Murder Under A Mystic Moon

Last week I read the third book in Yasmine Galenorn's Chintz 'n China series. It's summer and Emerald is busy at the tea room preparing for the Early Autumn Breeze Celebration in Chiqetaw while keeping her children out of mischief with their own to do lists. However, a request from her new friend, Jimbo, to help him look for his friend, Scar, who has disappeared, starts her on a path that promises more excitement than anyone had bargained for and two mysterious deaths. Emerald teams with Jimbo and her friend, Anna Murray, a Chiqetaw police detective -- both concealing their own secrets -- to solve the disappearance. The case takes them to the Klickavail Valley where Jimbo and other bikers have an enclave. Since the enclave doesn't welcome outsiders, there's another barrier to hamper the investigation. Rumors begin to spread that the legendary Klakatat monster is to blame for the deaths and the press -- including Emerald's not so favorite female reporter -- stir up even more controversy.

In the meantime, Emerald's ex-husband has let their two children know that he and his new wife are expecting a baby. Since he doesn't remember his current children's birthdays nor come to see them, they're sad and Emerald is quietly seething. As if that weren't enough, a former boyfriend who had dumped her for a Hollywood starlet is now back in town declaring he made a mistake and asking for a chance to rekindle their relationship. Although Emerald has some misgivings about her current relationship with Joe, a man ten years younger than she, she's sure that her current relationship is the better one. You'd think solving disappearances and mysterious deaths would be enough for any woman, but Emerald has to live her "real life", too. to keep her business running for the income her family needs and to nurture her children, relationship, and friendships all at the same time. This woman is certainly a superwoman in my book! As usual, a great read!

The book also starts with a quote that I really like: "All birds, even those of the same species, are not alike, and it is the same with animals and with human beings. The reason WakanTank does not make two birds, or animals, or human beings exactly alike is because each is placed here by WakanTank to be an independent individuality and to rely upon itself." -- Shooter - Teton Sioux
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