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Waterton #1
Edge of Wild
Transplanted from New York City to the tiny mountain town of Waterton, Alberta with the task of saving a floundering new hotel, Rich Evans is desperate to return to the city as soon as he can. The locals seem unusually hostile towards his efforts, or maybe even menacing, and was that a cougar on his door-step last night? As Rich begins to wonder whether his predecessor disappeared of his own accord, he finds himself strongly drawn to Louise Newman, the garage mechanic who is fixing his suddenly unreliable BMW, and the only person in Waterton who doesn’t seem desperate to run him out of town. As Rich works on the hotel, the town is torn apart by a series of gruesome, unsolved murders. With Louise as his only ally in a town that seems set against him, Rich can’t help but wonder: will he be the next victim?
329 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2016
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May 9, 2016
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received a signed paperback, E-ARC, and swag package via the author in exchange for participating in the Sunday Street Team.
I had heard about this book through Twitter. One of the people I follow retweeted a tweet from the author. The author was asking about people who wanted to participate in the Sunday Street Team for this book. We talked for a bit and I agreed to join. I am happy to say that I enjoyed Edge of Wild!
The book begins with a prologue. Ever since Jeff Chan was asked to come to Wateron to reappear the Whitewater Lodge things haven’t gone according to plan. The town is very hostile towards him and he feels like he’s being stalked. He hears noises and goes to check them out. A man is in his house. Jeff grabs a weapon and asks why the man is there. The man replies that he just wants to talk.
We are then taken to the first chapter. Louise ‘Lou’ has always been a bit strange. She tends to pick up on things very quickly and sometimes she knows things she shouldn’t. Lou has very vivid dreams. Of another life. She believes that she’s lived several lives based on her dreams. But no one believed that. For the longest time Lou was an outcast. Her own father hadn’t believed her. Now she chooses not to tell anyone fearing she will be outcasted like she was when she was little.
Richard ‘Rich’ has been called in to manage Whitewater Lodge in Wateron, Alberta. He’s not particularly pleased about being called in but goes anyways. Once he arrives he notices that the hotel is a mess. Apparently Jeff Chan wasn’t gifted in organization. The files are a mess and every time Rich fixes something it either gets destroyed or another problem arises. Most of the locals are unnerved by his presence and they promptly turn down every suggestion he makes. On top of all that Rich feels like he’s being stalked. Things in his room are misplaced, the locks undone, and animals are chasing him. The only person Rich can trust is Lou who is fixing his car.
Once the murders began to pile up the town is terrified. But Lou begins to suspect that the townspeople know who is stalking Rich. She starts to realize that the townspeople have been keeping many secrets. And once Lou starts hanging around Rich they begin to outcast her. Rich slowly realizes that whoever is murdering all those people may in fact be after him.
This was such a well done murder mystery! It’s been awhile since I’ve read one that done this well! I didn’t even see the murderer coming! It was so unexpected and well done. The book is narrated in third person. Which was written well considering it’s a murder mystery. It takes place in 1999 Wateron, Alberta in the span of a few months. Which I found pretty interesting. The author did her research and it feels like you’re in that time. There are multiple point of views but our main point of views are Rich and Lou.
For a majority of the book Rich is stressed and angry. Nothing really seems to work with the hotel and it feels like the townspeople want him gone. I really felt for him because man was that a lot to deal with. Plus the townspeople didn’t make it any easier. While I did sympathize with him I didn’t really connect with him. I liked him because he was determined and hardworking. I’m surprised that he was able to deal with the townspeople. The only townspeople that were nice to him were Amanda his assistant and Lou.
I really liked reading about Lou! It was so interesting to read about her vision and dreams. I’m a big believer in dreams and the way I see it is that people like Lou really do exist. She was sweet and calm. Lou had a way with people. She could calm you down and tell you a story based on yourself and your circumstances. While Rich was hot tempered Lou was calm. They worked well together.
While Rich and Lou worked well together I didn’t really get the romance. At first it seemed like attraction than it just didn’t make sense. And it did feel unnecessary. Lou’s relationship with her father figure Hunter was cute and realistic! While Rich didn’t really talk to Amanda that often he liked her.
The plot was really good! It was a nice touch to read about many different people. Including the police officers, the murderer, and the victims. The point of view shift never felt overwhelming and the author did a good job of balancing the point of views and fleshing out all the characters.
You should know that this is a very different murder mystery novel. For starters the victims aren’t anyone Rich knows. So in way that takes out the suspense because you’re not worried about how the murders are affecting Rich.Despite this it was very intriguing as the evidence continues to pile up and you keep turning the pages just to know what’s going on.
The police actually do stuff in this book! Rich launches another investigation but doesn’t look into the murderers. Which happens in most murder mystery novels. Especially YA. In a way the townspeople reminded of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. In Agatha Christie’s novels they always take place in a small town and all if it’s residents are hiding something. Also her books just like this book ends nicely.
I had no problems with this book. I’ve rated it 4 stars because while I thoroughly enjoyed it I didn’t love it. Note this is a slow book, the townspeople are very frustrating, and there is a lot of swearing. If these bother you I would suggest you to find another murder mystery novel.
Overall this was a really great book! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a different murder mystery novel.
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received a signed paperback, E-ARC, and swag package via the author in exchange for participating in the Sunday Street Team.
I had heard about this book through Twitter. One of the people I follow retweeted a tweet from the author. The author was asking about people who wanted to participate in the Sunday Street Team for this book. We talked for a bit and I agreed to join. I am happy to say that I enjoyed Edge of Wild!
The book begins with a prologue. Ever since Jeff Chan was asked to come to Wateron to reappear the Whitewater Lodge things haven’t gone according to plan. The town is very hostile towards him and he feels like he’s being stalked. He hears noises and goes to check them out. A man is in his house. Jeff grabs a weapon and asks why the man is there. The man replies that he just wants to talk.
We are then taken to the first chapter. Louise ‘Lou’ has always been a bit strange. She tends to pick up on things very quickly and sometimes she knows things she shouldn’t. Lou has very vivid dreams. Of another life. She believes that she’s lived several lives based on her dreams. But no one believed that. For the longest time Lou was an outcast. Her own father hadn’t believed her. Now she chooses not to tell anyone fearing she will be outcasted like she was when she was little.
Richard ‘Rich’ has been called in to manage Whitewater Lodge in Wateron, Alberta. He’s not particularly pleased about being called in but goes anyways. Once he arrives he notices that the hotel is a mess. Apparently Jeff Chan wasn’t gifted in organization. The files are a mess and every time Rich fixes something it either gets destroyed or another problem arises. Most of the locals are unnerved by his presence and they promptly turn down every suggestion he makes. On top of all that Rich feels like he’s being stalked. Things in his room are misplaced, the locks undone, and animals are chasing him. The only person Rich can trust is Lou who is fixing his car.
Once the murders began to pile up the town is terrified. But Lou begins to suspect that the townspeople know who is stalking Rich. She starts to realize that the townspeople have been keeping many secrets. And once Lou starts hanging around Rich they begin to outcast her. Rich slowly realizes that whoever is murdering all those people may in fact be after him.
This was such a well done murder mystery! It’s been awhile since I’ve read one that done this well! I didn’t even see the murderer coming! It was so unexpected and well done. The book is narrated in third person. Which was written well considering it’s a murder mystery. It takes place in 1999 Wateron, Alberta in the span of a few months. Which I found pretty interesting. The author did her research and it feels like you’re in that time. There are multiple point of views but our main point of views are Rich and Lou.
For a majority of the book Rich is stressed and angry. Nothing really seems to work with the hotel and it feels like the townspeople want him gone. I really felt for him because man was that a lot to deal with. Plus the townspeople didn’t make it any easier. While I did sympathize with him I didn’t really connect with him. I liked him because he was determined and hardworking. I’m surprised that he was able to deal with the townspeople. The only townspeople that were nice to him were Amanda his assistant and Lou.
I really liked reading about Lou! It was so interesting to read about her vision and dreams. I’m a big believer in dreams and the way I see it is that people like Lou really do exist. She was sweet and calm. Lou had a way with people. She could calm you down and tell you a story based on yourself and your circumstances. While Rich was hot tempered Lou was calm. They worked well together.
While Rich and Lou worked well together I didn’t really get the romance. At first it seemed like attraction than it just didn’t make sense. And it did feel unnecessary. Lou’s relationship with her father figure Hunter was cute and realistic! While Rich didn’t really talk to Amanda that often he liked her.
The plot was really good! It was a nice touch to read about many different people. Including the police officers, the murderer, and the victims. The point of view shift never felt overwhelming and the author did a good job of balancing the point of views and fleshing out all the characters.
You should know that this is a very different murder mystery novel. For starters the victims aren’t anyone Rich knows. So in way that takes out the suspense because you’re not worried about how the murders are affecting Rich.Despite this it was very intriguing as the evidence continues to pile up and you keep turning the pages just to know what’s going on.
The police actually do stuff in this book! Rich launches another investigation but doesn’t look into the murderers. Which happens in most murder mystery novels. Especially YA. In a way the townspeople reminded of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. In Agatha Christie’s novels they always take place in a small town and all if it’s residents are hiding something. Also her books just like this book ends nicely.
I had no problems with this book. I’ve rated it 4 stars because while I thoroughly enjoyed it I didn’t love it. Note this is a slow book, the townspeople are very frustrating, and there is a lot of swearing. If these bother you I would suggest you to find another murder mystery novel.
Overall this was a really great book! I would recommend it to anyone looking for a different murder mystery novel.
July 18, 2016
It was interesting to read a novel set in a town that I know a little bit. I’ve spent some time in Waterton, although not a great deal. I also grew up close to a small town and I’m not sure how I would feel about the depiction of Waterton if I was a resident there. Perhaps I would be excited just to see my town represented in a novel, which is the most likely reaction.
My experience of small towns is that they can hardly wait to join in the newest technologies and that they do so to retain their young people. Otherwise, the outflow of youth and vigour soon reduces them to senior citizens. So the reluctance to bring in internet to the town didn’t ring true for me.
However, the reluctance to change is a human universal. I think we all kick against changes to our lives and routines, even when those changes would improve both. I also found the antagonism to a perceived American big-shot to be a very authentic Canadian reaction! Rich Evans would face the same kind of skepticism and reluctance in virtually any small Canadian town.
I loved Louise (Lou), with her feelings and visions of what was going to happen, as well as her calm demeanour and skill at helping others. Her profession, auto mechanic, and her penchant for making friends and helping people both reminded me strongly of Mercy Thompson, of the urban fantasy series. However, no vampires or werewolves in this book, just a very human serial killer and a threatening drug ring.
Probably, I would rate this at 3.5 stars. So many things end up in three star territory, just because I can’t make a finer distinction than that.
My experience of small towns is that they can hardly wait to join in the newest technologies and that they do so to retain their young people. Otherwise, the outflow of youth and vigour soon reduces them to senior citizens. So the reluctance to bring in internet to the town didn’t ring true for me.
However, the reluctance to change is a human universal. I think we all kick against changes to our lives and routines, even when those changes would improve both. I also found the antagonism to a perceived American big-shot to be a very authentic Canadian reaction! Rich Evans would face the same kind of skepticism and reluctance in virtually any small Canadian town.
I loved Louise (Lou), with her feelings and visions of what was going to happen, as well as her calm demeanour and skill at helping others. Her profession, auto mechanic, and her penchant for making friends and helping people both reminded me strongly of Mercy Thompson, of the urban fantasy series. However, no vampires or werewolves in this book, just a very human serial killer and a threatening drug ring.
Probably, I would rate this at 3.5 stars. So many things end up in three star territory, just because I can’t make a finer distinction than that.
December 31, 2015
When New York City hotel manager Rich Evans accepts an assignment to whip a new luxury hotel in the middle of a Canadian national park into shape, he assumes his biggest challenge will be life without cellular service.
But everyone has secrets. Sometimes those secrets are deep and heavy enough to shape our lives. In Waterton, geography conspires with small town isolation to give secrets lives of their own.
In Edge of the Wild, Danika Stone demonstrates a deep understand of the divide that runs between urban worldliness and small town isolation. Her characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with room for growth and learning. Her storytelling weaves together disparate threads into a vibrant canvas that kept me turning pages, wanting to know what happened next.
But everyone has secrets. Sometimes those secrets are deep and heavy enough to shape our lives. In Waterton, geography conspires with small town isolation to give secrets lives of their own.
In Edge of the Wild, Danika Stone demonstrates a deep understand of the divide that runs between urban worldliness and small town isolation. Her characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with room for growth and learning. Her storytelling weaves together disparate threads into a vibrant canvas that kept me turning pages, wanting to know what happened next.
January 8, 2016
There’s nothing quite like a cushy job in the mountains. Except when you don’t want to be there… and no one else wants you there either. D.K. Stone’s debut novel “Edge of Wild” is not, as I first thought, a mystery, but a well-plotted thriller. The pace is good and the story moves along precisely as quickly as it needs to. However, to be clear, this is not a fast read; in fact, the prose is almost unrelenting in places. I had to take reading breaks because of the tension in some chapters!
It also has an intriguingly realistic touch of the supernatural. At a time where mainstream popular reading is often focused on fantasy and paranormal romance, this makes for a very main interesting character. Louise “Lou” Newman is quietly ‘different’, but this difference is framed as a character trait rather than as an excuse to move the plot forward. Her unique abilities become relevant as the plot progresses, but they are simply part of HER. This is remarkably refreshing.
My second favorite thing about this book is the outstanding imagery in the descriptions of setting and scenery. The author’s intimate knowledge and love of the Canadian Rockies is undeniable, sometimes even tangible and she makes the locations of Waterton and the national park into living, pulsing characters in their own right. This is also true of the two lead characters, whose emotions and conflicts are drawn delicately and precisely. Rich’s confusion and frustration in dealing with the mysteriously obstreperous locals of Waterton, Lou’s Zen-like attitude to life and her uncertainty about her dreams and how she fits into the changing nature of her home town and the people she’s grown up around, and their growing mutual attraction and need for one another.
I would liked it if the villain had been more present in the narrative, to get more impact out of this character’s reveal, but the novel’s climax is still undeniably satisfying, and leaves the door open for an equally taut and readable sequel… which I am now waiting for.
It also has an intriguingly realistic touch of the supernatural. At a time where mainstream popular reading is often focused on fantasy and paranormal romance, this makes for a very main interesting character. Louise “Lou” Newman is quietly ‘different’, but this difference is framed as a character trait rather than as an excuse to move the plot forward. Her unique abilities become relevant as the plot progresses, but they are simply part of HER. This is remarkably refreshing.
My second favorite thing about this book is the outstanding imagery in the descriptions of setting and scenery. The author’s intimate knowledge and love of the Canadian Rockies is undeniable, sometimes even tangible and she makes the locations of Waterton and the national park into living, pulsing characters in their own right. This is also true of the two lead characters, whose emotions and conflicts are drawn delicately and precisely. Rich’s confusion and frustration in dealing with the mysteriously obstreperous locals of Waterton, Lou’s Zen-like attitude to life and her uncertainty about her dreams and how she fits into the changing nature of her home town and the people she’s grown up around, and their growing mutual attraction and need for one another.
I would liked it if the villain had been more present in the narrative, to get more impact out of this character’s reveal, but the novel’s climax is still undeniably satisfying, and leaves the door open for an equally taut and readable sequel… which I am now waiting for.
May 26, 2016
Rich Evans arrives in Waterton to take over the Whitewater Lodge after Jeff Chan, the previous manager, has left everything in shambles - but what he slowly comes to understand is that there are dark forces at the work in the town, both natural and very human. Louise Newman has lived there her whole life, one of her many half-remembered lives. She sees it as her calling to offer solace and insight, and ends up offering Rich even more. As tensions build between the hotel and the town, the wild landscape of the Rockies is an isolating backdrop but can’t keep out the drugs, murder, and destruction of the modern world.
Stone peoples her Waterton with vibrant characters and twisted motives. Edge of Wild is a quick, compelling read where anyone could be a suspect and no one’s who they seem. A wonderful book!
Stone peoples her Waterton with vibrant characters and twisted motives. Edge of Wild is a quick, compelling read where anyone could be a suspect and no one’s who they seem. A wonderful book!
January 7, 2016
Edge of Wild draws you in with a mystery but keeps you turning the pages with a romance, a cast of multifaceted characters, and a hint of the metaphysical. It's set in Waterton--on the edge of a Canadian national park--where small-town politics are just the beginning of the challenges facing Rich, a big-city hotel manager, and life-long resident Louise. What I found most compelling about Edge of Wild were the glimpses of characters' pasts, the allegiances that tie a community together (or can tear it apart), and the raw beauty of Waterton's natural surroundings. Edge of Wild is an unusual book and a very satisfying read!
January 6, 2016
Love this book. Danika Stove does a wonderful job of drawing you in to this story. Her characters come alive through her writing and I find myself thinking of them even when I am not reading the story. It's the type of book that you don't want to put down, and when you have to, it's constantly on your mind. I love when a book enthrals me like that. I feel like I have gotten to know Rich and Lou very well, that I've known them for a long time. I would highly recommend this book. Danika is very talented.
December 24, 2015
It takes a talented author to weave together threads of a mystery with a group of characters with enough dexterity that the reader is eager to finish but never overwhelmed, but Danika Stone has that skill. The characters are each fleshed out with a loving attention to detail, and the location is described with an affectionate respect to detail strong enough to make any reader want to visit. A truly enthralling read!
July 25, 2016
A stranger comes to town. That theme in any story is the sign of a plot that is full of twists and conflicts. We follow a series of characters through a collection of uncomfortable situations – many leading in conflicts – and we are compelled to finish the story desperate to see how the situations are resolved. And that is exactly what D. K. Stone has done by leading her readers to the Edge of Wild.
http://tinyurl.com/h4bupo4
http://tinyurl.com/h4bupo4
December 23, 2015
Loved this book! I've been to Waterton and the writer captures the strain of a town caught between history and its future as well as its tension as a pocket of civilization bounded by wilderness. The characters manifest the best and worst of nature injected into society: Lou as its harmonious beauty; the antagonist as its harsh savagery.
Suspense and romance, a wonderful, exciting read.
Suspense and romance, a wonderful, exciting read.
January 10, 2016
The author's colourful descriptions and writing style place you in the midst of the story. A great read with a highly interesting story line. The Edge of Wild keeps you guessing until the end!
April 5, 2020
* I WON THIS BOOK IN A TWITTER GIVEAWAY *
This book is one you won't want to put down! Lots of mystery, twists, and fascinating characters will keep you turning pages well in to the night! I couldn't believe the surprises this book had in store and now I have to read book 2! I am hooked on the mystery that is Waterton!
This book is one you won't want to put down! Lots of mystery, twists, and fascinating characters will keep you turning pages well in to the night! I couldn't believe the surprises this book had in store and now I have to read book 2! I am hooked on the mystery that is Waterton!
May 1, 2016
After having seen the book trailer for this, who wouldn't be intrigued by this story? It sounds like the perfect weekend mystery read to curl up with. I know that I found myself reading this until the wee hours of the morning which may or may not have been a bit of a mistake in certain parts. Seriously, spooky stuff!
The main male character, Rich, started out as the typical corporate guy that annoys you. He seems to think he knows best, no matter what anyone tells him, and you can't imagine liking him at all. I was impressed with his character development over the course of the book. You were slowly introduced to different sides of him, facets that made him more ordinary and relateable than the straight laced suit he began as.
Lou, the primary female character, was by far my favorite character in the book. She has a bit of the supernatural about her. She has dreams and visions of her past lives, hints that intrude on her current life and may or may not be a boon. She never lets Rich intimidate her, she tries her best to give her all to her town (regardless of what the stick in the mud traditionalists think), and she's not a typical heroine. She'd give Rich a swift kick in the ass if she thought he needed it and she's an insane mechanic to boot. Kudos to her; I know nothing about cars and she never gives up, even when Rich's fancy pants car continues to break down.
I do wish there had been more information about Lou's abilities. I don't recall there every being much explanation for it. Was it something inherited from her mother's side of the family, as her mom was the only person to really take these visions seriously? Is it possible that there are more people in town with abilities that we just don't know about?
Lou and Rich aren't the only cast members in this book, of course. There are a great number of townspeople, each of which brings their own brand of crazy to the table. There's the slightly eccentric boutique owner that keeps hinting to Rich about the true goings on of the town. There's the owner of the coffee shop, Lou's oldest friend and a comforting presence in the background of the book. There's the B & B owner who I swear should be played by Imelda Staunton (aka Dolores Umbridge) in the movie adaptation.
The story keeps you on edge as you work your way toward the resolution of Rich's problems with his job: the running and upkeep of the lodge his bosses have had no end of trouble with. There are scenes that are heightened when you read them in the dark of the night, and there are scenes that will have you launching yourself for the nearest lamp and double checking the locks on your doors.
My last note: the cover was a great choice. Not only is it simplistic and true to the overall feel of the novel, but it actually makes sense in terms of the book. It isn't something that has no connection to the story; there is definitely a reason for the blood and the bunny.
Please please please do yourself a favor and pick this book up. It's got mystery, it's got great characters, and it's got a good buildup of romance that you realize is totally realistic, a nice change from the over-hyped insta-love you see a lot these days.
The main male character, Rich, started out as the typical corporate guy that annoys you. He seems to think he knows best, no matter what anyone tells him, and you can't imagine liking him at all. I was impressed with his character development over the course of the book. You were slowly introduced to different sides of him, facets that made him more ordinary and relateable than the straight laced suit he began as.
Lou, the primary female character, was by far my favorite character in the book. She has a bit of the supernatural about her. She has dreams and visions of her past lives, hints that intrude on her current life and may or may not be a boon. She never lets Rich intimidate her, she tries her best to give her all to her town (regardless of what the stick in the mud traditionalists think), and she's not a typical heroine. She'd give Rich a swift kick in the ass if she thought he needed it and she's an insane mechanic to boot. Kudos to her; I know nothing about cars and she never gives up, even when Rich's fancy pants car continues to break down.
I do wish there had been more information about Lou's abilities. I don't recall there every being much explanation for it. Was it something inherited from her mother's side of the family, as her mom was the only person to really take these visions seriously? Is it possible that there are more people in town with abilities that we just don't know about?
Lou and Rich aren't the only cast members in this book, of course. There are a great number of townspeople, each of which brings their own brand of crazy to the table. There's the slightly eccentric boutique owner that keeps hinting to Rich about the true goings on of the town. There's the owner of the coffee shop, Lou's oldest friend and a comforting presence in the background of the book. There's the B & B owner who I swear should be played by Imelda Staunton (aka Dolores Umbridge) in the movie adaptation.
The story keeps you on edge as you work your way toward the resolution of Rich's problems with his job: the running and upkeep of the lodge his bosses have had no end of trouble with. There are scenes that are heightened when you read them in the dark of the night, and there are scenes that will have you launching yourself for the nearest lamp and double checking the locks on your doors.
My last note: the cover was a great choice. Not only is it simplistic and true to the overall feel of the novel, but it actually makes sense in terms of the book. It isn't something that has no connection to the story; there is definitely a reason for the blood and the bunny.
Please please please do yourself a favor and pick this book up. It's got mystery, it's got great characters, and it's got a good buildup of romance that you realize is totally realistic, a nice change from the over-hyped insta-love you see a lot these days.
October 2, 2016
I "met" author Danika Stone (D.K. Stone for her adult novel, Edge of Wild) on Twitter when I saw she was recruiting bloggers for her street team. I immediately signed up because I thought Edge of Wild sounded great, and I love a good mystery. In the past couple months, you've read a guest post by Danika, as well as my recent interview with her, and now finally, my review!
Edge of Wild is a really atmospheric novel. It takes place in Waterton, Alberta, Canada, and the setting is very important to the overall story. Waterton is a fairly closed off town, where locals welcome some tourists but they don't want too many people. Of course, without the tourists, these same locals find it difficult to run their businesses. When Rich Evans comes to town as the new manager of the big hotel trying to make it in Waterton, he's not exactly met with a friendly welcome.
The previous manager, Jeff Chan, complained of people messing with his cabin and one of his cougar pups even went missing...and then, Chan himself goes missing. Enter Evans, who is trying to fix the mess that Chan left behind. The hotel seems to break down in one way or another left and right, and the townsfolk are wary of telling Evans anything about mysterious leases in town. The only person who is really nice to Evans is Louise - Lou- Newman, who runs the only gas station/garage in town. Unfortunately, she doesn't know anything about the leases or strange goings-on in the town.
It was interesting to get to know the various townsfolk, and Stone keeps you guessing and wondering as to why they are so closed off. Lou is a sweet girl who knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, so she feels bad for Evans but hates feeling pushed aside when the town notices her spending too much time with Evans. Despite this, she still tries to follow her heart. There is a nice romance in Edge of Wild, but it doesn't take over the book, and it actually moves a bit slow, which was nice. After all, most people are going to be curious about all the back luck and death surrounding Rich Evans and Waterton itself.
There is a killer out there. Are they after Evans? What will they do to keep outsiders out of Waterton? Stone is adept at revealing a clue here and there, with a new threat occurring over and over. All of these things are perfect in building suspense and questions. I was definitely surprised by the end! Aspects of the answer are easier to figure out as you read, but when it comes down to it, I was shocked!
Edge of Wild is a really atmospheric novel. It takes place in Waterton, Alberta, Canada, and the setting is very important to the overall story. Waterton is a fairly closed off town, where locals welcome some tourists but they don't want too many people. Of course, without the tourists, these same locals find it difficult to run their businesses. When Rich Evans comes to town as the new manager of the big hotel trying to make it in Waterton, he's not exactly met with a friendly welcome.
The previous manager, Jeff Chan, complained of people messing with his cabin and one of his cougar pups even went missing...and then, Chan himself goes missing. Enter Evans, who is trying to fix the mess that Chan left behind. The hotel seems to break down in one way or another left and right, and the townsfolk are wary of telling Evans anything about mysterious leases in town. The only person who is really nice to Evans is Louise - Lou- Newman, who runs the only gas station/garage in town. Unfortunately, she doesn't know anything about the leases or strange goings-on in the town.
It was interesting to get to know the various townsfolk, and Stone keeps you guessing and wondering as to why they are so closed off. Lou is a sweet girl who knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, so she feels bad for Evans but hates feeling pushed aside when the town notices her spending too much time with Evans. Despite this, she still tries to follow her heart. There is a nice romance in Edge of Wild, but it doesn't take over the book, and it actually moves a bit slow, which was nice. After all, most people are going to be curious about all the back luck and death surrounding Rich Evans and Waterton itself.
There is a killer out there. Are they after Evans? What will they do to keep outsiders out of Waterton? Stone is adept at revealing a clue here and there, with a new threat occurring over and over. All of these things are perfect in building suspense and questions. I was definitely surprised by the end! Aspects of the answer are easier to figure out as you read, but when it comes down to it, I was shocked!
January 10, 2016
I am totally a city girl; I need landmarks built by humans to know where I'm going and the thought of actually camping where wild animals live fills me with terror, so it's a tribute to Danika Stone's way with words that I managed to forget my innate distrust of the wild, and was enthralled by the beautiful word-pictures she painted of the Canadian Rockies in Edge of Wild, so much so that I briefly flirted with the idea of maybe going for a hike locally today (in a city park, that is!). But that would have taken me away from finishing this engrossing thriller before I found out WHAT HAPPENED NEXT because I had to know which of the unfriendly locals who does their best to drive newcomer Rich Evans out of town was actually a multiple murderer, and which just a curmudgeon who didn't want his or her way of life disturbed. I loved Lou and Rich (whose description vaguely reminded me of Nikolaj Coster-Waldau so that's who I pictured for the entire book) and Sadie, the smart and persistent policewoman and I also liked Audrika as a character (though I can't say I liked her ! (Two teeny tiny threads that I wanted to know more about:
All in all, an unusual setting, engaging characters, a suspenseful plot, and lovely language make Edge of Wild a first-class read!
All in all, an unusual setting, engaging characters, a suspenseful plot, and lovely language make Edge of Wild a first-class read!
May 10, 2016
FULL DISCLOSURE: I had the pleasure of reading this many months ago as an alpha reader, and I was gifted a digital copy of this book by the author. I am on the street team for this book. None of that in any way impacts my opinions. DK knows I would tell her if it blew.
Edge of Wild
The story has changed so much from initial writing to now, and is a better book for the input of Stonehouse Publishing.
Edge of Wild is a mystery. It's a love story. It's a paean to the Northern Rocky Mountains and Waterton, Alberta, Canada. It's a peek into the secrets kept even, perhaps especially, in a small town. Some of those secrets are worth killing over.
Rich is a fish out of water in Waterton, and he plans to enjoy the challenge of getting a hotel up and running in an area with not enough tourist traffic. What little enjoyment he has, though, is ruined piecemeal, with problems ranging from relatively fixable issues like plumbing to much more dangerous vandalism, along with creepy discoveries both in and outside of the hotel.
Lou is appealingly odd, and befriends Rich from the start when he brings his car in for repairs. She's got a gift for fixing things, a story for everything, and a ready smile whenever Rich shows up.
Edge of Wild is very much Rich's story, and yet Lou as his touchstone is integral to the plot.
You'll encounter suspense aplenty, with several smaller mysteries contributing to the larger plot arc. Intense descriptions of the scenery made me question more than once why I wasn't living there instead of in Texas.
Edge of Wild kept me reading every evening, is on my "rereadable" list, and has me more than curious about what comes next for this small town.
Edge of Wild
The story has changed so much from initial writing to now, and is a better book for the input of Stonehouse Publishing.
Edge of Wild is a mystery. It's a love story. It's a paean to the Northern Rocky Mountains and Waterton, Alberta, Canada. It's a peek into the secrets kept even, perhaps especially, in a small town. Some of those secrets are worth killing over.
Rich is a fish out of water in Waterton, and he plans to enjoy the challenge of getting a hotel up and running in an area with not enough tourist traffic. What little enjoyment he has, though, is ruined piecemeal, with problems ranging from relatively fixable issues like plumbing to much more dangerous vandalism, along with creepy discoveries both in and outside of the hotel.
Lou is appealingly odd, and befriends Rich from the start when he brings his car in for repairs. She's got a gift for fixing things, a story for everything, and a ready smile whenever Rich shows up.
Edge of Wild is very much Rich's story, and yet Lou as his touchstone is integral to the plot.
You'll encounter suspense aplenty, with several smaller mysteries contributing to the larger plot arc. Intense descriptions of the scenery made me question more than once why I wasn't living there instead of in Texas.
Edge of Wild kept me reading every evening, is on my "rereadable" list, and has me more than curious about what comes next for this small town.
Read
May 6, 2016When Ms. Danika announced that she was looking for bloggers to become a part of her street team for her upcoming Mystery/Thriller book, I didn’t hesitate for a second and jumped right at the chance. If I haven’t stressed it enough, I’m an absolute lover of mysteries and the guessing game involved in each and that’s why whenever I read one, I always tend to look into details of the writing and how well the story goes in terms of mind blowing plot twists.
Edge of Wild is a book that sets of the eerie vibe right from the beginning. When Rich arrived in the isolated town of Waterton for a job passed on to him, everything doesn’t seem to feel right. Waterton and a city slicker like him doesn’t go well together. But it’s not just the place, it’s the people that doesn’t seem to want him there.
Although the story unravels a little bit slow, the suspense build up was strong. If the feeling of being watched doesn’t set you off, imagine seeing footprints in the snow around your cabin. The unnerving feeling I have while reading this book did it for me.
Another thing that I liked about this book are the characters. I can’t say that I liked Rich that much but the other characters in the book were really interesting, especially Louise. Everyone has a personality and is fleshed out even the minor characters.
The big reveal was executed well. I didn’t guess whodunit (+ points for that), although I did have a hint about what’s going on about the town.
Overall, Edge of Wild will surely keep you on the edge of your seats and will make you turning the pages til the end.
Edge of Wild is a book that sets of the eerie vibe right from the beginning. When Rich arrived in the isolated town of Waterton for a job passed on to him, everything doesn’t seem to feel right. Waterton and a city slicker like him doesn’t go well together. But it’s not just the place, it’s the people that doesn’t seem to want him there.
Although the story unravels a little bit slow, the suspense build up was strong. If the feeling of being watched doesn’t set you off, imagine seeing footprints in the snow around your cabin. The unnerving feeling I have while reading this book did it for me.
Another thing that I liked about this book are the characters. I can’t say that I liked Rich that much but the other characters in the book were really interesting, especially Louise. Everyone has a personality and is fleshed out even the minor characters.
The big reveal was executed well. I didn’t guess whodunit (+ points for that), although I did have a hint about what’s going on about the town.
Overall, Edge of Wild will surely keep you on the edge of your seats and will make you turning the pages til the end.
January 10, 2016
One of the things that attracts tourists to the town of Waterton on the edge of the Canadian/American border is its isolation. But there are drawbacks too: the lack of a high quality hotel, cell phones don't work, there is no internet, the nearest fire brigade is in the next town, and there is just one garage. There are a number of small businesses that economically survive on the edge, But they are surprisingly resistant to change. The resisted Rich Evan's predecessor with his ideas for the new Whitewater hotel and now they block Rich at every turn. Rich begins to feel that they have a lot of things to hide.
From the very start Rich is aware that he is being watched: there are footprints in the snow surrounding his cabin, his silver BMW sports car develops almost terminal mechanical problems, there are noises in his yard, and his garage door is left open. He knows that his predecessor, who disappeared without trace, felt spooked by the town, and Rich begins to feel he is trapped.
Then there are murders, unidentifiable mauled bodies are found in the mountains, the new hotel develops new problems every day and is partially closed and the visitors dry up.
This is a novel that makes the reader want to know what is going on. What is it about the town that people want to keep hidden?
From the very start Rich is aware that he is being watched: there are footprints in the snow surrounding his cabin, his silver BMW sports car develops almost terminal mechanical problems, there are noises in his yard, and his garage door is left open. He knows that his predecessor, who disappeared without trace, felt spooked by the town, and Rich begins to feel he is trapped.
Then there are murders, unidentifiable mauled bodies are found in the mountains, the new hotel develops new problems every day and is partially closed and the visitors dry up.
This is a novel that makes the reader want to know what is going on. What is it about the town that people want to keep hidden?
May 1, 2016
I received a free copy of the ebook from the author for an honest review.
Rich Evans has been sent to Waterton, a small town in the mountains. He is taking over a hotel after the last manager disappeared and Rich finds a mess. It's so bad that there are times he just wants to give up. And once he takes care of one problem, something else happens. The only thing that keeps him in town, other than the fact that he doesn't like to give up, is Lou, a local mechanic who he falls for pretty quickly.
I like Danika Stone's writing style. Her characters are complex and well developed. It is easy to like Lou, a strong and independent woman who knows that she belongs in Waterton and likes her life just as it is...but she's open to change. Even though I enjoyed the growing relationship between her and Rich, he is a bit too whiny for me, but she just takes in stride. There are several delightful small town characters who, of course, know everything about everyone and many of them have big secrets.
I definitely recommend Edge of Wild. It's suspenseful and it has some interesting twists.
Rich Evans has been sent to Waterton, a small town in the mountains. He is taking over a hotel after the last manager disappeared and Rich finds a mess. It's so bad that there are times he just wants to give up. And once he takes care of one problem, something else happens. The only thing that keeps him in town, other than the fact that he doesn't like to give up, is Lou, a local mechanic who he falls for pretty quickly.
I like Danika Stone's writing style. Her characters are complex and well developed. It is easy to like Lou, a strong and independent woman who knows that she belongs in Waterton and likes her life just as it is...but she's open to change. Even though I enjoyed the growing relationship between her and Rich, he is a bit too whiny for me, but she just takes in stride. There are several delightful small town characters who, of course, know everything about everyone and many of them have big secrets.
I definitely recommend Edge of Wild. It's suspenseful and it has some interesting twists.
July 26, 2016
Ah, Waterton.
When I discovered Edge of Wild, I loved the premise of a mystery and thriller taking place in this beautiful park. Who wouldn't want to spend a weekend chasing the trail of a murderer within the majestic townsite and wilderness?
Danika Stone brings to life the challenge and mystery of a small community tucked away in the corner of the mountains. The choice between modernizing to draw more visitors and protecting all that makes a place special tugged at my heartstrings. Stone captured the love/need relationship between a small town, and the cost and virtues of eco-tourism. Her characters are real, and you feel their hopes concerns and challenges.
Stone incorporates a hint of the supernatural. It grows from a curious beginning, and Stone harnesses it to weave a strangely magnificent tapestry of tension and mystery that offers something new to the genre.
When I discovered Edge of Wild, I loved the premise of a mystery and thriller taking place in this beautiful park. Who wouldn't want to spend a weekend chasing the trail of a murderer within the majestic townsite and wilderness?
Danika Stone brings to life the challenge and mystery of a small community tucked away in the corner of the mountains. The choice between modernizing to draw more visitors and protecting all that makes a place special tugged at my heartstrings. Stone captured the love/need relationship between a small town, and the cost and virtues of eco-tourism. Her characters are real, and you feel their hopes concerns and challenges.
Stone incorporates a hint of the supernatural. It grows from a curious beginning, and Stone harnesses it to weave a strangely magnificent tapestry of tension and mystery that offers something new to the genre.
January 7, 2016
Danika Stone weaves a deft tale of intrigue, skillfully doling out key details while blending in romance, self-discovery, and beautifully written descriptions. As a fan of fish out of water scenarios, Rich's arrival in Waterton had me from the first moment and watching him flounder to find his way and figure things out kept me turning the pages. The story continues to unfold with Louise providing a much needed, but gentle, guiding hand that helps Rich navigate the often choppy and oh-so-murky relationships of everyone around him. Danika takes a complicated stew of murder, mystery, and mayhem and boils it down to its essence with lyrical writing and perfectly timed revelations. If you're a lover of any of the above, this is a terrific read!
February 11, 2016
This book is a must read!
Romance, action, mystery and scenery. All conveyed with beautifully written imagery and heart.
When I was putting my thoughts together for this review, I kept thinking.. what was my favorite part?
Was it the romance, believable and fun to watch unfold? YES! but... then there was the history, and the setting (which was compelling on page, even more so because I've been to Watertown).... I loved getting caught up in the stories within the story.
And the tight knit townsfolk.. they were a plot just in themselves. Characters everyone of them.
The mystery was pretty complex, so you have to keep up as it was driving the action in the story.
I look forward anxiously to the next book from a fabulous author.
Romance, action, mystery and scenery. All conveyed with beautifully written imagery and heart.
When I was putting my thoughts together for this review, I kept thinking.. what was my favorite part?
Was it the romance, believable and fun to watch unfold? YES! but... then there was the history, and the setting (which was compelling on page, even more so because I've been to Watertown).... I loved getting caught up in the stories within the story.
And the tight knit townsfolk.. they were a plot just in themselves. Characters everyone of them.
The mystery was pretty complex, so you have to keep up as it was driving the action in the story.
I look forward anxiously to the next book from a fabulous author.
January 13, 2016
Based on the remote Canadian town of Waterton in a National Park, Rich Evans takes a position to operate a Lodge but soon begins an association with Lou a local garage mechanic whose assistance he requires as his BMW becomes unreliable. Between a challenge of Rich who has moved from a big city to a remote community where he is facing all types of challenges, the book is written in the same style and interest that keeps readers guessing, questioning and being drawn into the story. Danika Stone has an incredible way of peaking the interest of the reader to complete the story similar to her description of remote local communities and their characters.
December 27, 2015
Edge of Wild takes on the massive challenge of combining spirituality and romance while delivering a tightly woven suspenseful thriller. It deftly maintains the pace and tone necessary to engage the reader, while still allowing time to convey the vivid imagery of the sounds and sights of its locations. Stone does an excellent job of juggling a huge cast of fully realized characters; creating a sense of richness and depth in the town, without overwhelming the reader. A cleverly crafted mystery combined with a spiritual journey of love and finding ones place in the world. Highly recommended!
January 10, 2016
I have been going to Waterton Park for the past 40 years and is my favourite place to spend time with family and friends. The book Edge of Wild mixes real life events with fiction to create a thrilling story about the challenge faced by the people and business of Waterton. With the cast of characters and plots, it was hard to stop reading the book as my curiosity peaked. I must admit this is a side of Waterton that I never experienced. I found this an excellent written book and very enjoyable read.
April 3, 2016
Edge of Wild takes its readers on an edge of your seat ride to small town Alberta, Waterton National Park, where the natural beauty competes with the mysterious insular nature of the townspeople themselves.
January 23, 2021
The first book in the Waterton Mystery Series lays a lot of groundwork, but on its own is an interesting murder mystery. The “wild” in the title has me thinking a lot about what wildness means in this story. There is the boundary between town and wilderness so immense and raw. I love how the landscape is as nuanced as any human character: something to behold as, yes, beautiful, but also unknowable, something perhaps to fear. The foundation for the “outsider” is set in almost every aspect of the book. In the setting is a town amidst a wild landscape, in the town is a city outside amidst a small tight-knit community, but we discover quickly that amidst this tight-knit community is a feeling of being apart in almost everyone. Can we truly ever know anyone?
It's clear the author knows this landscape in a personal way, knows the lore, the history, the culture of the land. The landscape is monumental, severe, unforgiving, grand, and propels the imagination towards awe and monstrosity. Looking at photos of the real Waterton, I am entranced immediately, but as with any wild place, one must enter with care. I think the author does a splendid job of bringing Waterton to life. Beyond its physical appearance, there is an internal, secret mercurial world. At once a starry-eyed, dreamy wonder, the landscape quickly becomes maddening, a nightmare. It is very much entwined with the complicated people it holds dear.
The first book definitely centers around a building romance between Lou and Rich and the mystery of Lou perhaps having a supernatural essence. But I would argue to pay attention to every character because some that begin in the background play a big role later. I enjoy Lou in the first book after reading the next two books, if that makes sense. Upon first read, she was so strange to me with her stories and fears. My goodness, how fear disrupts so many lives in this book!! It has countless lessons on fear, which is so relevant these days.
Quotes
“With a calmness born from exhaustion and terror, the shaking of his body stilled, his heart slowing.” (p. 38)
“He couldn't be more than forty-five, but Murray Miles stooped, old before his time. The mountains of Alberta had the ability to bend those who lived here. That, or it broke them.” (p. 117)
“From here he could see the foothills rippling out like a blanket from the ragged edge of the mountains. They spread in loose folds until becoming the flat expanse of prairie that crossed all the way to the Great Lakes. July's bounty was a brash flare of colour: wind combed golden tracts of wheat and sun-bright canola so brilliant he had to squint.” (p. 123)
“Lou smiled and he smiled, the two expressions like parentheses on a single word.” (p. 132)
“They drove with the windows open, enjoying the cool that came with dusk in the mountains. The gloaming was what Rich's grandfather had called the purple haze of half-light. The mountain peaks had narrowed to flat cut-outs, the sky a smoky lavender burnishing to blue. Another half-hour and it would be solid black, but for now, time hung in that lazy hour between night and day.” (p. 252)
The light outside had begun to dim. Shadows stretched from one side of the street to the other, reaching up the walls like fingers as the street lamps came on. In the north, a bank of dark clouds was building above the ridge of mountains, the tops of Buchanan and Crandell already fading into misty half-light. The last pigmented bands of sunset gilded the sides of buildings in orange light, but the rattle of wind against the panes of glass brought with it a promise of rain. (p. 328)
It's clear the author knows this landscape in a personal way, knows the lore, the history, the culture of the land. The landscape is monumental, severe, unforgiving, grand, and propels the imagination towards awe and monstrosity. Looking at photos of the real Waterton, I am entranced immediately, but as with any wild place, one must enter with care. I think the author does a splendid job of bringing Waterton to life. Beyond its physical appearance, there is an internal, secret mercurial world. At once a starry-eyed, dreamy wonder, the landscape quickly becomes maddening, a nightmare. It is very much entwined with the complicated people it holds dear.
The first book definitely centers around a building romance between Lou and Rich and the mystery of Lou perhaps having a supernatural essence. But I would argue to pay attention to every character because some that begin in the background play a big role later. I enjoy Lou in the first book after reading the next two books, if that makes sense. Upon first read, she was so strange to me with her stories and fears. My goodness, how fear disrupts so many lives in this book!! It has countless lessons on fear, which is so relevant these days.
Quotes
“With a calmness born from exhaustion and terror, the shaking of his body stilled, his heart slowing.” (p. 38)
“He couldn't be more than forty-five, but Murray Miles stooped, old before his time. The mountains of Alberta had the ability to bend those who lived here. That, or it broke them.” (p. 117)
“From here he could see the foothills rippling out like a blanket from the ragged edge of the mountains. They spread in loose folds until becoming the flat expanse of prairie that crossed all the way to the Great Lakes. July's bounty was a brash flare of colour: wind combed golden tracts of wheat and sun-bright canola so brilliant he had to squint.” (p. 123)
“Lou smiled and he smiled, the two expressions like parentheses on a single word.” (p. 132)
“They drove with the windows open, enjoying the cool that came with dusk in the mountains. The gloaming was what Rich's grandfather had called the purple haze of half-light. The mountain peaks had narrowed to flat cut-outs, the sky a smoky lavender burnishing to blue. Another half-hour and it would be solid black, but for now, time hung in that lazy hour between night and day.” (p. 252)
The light outside had begun to dim. Shadows stretched from one side of the street to the other, reaching up the walls like fingers as the street lamps came on. In the north, a bank of dark clouds was building above the ridge of mountains, the tops of Buchanan and Crandell already fading into misty half-light. The last pigmented bands of sunset gilded the sides of buildings in orange light, but the rattle of wind against the panes of glass brought with it a promise of rain. (p. 328)
June 20, 2018
4.5 Stars!!!
A book about Waterton Lakes National Park, my favourite place on Earth. I was excited when a friend of mine told me about it, went out and bought the book after hearing the author speak. The author is charismatic, fun, and excited about writing. I was so thrilled with the concept of a murder mystery set in an Alberta locale, that I recommended the book to my book club. It was our June read.
For me, the book started a little slow. The character build up/setting description took its time, but due to the amount of the characters in the book, it was necessary.
I adored Rich and Lou. Their relationship built up slow and naturally, and was thankfully void of jealousies and misunderstandings. Rich didn’t deny his feelings. He embraced them. And it worked out beautifully. I was THRILLED to find two love scenes in this book. I didn’t expect them in a crime novel, but they were fabulous.
I liked the depth of the characters, especially Lou and Rich. I don’t think the appearance of Rich’s ex was necessary…maybe had she been killed… Haha. Caught in the crossfire of the drug trade. Another link to make Rich look guilty, perhaps, besides the arson.
The dreams, the visions of Lou’s. I liked the idea, but I wasn’t sold on the monk/oxen vision. I think a tie to Waterton/Alberta would have been more fitting, as opposed to something from across the world. True, her mother was Buddhist, but I still found it a little confusing. I also thought the oxen was a metaphor for the struggle of life, not for Colt.
Colton. I loved the character. I think it would have been nice to have more of him in the book. The scene in the woods, the hike with Lou, it’s so creepy to look back on that scene after we find out just how crazy he was.
Hunter is interesting and there is more to him. I assume his studying of the map, his nervousness about his tie to the holdings company, suggests he had more involvement to Colt than anyone thinks.
The dog…is Hunter’s third dog Jeff Chan’s missing dog? I need answers. I worried about that dog for the entire novel.
I am looking forward to the next book and more answers.
I also wonder how the long time residents of Waterton felt about the book.
A book about Waterton Lakes National Park, my favourite place on Earth. I was excited when a friend of mine told me about it, went out and bought the book after hearing the author speak. The author is charismatic, fun, and excited about writing. I was so thrilled with the concept of a murder mystery set in an Alberta locale, that I recommended the book to my book club. It was our June read.
For me, the book started a little slow. The character build up/setting description took its time, but due to the amount of the characters in the book, it was necessary.
I adored Rich and Lou. Their relationship built up slow and naturally, and was thankfully void of jealousies and misunderstandings. Rich didn’t deny his feelings. He embraced them. And it worked out beautifully. I was THRILLED to find two love scenes in this book. I didn’t expect them in a crime novel, but they were fabulous.
I liked the depth of the characters, especially Lou and Rich. I don’t think the appearance of Rich’s ex was necessary…maybe had she been killed… Haha. Caught in the crossfire of the drug trade. Another link to make Rich look guilty, perhaps, besides the arson.
The dreams, the visions of Lou’s. I liked the idea, but I wasn’t sold on the monk/oxen vision. I think a tie to Waterton/Alberta would have been more fitting, as opposed to something from across the world. True, her mother was Buddhist, but I still found it a little confusing. I also thought the oxen was a metaphor for the struggle of life, not for Colt.
Colton. I loved the character. I think it would have been nice to have more of him in the book. The scene in the woods, the hike with Lou, it’s so creepy to look back on that scene after we find out just how crazy he was.
Hunter is interesting and there is more to him. I assume his studying of the map, his nervousness about his tie to the holdings company, suggests he had more involvement to Colt than anyone thinks.
The dog…is Hunter’s third dog Jeff Chan’s missing dog? I need answers. I worried about that dog for the entire novel.
I am looking forward to the next book and more answers.
I also wonder how the long time residents of Waterton felt about the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading Edge of Wild because I know Waterton and area. The book is good and I read it quickly, but I did find a couple of flaws with it. I did not like the characters. I wanted Lou to be stronger. She seemed very unwilling to commit to anything and her romance did not feel real. I really did not like Rich. He seemed like a jerk the entire book. He came across as two dimensional and did not seem to grow with the story. His romance also felt forced and fake. I would have gotten into this book more if I had been able to like Rich as a character. I also did not like any of the townspeople. It seemed unrealistic that they would all be so mean all the time. Even the ones who were more open to ideas did not seem to like Rich just because he is an outsider. Again, they came off two-dimensional.
The plot was a little difficult to enjoy. It went back and forth a bunch and I had to keep asking what I was supposed to be following and trying to figure out. Some answers were given and some were not. It felt like Stone was trying to do a mystery, but it did not come out smoothly. I like Stone and I have enjoyed other works by Stone, but this one fell flat for me. I read the premise of The Dark Divide and it seems to be the same plot with a different background, so I am going to hold off from reading it for now and instead embrace horror books for October.
The plot was a little difficult to enjoy. It went back and forth a bunch and I had to keep asking what I was supposed to be following and trying to figure out. Some answers were given and some were not. It felt like Stone was trying to do a mystery, but it did not come out smoothly. I like Stone and I have enjoyed other works by Stone, but this one fell flat for me. I read the premise of The Dark Divide and it seems to be the same plot with a different background, so I am going to hold off from reading it for now and instead embrace horror books for October.
November 27, 2020
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book as part of a bookstagram book-tour with @storygramtours!
I definitely thought that Edge of Wild was a great Autumn read. The story takes place in a small town in Alberta, Canada, where you just know things are bound to go wrong. Everyone seemed suspicious, and the mountainous rural setting was perfect for the mood of the story. It included the perfect amount of thrill and suspense, and I loved the slow-building romance between two of the main characters. The twists were well placed, and I can’t say I expected who was behind everything, which is always nice. One thing I’ll say though is that the reveal of the killer’s identity was a bit abrupt towards the end, but it was interesting to get into the mind of the killer to see why they did what they did. I thought the rest of the characters were well written, and I was constantly at the edge of my seat for what would happen next. All in all, I’d say it was a solid 4-star read for me, and I’m intrigued with where the story will go from here!
I definitely thought that Edge of Wild was a great Autumn read. The story takes place in a small town in Alberta, Canada, where you just know things are bound to go wrong. Everyone seemed suspicious, and the mountainous rural setting was perfect for the mood of the story. It included the perfect amount of thrill and suspense, and I loved the slow-building romance between two of the main characters. The twists were well placed, and I can’t say I expected who was behind everything, which is always nice. One thing I’ll say though is that the reveal of the killer’s identity was a bit abrupt towards the end, but it was interesting to get into the mind of the killer to see why they did what they did. I thought the rest of the characters were well written, and I was constantly at the edge of my seat for what would happen next. All in all, I’d say it was a solid 4-star read for me, and I’m intrigued with where the story will go from here!
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