'Finding Charli, Book Four of 'The Lake Scugog Mysteries' by Maighread Mackay

 Imaginative, Intriguing, Charming

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Fantasy

'Finding Charli': Book Four Of 'The Lake Scugog Mysteries' by Maighread Mackay

Charli had so many thoughts and questions bombarding her brain, and she had really needed to meet with Ben to discuss the fight they'd had that morning and possibilities for the future, together or apart. She'd waited for him for an hour but he hadn't shown, she'd left the shop and battled her way to her vehicle, only for Ben to appear in the passenger side of the Jeep, apparently now ready to talk. But having discussed what was on her mind with Rhys, rather than her boyfriend as she had originally intended, she wasn't now in the mood for a repeat performance, particular when she suspected she was likely to get less helpful feedback. Also, the weather was really setting in and she needed to get home whilst she could.

Meanwhile, back in 'Granny's Kitchen', Rhys was now listening to Ben recount both recent altercations with Charli. He tried to call her to ask if they could meet but she wasn't picking up. He then decides to drive to the ranch and try to locate her. Will Ben find his girlfriend....and what does divine intervention have in store for Charli?

This has been a very enjoyable series to read and it has been lovely to follow so many different characters on their respective journeys. Book four, once again changes direction and focuses on the Bancroft family (who were introduced in Book two), particularly one individual. Although Martha played a part in Book Three, we hadn't heard from the rest of the family, and as Charli wasn't greatly featured in Book two, it was good to know how her life had progressed since the departure of her beloved and feisty grandmother. In fact this book re-visits a number of her family members. We are introduced to Ben, Charli's boyfriend, a seemingly very single minded person when it comes to what he wants, and is very intent on getting his own way. We also meet Charli's friend Rhys. I would like to be friends with Rhys. She drops everything when Charli needs her, and is very happy to lend an ear, for her best friend even when she is working. Either she owns 'Granny's Kitchen,' or has an extremely understanding employer!

The other characters, the reader is lead to believe, may have been conjured up by Charli's subconcious, or as Ben believes as a result of concussion. However, when the mystical world becomes intertwined with the real one, both Ben and Rhys are forced to suppose that Charlie could be telling the truth.

For me, the Author's imaginitive and cosy cast of fantastical beings, together with the 'other worlds' in which Charli finds herself, give the narrative an 'It's A Wonderful Life' vs every animated and make-believe tale you can think of, kind of feel. The appearance of the characters were fun to conjure up whilst reading and the manifestation of a number of them appearing on the 'other side' made me smile. I adored the Rutherfords. I like to imagine Arthur as an old Army Major, and Eleanor as a bit of a straight laced but kind 'Mary Poppins', with a bottomless carpet bag. It took me by surprise to discover Agnus-Rose's part in Charli's story. I had thought she represented a much different element to Charli. When I pictured Molly and Mason, all I could think of were the elderly couple from The Never Ending Story, Engywook and Urgl. I think because I haven't tended to read much fantasy, my go-to default setting to imagine the characters of this genre are films of the same.

The reunion between Charli and a very important person to her, was cleverly constructed as an integral part of Charli's process towards realising her destiny, as it is this meeting that provides her with the courage and determination to move forward and helps dispel any feelings of disloyalty she had been harbouring. Her voyage of self-discovery and the way in which her experiences alter her thinking is so profound, as it not only affects her, but everyone around her including her relationship with a very special little boy who, up to now she been somewhat dismissive of.

The only thing that I would have perhaps liked to have played out, was a meeting between Charli and Adele, whilst she is in the company of 'The Presence'. That would have been an interesting exchange.

My favourite of the four novels remains the first, that I have on my book shelf. I hope the Author writes more adventures for these wonderful characters who I have got to know over the last twelve months. I will certainly be needing to read them.