Cold Tracks

Shortly after Ginny Trask, fire dispatcher in Longmont, Ore., discovers the mutilated body of Nino Alvarez in Neskanie National Forest, an autopsy reveals that the victim was bludgeoned to death. In this skillful debut mystery, first in a projected series, Trask and law enforcement officer Frank Carver investigate the homicide. Although Alvarez seemed to have had no enemies, the duo learns that he had recently been fired for embezzling company funds. They also discover he was really an illegal alien with a wife and children, information which Alvarez had told his pregnant lover just before his death. Trask and Carver believe they've found the killer until another murder proves them wrong. In the meantime, the secret life of the deceased proves dangerous for everyone who knew him, as the murderer stalks Trask's young daughter. Wallingford's eye for detail, her fine use of local color, and this intriguing pair of detectives--a burned-out cop and a beautiful young widow--promise future entertaining reading. (July)