Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the newest Sgt. Winston Windflower mystery - Number 16! I was certainly not disappointed, as this book perfectly continues the tradition set in all of the previous books: there is a mystery, yes, centred around a brazen bank robbery coupled with several 'smash-and-grab' robberies, there are criminals of varying degrees, but as always there is so much more to the story. And he skillfully allows each facet of Winston's life and career to be front and centre, then returns to the main plot.
Mike Martin has created in these books a community, a family, lifelong friendships and celebrations of milestones - both happy and sad. And while the setting is Newfoundland, it really could translate to any small community anywhere.
Throughout the story we are reintroduced to characters who have populated the previous novels in the series, while weaving them into the current plot. And he brought in some very interesting (and slightly terrifying) new characters who only add to the story.
There were some emotional highs and lows, but they were each worth the experience, as they served to make Winston, his family, and his community even more real to this reader.
I would highly recommend you read even a few of the books in this series prior to this one, but it certainly can be a standalone read.

Friends Are Forever is the 16th book in the Sgt. Winston Windflower Mysteries series. Just as every book before it, it is new, unique and exciting while familiar and comforting at the same time. Author Mike Martin recently published a blog post on both his author website and the Sgt. Windflower page – “Why I Continue to Write Sgt. Windflower Mysteries” – which captures many of the reasons I continue to read them. They are always excellent: quality writing, smooth and logical plot, a challenging mystery, a satisfying ending and a perfect blend of police work and family life.

The books have become a little darker, a little more intense and a little more violent over the years. I don’t know if it’s just a reflection of today’s world, growth in Marystown, Grand Bank and other places which brings more crime, a combination of things or what, but it works, because it makes the stories feel real and relevant. And it also works because it’s always balanced out with the “good” view of things by friends, family, food and the beautiful backdrop.

Complex, sophisticated crime has come to Marystown and Grand Bank once again. Grand Bank, especially, still has that small-town feel, where everyone knows everyone else and they pull together, but it’s not a fairy tale and bad characters and the influence and repercussions from the big cities and even the rest of the world creep in and must be dealt with. Windflower is no longer an inexperienced, small town young man, but a competent officer and leader in the RCMP. He doesn’t like or look for violence, but he doesn’t shy away from it either. He’s committed to serving and protecting his community and seeing that justice is done, even if that does put him in danger or cause him to act in ways he’d really rather not. He’s a strong leader and a good liaison between his staff and his superiors.

After his brief assignments elsewhere and his also brief departure from the RCMP, Winston is back in Grand Bank. Home. His position requires him to regularly travel to Marystown and often farther afield but he always returns to Sheila and the girls. Just as he’s grown both as a man and a Mountie, his marriage to Sheila has also grown. They’ve reached the necessary compromise: he keeps her in the loop as much as possible and doesn’t take unnecessary risks, she expresses her worry but without an overlay of guilt or ultimatum. It was obvious from the start that Winston and Sheila were meant to be together, but I had to laugh when he returned from this last dangerous operation and she told him, “Sometimes I think I should kill you myself to get it over with.” And the girls? They’ve grown, too. Delightfully. Amelia Louise is still a feisty little thing and Stella is an adventurous big sister. Windflower’s serious policeman persona goes right out the window when he’s playing with and taking care of his girls. And his pets.

Friends Are Forever is the perfect next step in this series and I for one hope author Mike Martin keeps writing these satisfying stories as long as the mood strikes him. The town, the food, the café, the Shakespeare, the classical music, dreams, smudging, old and new friends and coworkers and over the past couple of books some loss. All creating a warm sense of community and comfort.

Thanks to author Mike Martin for providing an advance copy of Friends Are Forever. It’s thrilling and at times frightening, full of action, and overflowing with the warmth we are used to. When Winston cooks, I get hungry. And I’ve been known to order a box or two of Tim Horton k-cups while reading. I also don’t think I’ve heard the expression “rode hard and put away wet” since childhood; brought a smile to my face. Thinking back over the series many images come to mind, of a young, serious loner, a man in love, a couple adjusting to marriage and building a family, the circle of friends and family. I have enjoyed it all and look forward to many more books. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, recommend you go back to the beginning to get the ultimate pleasure, and can’t wait for what’s next. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.