The kind gentleness that Skalka helps us see in Cubiak as the sheriff cares for his adopted dog and her four newborn puppies adds a tender dimension to the book that balances the deaths at the heart of the mystery.ĭoor County is brought to life, both in the characters that populate the peninsula and in the descriptions of the locales. In addition, Cubiak's introspection helps the reader get to know the character, providing depth that will carry into future books. For those who did not read the first in the series, DEATH STALKS DOOR COUNTY, the author does a terrific job of providing Cubiak's background through his memories. As he unearths the history of the purported war heroes, he revisits his own past.

But Cubiak's trip into the past should resonate with all. Some readers will find the resolution of the mystery of the men's deaths unsatisfying, while others will find it appropriately obscured. That is, if they were killed and did not just die accidentally. If the mythology that has been built up around the dead men is put into question, then virtually everyone connected with the men has a motive for killing them. Cubiak's search for the truth leads him to question not only the accidental nature of the heroes' deaths, but also the heroism from the distant past with which they have been credited. The widows seem united in their support of their husbands, but other relatives (sons and grandsons) seem less enamored of the three. When Cubiak arrives at the scene, he decides to investigate even though the initial determination is that all three died because of an accidental heater malfunction.Īs he digs into the relationships surrounding the heroes, Cubiak wonders how three working class veterans happened to become so wealthy. The three were just about to be recognized for their heroism when they were found dead in the game room of the most successful of the three successful veterans.

The legend goes that there was not enough room on the rescue boat they piloted, so they had to leave their buddy behind, although they were valiant in their efforts to bring him to safety. Red River Radio No Limits with Barbara Hodges, November 18, The three are credited with trying to save their friend, a fourth Door County boy, during an Aleutian Island offensive.

The Larry Meiller Show, November 2016, wpr.orgĬonversations LIVE with Cyrus Webb, July 29, Ĭrazie Dougie, with Doug Wilson, November 20, WANB Radio – Waynesburg PA WORT, Eighty nine.nine Fm - THe Madison Book Beat: Mystery Author Patricia Skalka talks about the importance of place. Patricia Skalka, author of the Dave Cubiak Door County mysteries, reveals how writing about her protagonist's grief helped her cope with loss.

One-to-One with John Dedakis, The writer's personal story. Wisconsin Public Radio, The Larry Meiller Show: Patricia Skalka talks about Death Casts a Shadow and the bittersweet decision to bring the series to a close

Death at Gills Rock by Patricia Skalka