I was on vacation at the cottage in Ontario for a week, so I read two mysteries set in Ontario: Blood and Groom by Jill Edmondson, book #1 in the Sasha Jackson series and set in Toronto, and The Bridgeman by Catherine Astolfo, book #1 in the Emily Taylor series and set in an Ontario small town.
Blood and Groom was pretty good, particularly for a debut novel - it felt a bit forced in the beginning, but improved, and the mystery itself was quite interesting, although I didn't entirely warm to the main character. I definitely enjoyed the Toronto setting. I plan to read the next in the series, to see how it develops.
I really enjoyed The Bridgeman, although some of the subject matter (animal abuse) was pretty disturbing and might be a bit much for some (I'm still wavering on whether I will recommend this to my mom, for example). And the main character did have one ridiculous "too stupid to live" moment reminiscent of a horror movie heroine. But generally, it hooked me right in, and I powered through it, putting it down only reluctantly when forced by family members! I really liked the characters (stupid moment aside), and the small-town Ontario setting was well done. Thankfully, I already have the next in the series, and will be reading it soon!
posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )
