Canaan's Gate

Bay Tanner #10

by Kathryn R. Wall

When bank employee Cecelia Dobbs approaches Simpson & Tanner, Inquiry Agents, owner Bay Tanner has no idea her association with the awkward young woman will lead to murder. Concerned that teller Dalton Chambers may be running a con game on the elderly and immensely wealthy Castlemains of Hilton Head Island, Cecelia is seeking proof she can take to the authorities. She's also firmly convinced that the old couple's caretaker, flamboyant redhead Kendra Blaine, is in on the scam. Bay and her associate Erik Whiteside are stunned when Rebecca Castlemain dies suddenly of an apparent heart attack less than twenty-four hours after they accept the case.

Bay has her own problems as well. Still mourning the loss of her father, she has been struggling to adjust to her recent marriage to her murdered husband's brother, former sheriff's deputy Red Tanner. Since joining the staff of the inquiry agency, Red has been chafing under the constraints of working for his wife, and Bay wonders if her sudden bouts of insomnia are tied to their constant bickering or to a deeper flaw in their relationship. In addition, there's the burden of her recently discovered half-sister Julia and her uncertain mental state.

Then Cecelia Dobbs disappears, and the Castlemains' grandson, Washington lobbyist Nicholas Potter, tries to engage the agency to investigate Kendra Blaine on his behalf. He, too, claims this woman, who seems to have an unnatural influence over his grandfather, could be dangerous. Torn between her unwilling attraction to the charismatic Nick and her growing fears for Cecelia, Bay discovers that divided loyalties can be agonizing-and sometimes fatal.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Southern

336 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 2010

About the author

Kathy wrote her first story at the age of six, then decided to take a few decades off. She grew up in a small town in northeastern Ohio and attended college in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. For twenty-five years she practiced her profession as an accountant in both public and private practice. In 1994 she and her husband Norman retired to Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Her road to publishing success has taken many twists and turns. She self-published her first Bay Tanner mystery, In For a Penny, in 2001 using the innovative print-on-demand technology. Its success led to an offer from a small, regional publisher who reissued the first novel along with its sequel, And Not a Penny More, on Valentine's Day of 2002. A reprint of both books had to be ordered within six weeks.

Then serendipity struck. An editor for St. Martin's Press, visiting relatives in nearby Beaufort, was introduced to the Bay Tanner mysteries. A month later she called to offer Kathy a hardcover contract. They have since published Perdition House, Judas Island, Resurrection Road, Bishop's Reach and Sanctuary Hill in both hardcover and paperback. The eighth Bay Tanner novel, The Mercy Oak, is slated for release April, 2008.

Kathy is a founding member of Island Writers' Network and serves as treasurer for both the Sisters in Crime National Board and the Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Kathy has been a mentor in the Hilton Head schools and participates as a Friend of Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry. When not writing and touring for her books, Kathy and Norman play tennis, share long walks on the beach, and enjoy the lush beauty of the tidal marsh from the decks of their Hilton Head condominium. She has two stepsons and four grandchildren.

Series:
* Bay Tanner

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally really like the Bay Tanner series but this one just didn't do it for me. With her father's death and her recent remarriage, things are difficult for Bay and it was difficult for me to read as well. I hope the next one in the series is a bit more positive and not so "strained".

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Hilton Head Island reading one of the Bay Tanner mysteries has become a "thing" in my life. Although, sad at the demise of some of her favorite haunts some eight years after the book was published, it's still fun to be able to relate to the geography of Tanner's latest case. Her client this time is a timid bank teller who suspects one of the wealthier customers is being scammed. Then two deaths occur in quick succession and the financial concerns turn into a "whodunnit." I will say this, Bay's more complicated personal life fills up more pages in these later books than her alleged detecting skills; once more, she misses some important clues. Wall is a good writer who obviously loves this island, as do I--so, I'm still a fan! If, for nothing else, to find out if she stays in business.

[Sue Zealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sensational

Twists and turns at every chapter. Kept me on the edge of my seat right to the end. Can’t wait to get the next book

[Pcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

They just get better and better

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have now read most of the books in the Bay Tanner series (3-11)and I have figured out a few things, Bay is simply unlikable, and I am not sure why exactly, but she is lucky to be alive the way she doesn't listen to anyone when they try to get her to avoid danger and be smart.
I like Red, her husband, he is smart and very much in love with her.
I like Erik, he and I could be best friends for sure.
I love Lavinia, she is one strong woman and I admire her greatly.
I miss the Judge, who by far was my favorite character is now dead.
I like almost everyone, but Bay. Me and her could never be friends.
I find Julia charming, and breath of fresh air.
I don't like Lizzie, she's okay, but way over the top with Julia.

I liked this book, but it only made me hate Bay by the end. Will I read the next book? Yes, because I want to see what happens with the other characters.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3 1/2 stars. I was introduce to Bay Tanner mysteries about 13 years ago when I started going to Hilton Head annually and it is always fun to recognize places and actually know pretty much where Bay is. I also have friends in Beaufort so even know part of that area. A typical Bay story (although I guessed who the "bad person" was early on in the story. I did think that Bay was a bit of a whiner, and this a person who has no money worries and lives in a pretty nice part of Hilton Head. Hard for me to related to someone who bristles when a person who loves her only wants to keep her safe and she sees it only as interference. I had the same problem with the last Temperance Brennan story I read. But I would still recommend this series. It is good writing and a pretty good story and just fun to read.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bay Tanner is learning that employing her new husband Red (brother of her first, now dead, husband) in her detective agency is not so easy. Bay and her partner Erik are having a slack period, and it's hard to find things for Red to do that don't look like make-work. Then they're hired to investigate a scam that is targeting a very wealthy, elderly couple, and before they know it, all hell breaks loose. This is a consistently intelligent, well-written series that usually turns up the suspense, and this episode is not lacking in that department, either (though Bay seems a bit more trusting than she usually is).

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathryn R Wall seeps her novels, the Bay Tanner series, in Southern cuisine. Bay drinks sweet tea constantly and always hungers after some fried meat or vegetable. The stories involve the importance of family and friends, and a sense of living in the past. The setting of all the books is Hilton Head, South Carolina, and the beach dominates the scenery. Bay's father died in the last novel, and Bay also discovered a half sister. Family troubles linger around the perimeter, and have given Bay insomnia. This story revolves around scams involving older people, and Bay investigating the deception. The story is fast paced, and quickly leads to a conclusion, all in a delightful tale.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not up to the usual standard of the Bay Tanner series. She marries a guy (her dead husband's brother) because she 'promised' her father, and for that reason she will make the best of it (she does love him), but she doesn't like to lose any control. Her husband has resigned from the police department and joined 'her' detective firm, but Bay doesn't want to let him in on all the information when they take on a case. And she whines....all through the book. This wealthy woman who does not need to work, enjoys working (and I say good for her), but she just whines about her family, about her husband, and other things all through the book.

[Chriser123 Dittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author! She is from Ohio and retired down here in HH and started writing mysteries books. Her main character,Bay Tanner, who lives on HHI is a PI from a wealthy southern family and has quite a shark tongue. Ms. Wall talks about the island and and restaurants. It is especailly nive to read then when you are here, it makes you feel apart of the mystery. I also met Ms. Wall last night at her favorite dinning p[lace on Mondays, at Phil & Jumps.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Ms Walls books, the Southern Lowcountry charm, mystery, the family pulls, but this book has a sad undercurrent all the way through the book. Maybe I'll read it again sometime and hopefully I'll find it was just me and not the book.

[Mary Byrnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Kathryn Wahl

I always love Wahl's stories. I enjoy the setting being a little familiar with the setting. I love her characters. They feel like family to me. Can't wait to begin the next "adventure with Bay Tanner and company

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the Bay Tanner series. I love that the action takes place in Hilton Head and The LowCountry.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could be a good mystery series to look into. The protagonist's name is Bay Tanner. I think it would be good to start from the beginning. This is her newest book.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a litle lost a few times, but I got caught up at the end.

[Rcpgpugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites by Kathryn Wall. Usually I really enjoy her books. Not so much with this one.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good mystery and I liked it because it dealt with Bay's conflicting feelings about her own life. I enjoyed the setting also, having visited Hilton Head.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed every one of these books in the bay tanner series. wish I could find the first 2.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! It's an easy and enjoyable read! Sorry I only have one more in the series! Hope there will be more in the future.

[MaryAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one in this series. Will Bay and Redmond keep their separate professions, or will he go back to law enforcement? It just keeps on going...