Cold Hearts and Gentle People

The slow pace of Riggs's latest Oakalla, Wis., puzzler starring newspaper editor Garth Ryland is more likely to satisfy cozy mystery fans than action-hungry readers. In his ninth appearance, Ryland, as honorary sheriff's deputy, investigates the death of antique collector Monroe Edmonds, whose 400-pound body was found in his home elevator. In the house when Monroe's corpse is discovered is his neighbor, drunken Tom Ford, who says he was there to deliver a painting he bought at a yard sale. Abby Airhart, the town's new doctor (who quickly wins Ryland's affection), confirms that Monroe died of a heart attack, probably brought on by the panic of being trapped. The cast also includes a mysterious hermit and the sarcastic curator of the small Pembleton Museum. The killer is easy to identify, but his motive, which has been boiling for half a century, is not: it centers around the painting, a quite ordinary sketch of birds and flowers. The surprising identity of its creator comes to light only after two more murders and the kidnapping of a young girl. (Oct.)