International Literacy Day: Review of MURDER BELOW ZERO by John Lawrence Reynolds (New Release)

Today, September 8, is the United Nations’ International Literacy Day; its purpose is “to raise people's awareness of and concern for literacy issues in the world.”

“Whether it’s reading or writing, literacy is an outlet to an untouchable world – your imagination. Not only is literacy a basic human right, it is a fundamental building block for learning as well as a personal empowerment tool. It is the catalyst for social and global progress” (http://internationalliteracyday.org/).  To celebrate the day, I read a novella, one of a series of books called Rapid Reads published by Orca Book Publishers. 

On the publisher’s website, the purpose of these novellas is explained:  “Author Ian McEwan once wrote that ‘the novella is the perfect form of prose fiction.’  In our increasingly fast-paced world we believe there is a need for well-written, well-told books that can be read in one sitting. Rapid Reads are short books for adult readers. They are intended for a diverse audience, including ESL students, reluctant readers, adults who struggle with literacy and anyone who wants a high-interest quick read” (http://orcabook.com/rapid-reads.com/). 

Review of Murder Below Zero by John Lawrence Reynolds 
3 Stars

A man’s body is found in a ditch in a small town in Ontario’s Muskoka region.  The police chief, Maxine Benson, sets out to find the murderer though a detective with the Ontario Provincial Police tells her, “‘So don’t try to play detective, okay?  You’ll just get in the way’” (12).  Max feels she is being dismissed because she’s a female, small-town cop, and she wants to prove that she is quite capable of solving the case.

The identity of the killer is fairly obvious because of the number of clues.  A few more red herrings might have been useful because the case is solved in a very straightforward manner.  Much of the interest in the novel lies in seeing how Max can prove that the main suspect is guilty, especially when the OPP are not co-operative.  Of course, I understand that Rapid Reads books are intended to be short books which can be read in one sitting. 

The characterization of Max is strong.  She is an intelligent, determined officer who stands up for herself.  She doesn’t mind not following all the rules when they don’t serve her purpose.  For example, she feels that the OPP are not sharing information with her so she isn’t always forthcoming with her information; she is reminded “‘to share data with the OPP’” (53) and “‘to send some stuff to Boucher’” (86).

Constable Ronald Boucher, however, is rather one-dimensional.  Repeatedly he is described as having a “cold manner” (18) and “a cold smile” (11).  His temperament matches the unusually cold June weather.  His treatment of Max is so condescending, though his behaviour does have the reader hoping that Max can best him. 

According to the publisher’s website, Rapid Reads books, like this one, “are short books for adult readers.  They are intended for a diverse audience, including ESL students, reluctant readers, adults who struggle with literacy” (http://orcabook.com/rapid-reads.com/about.html).  For this audience, this is a great book.  It has adult topics, providing interesting reading for adults wanting to improve their literacy skills.

This is the second book in the series.  The first is A Murder for Max.  I imagine there will be at least a third book.  Will there be more confrontations between Max and Boucher?

Note:  I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing.