The Review by Kale on Books
"December Rain" (Cactus Mystery Press - Blue Fortune Enterprises, 312 pages, $19.99) by Tim Holland is the fourth in his Sidney Lake mystery series.
Again, as we have related previously, this book and the series are worthy of national recognition not only because of the story's local, but also because Holland is a grand storyteller and captures the sensibilities of South Carolina life.
Once again, retired Morgan College professor and widower, Sidney Lake puts his research together with data obtained by Tillie James, his Gullah former housekeeper and now housekeeping entrepreneur. They help solve the mystery that baffles the local police. It has the flavor of a Nero Wolf story. Lake stays put at home like Nero, while Tillie and retired policeman Ray Morton become his leg "persons," like multiple Archie Goodwins for Wolf. In the middle of all this is a story of pirate "gold," and lost rare books that figure in the 21st century story told through events 200 years ago.
This Holland tale is good!
What's missing is the interesting and crafty banter between current Morgan College English professor and Lake friend. who appeared in the earlier books. Can't remember her name, miss the connection and possible "love interest" with Lake.
Again, my personal like and appeal of the Lowcountry and the Gullah people add to my biased enjoyment of this book and the "Sidney Lake" mystery series.
Tim Holland, keep these stories coming.
