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Creature X Mysteries #2
Lake Crescent
A TV documentary crew explores murky waters in search of legendary lake monster Cressie, only to dredge up a body instead.
Laura Reagan, host of the cryptozoological documentary series Creature X , and her team are in Newfoundland shooting an episode about Cressie, a legendary giant eel. Things don’t start off scientific evidence is scarce, stories keep changing, and the locals are throwing a wrench into the production. But what began as a simple TV shoot takes a drastic turn when the crew pulls a body from the depths of Lake Crescent.
For Laura, unravelling the cold case means unearthing long-buried secrets about the most prominent citizens of the remote town of Robert’s Arm. With time running out, she and her team must put the pieces together and expose the killer before more blood is spilled.
Laura Reagan, host of the cryptozoological documentary series Creature X , and her team are in Newfoundland shooting an episode about Cressie, a legendary giant eel. Things don’t start off scientific evidence is scarce, stories keep changing, and the locals are throwing a wrench into the production. But what began as a simple TV shoot takes a drastic turn when the crew pulls a body from the depths of Lake Crescent.
For Laura, unravelling the cold case means unearthing long-buried secrets about the most prominent citizens of the remote town of Robert’s Arm. With time running out, she and her team must put the pieces together and expose the killer before more blood is spilled.
328 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
About the author
J.J. Dupuis
22 books39 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Jeff Dupuis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 12, 2020
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for the second book in the Creature X Mystery series. I had read and enjoyed the previous book, Roanoke Ridge and was excited to receive the advanced digital copy. I did not feel it lived up to the promise of the first book in the series, mainly because I found the subject of the investigation, a giant fresh water eel, not as tantalizing or frightening as the Bigfoot (Sasquatch) in Roanoke Ridge.
From childhood, I was always fascinated by books and articles dealing with cryptozoology. I was skeptical of reports of sightings of legendary creatures such as Bigfoot, Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster, and other mythical creatures not yet proven or disproven by scientific research. I often wished that someday the existence of such a creature would be confirmed. That is if it kept its distance, and did not mutilate to devour humans.
The protagonist, Laura Reagan, has a popular website that aims to bring scientific facts about creatures mentioned in cryptozoology to a wide audience. She is skeptical of these myths and scientific hoaxes. She is cynical, resourceful, and tough through martial arts training and hiking. She is impulsive and curious, ready to intrude into police investigations.
This time, Laura travels to an outport village in Newfoundland to study the possible existence of the fabled Cressie, a giant eel living in a lake. I found the subject of this research to be dull and not as intriguing as other creatures mentioned in cryptozoology articles. While Laura and her team are filming and interviewing villagers about Cressie, they stumble upon a mystery involving jealousy, murder, the fate of two lovers, and pirate gold. Laura is a well developed character, but secondary characters were less distinct and lacking in personality.
Laura's intrusion into the police investigation shows her to be an intuitive and determined amateur detective. I hope interviews and film her team obtained about the search for the truth about Cressie will be successful. I wish her project gives her enough audience so she can next go overseas where there are some fascinating legendary creatures to make exciting subjects for her research. The story ended with the mystery solved after a dangerous and frightening action sequence. The team was thinking of next going to somewhere warmer than Newfoundland for their next investigation. I will definitely read the next adventure in the series.
From childhood, I was always fascinated by books and articles dealing with cryptozoology. I was skeptical of reports of sightings of legendary creatures such as Bigfoot, Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster, and other mythical creatures not yet proven or disproven by scientific research. I often wished that someday the existence of such a creature would be confirmed. That is if it kept its distance, and did not mutilate to devour humans.
The protagonist, Laura Reagan, has a popular website that aims to bring scientific facts about creatures mentioned in cryptozoology to a wide audience. She is skeptical of these myths and scientific hoaxes. She is cynical, resourceful, and tough through martial arts training and hiking. She is impulsive and curious, ready to intrude into police investigations.
This time, Laura travels to an outport village in Newfoundland to study the possible existence of the fabled Cressie, a giant eel living in a lake. I found the subject of this research to be dull and not as intriguing as other creatures mentioned in cryptozoology articles. While Laura and her team are filming and interviewing villagers about Cressie, they stumble upon a mystery involving jealousy, murder, the fate of two lovers, and pirate gold. Laura is a well developed character, but secondary characters were less distinct and lacking in personality.
Laura's intrusion into the police investigation shows her to be an intuitive and determined amateur detective. I hope interviews and film her team obtained about the search for the truth about Cressie will be successful. I wish her project gives her enough audience so she can next go overseas where there are some fascinating legendary creatures to make exciting subjects for her research. The story ended with the mystery solved after a dangerous and frightening action sequence. The team was thinking of next going to somewhere warmer than Newfoundland for their next investigation. I will definitely read the next adventure in the series.
March 13, 2021
Laura is searching for Cressie, a lake monster, in Lake Crescent. While dragging the lake a body is found and Laura is ready to solve the mystery.
I did not enjoy the book as much as I wanted.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
I did not enjoy the book as much as I wanted.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
February 27, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my review.
I’m not normally a fan in the Sci-Fi section, but when I saw it was more a murder mystery....I was game. Laura Reagan is searching for a lake monster called Cressie, in Lake Crescent, so with her camera crew they disrupt a town. When interviewing the town’s people, they find the stories change. With little to go on, she realizes this may be a waste of time.
While dragging and diving in the lake for this creature, they encounter a woman’s body. Laura’s focal point changes to uncover a crime and some very prominent citizens who may be responsible.
The Creature X Mystery is not as tantalizing as the unraveling of this crime. An enjoyable read, if you like putting puzzle pieces together to expose a killer.
I’m not normally a fan in the Sci-Fi section, but when I saw it was more a murder mystery....I was game. Laura Reagan is searching for a lake monster called Cressie, in Lake Crescent, so with her camera crew they disrupt a town. When interviewing the town’s people, they find the stories change. With little to go on, she realizes this may be a waste of time.
While dragging and diving in the lake for this creature, they encounter a woman’s body. Laura’s focal point changes to uncover a crime and some very prominent citizens who may be responsible.
The Creature X Mystery is not as tantalizing as the unraveling of this crime. An enjoyable read, if you like putting puzzle pieces together to expose a killer.
