Book Review: Midnight at the Camposanto

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Midnight at the Camposanto     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Mari Ulmer
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Ethnic
Series: Taos Festival # 1
Poisoned Pen Press, Apr 2000, $23.95, 258 pp.

The Catholic Church sanctions Los Hermanos, the Brotherhood of Our Lord Jesus, as a lay religious society in many New Mexico communities. Their practices have roots in the Mexican community and are typically misunderstood by Anglos, who see the rituals as being too mystical to accept. However, many locals such as semi-retired lawyer Christina Garcia y Grant (owner of a bed and breakfast) revere the group.

On Good Friday, the police arrest a Hermano for killing another Hermano, his cousin. Christy knows the cousin could never commit such an evil act especially on a holy day. Christy, her former mentor, a public defender, and a retired physician try to prove that Pat Salazaar is innocent of the murder of Eusebio. Their investigation follows many threads with someone trying to kill Christy before she and her cohorts uncover the pattern.

Though the Land of Enchantment has had many tourists, few if any have seen this side of New Mexico that is eloquently and reverently described by Mari Ulmer. The well-crafted mystery includes many viable suspects from all walks of life and leaves readers wondering who did it. The lead character and her partners are fully developed, gaining audience support from the beginning of the story line. MIDNIGHT AT THE CAMPOSANTO is the first novel in the “Taos Festival Mysteries” and if the subsequent tales are half as colorful, mystical, and alive as this debut is, fans will have a treat for years to come.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner