Shaprio’s followup to The Raven’s Cry finds Kate Zoe Thomas now managing the local community television station on Canada's tiny Wynter Island when now-famous actress Rosalie Morgan requests an interview to let the island know she's come back home, with entourage in tow. Islanders are not rolling out the welcome mat as Rosalie left after dalliances with many eligible—and not eligible—men, leaving a trail of angry wives with axes to grind. This puts Kate in a tough spot: take advantage of the boost this interview will bring the station, or support friends who are none too pleased to see Rosalie again? But just as Rosalie begins to discuss, on air, why she has come back, the unthinkable happens: Rosalie collapses and dies. Now, Kate must help find Rosalie's killer to save the station and the reputation of her friends.

The stakes are high in finding the killer before innocent people are accused and Kate's livelihood is destroyed. The story embraces a classic mystery format, offering a host of potential suspects: women who feel Rosalie ruined marriages and lives, members of Rosalie's entourage, old lovers from Rosalie's past. Seasoned sleuth fans may not find the ending too surprising, but Kate’s journey to it is fun and often surprising, powered by crisp dialogue, a strong sense of local dish, and a fascinating isolated milieu. The Kate readers meet in this second book in the series is recovering from the trauma of all that came before, including being accused of killing her fiancé, a charge some people still find credible, complicating her life. Keeping backstory and relationships straight will prove daunting to new readers, who are advised to start with the earlier entry.

Kate stands again as a strong protagonist, one with a passion project that rewards checking in with her over the course of a series. She’s highly dedicated to her television station and a loyal staff of volunteers. Once the news of Rosalie's murder on live TV hits the outside media, suddenly the press is everywhere, and the station's rich and anonymous benefactor is threatening to pull their financial support, a dilemma that adds real urgency to the case. The Loon's Song is a fine mystery and quick read, given welcome depth by the woman at its heart.

Takeaway: An on-air murder shocks the world in this brisk island mystery.

Comparable Titles: Lara Dearman’s Jennifer Dorey Mystery series, Thomas King’s Dreadfulwater Mysteries series.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A