The Alpine Vengeance: An Emma Lord Mystery

Set in 2004, Daheim's meandering 22nd Emma Lord mystery (after 2009's The Alpine Uproar) finds the editor/publisher of The Alpine Advocate in Alpine, Wash., revisiting an old crime to solve some new ones, including maple tree poaching and the shooting of an old friend, eccentric and reclusive artist Craig Laurentis. Meanwhile, Sheriff Milo Dodge, Emma's crusty current lover, has been receiving anonymous letters suggesting the innocence of Larry Petersen, convicted 10 years earlier of killing his sister, Laura, over control of the local bank, a case recorded in 1995's The Alpine Fury. Larry dies of heart failure while in prison, but the disturbing letters continue. Emma wonders if any of Larry's family members, including his ditzy daughter, Denise, an Advocate employee, can help exonerate him. While the investigation drags in places, the unexpected conclusion is sure to please series fans. (Apr.)