@scifiJoan: The blurb makes it sound like the story is nested in French Canadian culture, which might explain the narrative style of the tale, including the
annoying habit. Of breaking sentences up. Into small. Dramatic. Pieces.
And it's hard to jump into the middle of a series. I know the Spenser detective novels originally by Robert B. Parker are confusing to someone who picks up one of the more recent entries (the series began in 1973).
Psst! Your quote is actually hysterical. I laughed out loud.
