AuthorChristine Husom
PublisherSecond Wind Publishing LLC
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Murder in Winnebago County follows an unlikely serial killer plaguing a rural Minnesota county. The clever murderer leaves a growing chain of apparent suicides among prominent people in the criminal justice system. As her intuition helps her draw the cases together, Winnebago County Sergeant Corinne Aleckson enlists assistance from her mentor and friend, Detective Elton Dawes. What Aleckson doesn’t know is the killer is keeping a close watch on her. Will she be the next target?
Reviews
In the book Murder in Winnebago County, Christine Husom’s plot surrounds the small town of Oak Lea where a series of mysterious suicides are keeping the local sheriff’s department very occupied. Sergeant “Corky” Aleckson has a terrible feeling that the department is missing something extremely important, which would shed new light on the supposed suicides. Does Oak Lea have a serial killer on their hands?
Christine Husom did an amazing job at keeping me on the edge of my seat. Christine has a way of giving you just enough information to keep you anticipating more. This book is a real page turner. It progressively gets more intense the deeper into the book you get.
If you’re a fan of mystery, this book is for you. That being said, this genre is not usually what I prefer, but I’m addicted now. The mixture in Murder in Winnebago County is brilliant. Not only are you following along while Oak Lea’s finest uncover secrets that will help them solve this mystery, but you are thrust into the daily lives, friendships and romances of the characters.
Probably my favorite parts within this story are reading from the killer’s point of view. The killer is meticulous and more than just a little over the deep end. As you’re reading, you can feel the insanity that this character emits. On more than one occasion, I actually stopped reading to reflect on the realness Christine brought into her writing. It’s easy to get lost and “feel” as the characters feel. I also think the identity of the serial killer may be surprising!
As I stated earlier, this book is really worth the read. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to be immersed in a story where the characters and setting are so vivid and rich and the story line is imaginative and intriguing. Another plus is that Murder is Winnebago County is only the first of three in this series. I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for series books and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
I can’t think of enough to say about Christine’s fantastic, creative piece of fiction. The fact that she uses her past experiences to influence her writing brings this story to life. I’m pleased that I decided to take a chance and step outside of my normal preferences. I’m equally delighted that there are two more books in this series that await me and I’m already hoping for more. Keep writing Chris, I don’t think I’ll ever tire of Winnebago County.
Reviewed on 03/27/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Pamela Leffler
Murder in Winnebago County by Christine Husom is one of those simple first books in a series that promises great story lines ahead. Of course the fact that the author used to work as a county sheriff and corrections officer doesn't hurt. This first hand experience brings to the table some savvy knowledge and information that the average person would know how to get across with any semblance of reality. Christine does just that and more. Her Winnebago County Mystery series is launched with a bang with this book with hopes of more to come.
Although the author isn't seasoned when it comes to writing, somehow the writer brings this book off well and with promise. It is a book that will keep the reader hooked from the first to the last and one that shows without a doubt the practical knowledge that Christine brings to her work.
I especially enjoyed the police car conversations and procedures where the author lets the reader in on the scoop but doesn't throw information in his/her face. It is realistic and interesting and adds the perfect accent to the book. The serial killer is the icing on the cake and the aspects of each encounter with this killer only make the book more interesting causing the reader to want more. And this is saying a great deal, as it is hard enough to write a good mystery without having to add a serial killer and all the extra details that can either compliment or crash a book. Ms. Husom chose the former and complimented the book well and it is because of that, that the book stands on it's own quite well.
The narrator, Sgt. Corky Aleckson, friends, colleagues and family, are shown in a true to life form that is refreshing to read. As a reader with law enforcement personnel in my family, I could see the reality and life experience seep into the book and bring certain parts of it to life as it should in any successful mystery novel.
The fact that all wonder if the "murder" is truly a murder is something that helps flesh out the book and make for a tension filled read. The book is also one that the typical reader can read a bit, lie it down and pick it up again, easily remembering where they left off.
A young woman police sergeant who clearly enjoys her choice of professions is portrayed with the right amount of simple woman and law enforcement combined. When Corky slowly learns the truth, she finds her life grows more dangerous as well. The evidence and realizations are cleverly placed within this book and the reader is left wondering through most of the book as to whether murder or suicide should be the answer to the age old questions hanging over the town.
I enjoyed this book and sincerely hope the author continues on with Corky at the helm. Women in law enforcement who are cleverly and correctly portrayed is a wonderful thing and something one rarely finds in literature today. Keep writing Ms. Husom and I'll keep reading (as well as reviewing) as I am sure many others will as well.
Reviewed on 12/29/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Susan Pettrone
When three prominent Winnebago County residents kill themselves within days of each other, Sgt. Corky Aleckson, of the Oak Lea Police Department, doesn’t believe it is just a coincidence and starts looking for a link. What she doesn’t realize is that the deaths aren’t really suicides but the work of a serial killer who has compiled a list of targets, and one of Corky’s dearest friends may be the next victim.
“Murder in Winnebago County” by Christine Husom is an excellent novel, full of suspense and drama. The town of Oak Lea is an authentic picture of small town America that reminded me of my own hometown and many of the characters seemed familiar, like I had known them all my life. This is a credit to the author, who not only manages to develop the characters while keeping the story moving, but also takes the time to develop the antagonist in an effort to shed some light on the motivation as events unfold.
I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the main character, Corky Aleckson, and the other characters, such as her mom and her partner at the police department, as well as a new relationship that develops and brings a little romance into the story. The dialogue flows with ease and seems as natural as real life conversation which is, again, a credit to the talent of author Christine Husom. When such detail is taken with the little aspects of storytelling, the book as a whole becomes more believable and compelling.
If you like a good mystery with interesting characters that you will care about, then I highly recommend this book. It is the first in what I hope will be a long running series and I, for one, can’t wait to read the next installment.
Reviewed on 12/06/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member April Hanson
Suicides are running rampant in Winnebago County and Sgt. Corky Aleckson wants to know why. First, a well-known judge, followed by a public defender and the prosecutor. No one knows what links these three deaths or even if they are linked. The case becomes even more curious when it’s discovered that these supposed suicides are actually murders made to look like suicides. The question becomes who is this serial killer and why were these three people targeted. As Aleckson gets closer to solving the case, she realizes that she herself may be a target. Can Aleckson solve this case and prevent another death, especially her own?
Murder in Winnebago County by Christine Husom is the opening salvo of what promises to be a great series. Set in rural Winnebago County in Minnesota, the author paints a very realistic picture of small town Americana, where everyone knows everyone. Husom has created a very likeable cast of characters with enough depth to keep the series going for some time. The storyline is engaging without being graphic, which I think will have widespread appeal to those readers who enjoy mysteries but not such detailed descriptions of death. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and have already requested the next one in the series to review. I recommend this to all mystery lovers, especially those who prefer the works of Deaver and Connelly but occasionally want something a little lighter. I give this book 5 stars.-Jud Hanson
Reviewed on 08/21/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Jud Hanson
