Aloha, Candy Hearts by Anthony Bidulka

30. - 493.) Aloha, Candy Hearts by Anthony Bidulka – As in Amuse Bouche marriage is at the core of the plot. Russell is blind sided by an unexpected proposal from long distance lover, Alex Canyon, in Hawaii. Russell accepts even though he is ambivalent about marrying Alex. On his arrival back in Saskatoon flight companion, Walter Angel, is murdered at the airport. Russell finds that Angel has surreptitiously slipped him a crude treasure map of Saskatoon inscribed with cryptic poetic clues that Angel was bringing back to Saskatoon. With Angel the head archivist at the University of Saskatchewan it is no surprise the clues are historically based. To unravel them requires an extensive knowledge of Saskatoon history. I learned bits of Saskatoon lore from the story. Who knew archivists were treasure hunters with secrets worthy of murder? As Russell delves into the clues his personal life is in turmoil. He finds himself drawn to nursing home owner, Ethan Ash, who is already in a relationship. At the same time Russell’s good friends, Anthony and Jared, are getting ready for a spectacular wedding. (I was reminded of Doug and Greg’s fabulous wedding in Toronto last year which was a major social event in Toronto in 2008.) Deciphering the clues amidst the wedding preparations Russell is attacked by an unknown assailant driving a white Ford F-150 truck. Why do people keep trying to kill Russell with farm trucks? Is the farm truck becoming a signature Saskatchewan murder weapon? As the plot climaxes there is little doubt as to the killer’s identity. I wish there had another one or two plausible suspects. It was great to have Russell’s mother, Kay, with her trademark hearty Ukranian cooking back in the story and it is interesting to meet his hard living sister, Joanne. (She was certainly not patterned after Fran.) I love Russell solving a mystery back in Saskatchewan. I keep waiting for him to solve a mystery in rural Saskatchewan or is it too dangerous for Russell? There are a lot more farm trucks in the country than in town. Excellent. (Aug. 3/09)