Kevin Major

In Five for Forteau, Kevin Major sends inquisitive PI/tour guide Sebastian Synard out of St. John’s, across the island and north to Labrador where he’s leading a group of four lighthouse enthusiasts on an excursion to some of the region’s most impressive specimens. Along the way, the group encounters a professional photographer named Amanda Thomsen and her partner Jake Moe, on assignment to Point Amour to capture images of the village’s lighthouse, the tallest in Atlantic Canada and second tallest in the country. But that evening there is a mishap, and somehow Amanda ends up dead at the base of the lighthouse, having fallen 33 meters from the catwalk. What happened? Was this a tragic accident? Murder? Suicide?

Sebastian has little desire to get involved, but in this instance, as a material witness, he has no choice. The RCMP are following several leads, one of which is Marco, a member of Sebastian’s tour group who seemed to take a great interest in the attractive young photographer upon meeting her at the B&B where the group was staying. Also of interest is Jake, who, following the incident, becomes suspiciously elusive. Sebastian, with help from his partner Mae, follows leads of his own and embarks on inquiries into Amanda’s personal and professional life and Jake’s background to see if he can uncover clues that might illuminate the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate woman’s death.

Five for Forteau presents an intriguing mystery and a story steeped in Newfoundland folklore and history (ancient and modern). As always, Sebastian’s narrative voice is spiced with ironic asides and plenty of snarky observations regarding the peculiarities and excesses of human behaviour. Major maintains a light touch throughout the novel. The pacing is swift with literary flourishes kept to a minimum. While the novel’s entertainment value is high, it also succeeds in touching the reader at a deeper level: a young woman has lost her life under mysterious circumstances, and we want to know why.

In this, the spirited fifth installment of his engaging Sebastian Synard mystery series, Kevin Major—author of twenty-three books—once again proves his mettle. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.… (more)