Review: Inner Passages

There is a lot about "Inner Passages" that falls outside the genre criteria I normally prefer to read. Its setting in the Pacific Northwest is a plus but I probably would not have taken this off the shelf if I had run across it in a store. Fortunately, I know the author and enjoy his wit. I was rewarded with a wonderful story.

One of the reasons I don't enjoy reading male authors is that they often fail to color the background of their stories. The concentrate much more on action, and the thinking of their characters and let you imagine whatever you like about the setting until some detail becomes important. Then they throw it in late in the story. I find this annoying and it this story I would have appreciated the author advising me the first 2 or 3 times his character used the rubber raft that it was red rather than the usual black or brown. There was a great deal of reference to the look of the water and the weather. I was able to picture the wooded islands because I am familiar with them. I don't know if persons who have not been to the Pacific Northwest would be able to see the same pictures in their mind while reading the tale.

Usually I find maps, charts and diagrams are not helpful. They aren't needed in most books they are included in, and missing in books where they would be helpful. This was a case of the latter. I would have appreciated a map of the part of the inside passage where the chases took place.

Other than these two points I liked the book immensely. The characters were interesting. The plot took a couple suprising turns. Rather than the few hours or couple days of the average mystery, "Inner Passages" moved in real time taking over a year to resolve. I especially commend the author for avoiding the standard first novel motives. It was original.

I will definitely be standing in line for my copy of his next book as soon as its released. I recommend this book to all. While this book is outside the cozy genre in most ways, I can assure those who prefer that genre that there is little in this story that would disappoint or offend.

Book Review: Inner Passages