The Concrete Vineyard
by Cam Lang
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Feb 12 2021 | Archive Date Apr 19 2021
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Description
Why would anyone want to murder the most respected senior citizen, Niagara-on-the-Lake has ever had?
Retired history professor Edward Mitchell was surely not long for the grave, so why would someone risk life in prison to kill him? Picking up the clues is the reluctant Homicide Chief Detective, Bryan Dee. Thinking he might be out of his depth he is happy to enlist the aid of his friend, Kris Gage. But when Dee reads the deceased's last entry in his diary, 'time to take care of K. Gage,' he becomes torn between investigation and friendship.
As an urban planner, Gage understands real estate and the bureaucracy of planning. Following the money, he soon finds himself in the middle of corrupt developers who seek to take all the charm out of the area. Over two hundred years after the War of 1812, is Niagara-on-the-Lake, once again, on-the-Take?
The Concrete Vineyard is an intriguing and unique whodunit. Packing an intellectual punch, this smart murder/mystery will have you guessing and gripped! If you like great characters, clever plots and intelligent storytelling, then you'll love this creative and thought-provoking novel.
Advance Praise
"this urban planning thriller carves out its own genre niche."- Self-Publishing Review
"intriguing and chock-full of unique ponderings in the guise of a murder-mystery, while offering an in-depth look at urban planning/development through fresh, insider eyes." - IndieReader
"A deft plotting, deeply realized characterization, and keen understanding of human psyche make this a must-read" - Prairies Book Review
"This might be the most educational mystery novel you will ever read." - Amazon Customer Review
"Considerable Canadian history is woven through the enjoyable book, as are rich descriptions of the country. The pacing is superb and surprises are frequent...An entertaining, many-layered mystery with an engaging hero."-- Kirkus Reviews
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9780228832256 |
| PRICE | $3.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Victoria J, Reviewer
The Concrete Vineyard grabbed my attention by being set in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I have been there and was looking forward to reading a book set in a place I very much enjoyed. I found this book interesting and it kept me guessing all the way through. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my copy.
Cathy L, Reviewer
The Concrete Vineyard takes place in Niagra-on-the-Lake which is a small historic town in Canada near Niagara Falls. Kris Gage has just flown home to help his parents pack up to move from his childhood home. Right after he arrived in town, one of the most prominent citizens is murdered. The Homicide Chief Detective, Brian Dee is a former classmate and close friend of Kris. Brian does not have much experience in investigating murders. He enlists his friend Kris to help in the investigation. Kris Is an urban planner and the deceased victim is thought to have been murdered for his property so Brian feels that Kris will be a help. This small town then experiences another prominent citizen turning up missing. This book is filled with mystery, small town politics and small town gossip. I enjoyed this book.
E N, Reviewer
“On matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
The book is quite long but isn't slow-paced.
There weren't any unnecessary scenes, all of them eventually setting the stage to the finale.
It is also very informative, well-researched and obviously written by an expert of the various themes in the novel. It gave us a good lecture on the dynamics of politics, urban design, communities' workings and more.
I did not feel for a lot of the characters in this book. They were quite detached, if that makes sense. There were a lot of people involve, perhaps too many which may have affected my getting to know the personas on a closer level.
The plot was well thought-out. Very rich, complex and insanely imaginative. The author filled the book with mystery and clues which I did not pick up on...very brilliant.
The ending was sudden and exhilarating. Unfortunately it was rather unclear for me. Rather hazy, everything happened in a sort of blur. The way the plot built up to reach this certain point was so-so. It's as if the ending was written in a rush. Fortunately the small ‘epilogue’ after the climax offered a bit of respite and expounded the events surrounding the endgame.
The Concrete Vineyard is a great masterpiece reminding us that thirst for riches is lethal. To both the thirsty and those around him.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Jodi Picoult; Jennifer Finney Boylan
General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction
