WHERE ARE THE SNOWS?

In the seventh volume of Sanchez’s Jeff Chaussier New Orleans Mystery series, the saga of Jeff and Bryna continues for another round of chaos and life-threatening adventure.

In this ever more complex soap opera, Jeff, devoted son of New Orleans, is now living in New York with his beautiful de facto wife, Rita Edwards. Yes, he is still married to his soul mate, Bryna Boudreaux, but life is complicated. Everyone has decided it’s best for his children (two with Bryna and one with Rita) to be raised up North because Bryna’s mental stability is still compromised. Jeff has given up acting and has turned to writing. Rita is a working actress, and Jeff is content as a stay-at-home dad. As the story opens, it appears that Jeff and Rita are vacationing at a beach resort. Then Bryna phones. She has been receiving enigmatic threats, and she needs Jeff’s help—the kind of help and commitment her current “roommate,” Harry/Harriet cannot offer. Seasoned followers of the series are likely to be shaking their heads at this turn of events. New readers are advised to read earlier volumes to get a better sense of the eccentric cast. Sanchez fills in some background, but this episode is best for those who have been waiting to find out what happens next. Jeff has issues with Harriet beyond the fact that she has been sleeping with Bryna. He suspects that this mysterious owner of an art gallery has ulterior motives, like everyone who has used Bryna in the past. This is just one of the quirky relationships in Sanchez’s latest episode. And despite a few well-choreographed action scenes, unconventional relationships are at the heart of this sexy installment. Bryna and Rita form a sisterly bond even as each of them is in love with Jeff. For his part, our perpetually conflicted lead character, who is the articulate, pleasantly sardonic narrator of the tale, loves Rita but will always be in love with Bryna.

More an offbeat love story than a rip-roaring adventure but fun, with another sequel promised.