Dead Insider (Loon Lake Fishing Mystery Series #13)

by Victoria Houston

Overview

In the midst of a catastrophic August rainstorm, a grisly discovery shatters the serenity of a summer evening in northern Wisconsin. Moving quickly to prevent a panic among tourists, Loon Lake Police Chief Lewellyn Ferris enlists the forensic and interrogation skills of her close friend and fellow fly fisherman, the retired dentist "Doc" Osborne. Within hours of launching their investigation, they find themselves faced with a national media circus as Loon Lake becomes the focus of a murderous scenario that links the murder to the race for the U.S. Senate by a woman who is heir to a Northwoods fortune and other, less savory, family traditions.

In the meantime, Doc Osborne's eldest daughter, Mallory, enters into a relationship that may put her life at risk--unless her father and Chief Ferris can find the killer stalking the residents of Loon Lake.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440562136
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	02/13/2024
Series:	Loon Lake , #13
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	210
Sales rank:	262,212
File size:	840 KB

About the Author

In her teens and twenties, mystery author Victoria Houston was the classic hometown girl who couldn't wait to leave her small Wisconsin town. She has not only returned to her hometown of Rhinelander, but she has based her popular Loon Lake mystery series in the region’s fishing culture. She has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and on National Public Radio.

Editorial Reviews

By the end of Houston’s slight but enjoyable 13th mystery set in Loon Lake, Wis. (after 2012’s Dead Tease), practically everyone in the small fishing town seems to have pitched in on a murder investigation. Lauren Crowell, an enterprising campaign manager for Jane Ericsson, who is running for Senate, at first thinks the candidate’s past demons are to blame for her absence at a key fundraiser. The discovery of dismembered human remains, however, suggests that the truth could be far worse. Police chief Llewelyn “Lew” Ferris, needing all hands on deck, brings on her retired dentist beau, Dr. Paul “Doc” Osborne, to stand in for the out-of-town coroner, while Lew’s visiting daughter, Mallory, helps handle the press. Meanwhile, kind-hearted local fisherman Ray Pradt scours the surrounding woods for clues. Houston’s plot takes too long to get started, but once the case is finally underway, Lew makes for a satisfyingly quick-witted sleuth. Agent: Martha Millard, the Martha Millard Agency. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"By the end of Houston's...enjoyable 13th mystery set in Loon Lake, Wis., ...practically everyone in the small fishing town seems to have pitched in on a murder investigation. Lew makes for a satisfyingly quick-witted sleuth." - Publishers Weekly

"Framed by the developing romantic relationship between Doc and Lew, the story is populated with sympathetic, well-drawn main and secondary characters who epitomize the importance of friendship and neighborliness. Houston also delivers beautiful descriptions of the bucolic setting, along with plenty of sharply rendered fly-fishing scenes." - Booklist

"Author Victoria Houston has a flair for demonstrating the scenic background, the locals, and of fleshing out her protagonists and secondary characters. Additionally, the mystery itself is tautly plotted, and contains certain twists and denouements which will intrigue and gratify readers who 'love a good mystery.'" - GMA Literary Community blog

"I have never before encountered so many accurately portrayed, professional protocols in one book.... Also, Houston's nuances are admirable.... This is superb reading - but you really need to go there, or at least read more in the series with an intriguing ensemble cast inspired by people the author remembers from her childhood." - Bookpleasures.com

"There is so much to like about Victoria Houston's new novel, Dead Insider, I almost don't know where to begin. Those who usually don't like cozies...should stop immediately and read the first 10 pages.... That's all it will take. Like a fish on the line, they will be hooked." - Killer Nashville Book of the Day

"I found the plot to be well written and had a realistic vibe. The book had the perfectly believable small community feel. The plot flowed well and there were no lags. I am hooked on this series after reading my first book and will certainly be reading more of Ms. Houston's books." – Sally's Creative Corner

"It takes a lot of effort and ability to make all the characters so real and relatable. Filled with politics, country traditions, and good old fashion mystery, this novel will sweep readers up in its lies and deceits until the truth is laid bare." – Book Vacations blog

"The main characters are back plus some new ones to enjoy. The Mystery keeps you guessing almost all the way through the book. It is a clean read. Some beautiful scenery that makes you want to go fishing." - Readalot blog

"Houston nails the small rural town: its labyrinthine connections between long-time residents; their camaraderie; and the fundamental decency of [most] of its citizens and their ability to deal with even the most shocking crimes in this engaging series." —Alfred Hitchock's Mystery Magazine

From the Publisher