Description
From InD'Tale Magazine: Spider Latham has a new fan! This scrumptious story by Liz Adair is a marvelously easy to read mystery, seasoned with rich descriptions of the red rock area of Arizona and Utah. The author draws in the reader with uniquely realistic story lines involving existing businesses and landmarks in the area. The characters are complex--so fleshed out and genuine,one would expect to see them firmly ensconced at the Museum, the local diner,or patrolling the area in an orange Yugo with flames painted on it. Readers will love the bantering dialogue between Spider and Laurie, and they'll pull for the Stetson wearing cowboy deputy from Nevada. Well written, well researched, and well done, Ms. Adair! From Meridian Magazine: Spider is far from the typical Western literary hero.There's an honesty and realism to him that real westerners will recognize and love. He's not a twenty-something quick-draw, but a man who has raised two sons, loves his wife, and values the land his ancestors settled as early pioneers. He's a deputy sheriff who isn't paid too well and has difficulty figuring out modern electronic gadgets like smart phones. He's kind and compassionate to family, friends, strangers, and animals, but struggles to deal with assumptions and jealousy. ...Spider's wife, Laurie, is a strong woman in manyways. She has a kind, gentle style that draws people to her, but she also has akeen mind and is in many ways as much of a detective as her husband. She's alsoknowledgeable concerning horses and western culture. Other minor characters arestrong, distinct people who greatly enrich the story.The background for this story is the Utah/Arizona border area between Kanab and Fredonia with its red rocks, high temperatures,and Anasazi ruins and artifacts. Adair does a great job of bringing this setting alive as part of the story, making visualizing the magnificent scenery easy yet a natural part of the story. The plot moves at a deceptively relaxed pace, drawing the reader in with interesting tidbits and wonderful dialog, until the reader is surprised to discover how quickly the action is moving. The conclusion is satisfying both as a resolution to the mystery, but as it relates back to a couple of other issues introduced early on.
Features & Highlights
- Who is Spider Latham? Think John Wayne meets Miss Marple. When Spider is sent to help the Red Pueblo Museum, he doesn’t suspect it will cause a rift between his wife, Laurie, and himself. Museum Director Martin Taylor is desperate, and his son Matt is angry. Some unknown person is bent on destroying the museum financially and is about to succeed. Then a handsome playboy's skull is bashed in with one of the museum's Anasazi ax, and everyone has motive for the murder. Can Spider untangle the web of secrecy and lies surrounding the museum before the Taylors lose it all? And in the process, can he save his own marriage?
