Book Review: Cyanide Wells

Reviewed By: Sandi - RAM

Cyanide Wells     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Marcia Muller
Class/Genre:   Mystery
August 2003; ISBN 0892967811, Mysterious Press, 304 pp (hardback)

Cyanide Wells, by Marcia Muller, transports you into Soledad County, California where Matthew Lindstrom and Carly McGuire are teamed to find Gwen Lindstrom, aka Ardis Coleman.

But this is as unlikely duo as possible. Matthew is Gwen's ex-husband who is still a suspect for her sudden disappearance 14 years earlier. This caused total upheaval in his personal life and photographic career, relocating him to Canada. He was unaware of her whereabouts until he is contacted by a local of Cyanide Wells of Gwen's residence. Carly, who knows Gwen as Ardis Coleman, is her significant other, and parents a daughter with her. She is owner and editor of the local newspaper, which won national acclaim for articles Ardis wrote describing the gruesome murders of two local gay men. Just prior to Ardis' disappearance, she was working on a book detailing the murders.

As they begin their search, the disappearance begins to look weirder and weirder. Then the murders begin.

The book takes you through an exciting search, providing surprises when you least expect and complete turns when you think you’ve got it figured out.

This was my first venture into Marcia Muller's rugged and scenic California, but I'm sure it will not be my last. I enjoyed Cyanide Wells very much.

Sandi - RAM

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

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