Death of an Editor: A Cabin by the Lake Mystery

A Cabin by the Lake Mystery #1

by Linda Norlander

Jamie Forest, a native New Yorker, has escaped the city for the quiet of a Minnesota Northwoods lake only to become the prime suspect in a murder. After the death of her father, a divorce and a traumatic experience with the New York police, Jamie settles into the old family cabin to eke out a living as a freelance editor.

As a member of a local environmental group, she clashes with the editor of the county newspaper over the development of a copper and nickel mining operation. Her peace is shattered when the editor is murdered, and her business card is found with the body.

Genres: Book Club, Mystery

267 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Chelle Eastman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of good mystery series, I am now anxiously waiting for the second book in “The Cabin by the Lake Mystery” series. In book #1, “Death of an Editor,” Jamie Forest wants to restart her life by moving out of New York City. Hoping for a nice quiet life, she lands in northern Minnesota in a town full of fascinating small-town characters with larger than small-town intrigue. This author knows how to spin a tale. The plot is well constructed - mysterious without being confusing. The characters are interesting and I’m eager to learn more about them in the next volumes. And, did I mention there is a lovable dog? This is a wonderful debut novel by a talented writer.

[Sharon Wildfang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It contained many of my favorite elements - a great mystery (with numerous twists and turns), set in a locale I am familiar with, and an endearing dog. It also involved great character development with characters you could relate to. The other aspect I really liked was how prior events were woven into the novel. (I often find it disconcerting when different chapters take place in different time periods.) Can't wait for the next one!!

[Joni Hubred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This suspenseful mystery set in northern Minnesota kept me turning pages all the way through to the end. Shortly after she moves into a family cabin, N.Y. transplant and book editor Jamie Forest becomes a suspect in the death of a small town newspaper editor. Following the threads and clues was a fun challenge, and I thought I had everything figured out until one final, stunning revelation. It's hard to know who to trust in this book, which makes it all the more interesting.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Minnesotan, I immediately requested this book from the library after reading about it. It takes place in northern Minnesota where portions of the community often clash over issues of environment and development.

It is a good mystery whose central character moves back to her late mother's cabin in the woods to recover from a traumatizing experience in Queens, NY. The novel is original and good fun, but I could have used with a bit less foreshadowing by the dog.

[Harold Shuckhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel with a strong female lead character.

Ms. Norlander has created a strong, likeable, woman as the main character in a novel that looks at gender and racial stereotypes in rural Minnesota.

[Coffee Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book! There were so many side stories that kept me intrigued right up to the end.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. A lot of secrets and nobody's talking. Somewhat neatly tied up in the end but I still had questions.

[Trudy Ackerblade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Death of an Editor. It was a nice little mystery and I enjoy reading books based in Minnesota. I found it a bit lackluster in the end.

[Harlequin Books]

Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Cabin by the Lake Mystery

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She really captured Minnesota culture.

[Charlotte Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting, the plot and the engaging characters. Including the dog, Bronte. It was a fun read from start to finish.

[Chelle Eastman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a great mystery, very well constructed. The book is full of details that breathe life into it. The characters are perfect. It is obvious that the author lived in northern Minnesota as her descriptions of the locale, the weather, the insects, and the people are spot on. I was immersed in the story, not just reading it. If Cascade, Minnesota really existed, I feel like I could easily drive into town find the local watering hole and recognize the waitress. , the school, the lake, and the boarded-up motel. This is the second novel in this series. I wish I didn’t have to wait a year for the next one.

[Coffee Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good mystery.

I read the first book, Death of an Editor, and was happy to read another mystery involving Jamie. Some of the characters from the first book return which I enjoyed. The suspense kept me intrigued right up to the very end.

[Sharon Wildfang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this down - dinner was delayed as a result! Great descriptions - I felt like I was there. And many twists and turns. Fabulous mystery!