Review: Cyanide Wells

Matthew Lindstrom's wife, Gwen, abruptly leaves him with no explanation. It eventually destroys his nearly idyllic life as a college instructor and successful photographer in Sagutuck, Minnesota. Eventually, when no explanation is forthcoming and there is no body, the small town residents turn against Lindstrom and, despondent, he sells everything and goes on the road for several years of aimless wandering. Since even his own family wants little to do with him-a bit convenient I thought-he is isolated and withdraws.

When the story opens, Lindstrom has come to roost in a small town in British Columbia where he buys into and then owns an excursion boat business. It's fourteen years later and at times Matthew Lindstrom, given to introspection, wonders how he's ended up in this place, so far in time, in miles and in activity from the career he had planned for himself. And then a phone call comes. It is a call from an unknown person and it stirs up old memories, brings his past crashing back to the present. His wife had disappeared and he'd been accused though never tried for her murder, and now here is a clue to her whereabouts.

Through his turmoil of emotion Lindstrom decides to seek her out and confront her. Revenge and curiosity war within him. He gives over his business to his single employee and after careful planning, goes south to a small town in northern California called Cyanide Wells, there to find his wife. And there to discover plots within plots, citizen's of the town with convoluted agendas and an ultimate solution that comes only after danger that nearly sweeps him away.

This is an interesting, engaging, story. This is Marcia Muller as we have come to expect her over time, presenting enthralling many- layered plots, sympathetic and surprising characters, tension and strong writing. She has also fashioned a novel utilizing two primary points of view, one her strong seeker of truth, Matthew Lindstrom, the other an equally strong woman, Carly McGuire, owner and editor of the local Pulitzer-Prize-winning weekly newspaper. McGuire, for many of her own reasons that are not clear in the beginning, also wants to get to the answers to the object of both their searches-the enigmatic Gwen Lindstrom.

A fine, enjoyable novel that presents and solves a mystery without resorting to tricks or sleight of hand.

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

Book Review: Cyanide Wells