by Iona Whishaw (Author), Marilla Wex (Narrator), TouchWood Editions (Publisher)

An audiobook.

First, I love this mystery series by Iona Whishaw, set in British Colombia, Canada, just after WWII. This is the fifth book, and about a year has passed since book one.

Lane has had some dangerous mysteries to solve – some of them were to get herself out of hot water.  She is quick-minded, observant, and passionate.  She was also a British Spy during the war. (Oops, not supposed to talk about that. Secrets Act and all.)

All these are perfect character traits that make her an excellent helper for Inspector Darling of the Toronto Constabulary.  (Yes, that is his name, and in this book especially, there are several humorous uses of it.)

Lane has also acquired several close friends in the little community of Kings Cove. Women she can chat with and enjoy, and a few of their husbands who are handymen.  She’s found more than a few bodies.  And she’s been essential in the investigations into the causes of their deaths.  She has also been romantically important to Inspector Darling, although he really does wish she would stay out of danger!

In this one, oh dear!  There is a missing young man, another almost dead young man, that Lane finds floating in a boat. He has a gunshot wound. Can he be the missing son?  Hmm. There’s a suspicious organization flaunting swastikas and skulking in the woods, antique thefts from the homes of the trusting community, a suspicious lady who sells eggs, and a slippery congressman.  How in the world do they all fit together? Can Darling and Lane work to solve them without sparks?

The mysteries, which Lane Winslow just can’t help getting involved in, are exciting and usually too challenging for me to untangle before the characters puzzle them out.

Author Iona Whishaw weaves mysteries with characters you love, historical facts that expand and color the story, and enough suspense to make her books hard to put down. Pure enjoyment!  I can’t wait to dive into the next ones.  Narrator Marilla Wex voices the characters perfectly, never invading the listening experience. With her, you never have to guess who’s speaking.