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Nordic Nights |
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 Nordic Nights byLise McClendon Walker 292 pages, 1999. ISBN 0802733409 Reviewed by PJ Nunn Read our author interview For those of us located in the south, Alix Thorssen's icy world in Nordic Nights is like a fantasy realm. For Alix however, it is more like a nightmare. The death of her partner has left her alone to manage the Second Sun art gallery. As much as she loves her work, it seems that everything she attempts goes awry. A visit from her mother Una, and step-father Hank, coincides with a visit from Norwegian artist Glassius Dokken and the Nordic Nights community festival, for which Alix serves as the ice sculpture judge. Hank has brought along a five-year project as an entry in the parade and their days are full, but festive. Until Una and Hank take Glassius out for dinner and he turns up dead. Alix can't believe her stepfather could be involved in any way. But local law enforcement disagrees and Hank's in jail. Worse, he's not talking and Una isn't either. Even Alix's past efforts don't prepare her for blatant attempts to stop the investigation. Can she uncover Hank's secret before one of them is killed? The third book in the series Nordic Nights starts out a little slow, but does give credence to the state of limbo Alix experiences, trying to find new focus in her life. As the pace picks up, and it does so admirably, McClendon's descriptive strength is once again evident, as the author sketches out a vivid portrait of snow-lined, icy streets filled with tourists. Nearby winter sports competitions lend an Olympic atmosphere, with parades and festivities to fill the off-hours. The gaiety is underscored with sinister activity that leads to an intense and surprising conclusion. Nordic Nights is a transitional novel for the series. It is not an edge-of-the-seat thriller, but rather one of slow suspense, showing new depth for McClendon's writing skills. Readers will enjoy the distinctive setting. Fans of previous Thorssen adventures will happily accompany her in this latest escapade and look forward to more. |
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