December 14, 2020
I enjoyed the first book in the Creature X Mystery series, so I figured I'd enjoy this one as well.
Laura takes her team to Newfoundland to shoot an episode on Cressi for their documentary series Creature X. Cressie is rumored to be a giant eel, but there is no scientific evidence, the town's people change their stories all the time and some of the locals just aren't too fond of a camera crew go around their town for a sensational story. When the team lowers some equipment to the bottom of the lake they fish up something no one expected a dead body. Danger and mystery is something Laura attracts and just can't let go of. She goes in full investigation mode, trying to solve the cold case and to prevent other events from escalating.
It took me about 1/3 or maybe a little more to get fully into it. It might be because I've been reading many books in a different genre, that is just paced differently. Or the first 1/3 just wasn't as good as the other 66%, who's to say? I don't like eels, so the search for a giant eel is just gross but to each their own. I like Laura's character, she is a no-nonsense type of character and does what she thinks is best. That doesn't mean she doesn't listen to others, she just does her own thing and tries to keep others safe while doing so. She sure has the best intentions. Creature X is something you mide see on Discovery Channel or Nat Geo Channel, but not something I would watch. I would happily read books like this, where the Creature is less important than the mystery.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Laura takes her team to Newfoundland to shoot an episode on Cressi for their documentary series Creature X. Cressie is rumored to be a giant eel, but there is no scientific evidence, the town's people change their stories all the time and some of the locals just aren't too fond of a camera crew go around their town for a sensational story. When the team lowers some equipment to the bottom of the lake they fish up something no one expected a dead body. Danger and mystery is something Laura attracts and just can't let go of. She goes in full investigation mode, trying to solve the cold case and to prevent other events from escalating.
It took me about 1/3 or maybe a little more to get fully into it. It might be because I've been reading many books in a different genre, that is just paced differently. Or the first 1/3 just wasn't as good as the other 66%, who's to say? I don't like eels, so the search for a giant eel is just gross but to each their own. I like Laura's character, she is a no-nonsense type of character and does what she thinks is best. That doesn't mean she doesn't listen to others, she just does her own thing and tries to keep others safe while doing so. She sure has the best intentions. Creature X is something you mide see on Discovery Channel or Nat Geo Channel, but not something I would watch. I would happily read books like this, where the Creature is less important than the mystery.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
May 31, 2021
Lake Crescent is an adventure mystery novel which I normally like. Unfortunately, I had a rough time reading this book since I didn't find the plot and the characters interesting enough. The mystery-solving case was cliché at some times and the ending was not at all surprising. It was well-written but my the story fell flat for me.
Thanks to the author, Dundurn Press and NetGalley for this advance copy. .
Thanks to the author, Dundurn Press and NetGalley for this advance copy. .
December 5, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Lake Crescent is the second book in the Creature X adventure/mystery series by J. J. Dupuis. Released 3rd Aug 2021 by Dundurn, it's 328 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a well written offbeat mystery written around a podcast group of ragtag journalists and scientists who are looking for proof (or disproof) of crypto-zoological creatures like bigfoot and giant eels and the phenomena surrounding them. They investigate local myths and culture and uncover long-buried dangerous secrets along the way.
The plotting is not at all straightforward. There are several intertwining subplots which meander along side paths adding background information and oral history of "Cressie" (a giant eel in Lake Crescent around whose presence the team's podcast centers). The characterisation is adept and well rendered and I found most of the main characters both distinct and believable. As a small-town mystery, it's full of the usual quirky, unsettling, vaguely threatening secondary characters.
The author successfully combines murder, cryptozoology, reality TV, and investigative journalism and even manages to believably toss some lost pirate treasure into the mix. The climax and denouement were fairly heavily telegraphed throughout the book, so for most readers it won't be a race to the finish to figure out whodunnit and why, but the writing is above average and I enjoyed the ride enough to seek out the other books (one previously released, one upcoming) in the series. The author is adept at his craft.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Lake Crescent is the second book in the Creature X adventure/mystery series by J. J. Dupuis. Released 3rd Aug 2021 by Dundurn, it's 328 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a well written offbeat mystery written around a podcast group of ragtag journalists and scientists who are looking for proof (or disproof) of crypto-zoological creatures like bigfoot and giant eels and the phenomena surrounding them. They investigate local myths and culture and uncover long-buried dangerous secrets along the way.
The plotting is not at all straightforward. There are several intertwining subplots which meander along side paths adding background information and oral history of "Cressie" (a giant eel in Lake Crescent around whose presence the team's podcast centers). The characterisation is adept and well rendered and I found most of the main characters both distinct and believable. As a small-town mystery, it's full of the usual quirky, unsettling, vaguely threatening secondary characters.
The author successfully combines murder, cryptozoology, reality TV, and investigative journalism and even manages to believably toss some lost pirate treasure into the mix. The climax and denouement were fairly heavily telegraphed throughout the book, so for most readers it won't be a race to the finish to figure out whodunnit and why, but the writing is above average and I enjoyed the ride enough to seek out the other books (one previously released, one upcoming) in the series. The author is adept at his craft.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 20, 2021
I'd give this one about 4.5. I hadn't read the first in the series so I wasn't quite sure how I would like this one, but I loved it. Not only are there strong, well-developed characters, but I thoroughly enjoyed the sort of behind the scenes peek at how some of the TV documentaries are made. I came away with more respect. I especially liked that the author portrayed the crew members as professional without the standard petty bickering. These are people who are doing their jobs. In short, the author did a great job of avoiding some of the mystery cliches while providing a valid reason for the investigation. I am definitely reading the others in the series.
January 26, 2021
I had a rough time reading this book not because it lacked an interesting plot, it was me being struggling to read too many books in a short period of time. This double mystery-solving novel has some gripping storylines, though.
Honestly, it has been an "on and off" reading, the mystery-solving case was cliché at some times, all culminating with an abrupt and not at all surprising ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Honestly, it has been an "on and off" reading, the mystery-solving case was cliché at some times, all culminating with an abrupt and not at all surprising ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 6, 2020
224 pages
3 and 1 / 2 stars
Laura Reagan is a presenter on a television show that debunks stories of fantastic creatures/monsters. This time she and her team ar headed to Lake Crescent in Newfoundland. A gigantic eel (?) that the locals have named Cressie is supposed to live there.
When the local wise acre offers them a chance to examine the giant eel he “caught” in the lake, (for only five thousand dollars), the scientists know that it's a scam. But they decide to play along. When they sail out to where he supposedly caught the beast, they dredge up a gruesome find when their ROV gets caught on something.
It is a body. Another body, just like in Oregon on the last adventure. Jeez! Trouble just seems to find Laura. She then gets drawn into the search for the identity of the woman skeleton and the story gets bigger. She draws in a couple of sidekicks in her adventure.
It is not exactly against her will that she gets drawn into the mystery.
This is a well written and plotted little novel. It is almost a cozy. Mr. Dupuis writes well and is good in his use and choice of words. There were a couple of small typos, but I'm sure they will be rectified in the final printing. This book is an easy read with very little tension or drama. The scene at John's house got a little hairy, however. I usually read books with more punch.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dundurn Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
3 and 1 / 2 stars
Laura Reagan is a presenter on a television show that debunks stories of fantastic creatures/monsters. This time she and her team ar headed to Lake Crescent in Newfoundland. A gigantic eel (?) that the locals have named Cressie is supposed to live there.
When the local wise acre offers them a chance to examine the giant eel he “caught” in the lake, (for only five thousand dollars), the scientists know that it's a scam. But they decide to play along. When they sail out to where he supposedly caught the beast, they dredge up a gruesome find when their ROV gets caught on something.
It is a body. Another body, just like in Oregon on the last adventure. Jeez! Trouble just seems to find Laura. She then gets drawn into the search for the identity of the woman skeleton and the story gets bigger. She draws in a couple of sidekicks in her adventure.
It is not exactly against her will that she gets drawn into the mystery.
This is a well written and plotted little novel. It is almost a cozy. Mr. Dupuis writes well and is good in his use and choice of words. There were a couple of small typos, but I'm sure they will be rectified in the final printing. This book is an easy read with very little tension or drama. The scene at John's house got a little hairy, however. I usually read books with more punch.
I want to thank NetGalley and Dundurn Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
January 9, 2021
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Lake Crescent.
I didn't read the first book in the series but the sequel works well as a standalone.
I love cryptozoology, ever since I was kid, especially Nessie, and this included a mystery so I said, "Yes, count me in!"
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Laura Reagan, host of the cryptozoological documentary series Creature X, and her team are in Newfoundland investigating the legend of Cressie, a giant eel.
It's not easy producing a documentary with little physical and scientific evidence, but to make matters more complicated, the crew pulls up a dead body from Lake Crescent.
Laura soon realizes Cressie isn't the only mystery lurking in the murky depths of the lake.
I like Laura Regan; she's smart, resourceful and tenacious, like Nancy Drew.
And like the famous teen sleuth, she has a knack for discovering dead bodies and solving the mystery, not without incurring bumps and bruises of her own.
As Laura probes into the mystery with the local authorities, her two loyal colleagues are eager to lend a hand and the three of them break the case of a decades old mystery fostered by greed and jealousy.
My favorite parts of the book are when Laura and her team discuss how local legends grow and evolve in the community; why some myths and legends persist through the centuries and the explanations behind the scientific techniques and equipment Laura and her team use to prove or disprove the legend of Cressie.
Parts of the narrative dragged, which I felt was due to the writing and its tone; it felt stiff, dry, and at times lacked urgency even when there was action on the page.
There were a lot of characters and suspects, and I had a difficult time keeping track of who was who and did what; the only way I remembered a specific individual is if their personality or behavior stood out, and most did not.
This wasn't as thrilling as I had hoped but I would read the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Lake Crescent.
I didn't read the first book in the series but the sequel works well as a standalone.
I love cryptozoology, ever since I was kid, especially Nessie, and this included a mystery so I said, "Yes, count me in!"
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Laura Reagan, host of the cryptozoological documentary series Creature X, and her team are in Newfoundland investigating the legend of Cressie, a giant eel.
It's not easy producing a documentary with little physical and scientific evidence, but to make matters more complicated, the crew pulls up a dead body from Lake Crescent.
Laura soon realizes Cressie isn't the only mystery lurking in the murky depths of the lake.
I like Laura Regan; she's smart, resourceful and tenacious, like Nancy Drew.
And like the famous teen sleuth, she has a knack for discovering dead bodies and solving the mystery, not without incurring bumps and bruises of her own.
As Laura probes into the mystery with the local authorities, her two loyal colleagues are eager to lend a hand and the three of them break the case of a decades old mystery fostered by greed and jealousy.
My favorite parts of the book are when Laura and her team discuss how local legends grow and evolve in the community; why some myths and legends persist through the centuries and the explanations behind the scientific techniques and equipment Laura and her team use to prove or disprove the legend of Cressie.
Parts of the narrative dragged, which I felt was due to the writing and its tone; it felt stiff, dry, and at times lacked urgency even when there was action on the page.
There were a lot of characters and suspects, and I had a difficult time keeping track of who was who and did what; the only way I remembered a specific individual is if their personality or behavior stood out, and most did not.
This wasn't as thrilling as I had hoped but I would read the next book in the series.
December 22, 2020
i was hoping for more cryptid content but the mystery was interesting and the premise was fun, def gotta read the first book of the series as well
thanks to netgalley & dundurn books for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
thanks to netgalley & dundurn books for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
April 11, 2021
An engaging and cinematic second book in the Creature X Mystery series. It was great to revisit Laura and Saad, and the new cast of characters in the story's small Newfoundland town were vividly drawn. And, like in any good mystery, they were more than they seemed. It was hard to put this novel down!
February 8, 2021
A documentary crew searching for a giant eel rumored to live in a remote harbor in Newfoundland get more than they bargained for when they discover not a long-lost creature from the deep, but a dead body. Everyone in town could be a suspect. Can the murderer be brought to the surface before it's too late?
