Skeleton Picnic: A J.D. Books Mystery

People’s distrust of the federal government figures prominently in Norman’s atmospheric second mystery featuring Bureau of Land Management ranger J.D. Books of Kanab, Utah (after 2010’s On Deadly Ground). When Roland and Abby Rogers disappear while on a trip seeking ancient artifacts, and their home is burglarized, Books and a host of other law enforcement officers get on the case. The arrest of 20-year-old Joe Benally, who pawned some of the artifacts stolen from the couple’s home, serves to implicate others, including someone close to Books, but does nothing to help locate Roland and Abby. Details about pot hunting, such as that it’s both illegal and yet a generally accepted practice in many communities, lend interest. As Books and his well-depicted colleagues get closer to the truth, the danger increases while the chances of finding the Rogers alive decrease. Readers will hope Books and company will return real soon. Author tour. (May)