The other women are nothing if not diverse. Naomi O'Neal is the director of the ranch, fighting to keep her directorship through a vast series of mishaps and misadventures. Gabriella Russell is a desperate Indian-wannabee who calls herself Galloping Waters. Madeleine Rose is cynical about everything (everyone wonders why she is even there). Lillian Kleberg is a sixtyish widow who just lost her only daughter to cancer. Judith Belove and Teri Fox are two schoolteachers who want adventure in any form. Susan Van Sant is the resident archeologist carrying on with the married group leader. Martina Alvarez is the trustee who is determined to oust Naomi from her directorship.

These women bunk together, eat together, and hike together – until one of them is found dead, murdered. The two schoolteachers know more than they're telling, which leads Genia to start sleuthing. She discovers many secrets along the way. Adding to the tension about the murder, sixteen teenagers disappear.

Eugenia is a pleasant sleuth – intelligent, wise, compassionate, and very clever. The situation is well rounded in reality, believable and most of the characters are dimensional, not stereotypical. Along the way, a lot of information about Indian tribes and artifacts are learned. The blue corn, from the title, comes from the ancient way of cooking, using maize. Oh yes, recipes are included.

This is a satisfying mystery. It is not necessary to have read the entire series to enjoy The Blue Corn Murders.

Kay Black

--Kay Black