The Lethal Partner

Set in the Southwest, Page's series features blind sculptor Mo Bowdre and his Hopi girlfriend, Connie Barnes. Their fourth adventure (after The Knotted Strings) unfolds in Sante Fe, ``the world of Art and Myth,'' where the lore and legend of ancient Indian cultures often clashes with the realities of modern-day America. The brutal murders of two white women lead police sergeant Anthony Ramirez to consider the possibility of racial motivation. At the same time, in the detached world of art and wealth, gallery owner Elijah Potts announces the discovery of seven paintings ascribed to Georgia O'Keeffe. With the occurrence of a third murder, Ramirez, aided by Bowdre and Barnes, turns the focus of his investigation toward Santa Fe's art colony. Page develops an intriguing cast, including an ex-con who considers himself a Kevin Costner look-alike and Potts's sensual, raven-haired mistress, to support the likable Bowdre and Barnes in this fast-paced plot. Despite the vanishing, without explanation, of some other characters, this assured tale snakes its way to an intricate, absorbing conclusion. (Jan.)