FISHERMAN’S BEND: A Jane Bunker Novel
Linda Greenlaw
Hyperion
Mystery
ISBN: 9781401322359

• Read an Excerpt

It seems that Linda Greenlaw has found her niche in the mystery genre. FISHERMAN’S BEND, a follow-up to SLIPKNOT, continues the adventures of Jane Bunker, Green Haven’s new Deputy Sheriff and part-time insurance investigator for Eastern Marine Safety Consultants. The former Miami homicide detective had more than her share of murder and mayhem, so she left the frenzied life in Florida for the remote shores of Maine where she hoped to use her skills in a less stressful setting.

But, if that were the case, where would the stories be? Once again, what should be a routine investigation of a vandalized survey vessel sets the stage for a series of events that leave one man dead, a prominent fisherman missing and the whole town wondering what kind of foul play is going on. As she works to unravel the clues, Jane’s own life is threatened by those who fear she is getting too close to the truth.

It seems that her investigation of the vandalism uncovers many conflicts that have begun emerging since the death of Jason Alley from an overdose of heroin. Did his death have anything to do with the “lobster wars” that prompt fierce competition among fishermen? Why was George Paul, spokesman for the Passamaquoddy tribe, so interested in the survey vessel? And was Dane Stevens, handsome captain of the vessel, being honest about his mission? Although Jane is not getting paid anything close to her homicide detective wages, she works just as hard to find answers to these questions and to help the Alley family get closure.

While Greenlaw does not rely on heart-pounding suspense to hook her audience, the varied storylines and interesting themes keep readers closely engaged. In addition to a compelling story, her style places you smack in the middle of Green Haven, Maine, so you can taste the salt air and feel the mist rising from the sea as you stroll with Jane down to the Harbor Café. There you can expect to be assaulted by Audrey, a punk rocker who waits on tables and runs a tight ship. “Though only nineteen, Audrey is precociously self-assured and comfortable in her own tattooed and pierced skin.” She reminds me of the Soup Nazi from “Seinfeld.”

Other fictional characters in FISHERMAN’S BEND assure you that Greenlaw based them on real folks she knows very well. Cal Dunham captains the Sea Pigeon and ferries Jane between the islands so she can save time and wear and tear on her ancient Duster. Cal doesn’t say much, but he has mastered the art of listening and is very helpful as Jane tries to sort out her clues.

The Vickersons are Jane’s elderly landlords, and they feed her mussels for dinner in a different recipe every evening after enjoying their extended cocktail hour. How charming and endearing they are! And, of course, there is Jane herself, who I suspect may have a bit of Linda Greenlaw in her, the quintessence of female ingenuity while being humble, caring and humorous. She tries to make the best of every situation and hopes that her run of bad luck with men will end as she begins having happy thoughts about Captain Dane Stevens.

Take heart. There’s only one previous book to read and you’ll be ready for FISHERMAN’S BEND. Prepare yourself for a treat.

    --- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She reviews for www.faithfulreader.com and livinglightnew.com. To contact Maggie, e-mail Magster2@cox.net.

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