Murder and Moonshine

Miller’s appealing debut, the first in a series, introduces Daisy McGovern, a strong-minded 27-year-old waitress in southwest Virginia with a tendency to jump to conclusions. When an elderly customer at H & P’s Diner, reclusive farmer Fred Dickerson, drops dead at Daisy’s feet, she gets caught up in the resulting investigation. That Fred’s last word before he collapsed was “burger” (or was it “murder”?) may be significant. Quirky, well-drawn supporting characters include Rick Balsam, who operates a thriving moonshine business, and Ethan Kinney, a handsome ATF agent sent from Washington, D.C. Complicating Daisy’s life are her husband, who walked out on her four years earlier with no explanation, and her invalid mother. Bordering on stereotype are some much-distrusted “big city folks” who ask questions that make people nervous. Despite a few beginner’s mistakes (e.g., too much “smirking”), Miller has produced a story full of intriguing clues and misdirection, liberally laced with Southern charm. Agent: Kari Stuart, ICM. (Dec.)