The Border Guards by Mark Sinnett

15. - 574.) The Border Guards by Mark Sinnett – Tim Hollins is mourning the death of his father, Michael, a prominent Toronto lobbyist turned Gananoque restauranteur in a car accident. At the same time John Selby, an FBI agent returns from leave to be seconded to the BVC (Border Vigilance Commission). Published in 2004 the U.S. has become paranoid about what dangers are coming across the border. Selby is sent into Canada to explore what Nikolai Petrovitch, a Russian immigrant, may be bringing into the U.S. in garbage trucks. The investigation shifts to the Kingston area because of the connections between Petrovitch, Selby and Hanne Kristiansen, an art dealer who is  a former lover of Selby.
            It takes over 100 pages but eventually becomes clear that there is smuggling going on in the Thousand Islands involving Petrovitch.
            Tim and Rebecca, chef at the Hollins family’s Granite restaurant are coping with Michael’s death and what do for the future when violent death comes to the Islands.
            Des Boyle is the cadaverous officer leading the investigation for the RCMP. Boyle and Selby co-operate well investigating murder and the smuggling.
            There is a vivid portrayal of the art of boat travel between the islands for those carrying on the local tradition of smuggling. There are some nice descriptions of Kingston, Gananoque and the Islands.
            As the book winds down the investigation cannot seem to see the obvious connections between the parties. It would have been a better book had it been shorter.
            It is an alright book but I am not sure I would buy another by the author. Paperback. (Mar. 18/11)