Lake Crescent: A Creature X Mystery by J.J. Dupuis

 

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

 

Laura Regan is the host of “Creature X,” a TV show which investigates reports of strange creatures—cryptids—such as Big Foot, Mothman, etc.  This time around she is in Newfoundland at Lake Crescent investigating a lake monster.  Cressie, as the creature is known, is thought to be a giant eel, and legends about it abound.  Laura and her film crew are going to search for it, but are also going to examine written reports and interview locals with stories to tell.

While collecting footage for background material, their ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is snags something—a tarp, as it turns out.  Inside the tarp, carefully wrapped, is a complete skeleton with a fractured skull. 

Discovering a murder can really put a crimp in your production schedule.

I decided to try Lake Crescent, the second in the Creature X mysteries, because I had so enjoyed The Unidentified, a non-fiction book about cryptids.  To be honest, I went into it not expecting much but ended up really enjoying it because of Laura’s sensibilities. She would love to discover a hitherto unknown creature-- in this case, Cressie, a lake monster-- but she is also rigorous about the science.  She's methodical and exhibits good critical thinking skills.  Her team is the same, all people with areas of expertise who use their skills to examine the evidence for or against a creature.

I also liked that the team members are all professional.  There’s none of the petty bickering or ego trips that are the usual staples for stories about film crews.  They respect one another, and none of them are looking for a career in television. The production gives them a chance to use their skills and be paid.

Meanwhile, they are all part of a TV show on finding cryptids, so we get the producer's take on how to jazz up the story, how to tease the audience with revelations to keep them tuned in, etc.  So much of it seemed familiar from some of the shows I've watched where they drag everything out as long as possible to keep someone in front of the set.  Reading the book gave me a whole new perspective on some of the shows I’ve watched, occasionally wondering why some of these people chose to participate.  With the production company footing the bill, it’s a chance for them to gather data for their ongoing projects which probably have little to do with finding a monster. 

Not that investigating a murder is on the agenda, either, but the author has shaped the story so that the two objectives run on a parallel course.  It was refreshing not to have an amateur sleuth pulled in because he/she was accused of murder, which is a favorite cozy gambit. I’d classify this as a straightforward mystery.

I hadn't read Roanoke Ridge, the first in the series, but I don't feel I've missed anything important.  There were references to the earlier book but nothing that bogged down this tale.  I do think I will find and read it, though, just because I like this one.  There is supposed to be a third in the series out next year.