Scene of the Climb

June 1, 2014

Oregonian Meg Reed finally gets a break when she is hired as a reporter for a sports magazine in Portland. She relishes the chance to prove herself as a writer but is caught off guard when she witnesses a murder on an outdoor filming trip. One of the finalists in an extreme sports reality TV show falls off a cliff and Meg thinks he had help. Others involved in the show's production posture and lie, leaving newcomer Meg struggling to find someone she can trust. She thinks she's got the motive narrowed down, but if she's wrong, her time on the mountain could go terminal, too. Concurrently, Meg is grieving her father's early demise in an odd bicycle accident. VERDICT Dyer-Seeley's debut fits squarely in the newer subniche that can be called "extreme cozy," meaning it's a good mix for younger readers who like traditional mysteries but want a little more action or edginess. The author provides a splendid overview of the greater Portland and Columbia River Gorge region, perfect for travel buffs. Her freshly graduated (from journalism school)bumbling protagonist shows promise with her determined attitude and moxie.

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