The details…
- Title: Waterlogged
- Author: Nance Sparks
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
- Publication date: December 10, 2024
- Available formats: ebook, paperback
- File size: 1530 KB
- Print length: 264 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1636796990
- Genre: thriller/romance
- Themes: falling in love, women loving women family, friends, small communities, murder, cancer treatments, returning to home, crime solving, mystery, Northwoods of Wisconsin, nature, lake life, suspense, family dynamics
The blurb from the publisher…
After nineteen years as a conservation warden on some of the busiest lakes in Southern Wisconsin, Jordan Pearce is ready for a change of pace in the quiet of the Northwoods on the same lake she used to vacation on with her family. Her wish is granted when a colleague quits without notice. Everything seems to be falling into place.
Hanna Quinn returns to the Northwoods to help care for her aunt Dottie after a cancer diagnosis. Both her aunts have been her saving grace and now it’s her turn to be their strength. There’s plenty to keep her busy, and the new conservation warden is a welcome distraction from her overflowing plate.
Odd occurrences put the community on edge, and the serenity of the Northwoods is rocked when a body is discovered floating in the flowage. Jordan pushes the limits of her authority to keep Hanna and her new town safe, but the truth isn’t always as it seems.
My thoughts…
Murder mysteries have always captivated readers’ imaginations. They delve into the darker aspects of human nature, allowing readers to explore the complexities of what drives people to commit acts of violence. These stories often take readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with suspense and tension. When experienced from the safety of a cozy chair, the thrill of danger becomes irresistibly appealing. That is precisely what Nance Sparks delivers in her new novel, Waterlogged.
Sparks masterfully sets the stage for this gripping murder mystery, beginning with a compelling premise. The story opens with a curious set of circumstances involving Warden Deb Ryder. Her puzzling actions immediately capture readers’ attention, drawing them into the investigation alongside Warden Jordan Pearce. Jordan’s determination to uncover the truth is tested when the standoffish and evasive sheriff shows little interest in assisting her. Events take a shocking turn when Deb is found dead in the very waters she patrols in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. As suspicions about the sheriff’s behavior grows, the mystery deepens, making the unraveling of clues an engaging challenge that keeps readers hooked.
Waterlogged offers more than just a gripping murder mystery, though. Sparks skillfully weaves romance into the narrative, adding layers of emotional complexity. What’s more, the romantic tension between Jordan and Hanna works to raise the stakes, which in turn amplifies the urgency and suspense within the storytelling. Sparks crafts Jordan and Hanna’s love story delicately though, creating a balance between tenderness and tension. Their intimate moments stand in stark contrast to the darker aspects of the murder investigation. Ultimately, this highlights the fragility of love and makes the themes within the story more poignant in the end.
It is evident Sparks did her research for Waterlogged; the setting is immersive and transportive. The Northwoods of Wisconsin, with its serene lakes and dense forests, is vividly brought to life. Sparks’ detailed descriptions of the lush greenery and shimmering waters enable readers to picture the tranquil beauty of the area. However, this idyllic backdrop also becomes the stage for tragedy, adding layers of tension and intrigue. This enriches the storytelling immensely, ultimately playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative’s tone and tenor.
Knowing how to use and manipulate literary devices within this genre is crucial, and Sparks clearly shows she is no novice. She expertly juxtaposes the peacefulness of the outdoors with the darkness of the unfolding mystery, creating a story world that is rich, dynamic, and textured. The veneer of tranquility lulls readers into a sense of calm—only to shatter it with sudden moments of danger and uncertainty. This interplay between serenity and menace mirrors the complexities of human nature, adding a psychologically rich dimension to the narrative.
Sparks’ mastery of pacing is also worth mentioning; she uses it to ensure that readers remain fully engaged. The narrative alternates between moments of high-stakes action and quiet contemplation, creating a rhythm that keeps readers on edge. These contrasting rhythms also serve to deepen the emotional impact of the journey, ultimately heightening the suspense. However, Starks makes sure to balance the frenetic energy of the action with poignant pauses, inviting readers to fully digest the story. This, combined with Sparks skillful foreshadowing, makes Waterlogged an impactful piece of fiction. Sparks takes care to end each chapter with the right amount of anticipation and suspense, and it underscores exactly why Waterlogged is a true page-turner.
Final Remarks…
Nance Sparks’ Waterlogged is a finely crafted murder mystery that blends suspense and romance with an emotional depth that’s quite remarkable. Her skillful use of pacing, immersive settings, and intricate plot development ensures a captivating reading experience for murder mystery fans. The interplay of these elements not only drives the story forward but also sheds light on the complex nature of human behavior. This is a gripping, psychologically rich tale and should not be missed.
Strengths…
- Well-written, well-plotted
- Immersive story world
- Suspenseful, page-turning narrative
- Well-drawn characters
- Thrilling who-done-it
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A bit about the author…
Nance Sparks is a Goldie Award winning author of lesbian romance. She lives in south central Wisconsin with her spouse. Her passion for photography, homesteading, hiking, gardening and most anything outdoors comes through in her stories. When the sun is out and the sky is blue, especially during the golden hour, Nance can be found on the Wisconsin River with a camera in hand capturing shots of large birds in flight. To learn more about Nance, visit her website and social media.
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