Edward Wright (1) (1939–2015)

It took me a long time to get into this novel. I picked it up and started it a half-dozen times before finishing it, but it is a good book for mystery lovers. It is sometimes hard for me to get into books that are set in a different time period. This is set in the '50s during the early Hollywood days and stars an interesting protagonist - an ex-film cowboy - who has recently been released from prision and has burned most of his bridges with the exception of his former "Indian" co-star. Once I finally got into the story - about halfway through the book - I found myself forgetting that this wasn't set in the 1980s or even in current times. With the exception of the casual misogyny and racism, that is. Once you get into the meat of why the stepdaughter, Clea, is missing, it certainly takes on a more modern edge. I ultimately enjoyed it, but some of the non-PC language is a bit jarring. It is appropriate for the time period, but I sometimes forget that people used to speak this way.… (mer)

In a story with as many surprises as murders, Edward Wright shows us that unexpected tragedies can end up being totally unexpected happiness.
Shannon hadn’t ever felt she fit in. She was dark-haired, sister Beth pure blond. Beth was whiney, beautiful and a dutiful daughter. Shannon met the folk at the city jail, smoked pot, and in general did all she could to not be what her parents wanted. Until they are killed. Then she uncovers photos of them marching, fists raised, protesting. PROTESTING?!? Roy and Mora Fairchild? The King and Queen of the university faculty? Who knew?
Turns out quite a few people. Most with bad intentions. They think Shannon knows more than she does. They think she has the key to finding “the treasure.” She doesn’t but she’s damn sure going to!
What a great story! There is familial love, many surprises, murders left and right and, through it all; Shannon doing things in her own, stubborn, sometimes misguided way but trying to make it all right. This is a must read!… (mer)