Ptarmaggedon

Robyn Devara Mysteries #4

by Karen Dudley

Research scientist and amateur sleuth Robyn Devara is looking forward to a trip to the Yukon with her boyfriend, Kelt Roberson, when he tells about the bloody murder of a reclusive ptarmigan researcher. Robyn can't ignore a mystery and her curiosity is further piqued when she learns field notes have been left to her by the victim--an ornithologist named Selena Barry--a woman Robyn doesn't remember meeting.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2006

About the author

My checkered past includes field biology, production art, photo research, palaeo-environmental studies, editing, archaeology and Classical Studies. Needless to say, I just couldn't seem to settle on one job and sometimes I thought there was something wrong with me--a sentiment echoed by my mum. Then, a number years ago, an epiphany! I finally realized that what I really wanted to do was . . . everything! And if you want to do everything, the best way to do it is to be a writer.

I wrote four environmental mysteries and a short stack of wildlife biology books for kids before I had another epiphany . . . I want to write fantasy! So I did. Food for the Gods is an historical fantasy novel set in ancient Athens. It's all about chefs and gods and food and murder and strange beasties and a huge amount of fun. Think Xena meets Iron Chef and you're starting to get the picture. I'm now working on the sequel, Kraken Bake.

I live in Winnipeg with my husband, daughter, and assorted authorial cats.

Reviews

[JB]

Another new author for me, and I enjoyed this book, it's almost a cosy. The descriptions of the Yukon were good and there was a little humour, the main character is likeable and there are a couple of suspects. All in all, an enjoyable read.

[Canlit4ever]

Last of a fun series. Not sure that the sexuality elements were handled all that well especially for 2006, but whatever. Learning little bits about environmental remediation and field biology in a Canadianized context was a treat.

[Lauren]

Very good, page turner. Haven't read one of her books that wasn't good.

[Mrsgaskell]

As usual, I really enjoyed this Robyn Devara mystery - I like the science, the mystery, the humour, and the very real Canadian characters. And the settings are always a strong point - this time the Yukon. I'm happy to see that Robyn and Kelt are still together, going strong despite all their arguing.