Book Review: Cape Perdido

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Cape Perdido     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Marcia Muller
Class/Genre:   Mystery

Marcia Muller's mystery novels, especially her justly popular series featuring Sharon McCone, are good choices in the bookstore or library, always providing an enjoyable and well-written story. This standalone is no exception.

Like many resource-based small towns, Cape Perdido's fortunes have fluctuated with the fortunes of a single industry. The loss of the local sawmill was a particularly devastating blow, but the townspeople struggle on, and survive by providing services to the tourists attracted by the magnificent - and protected - Perdido River.

No environmental protection is absolute, and citizens have violently opposing views on the appropriate use of natural resources set aside for all. A proposal to sell the Perdido River's water to thirsty southern California brings together an opposition group which includes survivors of a long ago tragedy.

The open conflict over water diversion project, the divisions within the project opponents' camp and the long shadow cast by old sins all contribute to the plot, and result in further violence.

Although I thought the final solution to the mystery was evident fairly early in the book, the characters and the story carried me along anyway. The New Yorker contingent - the naive young woman and the self- important lawyer - are developed well throughout the book, as are their small town counterparts.

"Cape Perdido" is a welcome addition to Muller's work.

Cheryl - RAM

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

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