The Cashmere Kid: A Tish McWhinny Mystery

Vermont goat-herding may not sound like material for a gripping mystery, but in Comfort's ( Grave Consequences ) hands, it achieves that dimension. The fifth Tish McWhinny mystery finds the spry septuagenarian resident of southern Vermont looking on in horror as her adoptive niece Sophie begins plans to breed cashmere goats. Right after the expensive stud arrives, Sophie leaves for Texas and asks Tish to help watch the goats until her return. Soon, Tish finds Sophie's neighbor Stu Simpson bludgeoned to death with a golf club--and the prize stud gone. Despite repeated warnings from the local police lieutenant, Tish questions local farmers about the location of the missing stud, until she too is in danger. Eschewing excessive detail about goats and their breeding, Comfort portrays a delightful and believable cast of characters, especially down-to-earth Tish and her crusty gentleman friend Hilary Oats. (May)