The Tavera Legacy

An overly complex plot mars an otherwise absorbing novel that combines romance, murder and Mexican witchcraft. When brilliant Dr. Lenor Tavera leaves her exciting post as a researcher at a large New York hospital to make a trip home to Toya County, N.M., she is much sought after. Her relatives simply want her to return to the fold so she can bring her magic healing touch back to their impoverished community, but two men from her past have darker motivations. Lynn, the pseudonymous author of several romance novels, creates a loving portrait of New Mexico reminiscent of that in Tony Hillerman's work, and her narrative contains sound medical information combined with interesting material on holistic techniques. She stuffs too many extraneous elements into the story's first half, but a murder finally quickens the pace. Lenor is a feisty heroine; chapters detailing her dream trips with a spirit guide offer fascinating glimpses into the world of Mexican curanderos (healers) in the 1860s. Mysticism is less believably integrated into the present-day plot, which features a surfeit of telepathy, guardian angels in the form of animals and similar devices, but this spirited tale's beautiful imagery and fresh voice also have the power to charm. (Jan.)