What do you think?
Rate this book
Sgt. Windflower Mysteries #11
Buried Secrets
RCMP Sergeant Winston Windflower is at a crossroads as career opportunities intrude on his near-perfect life in the blustery paradise of Grand Bank, Newfoundland.
Just as the pandemic ends, the little oceanside communities are rocked by the murders of prominent figures, an RCMP Staff Sergeant in St. John’s and a minister in Grand Bank, and it’s implied that there are national security implications to at least one crime. There’s also a sinister new character hanging around doing the parish’s dirty work.
Windflower finds himself a primary investigator, balancing work, potential major changes, and life with a young family while seeking guidance from his ancestral teachings and dreams.
Are the crimes connected, and can Windflower and his team find the killer before they strike again? As the police work becomes more complicated and even dangerous, Sgt. Windflower finds time to enjoy his family, his friends and always some great food.
Come back to Grand Bank for another great adventure in Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.
Just as the pandemic ends, the little oceanside communities are rocked by the murders of prominent figures, an RCMP Staff Sergeant in St. John’s and a minister in Grand Bank, and it’s implied that there are national security implications to at least one crime. There’s also a sinister new character hanging around doing the parish’s dirty work.
Windflower finds himself a primary investigator, balancing work, potential major changes, and life with a young family while seeking guidance from his ancestral teachings and dreams.
Are the crimes connected, and can Windflower and his team find the killer before they strike again? As the police work becomes more complicated and even dangerous, Sgt. Windflower finds time to enjoy his family, his friends and always some great food.
Come back to Grand Bank for another great adventure in Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2021
18 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 18, 2021
I wish to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and author Mike Martin for Buried Secrets in return for an honest review. This is the 11th book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. I had not read any of the earlier books but have already downloaded three previous books in the series. I want to learn more about this unique RCMP officer and his criminal investigations. The cover of the book is gorgeous. Its title is one that is overused. To search for this book, I found numerous ones with identical titles.
The pandemic seems to be easing in Newfoundland to the point that most restrictions have been lifted and lockdowns are no longer mandated. Martin Windflower had been temporarily assigned to RCMP headquarters in St. John's, where he worked for the public outreach division. His Staff Sergeant in St. John's had been murdered, and that case is yet unsolved. Now Wildflower is happy to rejoin his young family in the town of Grand Bank. He is pleased to reunite with his family and renew his life with old friends he missed during the pandemic. He has the respect of the local police force for his dedication, investigative skills, kindness, and likeability.
There are joyous occasions of fellowship with descriptions of sharing delicious meals, some unique to Newfoundland. There is a vivid sense of place with atmospheric descriptions of the land, sea, and fog. Windflower is of Cree heritage and grew up in Northern Alberta. He is deeply attuned to Cree spirituality through the influence of his family. He looks for guidance through ancestral teachings, prophetic dreams, and smudging rituals. His uncle living nearby is a dream-weaver and helps Windflower interpret his dreams and visions. Of course, he also relies on the investigative techniques of the RCMP. He finds he must balance his criminal cases with family life.
An elderly minister has been murdered in Grand Bank, and Windflower is asked to lead the investigation. The female minister is rumored to be overly fond of men in RCMP uniform. A sinister person has arrived in the community and is impeding the investigation into the murder. There seems to be a connection between the murder of the minister in Grand Bank and the killing of the officer in St. John's, and the cases may have security implications. Will both cases be eventually solved? Will Wildflower remain with the RCMP force in Grand Bank, take an assignment elsewhere, or decide to resign to spend more time with family and friends?
This was an intriguing mystery but also relied on the love of family, friends, fellowship, and the atmospheric setting of coastal Newfoundland and its people. I am looking forward to getting to learn more about Sgt. Windflower, his crime-solving, his family, and his spirituality through previous books in the series. I found the book slow-paced at first but enjoyed it more when it got into the police work. 3.5 raised to 4 stars.
The pandemic seems to be easing in Newfoundland to the point that most restrictions have been lifted and lockdowns are no longer mandated. Martin Windflower had been temporarily assigned to RCMP headquarters in St. John's, where he worked for the public outreach division. His Staff Sergeant in St. John's had been murdered, and that case is yet unsolved. Now Wildflower is happy to rejoin his young family in the town of Grand Bank. He is pleased to reunite with his family and renew his life with old friends he missed during the pandemic. He has the respect of the local police force for his dedication, investigative skills, kindness, and likeability.
There are joyous occasions of fellowship with descriptions of sharing delicious meals, some unique to Newfoundland. There is a vivid sense of place with atmospheric descriptions of the land, sea, and fog. Windflower is of Cree heritage and grew up in Northern Alberta. He is deeply attuned to Cree spirituality through the influence of his family. He looks for guidance through ancestral teachings, prophetic dreams, and smudging rituals. His uncle living nearby is a dream-weaver and helps Windflower interpret his dreams and visions. Of course, he also relies on the investigative techniques of the RCMP. He finds he must balance his criminal cases with family life.
