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Mendenhall Mysteries #1
The Shoeless Kid
A former big-city cop haunted by past tragedy, Kate Williams accepts the job of police chief for the rural Canadian town of Mendenhall. But instead of the low-key troubles typical of a smaller force, she finds a station divided by rivalries—and very few supporters. The pressure only increases when a crazy old man shows up with a child's red running shoe, insisting he witnessed a kidnapping.
Is six-year-old Josh Hollister in jeopardy—or just staying with his grandmother, as his mother calmly insists? Rallying her factional force into a collective unit to investigate proves less difficult once they determine there is no grandmother. But there is a missing father who desperately wants to protect his son, and a mother with dangerous associates. Finding Josh quickly becomes a race against time…to stop a tragedy Kate vowed would never happen on her watch again.
Is six-year-old Josh Hollister in jeopardy—or just staying with his grandmother, as his mother calmly insists? Rallying her factional force into a collective unit to investigate proves less difficult once they determine there is no grandmother. But there is a missing father who desperately wants to protect his son, and a mother with dangerous associates. Finding Josh quickly becomes a race against time…to stop a tragedy Kate vowed would never happen on her watch again.
249 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
173 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Marcelle Dube
77 books35 followersMarcelle Dubé writes mystery and speculative fiction novels and short stories, which are featured in anthologies and magazines, including the Saturday Evening Post, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Mystery Magazine and On Spec Magazine.
Her work has been short-listed for the Derringer Award and the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence for Best Crime Short Story, which she won in 2021 and 2024. She is the author of the Mendenhall Mystery Series.
Find out more about her and sign up for her newsletter at www.marcellemdube.com.
Her work has been short-listed for the Derringer Award and the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence for Best Crime Short Story, which she won in 2021 and 2024. She is the author of the Mendenhall Mystery Series.
Find out more about her and sign up for her newsletter at www.marcellemdube.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 15, 2021
I was excited to discover a new-to-me Canadian author with a satisfying mystery series out called The Mendenhall Mysteries. Set in the fictional town of Mendenhall, Manitoba, Ms. Dubé has created a fine police procedural about a rural police force led by a brand-new Chief of Police, Kate Williams.
Kate struggles with bringing her Deputy Chief onside after he was passed over for promotion, inspiring loyalty from her other officers, while dealing with a sprained ankle and a brash city political aide who’s helping her organize the Cop Games for the province. All while a homeless man reports a “monster on a white horse” abducting a child, who turns out to be missing, it’s just not clear where he’s missing from.
Kate Williams is a beautifully layered character who’s normal, not super-woman, and I appreciated that Ms. Dubé wrote about a possible child abduction in a manner that wasn’t triggering for the reader. The pacing kept me turning the pages and reading about my favourite prairie setting made the book more entertaining. I’ve already bought book 2 in this series. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Dubé!
Kate struggles with bringing her Deputy Chief onside after he was passed over for promotion, inspiring loyalty from her other officers, while dealing with a sprained ankle and a brash city political aide who’s helping her organize the Cop Games for the province. All while a homeless man reports a “monster on a white horse” abducting a child, who turns out to be missing, it’s just not clear where he’s missing from.
Kate Williams is a beautifully layered character who’s normal, not super-woman, and I appreciated that Ms. Dubé wrote about a possible child abduction in a manner that wasn’t triggering for the reader. The pacing kept me turning the pages and reading about my favourite prairie setting made the book more entertaining. I’ve already bought book 2 in this series. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Dubé!
April 28, 2011
Well-written, workmanlike police procedural with a strong female lead character. Not terribly deep, not overly involved, but a well-paced and tidy novel. Honestly, that's about all I can come up with - it was a decent book, just...unremarkable?
The novel is set in Manitoba, in a city called Mendenhall. The new female chief of police (whose name I've already forgotten!) is having a rough time gaining a foothold in her new job, after transferring there from Toronto. She has lived with the shame of not apprehending a child's kidnapper on a routine traffic stop many years before, and when that child later turned up dead, she blamed herself for years. Although the case died down, everything came back up when she applied for a promotion in Toronto.
Rather than live with the resurrected scandal, she applies for and is given the position in Manitoba. When a child is apparently abducted in her new city, she struggles to deal with the case, giving it more attention than others think is healthy, in an attempt to assuage her guilt over the case deep in her past.
