The haunting background of the Jemez people of New Mexico and the stark beauty of their land highlights this gripping tale of murder and archaeology. Deputy Sheriff Matt Bertram, an NCIS veteran, finds that an apparently accidental fall may be hiding a plot to steal artifacts as well as the activities of habitual criminals. Matt is coping with a tragic past and finds himself drawn into the Jemez culture through a tribal member, a fellow officer. Meanwhile, a professor of dubious background is leading a team searching for Native American treasures. As he investigates two murders, Matt has to face his own beliefs and make a decision about his future.Albertson (Steaming: A Sea Story) excels at creating rich characters. He gradually unrolls Matt and the special bond he had with fellow agent and lover Randy. Matt's friend, a Catholic priest with his own demons comes across as all-too-human, and his relationship with Matt feels believable, despite their different backgrounds. Albertson also gives equal attention to his antagonists, whose story he tells in alternate chapters with Matt's. Ambitious graduate student Naomi and her complex relationship with her mentor, Professor Sinclair, shines a grim light onto academia. Occasionally, the portrayals are a little over the top, but Albertson draws tension from this right until the end.
The relationship between the land and its residents is a key aspect of the story, very much in the tradition of Tony Hillerman's Navajo mysteries. "Our lands are not inanimate," says one Jemez, and Albertson connects possible paranormal events to Matt's ongoing journey, without straining credulity. He does an equally effective job showing the world out of balance in his portrayal of local reprobates the Funk brothers, whose vulgarity stands in contrast with the Jemez characters. The exciting ending proves cathartic and leaves a changed Matt open to further adventures, which will no doubt please readers.
Takeaway: Gripping archaeological mystery set in New Mexico.
Comparable Titles: Tony Hillerman, Nevada Barr.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+
