Murder Mysteries

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“Track of the Cat” by Nevada Barr

 

“Track of the Cat” by Nevada Barr is a mystery story set against the high-country trails of the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas, where the age-old battle of man against nature is fought with a frightening twist. It’s the first novel in her Anna Pigeon series, which revolves around the adventures of a National Park Service ranger named Anna Pigeon. In “Track of the Cat,” Anna is stationed at the fictional West Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Barr, having been a park ranger herself, offers readers an authentic portrayal of the national parks, the beauty and peril of the wild, and the unique challenges and experiences faced by those who work there.

In “Track of the Cat”, readers are introduced to Anna Pigeon, a ranger stationed at the lesser-known Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The mystery unfurls with the grim discovery of a ranger’s body, the immediate cause of death believed to be a cougar attack. However, Anna’s intuition and her love for the wild creatures of the park make her question this theory. As more bodies turn up, her conviction strengthens, and she finds herself ensnared in a deepening web of intrigue.

I’ve spent some time in the West Texas desert when I lived in San Angelo and then in Abilene, so one of the novel’s strong points for me is its setting. Barr, a former park ranger herself, vividly captures the desolate beauty of the West Texas desert, so much so that readers can almost feel the scorching heat and the rugged rocks beneath their feet. She crafts a realm where the beauty of nature contrasts sharply with the underlying threat of a murderer on the loose. Anna’s treks into the park’s backcountry sound inviting despite the lack of water sources, speaking to the allure of the untouched wilderness.

Nevada Barr’s protagonist, Anna Pigeon, is a well-developed character with depth and complexity. Her background as a widow escaping her past in New York, a distant relationship with her psychiatrist sister that allows for introspective moments, and her struggle with alcoholism, paint a portrait of a woman who is at once tough and vulnerable. Her worldly cynicism is tempered by her deep appreciation for nature. However, her near-superhero escapades towards the story’s climax may stretch believability for some readers but for me, it made suspenseful reading.

The plot, tension-filled, is interlaced with intricate park politics, infighting among rangers, and age-old disputes between ranchers and conservationists. The stakes rise when it becomes clear that condemning a cougar for the murders could have devastating environmental and political consequences. Anna’s tenacity in uncovering the truth leads her on a treacherous path, putting her squarely in the crosshairs of a killer. The ending, while unexpected and generally satisfying, leaves readers with a few unresolved threads and potential missteps in the realm of the mystery writers’ code.

Reading “Track of the Cat” feels like shadowing Anna through the sunbaked canyons and peaks, sensing the imminent danger posed by both nature and man. Anna’s sleuthing skills are excellent, with her logic and intuition guiding her through the twisted trails of the investigation. It is a Southwestern mystery that showcases Nevada Barr’s talent both as a mystery writer and a natural storyteller. Her authentic depiction of park ranger life and the intricacies of human-nature relationships is engaging. It’s no surprise she clinched the Agatha Award for best first mystery with this offering. Anna’s journey alongside the reader, working to decipher the crime, makes for a thrilling experience and a good read.

Nevada Barr is an American author of mystery fiction and known for her Anna Pigeon series of which “Track of the Cat” is the first. Her work is primarily set in a series of national parks and other protected areas of the United States.

Nevada Barr’s Website  https://nevadabarr.com/

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Writing A Successful Classic Mystery

Attribution: J. R. Cotner

I recently spent time browsing through my rather dusty bookshelves, taking stock of the great reads I’ve collected over the years. Many are intricate, classic mysteries written by some of the most successful and admired authors of that genre and era. Why were they so popular? What made them such a success?

Writing a classic mystery novel is a complex process that requires careful thought and planning. Here are three of the most important considerations for authors in this genre:

Plot Structure and Clue Placement:

The classic mystery is intricately designed with a sequence of events occurring within a believable timeline. Clues—neither too obvious nor too obscure—and red herrings are essential plot elements planted at key points of the story to build tension and suspense. That structure allows a gradual revelation of details to guide the discerning reader through the story toward an eventual resolution that ties up all loose ends and leads to a logical and satisfying conclusion.

Character Development and Motivation:

Characters, especially the detective and the perpetrator, must be well-rounded and have clear motivations that drive their actions. This can add depth and make the story more engaging. Secondary characters also play a critical role, as they often contribute to the plot through their relationships with the main characters, their secrets, and their alibis.

Setting and Atmosphere:

The setting of a classic mystery often plays a critical role in the mood and the unfolding of the plot. It must be described in a way that adds to the tension and supports the story. Whether it’s a gloomy mansion, a small village, or a bustling city, the setting must be depicted in a way that complements the tone of the mystery and aids in the unfolding of clues.

Writing a mystery requires a delicate balance between these elements, and a failure in any of these areas can lead to a less-than-satisfying reading experience. Many successful mystery writers spend significant time planning and outlining their novels to ensure that these aspects are all carefully considered and integrated into the story.

Here are examples of classic mystery novels that particularly exemplify each of the three considerations I’ve listed. First up is Plot Structure and Clue Placement and I’ve listed a work by Agatha Christie.

“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” by Christie (published in 1926) is, I believe, an excellent example of a meticulously crafted plot structure and clue placement in a classic work. Christie employs a series of twists and turns, carefully planting clues that lead to a shocking and unexpected conclusion. The use of an unreliable narrator and the placement of red herrings are particularly masterful.

As an excellent example of Character Development and Motivation in a classic mystery, I think “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett (published in 1930) fits the bill as it showcases character development and motivation as key elements. Sam Spade, the protagonist, is a fully realized character with complex motives, and the villains have clear motivations that drive the plot forward. Relationships between characters are intricate, and the interactions are essential in unraveling the mystery.

As for Setting and Atmosphere, I will recommend “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier (published in 1938). The classic setting of the Manderley estate as a critical component of the story is very effective. The eerie and atmospheric mansion almost becomes its own character, and the descriptive language paints a vivid picture that adds to the mystery and suspense. The setting creates a gothic tone that deeply impacts the unfolding of the plot. The opening line of the story is unforgettable: “Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again.” Classic.

I held these three rules close and emulated them when writing my own work, “Mystery Of The Death Hearth”. For anyone wishing to write an effective, compelling, and engaging mystery in the classic style, I suggest dusting off a copy of each of those works to read again. Their influence can still be seen in contemporary mystery writing.

 

 

 

 

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Canyon Sacrifice: A National Park Mystery Review

 

 

Overview: Canyon Sacrifice is a mystery thriller novel written by Scott Graham. It was first published in 2013 and is the first book in the series. The story is set in the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, primarily taking place in the iconic Grand Canyon National Park.

The protagonist is archaeologist Chuck Bender, who is drawn into a perilous adventure after he discovers a note left by his friend and fellow archaeologist, Graham Hancock, who has gone missing. As Chuck delves deeper into the mystery, he unravels a dangerous secret hidden within the canyons, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful plot.

The novel incorporates elements of archaeology, Native American history, and the unique challenges faced by those who explore and protect the national parks.

From The Book Cover: “When his new stepdaughter is kidnapped during a visit to the Grand Canyon, archaeologist Chuck Bender faces up to his secret past and his unfamiliar family-man role as he confronts every parent’s worst nightmare—that of a missing child. In Tony Hillerman fashion, Canyon Sacrifice is a gripping page-turner that brings the rugged western landscape the mysterious past of the ancient Anasazi Indians, and the modern Southwest’s ongoing cultural fissures vividly to life. Canyon Sacrifice is the first in the Nation Park Mystery Series.”

My Review: Canyon Sacrifice by Scott Graham is an easy read with mounting tension and a reasonably well-developed plot. The vivid descriptions of the Grand Canyon National Park evoked memories of my own visit to that awesome place.

The plot follows a familiar theme of an unjustly suspected protagonist on the run to prove their innocence.  I appreciated Graham’s use of red herrings, false leads, and action scenes to build suspense. Unfortunately, those positives were often overshadowed by flaws in character development, dialogue, and distractions that failed to move the plot forward.

Too often, the flow of the story was interrupted by the protagonists’ tendency to deliver lengthy archaeological lectures or to conduct extended internal dialogue about family relationships. In particular, the dynamics between Chuck and his wife were problematic, with secrets and a lack of trust creating a sense of disconnect between the two which did nothing to make me particularly like either of them.

Gaps in the storyline kept me guessing and intrigued and sometimes confused. The final chapter falls into cliché territory when the villain provides the information needed to fill in the gaps in the storyline. In my opinion, the ending deserved more attention.

Despite those issues, however, the insights shared by the author are frequently interesting and his knowledge of the subject matter and setting added depth to the narrative, especially as concerns the setting. Overall, Canyon Sacrifice is a good read, particularly for those with an interest in national parks. It may not appeal to all mystery fiction readers, but the premise and setting provide an intriguing perspective for those more interested in national parks or stories set in captivating landscapes than with die-hard mystery fans. Tony Hillerman, however, it is not.

 

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Stolen Obsession by Marlene M. Bell. A Review.

Amazon’s description of Stolen Obsession by Marlene M. Bell: “People die, but legends live on.

New York antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury recently lost her best friend to murder. The killer’s identity may be linked to her friend’s expensive missing bracelet—a 500-year-old artifact that carries an ancient curse, one that unleashes evil upon any who dare wear the jewelry created for the Persian royal family.

Weeks later, Annalisse sees a matching necklace at a Manhattan gallery opening. She begs the owner to destroy the cursed piece, but her pleas fall on deaf ears—despite the unnatural death that occurs during the opening. With two victims linked to the jewelry, Annalisse is certain she must act.

Desperate, Annalisse enlists the gallery owner’s son to help—even though she’s afraid he’ll break her heart. Wealthy and devastatingly handsome, with a string of bereft women in his wake, Greek playboy Alec Zavos dismisses Annalisse’s concerns—until his parents are ripped from the Zavos family yacht during their ocean voyage near Crete.

Annalisse and Alec race across two oceans to save his mother, feared dead or kidnapped. When the killer changes tactics and goes after Alec behind Annalisse’s back, can her plan to rescue Alec’s mother save them all?

Hold on for a heart-thumping, thrilling adventure through exotic lands in this fast-moving romantic suspense mystery by Marlene M. Bell.”

From the book cover: “A prominent Manhattan antiquities appraiser, Annalisse Drury believes the butchery of her college roommate was a targeted hit—not a mugging. The loss of her closest confidant rips a canyon across her heart and unleased a familiar ache from the past. Detectives have no leads, and Annalisse would do anything to find the killer—even if it makes her a target…At a gallery opening weeks later, Annalisse notices a necklace of horse heads—a relic identical to her roommate’s stolen bracelet. Convinced the jewelry collection carries hideous evil and must be destroyed, Annalisse enlists the help of Alec Zavos. The gallery owner’s womanizing son who has his mother’s ear, but doubts Annalisse’s concerns. A startling second victim hurls Annalise and Alec together in a tempest of pulse-pounding treachery through exotic lands—that move them into an unimaginable future—if Annalisse can survive…”

 

Stolen Obsession by Marlene M. Bell is a blend of murder mystery and romance that offers an easy yet sometimes confusing read. While it leans more towards the romance side than I expected, the story remains engaging for those interested in a mystery with heavy romantic elements. The protagonist, Annalisse, an antiques appraiser, finds herself entangled in a mystery connected to the murder of her best friend. As she teams up with Alec, the rich Greek playboy son of the gallery owner, the plot unfolds with well-designed and unexpected twists and turns.

The story begins with immediate action, which was disorienting at first but quickly found its stride. However, it seemed the relationship between Annalisse and Alec developed too quickly, lacking subtlety. The author manages to introduce surprising twists and uses the Greek backdrop effectively to create an engaging, colorful atmosphere. It was especially vivid for me because I lived in Greece for several years and found the setting descriptions of Greece spot on.

I felt the opening scene of the horrific murder of Annalisse’s roommate needed more background information. It seemed thin though it was a central focus in the story. Details are, as one might expect, revealed gradually, but a prologue or earlier explanation to provide a stronger foundation might have been helpful. Additionally, I found the writing style was somewhat difficult due to odd phrasing and unclear dialogue exchanges that disrupted the flow. A “necklace of horse heads” is an example. They are not actually horse heads but, as you might expect, jewelry pieces resembling horse heads. Proper, thoughtful, informed editing could have addressed these issues.

I have mixed feelings about the romance in the book. I would have appreciated a slower pace giving the characters time to get to know each other before becoming intimate. I am by no means a prude, but once the romantic moments switched to sexual activity, I felt they occurred at inappropriate times and there was, in my opinion, an excessive focus on sexual tension and explicit scenes.

The two main characters, Annalisse and Alec, lacked likability for me. Alec, the Greek playboy character, appeared one-dimensional and overly focused on sex, even in the face of tragedy. Annalisse’s personality and actions didn’t resonate well either, and I struggled to connect with her. Both characters made unwise decisions throughout that created suspense but somehow seemed contrived and unrealistic.

The book’s strengths lie in its global settings, intricate web of clues and misdirection, and the constant suspense surrounding the murders and kidnappings. The story’s concept is interesting, and the potential for a captivating mystery is evident. However, I often felt disconnected from the story and struggled to connect with the characters and the author’s writing style though she has crafted a very good murder mystery.

All in all, “Stolen Obsession” presents an intriguing premise and a well-developed story, blending murder mystery and a big dose of Harlequinesque romance. While it may not appeal to all readers due to issues with character development, dialogue, and pacing, those seeking a romantic-heavy adventurous tale with elements of suspense and tinged with sex may find it enjoyable.

This book was a recommended read from a fellow writer and I have put Marlene M. Bell’s three other books on my ‘to read’ list.

About the Author

“Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning writer, artist, and sheep breeder who resides in wooded East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines.

The fourth book in the Annalisse Series, Copper Waters, is a New Zealand sheep station mystery with light touches of romance. Stolen Obsession, Spent Identity, and Scattered Legacy, books one through three in the series, have received numerous awards including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery and two FAPA President’s Gold awards. Her work can be found at marlenembell.com.

Marlene also writes children’s books. Her picture book, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team is based on true events with a bottle lamb from Ewephoric ranch. It’s a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Mia and Nattie is suitable reading for ages 3 – 7 years. A Mom’s Choice Gold Award winner and Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Short List winner.

Marlene shares her life with her husband and a few dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The animals and nature are the cornerstone for Marlene’s books.”

 

 

 

 

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Goodbye February!

RayBradburyOnWriting

February 29th has arrived, the month almost over, and my birthday is six days behind me. I’ve finally come up for air after spending the entire month working on wips (works in progress) adding new chapters to the second book in my Celtic murder mystery series, fresh stories in new worlds for my second book of short stories, additional poems for publication, all the while juggling life’s daily (and necessary) interruptions.

Where has the time gone?

Who cares, I’m writing!

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Thank You!

Me and Fayetteville's Mayor Lioneld Jordan

Me (left) and Fayetteville’s Mayor Lioneld  Jordan 

Wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation to all the great people who attended the book sales and signing at Nightbird Books yesterday. Had a wonderful turnout of authors and book lovers and enjoyed visiting with all of you.

Even the Mayor of Fayetteville, Mr. Lioneld Jordan, dropped by and purchased a signed copy of my short story book. We swapped stories of growing up in Arkansas and shooting marbles, a subject covered in one of the book’s short stories called ‘The Marble King.’ “Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”

A special note of acknowledgement and appreciation to Lisa at Nightbird Books for allowing local authors the opportunity to display their work. “Thank you, Lisa.”

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Folklore In Fiction

Here’s a re-blog of fellow Arkansas writer, Susan A. Holmes, on ‘Folklore In Fiction’ with an excerpt from her book Deadly Ties. She will be speaking at the Fayetteville, Arkansas Public Library, October 11th from 2 – 4 p.m. Event will include her presentation, questions and answers, meet and greet, and books sales and signings.  Don’t miss this opportunity to visit with the author. More information on the presentation can be found here.

And now, the re-blog:

Folklore in Fiction

yoachum-dollar-sprinkle-coins

The Yokum Dollar

I’m an “up close and personal” kind of researcher. So when I’m working on my regional series, that means I’m often out in the hills, meeting people and listening to the stories that have been handed down, one generation to the next, keeping the old legends alive. The story of the Yokum Dollar is one of those legends that I heard on multiple occasions, with each storyteller claiming some connection with the families involved. I stayed true to the heart of the tale when writing the legend into my own book, while fictionalizing elements as needed to suit the plot. Here’s the excerpt from Deadly Ties:

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….Maggie wandered among the exhibits, watching craftsmen make brooms and baskets, tapping her foot to the dulcimer music, and listening to the storytellers who had drawn a sizable crowd in the shade of tall oaks. She stopped to listen to a woman dressed in a style Maggie imagined was common among frontier women long ago. Sturdy boots peeked out from beneath the hem of her skirt, and the simple cotton blouse she wore looked homespun. Her steel gray hair was tucked beneath a bonnet.

“This here story has been handed down through my family ever since 1826,” the woman told the audience. “That’s about the time the first Yokum—that’d be Jamie Lee Yokum—settled along the big river herabouts. My family farmed the land down-river from the Yokum place, which is how I come to know this tale.”

“This land belonged to the Chickasaw tribe, and they were good neighbors, always sharing what they had. They were good traders, too, and pretty near famous for their beautiful silver jewelry. They always had plenty of silver but nobody knew—’cept the Indians, of course—where it all came from. Some said it was from a silver mine, and some claimed it was Spanish silver, but nobody knew for sure.

“When the government decided they wanted the Indians’ land, the Yokums traded some of their wagons and supplies in exchange for information about the source of that silver. As the story goes, the Indians shared their secret with Jamie Lee. They told him where he might find some of that silver, and he told his brothers. Times being what they was, and money being about as hard to come by as an honest politician, the Yokums decided to use that silver and make their own coin. They minted their own dollars with that there silver. For years, people all over the Ozarks used the Yokum dollars as legal tender.”

The storyteller looked across the crowd. “Well, you can probably guess what happened next. The federal government didn’t take too kindly to somebody else making money. They didn’t like the competition, my granddaddy said.” There were chuckles and murmurs of agreement from some in the crowd.

“The federal agents confiscated all the Yokum dollars they could get their hands on. What they really wanted was the source of that silver, but Jamie Lee wouldn’t tell ‘em where to find it. After a while, the agents gave up and went back to Washington.”

The storyteller paused for a sip of lemonade. “It wasn’t long after that when Jamie Lee Yokum passed away. His two brothers died soon after, crossing the Rockies on their way out to California. Those men were the only ones who knew the Indians’ secret and they took that secret to their graves, but they did leave some clues in letters they’d written to their cousins. Over the years, a lot of people have searched high and low for that silver, but nobody’s ever found it. But who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to learn the truth about the Indian Silver Legend.”

Deadly Ties © 2013

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To this day, people continue to search for the famed silver, with many a treasure hunter convinced a mine or cave does indeed exist somewhere in the hills. Some believe the answer lies near or under Beaver Lake in Arkansas while others argue the location is Table Rock Lake in Missouri. And so the legend lives on…

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Author Event Promo, Fayetteville Public Library

HolmesBookSigningLibrary

Find out more about Susan, her book Deadly Ties, and her Waterside Kennels Mystery series  by visiting her website at www.dogmysteries.com

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Creating A Lovable Villain

VaderSelfieStick

Check out the blog writersinthestorm for some wonderful tips in a short, well-written article about creating a lovable villain by award-winning author Shannon Donnelly (Under The Kissing Bough) as she speaks of “villains we love to hate and how to keep them from becoming a cardboard stereotype whose every action is predictable and boring.”

“Nothing marks a writer as a beginner as clearly as the cliché bad guy.

This is the bad guy who is ugly inside and out with no redeeming qualities—this is the “boo-hiss” melodrama mustache twirling villain. And this is an easy fix in any story.

What’s that easy fix? Lots of things can help, but here are five quick fixes:

5 Quick Fixes to Make Readers Love Your Villains” –Shannon Donnelly

The article is definitely worth the read and I found myself thinking of one of my villains as I read Shannon’s advice.

I won’t say the assassin in “The Mystery of the Death Hearth” is exactly a lovable creature. Parzifal is, after all, a person who makes a living by killing. But he does have depth; that is to say as the story progresses, more is revealed about his background, his parents, his past and the horrid conditions among the less-than-honorable slave owners that helped create his inevitable destiny as a professional killer. He also has present-day motives that go beyond the daily, murderous tasks given him by criminal bosses. Parzifal has plans, high hopes for a new life, and a mental image of possibilities beyond his current circumstances having nothing at all to do with underworld crime. Does he manage to accomplish those personal goals? Can he successfully break away and fulfill his dreams? No spoilers here but I almost found myself rooting for this man even though he can and does make my protagonist’s life miserable to the brink of death.

I encourage a visit to writersinthestorm and read the rest of the Shannon’s article. Very interesting and informative.

Your next villain will appreciate it, too.

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Poem And Plot

Succumbing to temptation, a small group of conspirators scheme to procure a sacred Celtic site by eliminating all obstacles—including the Celtic stewards. This is one of several twisting plot lines in The Corpsemakers, the WIP manuscript for the second book in the Runevision Mystery series.

Just as in the first book, The Mystery Of The Death Hearth, each chapter is preceded by a poem or short narrative setting the mood and tone. Here’s one:

Oh, Greed, so obvious your smile;

Want and Desire so blatant.

Reveal your Lust for material gain,

Of Profit and minted coin.

Omitting Oaths you have foresworn

As the pucker of your Aspirations

Lead you into Darker stations.