An elderly minister has been murdered in Grand Bank, and Windflower is asked to lead the investigation. The female minister is rumored to be overly fond of men in RCMP uniform. A sinister person has arrived in the community and is impeding the investigation into the murder. There seems to be a connection between the murder of the minister in Grand Bank and the killing of the officer in St. John's, and the cases may have security implications. Will both cases be eventually solved? Will Wildflower remain with the RCMP force in Grand Bank, take an assignment elsewhere, or decide to resign to spend more time with family and friends?
This was an intriguing mystery but also relied on the love of family, friends, fellowship, and the atmospheric setting of coastal Newfoundland and its people. I am looking forward to getting to learn more about Sgt. Windflower, his crime-solving, his family, and his spirituality through previous books in the series. I found the book slow-paced at first but enjoyed it more when it got into the police work. 3.5 raised to 4 stars.
December 9, 2021
Another satisfying Windflower chronicle!
Sergeant Winston Windflower (RCMP) of Newfoundland and his wonderful family are once again swept up in murder and discord. I just adore the Windflower family, their rituals, the play between them all, and the lovely attention to food as a centralising theme for friends and community.
When the Minister of a Grand Bank church is murdered Windflower is redeployed to assist. Questions come to light about the parish hierarchy and how it operates.
At the same time, one of the girls in the pilot program designed to help those forced into the sex trade transition into a new life, has vanished.
Solving crime takes on new momentum as Windflower turns to his spiritual practices to help focus his thoughts, and his Spiritual guides for growth.
Reading a Windflower story, his particular insights around the solving of crime, coupled with watching his family grow, is a joy.
Windflower is also questioning his future. Now that’s exciting!
A BooksGoSocial ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Sergeant Winston Windflower (RCMP) of Newfoundland and his wonderful family are once again swept up in murder and discord. I just adore the Windflower family, their rituals, the play between them all, and the lovely attention to food as a centralising theme for friends and community.
When the Minister of a Grand Bank church is murdered Windflower is redeployed to assist. Questions come to light about the parish hierarchy and how it operates.
At the same time, one of the girls in the pilot program designed to help those forced into the sex trade transition into a new life, has vanished.
Solving crime takes on new momentum as Windflower turns to his spiritual practices to help focus his thoughts, and his Spiritual guides for growth.
Reading a Windflower story, his particular insights around the solving of crime, coupled with watching his family grow, is a joy.
Windflower is also questioning his future. Now that’s exciting!
A BooksGoSocial ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
March 18, 2022
Buried Secrets finds Windflower looking forward to being back home in Grand Bank, his stint as public outreach officer in St John’s almost over. He’s missed spending time with his family since they returned earlier.
Although Windflower is reassigned to Grand Bank there’s a murder to solve in St John’s. The body of Staff Sergeant Alison Morecombe has been found at her home, soon to be ruled a murder. Almost immediately another murder is reported in Grand Bank. The Reverend Bob Prowse, who was not a diabetic, was discovered dead from an insulin overdose.
Windflower has his work cut out between the two cases, but that’s not all as one of rescued the victims of the sex trafficking trade has gone missing. But Windflower has his native Cree customs and practices to sustain him, not mention his close family, even if some of them are in the dream world.
Another enjoyable episode in this series with the beautifully scenic backdrop of Newfoundland and a cast of likeable characters.
Although Windflower is reassigned to Grand Bank there’s a murder to solve in St John’s. The body of Staff Sergeant Alison Morecombe has been found at her home, soon to be ruled a murder. Almost immediately another murder is reported in Grand Bank. The Reverend Bob Prowse, who was not a diabetic, was discovered dead from an insulin overdose.
Windflower has his work cut out between the two cases, but that’s not all as one of rescued the victims of the sex trafficking trade has gone missing. But Windflower has his native Cree customs and practices to sustain him, not mention his close family, even if some of them are in the dream world.
Another enjoyable episode in this series with the beautifully scenic backdrop of Newfoundland and a cast of likeable characters.
February 8, 2025
Once again I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Grand Bank and all the colorful characters that populate this series. In this installment we find Sergeant Windflower seriously considering a change in his career, something that he has been pondering for a while. As he has become a family man, the risks of his job have become more worrying, and he is being worn down by seeing the dark side humanity repeatedly. I think this is likely something most law enforcement officers go through, and the addition of this angst to this mostly light series adds a dimension of reality that is sometimes missing in its cutesy Newfoundland kitsch. The mystery in this novel is quite well put together with plenty of twists and turns. This book is set in 2020 and I expected more pandemic references, but I think it illustrates that Newfoundland, as an island, experienced the pandemic somewhat differently than other parts of Canada. I am rather irritated that for the second time that I have noticed in the series the author has changed the first name of one of the minor characters for no apparent reason.
October 10, 2021
Another Cozy Mystery with Winston Windflower!
I love this series with the protagonist, Winston Windflower of the RCMP. I have read all the books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed each mystery.
It feels like coming home to read about Winston, his wife and children, the cozy dinners, delicious recipes of fish and meats, friendships, and beautiful community of Grand Banks.
Mike Martin has created a likable character in Winston. He is a kind, caring and dedicated member of the RCMP. The men under his command all respect and look up to him for counsel.
Windflower turns to his prayers and smudging taught to him by his Cree family of Northern Alberta. Whenever he has a dream he seeks advice and council from his uncle who has dream-weaving abilities.
