Gone to Glory: A Case for Moroni Traveler

This is the third mystery based on the exploits of Moroni Traveler ( The Angels' Share ), a detective deemed unworthy of his heritage by fellow Mormons. At the request of aging Hap Kilgore, Traveler investigates the case against Hap's friend Pepper Dalton, charged with the murder of his sister Priscilla. The old men's dream of rebuilding the Salt Lake City baseball team of their youth with proceeds from the sale of a mine and land owned by the Daltons had been opposed by Priscilla, who was using the property to harbor fanatics set on restoring polygamy among Latter-day Saints. Traveler finds the case against Pepper unconvincing, especially when he learns of more killings. His search for truth, however, is hampered by modern Mormons and schismatics alike, right up to the literally explosive climax. Although Irvine continually digresses into side plots about his characters' personal affairs, the mystery's sum total is pure entertainment. (June)