Idyll Threats
by
Stephanie Gayle
Mystery
Reviewed
by Lisa Haselton
Transitioning
from being a NYC detective to police chief in a small CT town is quite a change
and Thomas Lynch wants to make it work while keeping his private life separate
from his professional life.
When he’s
called in to investigate a murder, it’s common ground for Lynch with his
introspective and methodical ways of approaching a new case. But it’s not
common for small Idyll, CT. In fact, it’s quite inconvenient for the small town
as Founder’s Day – a tourist draw – is about to begin. So Lynch and his staff
are under a lot of pressure to solve the case quickly.
The
realistic details add a lot of dimension to the fictional town of Idyll – whose
inhabitants are anything but idle. Everyone knows everybody and secrets quickly
become town gossip. As the new guy, Lynch faces a lot of suspicion and
questions – especially about why he’d move to a small town from the big city. On
top of that, he needs to not only get to know his staff, but also teach them
the intricacies of solving a murder, as it’s not someone anyone has any
experience with.
Gayle
has crafted a main character with real-life flaws. He has doubts, he’s awkward
as the new guy, and he’s struggling with his past – not unlike most of us. He’s
a likable character and I felt natural empathy as I learned more of his back
story. He loves being a cop – it’s a calling more than a career – and he’s good
at it. The interactions with his staff are naturally awkward, since he’s so new
to the job and change is never easy for anyone.
I loved
how Chief Lynch pulled me into the small town’s murder investigation and I
enjoyed the contrasts explored from his NYC experience to small-town America.
It was also fun realizing how much technology has changed since 1997 – and attitudes
toward an individual’s lifestyle. I admit to being a murder mystery buff and
this story kept me engaged and curious. I forgot I was reading at times, as it
seemed I was in the moment.
This is
the first novel in Stephanie Gayle’s new Thomas Lynch series. I have to hope
the next one comes out soon! Gayle has published several stories, narrative
nonfiction articles, and another novel, My
Summer of Southern Discomfort.
I thoroughly
enjoyed reading Idyll Threats and
look forward to more in this new series. I consider this a highly recommended,
pleasurable mystery read.
If you’re interested in learning more about Stephanie, visit her
website.
Also: she’ll be the guest at The Writer’s Chatroom where you can
chat with her live on Sunday, September 13 from 7-9PM EST.
Release date: September 8, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-6388-078-8
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
(I received an ARC of this book with no promise of a review of any kind.)
