Mantinicus by Darcy Scott--a review

Meet author,  Darcy Scott!!  DARCY SCOTT is a live-aboard sailor and experienced ocean cruiser who’s sailed to Grenada and back on a whim, island-hopped through the Caribbean, and been struck by lightning in the middle of the Gulf Stream. Her favorite cruising ground remains the coast of Maine, however, and her appreciation of the history and rugged beauty of its sparsely populated out-islands serves as inspiration for her Maine Island Mystery Series, which includes 2012’s award-winning "Matinicus" and the newly released "Reese’s Leap." Book three, "Ragged Island," is currently in the works. Her debut novel, "Hunter Huntress," was published in June, 2010 by Snowbooks, Ltd., UK.

Catch Up With the Darcy:

Mantinicus synopsis:

Praised by Kirkus Reviews as "The kind of book readers will tear through, only to find themselves hungry for more," this century-spanning double mystery steeped in Maine island lore pits a renegade fishing community against an unhappy child-bride of the 1820s, a defiant twenty-first-century teen, and a hard-drinking botanist—Dr. Gil Hodges—who escapes to the island of Matinicus to avoid a crazed ex-lover and verify a rumored 22 species of wild orchid, only to find himself hounded by the ghost of a child some 200 years dead.

If Gil’s hoping for some peace and quiet, he’s clearly come to the wrong place. Generations of infighting among loose-knit lobstering clans have left them openly hostile to outsiders. When a beautiful, bed-hopping stranger sails into the harbor, old resentments re-ignite and people begin to die—murders linked, through centuries of violence, to a diary whose secrets threaten to tear the island apart.

Discover why Cruising World Magazine calls Gil "The best male protagnist to come along since Lee Child's Jack Racher!"

From My Perspective:

Wow, Mantinicus is an absolutely must read for anyone who loves a good mystery and characters you can totally relate to.   I get that small towns and islanders are a lot alike in that they each know everybody's business and have their own peculiar ways of dealing with things.   And Darcy Scott sets the reading stage to perfection.   Our protagonist, Gil Hodges, has his flaws, although he is trying to improve himself, drinks a little too much, is an outsider, and he has a consceince, albeit, it is often GUILTY!    But he's one of those guys you just gotta love!   And he tries to help solve the island murders, but isn't prepared for the island justice that follows.    Nor is he prepared for the twisted surprise ending which was awesome.    One of the best mysteries this year in my humble opinion!  It took a bit of reading to get to the hook, but from then on, I couldn't let it go and I'm not one bit regretful of this fascinating story by an excellent story weaver!

5 WINKS!!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.