St, John’s Telegram Review of The Walker on the Cape

The Walker on the Cape

By Mike Martin

Baico Publishing Inc., 2012

252 pages $20.00

Elias Martin seemed like a regular old gentlemen to his fellow citizens of Grand Bank, if somewhat cantankerous and reclusive since the death of

his wife. His simple daily rituals were familiar to all, especially his

morning walk along the cape.

So, when he¹s seen setting out one morning, but not coming back, it is

obvious something is wrong. Sure enough, his body is soon found by some

hikers.

The investigation into Martin¹s death is assigned to RCMP Sgt. Winston

Windflower. Windflower grew up on a Northern Albertan reserve and has been stationed in Grand Bank for less than a year. His assisting officer,

Const. Eddie Tizzard, is from Grand Bank, and able to fill out gaps in

local knowledge. At the same time, Windflower¹s outsider perspective can

discern valuable information.

Because things soon get complicated. Martin did not die of natural

causes. And neither had he lived a blameless life. His past includes a

devastating car accident, and a possible affair.

Soon Windflower has his suspects, including the bad-tempered but

influential Harvey Brenton, a drunken Roger Buffet, and whoever the woman

who lost her scarf near Martin¹s body might prove to be.

All the same, pursuing the case doesn¹t keep Windflower so busy that he

neglects his personal life. His affection for Sheila, owner of the local

Mug Up café, is an open secret. But Windflower¹s career has already cost

him the affections of one good woman.

It¹s fun to read a mystery like this. The setting is nicely realized, the

characters have some weight, and the details are telling, like the fog

with a mind of its own, the cuisine in St-Pierre, and the Tim Hortens

bagels.