Review: The Clovis Incident

The talking cat nearly put me off at the beginning. I don't know why, because I generally like books with cats, even the talking kind. I think I just wasn't expecting a talking one in a mystery novel. Even the ones in "The Cat Who..." books don't actually talk.

However, this book is quite different from "The Cat Who..." series, and the protagonist's 'hallucinations' (actually, psychic visions) are used well; they are not just tacked on to the story.

The story gets off to a fast start. Sasha has been fired from her P.R. job in Albuquerque. This means that the possibility of being offered a contract as a PR consultant to the Clovis Chamber of Commerce is now of primary importance. So she says goodbye to her mother at her nursing home, promises to look up a daughter of her mother's friend, arranges to meet a friend of her own, and heads off to be interviewed by her potential client.

Sasha is immediately plunged into a chaotic and confusing situation. Her friend, Mae, may be implicated in a murder. Mae is also acting strangely, making bizarre claims about aliens and spaceships. Mae's family's response to her problems seems to be more affected by old bitterness and divisions than by concern for Mae's welfare. And an unusually wide range of official agencies are interested in the murder.

Sasha's story is entertaining and fast-paced. The descriptions of New Mexico feel realistic, and the importance of the UFO stories locally is portrayed fairly, without slipping into 'true believer' or 'debunker' mode. Sasha's snacking habit gets a bit intrusive sometimes, but overall, she is a likeable and believable character. Her professional activities are particularly credible. She is not the kind of amateur sleuth who never seems to have to spend time at work or doing daily chores. Her research for her bid on the Clovis Chamber of Commerce contract shows this, and also serves to increase the sense of place. I enjoyed this novel, and recommend it to other readers.

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

Book Review: The Clovis Incident