Dead Big Dawg

June 1, 2019

The shooting death of an elderly woman is the first sign of trouble in Loon Lake, WI. Next, police chief Lewellyn Ferris and her friend Dr. Paul Osborne track their grandchildren to a neighboring farm where the FBI has set up a cybersecurity post. With problems involving drunk young people and a burgeoning summer population, Lew's three-member police team rely on help from other forces when a power couple from Chicago are found shot in their home. Then a woman's body is recovered from the water, and Lew can't turn around without another murder occurring. But a neighboring fishing guide starts to connect the dots, and although Lew always has time to teach others about fly-fishing, this character-driven mystery is anything but leisurely paced. There's a strong sense of place in this descriptive story set in a wilderness community dependent on fishing, hunting, and tourism. VERDICT Houston's latest, following Dead Firefly, may appeal to Sean McCafferty's readers, fans of fly-fishing, and wilderness mysteries. At the same time, readers who appreciate Steven F. Havill's tales of close-knit communities may also want to try.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN

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July 1, 2019
Houston’s straightforward 19th mystery featuring Loon Lake, Wis., police chief Lewellyn “Lew” Ferris (after 2018’s Dead Firefly) opens with the fatal shooting of retired criminal defense lawyer and fervent bird watcher Lillian Curran while observing a great horned owl. This crime is quickly overshadowed when John Powers and his wife, Margo, are found murdered in their vacation home. The Powers’ business empire is so important that big city media descend on Loon Lake to cover the story. Then another person dies, leading Lew to ponder whether the murders could be connected. She’s assisted by her second-in-command, Todd Donovan, and by her physician neighbor, Paul Osbourn, the town’s acting coroner, and together they zero in on the obvious villain. Meanwhile, Lew and company reminisce at length about their childhood and youth, sharing stories of high school rivalries, bridge club snubs, and marriages gone wrong. Fans will enjoy catching up with old friends, but those seeking thrills, chills, or intriguing mysteries will be disappointed. Agent: Nell Pierce, Sterling Lord Literistic.