This is actually the 3rd in Parshall's Rachel Goddard series, but I didn't find any difficulty in enjoying this terrific mystery despite a lack of knowledge of the main character's background (see my review of The Heat of the Moon above). It is a little unusual, though to refer readers to a previous book to fill in details that have been unearthed by a character in this one. It didn't detract from the story, though; it just made me curious to read the other book!
Veterinarian Rachel Goddard has moved to rural Mason County, Virginia (Oh, no! Now I have to read book #2, also, to figure out how she ended up here!) where she has become romantically involved with native Deputy Sheriff Tom Bridger. A few hours after Rachel "witnesses" the murder of Cam Taylor (she hears the murder takes place and discovers the body), the body of Cam's wife, Meredith, is found in their burning home. Rachel's close friend Benicio Hernandez, an artist known professionally as Ben Hern, becomes the chief suspect. After a contentious encounter with Cam at his home, Ben was seen again arguing with him on a remote country road shortly before Cam was shot. Tom's former love, Lindsey Taylor, returns to Mason County to bury her parents and to stir up trouble. Determined to bring her parents' murderer to justice and to rekindle her romance with Tom, Lindsey attempts to intimidate Rachel and incriminate Ben. All of the Christie Capers agreed that they never saw the denouement coming, yet it made perfect sense. I hope that Parshall develops the following that she deserves. She certainly has a new devoted fan in me!
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