Book Review: Dispel the Mist

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Dispel the Mist     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Marilyn Meredith
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Native American
Series: Tempe Crabtree Mystery
Mundania Press LLC, 2009, 206 Pages

The Legend of the Hairy Man is a story Tempe Crabetree’s Native American grandmother told her years ago. This story comes back to Tempe in her dreams as she attempts to solve the mystery surrounding the death of Lilia Quintera, a Tulane County Supervisor.

Tempe is the resident deputy of the mountain community of Bear Creek. Tempe has a Native American background as well as Mexican roots. Tempe’s husband is Hutch Hutchinson, the pastor of the local community church. Although Tempe and Hutch do not always see eye to eye on every issue the two have found a middle ground where both are more understanding of the other’s beliefs.

The couple attends a social event given by the casino. Lilia Quintera attends this event. She is blindsided when Daniel Burcena, the casino manager, makes an announcement that land is going to be acquired to build a hotel, golf course, and other amenities. He then asked Lilia what hurtles they could expect to be in their way. Lilia stated that this was not the time or the place for this discussion.

However, Lilia would never have the time for the discussion. She died of what is presumed to be a heart attack but Tempe has other ideas. Lilia’s husband tended to seek out other women. The hotel would be a boon to some of the people of the community but a disaster to others. There was also the problem of the residential facility going up at Shadow Hills, an exclusive neighborhood. Lilia had planned to place her niece Suzy Alvarez in the facility. A resident of Shadow Hills had organized an ugly demonstration against the facility and against Lilia Quintera for promoting the facility.

Tempe is determined to find the real cause of Lilia’s death and who is responsible. Her dreams lead her back to the reservation to seek answers. Tempe is a fascinating character and one that keeps the reader guessing until the conclusion.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.