Dead Water

"Dead Water" is so enjoyable because it is set (fictional) in the area in which I grew up and the names (fictional) remind me of life in a small town and the surrounding area. It is such an enjoyable read along with the other seven "Dead ...." books in the series written by Victoria Houston. I look forward to the next edition.

In the 3rd book in the Loon Lake fishing mystery series, dead bodies of women are showing up around town, and the chief of police, Lewellyn Ferris (aka Lew) once again enlists the help of her part time deputies, Doctor Paul Osborne and Ray Pradt with the baffling cases. Doc is thrilled to be working closely with Lew again, even though he dislikes the murderous circumstances that keep drawing them together. Both women were shot, and have bizarre teeth "marks" on each of their bodies. Beyond that, it is difficult for Lew and Doc to connect the two victims, until a close friend of one of them flies into town to assist on the case. Gina suspects a con-man that was romantically involved with her friend in Kansas City, and then skipped town one day, taking a large chunk of her money with him. Gina believes that her friend, Ashley, may have come to Loon Lake to meet the man, and works closely with Doc, Lew, and Ray to track down a vicious killer. This series just gets better and better! There are three main characters that are in each of the books...Lew, Doc Osborne, and Ray, and they are such vivid characters that I feel I could visit Loon Lake and meet them. I love the way that they work together as a team, and the budding romance between Lew and Doc. In this installment, Ray finds out he may have a son, and brings him to live in Loon Lake for the summer, and I found the addition of this subplot to be very interesting. I also enjoyed the addition of Ray's potential love interest, Gina. Even though I figured out the identity of the killer very early on in this book, I loved the way the whole plot unfolded and how the main characters worked together to catch the killer. Even if you are not a fisherman, this is a great series for those that like cozy style mysteries. The first book in the series is called "Dead Angler". Enjoy!

Even if fishing is not your thing, you will enjoy this latest by Victoria Houston. Retired dentist Paul Osborne doesn't really enjoy finding dead bodies in the water, but at least it keeps him in contact with the attractive, fiftyish Police Chief Lew Ferris. When the two bodies of young women show up with similiar bite marks on them, Lew asks Paul to help her as a temporary Medical Examiner. Paul is usually accompanied by his young friend Ray Pradt, a man-of-the-woods who this time is occupied by the sudden appearance of a son he knew nothing about.The arrival of one of the dead woman's friends and the long-lost "goth" son bring a great mix to the small town of Big Creek characters. As Paul and Lew focus on a con man who may have targeted the dead women the two become suspicious of newcomers and find themselves not knowing who to trust.This is a character driven series that will not fail to entertain and will introduce fish-phobes to the pleasures of fishing.

I read Victoria Houston's first book because she was an area author and she hooked me! She pens the words my husband trys to express about his fishing passion. Doc, Lew and Ray were old friends by the third book and I can't wait for their next adventure. A just right mystery that I can stay up reading into the night, just a hint of sweet older romance.

Victoria Houston's Loon Lake Fishing Mystery Series has me hooked. The wait for the release of DEAD WATER has been worth every minute. Once again I'm drawn in, hook, line and sinker, into the lives of Doc Osborne, Lew Ferris and the unforgettable Ray Pradt. When you add murder, suspense, plenty of fishing and just the right touch of romance, this series is a keeper. DEAD WATER is definitely the must read of the summer.