This mystery involves murder, embezzlement, sex trafficking and trouble within the RCMP. Winston is troubled by some of the evidence and finds himself questioning whether he wants to continue doing this job.
An enjoyable read that I hope will continue with the next chapter of Winston Windflower.
December 1, 2021
When something’s on the verge of foulness in Hamlet’s hamlet — or wherever — Billy, the Bard of Avon, has Marcellus (Whoever that is. I simply asked Mr. Google to find the quotation.) speak this line: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
When foulness is afoot in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, Mike Martin has RCMP Sgt. Winston Windflower say this: “Something fishy is going on inside the church.”
And that’s the truth in Buried Secrets [Ottawa Press and Publishing], Martin’s latest Sgt. Windflower yarn.
Although Windflower already is part of the investigation into the suspicious death of Staff Sergeant Alison Morecombe in St. John’s, he is reassigned to his regular detachment in Grand Bank to investigate the death of Reverend Prowse — a pillar of Grand Bank’s church, as they say.
Elijah Woods, a preacher man from Marystown on the opposite side of the Burin Peninsula from Grand Bank, is among the first people Windflower questions about Reverend Prowse’s passing.
An aside: Elijah Woods. For the entire novel, despite that tacked on s, my noggin was incapable of picturing said preacher as looking like anyone except Frodo Baggins in those Lord of the Rings movies. (Sorry, Mike, ol’ man, I couldn’t help it.)
Okay, first things first. Windflower has a long drive from St. John’s to Grand Bank. En route, following instructions from his wife, Sheila, he stops at the Irving station in Goobies for a loaf of ‘lassie bread.
Loaf of ‘lassie bread under his arm, so to speak, Windflower arrives home where his two daughters — Amelia Louise and Stella — and his faithful dog Lady, meet him at the door. Windflower romps with his daughters, walks his dog, eats a feed that — no doubt — includes the ‘lassie bread, and canoodles with his Honey.
Eventually, next day, he gets on with the Grand Bank investigation in tenacious Windflower fashion.
Constant Readers know that Wince — a Cree originally from Pink Lake, Alberta, as Constant Readers also know — is a Dream Weaver. In this tale, aside from his Auntie Marie who regularly appears in his dreams, Windflower encounters a whale and Molly, his family’s pet cat … a cat that Windflower confesses to being half afraid of.
There’s not harm in saying Sgt. Windflower walks his way through a tangle of crime in this novel — drug usage, embezzlement, issues of national security, murder, and even some tail end leftovers from a previous human trafficking case.
Speaking of walking …
… for a "Mounted" policeman, Windflower walks a lot. Over the ten years he’s lived in Grand Bank, alone, or with family and/or his dog, he has beaten his own path — kind of like a well-established rabbit’s run — around the community. I’ve worn the legs off my noggin, in a manner of speaking, trying to keep up with him.
Sort of a weaver himself, Mike Martin shuttles characters, crime, and local cuisine, I suppose, through one more of his gem-dandy Windflower chronicles.
But Mike b’y, one scrap plugs my puddick.
Regarding Reverend Prowse’s death before it is deemed a homicide, Inspector Quigley says, “He was in his seventies, so not totally a surprise.”
In his seventies! Not a surprise!
For frig sake, Mike, those are ominous words for this septuagenarian scribbler to read.
Thank you for reading.
When foulness is afoot in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, Mike Martin has RCMP Sgt. Winston Windflower say this: “Something fishy is going on inside the church.”
And that’s the truth in Buried Secrets [Ottawa Press and Publishing], Martin’s latest Sgt. Windflower yarn.
Although Windflower already is part of the investigation into the suspicious death of Staff Sergeant Alison Morecombe in St. John’s, he is reassigned to his regular detachment in Grand Bank to investigate the death of Reverend Prowse — a pillar of Grand Bank’s church, as they say.
Elijah Woods, a preacher man from Marystown on the opposite side of the Burin Peninsula from Grand Bank, is among the first people Windflower questions about Reverend Prowse’s passing.
An aside: Elijah Woods. For the entire novel, despite that tacked on s, my noggin was incapable of picturing said preacher as looking like anyone except Frodo Baggins in those Lord of the Rings movies. (Sorry, Mike, ol’ man, I couldn’t help it.)
Okay, first things first. Windflower has a long drive from St. John’s to Grand Bank. En route, following instructions from his wife, Sheila, he stops at the Irving station in Goobies for a loaf of ‘lassie bread.
Loaf of ‘lassie bread under his arm, so to speak, Windflower arrives home where his two daughters — Amelia Louise and Stella — and his faithful dog Lady, meet him at the door. Windflower romps with his daughters, walks his dog, eats a feed that — no doubt — includes the ‘lassie bread, and canoodles with his Honey.
Eventually, next day, he gets on with the Grand Bank investigation in tenacious Windflower fashion.
Constant Readers know that Wince — a Cree originally from Pink Lake, Alberta, as Constant Readers also know — is a Dream Weaver. In this tale, aside from his Auntie Marie who regularly appears in his dreams, Windflower encounters a whale and Molly, his family’s pet cat … a cat that Windflower confesses to being half afraid of.
There’s not harm in saying Sgt. Windflower walks his way through a tangle of crime in this novel — drug usage, embezzlement, issues of national security, murder, and even some tail end leftovers from a previous human trafficking case.
Speaking of walking …
… for a "Mounted" policeman, Windflower walks a lot. Over the ten years he’s lived in Grand Bank, alone, or with family and/or his dog, he has beaten his own path — kind of like a well-established rabbit’s run — around the community. I’ve worn the legs off my noggin, in a manner of speaking, trying to keep up with him.
Sort of a weaver himself, Mike Martin shuttles characters, crime, and local cuisine, I suppose, through one more of his gem-dandy Windflower chronicles.
But Mike b’y, one scrap plugs my puddick.
Regarding Reverend Prowse’s death before it is deemed a homicide, Inspector Quigley says, “He was in his seventies, so not totally a surprise.”
In his seventies! Not a surprise!
For frig sake, Mike, those are ominous words for this septuagenarian scribbler to read.
Thank you for reading.
October 26, 2021
Reading the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series is like hanging out with family and friends. Author Mike Martin has a way with his writing that your eyes breeze over the words and you instantly connect with Windflower and whatever he is dealing with in his life....and that is usually a lot !!!
In Buried Secrets, the eleventh book in this series Windflower has a lot on his plate with a few cases that he is working on hitting close to home and things in his personal life are causing him some turmoil as well. Luckily for Windflower his work with the communications section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in St. John's is coming to an end sooner than expected as he is needed for more important things back home in Grand Bank. Unfortunately a previous boss, Staff Sergeant Alison Morecombe, who is on leave from her job at the time, is found dead in her home in St. John's and it is shortly ruled murder. However before Windflower can do anything with that case, he is called back to Grand Bank to look into the death of beloved Reverend Bob Prowse who is found dead in his bath tub. Upon a closer look and autopsy, it is discovered that Reverend Bob's death was from insulin poisoning but he was not diabetic.
While Windflower gets back into the groove of things in Grand Bank with the job, employees and cases, he is also getting reaquainted with his wife, Sheila, their 2 daughters and his Uncle Frank....not to mention all the friends in town.
No matter what Windflower has on his plate, he has no problem handling it, whether it is food or life. And in Buried Secrets he has a lot of things to address. One thing he is having trouble with has to deal with the job so he turns to Creator and the dream world side with his Auntie Marie guiding him through it.
Readers by now know that when Windflower is on the case, you can be assured of it being solved and in Buried Secrets there are a few cases that he is deep into....readers will love reading about his take control manner and how he handles whatever comes his way and the things that come his way will make your jaw drop !! And when things in his personal life begin to get cloudy for him, you know that even though its foggy, he will be able to see clearly soon enough.
I love the relationships in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. I love the customs that he follows with the smudging, prayer and the dream world he connects with. Readers cannot help but long for the life that Windflower and Sheila have with each other and the friends they have in Grand Bank. And even though it was foggy throughout my time in Grand Bank, I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to get back to see where Martin is going to take the story......
In Buried Secrets, the eleventh book in this series Windflower has a lot on his plate with a few cases that he is working on hitting close to home and things in his personal life are causing him some turmoil as well. Luckily for Windflower his work with the communications section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in St. John's is coming to an end sooner than expected as he is needed for more important things back home in Grand Bank. Unfortunately a previous boss, Staff Sergeant Alison Morecombe, who is on leave from her job at the time, is found dead in her home in St. John's and it is shortly ruled murder. However before Windflower can do anything with that case, he is called back to Grand Bank to look into the death of beloved Reverend Bob Prowse who is found dead in his bath tub. Upon a closer look and autopsy, it is discovered that Reverend Bob's death was from insulin poisoning but he was not diabetic.
While Windflower gets back into the groove of things in Grand Bank with the job, employees and cases, he is also getting reaquainted with his wife, Sheila, their 2 daughters and his Uncle Frank....not to mention all the friends in town.
No matter what Windflower has on his plate, he has no problem handling it, whether it is food or life. And in Buried Secrets he has a lot of things to address. One thing he is having trouble with has to deal with the job so he turns to Creator and the dream world side with his Auntie Marie guiding him through it.
Readers by now know that when Windflower is on the case, you can be assured of it being solved and in Buried Secrets there are a few cases that he is deep into....readers will love reading about his take control manner and how he handles whatever comes his way and the things that come his way will make your jaw drop !! And when things in his personal life begin to get cloudy for him, you know that even though its foggy, he will be able to see clearly soon enough.
I love the relationships in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. I love the customs that he follows with the smudging, prayer and the dream world he connects with. Readers cannot help but long for the life that Windflower and Sheila have with each other and the friends they have in Grand Bank. And even though it was foggy throughout my time in Grand Bank, I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to get back to see where Martin is going to take the story......
November 12, 2021
Mike Martin brings the current world events into the eleventh book of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. I have not read any of the previous books, so to jump in at book eleven felt crazy. However, Buried Secrets does read as a stand alone and I was absolutely able to enjoy the mysterious and cozy feel of this novel without reading the other ten books first. Buried Secrets is perfect for reading this time of year during Autumn and certainly for Winter too.
As if a pandemic that feels like a complete shut down for a very small area is not enough. Then, when life starts to become “normal” again, there are murders to add to the mix. There are other aspects going on that feel as though having those murders to focus on is something of a relief. There are also mentions of open and closed cases of missing young women. Cases of girls, sex trafficking’s, drugs, troubled teens. It’s all part of what Sgt. Windflower and his friends make part of their work, to get those girls help, off the streets, into good, safe places. That and investigating murder is the build. These things create personalities for Sgt. Windflower and the people in his life. The focus is how Sgt. Windflower deals with his work, his spirit, his family and with everything around him.
The backdrop is described in long drives with the beautiful scenery of nature, a loving family and many spiritual practices, all in a small community where everyone knows everyone. Sgt. Windflower is portrayed as a spiritualist attuned with the earth, his ancestors and the connection with all things that sparks an incredibly interesting setting. That mindset provides a stable and calm character that leads the story as well as the investigations into the murders and other ongoing cases. The mood set in this story is an easy going, charming, good kind of vibe. Something to really get cozy with on a cold winter night.
I love the writing style of the author Mike Martin. A feel-good story with plenty of sharp details that kept everything rolling and building. It was incredibly easy to fall in love with the characters and to connect with Sgt. Windflower.
As if a pandemic that feels like a complete shut down for a very small area is not enough. Then, when life starts to become “normal” again, there are murders to add to the mix. There are other aspects going on that feel as though having those murders to focus on is something of a relief. There are also mentions of open and closed cases of missing young women. Cases of girls, sex trafficking’s, drugs, troubled teens. It’s all part of what Sgt. Windflower and his friends make part of their work, to get those girls help, off the streets, into good, safe places. That and investigating murder is the build. These things create personalities for Sgt. Windflower and the people in his life. The focus is how Sgt. Windflower deals with his work, his spirit, his family and with everything around him.
The backdrop is described in long drives with the beautiful scenery of nature, a loving family and many spiritual practices, all in a small community where everyone knows everyone. Sgt. Windflower is portrayed as a spiritualist attuned with the earth, his ancestors and the connection with all things that sparks an incredibly interesting setting. That mindset provides a stable and calm character that leads the story as well as the investigations into the murders and other ongoing cases. The mood set in this story is an easy going, charming, good kind of vibe. Something to really get cozy with on a cold winter night.
I love the writing style of the author Mike Martin. A feel-good story with plenty of sharp details that kept everything rolling and building. It was incredibly easy to fall in love with the characters and to connect with Sgt. Windflower.
October 10, 2021
Sgt. Winston Windflower is on temporary assignment in St. John’s, working the public relations angle for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and sporadically getting to go home to his beloved Grand Bank on the weekends. St. Johns, like the rest of the world, is working through the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic. Windflower gets drawn in o the investigation of the murder of his former RCMP public outreach supervisor. The case becomes even more complicated when Windflower learns her husband is under the watchful eye of the RCMP National Security Criminal Investigations Program. Another death Winston is asked to investigate on the quiet may be related to the first death
Windflower has his hands full with the various investigations, all the while trying to sort out his personal life – will he stay in St. John’s, take a promotion somewhere else, or maybe give up being a Mountie?
I have enjoyed each book in this series, and Book 11 was no exception. The plot was topical (Covid, governmental shenanigans, girls trying to get out of the sex trade, office politics, religious interference in one of the murder investigations) and well-handled. There’s a good balance of investigation and home life. I appreciate that real world topics are sensitively addressed. The stories hold my interest, but don’t give me agita.
I am always sad when I finish a Windflower book, because it’s like leaving an old friend. I’m more anxious with this book 11 because I really want to know which path Windflower chooses and what happens in his life. I hope there are more in this series.
October 24, 2021
Set in stunning Newfoundland, this mystery story is written simply and uniquely. The geographical descriptions are as inspiring as the beautiful commercial depictions on (real life) TV! RCMP Sgt. Winston Windflower returns home from an assignment to his lovely wife and two imaginative young daughters. His task now is to discover why two people have been killed. One was an RCMP officer, the other a minister. But there is more to the story than murder. Who is responsible for the crimes? Winston's Cree background comes out, especially in his traditions and dreams with his sage Auntie Marie.
My favourite aspects of the story are the family time...playing games, visiting, breakfasting and playing together and the wonderful food descriptions such as stews, scrunchions and seafood casseroles. It evokes home, safety and security. As a Canadian, I enjoy the Canadianisms.
If you seek stories with mystery and comfy home life, do read this series. I like that it is different.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this original book. The ending has me incredibly curious!
My favourite aspects of the story are the family time...playing games, visiting, breakfasting and playing together and the wonderful food descriptions such as stews, scrunchions and seafood casseroles. It evokes home, safety and security. As a Canadian, I enjoy the Canadianisms.
If you seek stories with mystery and comfy home life, do read this series. I like that it is different.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this original book. The ending has me incredibly curious!
October 16, 2021
Sgt Windflower is back in the 11th book of the series. This time, he is at the end of the pandemic in his little peaceful town and finds a new investigation for him to focus on: national security and murders amongst them. Leading a family also presents him with interesting challenges and Sgt Windflower will have to figure out what is truly important to him.
I’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, and I enjoyed this one as well. The storytelling is well balanced with the character building and the mystery of the story. This one has some more drama to it as there is more going on in the MC personal life, but I liked it as it was a departure from the previous books.
I’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, and I enjoyed this one as well. The storytelling is well balanced with the character building and the mystery of the story. This one has some more drama to it as there is more going on in the MC personal life, but I liked it as it was a departure from the previous books.
November 23, 2021
Thanks to Mike Martin and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to preview the latest in the Sgt. Windflower series. I thoroughly enjoy these books and always look forward to new ones.
In this book, Sgt. Windflower is investigating several murders and there are national security issues involved. The police procedural is well done, but it is only part of the treat of reading these books. As we read the newspapers or watch TV, we only hear about the "business" part of police officers' lives. It is refreshing to read about the private sides of their lives and how they have to balance commitment to their work and love for their families.
In this book, Sgt. Windflower is investigating several murders and there are national security issues involved. The police procedural is well done, but it is only part of the treat of reading these books. As we read the newspapers or watch TV, we only hear about the "business" part of police officers' lives. It is refreshing to read about the private sides of their lives and how they have to balance commitment to their work and love for their families.
December 17, 2021
Buried Secrets is the 11th book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series, although I have not read every one of the books I probably have read over half of them to date. This has been a unique series and I fell in love with Sgt. Windflower and his sweet little family. I especially find it interesting to learn about his heritage an how he interacts with the spirit world. This book was action packed with several different storylines that eventually all seemed to meld into one. I definitely would recommend this book to others. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and the opinion expressed here are my own.
April 13, 2022
The kind-hearted, family-loving Mountie is back in a new novel, which is, as usual, perfect for warming the cockles of your heart. That's not to say that all is well in Grand Bank though. The normally calm and near perfect region in Newfoundland is rocked by a series of murders of prominent figures - an RCMP staff sergeant in St John's (who was actually Winston's old supervisor) and a minister in Grand Bank.
(full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...)
(full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...)
October 16, 2021
More Beautiful Grand Banks.
The further adventures of Sgt. Windflower. The mystery is slow developing but very well written. His description of the people and the surrounding areas are lovely, and vivid. I find that the book was too chatty and rather distracting form the story. It stuck me as verging onto a better written cosy. I really enjoyed the book and recommend it.
The further adventures of Sgt. Windflower. The mystery is slow developing but very well written. His description of the people and the surrounding areas are lovely, and vivid. I find that the book was too chatty and rather distracting form the story. It stuck me as verging onto a better written cosy. I really enjoyed the book and recommend it.
January 22, 2022
This is one of those series that are not as appreciated as it should be. It's compelling, entertaining and the mysteries are solid and well crafted.
This was a good addition and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This was a good addition and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 21, 2021
another great book from Mike Martin.
Every book gets better
So enjoyed reading this series
Sad that Sgt Windflower may be retiring
But, looking forward to Mike Martins next novel
Every book gets better
So enjoyed reading this series
Sad that Sgt Windflower may be retiring
But, looking forward to Mike Martins next novel
September 21, 2023
Still enjoying this series.
December 6, 2021
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series just keeps getting better and better. Characters have more depth with each story, the plots are timely and well-planned and executed, and there is an element of suspense every time about where the future will take Winston Windflower and his loving family. In the previous book, Safe Harbour, Windflower and his family were embarking on the next step in their life journey, trying out a different job within the RCMP, furthering Sheila’s education, and enlarging their little family of 3 to 4 with the addition of foster child Stella. But something called a pandemic happened. Sheila and the children had to return to Grand Bank and all jobs were performed differently than they had been before. And now, at the start of the current story, Buried Secrets, just as Winston has adjusted to this temporary long-distance life with him in St. John’s, what looks like a suspicious death occurs in Grand Bank and he is recalled. Of course it’s not that simple. The long-distance aspect of his life now is continuing to investigate the murder of his previous boss in St. John’s.
Windflower continues to grow and mature while appearing younger and more lighthearted at the same time. We have glimpses of Crabby Windflower when something on the job really irks him, and then equally enjoyable glimpses of Playful Windflower, when he is being ridiculously silly blowing bubbles with his little girls. Early in the series he at times seemed a little too solemn and serious, but now he feels like a young man with a young family, and the life choices he is facing are entirely appropriate. He’s not rocking the boat; he’s figuring out what is best for their future. Family life is pretty good these days, a slower life of routine and family time each day, attention to good meals and time intentionally well spent. Changing any part of that is a big decision.
Author Mike Martin presents us with a large cast of characters this time around, some familiar and well-loved like Uncle Frank, Herb Stoodley, Carrie and Eddie Tizzard, Betsy Malloy
Constable Rick Smithson, and some new characters that are mysterious, unethical, devious and dangerous. The plot is complex with connections between St. John’s and Grand Bank that are revealed a little at a time. The solution to the crimes is surprising but the foundation has been well laid and carried to a very satisfactory resolution. As for what’s next for Sgt. Winston Windflower – I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Will he accept a new position? Will they have to leave Grand Bank? Will he resign from the RCMP? He looks for guidance as always through his rituals, his dreams, his inner reflections, and those he trusts and loves.
Thanks to author Martin and Ottawa Press and Publishing for providing an advance copy of Buried Secrets via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, recommend it without hesitation, and can’t wait to learn what path Winston, Sheila, Amelia Louise and Stella will take next. I hope I won’t have too long to wait. All opinions are my own.
Windflower continues to grow and mature while appearing younger and more lighthearted at the same time. We have glimpses of Crabby Windflower when something on the job really irks him, and then equally enjoyable glimpses of Playful Windflower, when he is being ridiculously silly blowing bubbles with his little girls. Early in the series he at times seemed a little too solemn and serious, but now he feels like a young man with a young family, and the life choices he is facing are entirely appropriate. He’s not rocking the boat; he’s figuring out what is best for their future. Family life is pretty good these days, a slower life of routine and family time each day, attention to good meals and time intentionally well spent. Changing any part of that is a big decision.
Author Mike Martin presents us with a large cast of characters this time around, some familiar and well-loved like Uncle Frank, Herb Stoodley, Carrie and Eddie Tizzard, Betsy Malloy
Constable Rick Smithson, and some new characters that are mysterious, unethical, devious and dangerous. The plot is complex with connections between St. John’s and Grand Bank that are revealed a little at a time. The solution to the crimes is surprising but the foundation has been well laid and carried to a very satisfactory resolution. As for what’s next for Sgt. Winston Windflower – I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Will he accept a new position? Will they have to leave Grand Bank? Will he resign from the RCMP? He looks for guidance as always through his rituals, his dreams, his inner reflections, and those he trusts and loves.
Thanks to author Martin and Ottawa Press and Publishing for providing an advance copy of Buried Secrets via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, recommend it without hesitation, and can’t wait to learn what path Winston, Sheila, Amelia Louise and Stella will take next. I hope I won’t have too long to wait. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2021
Sgt. Winston Windflower is on temporary assignment in St. John’s, working the public relations angle for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and sporadically getting to go home to his beloved Grand Bank on the weekends. St. Johns, like the rest of the world, is working through the lingering effects of the Covid pandemic. Windflower gets drawn in o the investigation of the murder of his former RCMP public outreach supervisor. The case becomes even more complicated when Windflower learns her husband is under the watchful eye of the RCMP National Security Criminal Investigations Program. Another death Winston is asked to investigate on the quiet may be related to the first death
Windflower has his hands full with the various investigations, all the while trying to sort out his personal life – will he stay in St. John’s, take a promotion somewhere else, or maybe give up being a Mountie?
I have enjoyed each book in this series, and Book 11 was no exception. The plot was topical (Covid, governmental shenanigans, girls trying to get out of the sex trade, office politics, religious interference in one of the murder investigations) and well-handled. There’s a good balance of investigation and home life. I appreciate that real world topics are sensitively addressed. The stories hold my interest, but don’t give me agita.
I am always sad when I finish a Windflower book, because it’s like leaving an old friend. I’m more anxious with this book 11 because I really want to know which path Windflower chooses and what happens in his life. I hope there are more in this series.
Windflower has his hands full with the various investigations, all the while trying to sort out his personal life – will he stay in St. John’s, take a promotion somewhere else, or maybe give up being a Mountie?
I have enjoyed each book in this series, and Book 11 was no exception. The plot was topical (Covid, governmental shenanigans, girls trying to get out of the sex trade, office politics, religious interference in one of the murder investigations) and well-handled. There’s a good balance of investigation and home life. I appreciate that real world topics are sensitively addressed. The stories hold my interest, but don’t give me agita.
I am always sad when I finish a Windflower book, because it’s like leaving an old friend. I’m more anxious with this book 11 because I really want to know which path Windflower chooses and what happens in his life. I hope there are more in this series.
October 16, 2021
Thank you, #MikeMartin for the opportunity to read the latest in the Sgt. Winston Windflower series of mysteries. I have enjoyed each and every one that I have read (have to go back and read a bunch, but that's coming).
This time out, Windflower has been seconded back to Grand Bank to deal with the death of a beloved minister - which leads to the intersection of at least one other case back from whence he had just come. It appears that there are some strange goings-on at the manse.
At the same time, Winston is continuing his internal explorations, heavily influenced by prophetic dreams involving his Auntie Marie, a whale and even a cat! They've all been sent to guide him on his continuing journey both as a husband and father but also as a RCMP officer.
When it looks as though the case of a murdered co-worker has tentacles in his current case, Windflower must navigate some sordid worlds and suspects - one of whom will seemingly do anything (maybe including murder) to keep his secret(s).
We also are taken back to his previous case, when one of the teenagers he helped has gotten into some trouble not of her own making, and Winston works hard to get her back on the straight and narrow.
One of the things I like about this series is that it's not all murder and mayhem (although there is a death-by-Moose incident that seems to affect all involved) but also an exploration of parenthood, relations and relationships, and internal struggles with spirituality,
Cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
This time out, Windflower has been seconded back to Grand Bank to deal with the death of a beloved minister - which leads to the intersection of at least one other case back from whence he had just come. It appears that there are some strange goings-on at the manse.
At the same time, Winston is continuing his internal explorations, heavily influenced by prophetic dreams involving his Auntie Marie, a whale and even a cat! They've all been sent to guide him on his continuing journey both as a husband and father but also as a RCMP officer.
When it looks as though the case of a murdered co-worker has tentacles in his current case, Windflower must navigate some sordid worlds and suspects - one of whom will seemingly do anything (maybe including murder) to keep his secret(s).
We also are taken back to his previous case, when one of the teenagers he helped has gotten into some trouble not of her own making, and Winston works hard to get her back on the straight and narrow.
One of the things I like about this series is that it's not all murder and mayhem (although there is a death-by-Moose incident that seems to affect all involved) but also an exploration of parenthood, relations and relationships, and internal struggles with spirituality,
Cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
November 7, 2021
First, I loved it! The mysteries are always well done and there are several things which need solving. But I always like to learn things along the way, like how the law enforcement agencies are arranged (Royal Newfoundland Constabulary are the most localized, RCMP detachments are situated all over the vast country, and the NCSI is the Canadian Security and Intelligence), regional foodstuffs and delights, and how Canadian law enforcement deals with misogyny in the ranks (those problems don't just vanish over the border). This has a strong plot with characters you can really relate to. The constant threads are Windflower, his small family, the larger group of friends, and Newfoundland itself. One change in the thread is that Windflower is becoming dissatisfied with all the things that every law enforcement member snags his prospects on--how much longer can he put up with the awfulness. He and Sheila are trying to work out a good plan that will keep them in Grand Bank without having to take on a position he doesn't want nor be transferred to another part of the country at the whim of the RCMP. This is also the first of a very few mysteries that have the spectre of COVID lightly woven into daily life and behaviors.
Each of the Windflower books is fully capable of standing alone.
I requested and received a free temporary copy from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you also to the author!
Each of the Windflower books is fully capable of standing alone.
I requested and received a free temporary copy from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you also to the author!
October 15, 2021
Book 11 in the award-winning Sgt. Windflower series has Windflower at a crossroads as career opportunities and a weariness that comes with years as a police officer settles in. Once again set in Newfoundland, this time just as the Covid-19 pandemic ends, Windflower is charged with investigating the murders of an RCMP Staff Sergeant in St. John’s and a minister in Grand Bank, possibly connected. Despite, or perhaps because of, the demands of his job and a young family, Windflower is mindful, often connecting to his ancestral teachings and dreams.
Though this is the 11th book in the series, the author does a good job of painting the past. That said, those reminisces, many front-loaded, occasionally bog the pace, as does Windflower's fascination with food. Still, it's a minor complaint in what can best be described as a clever, cozy mystery where Newfoundland becomes as much of a character as the people who inhabit the pages. Recommended.
Though this is the 11th book in the series, the author does a good job of painting the past. That said, those reminisces, many front-loaded, occasionally bog the pace, as does Windflower's fascination with food. Still, it's a minor complaint in what can best be described as a clever, cozy mystery where Newfoundland becomes as much of a character as the people who inhabit the pages. Recommended.
November 1, 2021
Buried Secrets, 11th book in the series, is set in 2021 just as restrictions are being lifted from the Covid pandemic in Canada.
Sgt. Windflower returns to Grand Bank, after a time in St. John’s, to help solve the murders of two people, one in the RCMP and another a reverend at the local church. More complications arise as others are involved, more deaths that are probably linked to the first two, and more details of a once missing girl who has been abused.
Winston has already announced a very important decision about a move to Marystown. The ending of this book has another very important announcement by Winston and Sheila and we are left wondering what will be the next installment of their lives.
Enjoy getting acquainted or reacquainted with Windflower and his family, good food and friends, beautiful Newfoundland, and see if you can solve the connections and murders in Buried Secrets.
Sgt. Windflower returns to Grand Bank, after a time in St. John’s, to help solve the murders of two people, one in the RCMP and another a reverend at the local church. More complications arise as others are involved, more deaths that are probably linked to the first two, and more details of a once missing girl who has been abused.
Winston has already announced a very important decision about a move to Marystown. The ending of this book has another very important announcement by Winston and Sheila and we are left wondering what will be the next installment of their lives.
Enjoy getting acquainted or reacquainted with Windflower and his family, good food and friends, beautiful Newfoundland, and see if you can solve the connections and murders in Buried Secrets.
October 22, 2021
Buried Secrets by Mike Martin is the eleventh book in his Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. Sergeant Winston Windflower is a Royal Canadian Mounted Police who has just spent much of the pandemic away from his family. Going back to Grand Bank and being with his family brings joy and distress as the leading investigator of two murders. His Cree practices kick in, and he gets help from unusual visions to assist him in his work, but will it be enough?
Mike Martin is the kind of author who will intrigue and fascinate his reader. Buried Secrets keeps you guessing what trick Windflower has around the next corner. I love how the author takes you to another part of our world with slightly different with interesting practices. Overall, this novel will hold your attention and pique your curiosity. Can't wait to see what the author has for the next chapter in Wildflower's life.
Mike Martin is the kind of author who will intrigue and fascinate his reader. Buried Secrets keeps you guessing what trick Windflower has around the next corner. I love how the author takes you to another part of our world with slightly different with interesting practices. Overall, this novel will hold your attention and pique your curiosity. Can't wait to see what the author has for the next chapter in Wildflower's life.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews