Wednesday, May 29, 2019

The Deadly Art of Deception (Caribou King Mysteries #1), by Linda Crowder (author), Michelle Babb (narrator)

Audible Audio, August 2017

Caribou King, a.k.a. Cara, runs the  Broken Antler Art Gallery in Coho Bay, Alaska, and cruise ship season is the only season that matters, business-wise. When old college friend Taylor Snow, shows up, she's happy to put her to work, but also puzzled. Taylor had married local artist Jonathan Snow, but when he was killed by a bear two years later, she had left, heading south to Seattle.

Why is she back?

Given the lack of local ties other than Cara, and the hostility of Jack, her former father-in-law, it seems a bit strange.

Meanwhile, Cara's sister, Mel, and brother-in-law, Bent, are running their restaurant for the summer visitors, and making preparations for the birth of their baby. The elder Kings are doing their wildlife research, in and out of town as time allows, and hatching plans to be around for their grandchild's birth.

Jack insist's his son's death wasn't an accident, and accuses Taylor, but it's not not even clear how Taylor could be responsible for the bear attack. Handsome local boat tour guide Frank seems to be pursuing Cara, then winds up spending a night with Taylor.

When a headless and handless body is found in the bay, and neither Frank nor Jack can be found, Cara doesn't know what to think, or do. The local constable may also have questionable motives, and it's hard to know who to trust. Beyond her immediate family, the answer might be "no one," and Cara doesn't even know how to live that way.

These are interesting characters with a real problem on their hands. This is the start of a series, so some of it is scene-setting and getting acquainted with ongoing characters, but it's a good, solid story with good characters.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

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