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Blood on the Breakwater
The picturesque breakwater extending from the shores of Victoria attracts tourists, locals and now a murderer. Journalist Helene Unger takes daily walks on the historic edifice as a way to beat the stress of work and single parenting. However, one evening, while snapping photos of a sunset, she discovers a corpse washed up on the lower pathway of the breakwater. The dead woman is Lucy Marino, the curator of a museum dedicated to the 19th century Canadian painter Amelia Grayson. Driven to track down the murderer, Unger must contend with the deceit and duplicity of the art world. At the same time, she is drawn to the mystery of the unexplained disappearance of Grayson in 1886 revealed through letters left behind by the late artist, letters that perhaps have a bearing on the more modern murder.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2023
About the author
Jean Paetkau
5 books18 followersJean Paetkau is an author and award-winning journalist who lives in Victoria, BC, which is located on the unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and WSANEC nations. Blood on the Breakwater is her first mystery, set on the shores of Vancouver Island. She has written three children's books including Rumpa and the Snufflewort. She takes daily walks on the Victoria breakwater where she photographs the vivid sunrises and sunsets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 24, 2023
This book appealed to me because it's set in my home province (as in where I grew up) and it had some good reviews.
There are many good things about this novel--the mystery is well done. The clues, foreshadowing, the pacing are all excellent. I liked the way it started off more slowly so we could get a sense of the place and main characters, but then it sped up a bit toward the end. She also has more than one surprise up her sleeve so even if you're one of those people who always guesses the murderer ahead of time there are still things to read for.
However, this wasn't five stars for me because I think because it was a bit too journalistic (not surprising since she's in journalism). A good story editor might have helped smooth a few things out to make it less so. Nevertheless, it is a strong debut and I read it in two nights because I wanted to know how it ended!
There are many good things about this novel--the mystery is well done. The clues, foreshadowing, the pacing are all excellent. I liked the way it started off more slowly so we could get a sense of the place and main characters, but then it sped up a bit toward the end. She also has more than one surprise up her sleeve so even if you're one of those people who always guesses the murderer ahead of time there are still things to read for.
However, this wasn't five stars for me because I think because it was a bit too journalistic (not surprising since she's in journalism). A good story editor might have helped smooth a few things out to make it less so. Nevertheless, it is a strong debut and I read it in two nights because I wanted to know how it ended!
September 27, 2023
3.5 rounded up!
I bought this book exclusively because it's locally set - I went in blind and with zero expectations. I believe it's Paetkau's debut novel, which is definitely evident in some aspects of her writing. It is almost journalistic, which makes perfect sense given her background, but did make the writing a bit choppy for my liking. Brevity is a virtue in journalism, but I think the novel could habe been afforded some more "fluff," if you will. My last technical critique is that the ending was a little rushed - I think a lot of my reviews talk about pacing and I'm admittedly not a fan of the slow burn with a short, punchy ending. I found I wasn't super engaged for the first half of the book or so, and even then it didn't really hook me until the last couple chapters. Then it was over so quickly!
The good about this novel, though, cannot be overlooked. There were a lot short, skim-and-miss-them jokes and witticisms that I wasn't expecting and really enjoyed to break up what could be a bit of a slow narrative. I also was genuinely surprised by the twists at the ending, which doesn't happen often lately. And personally, as a Victoria local, just about anything set on the island has my heart. Overall it was a solid little two day read!
I bought this book exclusively because it's locally set - I went in blind and with zero expectations. I believe it's Paetkau's debut novel, which is definitely evident in some aspects of her writing. It is almost journalistic, which makes perfect sense given her background, but did make the writing a bit choppy for my liking. Brevity is a virtue in journalism, but I think the novel could habe been afforded some more "fluff," if you will. My last technical critique is that the ending was a little rushed - I think a lot of my reviews talk about pacing and I'm admittedly not a fan of the slow burn with a short, punchy ending. I found I wasn't super engaged for the first half of the book or so, and even then it didn't really hook me until the last couple chapters. Then it was over so quickly!
The good about this novel, though, cannot be overlooked. There were a lot short, skim-and-miss-them jokes and witticisms that I wasn't expecting and really enjoyed to break up what could be a bit of a slow narrative. I also was genuinely surprised by the twists at the ending, which doesn't happen often lately. And personally, as a Victoria local, just about anything set on the island has my heart. Overall it was a solid little two day read!
November 17, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
This is a strong debut novel, especially for an independently published one. I wish more mystery writers were able to do such a good job with the actual murder mystery part of it. My one suggestion for all self-publishers is to hire a good story editor who can help with things it's hard to see that your friends and family aren't going to know about.
I hope there will be another one since I like Helene.
This is a strong debut novel, especially for an independently published one. I wish more mystery writers were able to do such a good job with the actual murder mystery part of it. My one suggestion for all self-publishers is to hire a good story editor who can help with things it's hard to see that your friends and family aren't going to know about.
I hope there will be another one since I like Helene.
November 11, 2023
Jean Paetkau is a journalist from Victoria, B.C. and that's the setting for her first mystery. I picked up the book because I saw her on CTV news talking about how writing a mystery has been a life-long dream, finally realized in her 50s. I admired her for that, so I read the book.
Her writing style is heavily journalistic, but I enjoyed her political and social commentary on the passing scene: she has an acerbic perspective on the hypocrisies and pretensions of society, and she clearly has developed a strong BS detector in her work. Reminded me a little of John D. MacDonald who also infused his detective novels with his thoughts on the issues of the day (environmentalism for one).
The story itself begins with journalist Helene who finds a body during her nightly walks along the breakwater. She's disturbed enough to want to follow up on the investigation, and she forms an uneasy alliance with the female cop who is assigned to the case. The victim is Lucy Marino who was the curator for a gallery that specializes in the work of a 19th century woman painter, Amelia Grayson. Paetkau uses this scenario to talk engagingly about the art world, and feminism. Paetkau seems to know quite a bit about art (she took the beautiful photo on the cover of the book) and her descriptions of sunsets demonstrate the detail of an expert observer.
I enjoyed Blood on the Breakwater, but will say that Paetkau's style was hindered by her journalistic discipline. If she relaxed her need to make sure that the speaker is clearly identified, and just let the dialogue flow, it would be a better book, but I was involved in the story, so I'm glad I read it.
Her writing style is heavily journalistic, but I enjoyed her political and social commentary on the passing scene: she has an acerbic perspective on the hypocrisies and pretensions of society, and she clearly has developed a strong BS detector in her work. Reminded me a little of John D. MacDonald who also infused his detective novels with his thoughts on the issues of the day (environmentalism for one).
The story itself begins with journalist Helene who finds a body during her nightly walks along the breakwater. She's disturbed enough to want to follow up on the investigation, and she forms an uneasy alliance with the female cop who is assigned to the case. The victim is Lucy Marino who was the curator for a gallery that specializes in the work of a 19th century woman painter, Amelia Grayson. Paetkau uses this scenario to talk engagingly about the art world, and feminism. Paetkau seems to know quite a bit about art (she took the beautiful photo on the cover of the book) and her descriptions of sunsets demonstrate the detail of an expert observer.
I enjoyed Blood on the Breakwater, but will say that Paetkau's style was hindered by her journalistic discipline. If she relaxed her need to make sure that the speaker is clearly identified, and just let the dialogue flow, it would be a better book, but I was involved in the story, so I'm glad I read it.
September 22, 2023
I ventured out on the breakwater of an unlikely genre for my reading tastes. I'm glad I did since this book was amusing for many reasons. The author has a clever way of blending the odd with the normal as she takes us between family demands, professional commitments and happenstance situations. Along the way to uncovering just who did the dastardly deed, we find interesting characters and places anyone would like to visit. The ending is surreal and will surprise you.
March 29, 2024
Closer to a 2.5. This is a good first effort in the realm of adult fiction by Victoria, BC, radio broadcaster and children’s author Jean Paetkau. But she really could have used the guidance and eye of a good editor.
There were lots of little things — using “stated” instead of said, referring repeatedly to the main character as the journalist instead of using her name, referring to another character by the wrong name — that pile up irritations for the reader.
Obviously, Paetkau is leading up to a key plot point with the repeated references to the lead character’s children’s allergies, but there were so many, it was grating.
Still the story was interesting and relatively well paced. With some expert help, I bet the next novel would a much better read.
There were lots of little things — using “stated” instead of said, referring repeatedly to the main character as the journalist instead of using her name, referring to another character by the wrong name — that pile up irritations for the reader.
Obviously, Paetkau is leading up to a key plot point with the repeated references to the lead character’s children’s allergies, but there were so many, it was grating.
