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Sebastian Synard Mysteries #4
Four for Fogo Island
Murder in a quilt shop on scenic Fogo Island leads sardonic private eye Sebastian Synard from his quest for some R&R to a different kind of excursion altogether. Four for Fogo Island finds Sebastian Synard on a May 24 th weekend getaway with his new significant other, Mae. (As he says, “what a difference a Mae makes.”) When Sebastian and Mae arrive at a fabric shop, they discover the owner in a back room, lying in a pool of blood, having been stabbed with a pair of antique quilting scissors. This propels the couple along a sequence of occasionally bizarre investigative paths to track down the killer. Sebastian has more than murder to deal with. A family get-together involving his son and ex-wife (and her partner, Frederick, a police officer) goes awry as Frederick inserts himself into the investigation. Mae on occasion outsmarts Sebastian on the investigative trails, but our private eye is rarely without his trademark sense of humour.
232 pages, Paperback
Published October 30, 2022
9 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Major
30 books39 followersKevin Major is the author of 20 books, for both young people and adults. The first, Hold Fast, won several awards in Canada and was placed on the Hans Christian Andersen Honour List. It was released in 2014 as a feature film. His second book, Far From Shore, was the winner of the first Canadian Young Adult Book Award. Others which followed include Blood Red Ochre and Eating Between the Lines, winner of the CACL Book-of-the-Year Award.
In 1992 Kevin was given the Vicky Metcalf Award, for an outstanding body of work of significance to young people. The languages into which his work has been translated include French, Danish, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hebrew.
An adult novel, No Man’s Land, about the Newfoundland Regiment in World War I, was published in 1995 to much acclaim. Kevin’s adaption of the story was brought to the stage by Rising Tide Theatre and has played for more than a dozen years.
His more recent books include the Christmas classic The House of Wooden Santas, and a history of Newfoundland and Labrador: As Near To Heaven By Sea (a Canadian best-seller and finalist for the Pearson Non-Fiction Prize). Ann and Seamus, a verse novel released in 2003 was shortlisted for a total of ten awards. It has since been turned into an opera. The adult novel New Under the Sun was published in 2010, book one of a trilogy of historical fiction. The second, Found Far and Wide, was released in 2016, and the third, Land Beyond the Sea, in 2019.
In 2018 Kevin started a projected serious of crime novels with One for the Rock. He anticipates the second will arrive in bookstores in the fall of 2020.
Kevin has been named Memorial University’s Alumnus-of-the-Year, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council’s Artist-of-the-Year .
John Moss, writing in “A Reader’s Guide to the Canadian Novel,” has said, “Kevin Major is among the best Canadian writers of his generation. He has established himself as a figure of singular importance in our literature.”
He lives in St. John’s, NL with his wife Anne. They have two grown sons.
In 1992 Kevin was given the Vicky Metcalf Award, for an outstanding body of work of significance to young people. The languages into which his work has been translated include French, Danish, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hebrew.
An adult novel, No Man’s Land, about the Newfoundland Regiment in World War I, was published in 1995 to much acclaim. Kevin’s adaption of the story was brought to the stage by Rising Tide Theatre and has played for more than a dozen years.
His more recent books include the Christmas classic The House of Wooden Santas, and a history of Newfoundland and Labrador: As Near To Heaven By Sea (a Canadian best-seller and finalist for the Pearson Non-Fiction Prize). Ann and Seamus, a verse novel released in 2003 was shortlisted for a total of ten awards. It has since been turned into an opera. The adult novel New Under the Sun was published in 2010, book one of a trilogy of historical fiction. The second, Found Far and Wide, was released in 2016, and the third, Land Beyond the Sea, in 2019.
In 2018 Kevin started a projected serious of crime novels with One for the Rock. He anticipates the second will arrive in bookstores in the fall of 2020.
Kevin has been named Memorial University’s Alumnus-of-the-Year, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council’s Artist-of-the-Year .
John Moss, writing in “A Reader’s Guide to the Canadian Novel,” has said, “Kevin Major is among the best Canadian writers of his generation. He has established himself as a figure of singular importance in our literature.”
He lives in St. John’s, NL with his wife Anne. They have two grown sons.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 15, 2025
With "Four for Fogo Island", Newfoundland author Kevin Major continues his Sebastian Synard mystery series, delivering a deftly balanced blend of literary sensibility and classic whodunit intrigue. Set against the windswept backdrop of one of Canada’s most remote and visually arresting landscapes, the novel manages to be both a tightly woven crime story and an affectionate ode to outport Newfoundland — where everyone knows your business, and secrets don’t stay buried for long.
The novel opens with Synard, a former high school teacher turned tour operator and reluctant sleuth, guiding a group of travelers around Fogo Island, that rugged jewel off Newfoundland’s northeast coast. What begins as an idyllic excursion for culture and codfish soon turns deadly when one of the guests is found murdered. As the RCMP bumble their way through the case, Synard — equal parts self-deprecating and perceptive — once again finds himself drawn into the investigation.
Major’s writing thrives on atmosphere. He captures the salt-stung air, the creak of old wood, and the quiet dignity of the locals with a confidence that comes from deep familiarity. His Newfoundland is not just a setting but a living organism — briny, beautiful, and occasionally brutal. The dialogue sparkles with regional idiom and understated humour, grounding the mystery in authenticity.
What distinguishes "Four for Fogo Island" from so many genre counterparts is Major’s commitment to character. Synard is no genius detective; he’s a man still figuring out his place in the world after personal loss and professional upheaval. His relationship with his teenage son, his tentative romance with the island’s innkeeper, and his musings on middle age lend the book a rich undercurrent of introspection. The result is a crime novel that feels less about the puzzle and more about the people orbiting it.
The mystery itself unfolds at an unhurried pace. Readers looking for relentless action may find the plot a touch sedate, particularly in the middle chapters. Yet Major rewards patience: clues are planted with precision, and the eventual reveal — though not shocking — satisfies both emotionally and narratively. Like the tides that surround the island, the story’s rhythm ebbs and flows until its quiet, inevitable resolution.
In tone and texture, "Four for Fogo Island" evokes a more humane kind of crime fiction, where empathy outweighs cynicism and where murder serves not as spectacle but as a lens through which to examine community and conscience.
My Humble Opinion: A beautifully written, quietly gripping mystery that captures both the harshness and heart of Newfoundland life. Kevin Major proves again that crime fiction can be literary without losing its pulse.
The novel opens with Synard, a former high school teacher turned tour operator and reluctant sleuth, guiding a group of travelers around Fogo Island, that rugged jewel off Newfoundland’s northeast coast. What begins as an idyllic excursion for culture and codfish soon turns deadly when one of the guests is found murdered. As the RCMP bumble their way through the case, Synard — equal parts self-deprecating and perceptive — once again finds himself drawn into the investigation.
Major’s writing thrives on atmosphere. He captures the salt-stung air, the creak of old wood, and the quiet dignity of the locals with a confidence that comes from deep familiarity. His Newfoundland is not just a setting but a living organism — briny, beautiful, and occasionally brutal. The dialogue sparkles with regional idiom and understated humour, grounding the mystery in authenticity.
What distinguishes "Four for Fogo Island" from so many genre counterparts is Major’s commitment to character. Synard is no genius detective; he’s a man still figuring out his place in the world after personal loss and professional upheaval. His relationship with his teenage son, his tentative romance with the island’s innkeeper, and his musings on middle age lend the book a rich undercurrent of introspection. The result is a crime novel that feels less about the puzzle and more about the people orbiting it.
The mystery itself unfolds at an unhurried pace. Readers looking for relentless action may find the plot a touch sedate, particularly in the middle chapters. Yet Major rewards patience: clues are planted with precision, and the eventual reveal — though not shocking — satisfies both emotionally and narratively. Like the tides that surround the island, the story’s rhythm ebbs and flows until its quiet, inevitable resolution.
In tone and texture, "Four for Fogo Island" evokes a more humane kind of crime fiction, where empathy outweighs cynicism and where murder serves not as spectacle but as a lens through which to examine community and conscience.
My Humble Opinion: A beautifully written, quietly gripping mystery that captures both the harshness and heart of Newfoundland life. Kevin Major proves again that crime fiction can be literary without losing its pulse.
July 4, 2023
"Four for Fogo Island" by Kevin Major is a captivating and heartfelt novel that explores the lives of four individuals whose paths intertwine on the rugged and isolated Fogo Island in Newfoundland, Canada. I am a little biased as my roots are in Fogo.
One notable aspect of the book is Major's portrayal of the island itself. The vivid descriptions of the landscape, weather, and unique way of life on Fogo Island create a strong sense of place. The author's love for the island is palpable, and we are transported to this remote setting, experiencing its beauty and challenges alongside the characters. I felt like I had been back for a visit.
Major skillfully develops the four main protagonists, each with their distinct personalities, backgrounds, and struggles. Through their interactions and personal journeys, the author explores themes of identity, love, loss, and the profound impact of community on individual lives. The characters feel authentic and relatable, drawing readers into their joys, sorrows, and transformations. Warts and all, and they all have some.
Moreover, Major's prose is both eloquent and accessible, allowing readers to effortlessly immerse themselves in the story. The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, balancing the exploration of individual characters' lives with a wider perspective on the island's history and culture. The author's attention to detail and his ability to create engaging dialogue contribute to the overall readability and enjoyment of the novel.
If I have a criticism, and I really don't, some readers may find that the multiple perspectives and storylines in "Four for Fogo Island" occasionally result in a somewhat fragmented narrative. While these perspectives provide a multifaceted view of the island and its inhabitants, some may prefer a more focused and streamlined plot. I however enjoyed the narrative muschly and was disappointed when it ended.
Overall, "Four for Fogo Island" is a beautifully written novel that transports us to a unique and captivating setting, Fogo being the real star, while delving into the complex lives of its characters. Kevin Major's storytelling prowess and his ability to create memorable characters make this book an engaging and worthwhile read, especially for those who appreciate immersive narratives set in distinct locales.
One notable aspect of the book is Major's portrayal of the island itself. The vivid descriptions of the landscape, weather, and unique way of life on Fogo Island create a strong sense of place. The author's love for the island is palpable, and we are transported to this remote setting, experiencing its beauty and challenges alongside the characters. I felt like I had been back for a visit.
Major skillfully develops the four main protagonists, each with their distinct personalities, backgrounds, and struggles. Through their interactions and personal journeys, the author explores themes of identity, love, loss, and the profound impact of community on individual lives. The characters feel authentic and relatable, drawing readers into their joys, sorrows, and transformations. Warts and all, and they all have some.
Moreover, Major's prose is both eloquent and accessible, allowing readers to effortlessly immerse themselves in the story. The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, balancing the exploration of individual characters' lives with a wider perspective on the island's history and culture. The author's attention to detail and his ability to create engaging dialogue contribute to the overall readability and enjoyment of the novel.
If I have a criticism, and I really don't, some readers may find that the multiple perspectives and storylines in "Four for Fogo Island" occasionally result in a somewhat fragmented narrative. While these perspectives provide a multifaceted view of the island and its inhabitants, some may prefer a more focused and streamlined plot. I however enjoyed the narrative muschly and was disappointed when it ended.
Overall, "Four for Fogo Island" is a beautifully written novel that transports us to a unique and captivating setting, Fogo being the real star, while delving into the complex lives of its characters. Kevin Major's storytelling prowess and his ability to create memorable characters make this book an engaging and worthwhile read, especially for those who appreciate immersive narratives set in distinct locales.
July 29, 2025
Review for the entire series: I kept seeing these in gift shops in St. John's, NFL, on our trip, so I finally decided to just buy them all and see what they were like. Now that I've read them all, I have to say, these are a great way to introduce someone to Newfoundland's iconic tourist and historical sites through fiction. I really wish all the places I visited had this kind of fun mystery series to help you "visit" a place. We had already visited most of the places in the first book and some in the fifth book, so it was fun to revisit them through these stories. My only problem was the language. It wasn't on every page, but there was enough that it was a turn-off for me, and I can't recommend them to everyone the way I would otherwise. In book 1, for instance, chapter 1 has a lot of language, but when I got to chapter 2 and beyond, the offensive word was gone and only made one or two more appearances toward the end of the book. The next few books had less than that. Book 5 had almost none, so perhaps the author learned that he didn't need it for a good story. There were some other things I didn't like (modern books always seem to have allusions to things I'd rather they didn't), but it wasn't bad enough to put me off reading them.
Four for Fogo Island (The Sebastian Synard Mystery Series Book 4) by Kevin Major (2025 Book 114)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 7/26-27
This one is about a quilter's murder on a remote island. It was really interesting to visit this remote place and see how the people there live and interact with those on the "rock." The ferries play a big part in this story. I didn't like the abrupt relationship change for Sebastian. I would have liked to see it introduced and developed rather than being already in place between the books. It was jarring, but in the end I really liked her, and the book was cleaner than the first three, so that was nice, too.
Four for Fogo Island (The Sebastian Synard Mystery Series Book 4) by Kevin Major (2025 Book 114)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 7/26-27
This one is about a quilter's murder on a remote island. It was really interesting to visit this remote place and see how the people there live and interact with those on the "rock." The ferries play a big part in this story. I didn't like the abrupt relationship change for Sebastian. I would have liked to see it introduced and developed rather than being already in place between the books. It was jarring, but in the end I really liked her, and the book was cleaner than the first three, so that was nice, too.
January 24, 2023
On holiday in Newfoundland's Fogo island, Sebastian, part time tour guide and part time PI, and his new girlfriend Mae arrive at a fabric shop only to find the owner stabbed to death with a pair of antique quilting scissors. Believing he can find the killer faster than the local police, Sebastian and a rag bag of associates including his son, his ex-wife and her partner, Frederick, a police officer. Fourth in the Sebastian Synard mystery series, this is full of humour and a deep love for Newfoundland.
January 31, 2023
3.5 stars. A cute bit of fluff. I picked this book up because of the Fogo Island connection. It’s one of the list of places that I’d like to visit, and this book reinforced that desire. I don’t know whether you’d classify it as a murder mystery or a travel promotion. The murder occurs in a quilt shop, which gives a hint to the low level of violence or gore. But really, the murder is just an excuse for the main characters (a rather motley crew) to go galavanting about Fogo and Change Islands. This is a quick, light read.
December 12, 2025
0.5 stars
Honestly didn’t even really finish it. Tried googling who murdered her 😂😂 I just didn’t care about the characters or what was happening and gave up. I get what the author was trying to do with a cute witty story but it came off just annoying in my opinion. Not my usual type of books to pick up but was given by a friend and thought I’d try the local author. Just not for me.
Honestly didn’t even really finish it. Tried googling who murdered her 😂😂 I just didn’t care about the characters or what was happening and gave up. I get what the author was trying to do with a cute witty story but it came off just annoying in my opinion. Not my usual type of books to pick up but was given by a friend and thought I’d try the local author. Just not for me.
August 3, 2024
As I have said before, I enjoy reading Canadian authors and their stories set in Canadian settings. This is set mostly on Fogo Island in Newfoundland, with its very impressive resort. As the narrator, I find Sebastian too full of himself and that dims my appreciation of the story.
March 17, 2023
I love this series 👍
March 29, 2023
We visited Fogo in 2014. Loved the island and the pi’s book took me right back. The story line was disappointing and I had trouble relating to the protagonist.
May 15, 2023
Well, having friends who live on Fogo Island, how could I resist? I had no idea of the plot.....I'm a fibre artist and quilter so......Hoping #5 comes out soon.
January 8, 2024
3.5 stars. This is the fourth book in this series and if was good…. A love story to Fogo Island and quilters! Love the characters and especially the newest one, Mae.
March 30, 2024
2.5 stars
January 23, 2025
The fourth Sebastian Synard thriller is a thoroughly enjoyable private eye crime story set in Newfoundland.
March 5, 2023
I am currently visiting St. John’s as my mom is awaiting surgery. I went to the local bookstore and searched for local authors and a couple of books were recommended. Really enjoyed the pace of this “who done it”. Lovely to hear names of places I could relate to. A great read! I quite enjoyed the story. Perfect pace.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews