Peter Anthony Blush, Boreal Dreams, Stratford novelist, Stratford, Stratford Festival, murder, mystery, Vermont, mystery books, good reads, Amazon.com

4.0 out of 5 stars

May 22, 2012 By Dodo Lou

In his first mystery novel, Peter Anthony Blush quickly hooks his readers as he spins a tale of suspense, horror and murder set in Haystack Mountain, Vermont. It is fast paced and exciting and almost impossible to put down.

Tension mounts as the sheriff and his deputy set out in search of a snowmobile accident during an unpredicted blinding snowstorm; we feel the anxiety and frustration of the two as the car skids and slides on icy roads and the snow continues to pile up. Excitement escalates when they learn it is not an accident but murder they are looking at; all hell breaks loose when state troopers, forensic people and an unknown French detective from Montreal arrive on the scene.

The story softens with the breathtaking and awe inspiring descriptions (Blush's forte) of the trees, mountains and countryside as they surrender to the winter storm that has unleashed its fury; and chuckle with delight at the simple but sometimes rough dialogue through which he captures the character and spirit of the people of this quiet and usually peaceful rural area.

What secrets are hidden within the caves up in the hills? How many murders have been committed? What is the mystery behind the reclusive wealthy landowner and the disappearance of his wife? And what about the Mohawks and the Abenakis . . . are they at war?

The mutual respect that develops between the sheriff and the French detective from Montreal is a pleasant surprise and not overdone.

Honesty, loyalty, trust and vulnerability; greed, lust and betrayal . . . it's all there in this well written first mystery novel. We are left hoping to meet Lackner, the loyal and upstanding sheriff,or perhaps Roberge,the smooth and sophisticated detective, again, in a second novel.

5.0 out of 5 stars

Enjoying the familar

May 22, 2012 By Diane G. King

This is a well written mystery....knowing the area in Vermont (and the Eastern Townships in Canada), makes this read more enjoyable and familiar. I enjoyed the banter, the local references and the vocabulary.... The story will keep you wondering....

5.0 out of 5 stars

An amazing first novel

May 16, 2012 By Mountain Girl

Peter Blush spins a tale of murder, corruption and shocking scenes but at the same time he invites you to share his wonderful description of this breathtaking Vermont town. I found that as I read the novel I could not put the book down - finishing the book in two days. You feel as if you know the characters as he spins this story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. As you will see Sheriff Lackner has his hands full on the job and at home. The book is full of suspense and beauty. I am sure that this is only the beginning for Mr. Blush and hope that another novel will follow.

4.0 out of 5 stars

Interesting New author

May 14, 2012 By Wayne Smith

The author has constructed an intricate and interesting cast of characters as well as interlocking plot lines that ebb and flow through the story. There are well realized characters and a detailed sense of place complimented by an obvious love and appreciation of nature, in particular the setting in which the story takes place. It reminded me of a John Sandford novel, who I enjoy. A good read!

4.0 out of 5 stars

Nail Biting

May 5, 2012 By Fiona McLeish

In his first novel, Peter A. Blush transports his readers to Vermont and writes a vivid description of the country side, forests and characters, some being beautiful, others intelligent and some who are just downright creepy. The plot twists and turns and deliciously crescendos to a nail-biting end that will guarantee the reader to reluctantly put the book down.

4.0 out of 5 stars

June 13, 2012 By David Ramsey (Michigan)

OK I will say 1st this in not normally the type of book I read. Saying that, it kept me interested right to the end.

This is a contemporary murder mystery. The book starts off with a conspiracy. A company genetically engineering corn. It cross breeds with the corn, which is being grown for a 3rd world country. They find that the contaminated corn carries in it,a gene that will cause infertility and possible other side effects. Instead of getting rid of it, the sale goes through. So there is a huge cover up. The company is buying up land in the surrounding areas. One farm will not sell, the wife of the farmer disappears, there is a suicide of another worker at the company. All of this is going on and the sheriff is trying to figure out what is actually going on. The sheriff and his wife are on the outs. He doesn't know his wife is having an affair with a upper boss of the company he is investigating. While all this is going on. There are 3 people running out in the wilderness in the hopes to bring information about the company to certain people. There are also wolves/wild dogs attacking hikers & people in the woods and also a mysterious Indian. There is a series of people over the past several years who have been found with arrows in them dead in the woods.

You basically are learning about this town and its occupants, while a huge conspiracy and investigation is going on. The book was very well done, with tons of characters. Probably my only complaint. I felt like I almost had to take notes to keep certain characters straight. Saying that, the fight scenes were awesome. The story was complex but intriguing. I would highly recommend this author and/or this book to people who want a story that makes them think and likes stories with in stories. This one will make you think right up to the end when you figure out how things are connected. I could almost see this book as a sitcom. The typical story with in a story and you don't know for sure what is going on till the end. If you are looking for an easy read, this is not it.