This was a fun book. First of all, Lake Crescent is the second book in J.J. Dupuis' Creature X series with Laura Reagan as the main character. That being said, I had no problem dropping into this one without having read the first. The characters were well established and fleshed out, and although some nods to the previous book were scattered throughout Lake Crescent, they served to entice me to read that book as well without spoiling it in the process! The set up for the book series is that a documentary team is traveling around filming a tv series, Creature X, that is looking for cryptozoological creatures, commonly called cryptids. If you've seen Monster Quest on the "History" channel, you know what I'm talking about. Bigfoot, Nessie, Thunderbirds, Jackalopes, etc. I think it's a great set up. Additionally, the author has added an extra-layer to the story by having the main character following in the footsteps of her cryptid-obsessed father who abandoned she and her mother (Her mother and her? idk let's let it ride. English is a mad language anyways) to go searching for these creatures. What happened to him? Is he still out there somewhere chasing Chupacabras? Is his the body in the cove? The missing dad definitely throws down some great Supernatural season one vibes for me.
The book itself definitely fits into the Cozy Mystery genre with the amateur detective and small town cast of characters. The scientific aspect of the actual hunt for the giant eel said to live in the cove broke up some of the normal features of going around town to talk to the varied villagers, and was enjoyable to me. The "Big Reveal" at the end was very well done and kept me leaning a couple different ways until the final trigger was pulled. A definite recommendation to fans of the genre who might like a little more science sprinkled on the top. Or who also enjoy a good cryptid hunt. The last several years of U.S. politics have ruined the fun of basically all the old standby conspiracy theories, so a good giant eel or Bigfoot hunt helps remind one of gentler, more pleasant times. That being said, I'll definitely be getting my hands on the first book, Roanoke Ridge, and keep my eyes open for the series as it continues. Jolly good show.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun book. First of all, Lake Crescent is the second book in J.J. Dupuis' Creature X series with Laura Reagan as the main character. That being said, I had no problem dropping into this one without having read the first. The characters were well established and fleshed out, and although some nods to the previous book were scattered throughout Lake Crescent, they served to entice me to read that book as well without spoiling it in the process! The set up for the book series is that a documentary team is traveling around filming a tv series, Creature X, that is looking for cryptozoological creatures, commonly called cryptids. If you've seen Monster Quest on the "History" channel, you know what I'm talking about. Bigfoot, Nessie, Thunderbirds, Jackalopes, etc. I think it's a great set up. Additionally, the author has added an extra-layer to the story by having the main character following in the footsteps of her cryptid-obsessed father who abandoned she and her mother (Her mother and her? idk let's let it ride. English is a mad language anyways) to go searching for these creatures. What happened to him? Is he still out there somewhere chasing Chupacabras? Is his the body in the cove? The missing dad definitely throws down some great Supernatural season one vibes for me.
The book itself definitely fits into the Cozy Mystery genre with the amateur detective and small town cast of characters. The scientific aspect of the actual hunt for the giant eel said to live in the cove broke up some of the normal features of going around town to talk to the varied villagers, and was enjoyable to me. The "Big Reveal" at the end was very well done and kept me leaning a couple different ways until the final trigger was pulled. A definite recommendation to fans of the genre who might like a little more science sprinkled on the top. Or who also enjoy a good cryptid hunt. The last several years of U.S. politics have ruined the fun of basically all the old standby conspiracy theories, so a good giant eel or Bigfoot hunt helps remind one of gentler, more pleasant times. That being said, I'll definitely be getting my hands on the first book, Roanoke Ridge, and keep my eyes open for the series as it continues. Jolly good show.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2021
This is the first book I've read by J.J. Dupuis, and I was not disappointed. The mystery kept me interested all the way to the end. When Laura and the crew are searching for Cressie, they discover a body. Then the search is on to find the killer.
I love that this story is located in Robert's Arm, Newfoundland.
I love that this story is located in Robert's Arm, Newfoundland.
February 20, 2023
This book is in desperate need of an editor or a better one. On one page a character has brown hair, then black. Wearing white socks, the next page her socks are blue. Words are misspelled 😐. Plot is interesting but the cryptozoology element goes nowhere, it might as well be any old kind of documentary they're filming. Disappointing that it doesn't live up to the promise.
September 3, 2022
In reading J.J. Dupuis' second novel I am reminded of Eric Von Daniken's Chariots of the Gods books or other esoteric forays like The Secret Life of Plants, where eye witness accounts or evidence can be interpreted in ways to support an author's intent rather than to address close scientific scrutiny. His cryptids series seek to address these shortcomings with a mysterious death thrown in making it into a murder mystery. I am having difficulty attaching a label to the genre and continue to find nothing better to throw at it than, X-Filesesq. (Let's see what spell check does with that!) It was certain a sequel was coming to his first novel, Roanoke Ridge, as he did such a good job setting up a cast of characters and a plausible reason for them to get into these situations. However, this is a different story and setting and makes for a change of direction.
The lead, Laura Reagan, now is the host of a television show, using hard science to examine mysterious creature sightings. "Our format was simple: investigate cryptozoological phenomena using skeptical scientific methodology, The goal was to make the science as interesting as the sensationalism." The episode they are shooting takes them to Newfoundland and the community of Robert's Arm where there are accounts of a giant eel, Cressie, that lives in the lake abutting the ocean. (Forget about Great White Sharks. If you ever read Peter Benchley's second book, The Deep, with the eel Percy, you will learn what underwater terror is really about!) With her assistants Saad and Lindsay, she sets out with her producer and local scientific experts to interview eye witnesses while probing the depths of the lake for any evidence of this extranormal creature. It is when a remote ROV gets snagged underwater and reeling it in drags up a skeleton that it turns out these accounts may contain more than just tales of a giant eel.
The style of J.J. has evolved from his first book and there is no getting bogged down in overly descriptive narrative. He is able to evoke auras in far fewer words and just as ably. "The walls of the house were covered in fake wood paneling, pictures of their now-adult children in graduation gowns hung in gold and silver frames." We've been in that house and know where we are. He also used a very nice piece of misdirection early in the novel that pays off later on, " Danny waved his hand in front of my face, a plastic Canadian twenty-dollar bill folded between his thumb and forefinger. "A bet is a bet, Reagan," he said. "Ah hell," I said, looking at what we'd pulled up." I truly misinterpreted that brief exchange!
This book leads us on more of an investigation of the murder than of the creature than was seen in the first novel, but the story looses nothing because of that. The unravelling of both the legend and the crime are so deftly intertwined that looking at one means looking at the other. There is a gradual unravelling of motive and a couple of good red herrings (Could not help myself) in the search for this lake dwelling monster that made the story romp along at a fast pace while keeping the reader off balance. This contains just as much fun and suspense as the first book and reads just as fast. This is series that has some legs and continues to be rewarding.
The lead, Laura Reagan, now is the host of a television show, using hard science to examine mysterious creature sightings. "Our format was simple: investigate cryptozoological phenomena using skeptical scientific methodology, The goal was to make the science as interesting as the sensationalism." The episode they are shooting takes them to Newfoundland and the community of Robert's Arm where there are accounts of a giant eel, Cressie, that lives in the lake abutting the ocean. (Forget about Great White Sharks. If you ever read Peter Benchley's second book, The Deep, with the eel Percy, you will learn what underwater terror is really about!) With her assistants Saad and Lindsay, she sets out with her producer and local scientific experts to interview eye witnesses while probing the depths of the lake for any evidence of this extranormal creature. It is when a remote ROV gets snagged underwater and reeling it in drags up a skeleton that it turns out these accounts may contain more than just tales of a giant eel.
The style of J.J. has evolved from his first book and there is no getting bogged down in overly descriptive narrative. He is able to evoke auras in far fewer words and just as ably. "The walls of the house were covered in fake wood paneling, pictures of their now-adult children in graduation gowns hung in gold and silver frames." We've been in that house and know where we are. He also used a very nice piece of misdirection early in the novel that pays off later on, " Danny waved his hand in front of my face, a plastic Canadian twenty-dollar bill folded between his thumb and forefinger. "A bet is a bet, Reagan," he said. "Ah hell," I said, looking at what we'd pulled up." I truly misinterpreted that brief exchange!
This book leads us on more of an investigation of the murder than of the creature than was seen in the first novel, but the story looses nothing because of that. The unravelling of both the legend and the crime are so deftly intertwined that looking at one means looking at the other. There is a gradual unravelling of motive and a couple of good red herrings (Could not help myself) in the search for this lake dwelling monster that made the story romp along at a fast pace while keeping the reader off balance. This contains just as much fun and suspense as the first book and reads just as fast. This is series that has some legs and continues to be rewarding.
June 18, 2021
J.J. Dupuis's Creature X mystery series involves a fun, original premise and includes a diverse, engaging cast. The central character, Laura Reagan, is a science blogger-turned-television-host for the television series Creature X. The daughter of an enthused, amateur cryptozoologist father, Reagan is committed to logic and the scientific method. The producers of the show are hoping to rope in an "alien autopsy" audience with hype and outrageous claims; Reagan is hoping to inject enough hard science to turn those viewers into critical thinks with enough understanding of science to become "un-duped" regarding creatures like Bigfoot. The first volume in this series, Roanoake Ridge, focused on Bigfoot; Lake Crescent examines Cressie, a a Newfoundland lake "monster," purportedly a 30-foot-long eel.
Somehow, as Reagan engages her pursuit of public scientific literacy, she finds herself stumbling over human mysteries, in addition to cryptozoological ones. In Lake Crescent, an underwater rover used by the Creature X film crew pulls up a human skeleton that may or may not be connected to a little-known plane crash/snowmobile accident (it's not clear which) from several decades ago.
The mystery here is solid, if not complex, presenting several possible villains. The real joy of this series, however, is its cast. Besides Reagan, we have a programming whiz; an exceptionally smart woman whose pursuit of a doctorate was derailed when she filed sexual harassment charges against her dissertation advisor; and a popinjay network representative much more committed to stirring up controversy that looking for scientific truths.
If you enjoy mystery series built around interesting premises, you'll definitely want to check out both Lake Crescent and the title that preceded it, Roanoke Ridge. They're perfect vacation reads when you're looking for a bit of offbeat entertainment.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via EdelweissPlus; the opinions are my own.
Somehow, as Reagan engages her pursuit of public scientific literacy, she finds herself stumbling over human mysteries, in addition to cryptozoological ones. In Lake Crescent, an underwater rover used by the Creature X film crew pulls up a human skeleton that may or may not be connected to a little-known plane crash/snowmobile accident (it's not clear which) from several decades ago.
The mystery here is solid, if not complex, presenting several possible villains. The real joy of this series, however, is its cast. Besides Reagan, we have a programming whiz; an exceptionally smart woman whose pursuit of a doctorate was derailed when she filed sexual harassment charges against her dissertation advisor; and a popinjay network representative much more committed to stirring up controversy that looking for scientific truths.
If you enjoy mystery series built around interesting premises, you'll definitely want to check out both Lake Crescent and the title that preceded it, Roanoke Ridge. They're perfect vacation reads when you're looking for a bit of offbeat entertainment.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via EdelweissPlus; the opinions are my own.
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October 14, 2021LAKE CRESCENT is the second book in the Creature X series. The first book ROANOKE RIDGE began the series, and if you have not read the first book, don’t despair. You will be able to understand the story and likely in the future will want to add the first book to your collection.
Laura Reagan is the host of a popular series known as Creature X. She is a cryptozoological investor who delves into find ancient creatures and perhaps more recent ones. With her crew she heads out to Robert’s Arm, Newfoundland where her latest quest takes her to seek out Cressie, that is supposed to be a massive eel. It is the stuff that legends are made of, and she wants to discover it once and for all. It would be a major coup for her.
Someone does find an eel but it is a Conger eel, definitely not the famous Cressie. Laura and crew do make a discovery certainly not one they had bargained for. It is a human skeleton that is wrapped in tarp. It is the skeleton of a female, and what is even more unusual is the fact there is a very old coin worn on a chain around the deceased person’s neck. The theory about the victim relates to a snowmobile accident many years previously, where victims plunged through the waters of a frozen lake, and were never found. Is this one of the victims and why it is wrapped in tarp? Laura suddenly turns her attention from Cressie to the skeleton, wanting to find answers. But someone does not want the answers to be known, because some odd things begin happening in the small community. But there is also the hunt for the rest of the gold that may be related to the coin. When a Cressie expert is hurt in a car accident, it seems it was more than an accident. Laura knows someone is out there who wants the past left there and when others are in danger, including Laura herself, time is of the essence to arrive at a resolution.
J J Dupuis has methodically crafted a most interesting mystery, combining intrigue about ancient creatures with deadly human creatures. One can only anticipate future books in the series.
Laura Reagan is the host of a popular series known as Creature X. She is a cryptozoological investor who delves into find ancient creatures and perhaps more recent ones. With her crew she heads out to Robert’s Arm, Newfoundland where her latest quest takes her to seek out Cressie, that is supposed to be a massive eel. It is the stuff that legends are made of, and she wants to discover it once and for all. It would be a major coup for her.
Someone does find an eel but it is a Conger eel, definitely not the famous Cressie. Laura and crew do make a discovery certainly not one they had bargained for. It is a human skeleton that is wrapped in tarp. It is the skeleton of a female, and what is even more unusual is the fact there is a very old coin worn on a chain around the deceased person’s neck. The theory about the victim relates to a snowmobile accident many years previously, where victims plunged through the waters of a frozen lake, and were never found. Is this one of the victims and why it is wrapped in tarp? Laura suddenly turns her attention from Cressie to the skeleton, wanting to find answers. But someone does not want the answers to be known, because some odd things begin happening in the small community. But there is also the hunt for the rest of the gold that may be related to the coin. When a Cressie expert is hurt in a car accident, it seems it was more than an accident. Laura knows someone is out there who wants the past left there and when others are in danger, including Laura herself, time is of the essence to arrive at a resolution.
J J Dupuis has methodically crafted a most interesting mystery, combining intrigue about ancient creatures with deadly human creatures. One can only anticipate future books in the series.
February 25, 2021
Cryptozoologist, what a cool word, and a search for a giant eel reeled me in to this book. Laura Reagan brings a “ghost hunters”style TV team to Newfoundland to document a giant eel sighting. They are taken to see a large eel which they know is a scam, but keep the footage anyway. The book begins with the search for the eel; when they accidentally pull up a dead body, it becomes a crime scene. I enjoyed this book, though there is room for improvement. You get to know the small town and some very quirky type characters as they try to solve the murder. Much later in the book the stories and rumors told by many odd characters don’t quite add up, and it becomes more akin to ‘silly season.”. Laura states at the beginning her father was also a cryptozoologist who abandoned their family, and she liked the region because she thought her father had done some exploring there, it was hardly mentioned again, and I would have liked to see the daughter/father connection teased out a little; it might have added to the mystery and dynamics. Also, Laura and her team were on the move - constantly. I know they spent time at the lodge, but they were always driving, boating, walking, walking here and there, somewhere. I found the constant movement distracted from the story. The descriptions could have been more colorful, but it was a pleasant read, and I plan to read the prior book to this one. Lake Crescent is a standalone story, and the writing style was good enough to want to read more by this author.
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Dundurn Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Dundurn Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 18, 2021
Searching for the infamous giant eel at Lake Crescent but only greeted by a dead body. Just
this idea alone already made a great story. But when the locals add up some different stories,
then you`ll know that this is misery loves company kind of town.
Cressie is the name of the giant eel that the team of Laura Reagan is looking for. The locals
chose that name. They even offer the team of Laura to examine the body of the giant eel they
caught. Knowing that it is a scam they still insist on doing so, for that can be also used for the
documentary. Now, they sail to find the real one but little did they knew that what they caught
was a bigger mystery than the giant eel. They found a dead body! Laura knew that this is big
news and needs a proper explanation. The team now go on an investigation, triggering events
that some are decades old. From different local stories to love affairs and even pirates treasure.
They eventually knew how legends were passed from generations. This story had a few more
characters but they were kind of not introduced properly. Nonetheless, the story had a nice build
to the plot. And I could not ask for more. Well, honestly speaking I want more for the mysteries
this little town had given was way bigger than them and just waiting to be untold.
This one is easy to recommend to mystery seekers. And I doubt that they would never love this.
For this is a well-written story. One that satisfies its readers.
this idea alone already made a great story. But when the locals add up some different stories,
then you`ll know that this is misery loves company kind of town.
Cressie is the name of the giant eel that the team of Laura Reagan is looking for. The locals
chose that name. They even offer the team of Laura to examine the body of the giant eel they
caught. Knowing that it is a scam they still insist on doing so, for that can be also used for the
documentary. Now, they sail to find the real one but little did they knew that what they caught
was a bigger mystery than the giant eel. They found a dead body! Laura knew that this is big
news and needs a proper explanation. The team now go on an investigation, triggering events
that some are decades old. From different local stories to love affairs and even pirates treasure.
They eventually knew how legends were passed from generations. This story had a few more
characters but they were kind of not introduced properly. Nonetheless, the story had a nice build
to the plot. And I could not ask for more. Well, honestly speaking I want more for the mysteries
this little town had given was way bigger than them and just waiting to be untold.
This one is easy to recommend to mystery seekers. And I doubt that they would never love this.
For this is a well-written story. One that satisfies its readers.
August 2, 2021
Lake Crescent was such a mixed bag that it's hard to compose a thoughtful review. There was an interesting premise, and there were characters with potential. There was a judicious blend of scientific language and methods with laypersons' thinking. (Important when you have a team of scientists making a documentary that investigates a mythical water creature.)
But the writing seemed so amateurish or at least poorly edited that at first I thought this was a self-published book (where editing often suffers) -- but it's not, according to the website of Dundurn Press, its publisher. I read about hydro poles like grave markers on the rocky hillside and then evergreen trees like fenceposts, holding back the untamed wilderness; about an uneven row of black spruce (which) sat like softball trophies; and about a person who, "like a border collie, (had) rounded up all the living eyewitnesses to the creature"; and others who "careened at a gentle pace."
Awkward phrasing aside, the book passed the "standalone" test -- I hadn't read the first book in the series, Roanoke Ridge, and yet I followed the story and the character interactions quite easily. After enduring this frigid assignment in Newfoundland, the group promised one another that their next gig would be in a warm climate.The publisher's website tells us that the third volume of the Creature X series will be set in New Guinea.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for an advance readers copy.
But the writing seemed so amateurish or at least poorly edited that at first I thought this was a self-published book (where editing often suffers) -- but it's not, according to the website of Dundurn Press, its publisher. I read about hydro poles like grave markers on the rocky hillside and then evergreen trees like fenceposts, holding back the untamed wilderness; about an uneven row of black spruce (which) sat like softball trophies; and about a person who, "like a border collie, (had) rounded up all the living eyewitnesses to the creature"; and others who "careened at a gentle pace."
Awkward phrasing aside, the book passed the "standalone" test -- I hadn't read the first book in the series, Roanoke Ridge, and yet I followed the story and the character interactions quite easily. After enduring this frigid assignment in Newfoundland, the group promised one another that their next gig would be in a warm climate.The publisher's website tells us that the third volume of the Creature X series will be set in New Guinea.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for an advance readers copy.
July 31, 2021
Science fiction, mystery and reality TV combine in the fun read that is Lake Crescent. Cryptozoologist (Love this word. It means someone who studies legendary animals that may or may not exist) Laura Reagan and her production team arrive in Newfoundland, planning to document their search for Cressie, a giant eel rumored to live in the otherwise peaceful Lake Crescent.
They begin with interviews with the town residents who have seen Cressie. While many have heard stories, only a few have witnessed Cressie in action. Several sightings were related to a tragic skimobile accident which took the lives of two young people. Then a not-so-funny fake eel incident leads to the discovery of a body. Who is she and is she connected to the accident?
What follows is more mystery than thriller. J.J. Dupuis is a talented writer. Suspense builds and the exciting conclusion is one you won’t see coming. I hope this will be a series so I’m looking forward to the next story which, as Laura says, will be in “someplace tropical”. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn Press and J.J. Dupuis for this ARC.
They begin with interviews with the town residents who have seen Cressie. While many have heard stories, only a few have witnessed Cressie in action. Several sightings were related to a tragic skimobile accident which took the lives of two young people. Then a not-so-funny fake eel incident leads to the discovery of a body. Who is she and is she connected to the accident?
What follows is more mystery than thriller. J.J. Dupuis is a talented writer. Suspense builds and the exciting conclusion is one you won’t see coming. I hope this will be a series so I’m looking forward to the next story which, as Laura says, will be in “someplace tropical”. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundurn Press and J.J. Dupuis for this ARC.
August 10, 2021
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.
In Newfoundland to film the latest episode of their cryptozoological documentary series, Laura is ready for a great shoot, without any distractions getting in the way. But things are already starting to fall off the rails even before the dead body turns up.
Cressie, the giant eel Laura and her team are searching for, is very cool and very fascinating. I loved how Dupuis weaved in quotes from other sources at the beginning of every chapter. I also really enjoyed learning about the science behind how and why a creature could grow to such an unusually enormous size, and the mythology that the townspeople had weaved around supposed sightings and experiences.
This is a slower moving book, which actually worked really well for me here. I kind of just got swept up in the minutiae of the search, and the small town cold weather vibe, and let myself enjoy the ride. When the ending happens and events start happening really fast, the previously slower nature just adds to the punch of the final incidents and reveals.
In Newfoundland to film the latest episode of their cryptozoological documentary series, Laura is ready for a great shoot, without any distractions getting in the way. But things are already starting to fall off the rails even before the dead body turns up.
Cressie, the giant eel Laura and her team are searching for, is very cool and very fascinating. I loved how Dupuis weaved in quotes from other sources at the beginning of every chapter. I also really enjoyed learning about the science behind how and why a creature could grow to such an unusually enormous size, and the mythology that the townspeople had weaved around supposed sightings and experiences.
This is a slower moving book, which actually worked really well for me here. I kind of just got swept up in the minutiae of the search, and the small town cold weather vibe, and let myself enjoy the ride. When the ending happens and events start happening really fast, the previously slower nature just adds to the punch of the final incidents and reveals.
January 9, 2021
Laura Reagan is a Cryptozoologist that hosts a TV series named Creature X.
She and her crew set out to Crescent Lake in Newfoundland to film her latest documentary as they search for “Cressie” a gigantic eel said to be living in Crescent Lake. “Cressie” has been described by locals to be as large as a human thigh. Evidence of actual sightings is sketchy at best. When a local declares he has caught the legendary eel and offers to allow Laura and crew to examine it for a fee of $5,000 they realize they have been duped. In spite of knowing that the local is trying to pull a fast one on them, Laura decides to play along. She and her crew sail out to the location that the eel had supposedly been caught. As they dredge the waters what they discover is not an eel breeding ground but a human skeleton wrapped in a tarp. Thus begins an investigation into the mystery to discover who the person had been and what secrets were buried with the body. I found the first 1/3 of the book to be a bit slow. As the mystery unfolds, the pace for the remaining 2/3 of the book made up for it.
She and her crew set out to Crescent Lake in Newfoundland to film her latest documentary as they search for “Cressie” a gigantic eel said to be living in Crescent Lake. “Cressie” has been described by locals to be as large as a human thigh. Evidence of actual sightings is sketchy at best. When a local declares he has caught the legendary eel and offers to allow Laura and crew to examine it for a fee of $5,000 they realize they have been duped. In spite of knowing that the local is trying to pull a fast one on them, Laura decides to play along. She and her crew sail out to the location that the eel had supposedly been caught. As they dredge the waters what they discover is not an eel breeding ground but a human skeleton wrapped in a tarp. Thus begins an investigation into the mystery to discover who the person had been and what secrets were buried with the body. I found the first 1/3 of the book to be a bit slow. As the mystery unfolds, the pace for the remaining 2/3 of the book made up for it.
May 23, 2021
I enjoyed the first volume in the series, even if I didn’t connect with the characters that much. This time, all the kinks have been worked out and it was easier to get involved with this story. The plot is so much fun! After searching for Bigfoot, Laura and her crew of cryptozoologists are now looking for Cressie, a giant sea monster in the Canadian Lake Crescent. Almost at the start of their hunt they find something, but not what they were expecting… a dead body. What started as the search for a mythological creature quickly turns into a whodunit, with a varied cast of suspects. I was convinced that I knew who the baddie was but I wasn’t even close. It was fun tracking all the clues along with Laura. This time, the supporting characters are more fleshed out. That was the part that I hadn’t liked about the first volume, so I’m hopeful that the series will keep improving.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Dundurn Press!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Dundurn Press!
December 27, 2020
3 Star
Lake Crescent is the second in the Creature X series, following Roanoke Ridge.
A cryptozoologist and her tv documentary series crew visit Lake Crescent, Newfoundland, Canada in search of the infamous giant eel, Cressie. While pulling up their ROV from the brackish water after a day of underwater exploration, they pull up a female skeleton as well. Thus, an investigation opens up involving small town rumours, pirate treasure, and love triangles. What is this tight knit town hiding? What is the truth about Cressie? Who is the killer? The tv crew get to work figuring out the truth to a decades long disappearance.
This brought me back to my childhood creature-loving days. I was interested in this piece of Canadian folklore as I have never heard of it before. This is a very Scooby-Doo style story; a basic whodunnit featuring a creature and a bad guy. The first half of the book was a little boring, but it sped up and the end was more exciting. I felt that the characters were a little flat and there were some cheesy similes, but it was full of aquatic knowledge and excerpts (at the beginning of each chapter) of real life Cressie publications. Overall, this will be a decent beach read that will crawl under your skin just enough while you’re out camping by the lake-- considering the publication is set for August 2021.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lake Crescent is the second in the Creature X series, following Roanoke Ridge.
A cryptozoologist and her tv documentary series crew visit Lake Crescent, Newfoundland, Canada in search of the infamous giant eel, Cressie. While pulling up their ROV from the brackish water after a day of underwater exploration, they pull up a female skeleton as well. Thus, an investigation opens up involving small town rumours, pirate treasure, and love triangles. What is this tight knit town hiding? What is the truth about Cressie? Who is the killer? The tv crew get to work figuring out the truth to a decades long disappearance.
This brought me back to my childhood creature-loving days. I was interested in this piece of Canadian folklore as I have never heard of it before. This is a very Scooby-Doo style story; a basic whodunnit featuring a creature and a bad guy. The first half of the book was a little boring, but it sped up and the end was more exciting. I felt that the characters were a little flat and there were some cheesy similes, but it was full of aquatic knowledge and excerpts (at the beginning of each chapter) of real life Cressie publications. Overall, this will be a decent beach read that will crawl under your skin just enough while you’re out camping by the lake-- considering the publication is set for August 2021.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley and Dundurn Press for this advanced readers copy.
Laura is a documentarian who specializes in cryptozoology, and is shooting an episode of her series Creature X in Newfoundland. After a harrowing experience shooting a previous episode, they're hoping that the mystery surrounded Cressie, a giant legendary eel, will be a breeze.
The town is eager to accept them, as this is an opportunity to boost tourism. However, when a chance encounter with a planted decoy dregs up a real human body, they're brought into the middle of a scandal that no one wanted to see unearthed.
Did I realize that this was a series when I requested this book? Absolutely not, but I will say that it definitely works as a stand alone.
For a short book, I did find it to drag a bit, and think it would've been more fun if it really leaned into the monster angle instead of debunking cryptozoology.
Laura is a documentarian who specializes in cryptozoology, and is shooting an episode of her series Creature X in Newfoundland. After a harrowing experience shooting a previous episode, they're hoping that the mystery surrounded Cressie, a giant legendary eel, will be a breeze.
The town is eager to accept them, as this is an opportunity to boost tourism. However, when a chance encounter with a planted decoy dregs up a real human body, they're brought into the middle of a scandal that no one wanted to see unearthed.
Did I realize that this was a series when I requested this book? Absolutely not, but I will say that it definitely works as a stand alone.
For a short book, I did find it to drag a bit, and think it would've been more fun if it really leaned into the monster angle instead of debunking cryptozoology.
January 28, 2021
Laura Reagan is a cryptozoologist who takes a team of scientists, students and film crew to the shores of Newfoundland in search of Cressie, a famous or mythical giant eel believed to be living in the depths of Lake Crescent.
The “out of towners” are made to feel welcome in the small community, growing fond of a number of the locals they have been meeting with interviewing for the upcoming film special.
When a woman’s body wrapped in a tarp with antique Portuguese coins turn up during one of the crews sessions on the lake, Laura and a few on her team find themselves thrust into a mystery of a different kind. Suddenly it seems everyone in the little town of Robert’s Arms has a secret to hide. Laura is determined to find out more about the body but in doing so, she puts a target on her back.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
The “out of towners” are made to feel welcome in the small community, growing fond of a number of the locals they have been meeting with interviewing for the upcoming film special.
When a woman’s body wrapped in a tarp with antique Portuguese coins turn up during one of the crews sessions on the lake, Laura and a few on her team find themselves thrust into a mystery of a different kind. Suddenly it seems everyone in the little town of Robert’s Arms has a secret to hide. Laura is determined to find out more about the body but in doing so, she puts a target on her back.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 10, 2024
I enjoyed the first half/two-thirds of the novel quite a lot, finding the subject matter different and interesting. The tone and focus shifted entirely from the "Creature X" or creature the film team was at Lake Crescent to research.
As it did so, there were a lot of sudden jumps in the more crime-focussed story, increasingly so towards the end which made it feel like a different book with a lot of backwards references to a previous book in the series where I gather crime was also a big part of the story. It just lost its appeal, for me, and the main character lost the fairly authoritative voice they carried at the start.
I doubted that character would completely throw over the "creatures" work she was so committed to and behave as unpredictably as she did, while having others on her team join her.
As it did so, there were a lot of sudden jumps in the more crime-focussed story, increasingly so towards the end which made it feel like a different book with a lot of backwards references to a previous book in the series where I gather crime was also a big part of the story. It just lost its appeal, for me, and the main character lost the fairly authoritative voice they carried at the start.
I doubted that character would completely throw over the "creatures" work she was so committed to and behave as unpredictably as she did, while having others on her team join her.
December 20, 2020
J.J. Dupuis deftly delivers another truly thrilling "Creature X" mystery with Lake Crescent. The welcomed second entry in this sensational series starts with a lake monster legend in Newfoundland. However, after their arrival on the scene, our favorite cryptozoological investigation team find themselves knee deep in a murder mystery. Will they find the creature? Will they find the killer? Those questions propel the reader forward in this wholly satisfying page turner. Any person with an interest in cryptozoology, science, or mysteries will be glad they read this book. I can't wait to see where the next adventure will take our heroes. Thank you to Dundurn Press and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy. #LakeCrescent #NetGalley
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