Book Review Early Snow

 

A  GUY HOGAN MYSTERY #2 

Who doesn't love a good mystery filled with intrigue, complex and well-developed characters who frequently switch alliances, adding to the guessing game of red herrings, cliffhangers, complicated relationships, and a diligent sleuth? Kevin Wolf delivers on all points in book two of the Guy Hogan mystery series, "Early Snow."  Weather elements, particularly developing snow and blizzard conditions, play a predominant role in the storyline. The storm symbolizes chaos and danger, foreshadowing impending changes. Wolf's description of the story's setting is top-notch and exemplifies someone who understands weather patterns and changes in a particular region.

Odyssey Pruit paints pictures of the ghosts and spirits she saw in the halls of an old hotel where she worked ten years before. Guy Hogan doesn’t believe in ghosts. Hogan is hired to guard Odyssey’s pictures for her first art show in the same old hotel. When an early blizzard closes the roads, knocks out the power and telephone, Hogan is trapped in the hotel with Odyssey’s quirky fans. When imps and ghouls make their presence known, Hogan questions his doubts. 

As the story unfolded, I felt like I had stepped into scenes from the board game, Clue. The action takes place in several different locations within the hotel. Secrets, misdirection, twists, and turns frequently changed the narrative. When a murder occurs, speculation runs rampant as to who was actually murdered, who could be the murderer, and what could possibly be the motive for the killing.  Guy Hogan was a reluctant sleuth who became a reluctant hero, not one who set out to be in the spotlight. He was just as afraid as the others but wanted to do his job. Wolf skillfully navigates all these pieces, keeping the reader engaged with just the right amount of pacing.  

As winter weather settles in, it's time to cozy up with a good whodunit mystery. As an added bonus to the book, Wolf added his award-winning 2021 Short Fiction Spur Award Winner from the Western Writers of America, "Belthanger," to the back of the book.  

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Wolf is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Crested Butte Writers. The great-grandson of Colorado homesteaders, he enjoys fly fishing, old Winchesters and 1950s Western movies. He lives in Estes Park, CO with his wife. His novel "The Homeplace," is the winner of the 2015 Tony Hillerman Award. The novel was a finalist for the 2016 Strand Critics Award for Debut Mystery. Western Writers of America selected his short story, "Belthanger," as the 2021 Spur Award Winner for Best Short Fiction.

Check out his website for more information about the author jhttps://kevinwolfstoryteller.com/