murder mystery.
While we follow the main characters in their murder mystery, Iona Whishaw does not forget about her secondary character police Sergeant Daniel Ames. He has his own mystery to solve plus his own love life to figure out. I am glad the author does not forget about Ames because he is a delight and I hope he finds true love.
This was another good story. Iona Whishaw makes her female character fairly strong and not the norm of what we think of women in the 40’s. These are women who have lived through a war and have worked hard to support themselves and their families during the war and served during the war. These are not women to be trifled with. I quite enjoy the rapport between Lane and her husband Fred Darling. He is a strong, secure, and confident man. Yet he can be vulnerable and understands Lane better than she can imagine. Lane is a strong and independent woman and is learning to appreciate more and more the man she loves and has married. I quite like how the author writes the conversations between these two.
I like this series and will be reading the next book so I can find out if Sergeant Ames finds true love.
When last we saw our beautiful Lane Winslow, she was marrying her handsome police inspector Fred Darling. In this book they are on their honeymoon at a resort in Tucson, Arizona. The year is 1947.
Of course, Lane and Darling become involved in a death and their lives are threatened even on their honeymoon. It seems the lovely Ms. Winslow can’t go anywhere but she runs into a murder mystery.
While we follow the main characters in their murder mystery, Iona Whishaw does not forget about her secondary character police Sergeant Daniel Ames. He has his own mystery to solve plus his own love life to figure out. I am glad the author does not forget about Ames because he is a delight and I hope he finds true love.
This was another good story. Iona Whishaw makes her female character fairly strong and not the norm of what we think of women in the 40’s. These are women who have lived through a war and have worked hard to support themselves and their families during the war and served during the war. These are not women to be trifled with. I quite enjoy the rapport between Lane and her husband Fred Darling. He is a strong, secure, and confident man. Yet he can be vulnerable and understands Lane better than she can imagine. Lane is a strong and independent woman and is learning to appreciate more and more the man she loves and has married. I quite like how the author writes the conversations between these two.
I like this series and will be reading the next book so I can find out if Sergeant Ames finds true love.
January 6, 2023
This one I read out of sync with the rest of the series because the auto-books are hard to get at the library. It wasn't a surprised that they were married and on their honeymoon. I like the contrast in the two story lines--Ames in Canada and the Darlings in Arizona. It wasn't as confusing as some of the other books in the series. The narration in the audio-books is enjoyable but the narrator is unable to make the male voices distinguishable.
I liked the prejudice element that both police officers run into in Canada and Arizona. It added something new to the series.
My big complaint about the series is that the characters use words that you might have to look up in the dictionary but at the same time the descriptions are really lacking in regards to characters: women are beautiful and men are handsome and Lane has auburn hair. Nothing original there. It seems that if you aren't beautiful then you aren't worthy of description. And what does beautiful really mean? Sometimes I think I should count how many times the word beautiful shows up in a book and how often Lane says 'lovely'. It is hard to believe Lane was involved in intelligence during the war because her fantastic beauty that every man in the series notices would make her stand out and be remembered. Even though I like the intriguing back-story on Lane I find it totally unbelievable.
I liked the prejudice element that both police officers run into in Canada and Arizona. It added something new to the series.
My big complaint about the series is that the characters use words that you might have to look up in the dictionary but at the same time the descriptions are really lacking in regards to characters: women are beautiful and men are handsome and Lane has auburn hair. Nothing original there. It seems that if you aren't beautiful then you aren't worthy of description. And what does beautiful really mean? Sometimes I think I should count how many times the word beautiful shows up in a book and how often Lane says 'lovely'. It is hard to believe Lane was involved in intelligence during the war because her fantastic beauty that every man in the series notices would make her stand out and be remembered. Even though I like the intriguing back-story on Lane I find it totally unbelievable.
March 6, 2025
A historical mystery set in the 1940s, the writer has created characters who are more diverse than you would expect for the setting and with depth. There are two mysteries: one that follows title character Lane Winslow and her new husband Inspector Darling on their honeymoon in Arizona where she is witness to murder and the other is in their hometown in Canada where a case of vandalism ends in murder. The mysteries have plenty of twists that keep you guessing with action at the end that means it does not conclude with a denouement.
The subject matter is a little dark--but not graphic--and may set off some people. My only real complaint is that some of the police were surprised that an officer would not take a complaint of rape serious, particularly when the woman went out on a date willingly during this time. It still happens today but particularly in earlier times, such as the 1940s, that would have been more the norm. Even if a member of the police was sympathetic, in a case of he said/she said, it would often go against a woman. Plus she would be exposed to almost a second rape by the court case, town people, and her reputation would have been severely damaged. The police would often suggest not filing a complaint. Members of the police would know this. It is not a big point in the story but sometimes the little things that seem so obvious can really rub you.
The subject matter is a little dark--but not graphic--and may set off some people. My only real complaint is that some of the police were surprised that an officer would not take a complaint of rape serious, particularly when the woman went out on a date willingly during this time. It still happens today but particularly in earlier times, such as the 1940s, that would have been more the norm. Even if a member of the police was sympathetic, in a case of he said/she said, it would often go against a woman. Plus she would be exposed to almost a second rape by the court case, town people, and her reputation would have been severely damaged. The police would often suggest not filing a complaint. Members of the police would know this. It is not a big point in the story but sometimes the little things that seem so obvious can really rub you.
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