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Death by Misadventure: A Frances McFadden Mystery
Book 4 of the Frances McFadden In December 1942, Norwegian Major-General Carl Gustav Fleischer is found dead at his Ottawa home in compromising circumstances. Sergeant Scobie of the Ottawa Police calls on Frances McFadden of the Bank of Canada and RCMP Inspector Hollingsworth to help unravel the mystery. The investigators stumble through a labyrinth of interlocking puzzles towards unforeseen peril in their search for truth and stolen treasure. Diplomatic intrigue compounds the chaos of wartime, and a disparate cast of generals, colonels and corporals are exposed in acts of deceit and betrayal. Added to this tangle of conundrums, the infamous ice storm of 1942 cripples Ottawa, preventing everyone, well, almost everyone, from accomplishing their goals. Misadventures abound.
274 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 29, 2022
An exciting sequel to Ian McKercher's three earlier novels. Set in WWII Ottawa, capital of Canada. A foreign general turns up dead early one morning and Frances McFadden is called to join her friends as they investigate. Lots of interesting characters, great local colour (particularly for readers familiar with the Ottawa area and its winters). The story moves from simple to exciting as various characters are added. Hints to the mystery are subtle but the ending does not come out of the blue.
The story builds on characters introduced in the three earlier novels but does not depend on an intimate knowledge of the past. But I recommend the three other books.
The Underling
The Incrementalist
Carbon Copy
The story builds on characters introduced in the three earlier novels but does not depend on an intimate knowledge of the past. But I recommend the three other books.
The Underling
The Incrementalist
Carbon Copy
August 10, 2026
I have come to love Frances McFadden. Within her realm of influence she is queen. All the powerful males around her like and respect her. They do not try to engage in romance or flirt but value her logic and common sense. Yes, the times are what they are so sometimes she must pose as their "secretary" during interviews. In this book, the beautiful Corporal Swinton is also a strong and practical woman. Her genius in setting up a "Corporals' Bar" to trade needed supplies, while earning needed cash to support her handicapped sister, was telling.
Many misadventures ensue throughout this novel, including the death of a Norwegian general, the great ice storm of 1942 and the formation of The Muskateers of Ottawa.
Many misadventures ensue throughout this novel, including the death of a Norwegian general, the great ice storm of 1942 and the formation of The Muskateers of Ottawa.
October 12, 2022
Another great from the pen of Ian McKercher.
These books are a lot of fun, I enjoy the setting and the cast of characters IM has built up.
The central plot read like a Canadian, wartime Columbo story.
International intrigue, some mild violence. The Canadian climate and weather were a real factor and acted almost like an antagonist character in their own right.
The pacing was just great. Each chapter was a perfect bite-sized unit, making it easy to pick up and put down, but also tempting to fit just one more in before bed.
Always looking forward to more in this series.
These books are a lot of fun, I enjoy the setting and the cast of characters IM has built up.
The central plot read like a Canadian, wartime Columbo story.
International intrigue, some mild violence. The Canadian climate and weather were a real factor and acted almost like an antagonist character in their own right.
The pacing was just great. Each chapter was a perfect bite-sized unit, making it easy to pick up and put down, but also tempting to fit just one more in before bed.
Always looking forward to more in this series.
February 17, 2023
i enjoyed the book but not as much as I did the first two.
May 21, 2023
Enjoyed more than I expected. Easy read, may read the rest of the series since I read just this one for book club
December 8, 2022
Death by Misadventure
A great read to follow the first 3 of Ian McKercher's that I'd already finished!! I'm ready for #5, but can't seem to find it!! Living in Ottawa & the Glebe in particular, it was interesting to read about familiar areas. Thank you Ian McKercher!
A great read to follow the first 3 of Ian McKercher's that I'd already finished!! I'm ready for #5, but can't seem to find it!! Living in Ottawa & the Glebe in particular, it was interesting to read about familiar areas. Thank you Ian McKercher!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews