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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Rivers and Creaks: A Redwoods Country Mystery by Marc Jedel is book one in this sleuth mystery series. Readers are introduced to a recently widowed retiree named Andy Shirley. He has just taken ownership of a bed and breakfast he dreamed of running with his wife, in Monte Rio, California. Just as the first morning begins for him as the owner, there’s a wedding party staying at the inn, but the bridesmaid ends up dead in her room. Andy is already going through an overwhelming life transition: grieving over Catherine, trying to adjust to small-town life. But this quickly becomes a murder investigation, and he’s right in the middle of it. Wedding guests are questioned by the police, the tension is increasing, and Andy finds himself noticing small details in this whole mystery. Before long, Andy is increasingly involved in unraveling secrets tied to the murder while handling demanding guests, quirky townsfolk, and protecting his business.
I enjoyed this story. It had dry humor and a lot of sharp, observational details. I loved how Marc Jedel painted Andy’s character as gruff, cranky, grief-stricken, socially awkward, but practical. His character made him the most engaging person. It added warmth and personality to the narrative, especially in how he interacted with other residents, the housekeeper, the plumber, and Police Chief Joann Blaylock. The pacing was steady, and I loved how the clues were revealed in all the small details and some conversations. I also enjoyed the small-town atmospheric descriptions, like the setting along the Russian River. Readers who appreciated Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club would enjoy Rivers and Creaks as an unconventional sleuthing mystery.
