MORTAL ZIN

An attorney investigates the death of her mentor, leading her into the darkness of his past in Schaffer’s mystery novel.

Twenty years ago, attorney Nollaig “Noli” Cooper’s father died and her unstable stepmother set a terrible fire, events that left her orphaned, traumatized, and in the care of her godfather and his wife, winery owners Peter and Tina Hanak. Now, she returns to their home only to find a note from her childhood mentor Fitz, who claims to have information about her father. However, to her shock and despair, she soon finds out that Fitz is dead and that his body has been found at Cruces Cove. A suicide note is discovered on his boat, but Nolie and Fitz’s best friend Munch Gutterson don’t believe he killed himself (“When I talked with Fitz, he was truly happy”). Luz Alvarado is thankful to have Fitz for an employer—he invested in her and helped her gain her PI license. When she finds out about his sudden death, she teams up with Noli to find answers. As they delve into their investigation, they encounter a range of suspects, including detective Aaron Rinzler, who is in charge of the case and declares it a suicide, quickly closing it. He has his own tumultuous history with Fitz and a motive for wanting him gone. Another possibility is someone who may be trying to sabotage the Hanak Winery; several instances of bad luck coincide with different neighbors offering to buy the property. A third possibility goes much deeper into Fitz’s and Peter’s pasts and includes other veterans of the Vietnam War. Schaffer creates a vivid world with realistic and understandable characters, especially Noli, who is the heart of this large cast. Her strength, allowing her to persevere through multiple tragic events and find the ability to still be kind to those around her, is heartwarming. Her determination to find the killer and seek justice drives the mystery and supports the satisfying ending.

A compelling mystery with memorable characters.