After a disastrous mistake cost her her job and almost her life, ex-crime reporter Delilah (Del) Cooper has returned to Sedona, Arizona to rebuild her life. Now working for a company that takes tourists through Red Rock Country, everything is peaceful and calm until she finds a body while hiking in a remote canyon.
At first, Del believes that the murdered man is connected to a proposed land trade that will pave the way for a luxury development on the edge of town, but money may not be the only motive. The more she digs, the more secrets she uncovers, and they all lead to Lee Ranch, a former filming location for Western movies. And the more secrets she uncovers, the more she knows that someone is watching her.
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I picked up Kathleen Bryant's Over the Edge primarily for its Sedona setting-- one that I am very familiar with-- and the setting certainly did not disappoint. Bryant had me deep in Red Rock Country, visiting ancient Indian ruins, hiking remote canyons, slapping off orange-red dust, and thirstily emptying my water bottle while watching tourist-laden Jeeps jounce past. And speaking of them,
anyone who's been to Sedona has seen the ubiquitous Pink Jeeps, and I enjoyed learning more about that part of Sedona's tourism industry.
The mystery is a strong one that kept me guessing, and the action unfolds at a steady pace. Unfortunately, I never warmed up to Del Cooper, and that definitely is a problem. If Del makes another appearance, will I read the book? Probably, if it's also set in Sedona. But if I still don't warm up to her, I'll have to find another fictional way back to Red Rock Country.
Over the Edge by Kathleen Bryant
eISBN: 9781639107599
Crooked Lane Books © 2024
eBook, 298 pages
Amateur Sleuth, #1 Del Cooper
Rating: B
Source: Net Galley
Don't you love it when the setting is done well, Cathy? I know I do. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't really warm to the main character. I just finished a book where that happened to me, and it was hard to stay involved in the story (well, it was for me). Still, that setting....
ReplyDeleteFortunately, the setting was so good in this one (especially since I am so familiar with it) that I didn't have a real problem staying involved in the story.
DeleteThat Sedona setting is a great one! But it's hard to stick with a series when you never warm up to the main character.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is, and I have so many books to read that I don't give series like that much of a chance.
DeleteI have this one on my list. Our mystery group has a theme for August of books set in places you've vacationed or will vacation in upcoming days. I thought about reading this one. We shall see. Good to hear your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested in finding out which book you do choose to read, Kay.
DeleteI agree that it is hard to really "get into" a book when the main character does not appeal. Not sure I would return to the series under those circumstances. There are so many other good series out there waiting to be read!
ReplyDeleteAs my grandfather would say, "Ain't that the truth!"
DeleteSome much to read. As one ages, I think a reader wants to weed out books that aren't worth the time. Or at least not reading more in the series.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
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