Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Murder At Mount Ida: An Inspector Hilary Casgrain Murder Mystery

Rate this book
Two days. A bomber on the loose and a killer who’s not afraid of heights. It’s another compulsive page-turner of a mystery with Inspector Hilary Casgrain!

Mount Ida Resort, with its spectacular scenery and upscale clientele, is rocked when a car bomb explodes at the front door. The next morning, there’s another suspicious death at a picturesque mountain lookout.

Inspector Hilary Casgrain and the entire team are focused on the resort. They only have a weekend to prevent further violence and lock up the perpetrator. A long roster of suspects quickly emerges, and at the top of the list is a controversial guest and her followers who are holding a retreat at the resort. But are they to blame? It's tempting. But Hilary has her doubts.

Her job is complicated by a visit from the new district superintendent, Annette Sloan. Superintendent Sloan is a born administrator and penny-pincher, and she refuses to approve overtime, even when faced with the turmoil at the resort.

On top of that, Hilary faces another distraction when Constable Tamsin Carver confesses to personal problems that jeopardize her job.

Murder At Mount Ida is Book 5 in a new crime fiction series that promises to sweep you up in twists, turns, and a truly unputdownable story.

⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ Another great series by Anne Shillolo! (Amazon Review)

⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ This was a great introduction to a new series. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader involved. What an entertaining, intriguing storyline. The camaraderie between the characters showed how committed they were to the job. Looking forward to the next story! I would give this more than five stars if I could! (Amazon review)

⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ Inspector Hilary Casgrain is another very likable character I can relate to and this first book in her series is action-packed and suspenseful. I can’t wait for the next book! (Amazon Review)

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

77 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

About the author

Anne Shillolo

98 books287 followers
I love writing every day and the result so far is three mystery series, and counting. I’ve been retired from teaching for a couple of years, and am totally immersed in my new career as a mystery writer. I hope you enjoy the results!
The Murder In Season trilogy features injured detective constable Claire Beckett.
The longer Poodle Versus… series is a reader favorite. It features small-town action, zany characters, and a Nasty Small Poodle who will capture your heart.
This year I plan to release several books following DC Holly Towns, starting with Goodbye Port Alma.
The Free Prequels to all my series are available on my website, AnneShillolo.com.
You can find me on Facebook as Anne Shillolo Writer.
Happy reading!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
181 (74%)
4 stars
53 (21%)
3 stars
6 (2%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Denise .
839 reviews10 followers
May 12, 2025
This is such a good police procedural series! Each installment presents readers with an interesting case to follow as the Elk Ridge law enforcement team investigates. Each investigation is conducted in a methodical, step by step manner, but the reading experience is never dry or boring. The characters, their working bond and supportiveness as a team have developed over the span of the series and each one demonstrates growth both personally and professionally. This character driven aspect of the series creates a bond with readers and, in my opinion, is an equally important component to the series as the mystery and investigative portion.
Profile Image for Valeri.
35 reviews
May 15, 2025
I don’t know how she does it but every book Anne Shillolo writes has what I think is the perfect blend of familiar threads that make enjoyable series, and also completely unique challenges that never feel like reading the same story twice. I like letting the story lead without trying to figure things out, rather than feeling the anxious pressure to guess whodunnit or which clues are red herrings and which are pieces of the puzzle.

Anne Shillolo truly builds through her stories: she develops the characters individually and through relationships, she builds the setting both in physical description and in its character too, and she knows how to use words to make that world and its inhabitants live and breathe.

Murder at Mount Ida brings home the fear and tragedy of unexpected extreme violence in a small community. The threads of the mystery lead everywhere, to possible solutions that seem to be the true solution until an unexpected factor is introduced or the clues are seen from a perspective that changes their meaning entirely.

I found myself hoping against hope that seeming-villains were not, and itching with irritation at characters who deserved to be guilty of something but were merely annoying or thoroughly unpleasant.

The beauty of the mountain and its views of the horizon made the terrible events stand out in a perfectly vicious contrast. Not one aspect of the ressort and its surroundings were left untouched by the heinous actions of an impossibly callous, calculating criminal.

The magic of Anne Shillolo’s writing somehow instills a sense of security and hope despite the pervasive tragedy and laces it with the perfect amount of humour to keep it adventurous along the way, without lessening the inhumanity of evil deeds. Somehow the goodness of the imperfect people striving to do better, support each other and their community, and truly pursue justice relentlessly, counters and conquers the bad actors who trample through everything and everyone else without thought or care for the harm and damage they cause.

The extreme violence in this book could easily have been too much, overwhelmingly dark and sad, but the characters standing between that evil and the rest of us make hope for the triumph of good over that evil feel not only realistically possible but also inevitable.

I definitely recommend the series - this one is my favourite of her series - but the books are written well enough that the few threads leading from one into the next don’t disrupt or derail the plot, or the characters.

I consider myself so lucky to be an ARC reader for this author, and it’s hard not to write ridiculously long reviews because I can’t say enough about these books. I love them, and that’s my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Aparna J.
433 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2025
Author Anne Shillolo has done it again! Her latest book "Murder At Mount Ida" which is a part of Inspector Hilary Casgrain Murder Mystery is a highly captivating, astonishing and a gripping page-turner. Inspector Hilary Casgrain's character has been drafted to perfection and I could actually visualize every scene as if I was a part of the story.
Mount Ida Resort is one of the major tourist attractions of Elk Ridge, offering breathtaking scenery. It's hosting a convention held by a controversial guest and her friends.A powerful explosion shatters the tranquility of the resort, propelling Inspector Hilary Casgrain into action. Leading her team of dedicated officers, she swiftly takes charge of the investigation, uncovering the grim reality of two casualties. During the course of investigation, another murder takes place.
The list of suspects keeps on growing and they only have limited time at their disposal to find the culprit and stop him/her to prevent further piling up of bodies. To add to their woes, the new district superintendent, Annette Sloan proves to be a difficult person to work with.
Can Inspector Hilary and her team unravel this complex case while navigating the challenges of working under their new superintendent, Annette Sloan?
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Anne Shillolo for her exceptional writing skills that continue to inspire me. It’s truly an honor to read and share my thoughts on such captivating work.
Profile Image for Denise Zendel.
775 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2025
A conservative think tank meeting at the Mount Ida Resort is interrupted by the explosion of a cargo van. Is it a terrorist act or a random crazy with a grudge? The next day, a hotel guest connected to the meeting is found dead at a nearby picturesque lookout. Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her team only have two days to solve the crimes before the group leaves town. The investigation is complicated by Hilary’s annoying new boss, a paper-pushing, penny-pinching administrative type, who wants Hilary to get the crime solved right now and without overtime.

I enjoyed this fifth entry in the series. The crime is “ripped from the headlines” and I liked watching Casgrain navigate a complicated landscape (small town politics, protestors, that annoying boss, and a subordinate who’s acting in a way that could damage her job) while doing the rest of her job and trying to have a personal life. This is a well-written police procedural with an accurate portrayal of small-town life, dimensional characters, and topical plots that holds my interest all the way through. I will definitely read more in this series. (These can be read out of order, although I prefer them in order – I like watching Hilary grow as a manager and a person, and l like knowing the backstories that make the current story so much richer.)
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,611 reviews16 followers
May 20, 2025
Intense and heart pounding action

Wow! In a word I think that wow best describes this story. It is intense full of action and a case that has quite a few red herrings and a shocking ending. Then there’s the Elk Ridge team they are dedicated, hard working and after a few bumps in the road a well oiled crime fighting unit even if they are based in a small resort town. I thought oh no not a story about politics I just don’t want my escape from the real world to be about that too. But it actually aside from the mentions of the polarizing nature of the institute has very little to do with politics. Well except for that pesky superintendent who doesn’t seem to have a clue. Office politics aside you get in this story the crew that I’ve come to love and if you’re reading book five you probably love them too, a complex and intricate case made more difficult due to a ticking clock and that pesky superintendent. I enjoyed the positive developments on Hilary’s personal life too. That is a nice addition as is the crew get together where we get to see the team relax and enjoy away from the job. Great mystery, fabulous characters and a small town with charm and quirky characters to go with it. I eagerly await the next case that this team has to tackle!
486 reviews6 followers
May 10, 2025
I love Anne Shilollo’s books, and this one is another winner. An explosion at a resort killing two has Inspector Hilary Casgrain of the Elk Ridge police department, the head of security at the resort and her small team of excellent officers dealing with the explosion and the deaths. Casgrain is also dealing with a superintendent who has taken over her office, is lazy and doesn’t seem to understand that Casgrain is a hands-on leader and not someone who sits at her desk barking orders. When a third person dies suspiciously, the teams wonders if the deaths are related and with only a few days to solve the crime they need overtime which is not being approved by the penny-pinching superintendent. I love Hilary Casgrain and her small team of officers who have a high rate of success in solving crimes and who work well together. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
1,400 reviews16 followers
May 13, 2025
I love all things Anne Shillolo, and this does not disappoint; this is part of the Hilary Casgrain Murder Mystery series. Ms. Shillolo always give great details in her books about characters and situations. Their is always something happening in the town of Elk Ridge and at The Mount Ida Resort. Inspector Hilary Casgrain, and her law enforcement team are always on it. Their is an explosion in a van in front of the resort, was anyone in the van? The Maplewood Institute has rented much of the resort. The group is a right wing think tank, opposed to big government. Their are protestors outside the resort. Their were two bodies found dead in the van. A body of one of the Maplewood Institute employees is found on a hiking trail Was it an accident, a suspicious death, or murder? What or who are causing these deaths; and why? love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Anne Shillolo!!!
160 reviews
May 16, 2025
Timely Story, Excellently Written, Twisty Plot

I found this latest installment to be another excellent excursion into the world of Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her crew. I have enjoyed seeing Hilary grow over the series and embrace her role as Inspector. Finding a balance between serving her community, working effectively with (and caring for) her team, and her personal life has been challenging, but she has been up to the task. The issues that the team must deal with in this story are timely, and I was able to envision the story happening in real life. I had my suspicions as to the identity of the perpetrator, but there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until very close to the reveal.

I highly recommend both this book and the entire Elk Ridge series to anyone who enjoys a clean police procedural. Although I received an ARC copy of this book, these are my own opinions, and I am voluntarily posting this review.
540 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2025
We are back at Elk Ridge at the Mount Ida resort where a van had just exploded in front of the resort. Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her crew of officers are tasked to figure out who did this act. The Maplewood Institute are there protesting so did they target that group. Jolynn Denton is head of this group and not very likable. Of course Sergeant Goat Rundle will be assisting her along with the other officers. Annette Sloan is the new superintendent to Hilary and she makes life miserable for her. Then after the two deaths in the van a woman is killed or fell while out hiking. And, of course Wes & Susan Blackthorne two retired people that help the police out are back. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait for the next one!

I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
60 reviews
May 16, 2025
Things have gotten exciting at the upscale Mount Ida resort. The controversial Maplewood Institute is hosting a retreat at the resort. Police inspector Hilary Casgrain and her team have been called in to supplement hotel security in case of trouble. Before the retreat even begins two men die. The team goes to work. Was it an accident, retaliation, or something even more diabolical? The new superintendent seems determined to micro manage the team and shut down the investigation.

This is the 5th book in this entertaining series. The characters are realistic and the relationships and conflicts feel true to life (who hasn’t encountered a ‘pain in the patoot’ boss). I’ve read all the books in the series and they just keep getting better.
Disclosure : A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own
Profile Image for Charlotte Baddeley.
294 reviews14 followers
May 20, 2025
Oh no!! I have just finished the 5th book in Anne Shillolo’s Elk Ridge Murder Mysteries series and I’m bereft. Again, this is a stand alone in the series but as they just get better and better I strongly advise you to start from Book one, Murder at Elk Ridge and watch the characters develop and interact with each other. I’m so jealous, you don’t have to wait for the next book in the series, Murder at Miners Bluff.

It’s a complicated plot with many red herrings so you need your wits about you, but so worth it as the team pull together against the awful Superintendent Annette Sloan to solve a triple murder. Although she has won many a battle against Sloan will Hilary be able to win the war? And I can’t wait to find out where the romance between Hilary and Kendall Hart goes from here.
2,630 reviews45 followers
May 11, 2025
This was a dark twisted story of greed and prejudices. While reading this I kept thinking about the plot and motives, a d by the end d of the story I felt the betrayals and became incensed and enraged by it. Sloan worked my last nerve. She was so inappropriate and an ineffective I her job that it burned Mt butt!! I loved watching Hilary and her team in action. They are diligent and thoughtful in their process and they usually get their man in the end. This was a suspenseful gripping read start to finish. I really enjoyed the comraderie in this tight knit group. Another winner. I much enjoyed the author's original version that spoke honestly, but was deleted to snowflakes. Stay true Anne. Your honesty is what I admire most and your trademark.
Profile Image for SylviaV.
691 reviews9 followers
May 17, 2025
Murder At Mount Ida: An Inspector Hilary Casgrain Murder Mystery by Anne Shillolo.
(An Elk Ridge Murder Mystery Book 5)

Another great read. This can be read as a stand-alone book as enough background information is given through out the book to follow along. I prefer to read books in order to get the most out of the overall story arc. I purchased this book as soon as it was released on pre-order and was pleasantly surprised when it turned up on my kindle. I was engaged with the story and the characters and enjoyed my time reading this story. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
On another note I am hoping that the character of Sierra Lamb will get her own spin off series.
26 reviews
May 19, 2025
This is another great book in the Inspector Hilary Casgrain series. I appreciate that the entire crew at the station get along and work together to solve cases instead of trying to sabotage each other. Most of the group are at the upscale Mount Ida Resort checking out the upcoming conference and the security plans for protesters when an explosion destroyed a van killing two people. They now have a murder to work on.
Along with this, Hilary has been kicked out of her office by the new Superintendent Annette Sloan who wants her own space at the office. Taking advantage of the specific skills of her crew and the information provided by the few witnesses Hillary starts to get a few suspects.
Great story, lots of action and as usual, great scenery.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,641 reviews25 followers
May 19, 2025
The fifth book in the Elk Ridge Murder Mystery series that keeps you totally engaged from the beginning. Our main protagonist, Inspector Hiliary Casgrain has her hands full with a new superintendent who doesn't believe in overtime even though Hillary and her crew have a timeline to solve the case. The case has Hilary and crew investigating a car bomb and a couple of deaths. The suspects seem to be among a group from a meeting being held at the Inn. Following Hilary's mind as she methodically investigates. This is a page turning murder and the characters are well written. I not only recommend this 5th book in the series, but I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
1,206 reviews
May 7, 2025
The Maplewood Institute is holding a retreat at the Mount Ida Resort. Not everyone is a fan of the group so when an explosion occurs by the front doors, the team must react this quickly. They have the weekend to solve this case and Hilary has her hands full not only with this tragedy but also with the new district superintendent. Join Hilary and the team as they juggle all the angles to solve this case. What a fantastic plot. The characters were wonderful and made the story come alive. Such outstanding camaraderie!
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
581 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2025
Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her team are prepared for possible protest groups when the Maplewood Institute arrives at the Mount Ida resort for a company retreat . This kicks off a very busy weekend for the team, including three deaths and an explosion. There are multiple targets, motives, and suspects to sort through, and only two days to do it.
As with the rest of the series, I enjoyed how well the team works together both professionally and personally. This is a well written and engaging series, and I eagerly await the next book.
I received an arc copy of this book, and this is my freely offered review.
22 reviews
May 19, 2025
This is the latest in the Elk Ridge Murder Mystery Series. Hillary Casgrain and the Elk Ridge PD are dealing with an explosion and multiple homicides occurring in the midst of a weekend conference at the Mount Ida Resort. They’ve got a short window of time to solve the mysteries before several suspects will be leaving at the end of the conference.
Anne grabs your attention in the first couple of pages and the fast pace keeps you hanging on for dear life. I highly recommend this book. The characters and the police procedural details are fantastic.
I received this book as an ARC reader and am willingly providing an honest review.
22 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2025
No loose ends

I think this is my 11th book by Shillolo including 6 in her first series and 5 in this one. Her writing just keeps getting better. The books are engrossing and well developed. No loose ends nag me after I finish each book. Although reading each book in order is not necessary, the books are like chapters in a single book and each one rests with the development of the characters in the previous chapters. The crimes, the investigation, and the solutions are different and one character is developed a little more. Ms Shillolo is a good writer no mystery book fan should miss.
1,018 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2025
Once again a very interesting read. Thee is a Group meeting at The Mount Ida Resort, a Group that many people don’t like. The police are there in force, making sure the protests are peaceful. A white transport van pull up out the front and as it stops, it explodes. The two bodies inside are, naturally, killed. Then, the next morning, someone is found dead, presumed to have fallen from the lookout site. But, our intrepid Inspector Hilary has an idea it was murder. In this she is able to find a lot of evidence pointing to that being the case. Added to this is the annoying presence of the local Superintendent who is using Hilary’s office & getting on everyone’s nerves.
Profile Image for Denise Keef.
524 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2025
And once again I was sucked into a mystery by Anne Shillolo. This sixth book in the series has been by far the best one yet(I think I say that after each one lol)! I can't recommend all of the books by this author enough. Each one contains a mystery and does how the police come to the conclusion of the crime. The setting is in Canada and the descriptions of the area are amazing. One gets the feeling of actually being there as you read along. If you're looking for something to read and love a good mystery then this is series for you.
804 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2025
Another gripping thriller with Inspector Hilary Casgrain. Her team is getting better and sharper as they work together to track down the culprits. Great communication allows them to adjust their schedules as their private lives change. Sergeant Goat Rundle has become a great team mate and Hilary has learned to appreciate his suggestions and input. An unexpected IED explosion at the mountain resort is the beginning of the weekend for the Maplewood Institute gathering. Can they solve it before everyone leaves.
Profile Image for Leona Ennis.
114 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2025
I read an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. If you want to read a book that you won’t be able to put down and is exciting from the first chapter to the end this is a great choice! Murder, explosions and multiple possible suspects keep you guessing. Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her crew manage to sift through all the evidence and possible suspects, eventually coming to up with the correct conclusion as to who the culprit or culprits are. I absolutely love this series and can highly recommend it and the newest book in the series.
950 reviews29 followers
May 4, 2025
Another great book in this fantastic series! Hilary Casgrain knows how to get the best out of her team, despite opposition from a non-team player. She leads by example and a hands-on approach. There’s an intense weekend ahead as Elk Ridge PD attempt to catch the murderer before the ‘retreat’ ends. This is a fascinating and intriguing read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Highly recommend this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Cassie Kelley.
Author 5 books13 followers
May 26, 2025
Mount Ida is a beautiful ski resort set high above the small town of Elk Ridge. But despite its beautiful vistas, it isn’t the view stealing people’s breaths. First, due to a conference being held at the hotel, most of the police department are on location when a bomb explodes at the front of the building. Then, somebody from the conference ends up dead, and foul play is suspected. Now Inspector Hilary Casgrain must find out if there’s a terrorist threat or if something else is going down, all the while battling her new boss, who seems to want to do nothing but throw up roadblocks. Time is running out as the conference winds down, and with her boss against her and her team, Hilary has to fight to figure out just what is going on up at Mount Ida.

I finished Murder at Hay River and thought to myself “How will she top it next time?” Well, I don’t know how she did it, but Shillolo has topped it. That opening simply proved it, and the continuing mystery of whodunnit kept me riveted. The car bombing that leads into suspected murder was such a good start, and the excitement and suspense only built from there. Shillolo’s storytelling is getting better and better with each book, and her characters are all so good, even if they’re the ones you’re supposed to hate.

I would recommend that this should not be the first book a person reads to start the series, but that’s just me. Considering this story, it would be best to establish the main cast of characters before you pick up this book and gain some experience in the town. This is an excellent addition to the Elk Ridge Mysteries, with high stakes, little time to solve it, and Annette freaking Sloan, who I absolutely love to hate. Murder at Mount Ida has once again left me wondering: how can Shillolo top this one? I can’t wait for the next book to find out.
Profile Image for Robin Smith.
326 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2025
When an explosion rocks Mount Ida resort, Inspector Hilary Casgrain and her team are on the case. With a controversial speaker and her followers at the resort, and a visit from her Superintendent, Hilary has her hands full trying to investigate the car bomb and a subsequent death. Great camaraderie among the team, I love the varied personalities and skill sets. Another outstanding police procedural!
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
495 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2025
Another Mystery Solved!

A Shillolo story is a good one--always. This one is another mystery solved by intrepid Inspector Hillary Cosgrain and her great crew. I loved it, absolutely enjoyed every page. Reading this series in order is great because the basic characters are there and we know their back story. But I'm sure anyone reading this as their first book would have no trouble enjoying the mystery of it fully. Give it a try!
296 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2025
This was a very gripping read. It started off as a terrorist attack and ended up being much more complicated.

I love seeing the development of all the members of the police department of Elk Ridge.

All in all, this was a total page turner that I found really hard to put down.

I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

1,050 reviews10 followers
May 13, 2025
Anne Shillolo is a great writer and I love her books! Intrigue, suspense and the unexpected draw me in and keep me engaged from cover to cover. This book and series are fabulous and I can highly recommend them to others.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
2,729 reviews12 followers
May 17, 2025
Riveting!

Anne Shillolo has delivered another masterpiece! It feels like a real small town police department with the interactions between the characters. So much drama and suspense! I love this series. It would make a good movie or television series. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.