The Ice Bridge

by Kathryn Meyer Griffith

A Mackinac Island Ghostly Murder Mystery. She’ll fall in love again…with a man and the island. Charlotte returns to her Aunt Bess and Mackinac Island, a quaint retreat that welcomes summer tourists and allows no cars, to renew herself and write about the island’s ghosts. She’s come to help Bess with her heartache, an ended love with Shaun, and to renew a friendship with neighbor Hannah. In winter Mackinac closes down and everyone looks forward to the ice bridge that freezes across the Straits of Mackinac. Until Hannah disappears into the icy waters crossing it. Everyone says it’s an accident. But Charlotte and her admirer cop friend, Mac, don’t think so. Something isn’t right. Hannah was too smart to go off the path. So it’s murder…but why…how…by whom? In the end, it’s Mac–and perhaps Hannah’s ghost–who saves Charlotte and Bess’s lives when the killer decides they’re too close to the truth and tries to kill them, too.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Novels, Supernatural

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

About Kathryn Meyer Griffith 2023
Since childhood I’ve been an artist, and have worked as a graphic designer in the corporate world and for newspapers for twenty-three years before I quit to write full time. But I’d already begun writing novels at 21, over fifty-one years ago now, and have had thirty-five (romantic horror, horror novels, romantic SF horror, romantic suspense, romantic time travel, historical romance, thrillers, one non-fiction short story collection, dinosaur books, and murder mysteries) previous novels and thirteen short stories published from various traditional publishers since 1984. But I’ve gone into self-publishing in a big way since 2012; and upon getting all my previous books’ full rights back for the first time in 36 years, have self-published all of them. My seven Dinosaur Lake novels and Spookie Town Murder Mysteries (Scraps of Paper, All Things Slip Away, Ghosts Beneath Us, Witches Among Us, What Lies Beneath the Graves, All Those Who Came Before, When the Fireflies Returned, and Echoes of Other Times) are my best-sellers.
I was married to Russell for over forty-three years; have a son, two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. I live in a small quaint town in Illinois. I have a quirky cat, Sasha, and we live happily in an old house in the heart of town. Though I’ve been an artist, and a folk/classic rock singer in my youth with my late brother Jim, writing has always been my greatest passion, my butterfly stage, and I’ll probably write stories until the day I die…or until my memory goes.
2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *Finalist* for her horror novel The Last Vampire ~ 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS * Finalist * for her thriller novel Dinosaur Lake.

*All Kathryn Meyer Griffith’s books can be found here:
http://tinyurl.com/ld4jlow
*All her Audible.com audio books here:
http://tinyurl.com/oz7c4or

Novels and short stories from Kathryn Meyer Griffith:
Evil Stalks the Night, The Heart of the Rose, Blood Forged, Vampire Blood, The Last Vampire (2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS*Finalist* in their Horror category), Witches, Witches II: Apocalypse, Witches plus Witches II: Apocalypse, The Nameless One erotic horror short story, The Calling, Scraps of Paper (The First Spookie Town Murder Mystery), All Things Slip Away (The Second Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Ghosts Beneath Us (The Third Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Witches Among Us (The Fourth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), What Lies Beneath the Graves (The Fifth Spookie Town Murder Mystery; sixth, All Who Came Before, When the Fireflies Returned (the seventh Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Echoes of Other Times (the eighth Spookie Town Murder Mystery), Egyptian Heart, Winter’s Journey, The Ice Bridge, Don’t Look Back, Agnes, A Time of Demons and Angels, The Woman in Crimson, Human No Longer, Six Spooky Short Stories Collection, Forever and Always Romantic Novella, Night Carnival Short Story, Dinosaur Lake (2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS*Finalist* in their Thriller/Adventure category), Dinosaur Lake II: Dinosaurs Arising, Dinosaur Lake III: Infestation and Dinosaur Lake IV: Dinosaur Wars, Dinosaur Lake V: Survivors, Dinosaur Lake VI: The Alien Connection, Dinosaur Lake VII: The Aliens Return, Memories of My Childhood, and Christmas Magic 1959.

Her Websites:
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Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ice Bridge by Kathryn Meyer Griffith is a paranormal suspense thriller that captured me from the opening pages. Kathryn’s ability to spin a tale, writing about realistic characters with a familiar location, Mackinac Island, makes this especially desirable for me.

During the winter, an Ice Bridge forms, allowing the islanders, and anyone else, to more easily navigate to and fro. It made me think of the Ice Road Truckers, who deliver goods to out of the way places that would not have the supplies without the Ice Road. Mackinac Island has a tight knit community and they become even more so in the winter.

Charlotte has come back to Mackinac Island and her Aunt Bess, bringing with her a broken heart. They are both hurting and so much alike, living together may help heal the wounds. Charlotte is an independent woman and doesn’t want to get involved again, but…

Along comes police Lieutenant Mac, a kind man that would make a great catch and has a sad story of his own. I like some romance with my thrills, so I am glad to meet him.

Hannah, who goes missing, has a special talent. They call her The Ghost Lady and she makes me think of Melinda on The Ghost Whisperer. I love that Kathryn Meyer Griffith mixes a mystery with the paranormal giving the story that something extra that I crave.

We definitely have a mystery, but I am drawn into the characters worlds and their life struggles. I am very concerned for their welfare, knowing Kathryn Meyer Griffith has a habit of killing off some of her characters. The writing details their misfortunes, leaving me wanting good things for them, not the bad that keeps coming. I like characters who are flawed and damaged. I want to see them made whole again.

The detailed descriptions of the surroundings bring back fond memories of my visits to Mackinac Island and make it easy to image the isolation, the lack of people and cars, the silence so deep you can hear the snow fall. I want to be there, minus the murder.

There is more going on than broken hearts and murder, and the suspense rises as the killer gets closer and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

I know the writing is excellent, when I already have the story figured out, but I can’t put the book down anyway.

I received a copy of The Ice Bridge from Kathryn Meyer Griffith in return for an honest review.

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[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there’s one thing I know about Kathryn’s stories, whether horror or suspense or thrillers, it’s that they’re not predictable. You think you know what’s going to happen, but then she throws you some sidewinder scenarios and it’s anything goes from there.

She has now proven to me that she can write a great romance mystery also. Many of her books have these elements included in them, but this is the first one of hers I’ve read that isn’t a horror story too.

You’ll meet some really great characters. So genuine, you’ll feel like you’ve known them a long time. The main protagonist, Charlotte, just arrived on Mackinac Island, running from a fiance who jilted her for her best friend almost at the altar, and a job she couldn’t stand. Staying with her Aunt Bess, who could sure use her company, perhaps they’ll both find a new sense of worth and love for life.

Her chance encounter with a handsome police officer, Mac, stirs feelings she knows she shouldn’t have. It’s too soon. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be friends. And, upon expressing her interest in writing a book, Mac suggests that Charlotte write about the ghosts that are rumored to be roaming the island.

This was such a great idea to add to the story. I always enjoy reading stories with writers in them, and it was fun to read about some of the ghostly encounters as they’re related to Charlotte. I’d like to read that book!

Charlotte is surprised how quickly she settles into her new life, and she renews a loving friendship with her elderly neighbor, Hannah. Hannah has been her friend since she was a young lass and they enjoy that same trust and love again.

But then Hannah goes missing and Charlotte fears the worst. Could she have fallen victim to the Ice Bridge? The ice bridge is a way for islanders to cross the lake when winter settles in and cuts them off. Once it’s checked and deemed safe, they use it ride their snowmobiles to land and replenish supplies. If something happened to Hannah, they might never find her body.

Charlotte won’t rest until she finds out what happened to Hannah. Accident or murder, she’ll dig out the clues and find out the truth, no matter the danger she may be in.

I’ve visited Mackinac Island several times. The author paints such a vivid description that I see it all anew, even though it’s been years since I was there. I’d love to visit in the winter, see the fabulous Grand Hotel encased in icicles, snow covering the beautifully shaped shrubs and historical homes. I wouldn’t be brave enough to venture on the ice bridge, though.

It was such a wonderful surprise how much I loved this story. I love her horror and thriller stories with demons and witches and rampaging dinosaurs, all out to kill you or eat you or both. This has none of that. There’s a murder, but nothing even younger readers can’t handle, a sweet brush at new romance, and some truly wonderful characters. I ate this up and sure didn’t want it to end. Kathryn’s talented writing shines as the story flows smoothly and quickly to a fabulous ending.

I received this book for my honest review.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ice Bridge
Written by: Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Charlotte has always loved the island. So she decides to move to Mackinaw Island to stay with her Aunt Bess after being jilted by her fiancé who runs off and marries her best friend. During the ferry ride over from the main land she meets Mac, whom she's instantly drawn too! Charlotte knows its the wrong time for romance. She's still healing from the pain of her ex fiancé betrayal. Charlotte is happy to be back among her friends and Aunt Bess. She quickly renews friendships, finds a job and starts writing a book about the islands ghosts. Everything is coming together until her longtime friend and neighbor Hannah goes missing.......

I liked this mystery/romance. Especially the setting, Mackinaw Island. I live close to the area and really enjoyed recognizing the places and such. She did a great job in describing the area. I felt like I was right there! She made me love it so much I'm now disappointed that I don't live on the island!! And that Charlotte, Bess and Mac aren't my friends.

The flow was off in some spots, basic grammar errors, and a bit more polish is needed in some of the dialog. With a bit more work this could go from a good book to a great book! I'd go so far as to suggest this might be a good spot for another book featuring Mac and Charlotte. Maybe another mystery they could solve?

Overall....I very much enjoyed the time spent reading this book. It delivered intrigue, mystery, and a little romance. I even received a mini refresher course on Mackinaw Island. Author delivered on all counts!

This book was a gift from the author for a fair review.

[Barbara Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story features on Mackinaw Island

Fun thriller that takes place on Mackinaw Island, Michigan. Reminds me of Danielle Steel’s love stories. I’d be afraid of the ice bridge too. I’ve visited the Island many times in the summer. Snowmobiling and visiting during the winter would be fun, but not on the ice bridge.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read about Mackinac Island but I'm just not into the "cozy" mystery scene.

[Nan Adel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly a good read

It started out really good and held me. I’ve been to Mackinac Island and loved it. Kathryn Meyer Griffith captured it in word perfectly. I felt I was there. As it went on, it got a little repetitive. A little silly, even childish. Charlotte and Max acted more like teenagers than their true age. Charlotte saw a girl kiss Mac on Christmas Eve and blew it up into some deep relationship in her mind. Later, she thought to say something to Mac about it but didn't. If she had, it would have been cleared up. Another disappointment was when Charlotte got a call at 3:00 AM about her aunt near death at the hospital. She runs out in a panic to get to her. She KNOWS there have been attempts on her life yet she doesn’t even consider it’s a setup? Everyone reading this book knew it was a setup. Cheap writing like that ruined it for me. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. Having said all that, most of the story was interesting. I don't regret taking the time to read it.

[Elizabeth Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story! There is a murder mystery, some ghost sightings and some feel-good acceptance. It's very PG, so I listened with my preteen son. We both enjoyed the narrator's voice acting, she's very good, and the story was engaging and interesting.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read with realistic people and setting. Follow along in their lives and trials. The location and it's peculiarities bring depth and intensity to a well written tale.
Ashley's audio performance highlights and strengthens the characters.

[Nina Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling story, captivating the reader immediately with the accurate descriptions of Mackinac Island, the soul-twisting healing period for Charlotte, the sweetness and love of Aunt Bess despite her own heart-ache, and Hannah's irresistible, no-nonsense passion for life. The author must have spent time on Mackinac Island. Her portrayal of the iconic island, especially the winter, is spot-on, and she describes it so vividly that I swore I could hear the winds howling outside, then the quiet, soft, non-sound of the snow falling. As someone who has spent a huge portion of her life living in Northern Michigan, and who has visited Mackinac Island countless time, both during the season and during off-season, I was pleasantly surprised to read the loving, yet harshly-realistic descriptions of one of my favorite places on earth. But the characters and the beautiful weaving of their stories are what kept me up until 3 in the morning to finish this book. I know I will read it again (and possibly again), slower the next time so that I can savor every nuance of these three women and Mac - the man who is lucky and sensitive enough to be an integral part of their lives. What a beautiful story. Thank you, Kathryn Meyer Griffith, for sharing it with us.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been better.

This was a painful listen for me. It breaks most of the rules for good writing: show don’t tell; leave red herrings for the reader; don’t be repetitious…oh there are more, but enough of that.

Griffith has strange grammar sense, using who and whom correctly, knowing how to manage the subjunctive—if I were, but not knowing which pronouns to use in a compound object of a preposition.

The story is predictable and could have been suspenseful but was so annoyingly written and narrated that it wasn’t.

Arnold sounded like she was reading rather than telling a story. Her pronunciations were often awkward and her phrasing was choppy and really hard to listen to.

Why did I keep listening? Okay, I wanted to know the end even though I already knew. It’s hard to be so critical but I owe other readers an honest review. There are so many really good books, this 9 hours was not worthwhile. My last comment is that here is the flaw in self-publishing. A good editor would have cleaned this up, found a better narrator, and called for some important rewriting. Sorry. No one did that. It could have been much better.

[Tex Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder mystery and romance combined!
The first half of the book develops a budding romance between Mac and Charlotte on Mackinac Island in the fall and winter. There is a lot of detail about Mackinac Island in the first half of the book. Mackinac Island is an amazing vacation spot where no motorized vehicles are allowed—only bicycles, horses and snowmobiles in winter. The places mentioned—The Grand Hotel, The Pink Pony and Mustang Lounge—are all real places that one can visit when vacationing on the island.

The romance between the two takes place over the whole book. Mac is a cop on the island who gets around on a bicycle and Charlotte is visiting her aunt on the island after breaking up with her fiancée.

The murder mystery develops over the last half of the book. The mystery is not at all complex and easy to see through. Nevertheless, there is some good tension in the story telling.

Overall, I really liked the book because I have visited the island several times and really liked having the island as a setting for the book and because the author keeps the reading light with details of the romance and mystery.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrills, ghosts and sweet romance, this story will stay with you.
The Ice Bridge is a wonderful story of ghosts, mystery, murder and love.
Charlotte is the lead character and she has a broken heart. She comes on the island to mend her heart and be with her Aunt, yet she gets more than she was looking for - murder, mystery, adventure and love as well as enough ghost stories to fill a book, literally.
The romance was sweet and so the book is safe to be read by teenage girls as well, which is a great bonus.
The book reads beautifully, and the winter scenery are marvelous. There is a lot happening and I found it hard putting it down.
I discovered with joy that the story takes place on the Mackinac Island, the same place where the action of "Somewhere In Time" (with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve) took place. The Grand Hotel is also mentioned in the book as is the "ice bridge" - as the story takes place in winter.
Thrills, ghosts and sweet romance, this story will stay with you.

[Donald Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Romance and Murder Mystery Combined

The first half of the book develops the love story of Mac and Charlotte on Mackinac Island in the fall and winter. Readers will get a good sense of the island as all of the places named—The Grand Hotel and The Pink Pony and Mustang Lounge—are all real places on Mackinac Island. If one ever wondered what the island is like, this book gives a very good overview of life on an Island where no motor vehicles are allowed—only bikes, horses and snowmobiles in the winter.

The second half of the book develops in more detail the murder mystery. It is pretty obvious what will happen—no sleuthing needed—but it is still lots of fun to read.

Overall, I really enjoyed the read because I have been on Mackinac Island several times and really enjoyed reading the book because of the idyllic setting.

