Charlie’s Aunt Daisy is visited by the nearly decapitated spirit of Chiquita Yazzi who is concerned for her orphaned daughter Nancy’s well-being, especially under the care of stepfather Hermann Wetzel who’s said to have a large stash of cash in a heat register. Teenage Nancy has made plans with married boyfriend, low-life petty thief Jake (though Nancy only really knows about the low-life part, the rest she’s just guessing) to steal the money and then leave town. 

Hermann, though, is killed at some point during the removal of the money but who did it, who’s got the money and where Nancy and Jake are is anyone’s guess. One thing Charlie does know, Nancy “borrowed” sixteen-year-old (also an orphan) Sarah Frank’s new red truck, a gift to Sarah from the love of her life, Charlie (he’ll come to his senses sooner or later, she’s sure). Sarah, at her guardian Aunt Daisy’s request (on behalf of ghost Chiquita) has reached out and befriended Nancy who’s not really interested. 

The plot may be a little bit rowdy and confusing for some, and is certainly in stark contrast to Charlie’s relaxed, laid-back ways. The know-it-all narrator is a bit annoying at first, but becomes necessary to help keep everything on track. The characters are fun and the story has a movie-feel to it at times as the plot winds its way back on itself to reveal new strands that were missed the first time around. 

There’s a happy ending for almost everyone (Lila Mae has learned of Charlie’s intentions and decides not to give him a chance to ask the question), but if Sarah has her way, before long, Charlie will be a very happy man. Readers who enjoy more run-of-the mill mysteries set in the Southwest will be in for a surprise as they meet Charlie Moon and company.                     

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry