What a difference a week makes. Last week were were snowed in, and then digging out. This week we're thinking about summer in Door County. For me, Door County evokes thoughts of wood smoke and quiet places. Patrica Skalka captures all the warm, smoky DC ambiance, but not so much when it comes to quiet places. In fact, the DC of her mystery series is anything but quiet.
In Death Stalks Door County, the first in a four book (maybe more) series, we meet Dave Cubiak who has recently moved to Wisconsin, and taken a job as a park ranger in Peninsula State Park. Cubiak, a former Chicago homicide detective, smoker, drinker, and all around crusty old soul, has some healing to do after the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter. However, six murders in quick succession draw him out his personal grief and set him back on the gumshoe track.
The murders, occurring on the cusp of DC's festive and profitable tourist season, threaten the otherwise happy culture enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. I love books with lots of local color and Skalka provides plenty of that. She also provides a crafty murder mystery with enough red herrings to keep the pages turning.
I know that I will read the rest of the series, eventually. But I will save them for those long winter days when the most perfect afternoon is spent reading and dreaming about summer days Up North.
Patrica Skalka recently spoke at the Manitowoc Public Library, sharing insights into her series, and into her writing process. It was like a mini master class in story arc building. Although the event was respectably attended. I couldn't help but think about the wonderful opportunity missed by members of Friends of the Library, dozens of local book, and writer groups, library employees, mystery lovers, Door County enthusiasts, and readers in general. We all have be be diligent and keep our eyes and ears open so we can take advantage of all the fine literary, visual art, and theatre offering in our community. PSA done!
