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Steve Martinez #1
Season's Revenge
T'is the weeks before Christmas in Upper Peninsula, Michigan, but some big events indeed are stirring for Lakota deputy sheriff Steve Martinez. The normally sleepy woodland town is uncharacteristically alive with activity after the body of one of its most respected residents, Paul Passoja, is found at a forest campsite, the victim of what looks to be a bear attack.From the moment he arrives on the crime scene, things just don't add up for Steve Martinez. Why would Passoja, a skilled camper and hunter, be careless enough to scatter bacon grease near his tent? Lead by curiosity, Steve begins an unofficial investigation of the mishap, only to discover that the "random" animal attack might not be so random after all. It seems that quite a few people in town had reason to do in Paul Passoja, but the evidence isn't pointing to anyone in particular.The more Steve investigates, the deeper he sinks into a mystery as old as the town itself. The seemingly peaceful forest haven wa
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 19, 2015
I first encountered Henry Kisor when I read his terrific book on the California Zephyr, traveling as a deaf man (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). For years he was the book editor for the Chicago Sun-Times, and I once invited him to come speak at my college to discuss the difficulties faced by the hearing-impaired. A delightful man. I had no idea he had written a series of mysteries and was very pleased to see how good they are. He has another book on learning to fly and make a cross-country flight as a hearing-impaired pilot. Guy has guts.
Steve Martinez is a Lakota Sioux raised by white foster parents who grew up out east, went to Cornell, was an MP in the army, and then joined the Porcupine County sheriff’s department. (Kisor has a cabin in the UP so the scenery is familiar - he waxes familiarly on the differences between city and country people.) Porcupine County is in the UP (Upper Peninsula) where the seasons are simply “winter, winter, winter, and black flies.)
The local political bigwig, Paul Passoja, is found mauled by a bear after he went camping in the deep woods. The autopsy revealed early stages of Alzheimer’s and the man had been depressed recently so all signs pointed to an accidental death. The bear that did it was caught so that seemed to end that. But something just doesn't seem right to Martinez who had found bits of bacon grease on the man, an accomplished woodsman, who knew better than to have any food near him in the tent in bear country.
Not a book for those who have to have a shooting, beating, or other violence on every page, this book develops the characters in a very nice way that has you liking them before you know it. Good mystery, lots of interesting information, and a nice romance.
On a personal note, I’d like to point out that being a sheriff’s deputy in a large county such as we have in the midwest or west is no small task. The area to be covered is immense and often there might be only two deputies to cover many square miles. The chief deputy of an Iowa county I know, remarked that at night, he was responsible for 2400 square miles (the county was roughly 60 miles by 40 miles.) Try hustling to an accident at the far end of the county during a blizzard.
Steve Martinez is a Lakota Sioux raised by white foster parents who grew up out east, went to Cornell, was an MP in the army, and then joined the Porcupine County sheriff’s department. (Kisor has a cabin in the UP so the scenery is familiar - he waxes familiarly on the differences between city and country people.) Porcupine County is in the UP (Upper Peninsula) where the seasons are simply “winter, winter, winter, and black flies.)
The local political bigwig, Paul Passoja, is found mauled by a bear after he went camping in the deep woods. The autopsy revealed early stages of Alzheimer’s and the man had been depressed recently so all signs pointed to an accidental death. The bear that did it was caught so that seemed to end that. But something just doesn't seem right to Martinez who had found bits of bacon grease on the man, an accomplished woodsman, who knew better than to have any food near him in the tent in bear country.
Not a book for those who have to have a shooting, beating, or other violence on every page, this book develops the characters in a very nice way that has you liking them before you know it. Good mystery, lots of interesting information, and a nice romance.
On a personal note, I’d like to point out that being a sheriff’s deputy in a large county such as we have in the midwest or west is no small task. The area to be covered is immense and often there might be only two deputies to cover many square miles. The chief deputy of an Iowa county I know, remarked that at night, he was responsible for 2400 square miles (the county was roughly 60 miles by 40 miles.) Try hustling to an accident at the far end of the county during a blizzard.
December 22, 2012
This is a very good mystery set in the nothern Michigan backcountry. The suthor writes lovingly about the natural landscape and animals of the area. The primary character is a young man restling with his own identity as he works in law enforcement to investigate a death. I enjoyed this book immensely except for the tiny print. I have bought the following two books in the series for my NOOK. I also hear there is a fourth installment to be released soon. I will be devouring them all.
December 31, 2016
I picked this up from the library for the Christmas theme, but once I started reading I was much more excited about the UP setting. I was hoping to finish it before I went home (...to Michigan) for the holidays, but I DIDN'T. so I finished it today. I'm honestly not an expert on the UP, I can't really speak to the descriptions of the wildlife and weather, but some scenes are certainly lovingly detailed. the narrative often digresses as the narrator, a Lakota Sioux deputy named Steve Martinez (adopted by a religious white family, now experiencing an identity crisis, often explaining to people that he's not Mexican), tries to reconcile all of the different aspects of his heritage and personal history and how he conducts himself as a cop. there are some bits about life in the upper peninsula, explaining the necessity of depending on your neighbors, as well as character sketches of the eccentric types who live in such a sparsely populated and wild region.
this is really not much of a Christmas cozy; if that is what you are looking for, it will be a disappointment. there is a bit of a romance subplot. part of my rating comes from the fact that the resolution to the crime felt very sudden to me, one of those cases where the culprit has to explain everything after being caught rather than all of the pieces falling into place. still, it's fun to read about home(-ish; the farthest up north I've been is Traverse City) and I would read more of this series.
this is really not much of a Christmas cozy; if that is what you are looking for, it will be a disappointment. there is a bit of a romance subplot. part of my rating comes from the fact that the resolution to the crime felt very sudden to me, one of those cases where the culprit has to explain everything after being caught rather than all of the pieces falling into place. still, it's fun to read about home(-ish; the farthest up north I've been is Traverse City) and I would read more of this series.
December 23, 2017
Enjoyable mystery book. It is also nice when you read a book and learn something new, while reading the book I learned a little about the upper peninsula of Michigan and bears.
June 13, 2019
This is a mystery set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and appears to be the author's first novel. It starts well and has potential. This might cause me to read a later book in the series, but this one was far too declamatory in the middle part of the book and also takes a a long detour from the main narrative line. When it returns to the main narrative line, it is much better again. By then, however, the author had included a sappy subplot that made me cringe every time. It made the character seem like he was about 16.
As far as the details of the Upper Peninsula of the UP, I found them good except for the extended warm, dry spell. That was highly unlikely in late November and early December according to the Porcupine Mountain Park weather information. The author attributed it to global warming, and I suppose that's possible and he might have had a specific memory of it doing so, but I wondered why he insisted putting it in the book.
As far as the details of the Upper Peninsula of the UP, I found them good except for the extended warm, dry spell. That was highly unlikely in late November and early December according to the Porcupine Mountain Park weather information. The author attributed it to global warming, and I suppose that's possible and he might have had a specific memory of it doing so, but I wondered why he insisted putting it in the book.
January 4, 2021
The story was good & original. It was also educational in several areas. I'd give it a 5 except that there were numerous editorial errors that made things confusing - for instance at one point it said it was the 10th of December, then 5 chapters later it said it was the 4th of December. This happened more than once & on timing in general, not just dates. There were other types of inconsistencies that, if corrected, would make it read more easily. The story was very creative, the characters likable, & after getting used to the style, it was easy to lose yourself. I also learned about such things as bears, the Upper Peninsula, the Lakota and more, always a bonus to me. It's advertised on the covers as a Christmas mystery, but it actually starts in August and has very little Christmas, so don't choose for that reason. Read it if you like good mysteries set in the rugged outdoors with nature as a large part of the story and a quirky, believable town.
