A series of fires has lowered public confidence in the small Newfoundland town of Grand Bank where acting RCMP Inspector Winston Windflower is stationed. The most recent fire reveals the presence of a body in the kitchen—dead, not by smoke inhalation, but by multiple gunshot wounds. Thus the latest novel in the Mike Martin’s Sgt. Windflower Mystery series begins.
The community is troubled and demands answers. As Windflower and his team build the case, they discover a complex mystery with links to an outlaw biker gang from Europe, a high-profile gold robbery, and two local boys who have found their niche in a most violent world. A young firefighter is discovered to have connections to the crime, further shocking the community and lowering overall confidence. (Those from small communities will know that, regardless of adherence to confidentiality, most citizens will be aware of details almost before the police are.) Windflower and his detachment work with calm and focus to develop a solid case, but they still manage to give their families some quality time. Unlike their fast-paced TV counterparts, they do not rush about lamenting that their families are neglected; they zip home, start the barbecue, engage in real conversations with family, walk the dog, and study the clues while arranging meetings and coordinating searches. This makes for a satisfying, and probably more realistic, read.
I appreciate the way that the author gives us just enough background information to fill in readers who are new to the series. References to previous cases and characters provide enough information to let us know what must have happened without going into extensive detail. A good example of this is the introduction of Bernard Thibault with his background as a drug user and undercover worker with the RCMP. Now healthy and drug free, he recalls how Windflower stood up for him. We learn relevant information and also develop better understanding of Windflower’s qualities as an officer and a human being.
The dream weaving sections are well done. The family cat as well as Windflower’s ancestors make appearances to guide him, to counsel him, and to warn him of danger. These are important encounters, and delivered respectfully, but the humour, the touch of sarcasm from the aunt and uncle visiting him in the dream, make the encounter warmer, more intimate and real.
The character of Winston Flower provides an exemplary model of one living by the Grandfather teachings. Qualities of the Seven Teachings are integrated into his life: He smudges daily and reconnects with creation in prayer, lives by humility, and strives to draw out the best in all he encounters. Always calm, but feeling deeply, facing armed conflict with words of peace, he releases his tension in tears when an encounter is completed.
His family life is exemplary but not idealized. Windflower’s children are precious beings of great sweetness, but their emerging independence in choices is noted! One assumes the reader will see genuine adolescent issues as the series continues, as we hope it will.
His wife is loving, supportive, and independent in thought and action. That is, she is part of the dialogue and the decision-making, and this seems very natural to both of them. Although she can cook, and does cook, she is not relegated to this role. Actually, most characters in this novel seem to cook well, while at the same time analysing music, coordinating an RCMP detachment, running a safe house, and much more. Role models abound in Mike Martin’s writing.
Worthy of note is the management of the young firefighter in this instance: Windflower approaches the situation by identifying his need for help, and this becomes the focus. Although this character’s abuse of his wife is definitely not condoned, and she receives sensitive and compassionate intervention, Windflower focuses on the young man’s need for help, and appeals to his love for his children to encourage him to surrender and seek this help. The focus is on restoration, not punishment.
It is a light mystery, but a fine and suspenseful mystery, with excellent food and loyal companions, with revealing dreams that draw our respect and also our smiles. (Why shouldn’t the aunts and uncles keep their sense of humour and unique attributes even when reaching out from the spirit world?) Mike Martin draws on the warmth of Windflower’s Cree heritage, portraying a well-rounded man, a humble and honest man, an honest cop and a loyal friend.
It is a good mystery, not a page turner in which we just can’t wait for the next thrill, but a page turner nonetheless, simply because it is a good story.
Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.
Publisher: Ottawa Press and Publishing (October 1, 2024)
Paperback 430 pages
ISBN: 978-1990896224
- Anne Smith-Nochasakhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/annesn/
- Anne Smith-Nochasakhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/annesn/
- Anne Smith-Nochasakhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/annesn/
- Anne Smith-Nochasakhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/annesn/
- Anne Smith-Nochasakhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/annesn/
- Anne Smith-Nochasakhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/annesn/
