Book Review: A Rant of Ravens

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Rant of Ravens     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Christine Goff
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Berkley, Oct 2000, $5.99, 224 pp.

Rachel Wilder Stanhope’s professional life is going great, but her personal life is in shambles ever since she caught her husband in bed with another woman. Two months after the incident, Rachel receives divorce papers. She decides she needs to recuperate at her Aunt Miriam’s home, Bird Haven, a spread that adjoins Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park. The place is a bird preserve that Rachel will watch over during the summer as Miriam traipses the Middle East in search of local feathered friends.

When a rare sparrow is spotted on her aunt’s property, the local bird-watching group tries to find it. On the third day of the search, Rachel tumbles over the murdered body of a reporter who claimed he possessed damaging information on Miriam’s late husband. The next day, Miriam vanishes along with two baby peregrines and a rare white gryfalcon. Rachel concludes the two incidents are interrelated. She begins to investigate, not yet aware that danger from an unknown two-legged omnivore threatens her life.

Though her first published novel, Christine Goff provides an interesting amateur sleuth tale. A RANT OF RAVENS contains eco-terrorists, bird-buying sheiks, and a glimpse into the bird watcher’s fascinating world. The mystery unfolds at a solid, leisurely pace that allows the reader to relish the plot and ponder what will happen next. Sub-genre fans will rant evermore for Rachel to make future appearances.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner