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Lt. Dekker Mystery #2
Murder in the Winter
In this clean and cozy mystery a snowstorm hits just before a series of murders, and the police use footprints and tire tracks to try to identify the murderer.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
February 27, 2015
Shades of the overweight detective novel, times two, because both of them are. Christianity referred to. Like Demaree, hope he continues series with the detectives showing discipline and good manners.
March 11, 2020
A fun book to read. Well written, funny and well plotted out. I’ll read more from this author.
January 26, 2014
This is a wonderfully entertaining cozy mystery that really surprised me. I didn't expect to be so entertained by this book that left me laughing out loud throughout the read. I would give this 4.5 stars The two main characters are a riot. Both are middle aged, not married and unlikely to be so, with wide girths and appetites that equal anyone you have ever known. For example this line, "Give me a piece of coconut crème pie and a piece of chocolate cake... I understand it's a good thing to mix your food groups."
I wanted to sit next to Lou and Cy, semi-retired murder investigators, at their beloved Blue moon diner and share some sausages, pancakes, hash browns, biscuit gravy, and two pieces of pie served by Rosie or Thelma. They are that loveable-like oversized children that base their day around their three major meals and their snacks like Hershey almond bars for Cy and M+M's for Lou to hold them over from breakfast to lunch. But don't get me wrong. There is also a very interesting Agatha Christie type series of murders that take place at the Overlook Inn with a bunch of unemployed actors who gather for anticipated work.
Amidst their love of diner food and dedication to their job Cy and Lou are very capable detectives who use their resources(Frank and Sam) for the more esoteric new methods of criminology.
I also enjoyed references to movies and TV shows that are of my generation. All in all this is a wonderful book that I will undoubtedly want to follow into the next book in the series
I wanted to sit next to Lou and Cy, semi-retired murder investigators, at their beloved Blue moon diner and share some sausages, pancakes, hash browns, biscuit gravy, and two pieces of pie served by Rosie or Thelma. They are that loveable-like oversized children that base their day around their three major meals and their snacks like Hershey almond bars for Cy and M+M's for Lou to hold them over from breakfast to lunch. But don't get me wrong. There is also a very interesting Agatha Christie type series of murders that take place at the Overlook Inn with a bunch of unemployed actors who gather for anticipated work.
Amidst their love of diner food and dedication to their job Cy and Lou are very capable detectives who use their resources(Frank and Sam) for the more esoteric new methods of criminology.
I also enjoyed references to movies and TV shows that are of my generation. All in all this is a wonderful book that I will undoubtedly want to follow into the next book in the series
July 17, 2018
A total disappointment. Or is it? I guess that depends on the goal of Steve Demaree. If he was aiming at the two homicide detectives being only a step above the Keystone Kops, then he succeeded. If he was trying to be more serious, he failed. If an author is going to have semi-retired police detectives as the men to solve the crime, those characters should demonstrate a better understanding of police procedure - and life in general. Also, too much time was spent describing when and what they ate instead of using that space to talk about the crime, the suspects, or what they were doing to solve the crime.
May 23, 2019
This is a really delightful series, the two main characters are as far removed from the typical types as can be, but they win you over immediately. Their methods of detecting are unconventional but effective. The humour is first class. Cy and Lou weren’t built for trudging through deep snow but that didn’t stop them when they had a steep incline to reach the trailer the results were funny but they finally got their man.
March 20, 2016
I love that the writing is clean. (no cussing)
However, for me most of the story revolved around
how much they ate, the detective's (Cy and Lou) age,
and being behind the times in technology skills.
The mystery was suddenly solved before many issues were answered.
Why was Cy invited to the inn?
Why did some come in disguise?
Who was using the trailer?
Where did the chef fit in?
Where did the plumber go?
For me a jumbled story (told not shown) that
for the most part left me in a 'sugar coma' from
all the candy Cy and Lou ate.
It's an easy read with potential but read more
as a Cy diary rather than a mystery.
However, for me most of the story revolved around
how much they ate, the detective's (Cy and Lou) age,
and being behind the times in technology skills.
The mystery was suddenly solved before many issues were answered.
Why was Cy invited to the inn?
Why did some come in disguise?
Who was using the trailer?
Where did the chef fit in?
Where did the plumber go?
For me a jumbled story (told not shown) that
for the most part left me in a 'sugar coma' from
all the candy Cy and Lou ate.
It's an easy read with potential but read more
as a Cy diary rather than a mystery.
September 2, 2015
Lt. Dekker gets a message on his car that there will be some murders committed. Cy and Lou get over to an Inn where they think the murders will take place. It has snowed 8" overnight and the officers have a hard time getting to the Inn but finally make it. There are no footprints or tire prints in the snow but 2 people are murdered while they are there.
This was a very differently written book, it reminded me a bit of a noir detective movie. Once I got into the story, I liked it but did think there was some repetition and too much eating. I might try the next book sometime in the future.
This was a very differently written book, it reminded me a bit of a noir detective movie. Once I got into the story, I liked it but did think there was some repetition and too much eating. I might try the next book sometime in the future.
January 22, 2018
Murders in the Winter
I found this rather riveting. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions of Cy and Lou. It is obvious that they had worked together for years. Both are middle aged men who certainly enjoy food. Also, they are semi retired as the only work when a homicide has been committed. The Lieutenant, Cy, is the brains of the duo.
The twist and turns are enjoyable. I liked how they investigated and looked into every detail no matter how small or insignificant it may be. I had a rather difficult time putting it down.
I found this rather riveting. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions of Cy and Lou. It is obvious that they had worked together for years. Both are middle aged men who certainly enjoy food. Also, they are semi retired as the only work when a homicide has been committed. The Lieutenant, Cy, is the brains of the duo.
The twist and turns are enjoyable. I liked how they investigated and looked into every detail no matter how small or insignificant it may be. I had a rather difficult time putting it down.
June 26, 2018
Good read! Love a good mystery that keeps you focused. The writing snares your imagination and let's it fill in the scenes. By giving your reader just enough information, you allow the mind's eye to see what you haven't written. Thank you, Steve, for capturing my imagination
I will continue to read your books for pleasure and relaxation. Going to my library to see what is next on my reading agenda.
I will continue to read your books for pleasure and relaxation. Going to my library to see what is next on my reading agenda.
April 7, 2014
Like some other readers I had a hard time getting through the book because it was boring. I actually started over twice. I feel like we read into the eating habits and talked more about food than the actual case. I did download other Dekker Cozy mysteries because they were free, but I will more than likely come back to them when I'm in the mood for a light who-dun-it.
July 18, 2014
one of the most boring mysteries I've read. There was more eating than mystery. It was way to long I've would of quit but i'm one who likes to finish what I start in reading when it comes to mysteries. I'm glad I finally finished
February 27, 2014
Technically I have not read this, cuz I couldn't get past the first few pages. It is extremely boring and the writing is weird. Hard to explain but the characters didn't feel authentic or have any sense of urgency about the possibility of a murder.
Read
August 29, 2015I couldn't get into this story. I persevered through the first few chapters, and even after the murder occurred, I just wasn't interested in finding out who did it. I won't rate it, because I didn't read the whole thing and I don't think it's fair to.
January 26, 2018
Loved it!
How refreshing it is to read a mystery by a Christian author. No overt sex scenes or profanity and the author knows how to weave a good mystery. It was a little slow at times but it had me laughing out loud. That made up for it.
How refreshing it is to read a mystery by a Christian author. No overt sex scenes or profanity and the author knows how to weave a good mystery. It was a little slow at times but it had me laughing out loud. That made up for it.
January 21, 2014
This was a bit to mindless for me to even finish!
April 8, 2020
Murder in the Winter is a marked improvement over 52 Steps To Murder, the author's debut novel. Cy and Lou are semi-retired homicide cops who are happily rotund and eat their way through each case. Lou gets a message from God each morning that relates obliquely to the case. Here, Lou gets the message before they are officially notified of a murder. When Cy goes out to his car, he finds a note from the killer who hasn't actually killed anyone yet. Cy and Lou head off to a magnificent old hotel that has recently reopened. At dinner that night, the first victim dies.
Lots of red herrings here. The author strives to make his stories humorous, but many times he is trying too hard. He stops the flow of the story with the constant references to food and the physical size of the detectives, but when he focuses on the crime and investigation, the novel hums. The author is learning his craft as he goes, but there is talent there.
Both Cy and Lou are bible reading churchgoers, and they live accordingly. There is no foul language or sex scenes, and the violence is minimal.
Lots of red herrings here. The author strives to make his stories humorous, but many times he is trying too hard. He stops the flow of the story with the constant references to food and the physical size of the detectives, but when he focuses on the crime and investigation, the novel hums. The author is learning his craft as he goes, but there is talent there.
Both Cy and Lou are bible reading churchgoers, and they live accordingly. There is no foul language or sex scenes, and the violence is minimal.
October 17, 2023
Kept me guessing to the end
In his inimitable style, Steve Demaree weaves another tale of mystery with more twists and turns than a slinky and far more laughs than the childhood toy! I made the mistake of reading over half of it during a road trip, and the main character’s frequent references to food induced me to eat far more than I would have normally. Hopefully, the frequent belly laughs my husband and I had hearing how Lt. Cy Dekker dealt with the women of all ages who kept hitting on the rotund detective burned a few of the excess calories!
While this novel was a bit more plodding than the first one by this author, it did keep me guessing clear to the end. In light of recent events, I think Officer Dekker should change the brand of his favorite snack. Otherwise, I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, clean whodunnit that will keep you guessing and chuckling to the very end!
In his inimitable style, Steve Demaree weaves another tale of mystery with more twists and turns than a slinky and far more laughs than the childhood toy! I made the mistake of reading over half of it during a road trip, and the main character’s frequent references to food induced me to eat far more than I would have normally. Hopefully, the frequent belly laughs my husband and I had hearing how Lt. Cy Dekker dealt with the women of all ages who kept hitting on the rotund detective burned a few of the excess calories!
While this novel was a bit more plodding than the first one by this author, it did keep me guessing clear to the end. In light of recent events, I think Officer Dekker should change the brand of his favorite snack. Otherwise, I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, clean whodunnit that will keep you guessing and chuckling to the very end!
February 13, 2018
This author is really beginning to grow on me. I liked my first outing with his writing [52 Steps] but I really liked this one. The corpulent coppers are a refreshing change from the unrealistic supercops portrayed in many outings. The books are faith-friendly but not perfect saints [which is realistic since we all have a sin nature to contend with].
While some think the food conversations are a bit overdone there are plenty of people whose main pleasure is eating [better than drugs, alcohol, carousing, etc.]. I enjoyed it.
The mystery part was good as well. The other recurring characters are fun to get reacquainted with but knowing them ahead of time is not a prerequisite to enjoying the book. I am past the time of buying many books but should this author's come my way again [library or otherwise] I will definitely pick them up. Good reading.
While some think the food conversations are a bit overdone there are plenty of people whose main pleasure is eating [better than drugs, alcohol, carousing, etc.]. I enjoyed it.
The mystery part was good as well. The other recurring characters are fun to get reacquainted with but knowing them ahead of time is not a prerequisite to enjoying the book. I am past the time of buying many books but should this author's come my way again [library or otherwise] I will definitely pick them up. Good reading.
August 13, 2019
Cy and Lou are at it again, retired, but not really. As much as they eat it is a wonder they can fit into a VW bug. This time someone is taunting Cy by leaving a note on his car challenging him to solve a murder which has not yet happened. Cy and Lou check into a hotel at the end of a dead end road. One man drops dead in his soup. Another is found later. Cy and Lou call for backup to help secure the scene and to look for a missing woman. Recent snowfalls allow tracks to be followed. Was she also killed or is she the murderer? Cy is not impressed by the food at the inn and woefully ill-informed about the identity of some of it (pate de foie gras and calamari in particular). The clues Lou receives each morning are in interesting way to provide clues to both the detectives and the readers.
October 14, 2021
Don't bother.
I haven't read such a bad book in ages. There are these two very overweight retired policemen who receive premonitions before a murder takes place. These premonitions come from god, although why god should send such thoughts to two such useless police officers is beyond me. They also start the day by reading sections of the bible, probably stepping over the bit where it says gluttony is a vice!
They go this hotel during a snowstorm because a murder is about to take place. They check in and are very disappointed in the menu. In the meantime two, no three I think, dead bodies turn up in different places, well one dies with his head in his meal sitting right next to them. They ask the oh now was it one of the forensic officers or the guy who was going to to do the autopsy, to bring them two large take aways from their favourite restaurant.
I don't know why this is billed as a cozy book, it really doesn't fit the bill at all. It all looks as if it's come straight out of a play, a rather bad one at that.
I gave up at this point and scrolled on to the end, not that I needed to bother it was a bit obvious why this was happening and who did it. Definitely one to miss I think. I deleted this from my kindle, didn't want it taking up space.
I haven't read such a bad book in ages. There are these two very overweight retired policemen who receive premonitions before a murder takes place. These premonitions come from god, although why god should send such thoughts to two such useless police officers is beyond me. They also start the day by reading sections of the bible, probably stepping over the bit where it says gluttony is a vice!
They go this hotel during a snowstorm because a murder is about to take place. They check in and are very disappointed in the menu. In the meantime two, no three I think, dead bodies turn up in different places, well one dies with his head in his meal sitting right next to them. They ask the oh now was it one of the forensic officers or the guy who was going to to do the autopsy, to bring them two large take aways from their favourite restaurant.
I don't know why this is billed as a cozy book, it really doesn't fit the bill at all. It all looks as if it's come straight out of a play, a rather bad one at that.
I gave up at this point and scrolled on to the end, not that I needed to bother it was a bit obvious why this was happening and who did it. Definitely one to miss I think. I deleted this from my kindle, didn't want it taking up space.
February 11, 2020
This book (second in the series) has what so many other cozy mysteries lack - a plot. The main character, Cy, is a semi-retired homicide detective who regularly meets with his friend and partner Lou for meals and detecting. Lou receives a new message in his head (from God, according to Cy) each morning that gives Lou and Cy an idea of what the new day will bring.
While the book focuses on the duo’s love of food (I can relate)and eating habits, it also includes a lot of old-fashioned detective work and even some action, well, as much as Cy can handle. And who wouldn’t love a couple of guys who are dating girls named Betty and Thelma Lou? Good clean entertainment. I look forward to reading more by this author.
While the book focuses on the duo’s love of food (I can relate)and eating habits, it also includes a lot of old-fashioned detective work and even some action, well, as much as Cy can handle. And who wouldn’t love a couple of guys who are dating girls named Betty and Thelma Lou? Good clean entertainment. I look forward to reading more by this author.
April 16, 2018
I'm new to Steve Demaree books, but am thouroghly enjoying them. This is the second I have read. I always like a good "who dunnit". The story line is relatively easy to follow and the language is ordinary. I appreciate the authors projecting the 2 main characters as Christians who are fallable. As someone who has tried and been disappointed by Harlequin style romances, I have it in the back of my mind that someday, in a future book, Dekker and his dispicable neighbor are going to live happily ever after. I pray not! This is a book and author I can read to take my mind off more serious books that I am taking a break from.
April 1, 2025
This is the second book in the Dekker Cozy Mystery series by Steve Demaree. Lieutenant Cy Dekker and Sergeant Lou Murdock are detectives working with the Hillside Police Department when a series of murders occurs in the small town after a snowstorm. Dekker and Murdock are overweight middle-aged detectives who spend lots of time at the Blue Moon diner when not solving crimes. Dekker and Murdock use footprints and tire tracks in the snow to track down the killer. Dekker and Murdock rely on their intuition and years of experience as detectives to solve crimes. I really enjoyed this wonderful cozy mystery novel.
July 29, 2019
It was a mystery to be sure, and basically clean.
The over eating gets to be a bit much.
And there is not much about God, other than a mention of going to church, and doing a devotional each morning.....but nothing really about what the devotional was about.
An occasional nod that God would not appreciate certain thoughts.
I also did not like the jokes about the 'ugly' neighbor.....tho the book is clean, this neighbor almost....puts it on the border line.
I would not really call this a Christian fiction novel, but a mostly clean mystery.
The over eating gets to be a bit much.
And there is not much about God, other than a mention of going to church, and doing a devotional each morning.....but nothing really about what the devotional was about.
An occasional nod that God would not appreciate certain thoughts.
I also did not like the jokes about the 'ugly' neighbor.....tho the book is clean, this neighbor almost....puts it on the border line.
I would not really call this a Christian fiction novel, but a mostly clean mystery.
March 9, 2020
This is a great cozy read, full of famiily friendly content - but don't let that make you think that the mystery is an easy one. Demaree skillfully lays out mystery after mystery that will keep you guessing until the end!
This books is also quite funny, and I think I laughed out loud more times then any of the other books of his I have read up to this point. The jokes sometimes come so fast you have to go back and reread a section just to catch them all. If you love or are looking for good clean mysteries that anyone can enjoy, I'd recommend this series to you.
This books is also quite funny, and I think I laughed out loud more times then any of the other books of his I have read up to this point. The jokes sometimes come so fast you have to go back and reread a section just to catch them all. If you love or are looking for good clean mysteries that anyone can enjoy, I'd recommend this series to you.
January 20, 2021
It had me laughing out loud!
The first I book in the series was funny but this book had me laughing out loud! The zingers were hilarious and added to the story. So many suspects. Several dead bodies! Semi-retired police Lt. Cyril Dekker and his equally semi-retired, Sgt Lou help the Hilldale Police Department solve crimes. This time it involves local actors and a set of footprints in the snow. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
The first I book in the series was funny but this book had me laughing out loud! The zingers were hilarious and added to the story. So many suspects. Several dead bodies! Semi-retired police Lt. Cyril Dekker and his equally semi-retired, Sgt Lou help the Hilldale Police Department solve crimes. This time it involves local actors and a set of footprints in the snow. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
January 29, 2018
Two overweight policemen who love eating and reading mysteries are lured to an newly re-opened inn by a mysterious note. The killer wants them to be there when the murders happen. Cy and Lou, with the help of a more tech savvy associate, follow the clues to a home of indigent actors and finally find the murderer.
I have read many later books in this series and have found them more interesting and entertaining than this earlier one.
I have read many later books in this series and have found them more interesting and entertaining than this earlier one.
May 12, 2024
4.5 stars. Humorous, clean, fun mystery. A few more characters than I’m used to keeping up with, and the abundant references to eating/food, kept me from giving it a 5-star review. I was very surprised at the reveal of the murderer, not expecting this individual. At the end of the story, the author did say that the detectives wouldn’t be quite so focused on food, which relived my concerns 😊. I liked that the detectives’ Christian faith was important to their daily lives, not just relegated to Sundays.
January 27, 2018
A Very Frustrating Book
I did not enjoy this book because the author constantly harmed on the obesity of the two detectives and their love of eating. I also do not like having religion thrown at me while trying to relax and read a book. The detectives were made to look as if they were stupid and incompetent.
I did not enjoy this book because the author constantly harmed on the obesity of the two detectives and their love of eating. I also do not like having religion thrown at me while trying to relax and read a book. The detectives were made to look as if they were stupid and incompetent.
May 10, 2018
I love these two detectives! Lt Dekker & Sgt Murdock most solve 3 murders in the midst of winter. While both are retired homicide detectives, they are called in when their town of Hilldale has a homicide to solve. Both are Christian men but God always seems to have a "word of the day" that helps solve the crime. I look forward to other books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews