#13 in the Richard Jury and Melrose Plant mysteries, greatly enjoyed this one as Grimes seems to get back on track again. Jury is off to America again, this time to Santa Fe, NM to investigate a possible connection between three women who died in the UK—one of them being a woman who died in a previous book. Brian Macalvie makes a return appearance in order to get Jury involved in the case, acting on one of Macalvie’s infamous hunches, though the connection between the dead women seems tenuous at best. This book also involves a couple of delightful visits with the Cripps family from a previous book, which I found most enjoyable, even Piddlin’ Pete. ::grin:: While I picked out the bad guy in advance, I didn’t really know how or why the crime was done at first, just instinct told me who it was. Very much enjoyed this visit with the whole gang, from Long Pidd to London all the way to Santa Fe. ( )

Number 13 in the Richard Jury series.

The ineffable District Commander Brain Macalvie once again pops into Richard Jury’s life with his usual disruptive effect, insisting that Jury assist him in solving what seem to be two totally unrelated murder cases whose only potential connection might be visits to New Mexico. Oddly enough, the death of Lady Cray’s close friend, judged to be of natural causes, also could be related in some way, since she, too, has connections to a trip to New Mexico. Protesting all the way, Jury finds himself on a trip to Santa Fe.

In her last book (The Horse You Came In On) and this, Grimes uses clever plot devices to land Jury in the US, where she can indulge her affection for and interest in various sections of the country. This time it’s Santa Fe, whose desert silence and mysteries, such as the Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde, are punctuated with the tourist attractions of the craft shops in Santa Fe itself. Back in form, there is a precocious child, a 13 year old girl, whose self-sufficiency and endearing quirkiness (Mary has a pet coyote)is standard Grimes, and who is not only central to the story but takes part in the exciting climax.

But the Merrye Olde England of Melrose Plant and Detective Sgt. Alfred Wiggins is far from neglected. Wiggins has landed himself “in hospital” with romantic results. Melrose finds himself alternately playing comforter to Wiggins and assistant detective for Jury as he follows London leads for Jury. Fans of the Cripps family will be delighted to know that Ash and White Elephant with all their brood do not disappoint in their latest appearance; Cyril the Cat shines in yet another installment in his war with Chief Superintendent Racer. The humor never stops.

Martha Grimes has delivered an excellent book, with a good plot and outstanding contributions from her stable of recurring characters. Highly recommended. ( )

Standard British murder mystery. ( )