Murder, Music, and Mahem in the Vermont Woods
After the tragic death of his young wife, Sam Thibeau and his eight-year-old son Harry move from California to a co-housing community deep in the Vermont woods, where they hope to leave behind their painful memories and start over in an unfamiliar land of snow and maple syrup. Just as they’re settling in, Sam comes across a series of strange clues and messages which appear to be meant just for him. The clues lead to what at first appears to be a financial windfall, but before long he finds himself caught between a Mexican cartel and a drug-running syndicate based in nearby Montreal. Left with no other choice, he enlists the aid of Cindy Yates, a local police detective, who not only helps him begin the healing of old wounds, but also has an idea for a way out of his predicament. Together, they attempt a daring scheme to turn the tables on the cartel and free Sam and his son from its deadly reach.
Advance Reviews for Windekind
Kirkus Reviews:
Music and mayhem play out in the Vermont countryside in Lavine’s debut mystery...In his debut novel, Lavine handles it all with a deft touch. One feels investment in the characters from the start, and the storytelling is well paced from beginning to end. The dialogue is crackling and skillful, and Lavine also has a gift for subtle, knowing humor...A sharp, deftly plotted thriller by a promising new author.
BookLife:
Lavine utilizes multiple locales, a child phenomenon, and the threat of a cartel to build to the epic climax and satisfying conclusion, all executed with a polish and inventiveness that will please fans of brisk whodunits. Moments of romance are expertly blended into the high stakes criminal activity. Readers who can stomach the occasionally shocking violence will root for Sam to safely outsmart the antagonists.
Takeaway: A page-turning thriller full of mystery, twists, and cartel danger at the Canadian border.
Readers Favorite (five stars):
Magnificent and compelling. A beautifully written and fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists. I loved it.
