I really enjoyed reading this as a almost-cozy mystery novel, it had that element that i was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this universe. The plot worked well with this overall story and I was invested in what was happening with the characters. I thought Marjorie Mathison Hance wrote this well and left me wanting to read more.

I gave this book a 2 star review and that is being generous. I found the main character to be frustrating and that is putting it mildly. I wanted to like the book, I think with some work it could be the book I wanted and hoped it would be. I received this book as an advanced reader copy and have reviewed this book voluntarily

Murder at Pelican Lake
Marjorie Mathison Hance
September 10, 2024

She found herself returning to Pelican Lake, to a cabin her great-grandfather built. She played there as a kid, loved to fish and grew up with her dad in the summers after her mother passed. It is difficult coming back to live in the old home. She thinks back to the times with her dad and brother,John. Arthur was a professor at a local Minnesota University. He died in his early 60s, so many of his patents were not completed.
Carley sold her condo when she and her boyfriend broke up.She decided to take her latest project to the lake to decide what her future would be. As she moved into the old cabin she found it clean and ready to move in. A couple living nearby was paid by her to keep it clean and ready to return to. After his passing, they continued to keep up it ready for Carley, her dog, Abigail and Prattle, her large bird.
Murder at Pelican Lake was published originally January 1 of 2018. It was republished on September 10, 2024. I was able to read the new edition of Hanceś book via NetGalley. It is her first in the North Lakes Series. I really enjoyed this first novel that Ms. Hance has written. It has suspense along with Carleyś journal of attempts to build a career. It is a clever read, take a chance and enjoy.