The Alpine Recluse

Well, granted this was an impulse grab browsing in the library, and I really resolve never to try a new series starting on #18, but still found this one scattered and unsatisfying, with way too many characters, and no particular progress by anyone in solving the actual homicide.

Emma Lord gets involved in another murder, this time Tim, a neighbor is killed by a blow to the head and then his house is burned to the ground. He leaves behind a pregnant wife, a heartbroken sister and a mother who's Alzhiemer's keeps her from understanding what happened.

There are plenty of suspects, Tim's family, including his wife and in-laws, and just about everyone else. Emma's favorite is the the local 'recluse' called Old Nick, who has been seen in town several times recently.

Emma works with Milo, with Tim's sister and with Vida to find out what actually happened. I wondered a bit about the actual killer but didn't know why or how.

Still have several books to read in this series and I'm looking forward to them.

Alpine is suffering from a heat wave and drought. The threat of fire is always present. But no one expected Tim and Tiffany Rafferty's house to burn down. Even more unexpected was the death of Tim, whose body was found in burnt to the ground house. But did he die in the fire or was the fire a cover up?
Emma can't help sleuthing even though the weather is debilitating. Another good entry to the series.

I read the first couple of books in this series when they were first released and thought I would try the series again. Found it a little too light. Characters were likeable, I just couldn't get into it.

Another Emma Lord novel about arson, failing relationships and the whole zany cast of characters in Alpine, Washington.