Whistling Down the Wind is a cozy mystery by Irene Radford. It takes place at a golf course and lodge in the small Oregon town of Whistling River. Glenna McClain is the general manager, and part owner of the lodge. She is busy dealing with the daily problems that come up as well as the interesting characters from the town. The lodge has just hired a former police detective, Craig Knutsen, as the new security chief. The timing couldn’t be better, because she soon needs his help in solving the murder of her ex-husband, Jared. When two more of Jared’s widows appear, none of whom appear to have been legally married to him, the mystery deepens. Mix in some Japanese businessmen, and a local arsonist, and Glenna has her hands full.

I have read, and enjoyed, some of Irene Radford’s fantasy works and so I was interested to read this first in a series of cozy mysteries. Whistling River is an interesting small town with quirky characters (including some dogs). The pacific northwest landscape is well described and adds to the atmosphere of the novel. Glenna is a strong and intelligent protagonist. The mystery is actually not the most interesting part of the novel. I figured out many of the elements fairly easily and didn’t find the motive/ culprit very convincing. Glenna’s efforts to run the resort and make it a success, with all the challenges and conflicts of the other owners and her quirky town were more entertaining. I am sure there will be more murders to solve in future installments of this series. I will enjoy reading them as much for the mystery as for spending more time with these characters. There is a bit of romance with a hint of more to come in future mysteries. I would recommend this novel for readers who enjoy a cozy mystery in an interesting setting. ( )

I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. I read it in one day. The characters and plot were reasonably developed, while keeping me guessing who was the criminal. There are some slight errors including some mentions of time of day that are not consistent. Overall, a great, light read! ( )

A cosy Who Done It. It doesn't give away the villain to early. It has great characters. A best friend that you wish really was yours, and wacky ones that you want to smack for Glenna, the main character. Irene Radford does such a great job describing Oregon that it makes you want to go there. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. ( )

Glenna, the majority owner of the Lodge and Resort, is shocked when her ex-husband turns up at the Lodge, and what's more, is murdered. She is the prime suspect for the crime and she needs to clear her name fast. Complicating this is a potential to repurchase some land sold off by the previous owner - if she can raise the money - but there's another potential purchaser or two.

This was a bit of an oddity; it was primarily a mystery but had other elements as well - paranormal goings on and a potential romance. I thought the 3 elements didn't set well together, and at the end of the book I was none the wiser whether the paranormal element was a red herring or not (let alone whether it was genuine or local geological and meteorological phenomena).

Some bits I thought OTT - the local fire bug, for instance, and the fact that the previous owner of the resort had faked his own death with Glenna's help. Also, Glenna's ex (who had remarried twice) was a serial bigamist - their divorce wasn't completed. Another thing (which may not be jarring to a US audience) was a hike in the country with her new security chief - and both are armed. This is the only scene in the book where they are armed...

It was an OK read, but I won't go out of my way to get others in the series.

I received this book from Early Reviewers. I enjoyed this book. I feel the characters were very well developed and had good depth to them. The reason for the murders were well thought out and credible. Glenna, the main character is the manager of the lodge and owns the most stock in it. Craig-her new Security Chief has a few secrets that might be more developed in the next book.. Pete-the Chief of Police has his hands full trying to figure out who did the killings. Overall very good ( )