The man turns out to be a man who works at a car dealership with Ashley’s husband, but there is some question as to the validity of his identification and whether or not the man is in the country legally. When a title clerk’s son is also killed, Cooper suspects there is more going on at the car dealership than making great deals.

Why Cooper decides to get involved in Miguel’s murder is unclear, but it provides many opportunities for Cooper to run into Edward Crosby, an ex-con who feels a debt of honor to Cooper who solved Edward’s father’s murder. Cooper’s closeness to Edward causes some complications with her feelings toward Nathan, but Stanley neatly and graciously bows Edward out at the end of the story, but leaves room for his return in the future.

During the time of the murder investigation, Cooper is supporting Ashley in her quest to become pregnant, something that is putting a strain on Ashley’s marriage, and is also supporting fellow bible study member Trish through her chemotherapy for breast cancer. Some of the best scenes are when the Bible study group is meeting. Without being preachy, passages from the Bible are inserted and the members of the group show they are living these passages as they care for their friend’s spiritual and physical needs.

Cooper’s spirited grandmother adds lively interest to family gatherings. The mystery is woven into the rest of the plot, but is not at the forefront. Cooper’s investigation is methodical and turns up no surprises. It is the characters, especially Cooper, who is kind, but not so much that she seems too good to be true, that are most enjoyable.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry