Deadly Descent

July 20, 2009
Family secrets both past and present underpin this promising mystery debut from Hinger (Come Spring
). In compiling oral histories for a county book project, western Kansas historian Lottie Albright encounters racist attitudes in a piece by a prominent local, Zelda St. John. Yet when Fiona Hadley, Zelda's sister and mother of political hopeful Brian Hadley, demands that Zelda's contribution be suppressed, Lottie's sensibilities as a historian are offended. When Zelda and her daughter are murdered, valuable documents are stolen and anonymous letters arrive from an unbalanced individual, Lottie enlists the help of her psychologist twin sister, Josie, with whom she has an uneasy relationship. Lottie's part-time job as a sheriff's deputy, tensions within her marriage and a sensational cold case involving a dead pregnant woman cause further complications. Readers who stick with the often awkward plotting will be rewarded by a nail-biting climax, when Lottie makes a life-altering choice.

Starred review from July 1, 2009
Delving into the past can be a dangerous pursuit.

Lottie Albright has married an older man and moved to his home in a small western Kansas town, much to the disgust of her twin sister, clinical psychologist Josie. Lottie finds plenty to occupy her time as director of the Carlton County Historical Society and district manager of senatorial candidate Brian Hadley's campaign. But her peaceful life is shattered when Brian's aunt, Zelda St. John, is murdered and her daughter Judy accuses Brian's obnoxious mother Fiona of the deed. Lottie takes on Judy as a research assistant to keep her out of trouble, little realizing that dusty papers found in her attic will make Judy the next victim. As if intent on antagonizing her bridegroom along with her twin, Lottie takes on the job of deputy to shorthanded sheriff Sam Abbott, who must rely on the state police for help with the two homicides. Fascinated by an old murder case, Lottie hopes to gain at least Sam's approval by coming up with new answers. The connection she finds between the old murders and the new puts her life and her sister's in danger from a desperate killer willing to do anything to keep past sins buried.

Historical research is anything but dull in Hinger's debut, which holds your attention every exciting step of the way.

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