Cheerleader, part-time library clerk Lucy is found shot and dumped outside of town, but no one can imagine who would want to hurt the young woman.  Mira thinks her death may be connected to the New Millennium Bible Camp and Pastor Meale who has just started his ministry in Battle Lake, kicking it off with a Creation Science Fair. (“Why Your Great-Grandfather wasn’t a Monkey”) Mira knows these folks are off, but being weird and narrow minded isn’t enough to prove murder.  To do that, she may need to hang around a little longer than she originally intended.

Mira, most of the time, is a very appealing character who mostly seems to have it all together, but there are times when she reacts to situations seemingly out of character.  When Mira’s semi-estranged mother appears on Mira’s doorstep and announces she has cancer, Mira reacts very badly and surprisingly.  Also, her self-proclaimed alcohol problem doesn’t really seem to be all that much of a problem.  While there is mention of a dysfunctional upbringing, Mira carries herself so well, it’s not very believable.  Mira has made good friends in Battle Lake and doesn’t indicate there’s a lot for her to return to the city for, and there seems to be a lot of reasons to stay in Battle Lake (even if Johnny is spending the next year in Madison, WI). 

  The mystery is well-plotted and will keep readers trying to guess how all the pieces will fit together, which they eventually do.  A fun, fast-paced mystery with a heroine readers will enjoy, even if her foibles are not entirely believable.                                

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry