The first call is a young boy who has collapsed and is now dead. An autopsy reveals that the boy was shot, but none of the witnesses saw a gun, nor did anyone hear a gunshot. The other call, a seemingly unrelated incident, involves a free-for-all that broke out among the hockey players at the high school, and appears to have been instigated by the chief's son, P.T. McCafferty. Jake divides the investigators into two teams, each looking into one case, Jake spending more time on the homicide, but overseeing both. Methodically, logically, and instinctively, Jake is able to see the pieces of the puzzle, even those that aren't clear, and put them all together before an even bigger incident occurs.

Six-Pound Walleye is a briskly paced police procedural. Jake uses his staff to full advantage as he allows them to go with their strengths and allows them some say in the investigation. He uses some scientific theories, as well as his instincts, to help guide him. Jake is a very likable, very real character. Newcomers to the series learn quite a bit about him and his past and won't feel cheated. The other members of the Rutherford police force are also extremely likable and so well developed that anyone of them could easily slip into a series of their own.

The only downside in the book is the rushed argument between Jake and Trudy. It takes her only twenty-four hours to cool down from what had the potential to be a major argument. This rushed resolution in no way detracts from the overall temp of the book. Even first time readers of the series will feel right at home with Jake in Rutherford, Minnesota.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry