THE BODY IN THE BACK GARDEN

Release Date : 2024-09-12

Duration : 7 Hours 52 Mins

Publisher : Tantor Audio

SYNOPSIS

This is the first book in the Crescent Cove Mysteries, a queer cozy mystery series set on Canada’s Vancouver Island. Author Mark Waddell, raised on the cold Prairies of western Canada, earned a Ph.D. in the history of science, medicine, and technology from Johns Hopkins University and then worked as a professor at Michigan State University for fifteen years. He and his husband now reside on Vancouver Island.

Crescent Cove, a small hamlet on Vancouver Island, is the last place out-of-work investigative and recently single journalist Luke Tremblay ever wanted to see again. He spent summers there when he was young, until his family learned that he was gay and rejected him. When his aunt is mysteriously killed, Luke is named as the sole heir to her entire estate, including her seaside cottage and her 40-year-old antiques shop. Luke plans to sell everything and head back to Toronto as soon as possible. But when an aggressive stranger arrives at the cottage, claiming Luke’s aunt owes him something, Luke sends him on his way. The next morning, Luke discovers the stranger lying dead in the cottage’s back garden. When he notifies the police, an arrogant and familiar-looking Mountie arrives, convinced that Luke is guilty of murder. Luke soon discovers that the Mountie is his old childhood friend, Jack Monroe, and harbours resentment towards Luke for abandoning him in their youth. Luke, keen on proving his innocence, begins investigating the dead man by interrogating the colourful locals of Crescent Cove. The more Luke digs, the more he discovers that there are many secrets buried in Crescent Cove. By putting himself in dangerous situations to garner evidence and giving away too much information to the wrong people, he soon makes himself a target and finds himself in imminent danger!

REVIEW

This is a fun, fast-paced, cozy mystery. The beautiful setting of the story on picturesque Vancouver Island is perfect for a cozy mystery with its colourful small town characters and idyllic surroundings. Luke is a great character who is willing to speak his mind, even in precarious situations. From the very beginning, there is a captivating underlying chemistry between Luke and Jack, despite the cold reception that Jack gives off. Waddell cleverly leaves clues throughout the story, making several characters look guilty, and Luke’s inner monologues can often mislead the audience. The list of possible suspects builds as the story progresses, and just when you think you may have figured it all out, a sudden twist occurs, leading to an exciting conclusion. Some of the dialogue is too far-fetched, almost reminiscent of a soap opera, but this also adds to the entertainment value. One example would be Luke’s intimate conversation with the two police officers, who willingly share personal information about Jack without even knowing the extent of Luke’s relationship with him. The story also incorporates important subject matter, such as homophobia and racism. Both are nicely woven into the story in a meaningful manner and don’t make the book dark or heavy in any way.

Narrator Daniel Henning is the absolute perfect narrator for this story. His clear, concise tone coupled with well-placed dramatic flair are perfectly suited to Luke’s character and the small town setting. Henning also paces the story wonderfully and vividly brings the entire town to life, allowing listeners to relish in the charm of it all. If a unique cozy mystery filled with west coast Canadian charm and a small dose of queer romance intrigues you, then give this one a listen!