Alpine Gamble

In this seventh Emma Lord adventure, the Alpine Advocate editor copes with her small Washington town's hostility toward California realtors who want to develop the hot springs. The death of of a realtor halts the deal. Vida Runkel, Emma's able home editor, spreads gossippy tales that ""breed around this town like mosquitoes in a pond."" As in most soap-opera small towns, everyone knows everyone else's doings. Sheriff Milo Dodge is dumber than anything Mayberry had to offer and pigheadedly refuses to veer off the beaten path. Unfortunately, the only surprise in this predictable, mundane book is Emma's interest in him. More interaction with priestly brother Ben and his Indian congregation might have added interest. (Aug.)