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Mabel Davison #1
Heart of a Runaway Girl
An original, captivating mystery series debuts
In a 1980s mountain town fueled by the drug trade, a young couple gets into an argument at Mabel's Diner. Then the teen girl winds up brutally murdered, and the black boyfriend automatically jailed. Haunted by the tragedy, big-hearted, big-haired, single mom and waitress, Mabel Davison steps in and asks questions few want answered. But she's unprepared for the secrets she uncovers, and now more lives may be destroyed, including her own.
Get your small-town mystery with a twist today!
In a 1980s mountain town fueled by the drug trade, a young couple gets into an argument at Mabel's Diner. Then the teen girl winds up brutally murdered, and the black boyfriend automatically jailed. Haunted by the tragedy, big-hearted, big-haired, single mom and waitress, Mabel Davison steps in and asks questions few want answered. But she's unprepared for the secrets she uncovers, and now more lives may be destroyed, including her own.
Get your small-town mystery with a twist today!
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2021
298 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Trevor Wiltzen
3 books99 followersTrevor Wiltzen is the author of the multi-award-winning Mabel Davison Historical Mystery series and has several more stories and series in development.
Reading sparked my passion for writing and telling stories. But after finishing various degrees in arts, science, and business, I pursued a thriving professional career, and my writing took a backseat. However, after getting married and becoming a parent of two wonderful boys, my passion for writing reignited, and I spent years in coffee shops before work, honing my skills and finding my voice. Get ready for more thrilling adventures and mysteries as we embark on this exciting ride together.
Readers can keep in touch by:
Youtube Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCcC8SCxCro9DgwXw...
E-newsletter: www.trevorwiltzen.com/books.
Check out his books on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Google Play Center, Kobo:
Heart of a Runaway Girl (Book 1) https://bit.ly/buyheartofarunawaygirl
Missed Me (Book 2) https://bit.ly/buymissedme
Haunting Pasts (Book 3) https://bit.ly/buyhauntingpasts
Reading sparked my passion for writing and telling stories. But after finishing various degrees in arts, science, and business, I pursued a thriving professional career, and my writing took a backseat. However, after getting married and becoming a parent of two wonderful boys, my passion for writing reignited, and I spent years in coffee shops before work, honing my skills and finding my voice. Get ready for more thrilling adventures and mysteries as we embark on this exciting ride together.
Readers can keep in touch by:
Youtube Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCcC8SCxCro9DgwXw...
E-newsletter: www.trevorwiltzen.com/books.
Check out his books on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Google Play Center, Kobo:
Heart of a Runaway Girl (Book 1) https://bit.ly/buyheartofarunawaygirl
Missed Me (Book 2) https://bit.ly/buymissedme
Haunting Pasts (Book 3) https://bit.ly/buyhauntingpasts
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January 10, 2021
Heart of a Runaway Girl by Trevor Wiltzen
Publication Day!
There is so much to like about the main character in this story. Mabel is a hard working business woman, having run the family diner and motel, from a young age. Her business employs men and women, full time and part time, in a small town that is falling to pieces under rule of drug lord, white supremacist, Larson. This man owns almost the entire town other than a few places like Mabel's diner/motel and the strip joint. The single cop in town has to ignore Larson and his minions because otherwise he's dead meat. Several of the state police are also under Larson's rule. The town is so small that Mabel's eight and ten year old sons have no friends their age other than the sons of Larson's best "salesman". This place may be Mabel's lifelong home but it's a very dangerous place to be.
When a sixteen year old runaway, who was last seen fighting with a young black man, is raped and killed, the black man is pinned with her murder. But, according to Mabel, she is able to read a person's soul and know them and she lives life following her gut feelings. So Mabel is going to fight for this young black man because she "knows" he didn't kill the girl. Instead, she is going after the man or men who raped and killed this girl. And that is where I have issues with Mabel. She is in a town with no law, where she knows that a young girl has been raped and murdered, a town run by skinheads and drug dealers. I think it's mighty fine of her to tackle this head on IF it is just her life that she was putting on the line. But Mabel has two young sons and a teenage niece that she is raising and she is putting them right in the crosshairs of men who think nothing of raping, torturing and killing people, even young people.
Mabel won't let her sons be around their dad because of his heavy handed ways. But she's bringing all of this violence to her doorstep without first putting her children somewhere safe. This could be a life lesson that her sons may not be alive to learn. Her niece is the very age of the young girls that Larson and his men prey on. I'm getting very protective about fictional kids, the older I get, but I know bad things can happen to them. Still, those things shouldn't happen to them because their smart, honest, heart of gold mom decides to go after the evil in town, without doing anything to safeguard her children from these brutal men. Heck, the kids are better off with their "bad parent" dad than being sitting ducks for the bad guys in this town.
So, I'll give this story a 3.5, raised to 4 stars, in the hopes that Mabel uses better judgement in the next book. We know she already has her next case for her fledgling private investigator business but she needs to rethink her approach to life or she and/or her kids are going to end up dead. Her current approach is not good parenting, no matter what life lessons you want to impart to your children or how much you want to make the world a better place.
Publication date: January 10, 2021
Thank you to Trevor Wiltzen/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and NetGalley for this ARC.
Publication Day!
There is so much to like about the main character in this story. Mabel is a hard working business woman, having run the family diner and motel, from a young age. Her business employs men and women, full time and part time, in a small town that is falling to pieces under rule of drug lord, white supremacist, Larson. This man owns almost the entire town other than a few places like Mabel's diner/motel and the strip joint. The single cop in town has to ignore Larson and his minions because otherwise he's dead meat. Several of the state police are also under Larson's rule. The town is so small that Mabel's eight and ten year old sons have no friends their age other than the sons of Larson's best "salesman". This place may be Mabel's lifelong home but it's a very dangerous place to be.
When a sixteen year old runaway, who was last seen fighting with a young black man, is raped and killed, the black man is pinned with her murder. But, according to Mabel, she is able to read a person's soul and know them and she lives life following her gut feelings. So Mabel is going to fight for this young black man because she "knows" he didn't kill the girl. Instead, she is going after the man or men who raped and killed this girl. And that is where I have issues with Mabel. She is in a town with no law, where she knows that a young girl has been raped and murdered, a town run by skinheads and drug dealers. I think it's mighty fine of her to tackle this head on IF it is just her life that she was putting on the line. But Mabel has two young sons and a teenage niece that she is raising and she is putting them right in the crosshairs of men who think nothing of raping, torturing and killing people, even young people.
Mabel won't let her sons be around their dad because of his heavy handed ways. But she's bringing all of this violence to her doorstep without first putting her children somewhere safe. This could be a life lesson that her sons may not be alive to learn. Her niece is the very age of the young girls that Larson and his men prey on. I'm getting very protective about fictional kids, the older I get, but I know bad things can happen to them. Still, those things shouldn't happen to them because their smart, honest, heart of gold mom decides to go after the evil in town, without doing anything to safeguard her children from these brutal men. Heck, the kids are better off with their "bad parent" dad than being sitting ducks for the bad guys in this town.
So, I'll give this story a 3.5, raised to 4 stars, in the hopes that Mabel uses better judgement in the next book. We know she already has her next case for her fledgling private investigator business but she needs to rethink her approach to life or she and/or her kids are going to end up dead. Her current approach is not good parenting, no matter what life lessons you want to impart to your children or how much you want to make the world a better place.
Publication date: January 10, 2021
Thank you to Trevor Wiltzen/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and NetGalley for this ARC.
January 18, 2021
It’s the 1980’s, and Mabel Davison, owner of a small town diner and motel, is without question, a sweet, uncomplaining, and kind hearted lady, who wants to help everyone, regularly dishing out coffee and slices of her freshly baked pies for free, which makes her even more popular in her hometown of Blue River, but there’s a naivety about her that makes her appear very childlike at times, and makes her act first, without thinking things through.
Blue River may be a small mountain town, but it has a big drug problem, and a fair amount of extremists, with their own ideas of justice, the kind who sort out ‘problems’ in their own way, on their own terms, a place where the rule of law means little!
When a young couple get into an argument in Mabel’s diner, she doesn’t think too much about it, a lovers quarrel perhaps, but then the boy, Winston, is arrested for the rape and murder of the white girl Karen Thompson. Now, there are a lot of racists in this small mountain town, and Winston happens to be a black boy, so automatically they have their killer right there!
Innocent until proven guilty you’d think? Well no, not according to white supremacist Larson, the biggest drug manufacturer and supplier in these parts, who also owns most of the property in town. Winston is actually one of Larson’s drug dealers, but that doesn’t stop him and his mob, from going on the warpath, the aim being to lynch Winston.
Mabel doesn’t believe Winston killed Karen, she believes she can ‘read’ people, so she takes it upon herself to start asking some awkward questions, but of course she makes herself a target for Larson, and no one gets away with treading on his toes. He threatens Mabel, and Larson doesn’t make idle threats, so Mabel is in for a very tough time.
This is author Trevor Wiltzen’s debut novel - his characterisations were spot on, (Mabel is delightful), the storyline itself highlights issues of white privilege, and racism, and underscore this story right the way through – all highly topical, both then and now, and sometimes these themes make for uncomfortable reading, but the book succeeds in raising awareness of these important
themes, and are crucial to the story.
However, Mabel is a woman of principle, and with her on the case, you can be sure that she’ll fight for justice, regardless of the colour of one’s skin.
All in all an enjoyable and engaging read.
* I received a widget of ‘Heart of a Runaway Girl’, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 10, 2021
Mabel Davison was the owner/operator of a diner and motel in small town Blue River, "practically a castoff from the highway". Mabel's clientele included construction workers, truck drivers, miners and locals. She served coffee "on the house...My coffee here is always fresh, free and fast...". "Her charm, swagger, and a little bawdry humor were the only gifts she'd give her male customers...[who] often treated her more like a therapist or a bartender...". In the 1980's, this small Washington State town was a hotbed of drugs and extremists. The residents, including farmers and sawmill operators were "a sorry lot of folks...with nothing in their pockets...any kid with ambition wanted to leave".
A young couple, seated in a booth in the diner, were engaged in an intense conversation. Winston Washington looked like he cared for Karen Thompson, however, he looked scared for her. When Karen was brutally murdered, Winston was promptly charged and arrested. Since an angry mob of men in trucks gathered at Sheriff Dan's storefront office, the State Police were called in taking Winston to jail in Seattle.
Larson was "the local kingpin who lorded over Blue River...The law didn't rule this town. It was Larson. Winston was a low-end drug dealer getting his drugs from Larson". Mabel didn't think that Winston had killed Karen. She trusted her intuition. She claimed, "I have a gift...it's in the eyes...when I look into them...it's like I can read a person's soul...". Larson warned Mabel. If you interfere in my business, I'll interfere in yours. A big burly trucker piped up in the diner, "You threaten Mabel, you deal with me...". Mabel "felt strangely safe among these rough out-of-town men". Mabel, mother of two sons, a niece in residence, a motel to run and waitressing in her diner, will now don another hat, private investigator. Despite lack of proof, she is convinced of Winston's innocence. She needs to watch herself and her loved ones. "Sometimes it is not safe here...you know this town".
"Heart of a Runaway Girl (Mabel Davison, #1)" by debut author Trevor Wiltzen is the first book in a new series. Mabel's star shines bright as penned by Wiltzen. The character development of the Blue River residents is superb. Mabel's "coffee, pie and hospitality" will handily nurture those in need and aid in future mysteries.
Thank you Trevor Wiltzen, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available 1/10/2021
A young couple, seated in a booth in the diner, were engaged in an intense conversation. Winston Washington looked like he cared for Karen Thompson, however, he looked scared for her. When Karen was brutally murdered, Winston was promptly charged and arrested. Since an angry mob of men in trucks gathered at Sheriff Dan's storefront office, the State Police were called in taking Winston to jail in Seattle.
Larson was "the local kingpin who lorded over Blue River...The law didn't rule this town. It was Larson. Winston was a low-end drug dealer getting his drugs from Larson". Mabel didn't think that Winston had killed Karen. She trusted her intuition. She claimed, "I have a gift...it's in the eyes...when I look into them...it's like I can read a person's soul...". Larson warned Mabel. If you interfere in my business, I'll interfere in yours. A big burly trucker piped up in the diner, "You threaten Mabel, you deal with me...". Mabel "felt strangely safe among these rough out-of-town men". Mabel, mother of two sons, a niece in residence, a motel to run and waitressing in her diner, will now don another hat, private investigator. Despite lack of proof, she is convinced of Winston's innocence. She needs to watch herself and her loved ones. "Sometimes it is not safe here...you know this town".
"Heart of a Runaway Girl (Mabel Davison, #1)" by debut author Trevor Wiltzen is the first book in a new series. Mabel's star shines bright as penned by Wiltzen. The character development of the Blue River residents is superb. Mabel's "coffee, pie and hospitality" will handily nurture those in need and aid in future mysteries.
Thank you Trevor Wiltzen, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available 1/10/2021
February 23, 2021
When a young woman is found murdered, Mabel Davison is touched by her death. She had met the girl the day before at her dinner and knew she needed help. Her black boyfriend, Winston is taken into custody and charged with the crime. Yet, Mabel doesn’t believe Winston did it. She knows someone else is the responsible party and she will do anything to prove it.
Larson, the town's drug lord, and his skinhead's cronies are terrorizing the town and when Winston was taken into custody, his men have tried to kill him. Mabel helps the Sheriff protect Winston but now Larson knows her name and is paying attention. Mabel is tired of Larson getting away with everything while providing drugs to the town. Someone has to stop him.
In order to help Winton prove his innocence, Mabel begins her own investigation to find the murderer but Larson doesn’t want her asking certain questions. Can she help Winton without putting her family and herself in danger?
I like Mabel. She was straightforward. She cared about her family and her town. She was always trying to help others and she didn’t hesitate to help Winston despite attracting Larson's interest.
Larson's character was easy to hate. He was pure evil and I was worried he was going to hurt her. I’m sure Mabel has not seen the last of him.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by IBPA via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Larson, the town's drug lord, and his skinhead's cronies are terrorizing the town and when Winston was taken into custody, his men have tried to kill him. Mabel helps the Sheriff protect Winston but now Larson knows her name and is paying attention. Mabel is tired of Larson getting away with everything while providing drugs to the town. Someone has to stop him.
In order to help Winton prove his innocence, Mabel begins her own investigation to find the murderer but Larson doesn’t want her asking certain questions. Can she help Winton without putting her family and herself in danger?
I like Mabel. She was straightforward. She cared about her family and her town. She was always trying to help others and she didn’t hesitate to help Winston despite attracting Larson's interest.
Larson's character was easy to hate. He was pure evil and I was worried he was going to hurt her. I’m sure Mabel has not seen the last of him.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by IBPA via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
January 10, 2021
Since today is publication day, check out my Q&A with author Trevor Wiltzen!
https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress....
A fantastic and easy-to-get-lost-in start of a new mystery series featuring diner/motel owner Mabel Davison.
It’s 1986. The small town of Blue River, Washington is known for the new mines, farmers, the sawmill, racist drug dealers, and Mabel’s Diner. One evening while Mabel is waitressing, she witnesses a young couple having some sort of argument at the back booth.
When the teen girl ends up being brutally murdered later that night, her boyfriend lands himself in jail. Word gets around to Mabel, and the news does not sit right with her. You see, kind-hearted and loving Mabel has a gift. She feels she can read people through their eyes. She is convinced the boyfriend had nothing to do with the murder. What’s worse is that she thinks he’s being pinned for the murder because he’s Black.
In a mountain town full of drug dealers and extremists/racist trash, Mabel knows there is more going on...and she is not going to let it slide. She decides to take matters into her own hands and question the sheriff, look for evidence, and make sure the right thing happens. Unfortunately for Mabel, this puts her and her family in danger. But what people don’t understand about Mabel is that she is not one to give up when it comes to righting wrongs.
I devoured this tale, and Mabel is one of my favorite characters I’ve read in a long time. She’s a tough cookie and an extremely hard worker who provides for her children and niece, and she’s a light to most everyone in the town. Sure, it may be a little far-fetched that this waitress/diner-motel owner turns into an amateur sleuth, but it is highly entertaining nevertheless.
This is not a cozy mystery, but it’s also not too heavy. Debut author Trevor Wiltzen does a phenomenal job of balancing Mabel and her investigative shenanigans (some of them are funny, all of them are pretty clever) and the very real issue of racism, which is obviously still prevalent today.
Mabel tells her young son, “I guess I don’t have the answers, son. I don’t know what it’s like to feel racism. But you’re right about the silence. Silence allows racism to flourish.” Mabel won’t let fear silence her.
She also calls everyone “luv” and likes to tell dirty jokes to the diner patrons. I think the world would benefit greatly if we all had a Mabel in our lives, and her charm is why I’m rating this 4.5 stars, rounded up. Not to mention, it’s just a great story that was hard for me to put down.
Thank you to IBPA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress....
A fantastic and easy-to-get-lost-in start of a new mystery series featuring diner/motel owner Mabel Davison.
It’s 1986. The small town of Blue River, Washington is known for the new mines, farmers, the sawmill, racist drug dealers, and Mabel’s Diner. One evening while Mabel is waitressing, she witnesses a young couple having some sort of argument at the back booth.
When the teen girl ends up being brutally murdered later that night, her boyfriend lands himself in jail. Word gets around to Mabel, and the news does not sit right with her. You see, kind-hearted and loving Mabel has a gift. She feels she can read people through their eyes. She is convinced the boyfriend had nothing to do with the murder. What’s worse is that she thinks he’s being pinned for the murder because he’s Black.
In a mountain town full of drug dealers and extremists/racist trash, Mabel knows there is more going on...and she is not going to let it slide. She decides to take matters into her own hands and question the sheriff, look for evidence, and make sure the right thing happens. Unfortunately for Mabel, this puts her and her family in danger. But what people don’t understand about Mabel is that she is not one to give up when it comes to righting wrongs.
I devoured this tale, and Mabel is one of my favorite characters I’ve read in a long time. She’s a tough cookie and an extremely hard worker who provides for her children and niece, and she’s a light to most everyone in the town. Sure, it may be a little far-fetched that this waitress/diner-motel owner turns into an amateur sleuth, but it is highly entertaining nevertheless.
This is not a cozy mystery, but it’s also not too heavy. Debut author Trevor Wiltzen does a phenomenal job of balancing Mabel and her investigative shenanigans (some of them are funny, all of them are pretty clever) and the very real issue of racism, which is obviously still prevalent today.
Mabel tells her young son, “I guess I don’t have the answers, son. I don’t know what it’s like to feel racism. But you’re right about the silence. Silence allows racism to flourish.” Mabel won’t let fear silence her.
She also calls everyone “luv” and likes to tell dirty jokes to the diner patrons. I think the world would benefit greatly if we all had a Mabel in our lives, and her charm is why I’m rating this 4.5 stars, rounded up. Not to mention, it’s just a great story that was hard for me to put down.
Thank you to IBPA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
February 27, 2021
"Heart of a Runaway Girl" by Trevor Wiltzen was Small-town Mystery at its best!
Washington State is known for the rainy forests of the Olympic Peninsula, the beauty of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, Columbia River and then there are apples, tons and tons of apples! In small town Blue River, Washington there are farmers, miners, sawmill operators, white supremacists, skinhead drug dealers and lots and lots of drugs! Hot damn, it's the 1980's!
It's also where hardworking diner and motel owner-operator Mabel Davison lives. Mabel loves waitressing, loves taking care of her customers and serving them an endless cup of the best coffee around! She uses endearments when she speaks to people and she's a toucher, too. She just can't help it, she can't keep her hands to herself! She wants people to know she cares! It's who she is!
Right now she's focused on the young couple sitting in a booth at the back of the diner for the last hour. Talking intently, face-to-face, then moving apart, obviously arguing, voices raised, then quiet. The next day Mabel is told by Sheriff Dan the girl is found at the sawmill brutally murdered and her boyfriend accused of her murder. The boyfriend is Winston who doesn't stand a chance as a black man in this racist town.
Mabel believes Winston is innocent. He has to be! She just knows it because she has a gift. She can read people. All she has to do is look into their eyes. She looked at Winston's eyes and knows he didn't murder this girl. He cared about her, maybe even tried to help her. Mabel knows that staying silent is wrong and helping in some way is the right thing to do. She's lived in Blue River her entire life and she knows there's racism in this small town. She's just not going to stand for anyone being railroaded, targeted because of race.
I grew totally in love with brave and gutsy Mabel in this small-town Mystery. I think of her as a 'Great Big Mama Bear' to her family, her friends and her customers of construction workers, miners, truckers and locals. They love her edgy jokes and they love Mabel like...well, like family!
This book is the first in a new series by this debut author. His writing is creative, fun and - with Mabel as a super-sleuth, somewhat improbable, yes perhaps even impossible, detective - it was entirely entertaining! I can't wait to see what happens in this small town next with 'Mabel Davison, #2'!
I highly recommend this book and rate it 4 1/2 stars, pushing it to 5 stars because, well...because of Mabel!
_________________________
Thank you to NetGalley, IBPA and Trevor Wiltzen for an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Washington State is known for the rainy forests of the Olympic Peninsula, the beauty of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, Columbia River and then there are apples, tons and tons of apples! In small town Blue River, Washington there are farmers, miners, sawmill operators, white supremacists, skinhead drug dealers and lots and lots of drugs! Hot damn, it's the 1980's!
It's also where hardworking diner and motel owner-operator Mabel Davison lives. Mabel loves waitressing, loves taking care of her customers and serving them an endless cup of the best coffee around! She uses endearments when she speaks to people and she's a toucher, too. She just can't help it, she can't keep her hands to herself! She wants people to know she cares! It's who she is!
Right now she's focused on the young couple sitting in a booth at the back of the diner for the last hour. Talking intently, face-to-face, then moving apart, obviously arguing, voices raised, then quiet. The next day Mabel is told by Sheriff Dan the girl is found at the sawmill brutally murdered and her boyfriend accused of her murder. The boyfriend is Winston who doesn't stand a chance as a black man in this racist town.
Mabel believes Winston is innocent. He has to be! She just knows it because she has a gift. She can read people. All she has to do is look into their eyes. She looked at Winston's eyes and knows he didn't murder this girl. He cared about her, maybe even tried to help her. Mabel knows that staying silent is wrong and helping in some way is the right thing to do. She's lived in Blue River her entire life and she knows there's racism in this small town. She's just not going to stand for anyone being railroaded, targeted because of race.
I grew totally in love with brave and gutsy Mabel in this small-town Mystery. I think of her as a 'Great Big Mama Bear' to her family, her friends and her customers of construction workers, miners, truckers and locals. They love her edgy jokes and they love Mabel like...well, like family!
This book is the first in a new series by this debut author. His writing is creative, fun and - with Mabel as a super-sleuth, somewhat improbable, yes perhaps even impossible, detective - it was entirely entertaining! I can't wait to see what happens in this small town next with 'Mabel Davison, #2'!
I highly recommend this book and rate it 4 1/2 stars, pushing it to 5 stars because, well...because of Mabel!
_________________________
Thank you to NetGalley, IBPA and Trevor Wiltzen for an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
January 10, 2021
It's publication day!!
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Trevor Wiltzen, and the Independent Book Publishers’ Association for providing me with a copy of this novel, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Approached by the author to review his debut novel, I was intrigued with what appeared to be a captivating dust jacket blurb in Heart of a Runaway Girl. Trevor Wiltzen takes readers back to a small Washington town in the 1980s, where drugs and white supremacy are running rampant. When a murder takes place, the easiest person to name becomes the sole suspect, though this does not sit well with Mabel Davison. She’s determined to get to the bottom of what happened and sacrifice it all for an innocent man.
Blue River is nestled in the heart of Washington State, but is by no means tranquil. A hotbed of drugs and racism in 1986, it’s surely nowhere one would want to raise their children. However, Mabel Davison is doing her best as a single parent. Her local diner and motel serve the locals well, allowing Mabel to get a sense of the town’s pulse.
While waitressing one evening, Mabel notices a young couple at a back table; a white girl and her black boyfriend. They appear to be arguing, though Mabel presumes it’s just one of those teenage squabbles and lets them be. When news breaks hours later that young Karen Thompson was found raped and murdered at the local mill, all eyes turn toward her boyfriend, Winston Washington. It seems to make sense that a black man who commit such a heinous act, so he is rounded up by the local sheriff. When a group of local white supremacists learns of the arrest, they try to bring about their own form of justice, stopped only when Mabel gets involved and calls the state police.
Something in her gut tells Mabel that Winston is innocent, though she has no concrete proof. She pushes ahead to learn as much as she can about both Karen and Winston, while dodging the pressure of others to let the wheels of justice turn. Mabel begins asking the tough questions and starts investigating on her own, only to discover a potential list of suspects that no one wants to name.
While she is able to convince Winston’s attorney not to accept the guilt that his client is professing to put things to sleep, Mabel knows that she is entering dangerous territory. She unearths much of the local drug trade and offends many men in positions of power, all to help Winston. This could surely have dire results, but Mabel Davison is nothing if not compassionate.
Juggling her work, her home life, and the constant threats that come with asking too many questions, Mabel finds that she may be the only one who really seeks to advocate for Winston’s innocence, while also shining a light on the real killer who treated Karen Thompson so poorly. Mabel’s prepared to sacrifice it all and she may have that chance, if she makes a single wrong move!
While this may be Trevor Wiltzen’s debut novel, it sure doesn’t read like it. There is depth and an addictive plot that will keep the reader hooked as they try to push through to see who the real killer is in what is being called the first in a new series.
Mabel Davison comes across as a woman who has such a big heart and is willing to help anyone in need. Known to many around town, she seeks to ensure that everyone is heard and that truth sees the light of day, even if it is not always what people want to hear. A single mother, she has her own demons from the past, but is doing all that she can to raise two boys and a niece. Sheer determination to do what is right makes her the best amateur investigator, not taking herself too seriously while not dismissing the importance of the mission at hand.
Wiltzen provides a handful of strong characters who help make the novel as alluring as it is. Coming from many walks of life, these men and women add flavour to an already intriguing story and help depict Washington State in the mid-80s effectively. I found myself wanting to know more about many who grace the pages of this book, making the fact that there may be a series in the works all the more exciting.
The premise of the book may sound a little odd—local waitress seeks to become private investigator to help a patron—but it works! Wiltzen develops his story and characters in such a way that the story flows well and keeps the rewarded guessing. With short chapters, the reader is propelled to keep reading (as I did) well into the evening to discover the truth that Blue River residents do not want known. The writing is strong, the ideas clear, and the narrative crisp, making this the perfect debut to captivate the attention of the curious reader. I’ve already signed up to receive more information about future publications and I suspect others will follow suit once they get their hands on this one!
Kudos, Mr. Wiltzen, for this wonderful introduction to your work. Glad to see a fellow Albertan out there making a name for himself. I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for Mabel and your fans!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Trevor Wiltzen, and the Independent Book Publishers’ Association for providing me with a copy of this novel, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Approached by the author to review his debut novel, I was intrigued with what appeared to be a captivating dust jacket blurb in Heart of a Runaway Girl. Trevor Wiltzen takes readers back to a small Washington town in the 1980s, where drugs and white supremacy are running rampant. When a murder takes place, the easiest person to name becomes the sole suspect, though this does not sit well with Mabel Davison. She’s determined to get to the bottom of what happened and sacrifice it all for an innocent man.
Blue River is nestled in the heart of Washington State, but is by no means tranquil. A hotbed of drugs and racism in 1986, it’s surely nowhere one would want to raise their children. However, Mabel Davison is doing her best as a single parent. Her local diner and motel serve the locals well, allowing Mabel to get a sense of the town’s pulse.
While waitressing one evening, Mabel notices a young couple at a back table; a white girl and her black boyfriend. They appear to be arguing, though Mabel presumes it’s just one of those teenage squabbles and lets them be. When news breaks hours later that young Karen Thompson was found raped and murdered at the local mill, all eyes turn toward her boyfriend, Winston Washington. It seems to make sense that a black man who commit such a heinous act, so he is rounded up by the local sheriff. When a group of local white supremacists learns of the arrest, they try to bring about their own form of justice, stopped only when Mabel gets involved and calls the state police.
Something in her gut tells Mabel that Winston is innocent, though she has no concrete proof. She pushes ahead to learn as much as she can about both Karen and Winston, while dodging the pressure of others to let the wheels of justice turn. Mabel begins asking the tough questions and starts investigating on her own, only to discover a potential list of suspects that no one wants to name.
While she is able to convince Winston’s attorney not to accept the guilt that his client is professing to put things to sleep, Mabel knows that she is entering dangerous territory. She unearths much of the local drug trade and offends many men in positions of power, all to help Winston. This could surely have dire results, but Mabel Davison is nothing if not compassionate.
Juggling her work, her home life, and the constant threats that come with asking too many questions, Mabel finds that she may be the only one who really seeks to advocate for Winston’s innocence, while also shining a light on the real killer who treated Karen Thompson so poorly. Mabel’s prepared to sacrifice it all and she may have that chance, if she makes a single wrong move!
While this may be Trevor Wiltzen’s debut novel, it sure doesn’t read like it. There is depth and an addictive plot that will keep the reader hooked as they try to push through to see who the real killer is in what is being called the first in a new series.
Mabel Davison comes across as a woman who has such a big heart and is willing to help anyone in need. Known to many around town, she seeks to ensure that everyone is heard and that truth sees the light of day, even if it is not always what people want to hear. A single mother, she has her own demons from the past, but is doing all that she can to raise two boys and a niece. Sheer determination to do what is right makes her the best amateur investigator, not taking herself too seriously while not dismissing the importance of the mission at hand.
Wiltzen provides a handful of strong characters who help make the novel as alluring as it is. Coming from many walks of life, these men and women add flavour to an already intriguing story and help depict Washington State in the mid-80s effectively. I found myself wanting to know more about many who grace the pages of this book, making the fact that there may be a series in the works all the more exciting.
The premise of the book may sound a little odd—local waitress seeks to become private investigator to help a patron—but it works! Wiltzen develops his story and characters in such a way that the story flows well and keeps the rewarded guessing. With short chapters, the reader is propelled to keep reading (as I did) well into the evening to discover the truth that Blue River residents do not want known. The writing is strong, the ideas clear, and the narrative crisp, making this the perfect debut to captivate the attention of the curious reader. I’ve already signed up to receive more information about future publications and I suspect others will follow suit once they get their hands on this one!
Kudos, Mr. Wiltzen, for this wonderful introduction to your work. Glad to see a fellow Albertan out there making a name for himself. I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for Mabel and your fans!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 10, 2021
Publication date is today - 10th January 2021
Location:- Mabel Davis’ diner in Blue River, a ‘wilderness place’ off the beaten track in Washington State.
Timescale:- Autumn 1986.
Forty something Mabel witnesses a tense conversation in her diner between a young white girl and a young black man who she recognises as Winston Washington. The following day the girl, later identified as Karen Thompson, is found brutally murdered at a sawmill. Mabel tells Sheriff Dan what she saw and he is now sure Winston is his man and he is duly arrested. However, Mabel is not as convinced and sets out to investigate.
One of the greatest strengths of the book is the characterisation especially of Mabel who is just lovely. She’s kind, caring and a very brave ‘Momma Bear’ which she needs to be as her investigation leads her to challenge the ‘authority’ of a vile racist group led by a local drug dealer, Larson. When they threaten to lynch Winston her actions save the young man but it puts her family especially her two young boys in danger. The racism in the area is deeply disturbing and is portrayed starkly well especially the testosterone fuelled thugs in Larson sphere of orbit and they add sexism into the unsavoury mix. Other characters that stand out are Mabel’s children and her lovely niece Kerry who has ooodles of personality and plenty of backbone. I really like that Mabel discusses ‘Roots’ with son Hector and he then displays such wisdom that makes his mother think. The other excellent aspect is the remote setting of Blue River which is a perfect backdrop to these events and adds atmosphere as does the vibe in Mabel’s diner. I especially like the latter as it’s easy to visualise her working the room with a pot of coffee, wheedling information and casting risque jokes! It’s an easy to read novel and although it takes a little while to get going once it does the pace is fast.
Overall, yes, I’m certain the premise is far fetched, there are things that Mabel becomes privy to that I’m certain she wouldn’t in reality. However, Mabel carries the day and sweeps aside any reservations! She is so well meaning and I love how she takes on the law and the racist crew in Blue River at personal risk.
With thanks to NetGalley and IBPA for the arc for an honest review.
Location:- Mabel Davis’ diner in Blue River, a ‘wilderness place’ off the beaten track in Washington State.
Timescale:- Autumn 1986.
Forty something Mabel witnesses a tense conversation in her diner between a young white girl and a young black man who she recognises as Winston Washington. The following day the girl, later identified as Karen Thompson, is found brutally murdered at a sawmill. Mabel tells Sheriff Dan what she saw and he is now sure Winston is his man and he is duly arrested. However, Mabel is not as convinced and sets out to investigate.
One of the greatest strengths of the book is the characterisation especially of Mabel who is just lovely. She’s kind, caring and a very brave ‘Momma Bear’ which she needs to be as her investigation leads her to challenge the ‘authority’ of a vile racist group led by a local drug dealer, Larson. When they threaten to lynch Winston her actions save the young man but it puts her family especially her two young boys in danger. The racism in the area is deeply disturbing and is portrayed starkly well especially the testosterone fuelled thugs in Larson sphere of orbit and they add sexism into the unsavoury mix. Other characters that stand out are Mabel’s children and her lovely niece Kerry who has ooodles of personality and plenty of backbone. I really like that Mabel discusses ‘Roots’ with son Hector and he then displays such wisdom that makes his mother think. The other excellent aspect is the remote setting of Blue River which is a perfect backdrop to these events and adds atmosphere as does the vibe in Mabel’s diner. I especially like the latter as it’s easy to visualise her working the room with a pot of coffee, wheedling information and casting risque jokes! It’s an easy to read novel and although it takes a little while to get going once it does the pace is fast.
Overall, yes, I’m certain the premise is far fetched, there are things that Mabel becomes privy to that I’m certain she wouldn’t in reality. However, Mabel carries the day and sweeps aside any reservations! She is so well meaning and I love how she takes on the law and the racist crew in Blue River at personal risk.
With thanks to NetGalley and IBPA for the arc for an honest review.
April 10, 2021
A quick way to catch my interest in reading a book is to tell me it takes place in the 1980s. For me that means all the nostalgia, none of the cell phones. Remember phone booths? Good (albeit smelly) times.
So here’s an ‘80s-set mystery about a 41-year-old diner waitress who tries to solve a murder in her small Washington town. I don’t know about you, but ‘80s + diner waitress calls to mind Alice, Vera, and Flo. Heart of a Runaway Girl’s heroine, Mabel, is a mashup of all three. She’s sweet and motherly like Alice, does a lot of idiotic things like Vera, and has a heaping helping of sass like Flo. She’ll call you Luv before racing out the door to chase bad guys, with no training or protection, for the opportunity to put them behind bars while telling them to kiss her grits.
Obviously this is a bit of an inside-joke review, because if you didn’t watch the TV show “Alice” every day after school like I did you’ll probably have to google the reference. Or you could just read other Alice-free reviews on Goodreads, most of which are glowing. (And probably more accurate vibe-wise, because the book is a mystery not a comedy.) I’m a titch less enthusiastic than my peers, mainly because Mabel didn’t feel like a consistent character to me (see above). I didn’t connect with her motivations or actions. This is the start of a series though, so hopefully she’ll find her groove more in book two.
3.5 stars
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf
So here’s an ‘80s-set mystery about a 41-year-old diner waitress who tries to solve a murder in her small Washington town. I don’t know about you, but ‘80s + diner waitress calls to mind Alice, Vera, and Flo. Heart of a Runaway Girl’s heroine, Mabel, is a mashup of all three. She’s sweet and motherly like Alice, does a lot of idiotic things like Vera, and has a heaping helping of sass like Flo. She’ll call you Luv before racing out the door to chase bad guys, with no training or protection, for the opportunity to put them behind bars while telling them to kiss her grits.
Obviously this is a bit of an inside-joke review, because if you didn’t watch the TV show “Alice” every day after school like I did you’ll probably have to google the reference. Or you could just read other Alice-free reviews on Goodreads, most of which are glowing. (And probably more accurate vibe-wise, because the book is a mystery not a comedy.) I’m a titch less enthusiastic than my peers, mainly because Mabel didn’t feel like a consistent character to me (see above). I didn’t connect with her motivations or actions. This is the start of a series though, so hopefully she’ll find her groove more in book two.
3.5 stars
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf
February 3, 2021
When the young couple began arguing in Mabel’s Diner, the small town of Blue River in Washington State would soon see drugs, white supremacy and murder come to the fore. Mabel Davison was shocked to hear of the murder of the young girl, and even more so to have Blue River’s small-town sheriff arrest the girl’s boyfriend for the murder. The murdered girl was white; the boyfriend black – so his arrest was automatic, even though he kept declaring he was innocent of the crime.
Mabel knew in her heart that Winston didn’t kill that girl, and with the drug lord and all his minions demanding their own kind of justice, tensions were rising. Mabel – single mother, owner of the diner and the motel alongside, with two boys and a niece in her care, was a woman who wasn’t to be messed with. She was determined to find the evidence to prove Winston innocent, as well as find the real killer. But she had no idea of the danger she faced. Would she succeed in her quest? Or would she just bring danger to her own doorstep and family?
Heart of a Runaway Girl is the first in the Mabel Davison series by Trevor Wiltzen and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Mabel was amazing; her strength of character, her ability to focus on the difference between right and wrong, and her bravery in facing up to the bad guys (even though she was terrified) was remarkable. Jaded law enforcement: jaded public defenders – the 1980s was a hot bed of badness in Blue River. I can’t wait until #2 is published! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Trevor Wiltzen for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Mabel knew in her heart that Winston didn’t kill that girl, and with the drug lord and all his minions demanding their own kind of justice, tensions were rising. Mabel – single mother, owner of the diner and the motel alongside, with two boys and a niece in her care, was a woman who wasn’t to be messed with. She was determined to find the evidence to prove Winston innocent, as well as find the real killer. But she had no idea of the danger she faced. Would she succeed in her quest? Or would she just bring danger to her own doorstep and family?
Heart of a Runaway Girl is the first in the Mabel Davison series by Trevor Wiltzen and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Mabel was amazing; her strength of character, her ability to focus on the difference between right and wrong, and her bravery in facing up to the bad guys (even though she was terrified) was remarkable. Jaded law enforcement: jaded public defenders – the 1980s was a hot bed of badness in Blue River. I can’t wait until #2 is published! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Trevor Wiltzen for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2021
What a fabulous debut! I'm so thrilled this is the first in a series, I can't wait for more!
It's 1986, and Mabel lives in the middle of nowhere with her 2 sons and her niece. During her shift at the local diner she observes a young couple arguing. Later that day, the girl is found murdered and the black boy who she was with is arrested for her murder.
In her gut, Mabel knows he's innocent but living in a racist community, she is alone with that opinion as everyone is quick to convict him. This story follows Mabel and her unwavering quest for the truth.
One word can describe Mabel: fierce! She is someone I would want on my side as a mother, sister or friend. She is a well developed highly likable character and I am always sucker for a good character. Mable for the win!
Thank you IBPA and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's 1986, and Mabel lives in the middle of nowhere with her 2 sons and her niece. During her shift at the local diner she observes a young couple arguing. Later that day, the girl is found murdered and the black boy who she was with is arrested for her murder.
In her gut, Mabel knows he's innocent but living in a racist community, she is alone with that opinion as everyone is quick to convict him. This story follows Mabel and her unwavering quest for the truth.
One word can describe Mabel: fierce! She is someone I would want on my side as a mother, sister or friend. She is a well developed highly likable character and I am always sucker for a good character. Mable for the win!
Thank you IBPA and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2021
4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a great start to a new series!
Mabel is the owner of a diner in small town that is run by drug thugs and racists. When a black teenage boy is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Mabel hits the case to prove his innocence.
The characters were very well developed. I loved Mabel! Let me count the ways: She’s fierce, she’s strong willed, she’s brave and she speaks her mind! What’s not to love about a female character like that?
Fantastic job with this one! Anxiously looking forward to book #2!
Thank you to NetGalley and Trevor Wiltzen for my advanced copy to read and review.
What a great start to a new series!
Mabel is the owner of a diner in small town that is run by drug thugs and racists. When a black teenage boy is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Mabel hits the case to prove his innocence.
The characters were very well developed. I loved Mabel! Let me count the ways: She’s fierce, she’s strong willed, she’s brave and she speaks her mind! What’s not to love about a female character like that?
Fantastic job with this one! Anxiously looking forward to book #2!
Thank you to NetGalley and Trevor Wiltzen for my advanced copy to read and review.
November 17, 2021
**Heart of a Runaway Girl launched 10th of January, 2021!**
The main character, Mabel Davison, is the star of this novel. She's a down-to-earth single mum and a waitress. She owns the diner and an attached motel, but she isn't rolling in money. Mabel works hard and long and tries to raise her kids right. But if anyone lives the expression' heart of gold' it's Mabel. Caring for others is a huge part of her character.
So when there's a murder in the town of Blue River and the local police pick up a young black teen who Mabel believes to be innocent, she speaks up. And she speaks loud.
The town of Blue River is small and depressed, and built along a highway that leads from "nowhere to nowhere fast". Sure, it has a logging industry, a marijuana industry, and…is there a third burgeoning harder drugs industry? But on the whole, the town is on Struggle Street. There are also a whole lot of questions regarding who is really running Blue River. Is the one local cop in control? Or does Larson, a man controlling the towns drug trade, along with his gang of strong arms—made up of a significant number of white supremacists—really in control of things?
The thing about Mabel is, she doesn't back down when she sees a wrong. Even when she turns amateur sleuth, and things get dangerous. There were times when I found her decisions excruciating - yet I couldn't help but love the hell out of her.
This book is set in the 80s. Readers who lived through the 80s (like me, ahem), and those interested in that particular decade will enjoy that aspect.
Another wonderful thing about Heart of a Runaway Girl is that, in terms of genre, it sits in a lovely little niche spot. It's beyond cosy mystery but doesn't take its thrills so far as to become one of those novels that leave you feeling wounded. I have a soft spot for those.
I didn't realise when I began reading that Wiltzen has more Mabel escapades on the way. But as this story is driven by Mabel and her character, finding that out was very welcome because this first book earned every star.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the author Trevor Wiltzen for my copy of this novel, given in return for my honest review.
The main character, Mabel Davison, is the star of this novel. She's a down-to-earth single mum and a waitress. She owns the diner and an attached motel, but she isn't rolling in money. Mabel works hard and long and tries to raise her kids right. But if anyone lives the expression' heart of gold' it's Mabel. Caring for others is a huge part of her character.
So when there's a murder in the town of Blue River and the local police pick up a young black teen who Mabel believes to be innocent, she speaks up. And she speaks loud.
The town of Blue River is small and depressed, and built along a highway that leads from "nowhere to nowhere fast". Sure, it has a logging industry, a marijuana industry, and…is there a third burgeoning harder drugs industry? But on the whole, the town is on Struggle Street. There are also a whole lot of questions regarding who is really running Blue River. Is the one local cop in control? Or does Larson, a man controlling the towns drug trade, along with his gang of strong arms—made up of a significant number of white supremacists—really in control of things?
The thing about Mabel is, she doesn't back down when she sees a wrong. Even when she turns amateur sleuth, and things get dangerous. There were times when I found her decisions excruciating - yet I couldn't help but love the hell out of her.
This book is set in the 80s. Readers who lived through the 80s (like me, ahem), and those interested in that particular decade will enjoy that aspect.
Another wonderful thing about Heart of a Runaway Girl is that, in terms of genre, it sits in a lovely little niche spot. It's beyond cosy mystery but doesn't take its thrills so far as to become one of those novels that leave you feeling wounded. I have a soft spot for those.
I didn't realise when I began reading that Wiltzen has more Mabel escapades on the way. But as this story is driven by Mabel and her character, finding that out was very welcome because this first book earned every star.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the author Trevor Wiltzen for my copy of this novel, given in return for my honest review.
February 23, 2021
Set in a small rural backwater town where the sole sheriff is powerless against the local drug lord, as he owns the mine and employs most of the locals. One citizen, Mabel owns and runs a diner and motel while trying to raise her two sons and niece on her own. When a young customer of hers turns up brutally murdered, Mabel is not convinced the black boyfriend is to blame, despite the lynch mob trying to issue their own form of justice. A most enjoyable crime novel with a feisty hero, so three-and-a-half-star rating. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
January 18, 2021
I have loved three women in my life. First was my high school girlfriend in the 1950s. Second is my wife to whom I have been happily married since 1967. The third is MABEL DAVISON! Who is Mabel you ask? She is the 40-something year old heroine of a new mystery series by new author TREVOR WILTZEN of Edmonton, Alberta in Canada.
The series begins with HEART OF A RUNAWAY GIRL that takes place September to November in 1986 in the town of Blue River in the state of Washington (on the north Pacific coast of the United States for non-American readers).
Mabel owns, and acts as a waitress/housekeeper at times, a diner and a motel in Blue River. The town is located about 90 minutes from Tacoma in the foothills. It is a town controlled by Karl Larson, a ruthless drug dealer and overall really bad guy. You do not want to upset his business dealings, or him personally. Mabel does both. The town is also a hotbed of White Supremacy and racial tensions are palpable.
One night a young couple are sitting in Mabel’s diner having dinner. One is a 17 or 18-year-old white girl. The other is a young African-American male who is slightly older. Mabel believes that they are in love but are having a disagreement of some sort. The next day Sheriff Dan comes to the diner and tells Mabel that the girl has been found brutally murdered in the local wood mill. The young man has been arrested and charged with the crime. Mabel cannot believe that the young man, Winston Washington killed and raped Karen Thompson, the young woman. Dan tells her that the State Police are handling the case but that Larson has some influence over the “Staties”. She decides to do her own investigating.
On Mabel’s team are her two preteen age sons and her orphaned 17-year-old niece. Mabel’s husband Bill is not living with his family but makes a cameo appearance just when Mabel needs some support. Lavi (“Lion”) Arronson is Winston’s jaded Public Defender lawyer under whom Mabel lights a fire. Several town folk also assist her.
In opposition to Mabel are Larson and his number two in command Frank Hudgens. Frank has two sons who are “friends” of Mabel’s ten-year-old son Hector. They are trying to lead him into a criminal career with themselves.
Winston denies his guilt to Sheriff Dan, his lawyer, the “Staties” and most importantly, to Mabel. He claims to have seen Karen get into a black pickup truck at the diner after their dinner on the night she was killed. Using her people skills and her town friends, Mabel discovers five or six possible actual killers. She turns over her evidence to Lavi. He advises Mabel to get a Private Investigators license so that her material can become admissible evidence. It also enables Lavi to hire her at $300 per week. Larson and Hudgens threaten Mabel’s life.
Welcome to my world of terrific mystery writers TREVOR WILTZEN. If you like mysteries, this book is for you. Mabel is a terrific character as are her many friends, her family and her formidable antagonists. I await the sequel with great anticipation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
GO! BUY! READ!
The series begins with HEART OF A RUNAWAY GIRL that takes place September to November in 1986 in the town of Blue River in the state of Washington (on the north Pacific coast of the United States for non-American readers).
Mabel owns, and acts as a waitress/housekeeper at times, a diner and a motel in Blue River. The town is located about 90 minutes from Tacoma in the foothills. It is a town controlled by Karl Larson, a ruthless drug dealer and overall really bad guy. You do not want to upset his business dealings, or him personally. Mabel does both. The town is also a hotbed of White Supremacy and racial tensions are palpable.
One night a young couple are sitting in Mabel’s diner having dinner. One is a 17 or 18-year-old white girl. The other is a young African-American male who is slightly older. Mabel believes that they are in love but are having a disagreement of some sort. The next day Sheriff Dan comes to the diner and tells Mabel that the girl has been found brutally murdered in the local wood mill. The young man has been arrested and charged with the crime. Mabel cannot believe that the young man, Winston Washington killed and raped Karen Thompson, the young woman. Dan tells her that the State Police are handling the case but that Larson has some influence over the “Staties”. She decides to do her own investigating.
On Mabel’s team are her two preteen age sons and her orphaned 17-year-old niece. Mabel’s husband Bill is not living with his family but makes a cameo appearance just when Mabel needs some support. Lavi (“Lion”) Arronson is Winston’s jaded Public Defender lawyer under whom Mabel lights a fire. Several town folk also assist her.
In opposition to Mabel are Larson and his number two in command Frank Hudgens. Frank has two sons who are “friends” of Mabel’s ten-year-old son Hector. They are trying to lead him into a criminal career with themselves.
Winston denies his guilt to Sheriff Dan, his lawyer, the “Staties” and most importantly, to Mabel. He claims to have seen Karen get into a black pickup truck at the diner after their dinner on the night she was killed. Using her people skills and her town friends, Mabel discovers five or six possible actual killers. She turns over her evidence to Lavi. He advises Mabel to get a Private Investigators license so that her material can become admissible evidence. It also enables Lavi to hire her at $300 per week. Larson and Hudgens threaten Mabel’s life.
Welcome to my world of terrific mystery writers TREVOR WILTZEN. If you like mysteries, this book is for you. Mabel is a terrific character as are her many friends, her family and her formidable antagonists. I await the sequel with great anticipation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
GO! BUY! READ!
December 13, 2020
Heart of a Runaway Girl by Trevor Wiltzen is the story of a young woman’s murder, a young man who is framed for it, and how a local woman makes it her mission to solve the mystery, and make sure that the right person is charged.
Heart of a Runaway Girl takes place in the early 80’s, in a small, rural town in Washington State. Mabel owns and runs the town’s local diner and motel, serving up food and providing guest rooms to both locals and temporary mine and construction workers who are passing through. When a young woman is found murdered, and her Black boyfriend is immediately charged without evidence, Mabel takes matters into her own hands to make sure that the real killer is found.
In addition to the murder mystery, Trevor Wiltzen brings together several different themes in this book: small town racism and exclusion, widespread white supremacy structures, and drug trafficking all have integral parts in the novel.
I enjoyed the story itself, and the main storyline stood strong through-out. I personally thought that the novel aimed more for a YA crowd, rather than a full adult thriller, but that is mainly because of the writing style. It didn’t bother me though. I did struggle with the characters a bit, they felt a little flat and stereotypical. Mabel was THE beloved woman who keeps the townspeople together, Larson is THE typical skinhead who scares the population into letting him do whatever he wants, Winston is THE stereotypical Black guy who is kinda bad but not bad enough to commit murder, Dan is THE useless town sheriff who kind of has a heart, and so on. I feel like there was too much focus on dialogue in the novel, and too little on actual descriptions. It would have been really good to have a more detailed overview on how Larson became the local drug lord rather than him just being there and ruling over everyone, for example, and on how the town worked in general. I commend Trevor Wiltzen for bringing up the theme of racism in his novel, but it would have been good to see a deeper dive into the causes and effects of it, especially in the small town dynamic. For example, the whole Winston was only tolerated by the racist drug lord because he sold drugs was a bit far-fetched, and played more into the stereotype in my opinion.
But! I could easily imagine all of these people on a screen, I could see the bustling diner, and the gorgeous scenery, and I could see how it all played out in my head. I wonder if Trevor Wiltzen has ever thought of developing his Blue River world into a screenplay? It would work really well as a TV series in my opinion!
In any case, this book is a solid 3 to 3.5 stars for me. Looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
I received an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Heart of a Runaway Girl takes place in the early 80’s, in a small, rural town in Washington State. Mabel owns and runs the town’s local diner and motel, serving up food and providing guest rooms to both locals and temporary mine and construction workers who are passing through. When a young woman is found murdered, and her Black boyfriend is immediately charged without evidence, Mabel takes matters into her own hands to make sure that the real killer is found.
In addition to the murder mystery, Trevor Wiltzen brings together several different themes in this book: small town racism and exclusion, widespread white supremacy structures, and drug trafficking all have integral parts in the novel.
I enjoyed the story itself, and the main storyline stood strong through-out. I personally thought that the novel aimed more for a YA crowd, rather than a full adult thriller, but that is mainly because of the writing style. It didn’t bother me though. I did struggle with the characters a bit, they felt a little flat and stereotypical. Mabel was THE beloved woman who keeps the townspeople together, Larson is THE typical skinhead who scares the population into letting him do whatever he wants, Winston is THE stereotypical Black guy who is kinda bad but not bad enough to commit murder, Dan is THE useless town sheriff who kind of has a heart, and so on. I feel like there was too much focus on dialogue in the novel, and too little on actual descriptions. It would have been really good to have a more detailed overview on how Larson became the local drug lord rather than him just being there and ruling over everyone, for example, and on how the town worked in general. I commend Trevor Wiltzen for bringing up the theme of racism in his novel, but it would have been good to see a deeper dive into the causes and effects of it, especially in the small town dynamic. For example, the whole Winston was only tolerated by the racist drug lord because he sold drugs was a bit far-fetched, and played more into the stereotype in my opinion.
But! I could easily imagine all of these people on a screen, I could see the bustling diner, and the gorgeous scenery, and I could see how it all played out in my head. I wonder if Trevor Wiltzen has ever thought of developing his Blue River world into a screenplay? It would work really well as a TV series in my opinion!
In any case, this book is a solid 3 to 3.5 stars for me. Looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
I received an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2021
Synopsis:
Mabel owns a diner/motel and manages them both. She is a single mother to two kids and her teenage niece. A murder of a young teenage girl in the small town of Blue River leads Mabel to investigate. A young man of colour, Winston is accused and arrested for the murder with next to no evidence. The murder and reaction by the community further uncovers the corruption of Blue River that Mabel has been disgusted by for years.
For someone who constantly claims she has no time, Mabel spends a lot of hers getting in other people’s business and baking apology pies for them.
My Thoughts:
(I am reviewing this title as a Netgalley read).
This story is marketed as an adult mystery/thriller which I think is a bit of a stretch. Potentially a YA… Investigative novel maybe?
Writing:
The plot was sound and the story flowed logically. Grammatically, I only picked up on one type error (around pg. 495).
I didn’t find any holes in the plot per se. Though the story was quite cliche in parts. It feels as if the author tried to address some big themes but fell short. I was most irked by the “white saviour” theme we found within Mabel. (I will get more to her character further down). The story also covers family and family dysfunction, police and police corruption and community.
The author sets a solid world and I appreciated the nostalgic feel of the diner and the nuances of the 1980’s in the small town.
In terms of flow I felt the story dragging in the middle. I had to really focus on working through the book and then the ending came all to quickly and felt very rushed.
Characters:
Mabel was a stereotypical, middle aged busy body. I was frustrated by her by about two thirds in and found myself shaking my head and rolling my eyes at her. Her actions defied logic, I couldn’t rationally agree with a lot of what she did or how she did it and her dialogue was at times very melodramatic.
If I were to offer advice to Mabel it would be this: If you didn’t jump to conclusions constantly and accuse people of things they didn’t do/ perform police work you have no right to be doing, you would not need to make nearly as many apology pies. You state you have no time and feel run off your feet- this is the solution I offer to you.
Although addressing issues such as racism is commended, the story line and Mabel’s part in it came across as very shallow and gave me big white privilege vibes. In 2020 the idea that any white person is free of being racist just doesn’t sit right. Mabel points out how key members of her community are racists and therefore bad people and she, in contrast cannot be racist at all. For more exploration on this idea I would suggest reading something like White Fragility or Caste.
Through the story Winston is painted as a stereotypical, young, black kid who has fallen in with the drug dealing crowd and has no other option but to deal with his arrest. This leads to a portrayal of him feeling hopeless and his own acknowledgement that he has minimal chance of getting free because of the colour of his skin. Mabel is then painted as his saving grace- the only person who cares about him or feels he is innocent.. However, Winston’s family are then present at the end of the book but had not been referred to for the entirety of the story? It just seemed off to me.
I also found the whole premise of the book- that the entire state’s legal and police system were an absolute failure and relied solely on Mabel to solve a crime- to be difficult to believe- even in the 80’s.
Summary:
I will say that this book was structured well and was polished from an editing point of view. It gave me a "Murder, she wrote feel" and might interest people who are fans. A solid debut.
Review can also be found here: https://redheadragereads.wordpress.co...
Mabel owns a diner/motel and manages them both. She is a single mother to two kids and her teenage niece. A murder of a young teenage girl in the small town of Blue River leads Mabel to investigate. A young man of colour, Winston is accused and arrested for the murder with next to no evidence. The murder and reaction by the community further uncovers the corruption of Blue River that Mabel has been disgusted by for years.
For someone who constantly claims she has no time, Mabel spends a lot of hers getting in other people’s business and baking apology pies for them.
My Thoughts:
(I am reviewing this title as a Netgalley read).
This story is marketed as an adult mystery/thriller which I think is a bit of a stretch. Potentially a YA… Investigative novel maybe?
Writing:
The plot was sound and the story flowed logically. Grammatically, I only picked up on one type error (around pg. 495).
I didn’t find any holes in the plot per se. Though the story was quite cliche in parts. It feels as if the author tried to address some big themes but fell short. I was most irked by the “white saviour” theme we found within Mabel. (I will get more to her character further down). The story also covers family and family dysfunction, police and police corruption and community.
The author sets a solid world and I appreciated the nostalgic feel of the diner and the nuances of the 1980’s in the small town.
In terms of flow I felt the story dragging in the middle. I had to really focus on working through the book and then the ending came all to quickly and felt very rushed.
Characters:
Mabel was a stereotypical, middle aged busy body. I was frustrated by her by about two thirds in and found myself shaking my head and rolling my eyes at her. Her actions defied logic, I couldn’t rationally agree with a lot of what she did or how she did it and her dialogue was at times very melodramatic.
If I were to offer advice to Mabel it would be this: If you didn’t jump to conclusions constantly and accuse people of things they didn’t do/ perform police work you have no right to be doing, you would not need to make nearly as many apology pies. You state you have no time and feel run off your feet- this is the solution I offer to you.
Although addressing issues such as racism is commended, the story line and Mabel’s part in it came across as very shallow and gave me big white privilege vibes. In 2020 the idea that any white person is free of being racist just doesn’t sit right. Mabel points out how key members of her community are racists and therefore bad people and she, in contrast cannot be racist at all. For more exploration on this idea I would suggest reading something like White Fragility or Caste.
Through the story Winston is painted as a stereotypical, young, black kid who has fallen in with the drug dealing crowd and has no other option but to deal with his arrest. This leads to a portrayal of him feeling hopeless and his own acknowledgement that he has minimal chance of getting free because of the colour of his skin. Mabel is then painted as his saving grace- the only person who cares about him or feels he is innocent.. However, Winston’s family are then present at the end of the book but had not been referred to for the entirety of the story? It just seemed off to me.
I also found the whole premise of the book- that the entire state’s legal and police system were an absolute failure and relied solely on Mabel to solve a crime- to be difficult to believe- even in the 80’s.
Summary:
I will say that this book was structured well and was polished from an editing point of view. It gave me a "Murder, she wrote feel" and might interest people who are fans. A solid debut.
Review can also be found here: https://redheadragereads.wordpress.co...
October 25, 2021
A real heartfelt THRILLER!
I smiled and felt a great sense of relief through the story. I couldn't pinpoint why, but, at some point I actually wondered if Mabel was wrong about Winston. If Winston was indeed the murderer. I mean, who could actually blame me? Almost all evidence seemed to be against him, except for the little details which could easily have been swept under the rug if not properly analysed.
Mabel saw those details when no one else could. She saw it. Mabel is just a waitress. But, she's a mother too. A mother whose heart bleeds for young souls who are on a lost part. She wants to make them whole, but, she doesn't know how to go about it. Where to start. This is till a murder happened in her small little town. Something in her seemed to rise to the fore. It was bigger than fear and she couldn't stamp it down, even if she wanted.
Small town murders are kind of intimate, everyone is involved but, not everyone has the courage to speak. They just say things in hush tone or nothing at all. Nothing. It's worse when there is an oppression going on. Do you get the picture?
The relief I felt was due to the fact, there is one human in our fictional world, who doesn't turn a blind eye to things. She has the soul to make a change, even when by herself and with so many risks.
You have to read this book to find out if Winston is indeed the killer. But trust me, it will unearth other things.
I'm on my way to read the sequel, Missed Me. What are your thoughts on this book?
I smiled and felt a great sense of relief through the story. I couldn't pinpoint why, but, at some point I actually wondered if Mabel was wrong about Winston. If Winston was indeed the murderer. I mean, who could actually blame me? Almost all evidence seemed to be against him, except for the little details which could easily have been swept under the rug if not properly analysed.
Mabel saw those details when no one else could. She saw it. Mabel is just a waitress. But, she's a mother too. A mother whose heart bleeds for young souls who are on a lost part. She wants to make them whole, but, she doesn't know how to go about it. Where to start. This is till a murder happened in her small little town. Something in her seemed to rise to the fore. It was bigger than fear and she couldn't stamp it down, even if she wanted.
Small town murders are kind of intimate, everyone is involved but, not everyone has the courage to speak. They just say things in hush tone or nothing at all. Nothing. It's worse when there is an oppression going on. Do you get the picture?
The relief I felt was due to the fact, there is one human in our fictional world, who doesn't turn a blind eye to things. She has the soul to make a change, even when by herself and with so many risks.
You have to read this book to find out if Winston is indeed the killer. But trust me, it will unearth other things.
I'm on my way to read the sequel, Missed Me. What are your thoughts on this book?
February 1, 2021
This novel is about Mabel Davison, Mable is the owner of a diner in a small town that is run by a drug lord. She sees a lot of people come in and out of her diner but one night a young girl and boy come in and starts arguing. The teen girl is later found murdered and her black boyfriend is the suspect in the crime. When Mabel hears the news about the couple she isn't convinced that the killer is the young boy. She is determined to find out the truth and she starts asking questions a lot of people don't want to answers too. This puts her in danger. Will Mabel find the killer? Is the killer really the boyfriend? Will there be more killing?
My review
This novel was so good, it was so well written and it was so much fun to read. The mystery just made me wanting more and more I had to keep reading to find out. It was so interesting how everything connected. The author was so great with all the details. Mabel is one of my favourite characters of my 2021 reads. She is a mama bear !. I can relate to her so much. When a mom knows something isn't right she sticks to her guns and gets the right answer. She is badass and so gutsy!! I love her. I can't wait to read more. I really enjoyed it.
I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Trevor Wiltzen for giving me the chance to read and review this awesome novel.
My review
This novel was so good, it was so well written and it was so much fun to read. The mystery just made me wanting more and more I had to keep reading to find out. It was so interesting how everything connected. The author was so great with all the details. Mabel is one of my favourite characters of my 2021 reads. She is a mama bear !. I can relate to her so much. When a mom knows something isn't right she sticks to her guns and gets the right answer. She is badass and so gutsy!! I love her. I can't wait to read more. I really enjoyed it.
I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Trevor Wiltzen for giving me the chance to read and review this awesome novel.
January 15, 2021
Set in a small Washington state town known for its mining and sawmills the main character, Mabel, owns a local diner and motel. One day she has a brief encounter with a troubled young couple at the diner. Days later the young girl turns up dead and the young man, Winston, is accused of her murder. Mabel has a hard time believing the young man would kill the girl and investigates. As she digs deeper the town's darkest secrets are slowly revealed. A local drug kingpin controls the sawmill along with most of its workers. Mabel follows several suspects leading to the drug ring and putting her life in danger.
The characters are beautifully written. I found myself immediately rooting for Mabel, a single mother struggling to run a business while taking care of her two young boys and a niece. Mable meets each new obstacle with courage and a clear sense of right and wrong. The story is superbly written and will hold your interest to the end.
The characters are beautifully written. I found myself immediately rooting for Mabel, a single mother struggling to run a business while taking care of her two young boys and a niece. Mable meets each new obstacle with courage and a clear sense of right and wrong. The story is superbly written and will hold your interest to the end.
January 13, 2021
As a child of the ‘80s, I loved the whole vibe of the setting and the cultural references. I found Mabel a really engaging protagonist who had a good balance of toughness and emotion. Add on to that a mystery which is a bit more than it seems, offering social comment on the types of prejudice and inequality we still see today, and you have a book which will appeal to many readers. Be prepared for a range of emotions with this one - anger, sorrow and even joy. A terrific debut.
December 14, 2020
****3.5 stars bumped up to 4****
A character-driven mystery novel set in a 1980s small-town, Heart of a Runaway Girl tackles present-day issues and taboos, while taking us on the stressful and chilling hunt for the real killer.
In a small mining town, a young girl is found, brutally murdered, and her African-American boyfriend is immediately arrested and charged for her murder. No other suspects are questioned, no further leads looked into. Sound familiar? If you’ve been watching the news (or bingeing on all the True Crime documentaries on Netflix like I have), this situation may sound familiar. Because it is.
I really liked the fact that Heart of a Runaway Girl’s main plot centered around an issue that is all too current and all too familiar. And while systemic racism and racial disparities have certainly been issues for decades, they are starting to be addressed today. Being part of the conversation is really important and I’m glad this novel is!
But back to our review: I’ll admit, this novel wasn’t quite what I expected. This story focuses much more on the characters and less on suspenseful and chilling action. I wouldn’t categorize it as a Thriller/Suspense novel, but more of a Police/Legal investigation mystery.
At first, I wasn’t sure I liked the main character, Mabel: she seemed overly emotional and too involved in other people’s matters. I was especially annoyed by Mabel’s tendency to jump to conclusions the men she suspected of the murder, while at the same time, preaching the presumption of innocence for the boy in custody. BUT I did eventually grow to like her and the other caste of characters from the small town of Blue River.
The second half of the novel is where most of the action takes place, and that’s when I really got into the story. The action is fast-paced and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The events build up to a tense and stressful final showdown. Finally, the remaining few chapters wrap-up the story nicely with satisfactory conclusion.
What I most liked in this novel was how the story centered around the characters and their interactions with one another. It really makes the reader feel like they’re a part of the small-town community of Blue River. Mabel’s backstory and personality feels natural and real.
I give Heart of a Runaway Girl a 3.5-star rating! Now that I know what to expect, I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series! I recommend this book to fans of Legal/Police investigation novels.
A character-driven mystery novel set in a 1980s small-town, Heart of a Runaway Girl tackles present-day issues and taboos, while taking us on the stressful and chilling hunt for the real killer.
In a small mining town, a young girl is found, brutally murdered, and her African-American boyfriend is immediately arrested and charged for her murder. No other suspects are questioned, no further leads looked into. Sound familiar? If you’ve been watching the news (or bingeing on all the True Crime documentaries on Netflix like I have), this situation may sound familiar. Because it is.
I really liked the fact that Heart of a Runaway Girl’s main plot centered around an issue that is all too current and all too familiar. And while systemic racism and racial disparities have certainly been issues for decades, they are starting to be addressed today. Being part of the conversation is really important and I’m glad this novel is!
But back to our review: I’ll admit, this novel wasn’t quite what I expected. This story focuses much more on the characters and less on suspenseful and chilling action. I wouldn’t categorize it as a Thriller/Suspense novel, but more of a Police/Legal investigation mystery.
At first, I wasn’t sure I liked the main character, Mabel: she seemed overly emotional and too involved in other people’s matters. I was especially annoyed by Mabel’s tendency to jump to conclusions the men she suspected of the murder, while at the same time, preaching the presumption of innocence for the boy in custody. BUT I did eventually grow to like her and the other caste of characters from the small town of Blue River.
The second half of the novel is where most of the action takes place, and that’s when I really got into the story. The action is fast-paced and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The events build up to a tense and stressful final showdown. Finally, the remaining few chapters wrap-up the story nicely with satisfactory conclusion.
What I most liked in this novel was how the story centered around the characters and their interactions with one another. It really makes the reader feel like they’re a part of the small-town community of Blue River. Mabel’s backstory and personality feels natural and real.
I give Heart of a Runaway Girl a 3.5-star rating! Now that I know what to expect, I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series! I recommend this book to fans of Legal/Police investigation novels.
December 25, 2020
Mabel runs the diner and motel in a small town. A single mother raising two boys and her neice - both parents dead. She is certainly struggling but helps all those she can.
Over the years, it's been overcome with drugs and racists. Mabel hates seeing her community failing each other as Larson, the leader of the drug trade and racists, continues to run things. He has people on his payroll - the state police, business owners, etc.
A young couple enter Maybel's dinner, clearly in love, having an argument. The young woman is found brutally murdered. The young black man arrested and assumed guilty.
Mabel knows he's innocent - she struggles to find anyone to believe him, no one willing to investigate the murder. She begins her own investigation - quickly on the bad sad of Larson.
Courage. Integrity. Mabel fights for what she believes, providing a struggling town with an exemplary example of what a woman can accomplish.
Quick, easy read.
Over the years, it's been overcome with drugs and racists. Mabel hates seeing her community failing each other as Larson, the leader of the drug trade and racists, continues to run things. He has people on his payroll - the state police, business owners, etc.
A young couple enter Maybel's dinner, clearly in love, having an argument. The young woman is found brutally murdered. The young black man arrested and assumed guilty.
Mabel knows he's innocent - she struggles to find anyone to believe him, no one willing to investigate the murder. She begins her own investigation - quickly on the bad sad of Larson.
Courage. Integrity. Mabel fights for what she believes, providing a struggling town with an exemplary example of what a woman can accomplish.
Quick, easy read.
January 10, 2021
I so very much enjoyed this debut mystery! Mabel was such a firecracker powerful mama on a mission and this book had just enough mystery to keep you hanging on and wanting more. Mabel is a single mom raising two boys and her niece on her on her own, all while running a diner/motel. Mabel meets a young couple in her diner and ends up in a murder mystery and her instinct in FIRE! I love the family aspect of the book, the small town aspect, how we subtly covered racial injustice but didn't flood the book with it. This book was a solid debut and I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. The author's website shows that this book is the first of a series and I cannot wait to continue.
Today is publication day, go get this book. :)
Today is publication day, go get this book. :)
December 3, 2020
Honestly the first 75+ pages I was like what in the world is this book, Mabel was kind of irritating and calling everyone "Luv" it felt over the top. I pushed thru and bumped it up from a 2 star to a 3 star personally for me I would categorize this book as a YA (a kid 16+ could read, there is reference to drugs) I feel like towards the end you can really get into the story Mabel reminds me of a nosey grandma that wants to help everyone and do right in the world. It's an "okay" book but it's NOT a mystery/thriller AT ALL if so it's incredibly mild/meek and personally I've read so much better. It was an engaging book just honestly not what I was expecting at all and I wouldn't read the other series.
March 5, 2021
Loved the first debut. Cant wait to see the progression of Mabel in the series.
April 1, 2021
As a Book Reviewer, I received a Free ebook copy of Heart of a Runaway Girl (A Mabel Davison Mystery), which is the debut novel of Trevor Wiltzen.
About the Book:
Mabel Davison is doing her best to raise her son, daughter, and niece, while running a motel and diner in a small mountain town. Mabel has a heart for people, and one day she notices a young couple in a back booth having an argument. The next thing she knows the town sheriff is telling her the young girl was brutally murdered and he has arrested the young black boyfriend that was with her in the diner.
Mabel is certain the boyfriend didn’t do it, and she starts poking around trying to find out who did, but it isn’t long before she pokes the local drug traders and makes some enemies. The sheriff tries to convince her to keep her nose out of things and says she needs to focus on taking care of her kids and her business, but Mabel cares to much to let an innocent man go to prison. But what she finds placing her and others in danger.
My Review:
Mabel Davison is a very likeable character with a big heart. She’s the kind of person everyone wishes they knew and called “friend”. She works hard and loves harder. She believes in truth and justice and personal rights and freedoms.
Trevor Wiltzen has done a great job with this first mystery novel in the Mabel Davison Mystery series. The story and characters are believable, and the small mountain town could be almost anywhere in 1980s America. Mr. Wiltzen draws the reader into the lives of Mabel and her family and soon the reader is rooting for Mabel in her determination to get to the truth. Things get intense and keep the reader on the edge of their seat, turning pages as Mabel faces some of the drug traders and heart-stopping danger comes to Mabel’s door.
Heart of a Runaway Girl is an outstanding debut mystery novel with a lovable amateur sleuth as the main character. I enjoyed the twists and turns that kept me guessing as to “whodunnit” til near the very end. I look forward to reading more Mabel Davison mysteries in the future.
I will mention that there is some violence in this book, but it is not graphic. There is also some profanity, but it is used sparingly and the characters who use it wouldn’t be as believable without it. The story also shows that Mabel believes in God, but this comes out in little bits and pieces and is not dwelt upon or preachy.
I give Heart of a Runaway Girl 5 stars.
About the Book:
Mabel Davison is doing her best to raise her son, daughter, and niece, while running a motel and diner in a small mountain town. Mabel has a heart for people, and one day she notices a young couple in a back booth having an argument. The next thing she knows the town sheriff is telling her the young girl was brutally murdered and he has arrested the young black boyfriend that was with her in the diner.
Mabel is certain the boyfriend didn’t do it, and she starts poking around trying to find out who did, but it isn’t long before she pokes the local drug traders and makes some enemies. The sheriff tries to convince her to keep her nose out of things and says she needs to focus on taking care of her kids and her business, but Mabel cares to much to let an innocent man go to prison. But what she finds placing her and others in danger.
My Review:
Mabel Davison is a very likeable character with a big heart. She’s the kind of person everyone wishes they knew and called “friend”. She works hard and loves harder. She believes in truth and justice and personal rights and freedoms.
Trevor Wiltzen has done a great job with this first mystery novel in the Mabel Davison Mystery series. The story and characters are believable, and the small mountain town could be almost anywhere in 1980s America. Mr. Wiltzen draws the reader into the lives of Mabel and her family and soon the reader is rooting for Mabel in her determination to get to the truth. Things get intense and keep the reader on the edge of their seat, turning pages as Mabel faces some of the drug traders and heart-stopping danger comes to Mabel’s door.
Heart of a Runaway Girl is an outstanding debut mystery novel with a lovable amateur sleuth as the main character. I enjoyed the twists and turns that kept me guessing as to “whodunnit” til near the very end. I look forward to reading more Mabel Davison mysteries in the future.
I will mention that there is some violence in this book, but it is not graphic. There is also some profanity, but it is used sparingly and the characters who use it wouldn’t be as believable without it. The story also shows that Mabel believes in God, but this comes out in little bits and pieces and is not dwelt upon or preachy.
I give Heart of a Runaway Girl 5 stars.
July 4, 2023
Heart of a Runaway Girl by Trevor Wiltzen
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 5/5
WOW! This is an amazingly well written book about a small town in the 1980s’ when white supremacy, drugs and racism were common practice. However this town, Blue River, has been taken over by just those things and even the local sheriff seems to have no power to control it. The racist drug dealer thugs have a leader, Larsen, and it seems nothing is done without his permission.
Mabel Davison is a local motel owner and waitress who is truly a firecracker at heart yet is also empathetic and caring…..makes for a great character. Always wearing a smile and eager to make your day brighter. She works hard and even harder making sure you enjoy a good cup of coffee and a plate of food. The motel she owns is going through a little construction and luckily for her the workers are coming into the diner for food. One afternoon she noticed Winston, a local young black man sitting in a booth with Karen a white 18 yr old and the two were in a heated discussion. As time passed, Mabel looked again and noticed they were gone.
Shortly afterward, the sheriff came in and explained they had found a dead girl that had been raped and murdered. They were looking for the last person seen with her. Of course Mabel knew it was Winston and after she informed the sheriff he was off to arrest him. Once the local mob of racist thugs found out, they wanted to have vigilante justice but Mabel showed up at just the right time. That however did not go over well with the locals and since her boys went to school with theirs, she had to become a protective mama bear.
Mabel decides that she is going to investigate the murder herself. She takes down the drug lords and criminals in order for justice to be done. But what is the justice this town needs? Can she find the real killer or is it Winston after all?
The dialect is perfect and spot on and the characters are absolutely malicious, except for Mabel who is well developed and the Wiltzen does a great job of bringing out he vulnerabilities. The story has a great pace to it and is maintained with everything needed to keep the readers interest. I could not stop eating this book and hope to read more by this author.
Release Date January 10, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 5/5
WOW! This is an amazingly well written book about a small town in the 1980s’ when white supremacy, drugs and racism were common practice. However this town, Blue River, has been taken over by just those things and even the local sheriff seems to have no power to control it. The racist drug dealer thugs have a leader, Larsen, and it seems nothing is done without his permission.
Mabel Davison is a local motel owner and waitress who is truly a firecracker at heart yet is also empathetic and caring…..makes for a great character. Always wearing a smile and eager to make your day brighter. She works hard and even harder making sure you enjoy a good cup of coffee and a plate of food. The motel she owns is going through a little construction and luckily for her the workers are coming into the diner for food. One afternoon she noticed Winston, a local young black man sitting in a booth with Karen a white 18 yr old and the two were in a heated discussion. As time passed, Mabel looked again and noticed they were gone.
Shortly afterward, the sheriff came in and explained they had found a dead girl that had been raped and murdered. They were looking for the last person seen with her. Of course Mabel knew it was Winston and after she informed the sheriff he was off to arrest him. Once the local mob of racist thugs found out, they wanted to have vigilante justice but Mabel showed up at just the right time. That however did not go over well with the locals and since her boys went to school with theirs, she had to become a protective mama bear.
Mabel decides that she is going to investigate the murder herself. She takes down the drug lords and criminals in order for justice to be done. But what is the justice this town needs? Can she find the real killer or is it Winston after all?
The dialect is perfect and spot on and the characters are absolutely malicious, except for Mabel who is well developed and the Wiltzen does a great job of bringing out he vulnerabilities. The story has a great pace to it and is maintained with everything needed to keep the readers interest. I could not stop eating this book and hope to read more by this author.
Release Date January 10, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
September 4, 2021
This is not at all my usual read or genre, but I decided to give it a go and really enjoyed it. Mabel is a relatable character, a bit quirky, somewhat blind to her own limitations at times, but passionate and warm and dedicated to making the world a better place. You can't help but root for her. I loved how vivid the characters felt, including the unlikeable ones, and the nuance in the ones painted in shades of grey, like the sheriff. I really appreciated the author addressing themes around racism and sexism, especially in a debut novel.
This is largely a 4 star review because there is a point of view shift somewhat late in the book. I totally understand why the author felt this was necessary but it pulled me out somewhat and I would have liked to have seen him find a way to convey the necessary information whilst keeping us in Mabel's head. That said, I'm deeply passionate about 3rd person limited POV, so it may not affect your enjoyment of this book.
This is largely a 4 star review because there is a point of view shift somewhat late in the book. I totally understand why the author felt this was necessary but it pulled me out somewhat and I would have liked to have seen him find a way to convey the necessary information whilst keeping us in Mabel's head. That said, I'm deeply passionate about 3rd person limited POV, so it may not affect your enjoyment of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
Set in a small town in America in the '80s, Mabel is an upbeat, strong-willed, caring woman who juggles working in a diner and caring for her sons and niece. One day a girl comes into the diner with her boyfriend who she is arguing with, and something about her concerns Mabel. The girl is later discovered murdered and her boyfriend is accused. Mabel has her doubts that he is the killer and suspects racism is playing a part. She starts her own investigation, which leads to uncovering corruption in the town and puts her in danger. But she isn't going to give up until the truth is out and the boy is free.
A good book to pass the time.
A good book to pass the time.
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