November 18, 2019
Story starts in August and ends on Christmas, but December is not even mentioned until page 147, and Christmas is not mentioned until the final chapter, page 220, and story ends on page 224. So this is not a true cozy Christmas mystery. The plot line is about finding out who killed an unpopular resident in the town of Porcupine City in the UP. The chapters are not set up sytematically to reveal clues, motives, and suspects. Instead many chapters are vignettes of the people, events, and daily lives of the residents who live there and have nothing to do with the plot. Nuanced sex scenes occur periodically, and subjects such as pedophilia, homosexuality, multiple sex partners are introduced and are integral to the resolution of the case. "R" rated for the sex scenes.
August 16, 2022
I had to work to get a copy of this book before a planned trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. So glad I persevered because I definitely enjoyed it! Engaging characters, great story and unique setting in the UP. It was a quick read and short chapters helped to build suspense. Kisor seamlessly weaves in UP culture, Native American lore and forgotten bits of history like the luring of Finnish-American to Karelia, USSR in the 1930s, some never to be heard from again. Great read for those who enjoy mysteries, police procedurals or for anyone planning a trip to the UP.
September 4, 2024
I bought this book for $1 at a library sale, and on a whim I'm glad I finally picked it up and read it. It was a quick, easy, and fun book. I like the native american aspects to it. The sheriff in this book is native american. I dont read alot of books with the main characters background. I also like that a little bit of Christmas details are in thw book too. The bears are so cute. They were one of my favorite parts about this book. I want to read more by this author. Such a good read.
January 18, 2026
Never underestimate women and the power of revenge. Do bears have the right to bear arms or do we have the right to arm bears in the name of revenge? Steve the Doer does it in this one as he secretly searches for answers to questions no one is asking and lays bare answers that no one is questioning. Perhaps the story of Golden Locks and the three Bares holds a clue to help Stevie Nicks and Virginia Woolf solve this who-dunnit mystery.
March 23, 2019
First I have read from this author. Picked up at library just to have something to read while waiting for holds to come in.
I don't know much about the upper Michigan peninsula, but have read several other authors which describe the area much the same.
The characters are well fleshed out and believable.
I will definitely be reading more in this series.
I don't know much about the upper Michigan peninsula, but have read several other authors which describe the area much the same.
The characters are well fleshed out and believable.
I will definitely be reading more in this series.
October 5, 2019
This book reminds me of the “Dave Cubiak Door County” mysteries. Remote location, transplanted hero with complicated past. Both series are good and feature good lyrical descriptions of their settings. I plan to continue reading both series.
May 6, 2021
Mixed feelings about this one. I was looking for a new mystery series. The suggestion or idea to read the author came from a reference to the author by Joseph Heywood. I will likely read the next book and see if the series grows on me.
July 14, 2021
I loved being respectfully introduced to the environment and the people in the Upper Peninsula, while being drawn through the story by the plot. This is not a Christmas cozy. I prefer not to have the culprit spill the beans rather than the action, but it was still a satisfying ending.
November 14, 2017
I like the characters and love the UP setting.
June 11, 2018
wow. what a read.
January 5, 2019
It’s too light and comical to be a serious mystery. If you like well developed mysteries and want to learn about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I suggest reading Chuck Hogan and Joseph Heywood.
March 25, 2020
Interesting to read about the UP and learn some history.
December 31, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. I liked the short chapters. Liked how the characters were described. The mystery kept me interested. Learned a bit about Indians, bears, UP. Just an interesting read.
March 9, 2022
An enjoyable mystery. Has the feel of a cozy mystery but Steve Martinez is a law enforcement officer. I enjoyed getting to know the civilians of the Upper Peninsula.
December 10, 2023
this book did not give the christmas vibes that i was hoping for. it was a good mystery - just happened a lil quick!
November 1, 2015
Set in a small fictional town called Porcupine City on the southern shore of Lake Superior (UP, Michigan), this is the first of five stories in the Steve Martinez series. Steve is a Lakota Sioux Indian who was adopted as an infant and raised by white parents. He grew up on the East Coast, attended Cornell, joined the army, and then decided to become a policeman. He wanted a place different from where he grew up and the Porcupine County sheriff’s department was hiring, so he joined their force. The story begins when a wealthy local bigshot, Paul Passoja, is found dead in his tent, mauled to death by a bear. The death is decided to be accidental, and the case is closed. But Steve can't help wondering: Paul was an excellent woodsman, and an expert on bears, so why would he be so stupid as to smear his breakfast on the front of his tent?
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It was well-written, well-plotted, and the first mystery I've ever read where the weapon used was a bear. There was one small part that bugged me, and it kind of soured the rest of the story for me. Steve stops at a local bar to pick up some beer for a trip to his cabin, and is confronted by a belligerent drunk. And of course this drunk has to get in his face with a lot of racist crap, ugly stuff that I don't doubt for a minute happens, but it seems to have been dropped into the story just to show how hard it is to be a Native American, or how tough and smart he can be in handling the situation. Just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the narrative (though there was one very small plot point connected to the encounter). Overall, a good mystery that I would recommend with slight reservations.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It was well-written, well-plotted, and the first mystery I've ever read where the weapon used was a bear. There was one small part that bugged me, and it kind of soured the rest of the story for me. Steve stops at a local bar to pick up some beer for a trip to his cabin, and is confronted by a belligerent drunk. And of course this drunk has to get in his face with a lot of racist crap, ugly stuff that I don't doubt for a minute happens, but it seems to have been dropped into the story just to show how hard it is to be a Native American, or how tough and smart he can be in handling the situation. Just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the narrative (though there was one very small plot point connected to the encounter). Overall, a good mystery that I would recommend with slight reservations.
April 30, 2013
I checked out this mystery because the author is a local. Mistake.
Our sleuth is Steve Martinez, a Native American and deputy sheriff for Porcupine County in the UP. Here’s where the problems start: the author develops neither the main character nor the setting, each of which could be interesting. I had hoped for a rich portrait of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I did not get that. I also did not get a good sense of the novel’s hero.
Did I get a good murder mystery? Not really. In fact, the case is considered closed because the dead man died of a heart attack.
So, what’s the point of this mystery? Who knows. This is clearly not the work of a seasoned mystery writer. I cannot recommend this to anyone.
Our sleuth is Steve Martinez, a Native American and deputy sheriff for Porcupine County in the UP. Here’s where the problems start: the author develops neither the main character nor the setting, each of which could be interesting. I had hoped for a rich portrait of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I did not get that. I also did not get a good sense of the novel’s hero.
Did I get a good murder mystery? Not really. In fact, the case is considered closed because the dead man died of a heart attack.
So, what’s the point of this mystery? Who knows. This is clearly not the work of a seasoned mystery writer. I cannot recommend this to anyone.
July 22, 2016
I started a series with the first book! Meeting Steve Martinez, sheriff's deputy in the U.P. during the early 21st century, complete with internet, GPS and cell phones was a friendly start. Kisor writes a novel that is descriptive of the characters and the venue. The U.P. has lots of nature to describe. He gives plenty of dialogue to tell the story. He deals with human and animal vagaries. The murder of one of the community's leading citizens gets you off to a running start. Meeting all the people in the community can sometimes be confusing, but Kisor does it gradually so you feel quickly that you know them. Got twisty plot not particularly grisly as some murder mysteries can be. I recommend to all. Doesn't read as fast as some, not a hyperactive story teller.
December 11, 2011
Prose is a bit rambling, and tends to go on tangents, but in a way that I found sort of charming (the print is quite small - so it's really much more than a 220 page book). The core story is a good one, and I'll definitely read more from this author. A solid mystery.
February 2, 2012
This book started off a little slow, but was very good. I'm not sure why the "A Christmas Mystery" was added to the title, it really is not a Christmas story. The setting is the UP of Michigan near the Porcupine Mountains.
July 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. An easy read and the setting was just right for my vacation in the UP. Kind of reminds me of The Woods Cop mysteries by Joseph Heywood. I will definitely be reading more of this series!
December 31, 2009
Excellent; Continuing character: Steve Martinez (first in series); deputy in Michigans' Upper Peninsula investigates a fatal bear attack that may be more complicated than everyone else thinks
August 17, 2012
Easy read, interesting characters and interactions. With the possible exception of one plot device, pretty believable. I look forward to reading other books in the series.
February 16, 2013
Enjoyed the background information on the community. Engaging mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews