Sea Child

by Renny deGroot

Caught up in an investigation that threatens the lives of those he loves, Detective Gordie MacLean and his partner are drawn into a dark world far removed from the seemingly simple life of a lobster fisherman.

In Book Two of the Cape Breton Mystery series, MacLean and Albright must untangle a web of treachery to solve the mystery behind an unexplained death before innocent victims pay the price.

For fans of P.D. James and Ruth Rendell, Sea Child brings the classic police procedural to life in a Canadian setting.

Genres: Mystery

314 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2022

About the author

Renny deGroot was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, a first-generation Canadian of Dutch parents.

Her novels have been shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize and a Whistler Independent Book Award. They have been awarded several readers’ awards from the U.K., Canada, and the U.S. She has published mystery, historical fiction, short stories and non-fiction

Renny has a BA in English Literature from Trent University and studied creative writing at Ryerson University.

She lives in rural Ontario with her Great Pyrenees and Golden Retriever, and vacations at her cottage in Nova Scotia.

Reviews

[Dave Wickenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

DeGoots revives her beloved detective, Gordie MacLean, in another murder mystery on the iconic Cape Breton Island. The marine tranquility of Nova Scotia is shattered when a lobster fishing boat is found adrift miles from its fishing grounds, its owner dead on the deck. MacLean and his partner, Roxanne, find themselves working alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) division. With few clues, they must piece together this who-done-it with good police work and sharp wits.

The characters in this series quickly feel like old friends and we root for our hero as he faces danger, heartbreak, and the scorn of his boss. But like all great sleuths, he keeps pushing until the truth comes to light.

This story will be perfect for all fans of P. D. James or Louise Penny or anyone who enjoys police procedurals.

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sea Child is a cleverly constructed, well-written mystery centered on the efforts of Detective Gordie MacLean of the Cape Breton Police Service (CBPS) and his partner Roxanne Albright to resolve the case of the death of a local lobster fisherman, whose body was found aboard his boat in waters far removed from where he was sanctioned to do his fishing. What seemed at first glance to be an accidental death turns out to be murder, which leads both detectives down dark, murky paths on a case that proves to be rich in complexity and fraught with peril.

[Sharron Elkouby · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book of Renny deGroot's Cape Breton mysteries series, we follow small town detective Gordie MacLean as he and his partner attempt to solve the murder of a fisherman whose body was found aboard his boat. The discovery of the body rocks the otherwise quiet small town. The victim was a family man, liked by all, who had a wife and a young daughter whom he adored. The book reacquaints us with the likeable but conflicted detective and his eager partner, a young woman with a ready wit and a wisdom beyond her years. The story is rife with red herrings, zigzags, and dead ends that are sure to engage the reader right to the surprise ending. A combination of dogged determination, meticulous police procedural work, and a healthy dose of intuition brings this perplexing mystery to a conclusion. Along the way, we are given a glimpse of Gordie's personal life and we sympathize with him as he has a crusty boss who doubts his abilities and a girlfriend whose independent spirit causes him much puzzlement and some heartbreak. This grisly tale is set against the backdrop of picturesque and peaceful Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The beauty of nature in this idyllic setting provides and interesting contrast to the crime mystery storyline.

[Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sea Child is the second book in Renny deGroot’s Cape Breton Mystery series and is well worth the read. Like the first book in this series, a cast of well-developed characters leads us along the storyline in true light mystery fashion. With a plausible plot and excellent pacing the tenson holds throughout. A few well-placed red herrings will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
As with all of this authors previous novels, readers get a strong sense of connection to place that gives us a firm footing in the setting. If you have ever travelled in the Maritimes, you’ll recognize the cadence in the phrasing of the well written dialogue. A few of the tasty treats you read about will surely send you off to the coffee shop for your own sweet treat and a double-double.
I’ve had Renny deGroot on my authors’ list for a while now. I’m delighted with this latest offering. Star after Star from me.

[Malia Arries · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAY IT ISN’T SO!
It seems like I just started to read this incredible series. . . and now I’ve finished the final book - SEA CHILD (I don’t want the series to end!). Even though I didn’t read the Cape Breton Mystery series in order (I-II-III), it doesn’t matter. Each story is an amazingly entertaining adventure. Get your copy of SEA CHILD, grab a cup of tea (or coffee), a donut (or an oatcake), and allow yourself to be transported to a beautiful place where the author keeps you in the middle of an engaging, gripping detective mystery. I love the cover – the boat, and its name - caught my husband’s attention too!

[Nada Loughead · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/renny-de...