Fugitive in the Forest

The Vangie Vale Mysteries #5.5

by R.L. Syme

Even in the great white North, Vangie gonna Vangie. She just cannot keep herself out of trouble, no matter where she goes. And when an old nemesis shows up and surprises her on her vacation, she can't help but investigate.

This was originally written as a novella for the Passport to Murder anthology in Summer of 2021, but it's on its own now, and we hope you enjoy!

Genres: Mystery, Novella

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2023

About the author

R.L. Syme is a USA Today best-selling author. She writes mysteries and cozy mysteries, as well as nonfiction. R.L. grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries passed on by her grandmother.

Reviews

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy for review from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

Fugitive in the Forest is the sixth book in this series. I love this series and excitedly dove into this one. Unfortunately I hadn't realized this book would be so much shorter then the usual books and I felt that it lacked some of the things I've grown to expect from these books due to the shorter length. While it is much shorter than the rest of the books I do feel it covers some important ground, mostly seeing how Emma's doing now that's she divorcing her husband. So I am still happy I read it, but it was just so short compared to the rest of the series.

The mystery doesn't have the same build up and twists and turns as the other books in the series, but I thought it was still well done how the author still manages to have the murder, investigation and conclusion in the book. It did feel complete and got wrapped up. There is a nice twist about who the murderer was, but due to the book being so short I wasn't invested as much as the murder basically gets solved in a few chapters. There is no guessing or trying to figure things out as quickly after Vangie starts investigating she figures it out. And as this series usually has quite complex mysteries it felt a bit flat. I did feel it was very in character how Vangie gets involved into another mystery and the different setting was interesting even though it was hard to fully get a feel for it due to the short length.

As always I enjoyed reading about Vangie and there are some typical Vangie moments, but due to it's short length there just wasn't as much of it. I think that's just what I keep coming back to, I hadn't expected this book to be so short and felt it didn't have the same vibe and depth the other books have due to that. If you're a fan of the series definitely read it, but don't expect the same level of depth than previous books due to the shorter length.

To summarize: Fugitive in the Forest is a short read with Vangie and Emma on vacation in Canada. It's has a mystery and we see Emma deal with getting divorced. This book is a lot shorter than previous books and the pacing and vibe is different due to that. The mystery has a murder, investigation and conclusion, but it all follows one another quite quickly and missed the depth the rest of the books had. I liked reading more about Vangie, but had expected a bit more from this book. It covers some important ground for the characters and ties up something so still worth the read if you like the series, just go in expecting a way shorter read.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by R. L. Syme. I really enjoyed the characters and the small town setting. She packs a wonderful and complete story into a novella. Great read!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was my introduction to the Vangie Vale mysteries and I am now hooked! Vangie and her best friend Emma decide to go on vacation to a small town in Alberta, Canada. Emma is dealing with her divorce and Vangie has her own problems she is dealing with. When Trudy, the waitress that had been serving them at the cafe they had been frequented while there was found dead, Vangie and Emma wanted to find out the who wanted her murdered and why. So. they decide they needed to investigate. This is a page turner and being a novella, you quickly reach the end and a twist to surprise you. I must now read more Vangie Vale mysteries! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Vague Vale book I've read, and I am so glad that I did! It was an engaging and enjoyable mystery. It was fast paced and had well drawn characters. Vangie Vale and her best friend, Emma Brent, took a trip to Fort Stewart, Alberta, Canada. While there, they discovered the body of a waitress, Trudy, who served their food at the cafe they frequented in town. Who killed Trudy? Why was she killed? Vague tries to help the authorities put the pieces of the puzzle together. I highly recommend this book to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Joni Hubred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this novella, which was my first time in Vangie Vale's world. Even though I wasn't familiar with the characters, I found the narrative engaging, as though I was listening to a good friend talk about her experiences. The story moves quickly and kept me turning the pages. The author deftly and unobtrusively revealed enough back story that I was able to "catch up" and understand the mystery and how Vangie solved it. Her sensitivity to others and the gentle, firm guidance she provides to Emma all add to the character's authenticity. She's someone I would love to have as a friend.

[Annette Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vangie Vale’s latest adventure is a great read, particularly for lovers of novellas and shorter fiction. In this adventure we’re taken to small town Fort Stuart in Canada which comes equipped with its own Mountie, nearby National Park, quirky locals and of course a dead body.
Vangie consolidates her reputation as a super sleuth, using her technology skills and her experience in small town living to try and solve the murder.
I loved it and if you like to cosy up with a small-town mystery, I think you’ll love it too. Looking forward to what Vangie gets up to next.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this story as an ARC and agreed to provide a review. I've enjoyed every R. L. Syme story that I've read, and this one is no exception. It's a novella, rather than a novel, but the story is very well-developed, with all tie-ins to other stories clearly explained. Any description of story elements would, therefore, potentially spoil the suspense of this or another story, so please excuse my lack of details, and read the book for yourself. You're going to be glad that you did.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, mystery that was engaging and a delight to read. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Karen Beris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. What a great book. It has strong characters and a good plot. I wish it was a little longer. I didn't realize until after I read it that it was a novella. I would definitely read this author again.

[Sudha Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick fast-paced read that kept me engrossed until the end. Vangie comes across a murder on vacation and while this is a novella, the story was well-developed and I did not see the plot twist coming.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vangie novella
I really enjoyed this story of Vangie and Emma's holiday. And when Vangie is around we all know what happens ..... murder. Can't say much more or I'll give it away.
Can't wait for the next one.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced, delightful short story.

[Antonia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little mystery that was a delight to read. I did not want to put it down. I enjoyed the location and how Banger supported her friend.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a great addition to the Vangie Vale series. Vangie is a part-time baker, a part-time pastor and a full-time friend. While on a girls get-a-way trip with friend Emma, Vangie can not help but become involved in finding answers and seeing justice served. I enjoyed this cozy mystery; Vangie is an interesting character with unusual style. The author’s description of the small Canadian town was delightful. I look forward to reading the other books in this series. (Look for the recipe at the end of the book.) I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story. Even on vacation, Vangie gets into trouble. Hoping she’ll find her way out. An easy read, well written to make reading this story awesome.

[Patricia Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable characters and a clever mystery, quite a quick read as it is not a full length novel, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. I loved the setting in a small mountain town in Canada. Vangie is a refreshing young lady with a knack for solving mysteries. She and her friend Emma are on vacation and discover a body. Will the Canadian Mountie listen to her theory?

[Sheri Kammerzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention and held it. I want to go back and read the whole series. The characters are engaging and believable, the village is just the kind of small town I'd love to visit. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.