One Perfect Shot: A Posadas County Mystery

Fans of Havill’s fine multicultural procedural series set in Posadas County, N.Mex., will welcome the unusual 17th entry (after 2011’s Double Prey), a prequel set in 1987. Undersheriff Bill Gastner, the series lead introduced in 1991’s Heartshot, first meets beautiful 19-year-old Estelle Reyes-Guzman, who took over the lead role in 2002’s Scavengers, when Sheriff Eduardo Salcido proposes hiring her as a deputy. Reyes’s initial ride-along with Gastner begins a mutually beneficial mentor relationship as they investigate the puzzling murder of road grader Larry Zipoli, who was shot dead while he sat in his vehicle. Gastner shows himself to be an excellent teacher as he explains how the department works, and the observant Reyes proves herself a quick study as they check out Zipoli’s wife, neighbors, boss, fellow workers, and the youngsters Zipoli liked to take boating. This solid installment is the perfect introduction for new readers. (Jan.)