Teddy, the consummate purist, does not want to glorify the general and appeals to her department chair, Dr. Ira Dedmarsh to get her out of this assignment. He promises to do what he can and Teddy is relieved. The project takes on less importance to Teddy the next day, however, when she finds Ira Dedmarsh dead in his apartment from an apparent heart attack.

On a return visit to the former Chairman’s apartment to gather notes for the professor hired to take his place, Teddy finds folders containing possible blackmail material about all the members of her department, including herself.

Without Dedmarsh to champion her cause, Teddy continues to juggle the Patchetts and their writing project with her class schedule and a trip to islands near Vancouver to help a friend authenticate some artifacts in a cave. They find new items that they fear are being sold as antiques and their boat that Teddy’s friend is sure she tied up gets loose. The women must muster their strength to survive the night and brave the icy waters to reach their boat while trying to figure out who wants to keep them from revealing the secret.

When Teddy is back on dry, warm land, she finds her new friend, the replacement professor, Muffy Woo, has been fired and the heat has been turned up on the Dedmarsh investigation, which is now classified as a homicide.

Teddy Morelli is a very strong, likable heroine with a sharp sense of humor. Her new friend, Professor Muffy Woo, looks to be a terrific foil for future outings. Mrs. Pickett-Patchett is a wonderful character with a one-track mind, who proves to be very loyal to Teddy, and as much of a heroine as Teddy in the end.

The different parts of the mystery and the way they change depending on your viewpoint, and the way they neatly fit together in the end, will keep most readers turning the pages. The history of the Pacific Northwest sprinkled throughout the story adds a layer of depth and interest.

Steeped in Murder is an interesting read. It’s the third in an ongoing series, and stands alone well, or paired with the first two. Linda French writes a excellent series with a strong protagonist and supporting cast.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry