The Maltese Goddess

Armchair travelers and mystery buffs will enjoy the smooth blend of history and murder in this second installment (after The Xibalba Murders) featuring Toronto antiquities dealer, Lara McClintoch. Hired by charismatic architect Martin Galea to put the finishing touches on the interior of his new home in Malta, Lara flies to the Mediterranean island. As she struggles to overcome last-minute obstacles and meet her deadline, threats make it clear that someone is trying to drive her away. When the furniture that Martin purchased from her finally arrives, it brings a surprise: the bloody body of the architect himself stashed in a chest. Interesting characters combine with an agreeably complicated plot to keep the story moving, while details about the island are skillfully interwoven. Several twists at the end add emotional depth and leave the readers looking forward to Lara's next outing. (Mar.)