Step into the charming yet suspenseful world of the Constable Molly Smith series, where the serene mountains of Trafalgar, British Columbia, hide secrets as deep as the snowdrifts! Written by Canadian author Vicki Delany, this police procedural mystery series follows rookie constable Molly Smith and seasoned Detective Sergeant John Winters as they unravel crimes in a small town brimming with quirky characters, hidden pasts, and gripping twists. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of grit, this series blends heart, humor, and intrigue in a setting that feels like a character itself.
With its vivid portrayal of small-town life and complex investigations, the Constable Molly Smith series invites readers to explore the balance between duty and personal ties, all while solving crimes that shake Trafalgar’s peaceful facade. Ready to dive into a mystery that’s as captivating as a snowy mountain night? Let’s explore!
How Constable Molly Smith Began
Vicki Delany, a prolific Canadian crime writer, introduced the Constable Molly Smith series in 2007 with In the Shadow of the Glacier. Inspired by the scenic Kootenay region, particularly Nelson, BC, Delany crafted Trafalgar as a fictional stand-in, blending real-world charm with fictional intrigue. Her background as a systems analyst and her love for crime fiction fueled her desire to create a series that captures the essence of small-town dynamics while exploring serious issues like justice and community. Delany’s goal was to write what she wanted to know, not just what she knew, resulting in a vivid, authentic series that resonates with readers.
The Heart of Constable Molly Smith
The series kicks off with In the Shadow of the Glacier (2007), where Molly, a probationary constable nicknamed 'Moonlight' by her hippie parents, stumbles upon a murder tied to a controversial peace garden for Vietnam War draft dodgers. In Valley of the Lost (2009), Molly and Winters investigate a young woman’s death, initially thought to be a drug overdose, only to uncover restraint marks and a mysterious baby. Winter of Secrets (2009) plunges them into a snowy Christmas Eve case involving a car accident that reveals dark secrets of privilege and predation. Finally, Unreasonable Doubt (2016), the eighth and final book, follows a man exonerated after 25 years in prison, stirring up old wounds in Trafalgar.
Themes of community, duty, and hidden truths weave through the series, set against Trafalgar’s stunning backdrop of mountains and forests. Delany’s style balances cozy mystery charm with police procedural depth, avoiding excessive gore but embracing gritty realism. Molly’s growth from a rookie to a seasoned officer, alongside her personal struggles—like navigating her hippie parents’ disapproval of her career—adds relatability. The town itself, with its mix of locals, tourists, and ex-hippies, feels alive, making every investigation a tapestry of personal and professional stakes.
Why Constable Molly Smith Resonates
The Constable Molly Smith series has carved a niche in the mystery genre, earning praise for its vivid setting and well-developed characters. Fans love Trafalgar’s blend of idyllic beauty and underlying tension, often comparing it to real-life Nelson, BC. Delany’s ability to tackle contemporary issues—like justice, privilege, and small-town politics—while maintaining an engaging, accessible tone has won her accolades, including the 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award from the Crime Writers of Canada. The series’ adaptation into TV shows by Brightlight Pictures further cements its cultural impact, bringing Molly’s world to new audiences.
Readers cherish the series for its character-driven storytelling and the chance to watch Molly evolve. Though it concluded with eight books, its legacy endures in the hearts of cozy mystery fans and those drawn to stories of small-town secrets.
- First Book: In the Shadow of the Glacier (2007)
- Last Book: Unreasonable Doubt (2016)
- Total Books: 8
- Award: 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for Vicki Delany
Grab In the Shadow of the Glacier and dive into Constable Molly Smith’s thrilling world of mysteries, mountains, and small-town secrets!