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Stoner McTavish (Stoner McTavish Mysteries, #1)

Sarah Dreher

Start date: January 1, 2013

Finish date: January 31, 2013

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Oct 29, 2020 AnnMaree Of Oz rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is actually some older lesfic original published in 1985 by an author who was prolific but sadly has now passed on. I found them accidently on Kindle Unlimited, and also through GoodReads Reviews, and I am so very glad I did.

I honestly did not notice the time period at all. The wording, humour and especially the banter the characters have with eachother is so modern and relatable to me as a 34 year old, it could have easily been here and now. Although maybe it's because I am a child of the This is actually some older lesfic original published in 1985 by an author who was prolific but sadly has now passed on. I found them accidently on Kindle Unlimited, and also through GoodReads Reviews, and I am so very glad I did.

I honestly did not notice the time period at all. The wording, humour and especially the banter the characters have with eachother is so modern and relatable to me as a 34 year old, it could have easily been here and now. Although maybe it's because I am a child of the late 80's and 90's. Ah Nostalgia.

Stoner is a doll and I related to her entirely too much. She neurotic and self conscious, but very sweet and friendly.
She learns a bit about environmental issues affecting the national park she visits, like the land grabs, over developing and shady political deals with developers, despite government protections - also the effect of the mass tourism and the general disrespect people have on the area and nature. It's not done in a heavy handed or even moralizing way. It's very much seen through the lens of Stoner as something new she starts to understand during her time there and in talking to people who live and work there. She feels very deeply. But it's not all doom and gloom. The conversations she has with Ranger Smokey Flanagan and Stell the lodge owner are great, and uplifting and informative too. I really respected how these parts were handled.

Also the light sexism was also done in realistic ways. Which sounds weird to say. Like as we know sexism isn't usually so overt and menacing and dramatic. It's the little stereotypical digs that if you were to point them out, make you seem like you're over-reacting, while the lads tell you to chill and stop PMSing.
There's a character whose a real good ole boy, and he's constantly making little comments with generalisations like "Ah, women, you care too much! - You're such worriers!" and other references to them being too highly emotional or high-strung and deep feeling in passive aggressive ways, not being aggressive or taking chances enough in business. Then other references to 'secret womens business'. This was very relatable, to me. Again maybe it's a generational thing, but it's absolutely stuff I've come encountered and relate to, entirely too much!.

Stoner's reaction to them is measured, sometimes she points it out, some stuff she lets slide. Again that is realistic. We cant all go off on woke rants every time something patriarchal is said. We'd never get anything done. lol. I liked it when Stoner corrected people when they called her or any other women 'girl', she'd say woman very pointedly, which I respected the inference. The same when anyone would call her Miss, she would correct it to Ms.

The main plot of the story is sort of a cosy mystery. Stoner is to look out for one of her Aunt's friends daughters that is her age and just got married unexpectedly to an awful man who they think is trying to do her harm for her money. Stoner is attracted to the delightful Gwen, who is in turn seemingly quite taken with Stoner, but thinks she is in love with the wheedling Bryan.

I really enjoyed the mystery and villainy of Bryan, and also Gwen and Stoner's interactions. I also enjoyed the host of side characters, and their backstories. Such as Stoner's Aunt Hermione, and her best friend and business partner MaryLou. They are so eccentric and fun. This really is a full story, full of wonderful characters that I really look forward to reading more about in the series. ...more

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Jan 01, 2014 W. Tinkanesh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In STONER McTAVISH, the then single, but already travel agent, Stoner is sent on a mission by the ever well-meaning Marylou and Aunt Hermione: Eleanor Burton is convinced that her grand-daughter Gwen is in grave danger. Stoner is to ensure her safety. Is Bryan Oxnard truly in love with his newlywed wife, Gwen, or is he simply after her money? Will he kill her in the rockies, or will Stoner come to the rescue? Stoner is a complete anti-hero, strong, but not really confident. Gwen is confident, bu ...more

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Aug 15, 2017 Sandy rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, glbt-lesbian, female-detective

Okay, a 4 1/2 in my book of stars. I really liked this story of Stoner McTavish and her unassuming, almost bumbling fashion who goes to the Grand Tetons from her safety of Boston and Beacon Hill. Stoner is a Lesbian and tries to live a "normal" life but with an Aunt who is a mystic of sorts, parents from whom she has run away and a best friend who is outrageous, she can almost hide in the world. Until Mrs. Beacon comes to dinner and then her life is turned upside down. This pseudo travel agent ( ...more

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