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Sgt. Windflower Mysteries #9
A Perfect Storm
Sgt. Windflower is back, untangling another swirling mystery, this one bringing the meth crisis and biker gangs to the quiet Newfoundland town of Grand Bank, feeling the sting of their deadly tentacles reaching all the way from the United States. He’s working with his familiar crew of RCMP characters — but wait, are some of the faces changing? There are new challenges for Jones, an unknown side of Smithson reveals itself, and what ever happened to Tizzard? In the midst of putting the pieces of the puzzle together, Windflower and his beloved Sheila also find themselves navigating sorrows and surprises on the family front. As always, there’s still great food and even better friends in the beautiful and often fog-filled community of Grand Bank. Come back to Newfoundland and Labrador for A Perfect Storm, another excellent Windflower adventure.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2020
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32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 5, 2020
Changes are afoot in the quiet town of Grand Bank on the Newfoundland coast. Eddie Tizzard has left the RCMP and is in Las Vegas training to be a private detective. That was the idea anyway, until he found himself on the wrong side of the law, held as a suspect in a holding cell. After returning to his hotel he had found a large amount of money spread around the room and bloodstains on the bed, not to mention a body in the bathroom. Unfortunately for Eddie, it seemed the dead man had a connection to Grand Bank and the FBI were involved.
Meanwhile Eddie’s ex boss, Sergeant Winston Windflower is also contemplating a change, along with his wife, Sheila. Perhaps it was time to move on, try something new. Back in the now however, Windflower was having problems of his own while investigating reports of a fire and kids playing around an abandoned mine. Lacking a phone signal to call in his location, Windflower decided to take a quick look anyway. He soon regretted his decision when the floor gave way and he found himself injured and unable to climb out of the mine shaft he’d fallen into.
'Windflower was starting to wonder if he’d be spending the night in the mine shaft. He certainly hoped not. The critters down here could see much better than he could in the dark, and they could move faster, too. Then he heard a rumble above him. Could that be a car? Then he heard a woman’s voice yelling. It took him a few seconds to recognize that she was calling his name.
He tried to yell but only managed to croak a little. He tried shining his light up through the shaft. That seemed to work better since the person above shone a light back at him.'
The Windflower series of books are easy to read, cosy mysteries set in well described and picturesque location. Each story deals with relevant issues. In A Perfect Storm the manufacture and distribution of drugs seems set to infiltrate the small, peaceful community of Grand Bank, bringing with it biker gangs and the spectre of white supremacy as the story alternates between the US and Canada.
Winston Windflower continues to be an engaging character. A full blooded Cree who is true to his native customs and culture, he is a happily married family man and a well respected and liked member of the community. It was interesting to delve more into the native spirituality aspect, and particularly the significance of dreams, the guidance they provide and how they related to Windflower’s life.
Although A Perfect Storm can be read as a stand alone with regards to plot, the characters’ story arcs continue to develop throughout the series and their relationships and lives have moved on realistically. An enjoyable, character driven read with a satisfying resolution. I’m intrigued to know what happens to Windflower and his family and what decisions they make
Meanwhile Eddie’s ex boss, Sergeant Winston Windflower is also contemplating a change, along with his wife, Sheila. Perhaps it was time to move on, try something new. Back in the now however, Windflower was having problems of his own while investigating reports of a fire and kids playing around an abandoned mine. Lacking a phone signal to call in his location, Windflower decided to take a quick look anyway. He soon regretted his decision when the floor gave way and he found himself injured and unable to climb out of the mine shaft he’d fallen into.
'Windflower was starting to wonder if he’d be spending the night in the mine shaft. He certainly hoped not. The critters down here could see much better than he could in the dark, and they could move faster, too. Then he heard a rumble above him. Could that be a car? Then he heard a woman’s voice yelling. It took him a few seconds to recognize that she was calling his name.
He tried to yell but only managed to croak a little. He tried shining his light up through the shaft. That seemed to work better since the person above shone a light back at him.'
The Windflower series of books are easy to read, cosy mysteries set in well described and picturesque location. Each story deals with relevant issues. In A Perfect Storm the manufacture and distribution of drugs seems set to infiltrate the small, peaceful community of Grand Bank, bringing with it biker gangs and the spectre of white supremacy as the story alternates between the US and Canada.
Winston Windflower continues to be an engaging character. A full blooded Cree who is true to his native customs and culture, he is a happily married family man and a well respected and liked member of the community. It was interesting to delve more into the native spirituality aspect, and particularly the significance of dreams, the guidance they provide and how they related to Windflower’s life.
Although A Perfect Storm can be read as a stand alone with regards to plot, the characters’ story arcs continue to develop throughout the series and their relationships and lives have moved on realistically. An enjoyable, character driven read with a satisfying resolution. I’m intrigued to know what happens to Windflower and his family and what decisions they make
September 24, 2020
A Sgt. Windflower RCMP mystery!
A touch of synchronicity, a death in the family and change in the wind. Grand Bank becomes the focus for meth dealing tracking from Las Vegas. Bikers are involved and Sgt. Windflower's quiet town becomes a whole lot noisier. Eddie Tizzard's trip to Vegas opens up some interesting horizons, especially as a major meth dealer has tentacles reaching into Grand Bank. A Canadian--US operation is in the offing.
I was fascinated as usual with Winston Windflower's dream weaving abilities and a further look into his animal spirit guides. Naturally his Shakespeare references and interplay add a further facet to Windflower's thought processes. And let's not forget his cooking that gives another dimension to one of my favorite RMCP characters. Sheila and baby Amelia Louise as usual occupy Windflower's heart. Lovely vignettes! An unexpected member is welcomed. A satisfying Windflower read that's setting up for a new chapter in his small family's life.
An Ottawa Press ARC via NetGalley
A touch of synchronicity, a death in the family and change in the wind. Grand Bank becomes the focus for meth dealing tracking from Las Vegas. Bikers are involved and Sgt. Windflower's quiet town becomes a whole lot noisier. Eddie Tizzard's trip to Vegas opens up some interesting horizons, especially as a major meth dealer has tentacles reaching into Grand Bank. A Canadian--US operation is in the offing.
I was fascinated as usual with Winston Windflower's dream weaving abilities and a further look into his animal spirit guides. Naturally his Shakespeare references and interplay add a further facet to Windflower's thought processes. And let's not forget his cooking that gives another dimension to one of my favorite RMCP characters. Sheila and baby Amelia Louise as usual occupy Windflower's heart. Lovely vignettes! An unexpected member is welcomed. A satisfying Windflower read that's setting up for a new chapter in his small family's life.
An Ottawa Press ARC via NetGalley
June 1, 2022
A Sgt. Windflower RCMP mystery!
A touch of synchronicity, a death in the family and change in the wind. Grand Bank becomes the focus for meth dealing tracking from Las Vegas. Bikers are involved and Sgt. Windflower's quiet town becomes a whole lot noisier. Eddie Tizzard's trip to Vegas opens up some interesting horizons, especially as a major meth dealer has tentacles reaching into Grand Bank. A Canadian--US operation is in the offing.
I was fascinated as usual with Winston Windflower's dream weaving abilities and a further look into his animal spirit guides. Naturally his Shakespeare references and interplay add a further facet to Windflower's thought processes. And let's not forget his cooking that gives another dimension to one of my favorite RMCP characters. Sheila and baby Amelia Louise as usual occupy Windflower's heart. Lovely vignettes! An unexpected member is welcomed. A satisfying Windflower read that's setting up for a new chapter in his small family's life.
An Ottawa Press ARC via NetGalley
A touch of synchronicity, a death in the family and change in the wind. Grand Bank becomes the focus for meth dealing tracking from Las Vegas. Bikers are involved and Sgt. Windflower's quiet town becomes a whole lot noisier. Eddie Tizzard's trip to Vegas opens up some interesting horizons, especially as a major meth dealer has tentacles reaching into Grand Bank. A Canadian--US operation is in the offing.
I was fascinated as usual with Winston Windflower's dream weaving abilities and a further look into his animal spirit guides. Naturally his Shakespeare references and interplay add a further facet to Windflower's thought processes. And let's not forget his cooking that gives another dimension to one of my favorite RMCP characters. Sheila and baby Amelia Louise as usual occupy Windflower's heart. Lovely vignettes! An unexpected member is welcomed. A satisfying Windflower read that's setting up for a new chapter in his small family's life.
An Ottawa Press ARC via NetGalley
September 25, 2020
In book 9 of this lovely, well-written cozy mystery series, what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas for Eddie Tizzard, former RCMP Mountie. After attending a private investigator class, he returns to his hotel to find thousands of dollars spread around his room “like confetti,” a large bloodstain in the middle of his bed, and a body with a bullet in his head in the bathroom. Turns out the dead guy has a connection to Canada, making Tizzard Suspect No. 1 for the Las Vegas police department. He hopes his friend and former supervisor, Sgt. Winston Windflower, will be able to vouch for him, but poor Windflower is at the bottom of a mineshaft in a place with no cell service and the only person who knows where Windflower went is at home, sick. Windflower eventually gets freed, but Tizzard’s situation is a little more complicated and reaches back into Canada.
This is one of my favorite cozies. I love everything about this series - the writing, topical plots, pacing, scene setting, locale (Grand Bank, Newfoundland, Canada), character development, character relationships, and descriptions of day-to-day life. And the food descriptions – Windflower is a foodie, and reading the descriptions of the meals he and his wife, Sheila Hillier, cook, makes me hungry. There’s a slight whiff of paranormal – Winston frequently dreams of his relatives and spirit animals and receives guidance from them that helps with his daily life, and sometimes his cases.
These are clean reads, in the sense that bad things do happen, but mostly off-screen, and without excessive gory detail. The stories hold my interest, and everyone gets a nice resolution at the end (except the bad guys, and who wants them to get a nice resolution anyway). I read mysteries for the characters first, and the mystery part second. This one always hits a home run on both counts.
I am always happy to see a new Windflower mystery be published. Reading one is like catching up with old friends. I know I’ll get a good story, a timely mystery, and a view of a place I’d like to visit. You could read them out of order, because the author skillfully weaves in enough backstory into the current book so you can keep up. I recommend they be read in order, however, as I think it gives a better picture of life in Grand Bank, and it’s so satisfying to watch the characters grow.
This is one of my favorite cozies. I love everything about this series - the writing, topical plots, pacing, scene setting, locale (Grand Bank, Newfoundland, Canada), character development, character relationships, and descriptions of day-to-day life. And the food descriptions – Windflower is a foodie, and reading the descriptions of the meals he and his wife, Sheila Hillier, cook, makes me hungry. There’s a slight whiff of paranormal – Winston frequently dreams of his relatives and spirit animals and receives guidance from them that helps with his daily life, and sometimes his cases.
These are clean reads, in the sense that bad things do happen, but mostly off-screen, and without excessive gory detail. The stories hold my interest, and everyone gets a nice resolution at the end (except the bad guys, and who wants them to get a nice resolution anyway). I read mysteries for the characters first, and the mystery part second. This one always hits a home run on both counts.
I am always happy to see a new Windflower mystery be published. Reading one is like catching up with old friends. I know I’ll get a good story, a timely mystery, and a view of a place I’d like to visit. You could read them out of order, because the author skillfully weaves in enough backstory into the current book so you can keep up. I recommend they be read in order, however, as I think it gives a better picture of life in Grand Bank, and it’s so satisfying to watch the characters grow.
November 24, 2020
This was my first foray into the "Sgt Windflower" series. I was impressed with the reviews of previous entries, and was looking forward to this. Unfortunately, it just did not resonate with me. I found myself continually thinking that the book read more like a screenplay for a movie than an actual novel. There was a lot of unnecessary filler regarding conversations that did not matter and descriptions of food. And the plot itself left much to be desired. For one example, the placing of former police officer Tizzard in a jail cell in Las Vegas with various neer-do-wells; I find it hard to believe any law enforcement agency would place another officer in this situation, he would have been separated for his own protection. And the ease with which he was placed in undercover roles was very amateurish. I could go on, but I don't want to spoil the book for those who like the series. I just did not enjoy it myself.
December 30, 2024
I always enjoy my visits with Sergeant Windflower and the good folks of Grand Bank, Newfoundland, and this installment in the series is no exception. After I complained that the series was getting a bit stale and repetitive with the last book, this one is decidedly different, and it looks like Windflower is making some changes in his life moving forward. I do wish these books were better edited, as my main complaints about this one are a lack of research. The author tends to write about things he doesn't know much about without adequate research...medical matters and pregnancy among other things in this book. I did very much enjoy the greater focus on Windflower's Cree ancestry in this book, as he honors a departed relative. We are left with a sense that much change is coming for all the characters, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 3, 2023
I was astounded when this book started with Eddie Tizzard in the Las Vegas lockup after being found with a dead and bloodied Newfoundlander lying on the bed in his hotel room. This was not going to be the usual Windflower mystery. But it was, largely. All of these books show the ways the RCMP operate, and investigate crimes. It is somewhat of a surprise how much drug crime there is in Newfoundland - I know this is fiction, but I feel there must be some truth to it all. Great team of Mounties and Windflower is such a personable guy, a real family man - they seem to be off to St John’s for a new direction, we’ll see.
December 4, 2020
I loved this new to me mystery. I loved the 2 main characters and loved the setting. I really enjoyed this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
September 24, 2020
I always really enjoy the time I spend reading the latest Sgt. Windflower Mystery by author Mike Martin. In A Perfect Storm, Book 9 in the series, he continues to masterfully blend warm and fuzzy feelings with hard-edged crime. He addresses tough issues – racism, harassment, drug abuse, crime and violence, including murder, but wraps it in the beautiful Canadian town of Grand Bank, highlighting Sgt. Windflower’s beliefs, history and traditions, and love of family, friend, and animals. Author Martin doesn’t skimp on the authenticity of the horrific events but reminds you that good can exist as well.
Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but each book also builds on the previous one. Sgt. Windflower has grown in his personal beliefs and career, acquired a family that means more to him than anything, and enjoys his life. However, this Windflower is a bit different than the Windflower we are used to. He has a bit of an edge, he is a little sharper with subordinates than we’ve seen before, even sarcastic and rude and unwilling to accept help for a minute or two, and he’s thinking about change. This new Windflower is somehow even more human and relatable.
When the story opens, Eddie Tizzard, who until recently was a member of Windflower’s team in Grand Bank, has gotten himself in serious trouble in Las Vegas. Windflower doesn’t know about that because he’s fallen down a mine shaft and no one knows where he is. As he waits to be missed and hopefully rescued he goes on another of his always-fascinating spiritual journeys, revealing a little more that things aren’t quite settled, he has some choices to make.
A Perfect Storm is an exciting tale, moving back and forth in pursuit of crimes and criminals both in the US and Canada. Back are the quotes from Shakespeare, Ben Franklin, and others, the gorgeous feel of the surroundings, the close relationships with the animals, the well-drawn cast of supporting characters, uncertainty of relationships – and the detailed, mouth-watering description of the meals Windflower and his family make and enjoy. Winston Windflower and Sheila have been married for a while now and their life with toddler daughter Amelia Louise is solid, comforting and good. She is an adorable handful, although I must admit I will be glad when she is a little older and stops repeating everything three times! All through the story, however, there is a subtle undercurrent of slight dissatisfaction or maybe of dreams and goals as yet unrealized for both Winston and Sheila; change is in the air. This suspense continues until the end: are the Windflowers leaving? Permanently? For a year? It may be time to move on, but the stories give you such a good, warm feeling that you are conflicted – yes, change, no keep everything the same. A good story, a good ending, an all-around good series that you should read.
Thanks to author Mike Martin and Ottawa Press and Publishing for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it without hesitation. It may be the best yet in the series All opinions are my own.
Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but each book also builds on the previous one. Sgt. Windflower has grown in his personal beliefs and career, acquired a family that means more to him than anything, and enjoys his life. However, this Windflower is a bit different than the Windflower we are used to. He has a bit of an edge, he is a little sharper with subordinates than we’ve seen before, even sarcastic and rude and unwilling to accept help for a minute or two, and he’s thinking about change. This new Windflower is somehow even more human and relatable.
When the story opens, Eddie Tizzard, who until recently was a member of Windflower’s team in Grand Bank, has gotten himself in serious trouble in Las Vegas. Windflower doesn’t know about that because he’s fallen down a mine shaft and no one knows where he is. As he waits to be missed and hopefully rescued he goes on another of his always-fascinating spiritual journeys, revealing a little more that things aren’t quite settled, he has some choices to make.
A Perfect Storm is an exciting tale, moving back and forth in pursuit of crimes and criminals both in the US and Canada. Back are the quotes from Shakespeare, Ben Franklin, and others, the gorgeous feel of the surroundings, the close relationships with the animals, the well-drawn cast of supporting characters, uncertainty of relationships – and the detailed, mouth-watering description of the meals Windflower and his family make and enjoy. Winston Windflower and Sheila have been married for a while now and their life with toddler daughter Amelia Louise is solid, comforting and good. She is an adorable handful, although I must admit I will be glad when she is a little older and stops repeating everything three times! All through the story, however, there is a subtle undercurrent of slight dissatisfaction or maybe of dreams and goals as yet unrealized for both Winston and Sheila; change is in the air. This suspense continues until the end: are the Windflowers leaving? Permanently? For a year? It may be time to move on, but the stories give you such a good, warm feeling that you are conflicted – yes, change, no keep everything the same. A good story, a good ending, an all-around good series that you should read.
Thanks to author Mike Martin and Ottawa Press and Publishing for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it without hesitation. It may be the best yet in the series All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2021
I am a huge fan of Mike Martin and his Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. I have read all of the books in this series, to date, and while I was in the middle of reading A Perfect Storm, the ninth book, I actually had to reach out to the author. Before I could read any more I had to know if this was the last book in this series. When you are as invested in a series as I am with this particular one, you develop feelings....and I had a terrible feeling that I was reading the last of the Windflower's story. A Perfect Storm just had that kind of feeling to me....and if it was the last, I needed to get the right mindset to continue. And I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was when Martin responded with the news that there would be at least 2 more books coming in 2021 !!!
In A Perfect Storm readers are hanging out with an awesome family, Sgt. Winston Windflower, his wife Sheila who is also the Mayor and their adorable daughter, Amelia Louise in their quaint little town of Grand Bank in Canada. Windflower works for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and he has a great staff and they all come together to protect and serve their town. Sheila is the Mayor of Grand Bank but she is getting near the end of her term and she has chosen to not continue in the political field. Windflower has also been struggling with if he wants to stay where he is professionally.
A Perfect Storm has a lot going on with Windflower and Sheila in their personal and professional lives and some things make it seem like the author is writing in a way to end things on more clearer terms....but luckily he is just setting the stage for the next chapter in their lives.
A Perfect Storm addresses big crimes in Grand Banks and the surrounding areas. Drugs, gangs and death are a big storyline in this book but luckily everything gets sorted out and all the bad people end up where they should. There are also a lot of changes happening at the detachment, most of them good but maybe one will be hard for readers to handle at first. And readers will be forced to deal with a few big changes in Windflower's life, and one will be very hard for readers to accept. ( I am still having a hard time with it. )
A Perfect Storm is probably the most emotional book so far in this series for readers who have read all the previous books and who have grown to love and respect the characters. I, for one, truly love Eddie Tizzard !! I cannot get enough of this character. I love all the storylines surrounding him and look forward to where the story takes him. Also there are a lot of things with Windflower and Sheila that I am looking forward to in their storylines and Martin hints at a few BIG ones at the end of this book.....leaving readers in the best way possible....WANTING MORE !!! And I am so happy to know that there will be more to come for the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series !!! I am NOT done with these books.....I feel like they are my family and I love when I can escape to Grand Bank, or wherever they are, and visit for a while.
October 9, 2020
Thanks to #Netgalley and the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review "A Perfect Storm" by Mike Martin, the 9th instalment in the Sgt. Windflower series.
It's always a treat to read the books in this series, as they are a respite from some of the usual police procedurals that have more emphasis on crimes and criminals and less on the detectives, their lives, their families and their communities.
Mike Martin sets his Sgt. Windflower in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, where Windflower is a sergeant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and his wife Sheila is Mayor. Over the span of the previous eight books, we have come to know both Windflower's fellow RCMP officers, his wife and daughter, and the residents of Grand Bank.
Recovering from his demotion, Eddie Tizzard has decided that he wants to be a private investigator, and he leaves Grand Bank for Las Vegas for a learning experience. But he ends up learning something totally different, as he is inadvertently plunged into the underworld of drug trafficing. After a tough few days, he ends up heading back to Grand Bank and his fiancee and co-worker.
Meanwhile, in Grand Bank, Sgt. Windflower is sadly preparing for the imminent death of his favourite Auntie Marie. Mr. Martin gives us a lot of insight into how the Indigenous peoples prepare for death, along with the continuing exploration by Windflower of his heritage.
But the drug trade seems to have spread even to quiet Grand Bank, and Windflower and his team are plunged into a series of raids, shootouts, arrests, car crashes and prisoner grabs in their efforts to stem the tide.
There are lifestyle changes in the wind, too, as Tizzard and Evanchuck discover some happy news, and Sheila decides to make a change by going back to school, which prompts Windflower to contemplate changes of his own.
The Sgt. Windflower mysteries may be termed 'cozy', but sometimes cozy is just what we need. I highly recommend this series.
It's always a treat to read the books in this series, as they are a respite from some of the usual police procedurals that have more emphasis on crimes and criminals and less on the detectives, their lives, their families and their communities.
Mike Martin sets his Sgt. Windflower in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, where Windflower is a sergeant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and his wife Sheila is Mayor. Over the span of the previous eight books, we have come to know both Windflower's fellow RCMP officers, his wife and daughter, and the residents of Grand Bank.
Recovering from his demotion, Eddie Tizzard has decided that he wants to be a private investigator, and he leaves Grand Bank for Las Vegas for a learning experience. But he ends up learning something totally different, as he is inadvertently plunged into the underworld of drug trafficing. After a tough few days, he ends up heading back to Grand Bank and his fiancee and co-worker.
Meanwhile, in Grand Bank, Sgt. Windflower is sadly preparing for the imminent death of his favourite Auntie Marie. Mr. Martin gives us a lot of insight into how the Indigenous peoples prepare for death, along with the continuing exploration by Windflower of his heritage.
But the drug trade seems to have spread even to quiet Grand Bank, and Windflower and his team are plunged into a series of raids, shootouts, arrests, car crashes and prisoner grabs in their efforts to stem the tide.
There are lifestyle changes in the wind, too, as Tizzard and Evanchuck discover some happy news, and Sheila decides to make a change by going back to school, which prompts Windflower to contemplate changes of his own.
The Sgt. Windflower mysteries may be termed 'cozy', but sometimes cozy is just what we need. I highly recommend this series.
September 21, 2020
A Perfect Storm is Book 9 in this cozy mystery series with Sgt. Winston Windflower of the RCMP based in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. The author has created an enjoyable series with memorable and lovable characters who work together for the common good of their community.
I have read all of the books in this series and absolutely love the characters in them. It’s like going home each time I read about Sgt. Winston Windflower, his family, and his fellow officers in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Winston is a strong but kind and considerate man who does all he can to help others in his line of work as a Mountie. He is dependable, hard-working, an exceptional husband and father and a friend to many. When someone needs a hand, Winston is the man to turn to.
In this book Windflower must deal with a drug problem that is spreading across the communities by skinheads and Aryan groups who threaten the safety of their land and families. Also, there are some new characters added. A favorite character, Tizzard, returns to rethink his future after trying his hand unsuccessfully at being a PI. Winston must deal with a loss in his life and some changes are coming in his future.
This is book 9 in this series which features each book as a stand alone story with plenty of problems at work for Winston to handle as he goes about his daily life with his wife, Sheila, baby daughter, Amelia Louise, dog, Lady, and cat, Molly. The town of Grand Bank is somewhat of a sleepy town with inhabitants who help and care for one another. When something out of the ordinary happens they band together like a family.
I look forward with anticipation to another one of these cozy mysteries. I can see this series on TV or in a movie on the big screen.
I was given a copy of this book and choose to review it without any compensation.
I have read all of the books in this series and absolutely love the characters in them. It’s like going home each time I read about Sgt. Winston Windflower, his family, and his fellow officers in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Winston is a strong but kind and considerate man who does all he can to help others in his line of work as a Mountie. He is dependable, hard-working, an exceptional husband and father and a friend to many. When someone needs a hand, Winston is the man to turn to.
In this book Windflower must deal with a drug problem that is spreading across the communities by skinheads and Aryan groups who threaten the safety of their land and families. Also, there are some new characters added. A favorite character, Tizzard, returns to rethink his future after trying his hand unsuccessfully at being a PI. Winston must deal with a loss in his life and some changes are coming in his future.
This is book 9 in this series which features each book as a stand alone story with plenty of problems at work for Winston to handle as he goes about his daily life with his wife, Sheila, baby daughter, Amelia Louise, dog, Lady, and cat, Molly. The town of Grand Bank is somewhat of a sleepy town with inhabitants who help and care for one another. When something out of the ordinary happens they band together like a family.
I look forward with anticipation to another one of these cozy mysteries. I can see this series on TV or in a movie on the big screen.
I was given a copy of this book and choose to review it without any compensation.
September 25, 2020
My thanks to author Mike Martin for the electronic review copy of A Perfect Storm.
I just love this series; it doesn't matter how nasty a crime, how heart-breaking a situation is, Winston Windflower, together with his family, friends and colleagues within the RCMP will ride-out the storm.
Changes are afoot: Eddie Tizzard is in Las Vegas on a course for private investigators when he discovers a dead body in his hotel room, landing him in jail in the company of a host of unsavoury characters. Sheila is about to give up her mayoral duties in favour of going back to school to finish her degree. Winston considers leaving the detachment in favour of a nine-to-five position instead of taking over from Ron Quigley when he moves on.
The problem is - the dead body in Las Vegas had contact details on him of both Eddie and Winston and a connection is made back to Grand Bank, Newfoundland, in terms of drugs manufacture and distribution. The reader is taken into the realms of biker gangs and white supremacists: can Winston and Sheila prevent their small community from being contaminated by the criminals who seem intent on moving from the cities into rural coastal areas such as theirs?
Along with Winston investigating the ever-growing connections to his community and his deliberations on where his future lies, we still have the enjoyment of food, friends and love, not least of all Winston's continuing spiritual connection with his ancestors and comical exchanges of philosophical sayings and Shakespearian quotes between colleagues, not forgetting of course the whisky-tasting with Dr. Sanjay.
Not all is straightforward - there is some family sadness, but then there is some joy as well.
Yes, things are changing but I do so hope I can read more of Winston Windflower.
I just love this series; it doesn't matter how nasty a crime, how heart-breaking a situation is, Winston Windflower, together with his family, friends and colleagues within the RCMP will ride-out the storm.
Changes are afoot: Eddie Tizzard is in Las Vegas on a course for private investigators when he discovers a dead body in his hotel room, landing him in jail in the company of a host of unsavoury characters. Sheila is about to give up her mayoral duties in favour of going back to school to finish her degree. Winston considers leaving the detachment in favour of a nine-to-five position instead of taking over from Ron Quigley when he moves on.
The problem is - the dead body in Las Vegas had contact details on him of both Eddie and Winston and a connection is made back to Grand Bank, Newfoundland, in terms of drugs manufacture and distribution. The reader is taken into the realms of biker gangs and white supremacists: can Winston and Sheila prevent their small community from being contaminated by the criminals who seem intent on moving from the cities into rural coastal areas such as theirs?
Along with Winston investigating the ever-growing connections to his community and his deliberations on where his future lies, we still have the enjoyment of food, friends and love, not least of all Winston's continuing spiritual connection with his ancestors and comical exchanges of philosophical sayings and Shakespearian quotes between colleagues, not forgetting of course the whisky-tasting with Dr. Sanjay.
Not all is straightforward - there is some family sadness, but then there is some joy as well.
Yes, things are changing but I do so hope I can read more of Winston Windflower.
September 18, 2020
258 pages
4 stars
Constable Eddie Tizzard, on leave following an altercation at work, is in Las Vegas to attend a seminar. He intends to leave the RCMP and become a private investigator. The problem arises when returning to his hotel room, he finds a very dead body. It gets worse when he discovers that the dead man was also from Newfoundland and had his name in his pocket.
The Vegas cops decide to believe his story and use him to run a sting on one of the bad biker guys. Eddie has a moment where he decides maybe he should stay in the RCMP.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Winston Windflower is in some trouble in Grand Bank. While responding to a call, he falls down a hole at an old mine. He has broken his arm and injured his ankle. When will someone find him?
At the same time Eddie returns from Vegas, it seems bad luck (or something), that follows him. There's a nasty biker gang involved in violence and drugs. People start dying. Cops get shot. That's the exciting part.
The heartwarming part is Windflower's relationship with his daughter and wife as well as his dedication to his tribal beliefs. I found it fascinating – as always. It had a calming effect on me as well as on Windflower.
All in all, this is a very good book. It is well written and plotted and the transitions are nearly flawless. I always enjoy the Windflower books and will continue to avidly look forward to the next one.
I want to thank NetGalley and Ottawa Press and Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
4 stars
Constable Eddie Tizzard, on leave following an altercation at work, is in Las Vegas to attend a seminar. He intends to leave the RCMP and become a private investigator. The problem arises when returning to his hotel room, he finds a very dead body. It gets worse when he discovers that the dead man was also from Newfoundland and had his name in his pocket.
The Vegas cops decide to believe his story and use him to run a sting on one of the bad biker guys. Eddie has a moment where he decides maybe he should stay in the RCMP.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Winston Windflower is in some trouble in Grand Bank. While responding to a call, he falls down a hole at an old mine. He has broken his arm and injured his ankle. When will someone find him?
At the same time Eddie returns from Vegas, it seems bad luck (or something), that follows him. There's a nasty biker gang involved in violence and drugs. People start dying. Cops get shot. That's the exciting part.
The heartwarming part is Windflower's relationship with his daughter and wife as well as his dedication to his tribal beliefs. I found it fascinating – as always. It had a calming effect on me as well as on Windflower.
All in all, this is a very good book. It is well written and plotted and the transitions are nearly flawless. I always enjoy the Windflower books and will continue to avidly look forward to the next one.
I want to thank NetGalley and Ottawa Press and Publishing for forwarding to me a copy of this delightful book for me to read, enjoy and review.
September 21, 2020
Sgt. Winston Windflower and other members of the Grand Bank RCMP are facing difficulties, challenges, and changes. Tizzard, on a leave of absence from the RCMP, has gone to Las Vegas to work towards getting a PI license when he ends up finding a dead man and a load of cash in his hotel room. The dead man had Tizzard's name and phone number in his pocket. Not surprisingly, the Las Vegas Police arrest Tizzard and put him through the interrogation wringer. Meanwhile, Windflower has gone to investigate a call and ends up falling through an abandoned mine shaft. Injured, Windflower wonders when anyone will notice he is missing and come to his aid.
The meth crisis has come to Newfoundland and there is a gang war for control between bikers, white supremacists, and other no-gooders. Windflower and the rest of his team are determined to put an end to the violence and drug chain before it is too late.
On the personal front, Windflower and his mayoral wife Sheila are adjusting to life with their bubbly toddler Amelia Louise, an encounter with an orphaned girl, and dealing with the death of Winston's beloved Auntie Marie. New career opportunities for both Windflower and Sheila might mean leaving their beloved community of Grand Bank for a while. The local food and native dreamscapes that Windflower experiences also enriches the story. This was another delightful entry in the Sgt. Windflower mystery series.
I received an eARC from Netgalley and Ottawa Press and Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
The meth crisis has come to Newfoundland and there is a gang war for control between bikers, white supremacists, and other no-gooders. Windflower and the rest of his team are determined to put an end to the violence and drug chain before it is too late.
On the personal front, Windflower and his mayoral wife Sheila are adjusting to life with their bubbly toddler Amelia Louise, an encounter with an orphaned girl, and dealing with the death of Winston's beloved Auntie Marie. New career opportunities for both Windflower and Sheila might mean leaving their beloved community of Grand Bank for a while. The local food and native dreamscapes that Windflower experiences also enriches the story. This was another delightful entry in the Sgt. Windflower mystery series.
I received an eARC from Netgalley and Ottawa Press and Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
October 17, 2020
Mike Martin is the Canadian author in charge of the breath-taking novel “A Perfect Storm”, the ninth book in the Sargent Windflower mystery series. The nine pieces of work are memorable and interesting but this one in particular is as fast-paced and standalone enough that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
There's action, adventure, drama, danger, suspense, twist and turns, enemies, survival, surprises, mystery and secrets, frustrations, anger and pain. All these will keep you turning the pages with intrigue and passion.
I definitely loved the journey that the author took me along with the story, I enjoyed the 61 chapters and I was really anxious about what the next chapters will bring me. I couldn't put it down. From the first page, you're transported to Newfoundland, you feel as if you were right there in the story, fighting against drugs and surrounded by biker gangs. Mike’s ability to develop characters is amazing, you will not be able to forget them as they are impeccably written and easy to follow!
I highly recommend you this intriguing and mesmerizing story that will keep you engaged from the first page.
There's action, adventure, drama, danger, suspense, twist and turns, enemies, survival, surprises, mystery and secrets, frustrations, anger and pain. All these will keep you turning the pages with intrigue and passion.
I definitely loved the journey that the author took me along with the story, I enjoyed the 61 chapters and I was really anxious about what the next chapters will bring me. I couldn't put it down. From the first page, you're transported to Newfoundland, you feel as if you were right there in the story, fighting against drugs and surrounded by biker gangs. Mike’s ability to develop characters is amazing, you will not be able to forget them as they are impeccably written and easy to follow!
I highly recommend you this intriguing and mesmerizing story that will keep you engaged from the first page.
October 15, 2020
I have never thought I would be able to get caught by a 9 book series and follow the mysteries to be detangled by one same character, Sgt. Windflower. As well as the previous 8 books, this one is built upon mysteries and surprises, familiar terrains for the Windflowers, but also harsh themes like betrayal, racism, crime and violence.
Mike Martin once again put his skillful writing ability to interweave third person prose and dialogues and develop another gem that has been awarded with the 2019 Bony Blithe for Best Light Mystery of the Year. Not bad, right?
Even though this installment is made up of 61 chapters, the pages would be flicked almost automatically due to the straightforwardness of its language and simplicity of its lexicon. It is so well-written and the characterisation is so accurate that you would not want to finish it.
Book 9 can be read as a standalone, but if you do so, you won’t help giving the other 8 a try. Totally recommended!
Mike Martin once again put his skillful writing ability to interweave third person prose and dialogues and develop another gem that has been awarded with the 2019 Bony Blithe for Best Light Mystery of the Year. Not bad, right?
Even though this installment is made up of 61 chapters, the pages would be flicked almost automatically due to the straightforwardness of its language and simplicity of its lexicon. It is so well-written and the characterisation is so accurate that you would not want to finish it.
Book 9 can be read as a standalone, but if you do so, you won’t help giving the other 8 a try. Totally recommended!
October 19, 2020
The 9th book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series starts with a bang: Eddie Tizzard finds himself locked in a Las Vegas jail and Sgt. Winston Windflower is hurt in an abandoned mine shaft. To make matters worse, a storm is brewing, both literally and figuratively.
The story progresses at a good pace, and Mike Martin doesn’t shy away from tough issues like racism, drug addiction and crime. If you’ve read the other 8 installments in the series, you’ve most likely come to love and respect Sgt. Winston Windflower. He feels like an old friend, and you want to know how he and his family are doing. In A Perfect Storm, you won’t be disappointed, as a lot is happening in his personal life.
The only criticism I would have is that the author used too many quotes (from Shakespeare or other personalities). I didn’t find it useful in the plot, and I doubt that that many people know quotes by heart, especially in the younger generations.
The story progresses at a good pace, and Mike Martin doesn’t shy away from tough issues like racism, drug addiction and crime. If you’ve read the other 8 installments in the series, you’ve most likely come to love and respect Sgt. Winston Windflower. He feels like an old friend, and you want to know how he and his family are doing. In A Perfect Storm, you won’t be disappointed, as a lot is happening in his personal life.
The only criticism I would have is that the author used too many quotes (from Shakespeare or other personalities). I didn’t find it useful in the plot, and I doubt that that many people know quotes by heart, especially in the younger generations.
October 15, 2020
This is the first I am reading of Martin's work and for it to be a cozy mystery was a wonderful surprise. This was number nine in Martin's stories and frankly it could of been a stand-alone as it was so easy to follow along with the hints of background information to understand what exactly was going on.
I'm looking forward to other mysteries in the series, like this one was clean without excessive gore or even in more detail and I would defiantly pick up more of Martins works! In this book thought there is a happy ending we all will enjoy and the bad guys getting what they deserve.
Thanks to Pump Up Your Books and the author for my advance reviewer copy in exchange for my honest review.
See my full review on pineenshrined.com
I'm looking forward to other mysteries in the series, like this one was clean without excessive gore or even in more detail and I would defiantly pick up more of Martins works! In this book thought there is a happy ending we all will enjoy and the bad guys getting what they deserve.
Thanks to Pump Up Your Books and the author for my advance reviewer copy in exchange for my honest review.
See my full review on pineenshrined.com
December 23, 2025
I'm surprised by the overall high ratings for this book, this is my first (and last) dip into the Windflower series. Although this book deals with high level gang violence and drug trafficking, it lacked the tension I would expect from a mystery. The detail regarding food was a bit bizarre, like having recipes be part of the narrative. It was refreshing to have healthy family relationships depicted among police officers, and weird but cute that many of characters quote literature to each other. I enjoyed having the main character be an indigenous man who is active in his culture and spirituality, and uncomfortable that it appears a non-indigenous man is writing that character.
October 12, 2020
A Perfect Storm is a great mystery. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery following various members of the RCMP stationed out of Newfoundland. Although this is a cozy mystery, it is far from fluffy. There's a wonderful balance between the hard and rough parts and the softer, sweeter side of life. At first I wasn't sure how much I would like the focus changing between characters, but Martin handled it seamlessly, and I was quickly lost in the story. This definitely made me want to read the other mysteries in the series!
March 21, 2021
This is book 9 in the Sgt. Windflower mystery series and is sure shakes things up with wife, Sheila and the usual crime wave in Grand Bank Newfoundland, Canada. Tizzard has a starring role in this book. I would recommend reading some of the previous books in the series to help understand all the characters in this story. I enjoy the characters and the setting in these books, they are just a little different from most police stories. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 3, 2022
A different kind of back ground for a cozy mystery or two or more as this is #9 in the entertaining Sgt Windflower series. The characters and their community are the same likeable cast with a couple of new faces and a couple of changes that don't quite work out the way they were planned. But it wouldn't be a mystery without a couple of plans gone wrong. The series tackles current problems at their core, this one is drug abuse and the attendant crimes, but it's the characters and their quirky personalities that keep me coming back for more. #10 anyone?
June 10, 2021
Another good tale
Having read several of Sgt Windflower books, I find each one enjoyable in its own way.
This one leaves us hanging, wondering what the future holds for Winston and Shiela, and their growing family
Having read several of Sgt Windflower books, I find each one enjoyable in its own way.
This one leaves us hanging, wondering what the future holds for Winston and Shiela, and their growing family
December 30, 2021
A Perfect Storm is the first book I've read by Mike Martin and I will definitely read more of the books in this series. Mike Martin is a Canadian writer living in Ottawa but he was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the series is set in Grand Bank.
September 30, 2020
A solid entry in the series, and it starts out promising with an anticipation for some good police action, but it never truly satisfies. A cozy mystery series, but too cozy for a policing series.
May 9, 2024
I think this book is more about the place and people than a mystery. Having said that, I quite enjoyed it. Always like to read about places I know. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
November 11, 2020
With perfect timing, author Mike Martin has just released the latest Sgt Windflower Mystery, entitled A Perfect Storm. I've read and reviewed the previous eight titles in the series, but don't worry if you haven't - they can be perfectly enjoyed as standalone novels. The warm-hearted Mountie, with his love of good food (or pretty much any food actually !), walks with his dog around his native Grand Bank in Newfoundland and home life with his wife Sheila and toddler daughter Amelia Louise, is guaranteed to help lift your mood when things are looking bleak.
(Full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...)
(Full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...)
November 27, 2020
Sgt. Winston Windflower is Grand Bank’s most domesticated Mountie. He’s dedicated to the law and canoodling (canoodling, gotta love that word, eh b’ys?) with his wife Sheila. He enjoys reading to his toddler daughter and walking his dog.
In the early pages of A Perfect Storm [Ottawa Press and Publishing] Wince can do none of his favourite things because … well, because he’s fallen down a hole …
… an abandoned mine shaft he’s stumbled into while investigating a call down Fortune way — a misfortune for Wince.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas police have chucked Wince’s erstwhile sidekick, suspended RCMP officer Eddie Tizzard, into the calaboose in that gambling mecca. Eddie is the prime suspect for the murder of the man found shot to death in his hotel room where the bed is sheeted with money and blood.
Regarding the dead man in Tizzard’s bathroom — turns out he’s one of the Spurrells, a crowd of hard-tickets from back on the Rock.
Regarding the money on Tizzard’s bed — the likelihood is that it belongs to a passel of drug dealers seeding Newfoundland’s drug scene with crystal meth.
Regarding the blood on Tizzard’s bedspread — don’t bet your last loonie it didn’t drain from the dead guy in the bathroom.
In case you’ve been living off the grid and this is your first Sgt. Windflower novel, Wince is a Cree from Pink Lake, Alberta. He’s been part of the Grand Bank RCMP detachment for nigh onto a decade. Oh, and he’s a Dreamweaver. He periodically slips into the dream world where he chit-chats with his Auntie Marie and a menagerie of forest critters — loquacious beavers and moose, for example.
It’s a wonder Wince — whose two favourite words are “Dinner’s ready” — isn’t the swoll up the size of a puncheon tub, considering the amount of grub he’s stogged down his gullet since arriving in Grand Bank. He continues to pleasure his palate with lip-smacking chow in this yarn.
I’ve promised elsewhere I would speak no more about Wince’s addiction to the cornucopia of yummy grub spread on Newfoundland tables. So, I won’t.
This ninth instalment of Mike Martin’s Sgt. Windflower series has a couple of worrisome aspects.
There are continuing inklings that Eddie Tizzard — presently suspended for clocking a superior RCMP officer — will resign from the Mounties. More troubling are the indications that Sgt. Wince himself might resign from the RCMP and move (God and the author forbid!) to St. Johns.
These dread possibilities will cause readers unpleasant shivers, yim-yams of dire expectations.
B’ys, you know I’m always on the lookout for a gem-dandy image. Put your peepers on this one.
Wince arrives home and Amelia Louise, and Lady (daughter and dog respectively) greet him at the door — “Lady and Amelia Louise fought over his legs, and he nearly tumbled over.”
“Fought over his legs.” Succumbing to habits from a previous life, I stuck a Smiley Face in the margin.
Another thing. It tickles Wince, his friends and cohorts, to thrust and parry with ripostes of clever quotations — pearls of wisdom, SAS (Sage Advice Stuff).
Here’s one: “Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered.”
I’ve grown fond of Sgt. Windflower. He’s not a Supercop, but — despite being as mild-mannered as Clark Kent — Wince always gets his man.
Mike Martin has taken Wince through nine entertaining adventures. Hope you round ‘er off with a tenth, Mike old man.
A final item for those of you who enjoy a smidgen of titillating — dare I say, gossip?
One member of the Grand Bank RCMP detachment is pregnant.
Guess who.
Thank you for reading.
In the early pages of A Perfect Storm [Ottawa Press and Publishing] Wince can do none of his favourite things because … well, because he’s fallen down a hole …
… an abandoned mine shaft he’s stumbled into while investigating a call down Fortune way — a misfortune for Wince.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas police have chucked Wince’s erstwhile sidekick, suspended RCMP officer Eddie Tizzard, into the calaboose in that gambling mecca. Eddie is the prime suspect for the murder of the man found shot to death in his hotel room where the bed is sheeted with money and blood.
Regarding the dead man in Tizzard’s bathroom — turns out he’s one of the Spurrells, a crowd of hard-tickets from back on the Rock.
Regarding the money on Tizzard’s bed — the likelihood is that it belongs to a passel of drug dealers seeding Newfoundland’s drug scene with crystal meth.
Regarding the blood on Tizzard’s bedspread — don’t bet your last loonie it didn’t drain from the dead guy in the bathroom.
In case you’ve been living off the grid and this is your first Sgt. Windflower novel, Wince is a Cree from Pink Lake, Alberta. He’s been part of the Grand Bank RCMP detachment for nigh onto a decade. Oh, and he’s a Dreamweaver. He periodically slips into the dream world where he chit-chats with his Auntie Marie and a menagerie of forest critters — loquacious beavers and moose, for example.
It’s a wonder Wince — whose two favourite words are “Dinner’s ready” — isn’t the swoll up the size of a puncheon tub, considering the amount of grub he’s stogged down his gullet since arriving in Grand Bank. He continues to pleasure his palate with lip-smacking chow in this yarn.
I’ve promised elsewhere I would speak no more about Wince’s addiction to the cornucopia of yummy grub spread on Newfoundland tables. So, I won’t.
This ninth instalment of Mike Martin’s Sgt. Windflower series has a couple of worrisome aspects.
There are continuing inklings that Eddie Tizzard — presently suspended for clocking a superior RCMP officer — will resign from the Mounties. More troubling are the indications that Sgt. Wince himself might resign from the RCMP and move (God and the author forbid!) to St. Johns.
These dread possibilities will cause readers unpleasant shivers, yim-yams of dire expectations.
B’ys, you know I’m always on the lookout for a gem-dandy image. Put your peepers on this one.
Wince arrives home and Amelia Louise, and Lady (daughter and dog respectively) greet him at the door — “Lady and Amelia Louise fought over his legs, and he nearly tumbled over.”
“Fought over his legs.” Succumbing to habits from a previous life, I stuck a Smiley Face in the margin.
Another thing. It tickles Wince, his friends and cohorts, to thrust and parry with ripostes of clever quotations — pearls of wisdom, SAS (Sage Advice Stuff).
Here’s one: “Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered.”
I’ve grown fond of Sgt. Windflower. He’s not a Supercop, but — despite being as mild-mannered as Clark Kent — Wince always gets his man.
Mike Martin has taken Wince through nine entertaining adventures. Hope you round ‘er off with a tenth, Mike old man.
A final item for those of you who enjoy a smidgen of titillating — dare I say, gossip?
One member of the Grand Bank RCMP detachment is pregnant.
Guess who.
Thank you for reading.
September 16, 2020
Part family fiction and more police drama, Sgt Windflower mysteries involve a small town in Newfundland and its RCMP detachment. This one begins with former RCMP Eddie Tizzard in Las Vegas, where he has been learning to become a private investigator but winds up in jail as a murder suspect. "I'm stuck in a Las Vegas jail and my lawyer is quoting Shakespeare!" At the same time, Sgt Winston Windflower has fallen through the boards of an old abandoned silver mine he was checking for arsonists and has no radio or cell phone contact. More dramatic than usual, but this one has more good people, First Nations religious practices, bad people bringing meth and other drugs into the area, and a little girl stuck in the middle and orphaned. It also brings out the problems of law enforcement and also of the good people who are being harmed by the encroaching problems being brought in by greed. I love this series and all it entails.
It bears noting that each book in the series stands alone on its own merit.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Ottawa Press and Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
It bears noting that each book in the series stands alone on its own merit.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Ottawa Press and Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
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