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» Book Reviews » Features » Short Stories
| BOOK REVIEWS Northern Lights Ruth Bradbury-Horton
The members of the diverse community of Lunacy, Alaska are hiding secrets, shielding broken hearts, and looking for love. It’s just like any ordinary town – except that one of them could be a murderer. Roberts introduces an easily identifiable, if stereotypical, assortment of eccentric characters from the tweed clad professor, to the news-hungry reporter, the young and underestimated policeman, and the loner who leaves you wondering. Ignatius Burke or Nate as he prefers, takes up the newly created position of Chief of Police. Ignorant of the Lunacy lifestyle, he hesitantly welcomes the change. Not only does he bring along his rugged good looks, but he also drags along his personal baggage of guilt and depression. Hoping this small town will also have small problems, Nate initially finds himself taking care of petty crimes and neighbourly feuds. But shortly after his arrival, the inevitable happens: he finds himself embroiled with a murder investigation after a body is found 16 years after its death in a remote frozen location by a group of young hikers. Using his skills learnt on the streets of Baltimore, Nate sets out to untangle a web of people and clues. Enter Meg Galloway. Fiercely independent, Meg is immediately attracted to Nate, and quickly manoeuvres an introduction that includes his first experience of the awesome Northern Lights. Meg also just happens to be related to the murdered man, and is forced to deal with the pain and anger of finding somebody who had abandoned her 16 years ago. Roberts succeeds in keeping the reader gripped through clever dialogue and cinematic character and setting descriptions, making the reading experience almost interactive. She brings the characters and the story to a clean and conclusive ending, leaving no unanswered questions or disbelief at the outcome. An enjoyable read, not taxing on the brain, certain to entertain, "Northern Lights" would suit readers of who enjoy popular fiction and are looking for intrigue, love, drama and a hint of humour. For fans, this is Roberts at her best — "Northern Lights" will not disappoint.
Title:Northern Lights | | |
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