MYSTERY

Five Ways To Disappear

Dundurn. (B.C. Blues Crime, Bk. 6). May 2021. 368p. ISBN 9781459741560. pap. $16.99. M
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British Columbia native Greenaway’s sixth “B.C. Blues” novel features Royal Canadian Mounted Police detective constables Cal Dion and Dave Leith in a bizarre series of linked cases. In the past, Cal had committed a crime that he now tries to keep hidden, but it is always on his mind. He meets a strange, naïve woman at the grounds where a magical show is being arranged, and winds up going home with her and staying. Their relationship and her eventual disappearance take Cal’s focus off his main job, which is to find the person dubbed the Paradise Road Killer; Cal is almost killed during this investigation. Dave is ordered to investigate Cal’s involvement in the earlier crime, but he is not keen on discovering any evidence against him.
VERDICT This mystery has dark elements that contrast with the beautiful locale; it will please fans of the series, as well as those who appreciate noir novels in general. The characters are well developed, with their faults laid out for readers. The several strands of the plot are all brought together quite acceptably in the denouement, except for Cal’s earlier crime, which is left to readers’ imagination; the author intends this to be the last book in the series.
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