Book 23 (2012) Confined Space ** by Deryn Collier

A first mystery, and quite good.   A Bern Fortin novel (he's a Canadianj Forces commander retired, now a coroner in a northern BC town).   Let's hope for more in this series.

Book 16 (2012) Swamp Angel **** by Ethel Wilson

Now in my top 5 Canadian novels.   Written in the 50's.   I looked for it for years, and finally it was republished.   Bought 2 copies, one to send to Sheila.

Takes place in Vancouver and a northern BC isolated resort.

The story of a woman who is independent, makes mistakes, and then is strong enough to fix them.   I liked Wilson's truths.   One of my favorites is how Maggie Lloyd finds herself in a situation in which she can do no right.   The couple who owns the resort are not competent, but resent her as she takes charge, especially the wife.   Maggie realizes that she must manage the situation because the woman will not, cannot see beyond the jealousy and emotion of the moment, to see how they will have to work together.  

Book 1 (2011) Snow Job* by William Deverell

I've read all of Deverell's books, and this one is better than the last few in that the story lines are all very interesting.   This book is set in the usual Saltspring Island location, but with Ottawa and Bhashyistan and Albania politics and war backgrounds as well.

See also review of Kill All the Judges by the same author for detailed comments.