Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Alpine Legacy
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Mary Daheim
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth Woman Main Character Cozy
Series: Emma Lord # 12
Ballantine, Sept. 1999, $5.99, 320 pp.
In Skyomish County, Washington, Emma Lord, enjoys being the editor and publisher of the Alpine Advocate. However, lately she feels irate with the nasty personal attack from Crystal Bird, editor and publisher of the monthly Crystal Clear. However, of more concern to Emma is that someone broke into her home, but nothing of value was stolen.
A friend arranges for Emma to meet with Crystal to clear the air. However, Crystal displays an attitude even though Emma humbles herself and agrees to support a woman's issue. The next day, Crystal is found dead, an apparent suicide. The autopsy reveals the woman actually died from an overdose of a prescription drug prescribed to Emma. Most of the residents of SKYCO including Sheriff Milo Dodge (Emma's former boy friend) believe Emma killed her rival. Emma, with the help of her friend, reporter Vida Runkel, makes inquiries to prove the authorities and gossips wrong.
The twelfth Emma Lord amateur sleuth tale is an entertaining who-done-it because of the townsfolk knee jerk reaction to blame the lead protagonist. After almost a decade in SKYCO, Emma, an influential citizen, is still considered an outsider. Contrasted To Emma's non-status is the locals' easy acceptance of acerbic Crystal, who was born in the area, but left many years ago before returning. Vida remains a fresh character and the remainder of the secondary cast provides an authentic feel to the region. The mystery is relatively simple, but the fun in Mary Daheim's series rests with the wonderfully, warm players.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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