Tremolo: Cry of the Loon

In this novel, Lazar creates a coming-of-age mystery with a setting that is so much a part of the story that it is almost a character itself. Tremolo: cry of the loon is filled with numerous engaging characters: from Gus\’s parents and grandparents to the twins to the camp staff and a mysterious guest who arrives to stay in Cabin Fifteen. Witnessing the developing relationships among all the characters is wonderful. From the moment I began this book I was captivated. I didn\’t want to put it down until I read the last page. The twists and turns kept me engaged, while watching Gus\’s mettle being put to the test made me root for him to come out victorious. Also, as a child of the 60s and 70s, the numerous historical references allowed me to feel right at home. Tremolo: cry of the loon is the perfect summertime read. It takes that dreaded summer camp experience and turns it into an exciting, suspenseful mystery.

I read the other reviews and couldn\’t help but wonder why some people find fault with simple writing. Why does writing need to be complicated? The story is about a boy embroiled in what turns out to be a murder. The setting is in the 1960\’s at a summer resort and is from the point of view of the boy. Lazar captured the emotions of the boy, the wonder of an eleven-year-old back in the 60\’s, and the innocence of a child who has been sheltered from the evil of the real world. He\’s clearly a \”good boy\”, which wasn\’t unusual in the 60\’s. I do agree that this book would be good for young adults, possibly middle-school age, but that doesn\’t mean it isn\’t good for adults. I thoroughly enjoyed it. it\’s nice to read a story that doesn\’t have blood, guts, and graphic sex like so many best sellers of today. Gus was real, as were his thoughts and feelings, his pre-adolescent emotions, and his daring–so typical of many young people who feel invincible. It\’s this that drew me in. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a good story. I loved it.

This was like going back when I was growing up! Absolutely loved this! While the camp I was at and where I was a counselor was not this big, there was no denying the parallels. The lake, canoes, the mess hall and that dreaded bath house, wonderful times, all the things that fade into memories, thank you for those! I knew this book was going to be a favorite when the cologne, Jean Nate jumped off the page. I remember that so well. This in #5 in the series and I am reading them in order, you don\’t have to, but the characters have so much enjoyable history if you do. I\’m going to hate when this series ends. There was so much of my past in this book, but no dead bodies !

Anyone who\’s read any of Aaron Paul Lazar\’s Gus LeGarde mysteries will recognize the protagonist in this coming of age novel. Young Gus hangs out round the lake with his friends Siegfried and Elsbeth, slowly learning that girls are not boys, just beginning to feel that protectiveness and curiosity that give depth to his later life. JFK\’s death was recent news; someone\’s robbing local churches; and a young girl has disappeared–the safety of childhood is tipping on the cusp of slipping away. The cry of the loon is actually a cry of distress. Young Gus hears the sound in children\’s laughter, in the provocative voice of an older girl, and in the fears that taunt him through the night. He saw the missing girl but he\’s a child and nobody wants to believe what he thinks he knows. The birds, animals, people and scenery of Maine come to life in this novel. There\’s very real danger, honest emotion, sweet empathy and a lyrical voice that perfectly depicts the melody of scent and sight, as described through the emotions of a boy who will one day devote himself to music. Having read some of the later novels, I thoroughly enjoyed this insight into Gus\’s youth. But this mystery of childhood and the 60s would, I\’m sure, be just as enjoyable as an introduction to the series or as a standalone novel for younger readers. Disclosure: I was lucky enough to get a free ecopy of this, but it would be well worth paying for too.

Tremolo, Cry of the Loon is as hauntingly beautiful and poignant as the title suggests. Eleven year old Gus Legarde and his two best friends are caught up in dangerous and eye opening events, as they spend their summer at Gus\’s grandparent\’s lake camp in Maine. The summer of 1964 is a time of discovery for young Gus, Sigfried and Elsbeth. This is one of the best coming of age stories I have ever read. Highly recommended for adults as well as teens.

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