Deadly Lessons: A Winston Patrick Mystery

To most of the students of Sir John A Macdonald Secondary School, the new guy Winston Patrick, was just another teacher. They thought they could sleep through his law classes while he was lecturing, and get by with a passing grade. Little did they know that they all would be swept into a mystery involving a murder of a schoolmate and get a first-hand lesson on how the criminal justice system, police and media operate. Winston, who had just started a teaching career, had recently given up his practice of law when a fellow teacher Carl Turbot approaches him. Carl wants legal advise, but Winston tells him that he no longer practices law. Carl insists and Winston reluctantly agrees to talk to him. It appears that one of Carl's students is threatening him about a sexual affair. Carl swears that nothing has taken place with 17-year-old student Tricia Bellamy. Winston agrees to talk to Tricia to try to find out what is going on. Winston wants to believe Carl, his new friend and colleague, but after hearing Tricia's story he is not so sure. When he pointblank asks Carl if he is telling the truth, and Carl's temper explodes and he says he is going find Tricia and have a talk with her. Winston tells Carl not to do that but Carl storms out. Before anything can be done Tricia is found dead and all fingers point to Carl. Soon Winston finds he has a legal client. Winston finds a note in his in-box at school asking him to come to the cemetery across from the school. He thinks it is a student's prank, so does not take any precaution and goes alone. Of course he is mugged by two thugs, who warn him to leave well enough alone. Winston does not take direction well-and continues to butt into the police investigation. His policewoman friend Andrea and he try to find clues as to what has happened. Winston continues to get in trouble with his ex-wife, the stressed-out school principal, and the sour detective assigned to the case, as well as further run-ins with the bad guys. David Russell's book is fast paced and fun to read as Winston gets himself in all sorts of trouble. It made me wonder how smart a lawyer/teacher he really is when he keeps walking into dangerous situations and getting the tar beat out of him. It almost made me not like this character for being that stupid, but in the end it was an entertaining book to read. I especially liked his quick wit and quirky thoughts as he was getting himself into trouble. Armchair Interviews says: NO lawyer jokes allowed.

David Russell's career roots began with the Vancouver Theatre Sports League, a world champion improv theater company. He has hosted both television and talk shows. He is a freelance writer for several publications. As if that wasn't enough, he also teaches high school law and history. Winston Patrick is a disaffected lawyer who strikes out in a new career direction by taking a high school job teaching law. He and his socialite wife also part ways, although he still remains close to her highly successful brother-in-law, who is also a lawyer. Just as Winston is getting his feet wet in the teaching profession, a colleague pulls him back into his law role with a personal problem between him and one of his students. Did he; did she? Who is lying? When the co-ed is found strangled, Winston finds himself involved in a case of International proportions: "'Yes!' Sandi declared. 'I've been dying to talk to you all day after I woke up and saw your picture splattered over the SUN this morning. You even made the front section of the POST. They barely know the west coast exists.' Andy had shown me the front page of the VANCOUVER SUN when she'd arrived in the morning. I was unaware the Toronto-produced NATIONAL POST had carried the story as well. I was quickly becoming coast-to-coast infamous." Set in Vancouver, British Columbia, Russell's no doubt somewhat autobiographical mystery brings together a range of characters from mobsters to high school students in this fresh and engaging mystery. Winston Patrick is a known insomniac who runs to maintain some semblance of sanity in his world. His best friend is a female cop who "watches his back," and as this tale brings in more and more unsavory characters, he relies heavily on his friends in high places. He constantly takes his licks, and his smart mouth adds spice to the already engaging story. Russell creates a plot that is intricate and fascinating; non-stop action; a psychological layer that encompasses all the characters; and just good old-fashioned sleuthing. This is a "can't put it down" mystery that is enjoyable and mysterious. It's a sure winner! Shelley Glodowski Senior Reviewer