Official Review: A Long Ways from Home by Mike Martin

[Guppy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Long Ways from Home" by Mike Martin.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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A Long Ways From Home, by Mike Martin, is the latest book in the Sergeant Windflower mystery series.

Set in Newfoundland, protagonist Sergeant Winston Windflower of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has two mysteries to solve. While he is investigating the disappearance of his fiancé’s cousin, Windflower is tasked away from home to lead a double murder investigation. With two cases, two settings and a biker gang A Long Ways From Home is a multi-layered story that is more exciting than a Harley ride.

Windflower has a life full of interacting distractions which add to the richness of the plot. His fiancé is furious with him, his RCMP partner is leaving, and he keeps having nightmares about a house on fire. Then there is the dog, the bear, and the moose.

Windflower himself is a well-developed protagonist. He is a good-hearted community man who LOVES his food. Yes, LOVES his food with all capitals. The food descriptions are incredible. Dinners and desserts are whole chapters and Windflower’s friends tease him for his extra serves. What sets Windflower apart from other detective protagonists is his Cree heritage, which adds depth and gives reflection opportunities that move the plot and Windflower forward.

I liked the tongue in cheek nod to classic police stories through the inclusion of police clichés like doughnut eating. There’s also a scene where Windflower is reading a book (a mystery of course!) and feels “a little bit irritated by the fact that (the author) seemed to skim over the meals in this story, instead of describing them in the great detail Windflower savoured.” It’s a cute way to acknowledge reader reaction to the epic food descriptions without breaking the third wall.

Plot wise this book is a masterful juggling act of events. Windflower’s routines were an interesting way to pace the plot while giving insight into his character. All of his distractions are woven seamlessly into the plot and all loose ends are tied up neatly by the concluding chapters.

As a mystery it has a classic feel but the large plot and well developed protagonist make it more original than most books in the mystery genre. I made some connections but not others, and was surprised by the ending. Pieces fit together well, though some of the phone calls Windflower makes amounted to repetitive pre-planning for the next chapter. This is the only reason I didn’t give it a 4 star rating.

I recommend this book to fans of mysteries and police stories.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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A Long Ways from Home
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Like Guppy's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kandscreeley]

This really sounds like a very interesting mystery. I love that out had a classical type slant. This might be one to add to my too read list. Thanks for the review.

[Joy Boudreau]

Interesting mystery story. I have not read many with a Canadian twist. Be interesting to read more in that setting. Thanks for the review!

[kimmyschemy06]

Sounds like a very interesting book with a fascinating character. I really like the 'doughnut-eating' part because I just realized that, yes, there is always a 'doughnut-eating' scene in detective stories. Great job on the review.

[Guppy]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments on my review.

there is always a 'doughnut-eating' scene in detective stories.

You're probably right Kimmy, I'll be sure to look for them in future books. There was also a good cop/bad cop reference in this book too.

[Elaine5]

I love that this book sounds ultra Canadian and it's one of my favorite genres. Based on your review, I would love to read this book. Thank-you!

[Shubam sharma]

Good but match to other stories
As someone missings and police have to find it...
Story line was okk