Fade To White

You know, I mostly read pretty intellectual stuff--biography, history, Dostoyevsky, Zola and Balzac.  I am well versed in many subjects and can intellectually spar with the best.  That being said, I really enjoy Wendy Clinch's Ski Diva Mysteries because they are for me an escape, like skiing, in a world where we all tend to take ourselves way too seriously.  So, within the confines of these expectations, I loved both Double Black and Fade to White and eagerly look forward to Stacey Curtis's next escapade in Spruce Peak, VT.  I think that Ms. Clinch will improve as a writer and continue to hone her craft.  I'm in no hurry and until then I will continue to read and enjoy her books.  I don't expect War and Peace.  I expect fun and a respite from the harsh realities of summer.  What avid skier out there can't relate to that?  So, lighten up people.  If you are so above the ski mystery genre, well, then read Thomas Mann or something, and go review his books.    

Hollywood Harper Stone arrives at Spruce Peak, Vermont to film a mouthwash commercial. Once a star, this is the only gig he can get though he does not hide his rage over how far his fame has fallen. Avid skier Stacey Curtis looks forward to a turn on the slopes before going to work at the Broken Binding bar. However, the lift is closed due to the filming directed by Stacey's former boyfriend Brian Russell. Still the Ski Diva and her friend ski patrol operative Chip Walsh ski together until they run into a corpse. Someone murdered Harper with the last person to see the actor alive being Brian, who is known for his jealousy and anger. Stacey knows to stay out of the homicide on the slopes, but investigates anyway The second Ski Diva amateur sleuth (see Double Black) is an engaging tale that focuses more on skiing than on the whodunit. Stacey is a wonderful protagonist whose theme is Let it snow; let It snow; and let it snow. Although the mystery takes the backseat on the lift, fans will enjoy going downhill with Stacey who brings enthusiasm and energy to the slopes. Harriet Klausner

After ready the first Ski Diva book I looked forward to this one. Right now I skimmed thru 3/4 of it as it was all narrative drivel. May to much narrative about the snow, about the mountains, what kind of snow, how much snow, how she always wanted to be the first on the seat, how she loved to ski, yada, yada. I am almost done with the book and as of yet she has done no real detecting and wondering if I can actually get to the end of the book. I have no doubts I can turn to the last chapter and see who did it without missing anything in between