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Death on Darby’s Island
Nothing exciting ever happens on Darby's Island, Newfoundland. That is until one summer afternoon in 1975 when a Chevy towing a trailer drives off the ferry. The Great Prospero, Hypnotist and Magician is printed in large red letters across the side. People on the island are thrilled that the renowned Prospero is going to perform at the community hall. However, after the hypnotist suggests his subjects are seagulls, Jake Pickford, with arms flapping, leaves the building and does not return to the stage. That same evening, the archbishop is found stabbed to death on the beach. Hours later, Jake becomes the number-one suspect. The only problem: he can't remember anything.
When RCMP officer Blanche Ste Croix is called back to her hometown, she's girded herself for the inevitable confrontation with her mother-in-law. But when a storm prevents the forensics team from reaching Darby's Island, Blanche finds herself instead leading her first murder investigation. Over the course of one rainy weekend, she questions family, friends, and the cast of oddballs camped on the beach. At the same time as she's working to prove herself as a police officer, Blanche is forced to face the traumatic events of a decade earlier that took her away from the island in the first place.
As she conducts interviews and proceeds with the investigation, she uncovers secrets, coverups, and no shortage of suspects. Even the archbishop has his share of skeletons in his closet. But when the truth comes to light, it is more sinister than anyone could have imagined.
When RCMP officer Blanche Ste Croix is called back to her hometown, she's girded herself for the inevitable confrontation with her mother-in-law. But when a storm prevents the forensics team from reaching Darby's Island, Blanche finds herself instead leading her first murder investigation. Over the course of one rainy weekend, she questions family, friends, and the cast of oddballs camped on the beach. At the same time as she's working to prove herself as a police officer, Blanche is forced to face the traumatic events of a decade earlier that took her away from the island in the first place.
As she conducts interviews and proceeds with the investigation, she uncovers secrets, coverups, and no shortage of suspects. Even the archbishop has his share of skeletons in his closet. But when the truth comes to light, it is more sinister than anyone could have imagined.
232 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 29, 2022
This book by Alice Walsh is set in 1975 The location is a small Newfoundland outpost community on Darby's Island. It was during this time that the provincial premier was offering incentives to close down such settlements and move the inhabitants inland. The story is peppered with authentic dialogue and expressions typical of the time and place. The author grew up in a similar village and now resides in Nova Scotia.
The story involves a small, close-knit, quiet community where nothing much happens. Everyone knows its other inhabitants, and rumours and secrets abound. A van has just arrived by ferry. It offers an event that promises excitement for many. There will be entertainment by the Great Prospero, a magician, and hypnotist with his assistant Miranda.
RCMP officer, Blanche Ste Croix, is among the new arrivals. She has been called back to her hometown on Darby's Island to investigate fraud at the local nursing home. She met her husband while living on the island, and they are now separated. She is dreading an encounter with her judgmental, outspoken mother-in-law, Gert, who blames her for the failure of the marriage. However, Gert's mind is on the upcoming visit of the Archbishop to the island. She is excited and honoured to be hosting him.
There is a shocking murder. A body is found stabbed to death on the beach a short time after Prospero's demonstration of hypnotism at the community hall. Members of the audience were brought on stage and hypnotized to act like seagulls, moving about and flapping their arms. After Prospero brought the participants out of the state, it was noticed that Blanche's father-in-law had run out of the building still behaving like a seagull, without being brought out of his hypnotized state. He was later found with the bloody knife on the beach. He was in a dazed condition and could not remember anything that happened. It looked like he may have fallen and had a concussion.
RCMP officer, Blanche, now finds herself conducting her first murder investigation. This shocking murder has many suspects, including her own father-in-law. At first, much concentration on my part was needed to sort out the family relationships. A chart of the characters would have been helpful, but some of these family relationships include deep, dark secrets and are hidden. Blanche must question people with homes in the community, their children, and grandchildren. There is also the trailer on the beach belonging to Prospero and Miranda, another trailer of hippies from Nova Scotia, and a dishevelled young man wandering about and sleeping in a stolen car. There are many witnesses and suspects to be interviewed. She receives some assistance from an older Mountie who is visiting his wife in the nursing home. She has early-onset dementia. The case is complex with many twists and shocking revelations.
Blanche finds her mind flashing back to 1962 when her childhood was impoverished and miserable. She lived in a cold, badly constructed shack with her parents and a large number of brothers and sisters and scarcely enough to eat. The father was a drunken abuser, going into sudden rages and unmercifully beating the children and their mother. Her mother was sent to a mental hospital and her brothers and sisters disappeared into orphanages and foster homes. There are some events she never wants to be made public.
Once the body is discovered, there is a raging storm preventing the ferry and private boats from travelling to and from the island. The forensic team is unable to arrive from the mainland. There is another near-fatal stabbing that appears to be connected with the murder under investigation. Will Blanche be able to solve the complicated murder and the motive for the crimes? It is difficult because some of the witnesses are lying or mistaken about what they knew or saw.
This was an entertaining, complicated mystery infused with local expressions and dialogue. I hope the author writes more mystery books with a Maritime setting.
The story involves a small, close-knit, quiet community where nothing much happens. Everyone knows its other inhabitants, and rumours and secrets abound. A van has just arrived by ferry. It offers an event that promises excitement for many. There will be entertainment by the Great Prospero, a magician, and hypnotist with his assistant Miranda.
RCMP officer, Blanche Ste Croix, is among the new arrivals. She has been called back to her hometown on Darby's Island to investigate fraud at the local nursing home. She met her husband while living on the island, and they are now separated. She is dreading an encounter with her judgmental, outspoken mother-in-law, Gert, who blames her for the failure of the marriage. However, Gert's mind is on the upcoming visit of the Archbishop to the island. She is excited and honoured to be hosting him.
There is a shocking murder. A body is found stabbed to death on the beach a short time after Prospero's demonstration of hypnotism at the community hall. Members of the audience were brought on stage and hypnotized to act like seagulls, moving about and flapping their arms. After Prospero brought the participants out of the state, it was noticed that Blanche's father-in-law had run out of the building still behaving like a seagull, without being brought out of his hypnotized state. He was later found with the bloody knife on the beach. He was in a dazed condition and could not remember anything that happened. It looked like he may have fallen and had a concussion.
RCMP officer, Blanche, now finds herself conducting her first murder investigation. This shocking murder has many suspects, including her own father-in-law. At first, much concentration on my part was needed to sort out the family relationships. A chart of the characters would have been helpful, but some of these family relationships include deep, dark secrets and are hidden. Blanche must question people with homes in the community, their children, and grandchildren. There is also the trailer on the beach belonging to Prospero and Miranda, another trailer of hippies from Nova Scotia, and a dishevelled young man wandering about and sleeping in a stolen car. There are many witnesses and suspects to be interviewed. She receives some assistance from an older Mountie who is visiting his wife in the nursing home. She has early-onset dementia. The case is complex with many twists and shocking revelations.
Blanche finds her mind flashing back to 1962 when her childhood was impoverished and miserable. She lived in a cold, badly constructed shack with her parents and a large number of brothers and sisters and scarcely enough to eat. The father was a drunken abuser, going into sudden rages and unmercifully beating the children and their mother. Her mother was sent to a mental hospital and her brothers and sisters disappeared into orphanages and foster homes. There are some events she never wants to be made public.
Once the body is discovered, there is a raging storm preventing the ferry and private boats from travelling to and from the island. The forensic team is unable to arrive from the mainland. There is another near-fatal stabbing that appears to be connected with the murder under investigation. Will Blanche be able to solve the complicated murder and the motive for the crimes? It is difficult because some of the witnesses are lying or mistaken about what they knew or saw.
This was an entertaining, complicated mystery infused with local expressions and dialogue. I hope the author writes more mystery books with a Maritime setting.
October 10, 2021
Set on Darby Island, off the coast of Newfoundland in 1962 and 1975, Alice Walsh has crafted a story rich in the feel of both time periods, using language and attitudes to paint vivid pictures of her characters and of the island.
The crime occurs in 1975 after the unexpected arrival of a hypnotism performing act on the island, and the expected arrival of the archbishop. For an island still predominately and devotedly Catholic, an archbishop’s visit is a big deal, and main character RCMP officer Blanche Ste Croix’s judgemental mother-in-law is very excited, as she’ll be hosting the archbishop in her home.
The archbishop is murdered after the hypnotist’s performance, and Blanche is tasked with running the investigation, which affects her greatly, as her disoriented father-in-law is found with the murder weapon. Encountering resistance and lies from suspects, and constant resistance and undermining from her superior, Blanche works with her mentor, another RCMP officer, on the island to help his ailing wife.
Having read about the poverty and resistance to being a part of Canada (in Wayne Johnston’s “Colony of Unrequited Dreams”), I was still shocked by the terrible conditions, including domestic abuse, Blanche grew up in as detailed in the 1962 chapters. I liked how the author used these sections to show how important family was to Blanche, and how the events here are tied to her relationships in 1975 and to her investigation.
In the tightly-knit community, Blanche’s inquiries unearth numerous secrets, including alcoholism, gambling, illicit affairs, and shows us also a the longterm effects of a care system that ripped up Blanche’s own family.
I was a little surprised by the murderer's reveal, which I felt hadn’t had quite enough information for me to solve on my own, but I still liked this book, and hope to see more of RCMP officer Blanche Ste Croix in action.
Thank you to Netgalley and Nimbus Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
The crime occurs in 1975 after the unexpected arrival of a hypnotism performing act on the island, and the expected arrival of the archbishop. For an island still predominately and devotedly Catholic, an archbishop’s visit is a big deal, and main character RCMP officer Blanche Ste Croix’s judgemental mother-in-law is very excited, as she’ll be hosting the archbishop in her home.
The archbishop is murdered after the hypnotist’s performance, and Blanche is tasked with running the investigation, which affects her greatly, as her disoriented father-in-law is found with the murder weapon. Encountering resistance and lies from suspects, and constant resistance and undermining from her superior, Blanche works with her mentor, another RCMP officer, on the island to help his ailing wife.
Having read about the poverty and resistance to being a part of Canada (in Wayne Johnston’s “Colony of Unrequited Dreams”), I was still shocked by the terrible conditions, including domestic abuse, Blanche grew up in as detailed in the 1962 chapters. I liked how the author used these sections to show how important family was to Blanche, and how the events here are tied to her relationships in 1975 and to her investigation.
In the tightly-knit community, Blanche’s inquiries unearth numerous secrets, including alcoholism, gambling, illicit affairs, and shows us also a the longterm effects of a care system that ripped up Blanche’s own family.
I was a little surprised by the murderer's reveal, which I felt hadn’t had quite enough information for me to solve on my own, but I still liked this book, and hope to see more of RCMP officer Blanche Ste Croix in action.
Thank you to Netgalley and Nimbus Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 22, 2021
This book is a murder mystery set in 1975 on Darby’s Island, a ferry ride from mainland Newfoundland. It takes place during a weekend where a storm prevents the forensic team from getting to the island. Which leaves our main character, RCMP officer Blanche Ste Croix, as the main character and principal investigator.
I love the twist and turns and, of course, the unfolding of whodunit.
There is a cast of interesting characters, along with the hypnotist and magician, The Great Prospero, and his assistant, Miranda.
Blanche’s past adds depth as our main character investigates the murder.
Her childhood a reminder of how life is not always sweet. Hers a childhood filled with poverty and her father’s addiction and abuse. Of family secrets and shame.
Her story one of survival and bettering herself. Of moving beyond the past.
I loved the mention of TV shows popular during that time. Styles of fashion. Bits of history.
Our local Nova Scotia author Alice Walsh is a master at writing authentic Newfoundland dialect.
Possibly since she was born and grew up there.
Death on Darby Island balances serious situations, while also touching on humorous moments. Bringing a smile to this reader’s face.
I think this book would make a great movie, too.
If you enjoy murder mysteries and a touch of history and real-life situations, give Alice’s book a read!
I love the twist and turns and, of course, the unfolding of whodunit.
There is a cast of interesting characters, along with the hypnotist and magician, The Great Prospero, and his assistant, Miranda.
Blanche’s past adds depth as our main character investigates the murder.
Her childhood a reminder of how life is not always sweet. Hers a childhood filled with poverty and her father’s addiction and abuse. Of family secrets and shame.
Her story one of survival and bettering herself. Of moving beyond the past.
I loved the mention of TV shows popular during that time. Styles of fashion. Bits of history.
Our local Nova Scotia author Alice Walsh is a master at writing authentic Newfoundland dialect.
Possibly since she was born and grew up there.
Death on Darby Island balances serious situations, while also touching on humorous moments. Bringing a smile to this reader’s face.
I think this book would make a great movie, too.
If you enjoy murder mysteries and a touch of history and real-life situations, give Alice’s book a read!
October 1, 2021
Death on Darby’s Island by Alice Walsh is a murder mystery set on a little Island off Newfoundland in 1975. The story bounces from the investigation of the Archbishop’s murder on the beach, to the memories of the investigator’s childhood on the island.
The story has some unexpected plot twists that will keep you invested in the story until the very end.
The story has some unexpected plot twists that will keep you invested in the story until the very end.
January 7, 2025
Loved it!
October 12, 2021
A truly enjoyable mystery. Death on Darby's Island starts off in 1975 when a Chevy towing a trailer drives off the ferry. That in itself was intriguing and I am so glad I had an opportunity to read this story. Loved the storyline, it was well executed.
October 13, 2021
Death on Darby Island is a murder mystery, set in Newfoundland. The book has a charming cast of rich and imperfect characters.
The citizens of Darby Island are proud people, life for some on the Island was not an easy one.
Plot twists and family secrets made this book an interesting and enjoyable read.
I will look forward to reading more of Alice Walsh's books.
The citizens of Darby Island are proud people, life for some on the Island was not an easy one.
Plot twists and family secrets made this book an interesting and enjoyable read.
I will look forward to reading more of Alice Walsh's books.
May 17, 2025
Blanche is on the island to investigate one crime when a murder happens. She steps up & starts to investigate that as well. We also learn about her past & how she knows people on the island.
love how the story unfolds connecting the pieces to each person, in more than one way
love how the story unfolds connecting the pieces to each person, in more than one way
October 23, 2021
Alice Walsh does it again! Absolutely loved this book! From the Newfoundland setting to the twists and turns. This book was hard to put down. Fantastic read that will keep you guessing.
December 14, 2021
What a great murder mystery with a unique setting on a remote island that adds to the drama. I've lived the island life, although in warmer climes than off the coast of Newfoundland, but know the feeling of everyone knowing one another. The author creates a cast of believable and relatable characters and skillfully weaves in several sub-plots, including the sorrowful family history of the main character, Blanche. I did not guess who the killer was before the end, which I like when I read a mystery. I would have liked a few more 'foreshadowing' clues to have made me slap my forehead at the end with a, "I should have seen that!" There were plenty of red herrings and lots of possible suspects so, all in all, a fun read! Not once did I feel bad for the murder victim and had a pretty good guess at the motive. No spoilers here, so you'll have to read it!
February 17, 2022
Darby's Island is an island outport in the Canadian province of Newfoundland populated in the 1960 to 1975 period of this novel with a passel of interesting characters still struggling with Newfoundland's transition from a British colony to a Canadian province. One can imagine it being a real place.
The murder that is the central event in Alice Walsh's Death on Darby's Island occurs in 1975, but flashbacks to the 1960s are important for both explaining the behaviour of the characters including the RCMP constable who's the story's main protagonist and solving the murder mystery.
The flashbacks also provide lots of red herrings and other diversions that keep the reader guessing as he or she tries to solve the mystery.
Fascinating story both as a murder mystery and a depiction of rural Newfoundlander's lives in a very interesting period in Newfoundland history.
The murder that is the central event in Alice Walsh's Death on Darby's Island occurs in 1975, but flashbacks to the 1960s are important for both explaining the behaviour of the characters including the RCMP constable who's the story's main protagonist and solving the murder mystery.
The flashbacks also provide lots of red herrings and other diversions that keep the reader guessing as he or she tries to solve the mystery.
Fascinating story both as a murder mystery and a depiction of rural Newfoundlander's lives in a very interesting period in Newfoundland history.
March 1, 2025
Generally a good murder mystery with plot twists and surprises. The Newfoundland politics that are peppered throughout the book are a nice touch of realism. And who can resist the charm of the local dialect?
At times, gaps in the narrative make it hard to follow who the characters are and what the relationships are among them.
All considered, I would recommend this book to someone looking to escape with a light murder mystery.
At times, gaps in the narrative make it hard to follow who the characters are and what the relationships are among them.
All considered, I would recommend this book to someone looking to escape with a light murder mystery.
October 20, 2021
A compelling and entertaining mystery, full of twists.
It kept me hooked and guessing till the end.
I liked the style of writing, the attention to the details, the good storytelling and character development.
I hope to read other books by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It kept me hooked and guessing till the end.
I liked the style of writing, the attention to the details, the good storytelling and character development.
I hope to read other books by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 27, 2023
E-pub edition
The only reason I finished this book was that the plot was interesting enough that I wanted to see if I'd guessed right about the solution.
The use of Newf-speak was overdone, the writing was really boring and the whole thing just gave off a 'cute' vibe that I really disliked.
Not the author for me.
The only reason I finished this book was that the plot was interesting enough that I wanted to see if I'd guessed right about the solution.
The use of Newf-speak was overdone, the writing was really boring and the whole thing just gave off a 'cute' vibe that I really disliked.
Not the author for me.
did-not-finish
April 18, 2024March/April 2024 - Got 14% in, and my library loan expired. I'd already renewed it once, so figured it wasn't worth renewing again. Nothing wrong with the book, and I think it's cool that it's set historically in a Newfoundland island. Just didn't get into it, that's all. But totally possible I'd enjoy it if I pick it up again at a different time. DNF at 14%.
March 3, 2022
The book was a slow beginning. By the end you realized the slow build created a story full of rich characters. Interesting read, not exactly what I was expecting. The murder mystery ended up being the background prompt to tell the history of a complex small community and family.
January 17, 2022
Historical mystery set in Newfoundland. Liked the main character RCMP officer Blanche, but if I had been the editor I would have removed a few of the many "my son" and "maid" references.
March 13, 2022
Nice Canadian flavour.
December 31, 2022
This not so cozy mystery kept me guessing until the end!
March 30, 2025
Stunning. The people. The landscape. The weather. A great story. Hoping there are more Blanche books to come.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews