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No matter how much she protests, Ruby Smyth is not going to get her way for a vacation. She’ll have to see the Maritimes later because her husband John, editor of the denominational magazine, has to attend the annual meeting. The two travel from
Winnipeg, Manitoba to British Columbia in their trusty old car. The one perk Ruby likes is the lodging. This time they are staying with Dr. John Robinson. He’s an odd duck, sort of quirky, mysterious and long winded, but he lives in a gorgeous house in the prestigious neighborhood on Mountaintop drive. However, no matter how beautiful the surroundings, Mountaintop Drive harbors secrets of its own. Deeds down in darkness are usually revealed in the light of day, though.
A murder takes place in the high class setting. John and Ruby’s host is suddenly whisked away. The detectives arrive and begin to question John Smyth. In the meantime John’s intrigued by the two very different churches in town. One highbrow, one street regular, but both are the same denomination. Is one more important, more vital than the other? And, what’s up with Ruby and the walks around the lake?
Once more Mr. Coggins pens a moving mystery. The Canadian setting is unique and the lead characters are warm and real. I was so happy to meet Ruby and liked her immediately. She’s a good match for John.
The mystery in Mountaintop Drive is well developed. I liked it better than Who’s Grace, which I enjoyed immensely. The story moves quickly, while some clues are a little obvious and don’t really need to be pointed out to the reader, the twists and turns and plot developments are well placed at a great pace.
I relish the John Smyth Mysteries and eagerly wait for more! Unfortunately I thought I had written the review a few months ago, but in changing computers etc., if I did write it, I’ve since lost it. But that turned out okay, because I had the opportunity to re-read it for this review and was more than delighted to do so! I highly recommend Mountaintop Drive.
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
September 1, 2005
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