‘Sorrow Lake’ by Michael J. McCann

Published by The Plaid Raccoon Press,
30 April 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-92788-402-7

A murdered man has been found near the quiet township of Sorrow Lake, in rural eastern Ontario: a well-liked used-car salesman who’s been shot, execution style.

Thie Canadian PP introduced us to DI Ellie March of the Ontario Provincial Police, and her sidekick, DC Kevin Walker. They make a good pairing: March is experienced, cynical, ignoring a chaotic homelife, while Walker is young and idealistic, and these differences help to steer the plot. They’re surrounded by a convincing number of fellow officers and experts – its not easy to keep track of names, but the job each does is distinct enough to help you follow what’s going on, and the step-by-step progress of the investigation is convincing. It was interesting seeing the different procedures and ranks, compared to Britain. There was a good feel of small-town life, with an interesting set of characters, including the victim’s house-proud wife, a helpful retired policeman, a biker, and country drug-makers.The plot moved at a good speed, and the final twist was unexpected, but fairly clued.

An enjoyable and detailed PP set in rural Canada.

------

Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Bottom of Form

Michael J. McCann lives and writes in Oxford Station, Ontario, Canada. He was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. He attended Trent University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English, before moving to Kingston, Ontario, where he earned a Master of Arts in English at Queen's University in 1981.
Mike worked as an editor for Carswell Legal Publications (Western) in Calgary, Alberta, where he was Production Editor of Criminal Reports (Third Series). After a stint in freelance writing, when he published several short stories in literary magazines, Mike worked for Canada Customs for fifteen years as a training specialist and a manager at their national headquarters in Ottawa. Mike is the author of Blood Passage, a Donaghue and Stainer Crime Novel, and The Ghost Man, a supernatural thriller.

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  Marsali also does a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.