The novel is set in Manitoba, in a city called Mendenhall. The new female chief of police (whose name I've already forgotten!) is having a rough time gaining a foothold in her new job, after transferring there from Toronto. She has lived with the shame of not apprehending a child's kidnapper on a routine traffic stop many years before, and when that child later turned up dead, she blamed herself for years. Although the case died down, everything came back up when she applied for a promotion in Toronto.
Rather than live with the resurrected scandal, she applies for and is given the position in Manitoba. When a child is apparently abducted in her new city, she struggles to deal with the case, giving it more attention than others think is healthy, in an attempt to assuage her guilt over the case deep in her past.
June 7, 2011
Kate Williams doesn't want to have anything to do with a potential "missing child" case. Twenty years ago she had handled such a case and the outcome would forever haunt her. But with her entirely likable deputy, Marco Trepalli motivating her, Kate pursues the red sneaker on the side of the road, and the tale of a madman that claims a monster took a child away on a horse.
This is a well-written mystery, and Kate, the chief of police was a character that was strong (hand-to-hand combat!!), but vulnerable as well.
Bravo to Ms. Dube!
This is a well-written mystery, and Kate, the chief of police was a character that was strong (hand-to-hand combat!!), but vulnerable as well.
Bravo to Ms. Dube!
March 29, 2012
This account of a middle-aged police chief getting to grips with life in small town Canada had me from page one. All sorts of prejudices and local resentments stacked up against Kate and I was curious to see how she'd overcome them.
The discovery of a child's shoe leads Kate and one of her constables to suppose that its owner is missing, or worse. Even when the child's mother says that her son is fine, Kate continues to delve, earning the grudging respect of her colleagues along the way.
Very entertaining, well written and engaging.
The discovery of a child's shoe leads Kate and one of her constables to suppose that its owner is missing, or worse. Even when the child's mother says that her son is fine, Kate continues to delve, earning the grudging respect of her colleagues along the way.
Very entertaining, well written and engaging.
May 29, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A great mystery, wonderful setting and true-to-life characters. What more can you ask?
I particularly liked the slightly older than usual, tough but sensitive and compassionate cop, Kate Williams.
I particularly liked the slightly older than usual, tough but sensitive and compassionate cop, Kate Williams.
June 6, 2011
I loved this book, it ticked all my boxes. Well written, a great mystery, believable characters. A throughly enjoyable read.
August 25, 2011
The Shoeless Kid by Marcelle Dube is a fast, enjoyable read. Kate is the type of policewoman you'd like to hae as your friend. Dogged and persistant-she gets her answer.
November 6, 2018
I loved this book! Having spent some time in the region in which the book is set, it was fun to see how the author reflects the land and people of the locale. As a mystery, it is not overly complicated nor unrealistic; the characters and situation are believable and well-developed, with enough twists and intrigue to keep one's interest piqued. Looking forward to reading more in the series, and a long legacy of future tomes a la Louise Penny.
November 12, 2023
A well-written mystery novel with an unfamiliar twist or two.
Kate, the new small-town police chief, recognizes that the obnoxious internal Toronto police politics
is excessive and she needs a change. Her position in a smaller town is not less reprieve from stress. The department wanted one of its own to become the next chief, again, she was in a fragile position dealing with internal politics.
A homeless man reports the abduction of a six-year-old boy. Not much evidence to prove the kidnapping, except one shoe, Kate has to make a decision on whether to investigate.
Kate, the new small-town police chief, recognizes that the obnoxious internal Toronto police politics
is excessive and she needs a change. Her position in a smaller town is not less reprieve from stress. The department wanted one of its own to become the next chief, again, she was in a fragile position dealing with internal politics.
A homeless man reports the abduction of a six-year-old boy. Not much evidence to prove the kidnapping, except one shoe, Kate has to make a decision on whether to investigate.
February 19, 2019
Engrossing procedural
New and unwanted chief of police Kate begins an investigation into a missing child based on the words of a man known to be mentally ill.
It quickly becomes a complex case with many layers of possible culprits.
Excellent editing kept this story moving.
New and unwanted chief of police Kate begins an investigation into a missing child based on the words of a man known to be mentally ill.
It quickly becomes a complex case with many layers of possible culprits.
Excellent editing kept this story moving.
December 30, 2022
A satisfying read set in rural Manitoba Canada. I loved the description of the place - enough to put me there but not slow down the story. The characters took shape well as the subplot (tensions in the police constabulary) unfolded. The details of the mystery drip out just enough to keep you reading. I'll be reading the rest of the series.
February 28, 2019
Great build up
The book starts out a little slow but then starts building on the possibility of a kidnapped boy. A man with delusions, and a new chief of police trying to earn the respect of her officers.
The book starts out a little slow but then starts building on the possibility of a kidnapped boy. A man with delusions, and a new chief of police trying to earn the respect of her officers.
May 31, 2019
Can't Put it Down
This is a novel that is addictive. Once you start there is no option to put it down. The story is strong, characters compelling. Once I started I was lost to do anything but read. I loved it.
This is a novel that is addictive. Once you start there is no option to put it down. The story is strong, characters compelling. Once I started I was lost to do anything but read. I loved it.
July 2, 2020
Great thrIller
This kept you guessing until the end. It kept you wondering if there really was a crime committed or not. Loved the main character Kate.Can't wait to read the next book.
This kept you guessing until the end. It kept you wondering if there really was a crime committed or not. Loved the main character Kate.Can't wait to read the next book.
December 18, 2018
Outstanding!
A refreshingly complex plotline with realistic, well developed characters including a different type of police chief. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
A refreshingly complex plotline with realistic, well developed characters including a different type of police chief. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
February 6, 2019
Good Mystery
I enjoyed this book.....great characters, good plot, solid writing and fast paced storyline. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book.....great characters, good plot, solid writing and fast paced storyline. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 18, 2019
The Shoeless Kid
This is a well written book. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. I am looking forward to more books in this series .
This is a well written book. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. I am looking forward to more books in this series .
February 22, 2019
Slow starter but slowly builds.
I enjoyed the book after I got into it. I almost deleted it early on due to the slow start. Yes I will buy the next book too.
I enjoyed the book after I got into it. I almost deleted it early on due to the slow start. Yes I will buy the next book too.
July 22, 2019
Excellent
This story will grab your attention and keep it until the very end. It is well written and compelling, with plenty of action and unique characters.
This story will grab your attention and keep it until the very end. It is well written and compelling, with plenty of action and unique characters.
August 26, 2019
A good fast read.
once I started reading, I couldn't stop! Maybe not a best seller but, close enough. Looking forward to her next book.
once I started reading, I couldn't stop! Maybe not a best seller but, close enough. Looking forward to her next book.
February 18, 2021
This police procedural about a missing boy was interesting; and well-written. I look forward to other books in this series.
February 14, 2022
Solid Start to a Series
This was an easy read with likeable characters in an interesting location. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was an easy read with likeable characters in an interesting location. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 8, 2022
I so have to get more of this authors novels. Hooked me and kept me. This is saying a lot.
December 26, 2018
Great character development and a good variety / combination of characters with Lots of action. Good possibility of follow-up books.
January 3, 2013
The Shoeless Kid introduces readers to small town Police Chief Kate Williams and her handsome sidekick Constable Marco Trepalli of the Manitoba town of Mendenhall.
In case you've never heard of it, Mendenhall is located between Winnipeg and Brandon. Still not sure where that is, think north of North Dakota--a different part of the world that author, Marcelle Dube, paints with a deft hand. You can see the rolling fields and hear the insects humming in her setting.
Kate has a problem when Trepalli dumps a single, red, kid's shoe on her desk, along with a story of a monster abducting the kid. This sets Kate on the not so steady road of investigating while juggling the responsibilities of hosting the Southern Manitoba Cop Games, dealing with a Deputy Chief who undermines her with her men, and dealing with the guilt she still holds for the long-ago death of an abducted child.
Dube builds her characters and their conflicts with humanity and humor. A steady, strong voice and a quiet story are well fitted to the landscape the author writes within. As a reader who isn't a fan of cozies, I found The Shoeless Kid drew me in and held me because I cared about the place and the cast of memorable characters. I look forward to the next book in the Mendenhall series.
In case you've never heard of it, Mendenhall is located between Winnipeg and Brandon. Still not sure where that is, think north of North Dakota--a different part of the world that author, Marcelle Dube, paints with a deft hand. You can see the rolling fields and hear the insects humming in her setting.
Kate has a problem when Trepalli dumps a single, red, kid's shoe on her desk, along with a story of a monster abducting the kid. This sets Kate on the not so steady road of investigating while juggling the responsibilities of hosting the Southern Manitoba Cop Games, dealing with a Deputy Chief who undermines her with her men, and dealing with the guilt she still holds for the long-ago death of an abducted child.
Dube builds her characters and their conflicts with humanity and humor. A steady, strong voice and a quiet story are well fitted to the landscape the author writes within. As a reader who isn't a fan of cozies, I found The Shoeless Kid drew me in and held me because I cared about the place and the cast of memorable characters. I look forward to the next book in the Mendenhall series.
May 20, 2011
Reviewed at: Library of Lights
Date reviewed: 21 May 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=301
I could reflect on life… and the things that’s going on in my country a little bit when I read this book. We all depends too much on rules, regulation and procedures that sometimes we forget that we too are human and we ought to pay more attention and be more observant of what’s going on around us. Sometimes, we ought to be a listener; listen to what other people have to say before dismissing it as rubbish. Sometimes, we don’t realize that just by listening, we could avoid a whole lot of mess.
Anyway, this is quite a good story. It relates to each and every one of us alot. It tells us what we have become; a slave to expectation and rules and regulation. This story is also a fast pace thriller, and I suppose I could appreciate it more if I was not so annoyed with the attitude of the characters in this story in the beginning.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.
Date reviewed: 21 May 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=301
I could reflect on life… and the things that’s going on in my country a little bit when I read this book. We all depends too much on rules, regulation and procedures that sometimes we forget that we too are human and we ought to pay more attention and be more observant of what’s going on around us. Sometimes, we ought to be a listener; listen to what other people have to say before dismissing it as rubbish. Sometimes, we don’t realize that just by listening, we could avoid a whole lot of mess.
Anyway, this is quite a good story. It relates to each and every one of us alot. It tells us what we have become; a slave to expectation and rules and regulation. This story is also a fast pace thriller, and I suppose I could appreciate it more if I was not so annoyed with the attitude of the characters in this story in the beginning.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.
June 23, 2013
I was privileged to have received a paperback copy of The Shoeless Kid by author Marcelle Dube. I share my unbiased review. I had literally stumbled upon her writings and was eager to read a novel that is set in the fictional town of Mendenhall, on the prairies of Manitoba where I currently reside. Marcelle Dube captures the true essence of prairie living with the sights and sounds of its' vast, wide-open surroundings. The main character, police chief Kate Williams finds herself investigating what appears to be a missing child's case. The novel takes us alongside Kate's determined and committed journey in solving the mystery that unfolds. Kate is challenged at each and every corner of the investigation with minimal supports within her police force. As an "outsider" to her new community, she must win-over the alliance of the locals as a necessary means to solving the case. Kate is a compassionate and head-strong leader whose intellect and instinct add to the novel's suspense. I appreciate the small-town comforts and local references within the novel, most accurate and refreshingly real! I look forward to reading the additional novels within Marcelle Dube's Mendenhall series.
October 10, 2011
Except for a continual mis-use of certain personal pronouns, this is a well-written and tight little story, jumping right into the plot with the first paragraph. The struggle between Kate and her new crew and the passed-over deputy adds to the tenseness as she attempts to carry out an investigation in the face of obstruction by her own people, and Kate’s own doubts as to her ability as chief and her guilt at letting that other predator get away and her determination not to let it happen again, all weave together to make for a well-constructed tale. The police procedures have an authentic ring and the descriptions of the Canadian countryside add more realism.
This is an entertaining story with an ending the reader may not expect. I think anyone who likes mysteries, especially those of the police procedural kind, will enjoy it.
This is an entertaining story with an ending the reader may not expect. I think anyone who likes mysteries, especially those of the police procedural kind, will enjoy it.
July 28, 2015
The Shoeless Kid by Marcelle Dubè was a very good mystery. It was about a police force who found a boy's shoes in a ditch on the side of the road. A man saw the boy taken into a car, so he called the police and reported a child abduction. The boy, Josh, lived with his mother in Manitoba, Canada and the mother was unaware that Josh was kidnapped because she thought that he was at school. The police chief, Kate Williams, investigates the abduction and tries to find the boy to see if he is safe or if he is in harm's way.
This book had a lot of thrill and suspense. This is not one of the best books I have read, but was still very good. I would recommend this book to people who love mysteries and suspenseful stories. I loved how the book was very unpredictable and would take twists and turns in the most unexpected parts.
This book had a lot of thrill and suspense. This is not one of the best books I have read, but was still very good. I would recommend this book to people who love mysteries and suspenseful stories. I loved how the book was very unpredictable and would take twists and turns in the most unexpected parts.
April 26, 2014
Here's a book by a small press which, given large press publicity, could have contended for the Arthur Ellis Best Novel. It reminded me of the series about the old police chief Hazel McAuliffe (sp?) but with a larger local force and more internal strife. Highly recommended for anyone who likes a top-rate procedural with a realistic and likable main character as well as a Manitoba setting for a change. A final twist makes the ending very satisfying with the perfect addition of "why didn't I see that?"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews