Now an avid crusader for ecological preservation, Kiki Courtelis, wants to save Shadows from destruction by a developer and is using the unsolved murder which occurred in 1961 as a reason for preventing the developer from bulldozing the mansion and erecting high rise condominiums on the site. Needless to say, if Burch could choose between the two cases, he would opt for Stone’s, but Ms. Courtelis has considerable political savvy herself. She appeals to Burch’s boss, K.C. (Kathleen) Riley, a born and bred Miamian, and ends up on a first name basis with Riley as well as getting the Shadows case investigated starting the very next day.

Having promised Stone that he would consider his case before his unexpected medical leave, Burch gives Stone permission to delve into his parents’ deaths hoping that merely visiting Shadows will mollify Ms. Courtelis and Riley and he can devote his attention to Stone’s problem. The visit to the derelict mansion reveals evidence that the old home may be the site of more ghastly crimes as well. A box discovered in the basement contains the remains of what appear to be seven newborn infants promoting speculation that Nolan was not the upright solid citizen that he appeared to be. Whose babies were these, and, more importantly, why had they died?

Shadows is the second (Cold Case Squad is the first) in a new series of mysteries by the veteran mystery writer and former journalist Edna Buchanan. Ms. Buchanan is well known and highly praised for her first series featuring crime reporter Britt Montero. Sergeant Craig Burch, who figures prominently in The Ice Maiden, provides the link between the two series while allowing the author to expand her repertoire of characters and the potential for a different slant on crime.

Ms. Buchanan has many talents which make her novels appealing. Her characters are so realistically portrayed that one might recognize they were one to meet them on the street. In addition, they act like real people. They make mistakes; have their own likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. The members of the Cold Case Squad each have their own mechanisms for dealing with life threatening situations. Although it appears humorous to the reader, Burch’s wife’s foray into Feng Shui is a good example of how a wife fearful for her husband’s safety will adopt some sort of coping mechanism. The characters are not stereotypical either. The Latino member of the squad, Nazario is not distinctive because he is Latino but because of his own individual personality. He is a lady’s man but not big on commitment, frustrating the advances of several female characters.

Miami plays an important role in the story and the author knows the city intimately. The reader does not get the drug scene, tourist Mecca, or daily weather report. Instead he is treated to some of Miami’s history. For instance the city was a haven for gangsters during the twenties as well as being a prime location for illegal rum running and smuggling. Present day Miami stands out in sharp contrast to a less crowded, more peaceful Miami of the 1920’s or 1960’s. The distinctive foods which Cuban immigrants have brought to the city are enticingly described.

The plot itself which moves along rapidly enough to be described as a page turner will adequately serve those looking for an action novel, but the astute reader will quickly realize that he is short changing himself by reading for plot alone. There is so much more in this novel. The characters have to wrestle with some pretty weighty issues. Stone’s grandmother who was both parents to him after the death of his parents knows she is withholding information about their deaths from him but to tell him, in her mind, will potentially attract the assassins who killed his parents. He is mightily displeased with her because she refuses to enlighten him, but she is adamant.

After over a dozen novels about crime in Miami, Ms. Buchanan does not appear to be losing her touch. Shadows is just as engaging a book as the earlier novels starring Britt Montero and is much better for your mind than the usual summer beach book read.

--Andy Plonka