I did a bit of a double-take when I started writing this review. I went to check which number book this one is in the Sgt. Windflower series and discovered that it is number 16. How is that even possible ?! Yes, our friendly, kind, even-tempered Mountie hero has already starred in an amazing 15 other books. This surely explains why readers (or at least I) have a real sense of coming home and catching up with a family member or friend when a new Sgt. Windflower book hits the shelves.
If you have yet to read any of the books in the series, let me explain the homely setting and its heart-warming main character. Sgt. Windflower is a RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer who lives in the small town of Grand Bank. Imagine beautiful sea views disappearing in the swirling fog that also hides the numerous giant moose lurking on the fringes of the roads, with a distinct scent of por'cakes and curried salmon wafting along on the breeze. As well as being a police officer, Sgt. Windflower is a big-hearted family man, husband to Sheila and daddy to two daughters, Stella and Amelia Louise, as well as guardian of two pets, a dog named Lady who loves to go for walks with Windflower and a cat called Molly who is far too important to cast a look at her master if he doesn't come bearing salmon-flavoured gifts ! Sgt. Windflower also shares some elements of his Cree heritage, whether through his smudging rituals or his dreamweaving, where he catches up with his family members who have passed on.
Sgt. Windflower has a close-knit group of friends and workmates who pop up in the various novels. Colleagues Eddie and Carrie Tizzard, along with their growing brood of children, Herb Stoodley at the local diner The Mug-Up and the whisky, food and literary quotation-lover Doc Sanjay, who sadly puts in his final appearance in this novel.
Despite all the good times in Newfoundland (the novel begins with a celebration for the newly promoted members of Sgt. Windflower's team), criminal shenanigans are never far away and this book throws Windflower into a series of violent bank heists, involving international mobsters and local biker gangs. As the body count starts to rise, Windflower realises that these crimes are the test run for a bigger crime spree, probably based in Toronto.
While he doesn't hold back, even willing to put his own life on the line, it's the warmer, more comforting moments of his life that will keep me coming back for more tales of his life - a catch-up with friends, a good meal shared with loved ones or a witty battle of Shakespearean quotes with his friends. Bring it on, Sgt. Windflower, bring it on !
star rating : 4/5
- Publisher : Ottawa Press and Publishing Mystery
- Publication date : 1 May 2025
- Language : English
- Print length : 286 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1990896308
- ISBN-13 : 978-1990896309
Disclosure : I received a review copy of the book in order to share my honest opinion.
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