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Ray Elkins Mystery #2
Color Tour
It's a tranquil October morning in northwest lower Michigan, a rural paradise of cherry orchards, blue lakes, and sandy shorelines. The serenity of the day -- and the season -- is shattered when an elderly woman walking her dogs along the beach stumbles upon the bodies of a brutally murdered couple. Sheriff Ray Elkins returns from his debut in the bestselling "Summer People" to track down the elusive killer of a vivacious and spirited young teacher. His search takes him into the dark side of an elite private school -- and into his own long-forgotten past. As Elkins unravels the mystery, the hunter becomes the hunted and one intrigue leads to another in this page-turner.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2006
725 people are currently reading
1203 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Stander
13 books117 followersAaron Stander spent most of his adult years in the Detroit area, where he taught English and trained writing teachers. In 2000 he and his wife left college teaching positions and moved permanently to their cottage near Traverse City. Aaron is the author ten mysteries set in northwest lower Michigan. He is also the author of numerous articles, stories, poems, and reviews, and the host of Michigan Writers on the Air on Interlochen Public Radio. When not writing or thinking about writing, Aaron spends a lot of time kayaking along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
May 15, 2022
Lots of Beaty!
On a beautiful, October morning, Sherrif Ray Elkins must find the treacherous murderer of a young teacher from a top-notch private school.
The second book in the Ray Elkins thriller series, just like the first, is full of suspense and mystery.
On a beautiful, October morning, Sherrif Ray Elkins must find the treacherous murderer of a young teacher from a top-notch private school.
The second book in the Ray Elkins thriller series, just like the first, is full of suspense and mystery.
April 25, 2022
An Interesting whodunit/police procedural. Set in Michigan (the place of my birth) brought back fond memories of family camping vacations and the beauty of the Great Lakes. Good writinag- but not great- certainly not Hemingway. The author that went into very detailed descriptive prose at times. Overall 4 of 5 stars. I would read the author again.
May 7, 2015
Fast moving murder mystery set in Northern Michigan- lots of familiar landmarks for us locals. Interesting, we'll developed characters.
June 16, 2015
CSI Michigan style.
Mr. Stranded writes another great mystery. Usually you can have a feel for who done it. Not this time. No clue of who or why. He gives lots of great detail of what, where and how the settings are set. Sometimes I think a little too much. The story is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. The actions that were taken by others made sense,. Felt sorry for the sheriff Ray, he has more war wounds being a sheriff then when he was in the military.
Like I said it is a good read, I'm not going to give much detail as it would only ruin the surprise, so I suggest you read this yourself. Enjoy!
Mr. Stranded writes another great mystery. Usually you can have a feel for who done it. Not this time. No clue of who or why. He gives lots of great detail of what, where and how the settings are set. Sometimes I think a little too much. The story is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. The actions that were taken by others made sense,. Felt sorry for the sheriff Ray, he has more war wounds being a sheriff then when he was in the military.
Like I said it is a good read, I'm not going to give much detail as it would only ruin the surprise, so I suggest you read this yourself. Enjoy!
October 13, 2016
I'm a lawyer so most crime thrillers drive me insane as they tend to be too inaccurate. Color Tour pleasantly surprised me with its plausible plot. And as for the ending, other reviews claim the author disappointed by failing to provide a clear motive. But in real life, we rarely are able to present a jury with a clear - or even rational - motive. Quick and easy read. Time well spent.
August 13, 2014
Good read
Good read
I enjoyed the story as far as it went. However, I really didn't get a sense that the loose ends were tied up. In fact, I really couldn't get a sense that the story was finished.
Good read
I enjoyed the story as far as it went. However, I really didn't get a sense that the loose ends were tied up. In fact, I really couldn't get a sense that the story was finished.
October 16, 2016
I enjoyed the setting and characters, and overall I thought it was a pretty good story that left me guessing throughout most of the book. I felt the ending was way too rushed and left too many questions unanswered, however. Probably more like 2.5 stars.
January 24, 2012
I liked this book a lot. My only complaint is the ending. It just sort of wrapped everything up and it was over and not very satisfactorily. The book was detailed up until the end.
October 31, 2012
Very quick read---since it takes place in my backyard, it's easy to picture.
May 16, 2013
This was a good book. It was lacking something but I'm not sure what. But it was good.
March 31, 2014
Interesting enough whodunit. Like many reviewers I was a little disappointed in the ending. It just sort of fell flat for me.
April 4, 2014
I enjoyed reading the book but I would like the ending written better.
August 13, 2019
Great
I chose this rating because this book is a different story. It was good to follow. If you get a chance you should read it.
I chose this rating because this book is a different story. It was good to follow. If you get a chance you should read it.
