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The Stolen Blue |
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 The Stolen Blue byJudith Van Gieson Signet Mystery 256 pages, 2000 ISBN 0451200012 Reviewed by PJ Nunn Claire Reynier is a rare book expert, firmly ensconced in the world of academia. And aside from her recent divorce, her life in New Mexico is pretty much in order, with few surprises to upset her routine. When Claire gets a call from an old friend, Burke Lovell, she’s only too happy to head off to his ranch in a remote region known as "The Blue." Determined to enjoy a carefree weekend, finding Burke in failing health takes some of the joy out of her visit. Even so, she loves his company and is thrilled to learn that he’s donating his extensive collection of valuable books to the university where she works. And Burke seems happy enough, at home on the ranch with a daughter he’s only recently discovered and his first grandchild. Unfortunately, it’s soon apparent that Burke’s invitation is part of a plan to settle his affairs. He also asks her to witness the signing of his will and has named her executor of his estate. The next morning, he’s dead and the rest of his family is sure that his newest daughter is behind it all. The bad situation gets even worse when Claire arrives home, only to have the most valuable box of books from Burke’s collection stolen from her truck. With the help of an attorney and a few assorted friends, Claire is hot on the trail, determined to fulfill Burke’s last request and get back the books that hold memories as well as monetary value. THE STOLEN BLUE is a carefully plotted mystery that picks up momentum as it moves along. The author slowly reveals the character of Claire as a woman who is quietly reserved, revealing layer after layer, until you recognize the fierce loyalty and quirky sense of humor that lies behind the public mask. Even the revelation of the setting is a subtle thing, skillfully written to paint a slow portrait of low skies and wide-open spaces. THE STOLEN BLUE is definitely an atmospheric read, inviting readers to suspend their realities for a few hours and venture to another place and time. |
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