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categj's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book from a Good Reads giveaway (thank you, Good Reads!)
I enjoyed this book very much. I love mysteries and I also love books that take place in parts of the country that I know or recognize!
This story was well-written and the characters were believable. The book was fast-paced and I experienced a feeling of urgency and dread as I turned the pages - I wanted to keep reading to find out what was coming next. The plot was credible and there was just enough information about beer-making to help me understand the story without becoming boring. I really liked the characters and appreciated that the relationship between Bern and Evie that developed in the course of the book did not become the main focus of the story. The ending was satisfying. Although I was a little disappointed that I figured out the who the bad guy was, I still liked the book and would definitely read more from this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to read a mystery story that is just that - a mystery. However, I do see the potential for character growth in Bern, the main character. I am sure we will get to know him better in his next adventure.
I enjoyed this book very much. I love mysteries and I also love books that take place in parts of the country that I know or recognize!
This story was well-written and the characters were believable. The book was fast-paced and I experienced a feeling of urgency and dread as I turned the pages - I wanted to keep reading to find out what was coming next. The plot was credible and there was just enough information about beer-making to help me understand the story without becoming boring. I really liked the characters and appreciated that the relationship between Bern and Evie that developed in the course of the book did not become the main focus of the story. The ending was satisfying. Although I was a little disappointed that I figured out the who the bad guy was, I still liked the book and would definitely read more from this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to read a mystery story that is just that - a mystery. However, I do see the potential for character growth in Bern, the main character. I am sure we will get to know him better in his next adventure.
myrdyr's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent debut novel by fellow Canadian Deryn Collier! However, I am still unclear about the role of a BC coroner and why one is needed; the role is seemingly redundant when the RCMP are factored in to investigate crimes/murders. The coroner doesn't conduct the autopsy but is an independent body that helps with the investigation? This isn't a criticism of Collier as she isn't responsible for the system in BC, but I still don't get it. Confusion aside, I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
mountie9's review against another edition
5.0
The Good Stuff
Author is Canadian and it is set in a brewery (Hmm that sounds suspiciously like they make Kokanee)
Suspensful and on many occasions I was holding my breath wondering what was going to happen
Kept me guessing who the bad guy was, I was right, but there were some nice red herrings to throw me off and make me doubt
Reminded me a little of Brad Smith's writing -- which is a good thing
Loved, Loved, Loved the character of Bern Fortin, sort of imagined him as a younger Romeo Daillaire. He would be an excellent character to set a series of books on
Good humour thrown in at the right moments
Lots of intriguing well drawn secondary characters, especially Mrs K.
Lots of recognizable Canadian settings for my fellow Canucks, but would still appeal to non Canadian readers
Characters are realistic
The Not So Good Stuff
Had a constant craving for a Kokanee while reading and all I had was wine from Australia
Didn't love the ending -- unless there are going to be a bunch of books with Bern -- than maybe I will give you back that .25 of a Dewey
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Evie wasn't sure how these two set of appearances - safety and youth - were supposed to mesh. She did know that she had turned forty just a few months before, and Lycra was not something that should still be part of her wardrobe."
"He's carefully restored the original cerulean-blue bathtub and tiles with new caulking and a lot of elbow grease, but he'd upgraded the showerhead to one with multiple spray patterns and an intense massage feature. Some parts of military life were easier to let go of than others: the lukewarm, low-pressure, or nonexistent showers of in-theatre operations were a thing of the past."
"Sorry about that, my niece is here. She's glad you called, because I'm going to let her watch TV while we talk."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Fans of suspense/mystery books will truly enjoy this one, its a nailbiter
If you enjoyed Brad Smith's Red Means Run, you will enjoy this
Anyone looking for the perfect book to loose yourself in for the day - this is it
Would be a fabulous book for a camping trip or day at the beach -- or to escape from the stress of moving (hmmm, like ME)
4.75 Dewey's
I received this from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review
Author is Canadian and it is set in a brewery (Hmm that sounds suspiciously like they make Kokanee)
Suspensful and on many occasions I was holding my breath wondering what was going to happen
Kept me guessing who the bad guy was, I was right, but there were some nice red herrings to throw me off and make me doubt
Reminded me a little of Brad Smith's writing -- which is a good thing
Loved, Loved, Loved the character of Bern Fortin, sort of imagined him as a younger Romeo Daillaire. He would be an excellent character to set a series of books on
Good humour thrown in at the right moments
Lots of intriguing well drawn secondary characters, especially Mrs K.
Lots of recognizable Canadian settings for my fellow Canucks, but would still appeal to non Canadian readers
Characters are realistic
The Not So Good Stuff
Had a constant craving for a Kokanee while reading and all I had was wine from Australia
Didn't love the ending -- unless there are going to be a bunch of books with Bern -- than maybe I will give you back that .25 of a Dewey
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"Evie wasn't sure how these two set of appearances - safety and youth - were supposed to mesh. She did know that she had turned forty just a few months before, and Lycra was not something that should still be part of her wardrobe."
"He's carefully restored the original cerulean-blue bathtub and tiles with new caulking and a lot of elbow grease, but he'd upgraded the showerhead to one with multiple spray patterns and an intense massage feature. Some parts of military life were easier to let go of than others: the lukewarm, low-pressure, or nonexistent showers of in-theatre operations were a thing of the past."
"Sorry about that, my niece is here. She's glad you called, because I'm going to let her watch TV while we talk."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Fans of suspense/mystery books will truly enjoy this one, its a nailbiter
If you enjoyed Brad Smith's Red Means Run, you will enjoy this
Anyone looking for the perfect book to loose yourself in for the day - this is it
Would be a fabulous book for a camping trip or day at the beach -- or to escape from the stress of moving (hmmm, like ME)
4.75 Dewey's
I received this from Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review
zeirazeira's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book as the result of a Good Reads giveaway.
Let me start off by saying that I only hand a book to my hubby when I know he might enjoy it. At most, he may see six books a year from me, all of them fantasy related. You can imagine his surprise when I thrust a book at him that is totally off his genre choice. His eyebrows raised, he read the back cover. He looked back to me and said,"Interesting."
Interesting is a pretty weak word when it comes to describing this book. Captivating, intriguing and dabbling in romance, it keeps the reader on their toes throughout the entire novel. With an action packed climax I was unable to set it down regardless of the migraine I was personally fighting!
The main characters Evie and Bern are strong and intelligent and extremely easy to believe. I do hope that Collier continues on with these characters in a future book or series. It seems that even they have their own secrets that need to tell a story. I also have hopes of a movie deal for Deryn Collier as this was amazing!
Be warned though, that some of the images of the murders may be graphic for some. Personally, it left a picture in my head for a few days and a greater respect for breweries and the safety procedures that are in place.
Bravo for a great book...One that is not "interesting" but is dynamic, enthralling and will keep you rivetted from start to finish.
Let me start off by saying that I only hand a book to my hubby when I know he might enjoy it. At most, he may see six books a year from me, all of them fantasy related. You can imagine his surprise when I thrust a book at him that is totally off his genre choice. His eyebrows raised, he read the back cover. He looked back to me and said,"Interesting."
Interesting is a pretty weak word when it comes to describing this book. Captivating, intriguing and dabbling in romance, it keeps the reader on their toes throughout the entire novel. With an action packed climax I was unable to set it down regardless of the migraine I was personally fighting!
The main characters Evie and Bern are strong and intelligent and extremely easy to believe. I do hope that Collier continues on with these characters in a future book or series. It seems that even they have their own secrets that need to tell a story. I also have hopes of a movie deal for Deryn Collier as this was amazing!
Be warned though, that some of the images of the murders may be graphic for some. Personally, it left a picture in my head for a few days and a greater respect for breweries and the safety procedures that are in place.
Bravo for a great book...One that is not "interesting" but is dynamic, enthralling and will keep you rivetted from start to finish.
elden's review
5.0
I got this book from a goodreads giveaway and I am very glad I read it. This is not a book I would normally read as it is a murder mystery but I found it very well written and will definitely be looking for the next novel written by Deryn Collier.
fictionophile's review
4.0
"Confined space" is a wonderful debut mystery by Canadian novelist Deryn Collier! See my review on my Fictionophile Blog. http://fictionophile.wordpress.com/
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