W.T. Durand's latest mystery novel Back to Santa Fe may yet be his best. Sullivan Ortega has moved from San Diego back to Santa Fe following the untimely death of his sister, who was killed in a car accident. "Sully" has only suspicions surrounding his sister's death, but his hunches are strong enough that he begins to act upon them. Sully is filled with rage over the loss of both of his parents and now his sister Maggie. Thus far, his rage has been directed in non-productive ways. Now, Sully is ready to solicit the help of his adopted "cousin" Ben, a police officer with more investment in Sully than might be thought healthy. Both men begin to take risks and, when pieces of the puzzle begin to unfold, the pursuit of the truth is relentless, taking Sully to places in his mind that were meant to remain dormant.

Durand's characters are memorable and the reader will want to choose sides and get into the fray. Sully is a warm and yet impulsive guy who only wants a piece of the life he sees others getting. Ben is a well settled man who is comfortable with his life, yet he faces being sanctioned for the risks he is willing to take. Back to Santa Fe has family life, love life, sexual history and a wealth of mystery to keep anyone going from one chapter to the next. Durand appears to be growing in talent as a mystery writer and it's well worth taking a chance on the book. Second chances do not always present in life and, when they do, the reader will need to decide whether to dig down and do the work or whether to take the safe fork in the road. Sully took the chance and you'll love his choices!