Carpe Ski 'em - Book Review

Carpe Ski 'em: A Murder on Skis Mystery is the latest thrilling novel by Phil Bayly, the acclaimed author of the Murder on Skis series. Set against the stunning yet treacherous backdrop of Colorado’s snow-covered mountains, the story follows Denver TV reporter JC Snow and his loyal cameraman Bip Peters as they investigate a perplexing case. What seems at first like the tragic suicide of a skier who fell from a chairlift quickly takes a darker turn when the victim’s sister insists it was murder.

The central mystery deepens as JC and Bip grapple with an unsettling question: if it was murder, how could it have been carried out in plain view of others riding the chairlift? The answers they seek lie within Cameron County, home to the Craters Ski Resort, a place where more unusual and sinister events unfold. As they dig deeper, the duo discovers that the ski slopes of Craters may be hiding secrets that go far beyond the apparent tragedy. Another mystery Bayly weaves into the story involves a well known figure who vanishes, but one severed hand that was once attached to his body is found on the ski slopes. Is he dead, and the rest of him devoured by animals, or is he held up in some remote mountain cave or cabin? JC and Bip again grapple with this strange case as well. 

Bundle up by the fireplace when you delve into Bayly's compelling story, which vividly captures the essence of freezing, wind-swept days high on the mountain side. The author's descriptions of the harsh winter environment are remarkably authentic, resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced the biting cold and relentless winds characteristic of Colorado's ski slopes. This realistic portrayal of the setting immerses the reader directly into the chilly, high-altitude world where the mystery unfolds.

This is our second Bayly's book to review in his  Murder on Skis series, and it might be his best yet. Set in the fictional Craters Ski Resort in the small town of Placer, Colorado, the story introduces a vibrant cast of characters thriving in the rugged mountain wilderness. The resort is surrounded by remnants of an old ghost town and hidden unmapped caves, creating an eerie yet captivating setting. With a chairlift soaring high above the slopes, visitors feel the effects of the thin air and experience how quickly the world can turn into a blinding vortex of snow, with icy winds cutting across their faces.

Bayly’s vivid descriptions of the terrain and his characters bring the story to life as readers eagerly turn the pages to solve the mystery. There’s plenty happening in this mountain town, and reporter/investigators JC and Bip are determined to crack the case where the local sheriff has failed. The book skillfully blends tongue-in-cheek humor with the unfolding   investigation, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. Once you start, it’s hard to put this one down.