Vanda Symon

This is the fifth and latest installment in the Sam Shephard series set in Dunedin, New Zealand. Released earlier this year, it was published 12 years after the previous book, though it picks up just months after the ending of Bound.

The novel focuses on a murder and kidnapping case. A pregnant woman is murdered and her almost-full-term baby missing after having been removed from the womb. The case resonates with Sam, who is just about to begin her maternity leave, so she is determined to find justice. Because of her late-stage pregnancy, Sam is given desk work, but what she uncovers proves crucial to solving the case, though not before she puts herself and her unborn child in danger.

Readers who have read the series will find much that is familiar. Sam remains as feisty and stubborn as ever, and her wit and sarcasm have not diminished. Events follow the established pattern: there’s the inevitable confrontation with her misogynistic boss, and though she is somewhat sidelined, Sam is again the one who steers the investigation into the right direction so the perpetrator is apprehended. There is also some focus on Sam’s personal life, this time her relationship with her child’s father and her struggles with various changes happening in her life.

Having read all the previous books, I predicted the ending. After the reveal of the perpetrator in The Ringmaster, it is not unexpected that there be a direct connection to Sam. The motive of the killer is credible, but the circumstances of the crimes (place and method) are not so.

What I was looking for and did not find in this book is an explanation for the bombshell at the end of Bound. There is a reference to Sam’s mother being required to live with her son and daughter-in-law, but there’s no explanation as to the reasoning behind this “consequence." I can understand the author not wanting to directly mention the shocking revelation in the previous book and thereby spoil it for those who have not read it, but she should have addressed this issue for readers who have followed the series and would reasonably expect some explanation.

With its short, snappy chapters, this is a quick read. I certainly found it kept my interest on my morning walks.

Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DCYakabuski).… (plus d'informations)

This is the fourth book in the Sam Shephard series – a great companion on walks.

Following a home invasion, a man is murdered and his wife is bound and gagged, left to watch. Two of Dunedin’s gangsters, suspected of the police shooting in Containment, are investigated, but Sam’s attention moves elsewhere when the body count continues to rise.

The plot follows the formula used in previous books: Sam solves the case despite her being blocked and/or sidelined by her boss D. I. Johns. As in the first three novels, Sam’s personal life provides complications. This time there’s the illness of her father, the difficult relationship with her mother, and a development which will change Sam’s life forever.

A favourite scene is Sam’s public challenging of her bullying boss. However, it is becoming difficult to understand how he is able to get away with his abuse. Surely such behaviour would not be tolerated in a work place, even a police station, in New Zealand?

There’s a twist at the end that is unnecessary and just feels so wrong on many levels. In particular, Sam’s behaviour towards her sister-in-law and her mother doesn’t make sense. Considering Sam’s thoughts and feelings as revealed earlier, her confrontation is illogical. I get that Sam is distraught and she does prioritize police work over her personal life, but really!!??

Of course the ambiguity of the ending, with two subplots unresolved, means readers will want to read the next installment. Expectant is on my iPod ready for tomorrow’s morning walk.

Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).… (plus d'informations)

This is the third detective novel in the Sam Shephard series set in New Zealand to which I’ve been listening on morning walks.

The book begins with sea containers from a grounded ship washing up on a remote beach. Trying to stop scavengers from looting the containers, Sam is assaulted. Nonetheless, she is soon investigating the death of a diver who did not die from drowning. Unsurprisingly, this murder proves to be connected to the cargo of the grounded ship.

This book has much in common with its two predecessors. There are the confrontations with Sam’s boss, D. I. Johns, who relegates Sam to unpleasant or menial tasks. As expected, her work ends up connected to a major investigation, and she is the one who uncovers the truth. Sam’s personal life, especially a romantic relationship, receives some attention.

Sam’s personality is as developed in the previous books. She is feisty and outspoken; both traits sometimes cause her difficulties in both her professional and personal life. Her tendency to over-react also leads to problems.

The short chapters mean that the book moves along at a fast pace. The humour in some of the scenes and in Sam’s sarcastic comments adds to the enjoyment. Though there are also dramatic and serious scenes with less-than-happy outcomes.

Predictable and undemanding, this series makes for good listening. At the end of each book, there are some unanswered questions and unresolved issues/conflicts which entice the reader to pick up the next book in the series.

Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).… (plus d'informations)

This, the second in the Sam Shephard series set in New Zealand, begins not long after the ending of Overkill.

Sam is now a detective in training in Dunedin and living with her friend Maggie in the home of Maggie’s aunt and uncle. A university student is found murdered and an investigation ensues. Sam is kept on the margins of the case because her superior, DI Johns, holds a grudge because of their previous encounters and is determined not to give her anything but the most menial of tasks. Nonetheless, Sam uncovers other deaths in other communities that occurred when a travelling circus was visiting.

The first-person narrator is Sam. Her personality is as developed in the first book. She is brash and sarcastic, and it is inevitable that her outspokenness will get her into trouble. Of course, her frustration at the pointless jobs she is assigned is understandable and I couldn’t help but cheer her on when she stands up to her bully. It is obvious, however, that Sam is vulnerable beneath her tough exterior. She has lots of self-doubt and needs the support of others. Her relentlessness is extraordinary. Her involvement in an event involving an incident at the circus emphasizes both her strengths and empathy.

There are some elements that annoyed or bothered me. One is the many short chapters; there seems little reason for the narrative breaks. Some events seem unlikely: the circus owner’s insisting on Sam’s presence during police interviews and Sam’s taking two weapons at the end. Sam’s mother is an over-the-top character; she is so controlling, unsupportive and manipulative. The misleading cover photo is manipulative. The murderer’s identity is not difficult to guess because there are so few suspects. Unfortunately, the motive lacks credibility; such extreme behaviour requires a stronger motive.

The ending is sudden. Much is unexplained. The stalker angle is never fully explained and neither is Sam’s father’s illness clarified. Considering what happens, there would inevitably be emotional fallout, but it is never addressed. Perhaps the next book in the series, Containment, will fill in some gaps?

Despite its weaknesses, I will continue listening to the series during my morning walks. The books are entertaining and I’m interested to see how Sam matures in both her personal and professional life.

Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).… (plus d'informations)