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5.0 out of 5 stars
What a great book for book lovers!, Feb 2 2004
Author Judith Van Gieson took time out from her mystery series starring Neil Hamel, to create a second series. This is the first book in what I believe is a superior series to Hamel. The book's a gift to booklovers (much like John Dunning's work), in that, as a rare-books librarian at a University campus, heroine Claire takes us into the world of collectors, readers, what makes value, and just the love of all things "bookish". She's an interesting heroine, with grown children, newly divorced from a marriage that makes you wonder (why did she stay?)and a new job in the often cutthroat world of academia. A wealthy mentor has died, leaving his books collection to the University where Claire is employed. It's a feather in her cap, but she also finds herself needing to agree to be the executor of his estate. His odd family and his ranch, in a rancher vs. naturalist part of New Mexico have you saying silently to her..."What, are you nuts?" From both the donation and the need to be the executor come the mysteries. I must say, I thought the culprit in each would be different, but I was proven wrong. The mystery line is gentle, probably a good way to introduce a librarian into the world of crime solving. The real star in this book, however, is Gieson's imagery and depth of feeling for the New Mexico landscape. Both the raw power and beauty of the area are on display for all to see and enjoy. She's really given the reader something solid here, as I found myself homesick, and wishing I had a Southwestern desert vacation planned. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
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