Ramona Orlitzki, elderly and a widow, used to enjoy living alone in her small cottage, going out and enjoying her friends and neighbors and depending on them for help now and then. Eventually, her memory deteriorated and she got too old to live alone and had to move to Sechelt's hospital floor reserved for the elderly who needed care. But she tires of the regimented existence and lack of freedom and makes a break for it. The strange thing is, she is successful and eludes discovery.
The lives of these two women intersect and Staff Sergeant Karl Alberg gets involved. The local medical examiner hesitates to sign off on the death of Zoe's brother as accidental. Alberg doesn't think that there has been a crime, but he knows something is off.
This is not your standard mystery. The story is told from many points of view: Zoe's, Ramona's, Karl Alberg's, and more. The reader knows what is happening and the only mystery is... how will the situation be resolved? The story slowly moves to a climax.
A Chill Rain in January reads more like a straight novel than a mystery, focusing in part on the reaction in a small town when Ramona disappears. Some readers may not care for that, but it was perfect for me.
This is the third book in the Karl Alberg series by L. R. Wright. The first book, The Suspect, won the Edgar for Best Mystery Novel. I have read the first three books in the series, and they all feature excellent characterization and development of relationships over time, and loads of atmosphere. I would love to visit Sechelt.
-----------------------------
Publisher: Felony & Mayhem, 2009 (orig. pub. 1990)
Length: 261 pages
Format: Trade paperback
Series: Karl Alberg #3
Setting: Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Canada
Genre: Police procedural
Source: I purchased my copy.
14 comments:
Interesting. I like the sound of this one and have not read anything by L.R. Wright. I do recognize a great 'Felony & Mayhem' cover. That little girl looks a bit creepy. Ha!
I'm intrigued by this one. Sounds a little like a "bad seed" vibe. I haven't read anything by this author, but I like the setting in British Columbia.
I would love to visit Sechelt, too, Tracy. And it's so nice to see you feature one of the Karl Alberg mysteries. I think you're right that Wright's characters are well-developed and interesting. And I like the way the lives in the stories are interwoven.
I have, but have yet to read, the first in the series. Barbara read it and didn't care for it, but I'm withholding opinion until I've read it, as we often like different types of books. Still, this doesn't sound like one I'd choose for myself.
The story itself is a bit creepy, Kay, but not in a way that bothers me. It is a strange blend, almost cozy but not.
The setting is great, jenclair, and I really enjoy this author. Yes, I guess there is a "bad seed" vibe, although usually that type of thing scares me away.
I hope to get through all of L. R. Wright's books (in this series for sure) someday, Margot.
I am sorry Barbara did not care for the first book in the series, Rick, but we all have different tastes. It was my favorite but it is definitely an inverted mystery and many people don't like that format.
We both did books this week by Canadian authors with the last name of Wright.
I like the idea of this. Sort of a Bad Seed grows up, it would seem. I''m inclined to give L.R. Wright a try!
I do hope you try one of the books, Mathew. The first book, The Suspect, was my favorite. This one came very close to that one.
Sounds good, I have an earlier book (maybe two) in the series, but no big surprise, I haven't tried the author's work yet!
I loved those Felony and Mayhem reprints and bought loads of them. I definitely read (and liked) The Suspect, don't know how much further I went into the series, I must look that up. this one sounds excellent.
I think each one is a bit different, Col, so it depends on which you have. Hope you like her books when you try one.
I like this author's writing more with each book I read, Moira.
Post a Comment