While enjoying the wonderful yarns, Maxie hears of a local woman who has been rushed to the hospital under suspicion of attempted suicide. Maxie goes with the store owner to pick up Shirley from the hospital. Shirley insists she did not commit suicide. While she is definitely troubled (her husband has left her in a mid-life crisis and she has become the target of a con man while on the rebound), Maxie believes her, especially after Shirley disappears and Maxie finds herself the target of a crazy person in a place where very few people know her. Maxie knows it is very hard to hide in a Winnebago, even the mini one she has, and doesn’t like being scared off by anyone, even a deranged killer.

Maxie has outlived two husbands and while she misses them both, she is enjoying her independence and her quality time with Stretch. She has a zest for life that allows her to drive thousands of miles from the comforts of home and still fit into the local community as if she had been one of them for years. The Southwest is vividly drawn and is used as another character in the novel.

While Maxie has no reason to get involved with Shirley she is big-hearted enough to offer her a place to stay which puts Maxie in danger. While there are plenty of suspects and red herrings, there is one person who stands out early on as someone to watch and as Maxie’s investigation goes on, that person becomes a clearer choice, with means and motive to quickly follow.

Maxie is an enjoyable character and a welcome edition to the retired, amateur sleuth set. Readers will be anxious to see where her Winnebago takes her and Stretch next, but wherever it is, they can be sure that murder will be close behind.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry