Snow on the Roses

It's safe to assume that a series that has lasted into its second decade has something going for it, and this one, featuring Garth Ryland, owner/editor of the Oakalla Reporter, a small-town weekly in Wisconsin, does. Riggs's rural characters, fondly drawn with warts, sharp edges and all, include Garth's girlfriend, Abby Airhart, physician niece of old ""Doc"" Airhart; the acerbic housekeeper Ruth Krammes; and townspeople with colorful nicknames like Sniffy Smith, Howdy Heavin and Shank Doyle. Unfortunately, this 11th series entry is flawed by an unconvincing plot resolution. When 90-year-old Doc Airhart dies in his sleep, it shouldn't be surprising. But when the latest installment of his memoirs is missing and an autopsy confirms that Doc was murdered, Garth is forced to investigate not only Doc's death but also a 30-year-old death that Doc had planned to write about in his memoirs. Oakalla is shaken by more murders before Garth and his allies are able to sort through the venal deceptions to unmask the deadly ones. While it will be welcomed by series loyalists, Snow on the Roses is unlikely to win new fans. (July)