October 28, 2022
Color Tour is book #2 in the Ray Elkins Thriller series. Ray Elkins is the Sheriff of Cedar County, Michigan, located in the northwestern portion of the lower peninsula. The leaves have almost finished falling but there is still plenty of crime in the air in northern Michigan.
The bodies of Ashleigh Allen and David Dowd are discovered on a local beach by an elderly neighbor. Both have been murdered. Sheriff Elkins begins his investigation at the area’s prestigious private school, Leiston where Allen was a young, popular teacher and Dowd was a former student. The more he investigates the school, the more he uncovers as the school’s long kept secrets are revealed. After an attempt is made on Sheriff’s Elkins’ life while out kayaking near that same beach, the more time is of the essence to solve this crime.
This is my final book to read of the 11 books in the Ray Elkins Mystery Series by Aaron Sander.
I have read them out of order for a variety of reasons, but have enjoyed every one of them.
Like the others, Color Tour offers plenty of action and mystery. Elkins is a great protagonist but in this book (#2) we are just getting to know him, his co-workers and his friends. I can assure you that our knowledge and respect for the characters grows in relation to their development and depth with each subsequent book. (#Stander.Aaron will there be a book 12?) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NOTE: Some followers have indicated that they have difficulty finding Stander’s books. E-books are free for Kindle Unlimited members. E-books and Paperbacks are for sale from Amazon. Local and chain book stores will likely be able to ordered books for your purchase. Audiobooks are available through Audible and Amazon. You may also find them through your library.
#EmptyNestReader #instagram #facebook #Goodreads #ColorTour #AaronStander #RayElkinsMystery #mysteryfiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #OctoberReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #kindleunlimited
The bodies of Ashleigh Allen and David Dowd are discovered on a local beach by an elderly neighbor. Both have been murdered. Sheriff Elkins begins his investigation at the area’s prestigious private school, Leiston where Allen was a young, popular teacher and Dowd was a former student. The more he investigates the school, the more he uncovers as the school’s long kept secrets are revealed. After an attempt is made on Sheriff’s Elkins’ life while out kayaking near that same beach, the more time is of the essence to solve this crime.
This is my final book to read of the 11 books in the Ray Elkins Mystery Series by Aaron Sander.
I have read them out of order for a variety of reasons, but have enjoyed every one of them.
Like the others, Color Tour offers plenty of action and mystery. Elkins is a great protagonist but in this book (#2) we are just getting to know him, his co-workers and his friends. I can assure you that our knowledge and respect for the characters grows in relation to their development and depth with each subsequent book. (#Stander.Aaron will there be a book 12?) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NOTE: Some followers have indicated that they have difficulty finding Stander’s books. E-books are free for Kindle Unlimited members. E-books and Paperbacks are for sale from Amazon. Local and chain book stores will likely be able to ordered books for your purchase. Audiobooks are available through Audible and Amazon. You may also find them through your library.
#EmptyNestReader #instagram #facebook #Goodreads #ColorTour #AaronStander #RayElkinsMystery #mysteryfiction #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #OctoberReads #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #ebooks #kindleunlimited
January 18, 2018
Color Tour by Aaron Stander
Ray Elkins series Book #2
3★
It's a tranquil October morning in northwest lower Michigan, a rural paradise of cherry orchards, blue lakes, and sandy shorelines. The serenity of the day -- and the season -- is shattered when an elderly woman walking her dogs along the beach stumbles upon the bodies of a brutally murdered couple. Sheriff Ray Elkins returns from his debut in the bestselling "Summer People" to track down the elusive killer of a vivacious and spirited young teacher. His search takes him into the dark side of an elite private school -- and into his own long-forgotten past. As Elkins unravels the mystery, the hunter becomes the hunted and one intrigue leads to another.
3 stars was generous for this one since it didn't seem to have an ending. The author also evidently didn't seem to know much about modern technology or how the police work a crime scene. The beginning of the book offered promise with the elderly lady finding the bodies while walking her dogs and then there was just lots of wasted dialog. I hate to be critical of any author...after all I haven't written a book or got one published...but this was just lacking something.
Ray Elkins series Book #2
3★
It's a tranquil October morning in northwest lower Michigan, a rural paradise of cherry orchards, blue lakes, and sandy shorelines. The serenity of the day -- and the season -- is shattered when an elderly woman walking her dogs along the beach stumbles upon the bodies of a brutally murdered couple. Sheriff Ray Elkins returns from his debut in the bestselling "Summer People" to track down the elusive killer of a vivacious and spirited young teacher. His search takes him into the dark side of an elite private school -- and into his own long-forgotten past. As Elkins unravels the mystery, the hunter becomes the hunted and one intrigue leads to another.
3 stars was generous for this one since it didn't seem to have an ending. The author also evidently didn't seem to know much about modern technology or how the police work a crime scene. The beginning of the book offered promise with the elderly lady finding the bodies while walking her dogs and then there was just lots of wasted dialog. I hate to be critical of any author...after all I haven't written a book or got one published...but this was just lacking something.
January 20, 2020
Set in northwest lower Michigan, a part of my state that I love, it was fun to imagine this village and it's people there. I knew exactly which beaches they were on, which dunes, where on Lake Michigan the events happened. That said, it took me awhile to get through this, sometimes it felt clunky, sometimes it felt clever. And it left a whole lot of loose story threads undone at the end, perhaps as enticement to read Ray Elkins Mystery #3.
The story is complicated and somewhat convoluted. None of the characters feel completely filled out, even Ray. I'm not sure I liked any of the ancillary people, even the deceased whom people either loved or hated. Ray I'm curious about, so maybe I WILL read #3.
The story is complicated and somewhat convoluted. None of the characters feel completely filled out, even Ray. I'm not sure I liked any of the ancillary people, even the deceased whom people either loved or hated. Ray I'm curious about, so maybe I WILL read #3.
May 31, 2023
An enjoyable mystery with local northern MI flavor.
I enjoyed this addition to the series much more than the first in the series. They are getting addictive to read, so I'm quite glad the series is very available at my local libraries.
It's also quite interesting to me that the theme of "locals" vs. "fudgies" is almost age-old, and still persists a bit to this day in 2023. Although the area has gone through much change in ten years (and more), some of what is written in this story remains true to this day.
It's also fun for me to try to figure out what areas are being written about with the fictionalized names. It's not impossible to guess what might have been the inspiration for story elements as I get to know the local geographic area a bit better the longer I live here.
I enjoyed this addition to the series much more than the first in the series. They are getting addictive to read, so I'm quite glad the series is very available at my local libraries.
It's also quite interesting to me that the theme of "locals" vs. "fudgies" is almost age-old, and still persists a bit to this day in 2023. Although the area has gone through much change in ten years (and more), some of what is written in this story remains true to this day.
It's also fun for me to try to figure out what areas are being written about with the fictionalized names. It's not impossible to guess what might have been the inspiration for story elements as I get to know the local geographic area a bit better the longer I live here.
October 6, 2025
This is the third of Stander's series that I have read...I did it out of order. In many ways, this was the best of the three. The characters seemed more fleshed out, the plot was more cohesive, and the investigation was believable. But there were too many red herrings with characters who didn't pan out, and the killer was not introduced until very late in the book. Also, a potential connection between one of the murder victims and the protagonist was really too much of a stretch and his emotional response was unbelievable. But overall, it was a decent mystery.
January 22, 2018
This was a fairly quick read mystery but very well written. Great details and descriptions but not an over amount that would detract from the story. The novel keeps you guessing and has a surprise twist of an ending that you cannot predict. I love that it is set in Northern Michigan and really grasps the feel of the area, the tourism and the feelings of the locals. Very well portrayed from all aspects.
March 5, 2019
Another enjoyable Ray Elkins book
This one keeps you guessing until the end which surprised me. If I had one complaint, it would be the ending as it left one mystery unsolved. I generally dislike when an author seemingly tries to entice the reader to purchase the next in a series, but this was not - or does not appear - to be the case as the main storyline was explained. I guess I'll have to read the next book to know for sure!
This one keeps you guessing until the end which surprised me. If I had one complaint, it would be the ending as it left one mystery unsolved. I generally dislike when an author seemingly tries to entice the reader to purchase the next in a series, but this was not - or does not appear - to be the case as the main storyline was explained. I guess I'll have to read the next book to know for sure!
August 17, 2019
Aaron Sandler Books with Ray Elkins
Love the series of stories with Sheriff Ray Elkins. Books are complete stand alone stories and are satisfying in content. Clues are there but you have to watch for them as they are subtle and can be missed. Ray Elkins character remind me of the Jesse Stone character written by Robert B Parker. Thanks Mr Sandler. Entertaining and satisfying reads!!!
Love the series of stories with Sheriff Ray Elkins. Books are complete stand alone stories and are satisfying in content. Clues are there but you have to watch for them as they are subtle and can be missed. Ray Elkins character remind me of the Jesse Stone character written by Robert B Parker. Thanks Mr Sandler. Entertaining and satisfying reads!!!
August 23, 2019
First time reading Aaron Standler
A fast paced book with very interesting characters. I hope to meet some of them again in these Ray Elkins thrillers - especially Nora. I enjoyed the book right up to the end when it just ended and had me looking for a lost page. Thats the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. I loved Standler's writing style and plan to look for his other novels as well as those of authors Ray finds on library shelves during the investigation.
A fast paced book with very interesting characters. I hope to meet some of them again in these Ray Elkins thrillers - especially Nora. I enjoyed the book right up to the end when it just ended and had me looking for a lost page. Thats the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. I loved Standler's writing style and plan to look for his other novels as well as those of authors Ray finds on library shelves during the investigation.
August 27, 2019
Good story line but just too slow, cannot recommend, a snoozer.
Two people, a teacher and friend are brutally stabbed to death on dunes near a private school. The investigation, personalities involved and conclusion were all to fall asleep 😴 to. The first book I ever kept reading because I wanted to review it based on the entire never ending story. Who ever rates this as exciting does not have a life and needs to get out more.
Two people, a teacher and friend are brutally stabbed to death on dunes near a private school. The investigation, personalities involved and conclusion were all to fall asleep 😴 to. The first book I ever kept reading because I wanted to review it based on the entire never ending story. Who ever rates this as exciting does not have a life and needs to get out more.
July 21, 2020
Great detective story.
A very interesting detective story, which ends up with 4 people dead and three people seriously injured. The dead included a popular school teacher, a very popular school teacher & her lover, and a former pupil from the school. The injured are the town Sheriff,a member of staff from the school, a young local disabled lad who may never recover properly as well as his very worried mother.
A very interesting detective story, which ends up with 4 people dead and three people seriously injured. The dead included a popular school teacher, a very popular school teacher & her lover, and a former pupil from the school. The injured are the town Sheriff,a member of staff from the school, a young local disabled lad who may never recover properly as well as his very worried mother.
February 9, 2022
Great Read
Sorry to say this was my first read of Ray Elkins series. Will NOT be my last. Aaron Stander, great story line, moving characters and loved the part of the sheriff. Very professional and down to earth guy.I have to admit I suspected he was the daddy earlier in just couldn't get the math right 😃
I do suspect Sue has a hidden THING 💘 for Ray though, soon attentive.
How do I know which book is next? No numbers??
Twenty 🐦🐦
Sorry to say this was my first read of Ray Elkins series. Will NOT be my last. Aaron Stander, great story line, moving characters and loved the part of the sheriff. Very professional and down to earth guy.I have to admit I suspected he was the daddy earlier in just couldn't get the math right 😃
I do suspect Sue has a hidden THING 💘 for Ray though, soon attentive.
How do I know which book is next? No numbers??
Twenty 🐦🐦
August 14, 2019
Yup. A good one.
I live in MI. I like detective stories. This had both in spades. Will read more by author. Enjoyed the character development. Not in love with Ray yet. Want to slap him upside of head sometimes for being so stubborn and cannot understand why he has so many good friends. He is like a young curmudgeon.
I live in MI. I like detective stories. This had both in spades. Will read more by author. Enjoyed the character development. Not in love with Ray yet. Want to slap him upside of head sometimes for being so stubborn and cannot understand why he has so many good friends. He is like a young curmudgeon.
August 18, 2019
Good read
The characters are interesting and not hard to follow. The plot was good. I would like to have know for sure if Ray was the girl’s father and also if his budding romance took off. Maybe we find out in follow-up book. All in all, I liked it and would read more by this author.
The characters are interesting and not hard to follow. The plot was good. I would like to have know for sure if Ray was the girl’s father and also if his budding romance took off. Maybe we find out in follow-up book. All in all, I liked it and would read more by this author.
August 27, 2019
Another great read!
I am so glad I found this author on Amazon. I love a well written murder mystery and this author definitely provides this.
The main characters in the series are so much fun to get to know.
I definitely recommend this author to readers that enjoy a good mystery.
I am so glad I found this author on Amazon. I love a well written murder mystery and this author definitely provides this.
The main characters in the series are so much fun to get to know.
I definitely recommend this author to readers that enjoy a good mystery.
November 2, 2019
Gripping THRILLER
Very exciting, well written tale of intrigue taking p lk ace in northern Michigan leaves reader lost in thou Chan https trying bbc.co to help the sheriff solve multiple crimes. Great character development and suspenseful entanglement will keep the reader baffled into the final pages of this mystery.
Very exciting, well written tale of intrigue taking p lk ace in northern Michigan leaves reader lost in thou Chan https trying bbc.co to help the sheriff solve multiple crimes. Great character development and suspenseful entanglement will keep the reader baffled into the final pages of this mystery.
July 7, 2021
I liked the story, but the beginning of the book has such serious formatting errors that I nearly ditched reading it entirely. There were also quite a few editing problems, especially in the first portion of the book. The author claims to have used an editor, but it's almost as if the editor never touched the first part of the book. With corrections, this would have been a 4- or 5-star review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews