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Northwoods #1
Enchantment Lake: A Northwoods Mystery
Midwest Book Award Winner — Young Adult Fiction A disturbing call from her great aunts Astrid and Jeannette sends seventeen-year-old Francie far from her new home in New York into a tangle of mysteries. Ditching an audition in a Manhattan theater, Francie travels to a remote lake in the northwoods where her aunts’ neighbors are “dropping like flies” from strange accidents. But are they accidents? On the shores of Enchantment Lake in the woods of northern Minnesota, something ominous is afoot, and as Francie begins to investigate, the mysteries a poisoned hotdish, a puzzling confession, eerie noises in the bog, and a legendary treasure said to be under enchantment—or is that under Enchantment, as in under the lake? At the center of everything is a suddenly booming business in cabin sales and a road not everyone wants built. To a somewhat reluctant northwoods Nancy Drew, the intrigue proves irresistible, especially when it draws her closer to the mysteries at the heart of her own life. What happened to her father? Who and where is her mother? Who is she , and where does her heart lie—in the bustle of New York City or the deep woods of Minnesota? With its gripping story, romantic spirit, and a sly dash of modern-day trouble (including evil realtors and other invasive species), Enchantment Lake will fascinate readers, providing precisely the charm that Margi Preus’s fans have come to expect.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2015
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979 people want to read
About the author
Margi Preus
26 books193 followersMargi Preus is a children's writer. She is a 2011 Newbery Honor winner and won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Heart of a Samurai.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 15, 2021
enchantment lake is a mystery novel filled with potential. we have a scrappy and investigative heroine, her two eccentric aunties, a rural lakeside setting populated with interesting folks, some murderous intrigue, and even the promise of hidden treasure.
all this would make for a fun middle grade mystery. unfortunately, this book isn't sure what it wants to be. the lighthearted tone, old-fashioned small town vibes, and family themes are incongruous with the scene girl on the cover, and with the fact that our protagonist, frenchy, is 17. this kid comes off as about 13, and yet we're supposed to believe she's an independent older teen who lives by herself in NYC when she's not visiting her aunts.
this book could be so much more successful if frenchy were younger and it were marketed as a good clean middle grade mystery!
beyond that, it's a fun story. there are poetic moments, and the prose often evokes pretty lakeside imagery. there's an entertaining cast of side characters (including a potter named potter, and someone named buck thorne with a wife named rose thorne). and there are clever moments that give off lemony snicket vibes, which is great.
the mystery itself is predictable as hell. i identified the villain as soon as they were introduced, but at the end we still have a laboriously dramatic twisty scene when their identity is revealed. but that's forgivable in a middle grade novel, and this truly does feel like middle grade.
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest (and belated) review.
all this would make for a fun middle grade mystery. unfortunately, this book isn't sure what it wants to be. the lighthearted tone, old-fashioned small town vibes, and family themes are incongruous with the scene girl on the cover, and with the fact that our protagonist, frenchy, is 17. this kid comes off as about 13, and yet we're supposed to believe she's an independent older teen who lives by herself in NYC when she's not visiting her aunts.
this book could be so much more successful if frenchy were younger and it were marketed as a good clean middle grade mystery!
beyond that, it's a fun story. there are poetic moments, and the prose often evokes pretty lakeside imagery. there's an entertaining cast of side characters (including a potter named potter, and someone named buck thorne with a wife named rose thorne). and there are clever moments that give off lemony snicket vibes, which is great.
the mystery itself is predictable as hell. i identified the villain as soon as they were introduced, but at the end we still have a laboriously dramatic twisty scene when their identity is revealed. but that's forgivable in a middle grade novel, and this truly does feel like middle grade.
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest (and belated) review.
March 24, 2019
Francie hasn’t been back to the lake in seven years, ever since the Accident when she was ten. Now she’s back, courtesy of a frantic phone call from her aunt Astrid, who informs her that “Someone is frying two grilled auks.”
Once she arrives at the lake her two ‘quirky’ aunts, Astrid and Jeannette, fill her in.
While the mystery is finally solved, the mystery of whether anything sinister was involved in her father’s death is not solved, nor is the mystery of who her mother is or even how Francie got her nickname. Her nickname on the island was French Fry but everyone seems to have given her a nickname for that nickname, so the locals call her Frenchy.
I had been looking forward to this series, mostly because of the amazing cover and the promise of quirky aunts. I still love the cover but was so disappointed by the aunts; simply calling someone quirky doesn’t make it so. I barely managed to scrounge up the makings of a personality between any of the characters and while the aunts had a lot more than anyone else, I would be hard pressed to tell you exactly what it was that was supposed to make them quirky.
I found the mystery fairly boring and had trouble getting past the fact that so many people on the island believed Francie was a detective working in New York; she grew up on the island so wouldn’t the majority of the people she speaks to know she’s only 17?
When she has a chance to find out something about her mother, who she knows absolutely nothing about, she lets the chance slide on by without attempting to follow up. She keeps thinking that she’s a lousy detective, seeming to also forget that she’s not one!
I really struggled to even finish reading this book and am not keen on reading the sequel, although I will at some point because the publisher was kind enough to provide a copy to me. I really hope the sequel wows me. I’m rounding up from 2.5 stars.
Once she arrives at the lake her two ‘quirky’ aunts, Astrid and Jeannette, fill her in.
“Frenchy,” Astrid said, her eyes dancing, “there’s a mystery here. And we think you’re the only one who can solve it.”Okay, girls. What mystery?
“It’s about the road!” Astrid chirped.Well, that clears that up. Thanks, girls. Because Francie played a detective on a kid’s TV show all of the locals seem to think this qualifies her to solve their very own murder mystery, with locals dying as a result of “strange accidents”. Francie disagrees but starts investigating anyway.
“We don’t know that,” Jeannette snapped.
While the mystery is finally solved, the mystery of whether anything sinister was involved in her father’s death is not solved, nor is the mystery of who her mother is or even how Francie got her nickname. Her nickname on the island was French Fry but everyone seems to have given her a nickname for that nickname, so the locals call her Frenchy.
I had been looking forward to this series, mostly because of the amazing cover and the promise of quirky aunts. I still love the cover but was so disappointed by the aunts; simply calling someone quirky doesn’t make it so. I barely managed to scrounge up the makings of a personality between any of the characters and while the aunts had a lot more than anyone else, I would be hard pressed to tell you exactly what it was that was supposed to make them quirky.
I found the mystery fairly boring and had trouble getting past the fact that so many people on the island believed Francie was a detective working in New York; she grew up on the island so wouldn’t the majority of the people she speaks to know she’s only 17?
When she has a chance to find out something about her mother, who she knows absolutely nothing about, she lets the chance slide on by without attempting to follow up. She keeps thinking that she’s a lousy detective, seeming to also forget that she’s not one!
I really struggled to even finish reading this book and am not keen on reading the sequel, although I will at some point because the publisher was kind enough to provide a copy to me. I really hope the sequel wows me. I’m rounding up from 2.5 stars.
March 3, 2015
Such a quirky, highly entertaining, disarmingly charming read set against an atmospheric small-town setting, full of whimsical humor and mysteries.
I enjoyed it more than I expected, though I'll admit, I don't think this is a story for older YA readers. In all honesty, Enchantment Lake reads more like a middle grade novel than your typical YA, and I think marketing it as a YA murder mystery will only hurt it in the end. I don't find it serious or mature enough for the regular YA crowd, I think it works way better as a MG novel. Sure, there is a romantic subplot in this book and people are dropping dead (seemingly from accidents, but who knows?), but a middle grade novel can have both these elements and still be classified as a middle grade novel. Right?
The writing is very approachable, the descriptions of the small town setting, with the small town folks living their small town lives are pretty spot on - they brought a smile to my face, occasionally making me chuckle. I enjoyed the hilarious dialogues between Frenchy and her coockoo crazy aunties, and I liked how dynamic the plot line was. This book reads very fast, is entertaining and really quite captivating, and I had a very good time with it. Don't go into it expecting a very dark and ominous read, it really isn't that kind of book. It has its more serious moments, but they aren't many. It's just a really fun story for teenage girls who want to read something lighter and humorous.
I enjoyed it more than I expected, though I'll admit, I don't think this is a story for older YA readers. In all honesty, Enchantment Lake reads more like a middle grade novel than your typical YA, and I think marketing it as a YA murder mystery will only hurt it in the end. I don't find it serious or mature enough for the regular YA crowd, I think it works way better as a MG novel. Sure, there is a romantic subplot in this book and people are dropping dead (seemingly from accidents, but who knows?), but a middle grade novel can have both these elements and still be classified as a middle grade novel. Right?
The writing is very approachable, the descriptions of the small town setting, with the small town folks living their small town lives are pretty spot on - they brought a smile to my face, occasionally making me chuckle. I enjoyed the hilarious dialogues between Frenchy and her coockoo crazy aunties, and I liked how dynamic the plot line was. This book reads very fast, is entertaining and really quite captivating, and I had a very good time with it. Don't go into it expecting a very dark and ominous read, it really isn't that kind of book. It has its more serious moments, but they aren't many. It's just a really fun story for teenage girls who want to read something lighter and humorous.
September 8, 2020
This middle grade mystery kept me guessing with a bunch of intriguing characters all tied to the lake. Francie is a 17 year old girl who has played a detective only on tv. When things start to go wrong around her aunt’s lake, it’s Francie they call to solve the mystery.
I was anticipating a bit of magic with the title Enchantment Lake, but it was still an enjoyable mystery.
I was anticipating a bit of magic with the title Enchantment Lake, but it was still an enjoyable mystery.
January 29, 2015
**A lively, suspenseful mystery set on a beautiful lake. Many odd and fun characters contribute to this who-done-it murder plot. A few twists and plenty of exploring and poorly-executed sleuthing keep the reader interested. Having a little love interest in there never hurts either. **
The premise of this book really attracted me: strange things happening at a remote lake? Two crazy aunts? Sounded fun. In actuality it was a bit slow. There were a lot of excuses at the beginning in order to get the plot off the ground. For example, the "crazy aunts" don't really do anything crazy except be evasive, which was annoying. The 17 year old heroine Francie lives alone as a struggling actress in Brooklyn but what exactly happened to her parents wasn't exactly made clear (at least not to the degree I was hoping for).
At the half-way point through this book I didn't find it all that fulfilling. Later, everyone is dying (everyone, really) which wasn't very believable.
In general I found the book a bit disappointing. The odd twists and unexplained plot developments felt unnecessary. They were there to lead the reader astray and develop intrigue but I'm not sure they really worked. Then, at the end I felt the author copped out a bit. Our heroine explains that if life was like one of the tv shows she acts in everything would make sense in the end and loose ends would be tied, but it isn't that way in real life. Well, I kind of like my loose ends tied up in books too... because books aren't real life. At least this one wasn't.
I must say I did enjoy the descriptions of beautiful nature and lake-side life. I also enjoyed the romance in the book and the love interest.
This is the author's first mystery and it sort of felt like it. I will read more from her in the hopes she develops her mystery-crafting abilities.
The premise of this book really attracted me: strange things happening at a remote lake? Two crazy aunts? Sounded fun. In actuality it was a bit slow. There were a lot of excuses at the beginning in order to get the plot off the ground. For example, the "crazy aunts" don't really do anything crazy except be evasive, which was annoying. The 17 year old heroine Francie lives alone as a struggling actress in Brooklyn but what exactly happened to her parents wasn't exactly made clear (at least not to the degree I was hoping for).
At the half-way point through this book I didn't find it all that fulfilling. Later, everyone is dying (everyone, really) which wasn't very believable.
In general I found the book a bit disappointing. The odd twists and unexplained plot developments felt unnecessary. They were there to lead the reader astray and develop intrigue but I'm not sure they really worked. Then, at the end I felt the author copped out a bit. Our heroine explains that if life was like one of the tv shows she acts in everything would make sense in the end and loose ends would be tied, but it isn't that way in real life. Well, I kind of like my loose ends tied up in books too... because books aren't real life. At least this one wasn't.
I must say I did enjoy the descriptions of beautiful nature and lake-side life. I also enjoyed the romance in the book and the love interest.
This is the author's first mystery and it sort of felt like it. I will read more from her in the hopes she develops her mystery-crafting abilities.
September 21, 2017
3.75/5 stars.
Copy provided to me by the publisher for review.
Enchantment Lake is the story of a young girl, Francie, in pursuit of the acting career in New York when during an audition she receives a call from one of her Great-Aunts. The mysterious call hints on something relating to a murder, she is terrified and gets off to her hometown. That being a small settlement near a lake. The settlement is so remote that they don't even have a road yet.
There is a talk about making a road going around the town, but most of the old dwellers are against it as they rightfully believe it will ruin the charm of this town and taint it with the same technological era.
But most of those old people are dying, mysteriously. Francie gets drawn to the whole mystery without even wanting to, mostly because her eccentric great-aunts has started a rumor that she is a big detective in New York. While in reality, she only played the role of a detective in a sitcom. A situation which I found quite amusing.
I was actually quite surprised how subtly the theme started playing out in the second half of the book. The theme of forest destruction prevention. I think it was done really well.
The protagonist herself, and most of the other characters in this book is quite eccentric and fun to read. The smalltown setting was done really well, to an extent that I almost knew most of the town myself and seeing those characters would always bring that sense of familiarity. Managing to do that in so little pages is quite a feat in my opinion.
The one issue I had with this book was the small romance aspect. I didn't like the character mostly because he was the only normal and sane one among all the weirdness. But also because he was just so perfect and boring. The romance aspect wasn't much explored though, so maybe in the future installment, that particular subplot will enrich. For now, I am not interested in the two of them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found it whimsical and magical, albeit being set in our world and had no speculative aspect in it, the feel was still magical.
So I would definitely recommend this book to read. :)
Copy provided to me by the publisher for review.
Enchantment Lake is the story of a young girl, Francie, in pursuit of the acting career in New York when during an audition she receives a call from one of her Great-Aunts. The mysterious call hints on something relating to a murder, she is terrified and gets off to her hometown. That being a small settlement near a lake. The settlement is so remote that they don't even have a road yet.
There is a talk about making a road going around the town, but most of the old dwellers are against it as they rightfully believe it will ruin the charm of this town and taint it with the same technological era.
But most of those old people are dying, mysteriously. Francie gets drawn to the whole mystery without even wanting to, mostly because her eccentric great-aunts has started a rumor that she is a big detective in New York. While in reality, she only played the role of a detective in a sitcom. A situation which I found quite amusing.
I was actually quite surprised how subtly the theme started playing out in the second half of the book. The theme of forest destruction prevention. I think it was done really well.
The protagonist herself, and most of the other characters in this book is quite eccentric and fun to read. The smalltown setting was done really well, to an extent that I almost knew most of the town myself and seeing those characters would always bring that sense of familiarity. Managing to do that in so little pages is quite a feat in my opinion.
The one issue I had with this book was the small romance aspect. I didn't like the character mostly because he was the only normal and sane one among all the weirdness. But also because he was just so perfect and boring. The romance aspect wasn't much explored though, so maybe in the future installment, that particular subplot will enrich. For now, I am not interested in the two of them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found it whimsical and magical, albeit being set in our world and had no speculative aspect in it, the feel was still magical.
So I would definitely recommend this book to read. :)
March 3, 2021
I've been a huge fan of every Margi Preus book I read, so I was thrilled when her publisher offered to send me her trilogy of mystery stories set in the North Woods of Minnesota. Ultimately, it's a very different book than her other stories I've read, but she brings the same skill with plotting and setting to a book planned for a slightly older audience.
"Enchantment Lake"--lest you start with any false impressions as I did--is a good, old-fashioned Nancy Drew caper of a mystery. I suspect the author did this on purpose, considering little clues like the teenage detective's name (Francie, instead of Nancy) and her crush on the cute Nels (instead of Ned). It certainly was a step or two up from the classic mystery series in terms of plotting, but did have the same basic premise of a teenager getting herself into dangerous situations in order to solve the inexplicable clues and save those she's close to. Personally, I found that made for a difficult suspension of disbelief, yet at the same time, I know my young teen will eat this right up.
What I LOVED were the wonderful descriptions of the people and places of Minnesota--which I very much would now like to visit. I'm looking forward to reading the second book just to fall into that world once again.
"Enchantment Lake"--lest you start with any false impressions as I did--is a good, old-fashioned Nancy Drew caper of a mystery. I suspect the author did this on purpose, considering little clues like the teenage detective's name (Francie, instead of Nancy) and her crush on the cute Nels (instead of Ned). It certainly was a step or two up from the classic mystery series in terms of plotting, but did have the same basic premise of a teenager getting herself into dangerous situations in order to solve the inexplicable clues and save those she's close to. Personally, I found that made for a difficult suspension of disbelief, yet at the same time, I know my young teen will eat this right up.
What I LOVED were the wonderful descriptions of the people and places of Minnesota--which I very much would now like to visit. I'm looking forward to reading the second book just to fall into that world once again.
January 17, 2015
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I started the book hoping I would like it, after having enjoyed West of the Moon, but I was sadly disappointed. The book reads like a children's book, but has a 17-year-old main character and mentions young adult stuff like drinking. I would not know where to put it in my library. On top of that, about 75% of the time I was reading this book, I thought it was a sequel to something else. It vaguely mentions parts of Francie's life (her life in New York, an "accident" that happens as a child, her strained relationship with her brother) in a way that makes it seem like they had been explained more in depth in a previous novel. Other parts of the story are brushed over just as quickly (her grandfather goes from being mean and controlling to fun and mischievous with no explanation, her romance with a local boy) On the plus side, the characters were fun and the mystery was quirky. I will probably not buy this book for my library.
March 1, 2015
A decent enough YA mystery in a Nancy Drew/Scooby-Doo kind of vein, but many of the characters -- especially Francie, the lead -- do not really behave in believable ways. These characters are quirky, as is the writing in general, but that only goes so far, and there seemed to be an odd, unintentional disconnect between the quirkiness and the actually quite dark undertones of the plot.
This was not as atmospheric as I'd hoped, and many questions are left unanswered. I suspect this is supposed to be a set up for sequels, but I'm not quite sold enough on Francie and her environs to want to spend more time with them.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
This was not as atmospheric as I'd hoped, and many questions are left unanswered. I suspect this is supposed to be a set up for sequels, but I'm not quite sold enough on Francie and her environs to want to spend more time with them.
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
May 23, 2015
I received this from Netgalley for an honest review. Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
Dnf.
I don't know. This one just felt amateur from the beginning. I wanted this to be a really great mystery and instead it feels like I'm stuck inside a bad 90's sitcom with bad actors and an annoying plot line.
Pass.
Dnf.
I don't know. This one just felt amateur from the beginning. I wanted this to be a really great mystery and instead it feels like I'm stuck inside a bad 90's sitcom with bad actors and an annoying plot line.
Pass.
November 5, 2017
Francine Frye isn’t a detective. She played a detective on TV. On a children’s show. For a few episodes. But that still makes her the closest thing to a detective Francie’s eccentric aunts Astrid and Jeannette know. So when a series of perfectly explainable but statistically improbable deaths strike around their cabin home on Enchantment Lake, they make a (badly worded, static-filled) call to their great-niece which cuts off abruptly.
When Francie can’t get the authorities or even her grandfather to investigate, she decides to head to Walpurgis, the small town in northern Minnesota Enchantment Lake is closest to. She’s relieved to learn Astrid and Jen are alive and well, but now that she’s here, the aunts suggest the young actor snoop around some. Especially as there’s been a new death, the most suspicious yet.
This middle-grade mystery is the first in the “Enchantment Lake” series, which does make certain developments in the story pretty obvious. Francie’s on the lower end of seventeen, which allows her to be fairly mature (she was living in New York City on her own while trying to continue her acting career) but still be viewed as a child by most of the adults around her. This includes her grandfather, who makes use of his control of Francie’s trust fund to order her around.
Francie is perhaps a little too ready to believe there’s a connection between all the seemingly unrelated deaths, as there’s plenty of mystery in her own life. Her father died in a statistically improbable car crash, her brother moved to Europe a couple of years ago and never communicates with Francie, and absolutely no one will tell Francie anything about her mother.
This last one comes up more than the others, as a couple of the suspects seem to know more about Francie’s mother than she does, and a clue pops up suggesting the woman may be alive. This plot hook is left dangling for a future volume, alas.
Not being a detective, Francie (known to the older locals as “French Fry”) makes several rookie mistakes, including being alone with murder suspects without having told anyone where she’s going multiple times. And several people who have information that would be relevant either don’t bring it up or are refusing to tell Francie for their own reasons.
The language is suitable for middle-schoolers, but not so simple that young adult readers would be embarrassed to be seen reading this book. Romance is limited to Francie noticing certain boys are attractive and being mildy jealous of one paying attention to another girl. Suicide is mentioned.
The small town Minnesota setting will be familiar to most Minnesotans and many other people from the upper Midwest. It allows for a quirky cast without going into demeaning “hick” stereotypes. (The most stereotyped person is actually a spoiled city girl who sees no attraction in a lakeside vacation.)
The solution to the mystery is pleasingly complex, and younger readers should be pleased if they figure most of it out in advance.
Recommended for young mystery fans, and older mystery fans with a love of small town Minnesota.
When Francie can’t get the authorities or even her grandfather to investigate, she decides to head to Walpurgis, the small town in northern Minnesota Enchantment Lake is closest to. She’s relieved to learn Astrid and Jen are alive and well, but now that she’s here, the aunts suggest the young actor snoop around some. Especially as there’s been a new death, the most suspicious yet.
This middle-grade mystery is the first in the “Enchantment Lake” series, which does make certain developments in the story pretty obvious. Francie’s on the lower end of seventeen, which allows her to be fairly mature (she was living in New York City on her own while trying to continue her acting career) but still be viewed as a child by most of the adults around her. This includes her grandfather, who makes use of his control of Francie’s trust fund to order her around.
Francie is perhaps a little too ready to believe there’s a connection between all the seemingly unrelated deaths, as there’s plenty of mystery in her own life. Her father died in a statistically improbable car crash, her brother moved to Europe a couple of years ago and never communicates with Francie, and absolutely no one will tell Francie anything about her mother.
This last one comes up more than the others, as a couple of the suspects seem to know more about Francie’s mother than she does, and a clue pops up suggesting the woman may be alive. This plot hook is left dangling for a future volume, alas.
Not being a detective, Francie (known to the older locals as “French Fry”) makes several rookie mistakes, including being alone with murder suspects without having told anyone where she’s going multiple times. And several people who have information that would be relevant either don’t bring it up or are refusing to tell Francie for their own reasons.
The language is suitable for middle-schoolers, but not so simple that young adult readers would be embarrassed to be seen reading this book. Romance is limited to Francie noticing certain boys are attractive and being mildy jealous of one paying attention to another girl. Suicide is mentioned.
The small town Minnesota setting will be familiar to most Minnesotans and many other people from the upper Midwest. It allows for a quirky cast without going into demeaning “hick” stereotypes. (The most stereotyped person is actually a spoiled city girl who sees no attraction in a lakeside vacation.)
The solution to the mystery is pleasingly complex, and younger readers should be pleased if they figure most of it out in advance.
Recommended for young mystery fans, and older mystery fans with a love of small town Minnesota.
September 22, 2017
First off, lets take a moment to enjoy this awesome cover! Next I must say this is definitely a five star read! It had a great story line, great characters, it was even written great! I love this world of Enchantment! A island located in a little town in MN only accessible by boat! I think that little detail made the story even better.
I see a lot of reviews calling it Middle Grade, but I think it leans towards YA with the maturity. I think even any adult would enjoy this if they are looking for a fun little mystery. I say little because this story is a little under 200 pages. It is packed with so much though and there is never a dull moment! It was so enjoyable, I read it in one sitting.
Francie’s aunts are definitely my favorite in the story, they are the town goofballs. They are not the only oddballs though, even though the other town members don’t think so. There are plenty of suspects in this mystery! This is a fun read, but there was some serious parts also! Like maybe the deep mysteries of Francie’s past is related to the mystery in Enchantment!
I have already read the sequel, The Clue In The Trees and I loved it even more! Stay tuned for the review for that Sept, 23rd!
https://criticuncriticalbookwormblog....
I see a lot of reviews calling it Middle Grade, but I think it leans towards YA with the maturity. I think even any adult would enjoy this if they are looking for a fun little mystery. I say little because this story is a little under 200 pages. It is packed with so much though and there is never a dull moment! It was so enjoyable, I read it in one sitting.
Francie’s aunts are definitely my favorite in the story, they are the town goofballs. They are not the only oddballs though, even though the other town members don’t think so. There are plenty of suspects in this mystery! This is a fun read, but there was some serious parts also! Like maybe the deep mysteries of Francie’s past is related to the mystery in Enchantment!
I have already read the sequel, The Clue In The Trees and I loved it even more! Stay tuned for the review for that Sept, 23rd!
https://criticuncriticalbookwormblog....
May 10, 2018
Just in case you ever want to read a young adult mystery set in northern Minnesota and in which poisoned hotdish plays a role, here you go!
April 7, 2019
The cozy Minnesotan woods on the lake feel was spot on. ❤
August 18, 2020
A solid detective novel. Although the main character is 17 it has the feel of a book aimed younger.
And the story wasn't unbelievable so not a bad one to recommend to readers aged 13-16
And the story wasn't unbelievable so not a bad one to recommend to readers aged 13-16
March 2, 2021
2.5 This was cute and quirky mystery but very oddly written in some ways. Overall, middle of the road. I will be continuing the series just because I have them from my library.
August 1, 2020
Enchantment Lake by Margi Preus is exactly the kind of book I would have absolutely adored when I was twelve! Even as an adult I really enjoyed it and absolutely loved the character of Francie Frye and was kept entertained by the antics of her great aunts Astrid and Jeannette! I am looking forward to reading book 2 of the Northwoods series, The Clue in the Trees, and discovering more about Francie's mother, her father's death, and where her relationship with Nels is heading. Good stuff!
January 12, 2015
3.5 stars
First thing I thought when I saw this book; "Ooh, pretty cover!" Second thing; "Ooh, mystery!" And that was that. I went into this book knowing not much else; not about the author, or any previous reviews, or even about the specific plot. (I'd forgotten that by the time I finally picked the story up.) Thus, I was really surprised--not in a bad way, but definitely surprised--at the story that Enchantment Lake ended up being.
It's definitely NOT the serious mystery tale that I was expecting. The writing style is utterly quirky; which, as long as it doesn't got too over the top, I usually enjoy. And that was the case here. Francie's aunts were mostly what gave the book that flair; they are so ridiculous and funny in their own way that I began to wish they were my own aunts.
However, there is something sinister going on in Enchantment Lake; though the writing style does tend to make it seem lighter than it was, this book could get quite serious when it wanted to. What happened to Francie's dad all those years ago? Why is no one talking about her mom?
Francie's aunts are not the only strange ones in this weird town though. We are treated to quite the cast of characters. Seemingly, a lot of them behave irrationally and there is a bit of suspicion cast on most of them at one point or another. But in the end, everyone's motives are shown, and everything makes sense.
I did not see who the culprit was at all. Though, in hindsight, the signs were there and I probably should have realized that it was who it ended up being. Whatever, it made it more enjoyable to have not guessed. Something that really made this unveiling of the culprit unique, though, is the fact that it brings up some questions as well as answers them. Really huge questions that I want answers to.
That brings me to my complaint for this book. What ended up being my biggest frustration was that not all the questions that readers want answered end up getting answered. I will grudgingly admit that I completely see why; to get all the answers that Francie wanted (and I wanted, darn it all)would have been unrealistic...BUT I WANT ANSWERS.
Also, at times, it felt like not everything was as explained as it should have been. By the end, of course, I knew everything I had needed to know, but I feel like a lot of information could have been given a bit earlier than that, because I was a bit confused when it came to a lot of Francie's background at the beginning of the book. It wasn't stuff that necessarily needed to be revealed later; like more details of Francie's job, for example. Because I was seriously confused when all the 'detective' stuff came into the story.
I'll definitely be reading a sequel if one comes out, because I want answers to a few questions that didn't get resolved in here. Enchantment Lake wasn't what I was expecting, but I definitely liked it.
First thing I thought when I saw this book; "Ooh, pretty cover!" Second thing; "Ooh, mystery!" And that was that. I went into this book knowing not much else; not about the author, or any previous reviews, or even about the specific plot. (I'd forgotten that by the time I finally picked the story up.) Thus, I was really surprised--not in a bad way, but definitely surprised--at the story that Enchantment Lake ended up being.
It's definitely NOT the serious mystery tale that I was expecting. The writing style is utterly quirky; which, as long as it doesn't got too over the top, I usually enjoy. And that was the case here. Francie's aunts were mostly what gave the book that flair; they are so ridiculous and funny in their own way that I began to wish they were my own aunts.
However, there is something sinister going on in Enchantment Lake; though the writing style does tend to make it seem lighter than it was, this book could get quite serious when it wanted to. What happened to Francie's dad all those years ago? Why is no one talking about her mom?
Francie's aunts are not the only strange ones in this weird town though. We are treated to quite the cast of characters. Seemingly, a lot of them behave irrationally and there is a bit of suspicion cast on most of them at one point or another. But in the end, everyone's motives are shown, and everything makes sense.
I did not see who the culprit was at all. Though, in hindsight, the signs were there and I probably should have realized that it was who it ended up being. Whatever, it made it more enjoyable to have not guessed. Something that really made this unveiling of the culprit unique, though, is the fact that it brings up some questions as well as answers them. Really huge questions that I want answers to.
That brings me to my complaint for this book. What ended up being my biggest frustration was that not all the questions that readers want answered end up getting answered. I will grudgingly admit that I completely see why; to get all the answers that Francie wanted (and I wanted, darn it all)would have been unrealistic...BUT I WANT ANSWERS.
Also, at times, it felt like not everything was as explained as it should have been. By the end, of course, I knew everything I had needed to know, but I feel like a lot of information could have been given a bit earlier than that, because I was a bit confused when it came to a lot of Francie's background at the beginning of the book. It wasn't stuff that necessarily needed to be revealed later; like more details of Francie's job, for example. Because I was seriously confused when all the 'detective' stuff came into the story.
I'll definitely be reading a sequel if one comes out, because I want answers to a few questions that didn't get resolved in here. Enchantment Lake wasn't what I was expecting, but I definitely liked it.
April 12, 2015
Two superficial things drew me to this story: the cover and its publisher. I am a Minnesotan, not born and raised, but a 'Sconie (Wisconsin) transplant for the last five years. I saw this on Netgalley and thought it looked like a fun little mystery, with an emphasis on little as it is just 200 pages long. And Enchantment Lake didn't disappoint! It was fun, it was fast and it had a cast of colorful characters.
Francie lives in New York on her grandfather's dime -- her parents are both dead and her brother's not in her life. She's pretty well adjusted for that fact, though admits she keeps her heart on lock down. But when her great aunts call with terrible news, she drops everything in New York and flies back to Minnesota to check up on them. Francie is only 17, so this whole thing was a bit odd to me, her living alone and being so independent that she can pay for tickets to Minnesota (not cheap, as I am researching for an upcoming NYC visit). But I let that all go and just tried to enjoy the little mystery brewing in the wild lake community.
Her aunts live on the side of the lake where there's no road, and they are convinced that a string of random deaths among home owners on their side of the lake are anything but random. Francie once stared in a TV show as a teen detective, and her cooky aunts seem to think it stuck. But Francie does try and solve the murders, investigating all of her neighbors. They mistakenly believe she is an actual detective, thanks to her aunts, and she eventually goes with it, lending credence to her questions.
This story moves quickly, and there are some nice tense moments for our smart heroine. She makes some rash moves, and chides herself for it. I liked that she recognized this about herself. There's a little flirtatious romance in this story, but by no means is it integral to the plot. It was refreshing to see no insta-love, just honest summer crushes.
And the writing is straight forward, which I think helped me read it so fast and ketp me from growing bored. There were some parts I was chuckling at -- I may have been swayed by all of the MN-isms in the story, with hot dish as a murder weapon and lots of Midwestern quirk thrown in for good fun. It was a perfect in-between read for some serious stories. I'm not really a mystery reader, so not sure how it holds up on that end, though I didn't guess the bad guy.
Overall, I thought this was a fun story that served as a nice palate cleanser. :D
Francie lives in New York on her grandfather's dime -- her parents are both dead and her brother's not in her life. She's pretty well adjusted for that fact, though admits she keeps her heart on lock down. But when her great aunts call with terrible news, she drops everything in New York and flies back to Minnesota to check up on them. Francie is only 17, so this whole thing was a bit odd to me, her living alone and being so independent that she can pay for tickets to Minnesota (not cheap, as I am researching for an upcoming NYC visit). But I let that all go and just tried to enjoy the little mystery brewing in the wild lake community.
Her aunts live on the side of the lake where there's no road, and they are convinced that a string of random deaths among home owners on their side of the lake are anything but random. Francie once stared in a TV show as a teen detective, and her cooky aunts seem to think it stuck. But Francie does try and solve the murders, investigating all of her neighbors. They mistakenly believe she is an actual detective, thanks to her aunts, and she eventually goes with it, lending credence to her questions.
This story moves quickly, and there are some nice tense moments for our smart heroine. She makes some rash moves, and chides herself for it. I liked that she recognized this about herself. There's a little flirtatious romance in this story, but by no means is it integral to the plot. It was refreshing to see no insta-love, just honest summer crushes.
And the writing is straight forward, which I think helped me read it so fast and ketp me from growing bored. There were some parts I was chuckling at -- I may have been swayed by all of the MN-isms in the story, with hot dish as a murder weapon and lots of Midwestern quirk thrown in for good fun. It was a perfect in-between read for some serious stories. I'm not really a mystery reader, so not sure how it holds up on that end, though I didn't guess the bad guy.
Overall, I thought this was a fun story that served as a nice palate cleanser. :D
July 30, 2015
I dropped by a local bookstore when I was at the cabin a month ago and they had a wall of Minnesota authors displayed. I have seen the cover of Enchantment Lake around the blog world, so I grabbed it. I loved the cover SO much. So I figured, even if the book wasn’t amazing, the cover would be awesome to have on my bookshelf.
Likes:
The writing was very easy to read. I actually finished the book pretty quickly out on the boat the same afternoon I bought it. I like nice, easy reads because I often get interrupted to reel in a fish or net one for my hubby.
Francie’s aunts were awesome. I love eccentric aunts – like Blue’s family from The Raven Boys. They were goofy, half out of their gourd but actually all together in the end.
I would LOVE to live on the lake described. My cabin is not super accessible either, but this one you have to boat across the lake to get to the cabin. I would love the dense tree cover and tight relationship with everyone on the lake. It would be SO peaceful. Plus, there was a small island – I love islands!
There was some Minnesota humor and vocab in the book. It is always fun to read a book about places you know and traditions you uphold.
The mystery was fun, it was a bit odd and goofy, which I enjoy. I would have liked it fleshed out a bit more, but I think that came with the genre.
Gripes:
I felt like there were some huge age issues / maturity / lifestyle. I think that the MC should have been a college student, but it kept going back to more of a role with some high school, going into college. It was a weird mix. Plus, she was a previous actress on a TV show – so I just felt like the author was trying to engage a few genres and it ended up being confusing.
I think the reading level the author was trying to reach was about middle grade to early high school. It just didn’t really make sense with the age of the characters and the content. I believe this is the first non-children’s book she wrote, so I can see the issues coming up. I think it is something her editors should have caught though.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
Likes:
The writing was very easy to read. I actually finished the book pretty quickly out on the boat the same afternoon I bought it. I like nice, easy reads because I often get interrupted to reel in a fish or net one for my hubby.
Francie’s aunts were awesome. I love eccentric aunts – like Blue’s family from The Raven Boys. They were goofy, half out of their gourd but actually all together in the end.
I would LOVE to live on the lake described. My cabin is not super accessible either, but this one you have to boat across the lake to get to the cabin. I would love the dense tree cover and tight relationship with everyone on the lake. It would be SO peaceful. Plus, there was a small island – I love islands!
There was some Minnesota humor and vocab in the book. It is always fun to read a book about places you know and traditions you uphold.
The mystery was fun, it was a bit odd and goofy, which I enjoy. I would have liked it fleshed out a bit more, but I think that came with the genre.
Gripes:
I felt like there were some huge age issues / maturity / lifestyle. I think that the MC should have been a college student, but it kept going back to more of a role with some high school, going into college. It was a weird mix. Plus, she was a previous actress on a TV show – so I just felt like the author was trying to engage a few genres and it ended up being confusing.
I think the reading level the author was trying to reach was about middle grade to early high school. It just didn’t really make sense with the age of the characters and the content. I believe this is the first non-children’s book she wrote, so I can see the issues coming up. I think it is something her editors should have caught though.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
March 17, 2015
NOTE: I was provided with an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the Univ. of Minnesota Press for letting me read this!
The thing that drew me to this book was its cover, duh. Look at that cover. It’s gorgeous. I didn’t really even know much about what the book was about and by the time I read it, I couldn’t remember at all. So this book was pretty much read solely for its cover. Oops.
I was confused while reading this book – not because I didn’t understand what was happening but because I don’t think this book really knows what it was trying to do. It felt a little like a middle grade novel but then there’d be drinking or other things that wouldn’t normally be included in a MG book. It was such a weird experience.
At least the mystery was good. You were lead to believe it could be several different people and I definitely thought it was someone else at first, so that was cool. The overall story was entertaining and interesting. On the other hand, the characters weren’t really developed that well. I could picture Francie, the main character, and I felt like I knew people like her crazy-old-lady aunts, though I couldn’t actually see them nor did I think they were really the type of characters we were meant to see. As for everyone else, I have no idea who they are or what they look like.
I felt like the ending didn’t match up with the rest of the book. I felt like Francie changed rapidly and the tone of the book was super different suddenly. I also felt like this was the beginning of a series because there were several unanswered questions and things that happened in the book that were just barely introduced and never finished.
However, the book was quirky and strange and decidedly curious. It’s quick to read and I had fun doing so. I’ve got to say that I enjoyed it overall and I would be interested in reading a sequel if there is one.
The bottom line: Not what I expected and a little confusing in tone, but interested enough to want to read a sequel to find out the answers to the multiple unanswered questions in Enchantment Lake.
The thing that drew me to this book was its cover, duh. Look at that cover. It’s gorgeous. I didn’t really even know much about what the book was about and by the time I read it, I couldn’t remember at all. So this book was pretty much read solely for its cover. Oops.
I was confused while reading this book – not because I didn’t understand what was happening but because I don’t think this book really knows what it was trying to do. It felt a little like a middle grade novel but then there’d be drinking or other things that wouldn’t normally be included in a MG book. It was such a weird experience.
At least the mystery was good. You were lead to believe it could be several different people and I definitely thought it was someone else at first, so that was cool. The overall story was entertaining and interesting. On the other hand, the characters weren’t really developed that well. I could picture Francie, the main character, and I felt like I knew people like her crazy-old-lady aunts, though I couldn’t actually see them nor did I think they were really the type of characters we were meant to see. As for everyone else, I have no idea who they are or what they look like.
I felt like the ending didn’t match up with the rest of the book. I felt like Francie changed rapidly and the tone of the book was super different suddenly. I also felt like this was the beginning of a series because there were several unanswered questions and things that happened in the book that were just barely introduced and never finished.
However, the book was quirky and strange and decidedly curious. It’s quick to read and I had fun doing so. I’ve got to say that I enjoyed it overall and I would be interested in reading a sequel if there is one.
The bottom line: Not what I expected and a little confusing in tone, but interested enough to want to read a sequel to find out the answers to the multiple unanswered questions in Enchantment Lake.
March 12, 2015
I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
17 year old Francie is NOT a detective. She only played one on TV. Although her aunts Astrid and Jeannette have started a rumor, and now everyone on the lake where they live thinks Francie is some big shot NY detective. After getting a strange call from her aunts saying their in danger, Francie ditches an audition, hops on a plane and heads to Enchantment Lake to see if her aunts are okay. When her aunts tell her about all the things that have been happening on the lake, Francie thinks they have lost their minds. When one of their neighbor's ends up dead from a "suicide", Astrid and Jeannette don't believe that for one second. They think he was murdered, and they want Francie to find out who the killer is before Astrid and Jeannette are next. Francie decides to help. She starts talking to people and asking questions and starts piecing things together. For a girl who's not a real detective, she sure does a good job at it.
I really like the cover of the book. That's what really drew me in. I think it fits well with what the story is about. I also loved the characters. Especially Astrid and Jeannette. They were a little cooky, but extremely funny. I really liked Francie. She was a great main character. She's so strong and definitely determined to keep her aunts alive and save Enchantment Lake.
I fell in love with this book from the beginning. I love a good mystery book. I like to see if I can find out who the killer is myself.
17 year old Francie is NOT a detective. She only played one on TV. Although her aunts Astrid and Jeannette have started a rumor, and now everyone on the lake where they live thinks Francie is some big shot NY detective. After getting a strange call from her aunts saying their in danger, Francie ditches an audition, hops on a plane and heads to Enchantment Lake to see if her aunts are okay. When her aunts tell her about all the things that have been happening on the lake, Francie thinks they have lost their minds. When one of their neighbor's ends up dead from a "suicide", Astrid and Jeannette don't believe that for one second. They think he was murdered, and they want Francie to find out who the killer is before Astrid and Jeannette are next. Francie decides to help. She starts talking to people and asking questions and starts piecing things together. For a girl who's not a real detective, she sure does a good job at it.
I really like the cover of the book. That's what really drew me in. I think it fits well with what the story is about. I also loved the characters. Especially Astrid and Jeannette. They were a little cooky, but extremely funny. I really liked Francie. She was a great main character. She's so strong and definitely determined to keep her aunts alive and save Enchantment Lake.
I fell in love with this book from the beginning. I love a good mystery book. I like to see if I can find out who the killer is myself.
February 17, 2015
Seventeen-year-old aspiring actress Francie gets a disturbing phone call from her great aunts. Fearing they might be in danger she immediately packs her bags and travels to a remote lake somewhere in Minnesota. She then discovers that her great aunts’ neighbours are dying in strange accidents. Francie is not convinced these are accidents at all and decides to investigate.
ENCHANTMENT LAKE is a very entertaining “whodunit”. We follow Francie on her little quest to find out who is killing her great aunts’ neighbours. Every person she encounters is a suspect. Anyone could have done it because there are so many possible motives. If Francie can figure out why all those people had to die, she might be able to find the killer. But that is easier said than done.
The story is well-written, fast-paced, and because of that, it will take you absolutely no time to finish it. The easy kind of writing style also makes it a good read for readers of every age. I just couldn’t stop reading. It’s fun, exciting, enthralling and makes you feel like you are actually a detective trying to catch a wicked serial killer.
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ENCHANTMENT LAKE is a very entertaining “whodunit”. We follow Francie on her little quest to find out who is killing her great aunts’ neighbours. Every person she encounters is a suspect. Anyone could have done it because there are so many possible motives. If Francie can figure out why all those people had to die, she might be able to find the killer. But that is easier said than done.
The story is well-written, fast-paced, and because of that, it will take you absolutely no time to finish it. The easy kind of writing style also makes it a good read for readers of every age. I just couldn’t stop reading. It’s fun, exciting, enthralling and makes you feel like you are actually a detective trying to catch a wicked serial killer.
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2016
This book just didn't work for me. It is being marketed as a children's book, yet it also struggles to be YA. The MC is a 17 year old actress, living alone in NYC, which in itself is difficult to believe. Then when she flies to northern MN, everyone is under the impression that she is a big detective for the NYPD. The joke is continually recycled, which rings as a children's book to me. I could see my kids giggling at this if I were to read it to them. However, I wouldn't read it to them because there's also smoking and drinking and murder. (Okay for YA, not to read to a 5 year old). The MC's aunts are over the top, presented as quirky, giving the book a cozy mystery feel. The clincher was that there wasn't much resolution to issues presented throughout the story, the big ending wasn't mind blowing or mysterious, and didn't really pull the earlier story together for me.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2015
*****Copy from Net Galley in return for an honest review****
Well, I quite enjoyed this, but I'm not sure it's really YA. It felt more 10 - 13 year old to me than higher up the spectrum
I liked the set up and the characters were interesting, even if I didn't think all of Francie's family relationships were properly explained and some of them could have used more development. The mystery plot was interesting and the solution was quite unexpected.
Not a bad way of spending 90 minutes or so, but not as good as say, Robin Steven's Wells and Wong mysteries which I think appeal to the same age group.
Well, I quite enjoyed this, but I'm not sure it's really YA. It felt more 10 - 13 year old to me than higher up the spectrum
I liked the set up and the characters were interesting, even if I didn't think all of Francie's family relationships were properly explained and some of them could have used more development. The mystery plot was interesting and the solution was quite unexpected.
Not a bad way of spending 90 minutes or so, but not as good as say, Robin Steven's Wells and Wong mysteries which I think appeal to the same age group.
December 21, 2014
Full review available at MoonBird Books
My biggest takeaway from Enchantment Lake was that I've found a next-generation Nancy Drew for my daughters (and myself!). Francie is sharp on her feet, fearless and inquisitive, much like the teenaged sleuth I grew up reading (The Secret of the Old Clock...who's with me?!)
February 27, 2015
This book was ok I loved the cover but when reading the book was fast but it still had some plot holes. But that's what you get when you read an arc you catch the plot holes. Over all the story was talerbale and if I'm lucky enough I would love to read more that the author has or will create.
December 2, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this book.
I rated this book DNF
I rated this book DNF
May 6, 2015
Fast-paced & page-turner. Interesting mystery. More detail review at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com
July 11, 2021
I don't know exactly why, but since I opened this book, I've had a feeling it's set in the county I currently live in, close to the headwaters of the Mississippi in north-central Minnesota. Billed as "a northwoods mystery," it takes place partly in a town of 2,020 souls and partly on the side of the lake named on the front cover that doesn't have a road leading to it, and the people who live there (mostly) like it that way. Francie Frye, a.k.a. Frenchie, a.k.a. French Fry to at least one childhood playmate, hasn't been back there in years – maybe since the accident that took her father's life. Seventeen, studying drama in New York City and struggling to find acting jobs, she lives on an allowance from her trust fund, doled out by her strict grandfather. But she puts her career on hold, and her allowance on the line, when her eccentric great aunts summon her back to Enchantment with a cryptic voicemail suggesting that their lives may be in danger.
The aunts, Astrid and Jeannette, think someone has been murdering people who own cabins on their side of the lake – a community that, at least during the summer, doesn't mind living without electricity or a road in and out. There certainly seem to have been a suspicious number of freak accidents – a drowning, a poisoned well, death by falling tree limb, a heart attack that doesn't sound quite kosher, even a bite from a snake that isn't native to the area. Some people, for example the sheriff, don't see anything to be concerned about. Francie puts on her detective cap – after all, she played one on TV, briefly – and starts to dig. And before long, enough scariness happens around her to make her all but certain that someone is bumping lakeshore residents off. If only she could figure out why, the who would soon follow.
But asking the wrong kinds of questions also puts Francie in danger. In only a few days, a local handiman dies of a gunshot wound (the old ladies don't think it was suicide) and a shady realtor succumbs to cyanide at the funeral luncheon. Drat it, he was Francie's prime suspect. Double drat, now the sheriff believes murder is being done, but he suspects Francie's aunties. Triple drat it, her grandfather shows up in town, breathing fire at her for skipping school, traveling without permission and getting herself tangled up in her aunts' affairs. With only one day to solve the mystery, and knowing the sheriff isn't going to look any further than the suspects he already has in custody, she kayaks into danger and before long, is threatened with drowning, gunfire and even a piece of heavy equipment before the night is through.
Francie is a smart, thoughtful heroine, despite her knack for missing the big clue until it's (almost?) too late. Maybe, as some of this book's other characters tell her, she really is cut out to be a detective, even though most of what she knows about detecting she learned while starring in a kids' TV show. She has a vulnerable place in her heart, a head for contemplative poetry, a headstrong and vibrant personality, and a way of coming to snap decisions that sometimes gets her into trouble. You see her knowingly going into danger – she actually compares herself, a couple times, to that character in a scary book or movie whose decisions make you yell, "Don't be stupid!" – and your guts clench in concern. You see her eyeing the attractive intern from the local law firm and the hint of romance makes you smile. So, even when she doubts whether she can solve the mystery, you don't.
This is the first of (currently) three Enchantment Lake mysteries, also including The Clue in the Trees and The Silver Box. Margi Preus is the Newbery nominated author of A Book of Grace, Sacred Words, Heart of a Samurai, Celebritrees, Shadow on the Mountain, West of the Moon, The Bamboo Sword, Village of Scoundrels, The Littlest Voyageur and a handful of picture books.
The aunts, Astrid and Jeannette, think someone has been murdering people who own cabins on their side of the lake – a community that, at least during the summer, doesn't mind living without electricity or a road in and out. There certainly seem to have been a suspicious number of freak accidents – a drowning, a poisoned well, death by falling tree limb, a heart attack that doesn't sound quite kosher, even a bite from a snake that isn't native to the area. Some people, for example the sheriff, don't see anything to be concerned about. Francie puts on her detective cap – after all, she played one on TV, briefly – and starts to dig. And before long, enough scariness happens around her to make her all but certain that someone is bumping lakeshore residents off. If only she could figure out why, the who would soon follow.
But asking the wrong kinds of questions also puts Francie in danger. In only a few days, a local handiman dies of a gunshot wound (the old ladies don't think it was suicide) and a shady realtor succumbs to cyanide at the funeral luncheon. Drat it, he was Francie's prime suspect. Double drat, now the sheriff believes murder is being done, but he suspects Francie's aunties. Triple drat it, her grandfather shows up in town, breathing fire at her for skipping school, traveling without permission and getting herself tangled up in her aunts' affairs. With only one day to solve the mystery, and knowing the sheriff isn't going to look any further than the suspects he already has in custody, she kayaks into danger and before long, is threatened with drowning, gunfire and even a piece of heavy equipment before the night is through.
Francie is a smart, thoughtful heroine, despite her knack for missing the big clue until it's (almost?) too late. Maybe, as some of this book's other characters tell her, she really is cut out to be a detective, even though most of what she knows about detecting she learned while starring in a kids' TV show. She has a vulnerable place in her heart, a head for contemplative poetry, a headstrong and vibrant personality, and a way of coming to snap decisions that sometimes gets her into trouble. You see her knowingly going into danger – she actually compares herself, a couple times, to that character in a scary book or movie whose decisions make you yell, "Don't be stupid!" – and your guts clench in concern. You see her eyeing the attractive intern from the local law firm and the hint of romance makes you smile. So, even when she doubts whether she can solve the mystery, you don't.
This is the first of (currently) three Enchantment Lake mysteries, also including The Clue in the Trees and The Silver Box. Margi Preus is the Newbery nominated author of A Book of Grace, Sacred Words, Heart of a Samurai, Celebritrees, Shadow on the Mountain, West of the Moon, The Bamboo Sword, Village of Scoundrels, The Littlest Voyageur and a handful of picture books.
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