Still the story was interesting and relatively well paced. With some expert help, I bet the next novel would a much better read.
September 1, 2023
A terrific new offering in the murder mystery genre, with an intelligent plot, engaging characters and a gorgeous west-coast setting. Especially enjoyable if you happen to be familiar with the unique beauties and quirks of Victoria, BC, but has enough to please anyone looking for a great story. Highly recommend it.
October 4, 2023
I stumbled across the author on X/Twitter and thought I'd give the book a try just because it was set in my hometown. I am so glad I did! I really enjoyed it.
Helene is a journalist trying to balance small-town controversies, challenging colleagues and very challenging children. The last thing she needs is to find a body on her evening walk. But she can't resist poking her nose into a whirl of flowers, art, and murder.
I really liked Paetkau's writing style--she gets on with the story, including only enough description to move the story along and give a flavour of the beauty of the location. There are funny insights worked in, as well. I like to get lost in the story, not savour the prose. And I got pulled right into the story, thank you very much. I actually resented having to stop reading to go meet someone for breakfast. I was relieved to get back to the book and finished it the same day.
I have a few quibbles. I'd have cut some words, some sentences, and probably one minor character. But I enjoyed the rest of the words, sentences, and characters.
I hope Paetkau is working on a second book so I can pour myself a cuppa and curl up with it.
Helene is a journalist trying to balance small-town controversies, challenging colleagues and very challenging children. The last thing she needs is to find a body on her evening walk. But she can't resist poking her nose into a whirl of flowers, art, and murder.
I really liked Paetkau's writing style--she gets on with the story, including only enough description to move the story along and give a flavour of the beauty of the location. There are funny insights worked in, as well. I like to get lost in the story, not savour the prose. And I got pulled right into the story, thank you very much. I actually resented having to stop reading to go meet someone for breakfast. I was relieved to get back to the book and finished it the same day.
I have a few quibbles. I'd have cut some words, some sentences, and probably one minor character. But I enjoyed the rest of the words, sentences, and characters.
I hope Paetkau is working on a second book so I can pour myself a cuppa and curl up with it.
March 18, 2024
I wish that Goodreads had the option to give something other than just a solid star, because this book is definitely better than just a 3-star rating, however, it just doesn't quite meet 4 stars for me either.
I think that this is definitely an ametur author that has the capability of becoming something great! The only thing that held me back from rating this book a little higher was, although the writing had excellent imagery...sometimes it was a little too much. Such as repeating many times the allergies the children had, or her walks on the breakwater. I do like the fact that it's a mystery story like I've never read before, and that definitely piqued my interest and held it keenly well. And I certainly did not see the ending coming!
I don't get much time to actually sit down and read an actual book anymore, but I'm certainly glad that, upon recommendation from a group member, gave this one a shot! I think that Jean Paetkau has great things in her future and I can't wait to see what else she writes up for us!
I think that this is definitely an ametur author that has the capability of becoming something great! The only thing that held me back from rating this book a little higher was, although the writing had excellent imagery...sometimes it was a little too much. Such as repeating many times the allergies the children had, or her walks on the breakwater. I do like the fact that it's a mystery story like I've never read before, and that definitely piqued my interest and held it keenly well. And I certainly did not see the ending coming!
I don't get much time to actually sit down and read an actual book anymore, but I'm certainly glad that, upon recommendation from a group member, gave this one a shot! I think that Jean Paetkau has great things in her future and I can't wait to see what else she writes up for us!
October 11, 2023
I picked this up to read on the first gloomy day of fall and finished it in a day. It was the perfect excuse to stay inside. I enjoyed the pacing and the way my city was reflected in the writing. The main character was someone I could really root for as well: tender, but never saccharine in her encounters with the other people in her world. I would read a sequel, Jean!
October 26, 2023
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
I had reservations about reading a self-published book. But, I'm happy to recommend this book as an enjoyable read. The story was well-thought out and had a number of interesting parts that all came together. Each of the characters were well developed. The writing just needed a touch more polish but it's still worth reading. I also think it could've been a bit longer. On the other hand, it makes for a quick, well-paced read. Perhaps one of the better books I've read of the mystery genre. Plus, I think it was great with Victoria as the locale.
A tiny quibble is that the author (through a character) seems to imply that having kids and/or a love life is what brings the highest meaning to one's life. Which I don't concur with This doesn't affect my rating of the book, though. All in all, I recommend reading Blood on the Breakwater and I would forward to reading another book by this author.
I had reservations about reading a self-published book. But, I'm happy to recommend this book as an enjoyable read. The story was well-thought out and had a number of interesting parts that all came together. Each of the characters were well developed. The writing just needed a touch more polish but it's still worth reading. I also think it could've been a bit longer. On the other hand, it makes for a quick, well-paced read. Perhaps one of the better books I've read of the mystery genre. Plus, I think it was great with Victoria as the locale.
A tiny quibble is that the author (through a character) seems to imply that having kids and/or a love life is what brings the highest meaning to one's life. Which I don't concur with This doesn't affect my rating of the book, though. All in all, I recommend reading Blood on the Breakwater and I would forward to reading another book by this author.
January 15, 2024
A lovely, cozy murder mystery with lots of local color by a Victoria-based writer and journalist. Written with humorous tongue-in-cheeks metaphors and figurative language reminiscent of classic detective stories. The narrative leads you to plenty of possible suspects, and I found the ending a surprise.
December 27, 2023
I thought it might be a good read because I live in Victoria and know all the locations. Poor, disjointed writing and the author basically taking regular news stories and just changing names was very disappointing.
February 2, 2024
While the storyline is quite intersting and deserves a 3-star-rating, the writing style feels rather stilted and choppy. How many times does the reader have to get hammered with "the journalist" did this or said that? This novel could have used a good editor!
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November 1, 2024Jean Paetkau writes with engaging ease resulting in a well conducted tour of Victoria's waterfront in the company of a strong protagonist who just can't keep from digging into who murdered the curator of a local museum. The author presents each character effectively and efficiently. The narrative moves smoothly so no point is the reader left wondering where the story is going. She also does a good job of knitting together our heroine's single-parent home life, with her career as a journalist and her penchant for snooping into offices, dumpsters and desks. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to spend time in a nice part of the world chasing after enough facts to bring down a murderer, without a lot of swearing and violence. This reader was pleasantly surprised by the author's choice of villain, though I found the drama at the end less than realistic which interfered with my willing suspension of disbelief. But it didn't much impair my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I salute ad thank you Jean for a good read!!!
March 2, 2024
Highly recommend this book as a mystery, and especially if you've ever been to Victoria, British Columbia. Great mystery/suspense, interesting protagonist and plot, all kinds of clues/red herrings, although I had suspicions about the actual killer, so wasn't surprised. That was well done by the author. There are lots of other surprises in the book. There are hints of Emily Carr & her artistic journey and adventures throughout the backbone of the story, although not by name and with artistic license. While the first few pages were used to set the scene & the stage for the book, there was a lag to find out 'what the action was'. Although nicely descriptive, I found it a bit slow to get engaged in the story from the beginning pages. Once past those, I was hooked and that engagement increased, the more I read. I could see this as the first of a series of mysteries, and that may be in the plans & works by Paetkau. I look forward to more.
September 30, 2023
A cozy mystery that really weaves together the beauty of Victoria with the dark side of murder. A really well crafted plot that left me guessing. A great book for anyone who loves a mystery but especially fun if you know Victoria and the breakwater! The Empress Hotel also get a cameo too!
The coastal beauty is like it’s own character in the book. From the epic sunsets to the ever changing moods of the ocean. The darkness revealed in the plot is a great contrast to this stunning background.
There is also really amusing yet poignant commentary about life on Vancouver Island, from busy ferries to the housing crisis. Even a buys James Bay grocery store parking lot gets a mention.
The writing is both lyrical with poetic prose yet face-paced like a good mystery should be. This is a real page-turner that keeps offering surprises right to the end.
The only question is .. where will Paetkau set the sequel? Hope to read more of Helene Unger in the near future.
The coastal beauty is like it’s own character in the book. From the epic sunsets to the ever changing moods of the ocean. The darkness revealed in the plot is a great contrast to this stunning background.
There is also really amusing yet poignant commentary about life on Vancouver Island, from busy ferries to the housing crisis. Even a buys James Bay grocery store parking lot gets a mention.
The writing is both lyrical with poetic prose yet face-paced like a good mystery should be. This is a real page-turner that keeps offering surprises right to the end.
The only question is .. where will Paetkau set the sequel? Hope to read more of Helene Unger in the near future.
March 11, 2024
Overall, this is a good mystery and the plot moves along nicely. There were several obvious suspects for the murder and that kept me guessing. I had some small quibbles with the book. The author chose to start many sentences with “the journalist” rather than using the main character’s name. The main character, Helene, is a single mother who has a young teenage daughter and a nine year old son who each have life-threatening allergies. This is mentioned often. Yet Helene leaves them alone in the house while she is off to a gallery opening, and even going to work while they are on spring break. This doesn’t seem like something most parents would do and it distracted me from th3 story.
May 26, 2024
I often think of how much an author knows about the setting of their story (eg, Kellerman obviously knows LA) and I find it a pleasure when a book has a setting I am familiar with. Paetkou's Blood on the Breakwater is an intriguing murder mystery, set in British Columbia's capital city of Victoria. The main character is written with depth, the victim and her backstory well thought out and the plot has a few twists and turns which I found completely entertaining. I would give this one 5 stars but I found the continual reference to 'the journalist' rather by her name to be distracting. A well done debut book!
June 28, 2024
I liked this Mystery and look forward to more from this author. It is a good read, kept my interest to the end. Liked the finishing touch with 'Lee'. Having lived for a short time in Victoria, {Fairfield area] plus many, many, trips for supplies & pleasure of walking & visiting areas this novel is set in during my 40 years living on N. Pender Island. Born & raised on the North Shore of Vancouver it certainly brings back memories of Easters & summers spent in the Gulf Islands. i.e. depictions of the weather, water, sunsets, flora which are all similar yet dissimilar in some ways in this beautiful south coast of British Columbia.
September 30, 2023
I love this read for how the pages turn themselves. This is thanks to the author's superbly honed writing skills. Her natural talent for storytelling also shines through. Two pages into Blood on the Breakwater I was infused with the feeling of being in a cozy spot enveloped by a finely crafted story that already had me eager to know who done it. And how fitting, as Blood on the Breakwater is indeed a top in class cozy mystery.
November 17, 2023
So much to love about this book. I bought it blind only knowing it was from a local author in my community. What a treasure! From page one I knew I was in trouble - not wanting to put the book down as each page and each chapter pulled me in, but also not wanting the story to end! Plot, characters, details, pacing are all on the mark with a delicious twist at the end. I truly hope we'll see more compelling reads from this author. Well done!
September 30, 2023
Loved this delightful and engaging mystery. Usually more of a thriller fan I was captivated by the characters, plot and of course the familiar and beautiful locations around
Victoria. It is hard to surprise me but there were several twists and turns which I did not see coming, especially at the end. I am hoping that a series will spring from this great read! 😍🙌🏻
Victoria. It is hard to surprise me but there were several twists and turns which I did not see coming, especially at the end. I am hoping that a series will spring from this great read! 😍🙌🏻
December 23, 2023
This is a terrific mystery novel and captures Victoria BC where it all happens.
If you are from Victoria, as I am, the details and the comments about the politics the people and the places are wonderful.
The story is well crafted and quite fun along with being a mystery.
Talented writer!
If you are from Victoria, as I am, the details and the comments about the politics the people and the places are wonderful.
The story is well crafted and quite fun along with being a mystery.
Talented writer!
April 5, 2024
I live in Victoria so obviously the book was appealing from that perspective but it is also a good read. The book is well written and soon grabs your interest. I’d recommend it as a great book to take with you on vacation.
May 13, 2024
It was a quick read. It wasn’t what I’d call a page turner but a good story. I was sure, 100% positive I had something figured out, but was totally wrong. I liked that. I didn’t really like what she did at the very end.
June 10, 2024
The book provided an entertaining Sunday afternoon read. Living with a view of the breakwater and being a native Victorian, it kept my attention with the similarities to local characters and settings. I did, however, realize who the villain was - I thought it was a dead giveaway.
August 18, 2024
Outstanding read. I absolutely devoured this book and The Sinking of Souls, ther other book Ms. Paetkau has self-published. Her voice is uniquely female, the characters are well-drawn, the plots are exciting, and she describes Victoria and its surroundings vividly. Hope we get a third book!
September 17, 2024
A very enjoyable and interesting story. I loved how the mystery was solved close to the end. There were a few possible suspects and the revealing surprised me. All the best Jean Paetkau with your next book.
August 27, 2023
Cleverly weaves historical and present-day mysteries to keep you turning the pages. A rich cast of characters and a juicy plot combine to create a book you won’t soon forget.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews