Review: Scone Island by Frederick Ramsay

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press (August 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1464200556
• ISBN-13: 978-1464200557

Book Description



Ike Schwartz, Sheriff of Picketsville, Virginia, and Ruth Dennis, the President of a local university and Ike's fiancee cannot find peace and quiet be at home after a trying year of academic and local politics. So, they elect to seek asylum on Scone Island, a rocky island four miles off the coast of Maine. Its lack of electricity, reliable water supply, and phone service guarantee their seclusion and peace. The fact there has been a suspicious accident resulting in the death of the mysterious Harmon Staley should not concern them at all. And it doesn't until Ike's past as a CIA agent rolls in on him like the area's famous twelve foot tides. Two more murders involving former colleagues elsewhere in the country send Charlie Garland, Ike's old friend from the Agency searching the files for a connection. Stonewalling by the CIA, conspiracies, real and imagined, end with Ike and Ruth facing an unknown but determined number of assassins alone on the island.As if that were not enough, Ruth's mother decides to drop in on them just as the excitement begins. A late arrival by the Director of the CIA and Charlie only make things worse for Ruth who opts for Plan B-Las Vegas-in the hopes that she and Ike can finally get lost in the crowd. And good luck with that.


About The Author

 Dr. Frederick Ramsay was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He received his doctorate from the University of Illinois-Westside Medical Campus. After a stint in the Army, he joined the faculty of the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, teaching Anatomy, Embryology and Histology; engaged in research and also served as an Associate Dean. During this time he also pursued studies in theology and in 1971 was ordained an Episcopal priest. He is the author of several scientific and general articles, tracts, theses, and co-author of The Baltimore Declaration. He is an accomplished public speaker and once hosted a television spot, Prognosis, on the evening news for WMAR-TV, Baltimore. He is also an iconographer with works displayed around the world. He lives in Surprise, Arizona with his wife and partner, Susan.


My Review

I really enjoyed the last book in this series, Rogue, so I knew this one would be a great read....and it was.  Dr.Ramsey knows how to tell a story that flows.  I enjoy the bickering between Ike and Ruth.  His characters are all well drawn and a pleasure to get to know.

I've been to the coast of Maine where the book is set so between my recollections and his descriptions the setting came alive for me.  Ike's CIA past comes back to haunt him in this book.  There is plenty of action in this outing.

Good read...I'm thoroughly enjoying this series!  It is available on August 7th.