Book Review: In the Shadow of the Glacier

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

In the Shadow of the Glacier     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Vicki Delany
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Police Procedural
Poisoned Pen, Oct 2007

"In the Shadow of the Glacier" is the first book of a new series introducing rookie constable Molly Smith of Trafalgar, British Columbia. Trafalgar is a small town near the US border, dependant on US tourism and currently divided over two construction projects - one of a garden to commemorate the Vietnam draft dodgers (some of whom made BC their home) and the other of a luxury resort which would provide jobs and destroy wildlife habitat.

Molly was on patrol when she found the main proponent of the resort dead in a back alley. It is almost immediately obvious that his death was not an accident or suicide, and the case is given to John Winters, an experienced detective. Unfortunately, his obvious choice as an assistant is not available, and he is forced to choose the inexperienced Molly as a replacement - largely because of her extensive local connections, beginning with her parents who are on opposing sides of the burning local political issues.

Molly is an appealing protagonist. She will no doubt be fleshed out even more as the series progresses, but she already has an interesting backstory and the potential to develop through struggles on the job as she matures.

As in her previous book, Delaney again excels at describing small town life - especially, in this case, the very personal ways politics work in small towns. She also describes the sometimes uneasy relationship between the citizens of a superpower and those of its weaker neighbour, and the somewhat similar relationship between the patrons of luxury resorts and local residents. At what point does sensible courtesy to neighbours and potential customers edge over into betraying one's own history and environment?

"In the Shadow of the Glacier" is a debut to a very promising new series, and with its strong sense of place and interesting protagonist, it will entertain many readers.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM