Dianne Hagan has done it again with Stone Coat Man, the fourth Cadence Mystery Series. Another edge-of-your-seat ride of a tale that I couldn’t put down! Her writing makes it so easy to visualize the characters, settings, even the food! I would love to see this series on the screen. Each book makes me hunger for the next one to be released. Kudos, Dianne. You’re a fine author.

After reading this book, I have officially become a fan of the author; this book contains themes of social justice and equality and has opened my eyes to new perspectives. Hagan's adept character development is one to applaud. As the protagonist, Marian Greene is portrayed with a depth that allows readers to intimately connect with her experiences and emotions. The depiction of her husband Lester and their interactions brings a relatable and human aspect to the narrative. The settings and scenes are painted with such detail that they come alive, effortlessly transporting readers to the mysterious and suspenseful world of Cadence. The blend of realistic settings with elements of folklore enriches the narrative, offering a unique reading experience. The author's writing style is engaging and fluid, with a balance of dialogue and description that maintains the pace and keeps the reader engrossed. 

This book is a must-read for those who enjoy mysteries that intertwine with folklore and explore the complexities of human nature. Hagan's ability to create a vivid, suspenseful world, combined with her rich character development and thought-provoking themes, makes this novel a memorable and engaging experience.

Disclaimer: My wife and I have been friends with Dianne Hagan and her husband for over 40 years. I acted as an early reader and general kibitzer on this novel as well as on her other Cadence novels.

Lighter in tone than, Stony Place, her previous Cadence book, Stone Coat Manstems from the reverberations of events in that novel. Cadence is home to Native Americans, African Americans and white Americans, straight and LGBTQ+, all working together for the success of the community. As with previous entries in the series, Stone Coat Man explores how this plausibly utopian community would be threatened by the prejudices, hatreds and envy of those outside Cadence.

Kicking off the action, former librarian Marian Greene takes a snowy walk in the woods with the dog of neighbor and close friend, Enoch Shenandoah, when she comes across a body. Also, the Genoskwa, a creature straight out of Native American folklore, who is standing beside the body. The investigation into the death and the mystery of the Genoskwa leads to a sinister conspiracy threatening a member of the community who, having sought sanctuary and a home in Cadence, faces a threat from her past. Over the course of the novel we again witness the developing leadership exerted by Marian and her husband, Lester, and Enoch, and the bonds of friendship and the dedication to the community of a host of others as they help Police Chief George Powless strive to solve the mystery and help one of their newest members, Officer Gina Levins. 

Over the course of four novels Dianne has gained a steady hand at character, pacing, and description. What I haven’t mentioned often, or seen others stress in reviews, is the current of humor underpinning even the darkest of her Cadence novels and leavening the traumatic events endured by its inhabitants. Though often shocked or stunned by those events, as they regroup it is their sense of humor that helps them reassert the balance in their lives and cope with pain and grief. Much of this is centered in Enoch Shenandoah. Self-deprecating and sometimes silly, he is not one to leave a joke unspoken. And in this novel Dianne introduces Leroy Steeprock, an elderly wise man aware of the absurdities around him, and whose sense of the absurd acts to flummox his enemies, and even some of his friends, like Enoch, who more than meets his match in Leroy. In my reading experience, Leroy is an unique creation and great fun to spend time with.

Stone Coat Man is an incredible read. It is not only an exciting, stimulating mystery, it really challenges the reader to reflect on both the damage that can be done to those in the minority spectrum as well as their courage and resilience. I have read all of Dianne's Cadence Series mysteries and am in love with all the characters as well as with Cadence itself and all it represents which, essentially, is love.
As a member of the Sikh religion, I was thrilled to see representation of us in the characters of Dr. Balvinder Singh and his wife Vagisha Singh who relate not only their struggles with racism but also bring in a few tidbits of Punjabi culture. Well done to Dianne for her thorough research and ingenuity to include characters of a little-known culture in the U.S.
Already, I am eagerly looking forward to Dianne's next Cadence novel, and the next, and the next. I just can't get enough of them.
Buy it and enjoy!

Stone Coat Man: A Cadence Mystery is a unique and interesting mystery thriller that excels by going far beyond the usual. The author herself is invested in social and political issues such as the rights and treatment of minority groups and her social conscience shines brightly in her writing. That is not to say that the novel is moralizing or dry – quite the contrary. The opening chapter dives straight into the action and it is full of fast-paced dialogue, humor, action and suspense. Hagan enriches the story by drawing from, Native American folklore with the appearance of the Genoskwa, or stone giant man in connection with a murder. I really appreciated the fact that there are so many characters from different cultures and backgrounds in this novel. In addition, the author doesn’t shy away from difficult racial issues but without weighing the pace of the novel down or detracting from the central thriller storyline. Events in the book move at a brisk pace and will likely keep you awake at night, wanting to find out what happens.

Hagan’s writing style is compact and fast-moving, which is a good balance for the sometimes heavy subject matter she deals with. This is the fourth book in the Cadence mystery series. While it is possible to read this book on its own, if you enjoy it, definitely delve into the earlier books in the series as well.

In the latest installment of the Cadence mysteries, Stone Coat Man: A Cadence Mystery by Dianne L. Hagan, readers are transported back to the seemingly serene town of Cadence, New York, for a journey replete with suspense and unexpected turns. The narrative begins with Marian Greene’s startling discovery during a routine walk in the woods, catapulting her and the town into a complex challenge that unravels the fabric of their quiet community.

Dianne L. Hagan is an adept storyteller, weaving a narrative transcending conventional mystery thrillers. Her portrayal of protagonist Marian Greene is notably profound, creating a tangible connection between the reader and Marian’s intricate journey. The book’s exploration of societal and political themes, particularly concerning minority rights and treatment, introduces a layer of depth and relevance, enriching the narrative without detracting from its engrossing pace.

Hagan’s incorporation of Native American traditions, including the mythical Genoskwa, melds a rich tapestry of cultural discovery into the mystery, enhancing the story’s authenticity and appeal. The diverse cast of characters contributes to the small-town ambiance, making the setting more believable and relatable. While this book is the fourth in the series, it stands firmly on its own, offering a complete and satisfying experience, with previous installments adding further context for those interested.

The author’s meticulous attention to detail, from the vividly painted settings to the integration of folklore, creates an immersive experience that lingers with the reader. Stone Coat Man is more than a mystery; it’s an exploration into the complexities of human nature, intertwined with cultural lore, prompting reflection on contemporary societal issues.

This book is highly recommended for readers who seek a story that keeps them on the edge of their seats and provides meaningful commentary on social justice and equality. Stone Coat Man: A Cadence Mystery is an essential addition to the library of any mystery reader looking for a story that both entertains and provokes thought.