I'm not a huge mystery fan. I rarely get past the first book in a mystery series because it is the characters that tend to interest me rather than the mystery itself. So, if you are looking for a traditional mystery with clues and all that, these Du Pre mysteries, you probably won't be impressed by these books. But if you are looking for some great characters and some wonderful, colorful writing then these are fantastic.

That said, Coyote Wind, the first book, is a lot better than Specimen Song, the second book. Coyote Wind also has more of a traditional mystery plot. The four stars are for Coyote Wind. Specimen Song would only get three from me. But some of the middle books are as good or better than Coyote Wind. ( )

Ages since I read the first of this series, and this second never really got going for me. Found it odd, bemusing and not very mystery like. ( )

Its a shame this long running tale of the life of Gabrial Du Pre and friends does not get more positve recognition. Always a great read. ( )