cover image The Dead Man’s Treasure

The Dead Man’s Treasure

Kris Bock. Pig River, $9.99 trade paper (220p) ISBN 978-0-692-37167-1

Bock adds a clever interactive twist, tempting recipes, and endearing characters to this chaste and somewhat formulaic romantic thriller, which is linked to The Mad Monk’s Treasure but stands well on its own. Instead of leaving each of his grandchildren a tidy sum, Rebecca Westin’s millionaire grandfather left them a series of winner-take-all clues to a buried fortune. Camie Dagneau and Erin Mayer (familiar to readers of the first book) have plenty of treasure-hunting expertise, and Rebecca, estranged from her relatives because her father abandoned her, needs all the help she can get. Camie and Erin’s friend Sam offers to help with the search, and it’s all good, suspenseful fun as Rebecca and Sam traipse the New Mexico desert, deciphering clues and trying to outwit Rebecca’s half siblings. Though the plot is spare in the romance department, there’s plenty of suspense, as well as abundant touristy tips and tastes of the Southwest. (BookLife)