Death in a Darkening Mist

A Lane Winslow Mystery, Book 2

By: Iona Whishaw

Narrated by: Marilla Wex

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The second instalment in the Lane Winslow mystery series; for fans of the Maisie Dobbs and Bess Crawford series.

On a snowy day in December 1946, Lane Winslow - a former British intelligence agent who’s escaped to the rural Canadian community of King’s Cove in pursuit of a tranquil life - is introduced to the local hot springs. While there, she overhears nearby patrons speaking Russian. When one of those patrons is found dead in the change room, Lane’s linguistic and intelligence experience is of immeasurable value to the local police force in solving the murder.

The investigation points to the Soviet Union, where Stalin’s purges are eliminating enemies, and the reach of Stalin’s agent snakes all the way into a harmless Doukhobor community. Winslow’s complicated relationship with the local police inspector, Darling, is intensified by the perils of the case and by the discovery of her own father’s death during the war.

The case comes to a frantic and shocking end with a perilous nighttime journey along treacherous snow-covered roads.

“Iona Whishaw is an exciting addition to Canada’s fine roster of mystery writers. I’m already planning to read [Killer in King’s Cove] again, and this time I’ll read the teaser for Whishaw’s next novel provided at the end. A debut mystery by an author destined for awards.” (Don Graves, Canadian Mystery Reviews blog)

©2017 Iona Whishaw (P)2020 TouchWood Editions

Critic reviews

“The late L.R. Wright’s marvellous mysteries set on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast remain some of my favourite Canadian books. But this second novel by Iona Whishaw, also set in B.C., is every bit as good. Both writers know how to make a book’s setting as important a factor as the plot line or the characters...[an] excellent chapter in what appears to be a terrific series.” (Margaret Cannon, Globe and Mail)

“Set in 1946, this series cleverly combines both elements of a cozy and a spy thriller, with a heroine who is tough and independent, but harboring secrets of her own.... The local townspeople are quirky and a nice addition, reminding the reader of another Canadian writer, Louise Penny, who populates her town with interesting characters...a series I hope to continue reading.” (Reviewing the Evidence)

“An absolute winner [that] moves the notch up several levels when it comes to mystery writing with a historical twinge. The highlight of the writing is the seamless blend of the sense of place into the story line. The impact of both world wars settles into the essence of any place, and this is a sterling example of how place impacts both events and people.” (Don Graves, Canadian Mystery Reviews)

Excellent mystery

Another reviewer noted that the first book was a little slow, this one was a faster pace and the development of the characters in book 1 contribute to book 2 beautifully. I love the layers and complexity of the mysteries and the people in them. Not to mention, the descriptions of the landscapes make me want to move to King's Cove!

Poor narration. All sound alike!

This is just my flavor of books, but the narrator ruined it. She had a pleasant voice but little differentiation between characters. With the exception of two or three characters all the rest sound alike. Men or women, old or young it doesn't matter. This made the book confusing and often I had to go back and replay segments to figure out who was talking. This ruins my enjoyment of a book.

Nice find!

I stumbled across this author, and her Lane Winslow character after it was referenced on a Facebook page. I was pleasantly surprised, and find that I like the young heroine.

The first book in the series was a little slow for me, but it did establish the characters and I found that I really enjoyed the second book, (death in a darkening mist) and I’m liking the third book.

It has the elements I like: not too graphic (regarding sex and violence) not too sappy. An admirable lead character that’s fun to root for. And a dash of romantic tension.

Fresh perspective - believable characters

Yes, the narrator isn’t great with the voice of the lead male character - but the story is nicely complex with plenty of unexpected characters. I appreciate the setting of western Canada and the issues of reintegration right after WWII

Beautifully Written Historical Series

This is the second book in Iona Whishaw's fascinating Lane Winslow series, set in post WWII Canada. Lane Winslow, a former British spy, has comfortably settled in the Canadian countryside, making friends with the locals and enjoying her quiet life. She is drawn into the investigation of a Russian farmer's murder because of her fluency with their language, and the fact that she was present at the hot springs when the body was discovered. Inspector Darling, reluctant to include her in the case, finds that she knows too much about certain things, making him wonder more and more about her wartime activities. But, as the investigation continues, each of them begins to realize how much they care for the other.

Marilla Wex skillfully narrates this book with just the right tone. I do wish that her male voices sounded more "male."

hard to follow

The narrator voices didn't seem to change much, making it hard to follow character changes.