[Suzanne Pixley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Mackinac Island Mystery

Having lived in Michigan most of my life, spending a great of time on the island, the Grand Hotel and St Ignace I was very attracted to this mystery when it popped up on an Amazon listing. While it describes much of the summer times that most tourists see, it fully describes life during the winter, I can't say I was enthralled by the romance scenes but I loved the mystery plot, the detailed descriptions of the infamous ice bridge and the Island ghosts that permeate Mackinac's lore. Fun book to read. I've already recommended it to my friends.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ice Bridge is a highly enjoyable cozy/amateur detective novel with likable characters. I wish this book was not a standalone, but I will be reading other books in Kathryn Meyer Griffith's Spookie Town and Dinosaur Lake cozy mystery series. If you enjoy Duffy Brown's Cycle Path Mysteries or Nancy Coco's Candy-Coated mystery series, both set on Mackinac Island, you are sure to enjoy The Ice Bridge. Although the book was published in 2008, there was nothing that dated it.

[Karin Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give a five star review but this book grabbed me into the story and then kept me agog with interest until the end. There were a few editing faults.... especially the rather odd flying letter y. However these became minor irritants as the story developed. I would really be happy if KMG would expand this rather good story into a series.

[Rebamom7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook. I really loved the book and was looking for some more books by this author that take place there, but I couldn't find any! I hope she writes something more about these characters. It was an odd book, in a good way, and I would suggest it to anyone who loves cozy mysteries with a little supernatural thrown in.

[Jim Kirschensteiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ice Bridge, Mackinac Island

I really enjoyed reading this well written book. I have been to Mackinac Island many times and could visualize the entire story. I like reading books that can give me a visual image of the story and what is happening. This book does that really well and I couldn't put it down.
Well done 😊

[Voirrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this through BookBub and am very glad I did - I have a friend who has been to Mackinac Island for the day a number of times, and I also live on a, lager and more populous, island where things close for the winter; so I could relate to the characters.

The mystery itself was unusual and interesting and I liked the characters.

[Vicki Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost stories are not really my thing, but I have moved to Michigan and thought I would give this a try. It was fabulous! This crime novel tells an intricate tale of murder and mayhem that was easy to read and follow. I like the way the author told the tale and how she fleshed out the characters. I am looking forward to reading another Griffith book!

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh!

Did not like the character Charlotte.
The writing seemed amateurish.
Idea was good, just not followed through with the characters.
I finished the book, but it was a struggle.

[Kem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheesy

I’m not sure this was even worth the 99 cents I paid for it. Between amateur writing, editing mistakes, and incorrect information about Mackinac Island, I couldn’t wait to be finished with it. And I only finished it because I’d started it. That’s my own problem.

[Marylin J. Shaikh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating location

The only reason I even finished this book was that it took place on Mackinac Island. The writing was dull,the plot humdrum. Enough grammatical errors to be irritating.
The location,however, was interesting.

[Lori Radcliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is the third book in this series and loved them! So very well written and intriguing as I had no idea ,well maybe a little, as to how the book would end.


I will definitely recommend this book to all of my bookworm friends.

[Lisa Utter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I enjoyed this story. My husband is from St Ignace so I am very familiar with the Ice Bridge. My father in law saved 3 boys on the Ice many years ago. It's always fun to read stories about places that are familiar. And the well known ghost stories on Mackinac Island.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackinaw Island in the winter, the ice bridge to St Ignace is lined with Christmas trees to mark the route but watch out for ghosties
loved the characters, the setting, references to The Grand Hotel, no cars & fudgies and the ghosties that haunt the island

[Debra Kay Williams]

An easy read. Kept my attention. Nice little love story with a mystery attached&a twist ending. Thoroughly enjoyed this&was a quaint story that took place in my home state. Easy to imagine the town&settings

[Byron Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I liked the references to Mackinac Island. There are ghosts on the island.
A quick cosy mystery. See for yourself.

[Frances J Merryman]

Fun read!

Loved the characters and the story. And especially the location on Mackinac Island. May have to check out some others by this author.

[Lynn Kennard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This cozy mystery has more action than most and a couple love stories too. I really enjoyed this book, an easy read for an evening.