DEATH COMES TO SANTA FE

An empathetic artist solves another mystery in the Land of Enchantment.

Madeline Vaughn-Alwin fled her New York society background after the death of her husband in World War I and became an artist in Santa Fe. Now a fixture in the 1920s art scene, she’s developed a warm relationship with handsome British doctor David Cole and a formidable reputation as an amateur sleuth. Her current project is painting a portrait of Catalina Montoya, whose husband, wealthy businessman Ricardo, comes from an old Santa Fe family. The morning after Maddie attends a party at the home of a fellow artist, where a Zozobra statue with everyone’s woes written inside is set aflame, a finger and other human artifacts are discovered in the remains of the fire. As she and David are walking along an arroyo soon thereafter, they come upon the rest of the body, which Maddie is sure is that of Ricardo Montoya. Maddie gets a visit from Inspector Sadler, who knows her from meddling in previous murders and suggests to her surprise that her help might be welcome this time. Rumor has it that Ricardo’s bad business dealings had made him many enemies. Even his put-upon family is not overly upset by his death. Flitting from speak-easies to soirees, Maddie picks up information that will lead to the sad truth.

Santa Fe, a place of beauty and artistic inspiration, provides the perfect backdrop for the sympathetic sleuth.