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Under the Wolf’s Head |
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U nder the Wolf’s Head byLaurel Schunk, wrtiting as Kate Cameron St Kitts Press 274 pages, 1999 ISBN 0966187938 Reviewed by Nancy Mehl Read our author interview Callista Bagley stuck the fifteenth lupine seedling of eighty-four into the new bed. She smiled; this was more like it. It had been too long since she’d been able to garden. She liked the blue wolf’s head flowers that gave the plant its name, though the name seemed too ferocious for such delicate blooms. So begins Under the Wolf’s Head, the first in a series of novels featuring a heroine who is an enigma, just like the name of the flowers she plants in her garden. This mild mannered, middle aged lady hides the sharp mind of a detective, and a ferociousness for justice that leads her and her sister Lacey right into the middle of a murder. There is more planted beneath the ground than Callie’s flowers. She discovers a straight razor with something encrusted on its blade under her newly planted Wolf’s Head. Is it rust or blood? Callie’s plan to find out is thwarted when someone steals the razor from her car. And when her late husband’s cousin by marriage Hetty Bagley is found murdered, her body lying behind Callie’s property, Callie swears to find the murderer or die trying. Famous last words? Maybe. Someone in Callie’s hometown of Taylor, Kansas is only too willing to make the last part of Callie’s oath come to pass. Under the Wolf’s Head is full of three-dimensional characters that make Callie’s life full and confusing. Her sister Lacey is as dingy as Callie is cagey. Callie’s neighbor boy Jon Kyle is a lovable addition to her well-ordered life, calling her "Miz Baglady" and adding a breath of childhood that mirrors her own childlike heart. Taylor’s sheriff Dan Davis is a delightfully quirky character that brings a touch of intrigue and humor to this charming novel. The staid town’s people seem to be oblivious to the fact that their sheriff is liable to show up at any given time dressed in women’s clothing. There is even a love interest thrown in, a new resident in Taylor, with the captivating name of Box Carr. Laurel Schunk, writing as Kate Cameron, has crafted a wonderful heroine and a lovely cast of characters that will make for a long and luscious series. And tucked between the pages of the book are gardening tips straight from Callista Bagley’s garden. Under the Wolf’s Head is an enchanting read, with a character that will become one of your favorite detectives. She has certainly captured my heart and imagination. Highly recommended. |
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