A Match Made for Murder (#7)

#7 on the Toronto Star‘s Bestsellers list for Canadian Fiction

"A nice romance in a good setting with a decent puzzle plot to keep the pages flipping – that’s the recipe for this excellent light mystery . . . charming . . . with solid characters and nice puzzle plots. It’s perfect for a mental getaway." –Globe and Mail

"Excellent pacing, good use of local colour, nice repartee between the protagonists, and plenty of high-stakes action make this a winner." –Publishers Weekly

"Think a young Katharine Hepburn—beautiful, smart and beyond capable. Winslow is an example of the kind of woman who emerged after the war, a confident female who had worked in factories building tanks and guns, a woman who hadn’t yet been suffocated by the 1950s’-perfect housewife ideal." –Vancouver Sun
​
“An intriguing mix of character, plot, time, and place. Highly recommended.” —Ian Hamilton, author of the Ava Lee novels
​​
"What a treat to see Lane and Darling start their happy honeymoon but we know it can't last . . . Post-war Arizona is richly conjured and Whishaw's trademark examination of the mores of the day add depth and enjoyment to another deftly plotted puzzler, as our newlyweds probe the murky depths of this sunny setting. Meanwhile, Sgt Ames has a knotty case of his own, back in Nelson. Whether Whishaw takes us abroad, stays at home or - like here - gives us both, this series just keeps getting better!" –Catriona McPherson, award-winning author of the Dandy Gilver series

"If you have not discovered this amazing series yet, it's not too late to get on board. They are charming, cozy, but so politically sharp and absolutely up-to-date. I LOVE them." —Kerry Clare, author of Mitzi Bytes

​“Lane Winslow fans will find much to enjoy in this instalment. The playfulness and love for each other between Darling and Lane is there, and for the mysteries, how Whishaw ties everything together in the end always makes for a delightful read.” –Literary Hoarders blog

“A Match Made for Murder is not just a double murder investigation; it’s a double romance. But what really makes the Lane Winslow mysteries so compelling is that Whishaw gets the tone and mood of the time and place exactly right. Her eclectic mix of remittance men, Imperial refugees and small-town Canadians—all suffering from wounds or moral crises as a result of the recent war—should provide her with plots and characters for many novels still to come.” –BC BookLook

“Set in the historical context of women trying to find a new role for themselves after the war, [A Match Made for Murder] explores a narrative other than that of the happy suburban homemaker. Whishaw challenges the idea of the sanctity and security of marriage and explores the outcomes of marriages made by women as avenues to adventure, or financial security, or professional power. . . Whishaw also illustrates the importance of the white characters recognizing their own privilege and the need to change their behaviour to become more inclusive. . . In this way Whishaw illustrates how the murder mystery genre can challenge societal constructions of gender norms and race relations.” –Ormsby Review

"The Lane Winslow Mystery series is one of my favorites in historical fiction. The post-WWII historical setting, the former spy heroine, the Canadian small town police inspector hero, and the colorful local personalities all combine to charm me into reading each successive novel . . . The' genre is hard to pin down. The sometimes quirky, and always strongly-developed characters give this a cozy mystery feel, but the plots feel a like straight murder mystery. Readers of both genres will appreciate Lane Winslow." –Whiskey with my Book blog

"Whishaw definitely doesn’t shy away from some pretty heavy themes in this book: institutionalized racism, sexual assault, PTSD and domestic abuse. Each issue is handled thoughtfully and respectfully–maintaining that familiar Lane Winslow tone that makes this series so fantastic and memorable. " –Leigh's Bookish Life blog 

A Deceptive Devotion (#6)

"A nostalgic look at postwar Canada melds with a riveting tale of old and new Russia as its deeply nuanced characters lurch from one dangerous situation to the next.” –Kirkus Reviews

"I am an avid fan of [this] mystery series . . . it is terrific." –CBC Ontario Morning

“Another fantastic entry in the unique and compelling Lane Winslow series! Filled with intrigue, deception, twisted loyalties, and a touch of romance, readers will stand up and cheer.” –Anna Lee Huber, author of the Lady Darby Mysteries and the Verity Kent Mysteries

“It's always a pleasure to return to King's Cove and be swept away by another Lane Winslow tale. This latest instalment–rich with intrigue, humour, murder and romance–underlines why Whishaw's books have fast become my favourite mystery series.” –Kerry Clare, author of Mitzi Bytes 

"Iona Whishaw has again raised the bar . . . This is seriously good storytelling that continues to earn its place among the finest mystery writing in Canada." –Don Graves, Canadian Mystery Reviews

"Whishaw’s sixth in the series continues to engage readers in the mid-1940’s King’s Cove Canada. The witty, fast moving dialog is reminiscent of the classic post-war movies of the 1940s and 1950s. Readers who have enjoyed Jacqueline Winspear will love Whishaw’s writing style and the Lane Winslow historical mysteries." –Shoshana Frank, reviewer for ​Booklist

"Whishaw knows the land, the language, and the people. She gives readers many interesting characters–Countess Orlova and Aptekar are two of the best. The plot lines play out from the late 1800s to 1947 in about 150 scenes that jump from King’s Cove and nearby Nelson to Moscow, London, Vladivostok, Vancouver, Ottawa, and places in between. But all the threads come together with considerable surprises and twists. Fans of Whishaw and Winslow will enjoy this 6th in the Lane Winslow Mysteries."  –Historical Novels Review

"My enthusiasm was high while reading A Deceptive Devotion. . . . I genuinely love the characters, their banter, how comfortable I am with them while reading. I of course look forward to spending more time with Lane, Darling and (now Sergeant) Ames." –Literary Hoarders

"Delightful . . . Much like Louise Penny's Three Pines, King's Cove is riddled with murders, and over the (thus far) six-book series, Lane Winslow finds herself entangled, in some way, with each investigation. Recommended if you enjoy a good mystery, 1940's timeframe, and a touch of humour and romance." –Reading in the Rockies 

“Whishaw spins an engrossing tale of murder, Russian assassins, British spies and local Canadian constabulary while deftly braiding the many story threads into a twisty plot in A Deceptive Devotion. “ –Shelf Awareness

"What makes Lane Winslow mysteries different from other historical mysteries? It’s the storytelling . . . If you love any of the following–strong female leads, historical mysteries, Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs–don’t miss this book (or this series). The characters, setting, and stories combine for a wonderful mystery." –Hidden Staircase

"Whishaw’s character development is fantastic – they are all wonderfully real and complex." –Leigh's Bookish Life

"The Lane Winslow books are in the cozy category, but they are more in the vein of Louise Penny: there's a darkness around them and events from the past still have a tight hold on Lane and Darling, no matter how much they try to move forward. This is a compelling series that combines a cozy setting, spy intrigue storylines, and police procedural elements–not an easy task, but one that Whishaw pulls off." –Reviewing the Evidence

"WWII historical fiction seems to be quite popular these days, so it is hard to know what to pick up and read.  Trust me, A Deceptive Devotion is a good one!" –Whiskey with my Book

"[A] wonderful series about the best lady sleuth since Harriet Vane . . . [that] are as smart and feminist as they are charming, which is saying something. And their underlying messages are so timely and relevant still decades after the time in which the series is set." –Pickle me This 

A Sorrowful Sanctuary (#5)

"Whishaw’s intricately plotted fifth Lane Winslow mystery opens with a bang. . . Whishaw brings all the narrative threads together for a satisfying finale. Progress in the often fraught personal relationship between Lane and Darling will please series fans." –Publishers Weekly

”An excellent mystery complemented by an appealingly down-to-earth look at life in postwar Western Canada.” –Kirkus Reviews

"Whishaw’s series follows ex-intelligence officer Lane Winslow as she searches for a new start in British Columbia, Canada in 1946, but the war and its repercussions are never far from the characters’ minds. The setting is fresh and the cast endearing, and Lane’s spy skills turn out to be quite handy in solving murders.  The author based Lane on her mother, who was a real spy during the Second World War, and her devotion to the facts show." –CrimeReads

​"Engrossing and deftly plotted, the latest Lane Winslow Mystery is sure to enthral readers. Filled with rich history, clever intrigue, and subtle romance, this series is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Susan Elia MacNeal.” –Anna Lee Huber, author of the Lady Darby and Verity Kent Mysteries

“If you’ve yet to meet Lane Winslow, erstwhile spy and reluctant detective, you’re in for a treat. Iona Whishaw writes with an eye for the telling detail; she conjures a vanished British Columbia out of thin air. Complex, suspenseful, and deeply felt, this is a smart series for the ages.” –Francine Mathews, author of the Nantucket Mysteries

“Captures the tone and depth of a mystery entwined in a story about people taking painful steps forward with post WWII life. Vivid plotting, inventive dialogue in a setting that puts you right in the action. This is one of the best series currently in print.” –Don Graves, Canadian Mystery Reviews

"While there’s no question you should read it–it’s excellent–a dilemma remains: Should you read it now, or wait until you’ve read the previous titles in the series first? . . . While you could wait forever to read the series from the start (many books, little time, etc.), the taste offered by A Sorrowful Sanctuary of Lane Winslow and her companions pretty much guarantees you won’t be waiting much longer to go back to the beginning and read everything about them." –Toronto Star

“The 'find of the year', Iona Whishaw’s Lane Winslow series is a real treat. Set after WWII, Lane has left England for Canada . . . settling in the small village of King's Cove. With a quaint cast of characters and the feel of Louise Penny's Three Pines, the independence and quick wit of Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher and the intelligence of Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs, this mystery series has it all!" –Murder by the Book, Houston, TX

"Full of history, mystery, and a glorious BC setting . . . a wonderful series." –Sleuth of Baker Street, Toronto, Ontario

"If you want to wander amid the cosy paths of a very British British Columbia, and entertain yourself with murders and danger being confronted by a trio of sympathetic detectives, then give this series a try." –The Ormsby Review

"Whishaw’s writing is excellent. The plots are complex and the characters show great emotional depth. The stories also prove to be great history lessons too–I definitely don’t know enough about the late ’40’s in Canada. It’s fascinating stuff." –The Bookish Life

"A thought-provoking series [set] apart from many cozies." –Reviewing the Evidence

"Whishaw has provided readers with another satisfying mystery with A Sorrowful Sanctuary . . . I enjoy the fact that Lane is a character who knows her mind and likes to take action when she can. . . .  I can't wait to read another instalment." –Susannesbooklist blog

"Fast-paced and smart . . . Great mystery and great characters. Another winner!" –Luv to Read blog

"Well-drawn, pleasantly complex characters and a clearly developed, believable, and intriguing setting both add to the appeal of this book . . . Recommended for mystery lovers, and for fans of books set in the post-war era." –Historical Novel Society

It Begins in Betrayal (#4)

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2019 LEFTY AWARD FOR THE BEST HISTORICAL MYSTERY NOVEL

"Relentlessly exciting from start to finish." –Kirkus Reviews

"Good plot and fun characters keep this series fresh." –Margaret Cannon, Globe and Mail
​
​“It Begins in Betrayal has a wonderfully complex plot with threads that eventually resolve most satisfactorily. The post-war time period is particularly interesting and well captured.” –Maureen Jennings, author of the Murdoch Mysteries series

"Action-packed and emotionally charged from the prologue to the climax . . . it just doesn't get much better than this." –Don Graves, Canadian Mystery Reviews

"I am in love. . . The writing was wonderful, the plotting rock-solid, and I adored these characters. Can’t wait to delve into the backlist and discover what I’ve been missing." –Kerry Clare, author of Mitzi Bytes

"I devoured it . . . I couldn't believe I'd waited so long to start reading [this series] . . . if you like British style mysteries with a strong female character you will absolutely love this one." –Kerry Clare, CBC's Ontario Morning

"If you’re after historical crime with a strong backbone but also an air of genteel cosiness about it, then the Lane Winslow series by Iona Whishaw is just right for you." –Crime Fiction Lover

"If you are looking for a great historical mystery, look no further. The latest outing in Ms. Whishaw’s Lane Winslow series fits the bill. . . . To say Lane Winslow is a strong, independent woman is putting it mildly. It is such fun to read a story in a historical setting where the lead is a smart woman who is two steps ahead of the men. . . . It Begins in Betrayal has it all. An enjoyable book to add to your summer reading list!" –Hidden Staircase

"If you like strong historical mysteries with great characters, make sure to add this one to your summer reading list." –Reviewing the Evidence
​
"Whishaw expertly weaves four stories together . . . . Each story is told at just the right time–a wonderful plot and excellent pacing. Her writing is incredibly intelligent and the language she uses is beautiful . . . her sense of humor is such a pleasure! These stories are thoroughly enjoyable and I am so looking forward to continuing the series." –Reading in the Rockies

"Whishaw’s ability to intertwine two complex plot lines is admirable, as is her skill at imbuing even minor characters with well-drawn backstories. She excels at period details . . .  it’s a talented writer who can package all this together and nicely tie up every detail as well." –Historical Novel Society

An Old, Cold Grave (#3)

"Lane Winslow, the intrepid sleuth of King's Cove, is back in her third adventure and, like the first two, it's a charmer. Once again, British Columbia's own Iona Whishaw's delightful modern gloss on the venerable British cozy provides a perfect weekend getaway . . . a cleverly plotted story with a delightful setting and amusing characters. Once again, Whishaw keeps us guessing to the end." –Margaret Cannon, Globe and Mail

"A fascinating picture of a life in which many people spent every waking hour working and a disturbing look at the fate of orphaned children raise this mystery above the ordinary." –Kirkus Reviews

"​Lane Winslow is a strong, independent woman. She may not be an official “detective” by profession (she’s an ex-British intelligent officer), but in many ways she reminds me of Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs. Lane is smart and sympathetic, and determined to solve this mystery . . . a satisfying historical mystery featuring a strong female protagonist. I can’t wait to catch up on this series." –Hidden Staircase

"If you enjoy a puzzle set in 1947, rural B.C. community, with dialogue that reaches into the soul and a sense of place that is integral to the mystery, then An Old, Cold Grave is a summer read for you . . . In short, sin, plot, dialogue and place: all the requisite elements for an award-winning novel. It’s easy to imagine a fourth in this increasingly fine series." –Bay Observer

“An Old, Cold Grave–Iona Whishaw’s compelling third novel–gives us a gentle rural setting, a body in a root cellar, and, of course, Lane Winslow, the best new amateur sleuth to come along in quite some time. Plot, dialogue, and place: all the requisite elements for an award-winning novel.”  –Don Graves, Canadian Mystery reviews

"This series, with a strong and likeable female protagonist . . . continues to get better and better. The novels not only use the past as a setting, but there are lessons about history–and how the consequences of past actions always catch up, sooner or later, with those involved." –Reviewing The Evidence 
​
"Another excellent mystery from Iona Whishaw!" –Luv to Read

Death in a Darkening Mist (#2)

"The late L.R. Wright’s marvellous mysteries set on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast remain some of my favourite Canadian books. But this second novel by Iona Whishaw, also set in B.C., is every bit as good. Both writers know how to make a book’s setting as important a factor as the plot line or the characters . . . [an] excellent chapter in what appears to be a terrific series." –Margaret Cannon, Globe and Mail

"Set in 1946, this series cleverly combines both elements of a cozy and a spy thriller, with a heroine who is tough and independent, but harboring secrets of her own . . . The local townspeople are quirky and a nice addition, reminding the reader of another Canadian writer, Louise Penny, who populates her town with interesting characters . . . a series I hope to continue reading." –Reviewing The Evidence

"An absolute winner [that] moves the notch up several levels when it comes to mystery writing with a historical twinge. The highlight of the writing is the seamless blend of the sense of place into the story line. The impact of both world wars settles into the essence of any place, and this is a sterling example of how place impacts both events and people." –Don Graves, Canadian Mystery Reviews 

"I definitely recommend this series and can’t wait to read more of it! I think this is a series that will continue to get better as it goes along, and the characters really are great fun." –Luv to Read

A Killer in King's Cove (#1)

"A good historical mystery with a cast of characters that will provide plot lines for the series to come.  Iona Whishaw is a writer to watch.” –Margaret Cannon, Globe and Mail

"Move over, Mr. Darcy! Inspector Darling and Lane Winslow join the ranks of Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane in this exquisitely written, psychologically deft postwar mystery. I couldn't put it down. If you miss Mary Stewart's sleuthing heroines, if you loved Broadchurch and its village of suspects, settle in, turn off the phone, and enjoy!" –Linda Svendsen, author of Sussex Drive and Marine Life

"A debut mystery from an author destined for awards. A setting that is ripe for story telling and a convincing gift for portraying the painful and challenging life for the survivors of the two world wars  . . . Whishaw is an exciting addition to Canada’s fine roster of mystery writers." –Don Graves, Canadian Mystery Reviews 

"On its face, [A Killer in King's Cove] is a murder mystery, and boy is it satisfying . . . The story architecture is rock-solid, the writing is lush with detail but still restrained, and the frisson between the police detective and the amateur sleuth will make you itch for a sequel . . . the ghosts of King's Cove will stay with you long after you put it down. I hope this is the first in a long series from Iona Whishaw, my new favorite mystery author." –Skye Allen, author of Pretty Peg and The Songbird Thief

"The writing . . . conjures up nicely the ambiance of a 1940s west Canadian locale and develops in depth both the characters and their interactions." –San Francisco Book Review
​
“A Killer in King’s Cove is worth a look, especially as the author intends to reprise her lead character." –Seattle Book Review

"Iona Whishaw brings to life a rural country town from the 1940s–from the small post office that is gossip central to garden tea parties. She's given Lane a potential love interest, the well-named Inspector Darling, and created an engaging, quirky cast of characters . . . the trip to King's Cove is so entertaining . . . Despite Lane's promise to Inspector Darling to not cause any more mayhem in town, we sort of hope she does!" –Reviewing The Evidence

"A simply riveting read by a master of the genre, A Killer in King's Cove is especially recommended the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs, as well as an enduringly popular acquisition choice for community library Mystery/Suspense collections." –Wisconsin Bookwatch

"A Killer in King’s Cove did not disappoint . . . With about a quarter of the book left I literally could not put it down." –Scribbles, Quibbles, & Scrawlings 

"Fun interactions and likeable characters. I loved this book!" –Luv to Read

"The rural Canadian setting really makes this series a winner." –Addison Public Library