Early Snow

Guy Hogan Mystery, #2

by

Kevin Wolf

Intriguing and original mystery series with a paranormal twist!

Early Snow is the second book in author Kevin Wolf's refreshingly original Guy Hogan Mystery series, where 1980s-set mysteries and suspense rub elbows with the paranormal. In this sophomore outing, Guy goes to work with his old friend, Dalton Cummings, now retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service, who has started his own security business. Their task is to keep watch over a weekend art auction at an historic hotel in Estes Park. But as the art prepares to move in, a massive snowstorm hits, and Guy, Dalton, hotel staff, and guests must hunker down, snowed in and without power. But as ghost stories about the hotel are passed around, those stranded there, including Guy himself, start seeing things that hint they are not alone. 

Guy Hogan is such a relatable character, a widower still adjusting to life without his Jenny, he's kind and considerate, and trying to help Dalton with his new, post-retirement gig. While Dalton is definitely in charge of the job, he has his limitations when it comes to dealing with the public, especially the ladies, and those tasks fall to Guy. As the guests were still arriving for the weekend when the storm hit, the big-name celebrities expected to bid at the auction had gradually canceled, so at least they weren't having to deal with that extra bit of distraction. However, I loved reading the "Who's Who" of early 80s celebs mentioned in the story. 

The mood is deliciously creepy and was kicked off by early arrivals taking a ghost tour of the hotel, heightened by loss of power, and galvanized by the ghost stories shared around the lobby fireplace the first night by the in-house tour guide and professional storyteller. The ghost stories, the heavy, falling snow, the extreme cold, the dark, and the sudden isolation due to the storm all contribute to a brooding, expectant atmosphere and building suspense. 

The story moves steadily onward with the frightening sightings of child ghosts from days gone by; the hotel had been a happy, memorable setting for these children when they were living. But as Guy, the story's narrator, doesn't believe in ghosts, he is thoroughly thrown off, wondering if what he's seeing is real. The murder is sudden and surprising, with much mystery surrounding it from the very beginning. The reader is kept in suspense for quite a bit before the identity of the deceased is revealed, while we hear accusations immediately regarding who the murderer is. The resolution, while probably closer to what happens in real life than most mystery novels, leaves everyone with questions. However, Guy may have finally found someone he can start spending some time with, other than Zac, his beagle, and that's a good thing. 

I recommend EARLY SNOW to fans of mystery and suspense stories with a ghostly touch. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.