This is the second book featuring Sean Stranahan the sometime detective, part time painter, and fanatical fly fisherman, who is tasked with helping solve the identities of two bodies and two missing fly fishing lures. Like the first book the mystery is well laid out, and you learn more about fly fishing. This was a great second book. ( )

Two graves are found on the Sphinx Moutain and Sheriff Martha Ettinger suspects murder. But, the only evidence is a hole in a skull that could be a bullet hole. So, she calls in private investigator Sean Stranahan for hep. Sean already has a case, trying to find a valuable fly that has been stolen from The Madison River Liars and Fly Tiers Club. But, he agrees to help Martha out with the dead bodies case.

I was delighted to discover The Sean Stranahan series when I ran out of Longmire books to read. (Check up Craig Johnsons Longmire books, they are great). Sean Stranahan moved to Montana after a failed marriage and he is now a painter, fly fisherman, and private investigator. In the first book, The Royal Wulff Murders did he help out Martha Ettinger with a case and they have an easy-going relationship with banter and quite a lot of chemistry between them. Unfortunately, they are also seeing other people, but that doesn't stop the sparks between them.

I do like these kinds of books. There is just something about Montana, the mountains, sheriffs and strange crimes that just floats my boat. As I wrote above did I start to read this series when I didn't have more Longmire books to read, and I recommend this series to Longmire fans. For one thing, Keith McCafferty has created some really good characters. Sean Stranahan is great, and I love that it's a female Sheriff in charge and Martha Ettinger is one hell of a woman. They make a great team!

The story in this book is good, and the dead body case took an interesting turn when the circumstances for the deaths were revealed, although I was not surprised when it came to whom was involved in it. Well, I did not figure out the whole plot, there were still some things that happened that I didn't see coming. Still, it was an interesting case. The missing fly case felt a little like a second case, not that important and not that big a mystery. Still, it served its purpose in the end.

I did, however, feel that the book becomes a bit slow now and then in the middle, but it picked up speed towards the end and it ended on a high note. There was, however, one part of the book that really got to me and that was Sean and his new "girlfriend" dealing with her dying cat. I have a serious problem reading and watching anything that deals with animals getting hurt or dies. But, at the same time, it dealt with really beautiful in this book because the cat was really loved.

3.5 stars ( )

fiction, mystery, fishing, Montana

We know the author can write... he's been with Field & Stream, MEN, Chicago Tribune ...
The first book was enjoyable, I had hopes - and they were not dashed. This series isn't deep, but I read for fun! The characters are getting fleshed out, the scenery is compelling (road trip?) and I fly fish - so a bit more reason for me to be pleased with Sean's mysteries.
Will continue. ( )

This is the second book featuring Sean Stranahan the sometime detective, part time painter, and fanatical fly fisherman, who is tasked with helping solve the identities of two bodies and two missing fly fishing lures. Like the first book the mystery is well laid out, and you learn more about fly fishing. This was a great second book. ( )