River Run: A Delia Chavez Mystery

Set largely in the wetlands surrounding Oregon’s Willamette Valley, James’s promising debut and series launch introduces Delia Chavez, a newly promoted sheriff’s deputy. As Delia investigates the murders of duck hunters, all found with their index fingers missing, she has to deal with a “Mexi-phobic” sheriff bent on destroying her career. She must also battle her debilitating fear of rivers and running water, which is tied to the loss of her baby brother, who was abducted years earlier when she was a child. With few resources to aid her—aside from a hunky former Coast Guard search-and-rescue expert contracted to assist with water searches—Chavez has a slim list of potential suspects: extremist animal rights activists possibly targeting hunters and a military fugitive rumored to be hiding out somewhere in the wetlands. The action builds to an impressively explosive climax. Mystery fans will look forward to seeing more of this worthy heroine. [em]Agent: John Talbot, Talbot Fortune Agency. (Nov.) [/em]