"Great mystery"

This is one of my most favorite series. Benni and Gabe Harper are very likeable characters. I did find this book a little harder to like as Benni and Gabe are at odds through most of the book. I didn't like how Benni handled things, but then not everyone handles things the same way. Once I was able to accept that, I was able to settle down and enjoy the book.

In this book Gabe's ex-partner is passing through town. When Benni meets this ex-partner, Del Hernandez, she is quite surprised to find out Del is a woman. Gabe had never mentioned having a woman partner, even though this was before they met. The former relationship of Gabe and Del puts a lot of strain on their marriage.

Benni is asked to inventory four trunks full of materials possibly related to the decades-old bludgeoning death of wealthy Garvey Sullivan. While inventorying these trunks, she begins to speculate about the murder and thus starts investigating. It helps her keep her mind off her personal problems.

Benni always seems to investigate things in a way that makes me want to read the next page and then the next. I have a lot of trouble putting these books down. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

Reviewed by Dawn Dowdle
Posted July 6, 2002