The Suspect by L.R. Wright was published in 1985 and it’s the first book I’ve read by this author. She’s known as Laurali Wright in the US.
The setting is a little coastal town in British Columbia, the Sechelt Peninsula otherwise known as the Sunshine Coast. The police force there is of course the Canadian Mounties but disappointingly Karl Alberg doesn’t wear that distinctive uniform as he carries out his crime investigation. Karl has only recently moved to Sechelt, it’s thought of being a bit of a cushy job within the police force, it’s a quiet backwater. Or is it?
This is quite an unusual murder mystery as there is no mystery as to who the culprit is but there is plenty of mystery about why the victim was murdered and how such a likeable chap could commit the murder.
I really liked this one, everything about it, the writing, the setting and the characters. It is the first in a series so it looks like I’m going to be seeking out books from yet another crime series, I have so many on the go! I’m wondering if it is necessary to read these ones in order, I prefer to do that but I don’t think all of the books will be easy for me to track down.
Sadly the writer Laurali Rose Wright died in 2001. Have you read any of her books?
The only other Lauralis I have ever heard of are the mother and daughter in The Gilmore Girls, a TV show that I really enjoyed, although I’m not even sure their names were spelled the same way. Maybe it is quite a common name in some parts of the world, have you ever met any?
I have not ever know a Laurali! I knew you’d love it, it’s so different. There is a relationship between the detective and the librarian (? It’s been awhile since I read it.) for that you might want to read in order. I have a few more but not all. Still waiting to be read. I’ll try to read the next one before I come and bring it!
Peggy,
I hoped that that relationship was going to continue. I think I can get the next one fairly cheaply online, I’ll keep you posted.
I have just finished reading The Shipping News, so I’m filled with interest in books with Canadian settings and good characters. This one is across on the other side of the country of course. And sounds like a very good read 🙂
Sandra,
I loved The Shipping News and even bought the DVD, the film is a bit different from the book but still enjoyable.
In the Gilmore Girls, a favorite show, the name is spelled Lorelai. I think, but I’m not sure, it was supposed to be related to the siren / water spirit, Lorelei on the Rhine River, who lured sailors to their deaths.
The book sounds interesting, so I think I’ll have to hunt it down.
Joan,
I had a feeling that their name was based on something Germanic, probably Wagner wrote something about Lorelei, based on a myth. I love The Gilmore Girls.
I have read this book and the second one, and I think I have the third to read also. I liked the 2nd book, but it wasn’t as good as The Suspect. That is a special book.
tracybham,
The Suspect is very good, it must have been difficult writing the second one for that reason. I’m still looking forward to reading it though.