by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Silenced in the Surf and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Although klutz-prone journalist Meg Reed often feels in over-her-head during assignments for Northwest Extreme magazine, she finally is in her element. An experienced swimmer, covering the King of the Hook windsurfing competition on Oregon’s Hood River is a challenge Meg can meet. What Meg is not prepared for is yet another encounter with a murder victim, this time that of Justine Cruise, the number one surfer in the world.

‘Cruise Control’ may have been the competitor most likely to win the championship, but he is also the most disliked windsurfer on and off of the water. Arrogant, a womanizer, and a sore winner, Cruise leaves behind a string of angry exes, bullied Cosplayers, and jealous rivals. Meg’s role in discovering the body has her invested in the investigation despite warnings from her boss, friends, and the sheriff currently dating her grandmother. Meg may lack journalistic experience, but she more than makes up for it with her youthful enthusiasm and deftness with social media platforms.

Even though Meg is out of her normal Portland stomping grounds, the author incorporates entertaining details that make the Pacific Northwest so unique. From extreme outdoor sports’ athletes to hipsters who love their organic fruits and nitrogen-infused gourmet iced coffee, the Oregon natives embrace their environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Just as vital to this series are Meg’s struggles to find her way as a 24-year-old woman who has often felt as an outsider looking in on the world. Resentful when treated like an irresponsible child, she feels equally bitter about being forced into responsible adulthood by the loss of her father. His death during his own investigation into Meth labs still haunts her, and continues to keep Meg estranged and spiteful towards her mother. Meg is also struggling with her attraction for her best friend Matt Parker, who in turn warns her against trusting her secretive, and attractive, editor-in-chief. While the dangerous but gorgeous setting quickly establishes itself as a riveting character, what keeps readers returning to this series is Meg Reed. Her resilience and quick wit ensure that her adventures are as fun and entertaining as they are breathtaking.

To enter to win a copy of Silenced in the Surf, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “surf,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 2, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

You can use this link to purchase this book:

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).