"Engaging Bayou mystery"

Nate Callahan, Mayor of Blue Bayou, Louisiana, makes his living from remodeling homes. As he cleans away old files in the sheriff's office, Nate comes across a folder from thirty-one years ago that includes valuable stock. The owner was Linda Dale who apparently committed suicide. Linda's sister took her infant niece with her to Los Angeles. That niece, Linda's daughter, has quite an inheritance awaiting her if she can be found.

Nate's brother locates LA Homicide Detective Regan Hart, who is shocked to learn that the woman she thought was her mother is her aunt. Regan comes to Blue Bayou to learn the truth about her biological mother and the rest of her roots, but the twists of reality make the DNA helix seem quite simple especially when some folks want the past kept quiet. Adding to her confusion is the fact that Regan and the mayor have fallen in love.

Because of the twists on twists, readers will expect Rod Serling to explain that this is Bayou Country in the Twilight Zone. The story line is action packed whether it occurs on the West Coast or the Gulf Coast as readers see deep into psyche of the heroine and to a lesser degree Nate. JoAnn Ross will gain new readers with her magnificent MAGNOLIA MOON even if it takes one more spin than is necessary.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted February 10, 2003