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The Falls Mysteries #3
Why the Rock Falls
Danger lurks in the wilderness of the Rockies.
When a Hollywood director’s wife dies during a local movie shoot, filming is suspended. The death also spells the end of ex-Mountie Lacey McCrae’s latest temporary job. At loose ends, Lacey volunteers to help in the search for an aging oil baron and his son who have disappeared in the foothills of the Rockies. As drone operators scan the forested valleys from the air and rock-climbers rappel down narrow chasms in search of the pair, Lacey dons her Victim Services’ cap to ease tensions among the missing oilman’s four adult sons and three ex-wives.
As the squabbles over the possible inheritance intensify, Lacey uncovers a surprising link between the missing oilman and the big-shot director. But an unexpected event sends Lacey out on a risky trek across an unstable mountainside on the trail of a murderer who is bent on killing again.
When a Hollywood director’s wife dies during a local movie shoot, filming is suspended. The death also spells the end of ex-Mountie Lacey McCrae’s latest temporary job. At loose ends, Lacey volunteers to help in the search for an aging oil baron and his son who have disappeared in the foothills of the Rockies. As drone operators scan the forested valleys from the air and rock-climbers rappel down narrow chasms in search of the pair, Lacey dons her Victim Services’ cap to ease tensions among the missing oilman’s four adult sons and three ex-wives.
As the squabbles over the possible inheritance intensify, Lacey uncovers a surprising link between the missing oilman and the big-shot director. But an unexpected event sends Lacey out on a risky trek across an unstable mountainside on the trail of a murderer who is bent on killing again.
350 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2020
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Barnard
8 books23 followersJ.E. Barnard’s first novella (as Jayne Barnard), 'Maddie Hatter and the Deadly Diamond', was a 2016 Prix Aurora finalist. Her second Maddie Hatter Adventure, 'Gilded Gauge', was both a Prix Aurora finalist and 2018 Book of the Year for Alberta. 'When the Flood Falls' first in the Falls Mystery trilogy, won the Unhanged Arthur Ellis Award in 2016. She's hit bestseller lists 7 times with 6 novels, and divides her writing year between Calgary, AB with her cat & Vancouver Island with a resident owl.
To learn more about the newly re-edited and re-released Maddie Hatter Adventures, see
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
To learn more about the newly re-edited and re-released Maddie Hatter Adventures, see
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 8, 2020
3.25* Been wanting to read more Canadian books and this book fits the bill. A mystery set in Alberta, where ex-RCMP Lacey is now working private security and is tasked with keeping a Hollywood director and his family safe and eventually to investigate the disappearance of a rich oilman and his son, I haven't read the previous books of this series, so the characters are unfamiliar to me. As other reviewers have mentioned, it gets a bit confusing at first to figure out who is who and what their relationships are. Lacey is battling PTSD from her years as a Mountie and also from an abusive ex-husband. But, she's likable enough and competent with her job. I like that a person with chronic illness is represented by Lacey's friend, Jan, who has Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) . It's rare to find such a character portrayed as an integral part of the plot, as she helps Lacey with analyzing video footages. The family dynamics between the Hollywood director and the oilman is a bit convoluted, but drives the main plot of the story. While this is a good enough book to read, as a mystery, I keep waiting on a plot twist that would make it so much more interesting. My guess on who the culprit is turned out to be correct, which is just fine, but if I have been wrong, that would've been so much more exciting.
Probably should read the earlier books of the series first, just so one is more familiar with Lacey and her group of friends. In the end, I wonder if that might help me enjoy this book more.
**Thank you to Dundurn and Net Galley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Probably should read the earlier books of the series first, just so one is more familiar with Lacey and her group of friends. In the end, I wonder if that might help me enjoy this book more.
**Thank you to Dundurn and Net Galley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
August 17, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
This was ok read. I like the mystery of this book and Lacey is flawed but your rooting for her.
Lacey is a ex Mountie with loose ends she decide to take up investigating a missing oil man and his son. As she dives in she also has to play peacemaker with the missing man others sons and his three exes. As she starts to put things together she makes a connection that puts her right in the path of a killer who is willing to killed again. The mystery part was good and I love Lacey but I don’t know it was hard to follow maybe because it had too many characters for me to follow that it took a minute to get through the book. 3.5 stars for me but giving it four stars because character of Lacey I really like her.
This was ok read. I like the mystery of this book and Lacey is flawed but your rooting for her.
Lacey is a ex Mountie with loose ends she decide to take up investigating a missing oil man and his son. As she dives in she also has to play peacemaker with the missing man others sons and his three exes. As she starts to put things together she makes a connection that puts her right in the path of a killer who is willing to killed again. The mystery part was good and I love Lacey but I don’t know it was hard to follow maybe because it had too many characters for me to follow that it took a minute to get through the book. 3.5 stars for me but giving it four stars because character of Lacey I really like her.
November 9, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This is the third book in the Falls Mysteries and investigates the murder of a Hollywood producer's wife plus the search for a missing oil baron and his son in Alberta. I hadn't read the first two books in this series but found this easy to pick up despite that. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and the family dynamics in this. The main characters were likeable and easy to root for. This book has me particularly intrigued by Lacey and her backstory, so I might have to read the first two books to find out more. Overall, this was an entertaining murder mystery, nothing groundbreaking but thoroughly enjoyable.
disabled rep, gay side characters
tw: homophobic language, mentions of past psychological and physical domestic abuse, mentions of eating disorders
This is the third book in the Falls Mysteries and investigates the murder of a Hollywood producer's wife plus the search for a missing oil baron and his son in Alberta. I hadn't read the first two books in this series but found this easy to pick up despite that. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and the family dynamics in this. The main characters were likeable and easy to root for. This book has me particularly intrigued by Lacey and her backstory, so I might have to read the first two books to find out more. Overall, this was an entertaining murder mystery, nothing groundbreaking but thoroughly enjoyable.
disabled rep, gay side characters
tw: homophobic language, mentions of past psychological and physical domestic abuse, mentions of eating disorders
December 15, 2020
What an engaging mystery with a potpourri of characters. I thought the mystery was different from other mysteries I read because so much of the story focuses on Lacy McCrae. After the fact, I discovered that this is the third book in a series. From reviews, I realize that I could have benefited from reading the previous books in the series. Oh well.
I thought the story was interesting and the secondary/support characters were a wonderful addition to the story and Lacy in particular. A family squabble over money, land, and inheritance held my attention throughout. Also, the description of the location and terrain was very detailed and the climbing information was educational. Some may call it boring but I thought not.
ARC provided by Dundum via NetGalley with thanks.
I thought the story was interesting and the secondary/support characters were a wonderful addition to the story and Lacy in particular. A family squabble over money, land, and inheritance held my attention throughout. Also, the description of the location and terrain was very detailed and the climbing information was educational. Some may call it boring but I thought not.
ARC provided by Dundum via NetGalley with thanks.
May 11, 2021
A totally different mystery from the other two books in the series. Very well written. All of these books have interesting subject matter and characters. Tying all the issues together is done very well. I enjoyed it. I would have liked to see more of the story of Lacey's personal life and especially some closure regarding her abusive ex-preferably with him having to quit dragging out the divorce and answering for his abusive behavior. I kept waiting for something to blow up with that as she tracked his phone but it just petered out. Overall an excellent mystery.
December 9, 2020
As part of the onsite security team for a Hollywood movie site, Lacey McCrae's employment is cut short when the director's wife is murdered. Her boss moves her assignment next door to assist in the search for a missing oil baron and his young son. With Lacey's prior RCMP training, she soon finds evidence that the two events could be connected, leaving little room for hope in recovering the missing persons. The investigation will lead the search crews through some rough terrain and leave them racing the clock.
Why the Rock Falls is the 3rd book in JE Barnard's The Falls Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand alone but the reading experience can only benefit from reading the first two books as they give you Lacey's back story. She is a former RCMP who survived a marriage full of harsh domestic violence. Her experiences have left her with PTSD and seeking a less stressful job and living conditions. She now lives in Alberta where the beautiful scenery and extreme conditions become a part of the story. The character and her supporting cast are excellent, their interactions keep the story moving quickly and keep the mystery alive until the very end. The series has proven excellent so far, let's hope it remains so in the future.
Why the Rock Falls is the 3rd book in JE Barnard's The Falls Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand alone but the reading experience can only benefit from reading the first two books as they give you Lacey's back story. She is a former RCMP who survived a marriage full of harsh domestic violence. Her experiences have left her with PTSD and seeking a less stressful job and living conditions. She now lives in Alberta where the beautiful scenery and extreme conditions become a part of the story. The character and her supporting cast are excellent, their interactions keep the story moving quickly and keep the mystery alive until the very end. The series has proven excellent so far, let's hope it remains so in the future.
November 12, 2020
The third installment in The Falls Mysteries series, Why the Rock Falls by J.E. Barnard is a perplexing mystery.
Former Mountie Lacey McCrae is still working security as she works on obtaining her private investigator license. While taking care of security for Jake Wyman, she saves Hollywood director Mylo Matheson's wife, Kitrin Devine, from drowning. In a cruel twist of fate the next day, Kitrin is found dead in the pool by Lacey's and Kitrin's friend Jan Brenner.
As the local authorities investigate Kitrin's murder, Lacey's boss requests she go to oil baron Orrin Caine's home. Orrin and his son Tyrone are missing and Lacey is tasked with ensuring the remainder of the family is safe. Orrin was at Jake's home the night before Kitrin's murder and Lacey cannot help but wonder if the two cases are somehow related.
Lacey remains haunted by the past she left behind when she quit the RCMP and moved from the city. She is good friends with Jan and Lacey relies on her quite a bit while working at the Caine home. As searchers comb the local area for Orrin and Tyrone, Lacey finds surprising evidence. She also discovers several places where security could have breached. Looking through recent security footage, Lacey finds evidence to back up her theory about what might have happened to cause Orrin's disappearance. She then relies on Jan to help sharpen the images in hopes of identifying the perpetrator. Lacey has a large suspect pool to chose from since Orrin was not exactly beloved by his ex-wives or his adult children.
Why the Rock Falls is a multi-layered mystery with two intriguing mysteries to solve. The series regulars are well developed and likable. The secondary cast members are plentiful and the vast number makes it difficult to tell them apart. The two cases are interesting and the investigations move at a slow but steady pace. In a race against time, J.E. Barnard brings this fascinating mystery to an exciting conclusion that is action-packed. Old and new fans will enjoy this newest addition to The Falls Mysteries series.
Former Mountie Lacey McCrae is still working security as she works on obtaining her private investigator license. While taking care of security for Jake Wyman, she saves Hollywood director Mylo Matheson's wife, Kitrin Devine, from drowning. In a cruel twist of fate the next day, Kitrin is found dead in the pool by Lacey's and Kitrin's friend Jan Brenner.
As the local authorities investigate Kitrin's murder, Lacey's boss requests she go to oil baron Orrin Caine's home. Orrin and his son Tyrone are missing and Lacey is tasked with ensuring the remainder of the family is safe. Orrin was at Jake's home the night before Kitrin's murder and Lacey cannot help but wonder if the two cases are somehow related.
Lacey remains haunted by the past she left behind when she quit the RCMP and moved from the city. She is good friends with Jan and Lacey relies on her quite a bit while working at the Caine home. As searchers comb the local area for Orrin and Tyrone, Lacey finds surprising evidence. She also discovers several places where security could have breached. Looking through recent security footage, Lacey finds evidence to back up her theory about what might have happened to cause Orrin's disappearance. She then relies on Jan to help sharpen the images in hopes of identifying the perpetrator. Lacey has a large suspect pool to chose from since Orrin was not exactly beloved by his ex-wives or his adult children.
Why the Rock Falls is a multi-layered mystery with two intriguing mysteries to solve. The series regulars are well developed and likable. The secondary cast members are plentiful and the vast number makes it difficult to tell them apart. The two cases are interesting and the investigations move at a slow but steady pace. In a race against time, J.E. Barnard brings this fascinating mystery to an exciting conclusion that is action-packed. Old and new fans will enjoy this newest addition to The Falls Mysteries series.
November 27, 2020
Do you avoid jumping into the middle of a mystery series and insist on reading the 1st book first? I rarely get the opportunity to read a series in consecutive order, so I have no problem starting halfway through, but I do realize this sets me back in the character development. Keeping this in mind, I picked up Why the Rock Falls by J.E. Barnard, the third in The Falls Mysteries series with a bit of trepidation. There are a million mysteries and thrillers on my shelves that are beckoning, but I wanted to read this book because it’s written by a Calgary author who I wasn’t familiar with. J.E. Barnard has won a few awards for her writing, including the CWC Award for Best Unpublished First Crime Novel back in 2016, and that accolade alone is impressive enough to give her novels a try. Aside from a few minor quibbles, I really enjoyed this book, plus it takes place in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains so its landscape is one I’m familiar with and enjoy revisiting, even in a fictional state!
Plot Summary
Lacey McCrae is a security guard and past RCMP officer who is attempting to move on with her life after escaping a traumatic experience in law enforcement and an abusive husband. This is all briefly referenced throughout the book, no doubt fully fleshed out in the previous novels. It’s summertime in the Rockies, and she’s been stationed at a mansion in the foothills belonging to oil baron and all around terrible man Orrin Caine who is currently living with his third wife and youngest son. Orrin and his son go missing days after a woman is found dead in a pool at his friend’s house, and Lacey is sent by her boss to monitor Orrin’s house, keep out the media, and generally try to get to the bottom of both mysteries. Because Orrin is old, wealthy, and generally quite awful, there is no shortage of people who want to kill him off, but the fact that this youngest son is also gone has everyone on edge. Meanwhile, the deceased woman has left behind a philandering husband, a distraught young boy, and some major secrets that can only be revealed through DNA tests. We also follow along with some other minor storylines involving Lacey’s friends, each with their own role to play as the two mysteries unfold over 400 pages.
My Thoughts
I always love a book set in familiar surroundings, so I was immediately delighted to read about characters hiking and climbing in our beautiful Rocky Mountains. Bragg Creek is a tiny little village just outside of Calgary that is home to a few little cafes, one delicious ice cream joint (referenced specifically in this novel) numerous wooded trails, and a few giant homes belonging to the ultra wealthy. This book takes place in two of those huge houses, but our brave and professional detective isn’t impressed by these ostentatious buildings, which is just one of the reasons she’s such an appealing protagonist. It also helps that this book is filled with terrible people; selfish, vain, and morally bankrupt are words that apply to the majority of the characters while Lacey and her friends are generally quite helpful and intelligent. When a mystery includes this many suspects, there needs to be plenty of believable motives, which this story is in no short supply of.
Other than a few clunky moments of dialogue and a few too many characters to keep track of, I found the story well-plotted and wasn’t able to guess the culprit until the very end. Barnard’s use of red herrings is also impressive; the related storylines and minor characters all served to distract me from focusing on who the real perpetrator was because I got caught up in the drama of the storyline. Although this may not appeal to some, I really appreciate being directed by the writer like this because it allows me to leisurely read without feeling that impulse to rush ahead and solve the puzzle as soon as possible.
Something else I really liked about this book was its depiction of one character who struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome (Myalgic encephalomyelitis). Both the character Jan and the author herself suffer from this debilitating illness, yet Jan demonstrates her strength in innumerable ways throughout the book. She pushes through physically when her friends need her, and she is adept at managing her fatigue while still working as an active member of society. Still, her symptoms and struggles are described in vivid detail and there is no mistaking how sick she really is. She doesn’t hesitate to tell those around her what she needs, or when she needs to rest but she is not a pitiable or depressing character by any means. Even though I don’t know anyone personally with this illness, Jan seemed like an incredibly balanced and realistic character to me.
So if you’re comfortable jumping into the deep end with this one, you won’t be disappointed, but reading books in consecutive order is always the gold standard. Either way, accompanying Lacey on her past and future adventures is a great way to spend a few hours.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
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Plot Summary
Lacey McCrae is a security guard and past RCMP officer who is attempting to move on with her life after escaping a traumatic experience in law enforcement and an abusive husband. This is all briefly referenced throughout the book, no doubt fully fleshed out in the previous novels. It’s summertime in the Rockies, and she’s been stationed at a mansion in the foothills belonging to oil baron and all around terrible man Orrin Caine who is currently living with his third wife and youngest son. Orrin and his son go missing days after a woman is found dead in a pool at his friend’s house, and Lacey is sent by her boss to monitor Orrin’s house, keep out the media, and generally try to get to the bottom of both mysteries. Because Orrin is old, wealthy, and generally quite awful, there is no shortage of people who want to kill him off, but the fact that this youngest son is also gone has everyone on edge. Meanwhile, the deceased woman has left behind a philandering husband, a distraught young boy, and some major secrets that can only be revealed through DNA tests. We also follow along with some other minor storylines involving Lacey’s friends, each with their own role to play as the two mysteries unfold over 400 pages.
My Thoughts
I always love a book set in familiar surroundings, so I was immediately delighted to read about characters hiking and climbing in our beautiful Rocky Mountains. Bragg Creek is a tiny little village just outside of Calgary that is home to a few little cafes, one delicious ice cream joint (referenced specifically in this novel) numerous wooded trails, and a few giant homes belonging to the ultra wealthy. This book takes place in two of those huge houses, but our brave and professional detective isn’t impressed by these ostentatious buildings, which is just one of the reasons she’s such an appealing protagonist. It also helps that this book is filled with terrible people; selfish, vain, and morally bankrupt are words that apply to the majority of the characters while Lacey and her friends are generally quite helpful and intelligent. When a mystery includes this many suspects, there needs to be plenty of believable motives, which this story is in no short supply of.
Other than a few clunky moments of dialogue and a few too many characters to keep track of, I found the story well-plotted and wasn’t able to guess the culprit until the very end. Barnard’s use of red herrings is also impressive; the related storylines and minor characters all served to distract me from focusing on who the real perpetrator was because I got caught up in the drama of the storyline. Although this may not appeal to some, I really appreciate being directed by the writer like this because it allows me to leisurely read without feeling that impulse to rush ahead and solve the puzzle as soon as possible.
Something else I really liked about this book was its depiction of one character who struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome (Myalgic encephalomyelitis). Both the character Jan and the author herself suffer from this debilitating illness, yet Jan demonstrates her strength in innumerable ways throughout the book. She pushes through physically when her friends need her, and she is adept at managing her fatigue while still working as an active member of society. Still, her symptoms and struggles are described in vivid detail and there is no mistaking how sick she really is. She doesn’t hesitate to tell those around her what she needs, or when she needs to rest but she is not a pitiable or depressing character by any means. Even though I don’t know anyone personally with this illness, Jan seemed like an incredibly balanced and realistic character to me.
So if you’re comfortable jumping into the deep end with this one, you won’t be disappointed, but reading books in consecutive order is always the gold standard. Either way, accompanying Lacey on her past and future adventures is a great way to spend a few hours.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://ivereadthis.com/subscribe/
Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
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November 22, 2020
Ex-Mountie Lacey McCrae is working as private security at friend Jake Hyman's house to keep Hollywood director Mylo Matheson and his family safe. Lacey saves Mylo's wife Kitrin from drowning in the waterfall pool but Kitrin is found dead in the same pool the next day by their friend Jan Brenner. Lacey is then sent by her boss Wayne to oil baron Orrin Caine's house when Orrin and his youngest son Tyrone go missing. Orrin had been at Jake's house the night before Kitrin's death and she wonders if the two cases are somehow related.
The Search and Rescue teams scour the vast Caine property for signs of Orrin and Tyrone. The story dragged on in the middle with the plodding search of hours of security footage by Lacey and Jan to find evidence of sabotage and identify the perp who caused Orrin's vehicle to disappear. Tyrone is then found alone, gravely ill from a severe allergic reaction and is taken to hospital but there is no sign of Orrin.
Lacey has a large pool of suspects since there is a seething pool of hatred between Orrin and his eldest sons Earl, and twins Bart and Ben. After several days, a clue points the search team in the right direction but it's a race against time for Lacey and Ben to rock climb to a remote hut before violent weather and a determined killer can finish off Orrin for good.
The Caine family is still in danger when the perp's accomplice makes another desperate attempt to harm the young sons in this twisted tale of greed and revenge.
I received an eARC from Netgalley and Dundurn Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
The Search and Rescue teams scour the vast Caine property for signs of Orrin and Tyrone. The story dragged on in the middle with the plodding search of hours of security footage by Lacey and Jan to find evidence of sabotage and identify the perp who caused Orrin's vehicle to disappear. Tyrone is then found alone, gravely ill from a severe allergic reaction and is taken to hospital but there is no sign of Orrin.
Lacey has a large pool of suspects since there is a seething pool of hatred between Orrin and his eldest sons Earl, and twins Bart and Ben. After several days, a clue points the search team in the right direction but it's a race against time for Lacey and Ben to rock climb to a remote hut before violent weather and a determined killer can finish off Orrin for good.
The Caine family is still in danger when the perp's accomplice makes another desperate attempt to harm the young sons in this twisted tale of greed and revenge.
I received an eARC from Netgalley and Dundurn Press with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
April 10, 2021
Lacey has left her job as an RCMP officer and her abusive husband, to find herself in a security job for rich oil tycoons and movie stars. Content with her new life in the beautiful Canadian Rockies of Alberta until one dinner guest is dead and two more go missing in the Alberta wilds! Using her knowledge and expertise Lacey tries to help solve both these mysteries but things are deeper than what they first look.
This book is set in the small hamlet of Bragg Creek and the Ghost area in Alberta. Being that I live in Bragg Creek this book interested me from the moment it was recommended to me. While I’m reading I can picture the setting and when the author is writing about areas in Calgary I have a good sense of what it is like. The more I am reading, the more I am trying to find books by local Canadian authors and I’m enjoying them.
I like the mystery elements in this book and there are no shortages of twists and suspense. It really builds as you go through the book too. The depth and detail of each character is written well and the further you get into the book the deeper into the family dynamics it goes. Also you get a real sense of what Lacey’s life has been like so far.
Even though this is the third in a three part series (and I haven’t read the previous books) it doesn’t impact the reading if it was a stand alone book. However, I don’t know if my opinion would change if I was to now go and read the previous books in a different order than intended.
October 10, 2020
Two of my personal favourite ingredients that I love in any book are elements I can count on in Jayne Bernard’s Falls Mysteries. Of course these features are not all you can count on, but she certainly fulfills my need for interesting settings and vivid characters. These novels are love letters to Alberta’s beautiful topography. The sense of place is superb. The characters are so well developed and real that you get deeply involved in their lives immediately. ‘Why The Rock Falls’ joins its two predecessors in describing settings that are wild or tame, always remarkable and fascinating. Barnard takes you on adventures that leave you breathless. Although there are a lot of characters, each one of them is drawn in such a way, through action, realistic dialogue and description, that the people become relatable very quickly. Their flaws, problems, courage and kindnesses, good and bad points, all contribute to either liking or disliking them as if they were non-fictional. The reader gets to be a voyeur into the lives of the rich, as well as work alongside those who are struggling to make a living. To highlight two of the main characters, Jan and Lacey are strong, likable women who manage their illnesses and traumas with such bravery and realistic emotions that you can imagine having them as friends. I love Ms. Barnard’s metaphors too (e.g. “like white fur on black velvet”), as well as her descriptions, which are not too long but filled with just the right words to paint a vivid picture. The plots are complex enough to be compelling and the pacing makes the reader want to race forward to see what happens. Don’t give in to that impulse, however; enjoy the scenery along the ride. I highly recommend this novel and the entire Falls Mystery Series.
August 27, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Dundurn Press for the eARC.
Ex-Mounty Lacey Mcrae is working security at her neighbor Jake's house when she notices a skeletally thin woman struggling in the swimming pool where she manages to save her. Unfortunately the woman, a Hollywood Director's wife, later drowns (or was she murdered?) in the same pool.
Lacey also gets involved in the hunt for an odious oil tycoon's disappearance, together with his young son. There are many people with motives for getting rid of him ... is he on a pleasure trip with his son or has something bad happened to the two of them? Is there a connection between him and the Hollywood director?
This is a good story and I really like Lacey, but found the lengthy parts of checking the computer monitors a bit tedious. There's a long list of characters which had me confused at times, but in the whole I loved the setting and enjoyed the book.
Ex-Mounty Lacey Mcrae is working security at her neighbor Jake's house when she notices a skeletally thin woman struggling in the swimming pool where she manages to save her. Unfortunately the woman, a Hollywood Director's wife, later drowns (or was she murdered?) in the same pool.
Lacey also gets involved in the hunt for an odious oil tycoon's disappearance, together with his young son. There are many people with motives for getting rid of him ... is he on a pleasure trip with his son or has something bad happened to the two of them? Is there a connection between him and the Hollywood director?
This is a good story and I really like Lacey, but found the lengthy parts of checking the computer monitors a bit tedious. There's a long list of characters which had me confused at times, but in the whole I loved the setting and enjoyed the book.
September 10, 2020
This book had the feeling of classic who-did-it-novel and within that categorie it was very well done with mutiple plot lines that fell into place at the end. There were a whole lot of names and characters to keep track of and, if like me, you haven't read the previous book with Lacey then it becomes even more difficult to keep them all apart.
The story about Lacey, a former RCMP officer, who now works in security and gets involved in a murder investigation kept my interest. It's not a fast-paced book with a lot of action, on the contrary, it's more of a read with slow developments and a lots of character interaction in trying to figure out who is responsible for the murder. All characters are written well and they are a diverse bunch of people. Like I said before: a classic murder mystery which will not disappoint those readers who go for that genre.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
The story about Lacey, a former RCMP officer, who now works in security and gets involved in a murder investigation kept my interest. It's not a fast-paced book with a lot of action, on the contrary, it's more of a read with slow developments and a lots of character interaction in trying to figure out who is responsible for the murder. All characters are written well and they are a diverse bunch of people. Like I said before: a classic murder mystery which will not disappoint those readers who go for that genre.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
September 17, 2020
Lacey McCrae, ex Mountie, had lost her job and in her downtime volunteers to look for a wealthy oil baron and his son. The baron's remaining four sons and their ex wives start arguing over their inheritance and Lacey tries to calm the situation. At the same she gets really involved in the search for the murderer.
I quite enjoyed this book, it's a good mystery with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting. I did find that there are lots of characters and it's sometimes difficult to keep up with who's who. I think it would have been beneficial to read the author's previous books in this series but it was still ok as a stand alone book. I really liked the character of Lacey and that made the read more enjoyable.
I quite enjoyed this book, it's a good mystery with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting. I did find that there are lots of characters and it's sometimes difficult to keep up with who's who. I think it would have been beneficial to read the author's previous books in this series but it was still ok as a stand alone book. I really liked the character of Lacey and that made the read more enjoyable.
September 3, 2020
A very good mystery in a part of the country that is both beautiful and dramatic with a protagonist who is both believable and has a heroic inquisitive nature. But. I wish that I had read the earlier books and could have kept straight the multitude of well drawn characters (my problem, not the author's). The story is as dramatic as the environs and has plenty of plot twists and not a few red herrings. I liked it a lot despite all.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Dundurn Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Dundurn Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
December 3, 2020
First book from this author that I've read. My only concern was that at the beginning I had to re-read it to understand the path it was taking. The book went from her guarding a movie mogul and then the next page she's being sent out to a ranch to guard an oil baron. As the book coalesced it made a lot more sense and the rest of the book was entertaining and interesting. Well written, characters could have been developed a little more but for the most part it was an easy read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest,voluntary review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest,voluntary review.
August 29, 2021
Such an awesome book! Barnard's best book yet! I couldn't put it down. The tense, taut action near the end of the book had me chewing my fingernails. I could feel the rain, the wind, the rock digging into my own hands during the harrowing climb in severe weather. You will not be disappointed in this book, guaranteed!
April 15, 2021
I think this is a good mystery, liked the characters and the plot.
It's the first I read in this series and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's the first I read in this series and won't surely be the last.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 28, 2022
Usually I have a pretty good idea how a mystery will end, who did it, etc, but this is twice now that the author of this series has totally fooled me. Really enjoyed this book, the twists and turns along the way and the descriptions that made me feel I was there. Great series overall.
January 5, 2021
book 3 of a very interesting series based in Alberta, Canada.
January 18, 2021
I love this author's writing style. She tackles the tough issues and educates readers through storytelling.
March 19, 2021
Third book in an enjoyable series set in the Albertan Foothills (Rockies).
December 29, 2020
Why the Rock Falls is the third book in the Falls Mystery series. Set in Bragg Creek in the Alberta Rockies, these books are steeped in murder, mystery, and current affairs. Barnard writes a strong, well-researched story, and brings the setting and the issues to life. The recurring characters, Lacey, Jan, Terry, Dee and Rob are well-developed, believable characters, and the reader is treated to their very real emotions and reactions to the situations in which they are immersed.
This book sees the wife of a Hollywood director murdered in a guest pool, with numerous people in the vicinity who had a motive for her death. And when an oil baron and his young son go missing in the backwoods of their land, the mysteries deepen, and the accusations fly fast and furious. But are the two seemingly separate crimes connected? Who has the most to gain from these deaths?
Barnard takes her reader through the intricacies of rock climbing, the realities of living with ME/CFS, and the truths of the land controversies surrounding oil exploration in the Rockies. I appreciate her detailed research, blended with a well-paced murder mystery. Looking forward to seeing where these characters go in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book sees the wife of a Hollywood director murdered in a guest pool, with numerous people in the vicinity who had a motive for her death. And when an oil baron and his young son go missing in the backwoods of their land, the mysteries deepen, and the accusations fly fast and furious. But are the two seemingly separate crimes connected? Who has the most to gain from these deaths?
Barnard takes her reader through the intricacies of rock climbing, the realities of living with ME/CFS, and the truths of the land controversies surrounding oil exploration in the Rockies. I appreciate her detailed research, blended with a well-paced murder mystery. Looking forward to seeing where these characters go in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
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