In Andrews's ninth intriguing mystery to feature forensic geologist Em Hansen (after 2003's Killer Dust
), Em explores a whole new aspect of her discipline after reluctantly agreeing to try to authenticate a Frederick Remington painting through pigment analysis for a client she dislikes. As she travels through such vividly depicted locales as Cody, Wyo., and the Amish and Mennonite areas of Pennsylvania, Em gathers a history of pigment as well as information to fuel her growing suspicion that something is terribly wrong. She encounters the seedier side of the art world, a renowned Pennsylvania family's horrific secrets and murder. Thanks to clear logical thinking, Em ultimately reaches all the right conclusions. If there's a fault line beneath the surface, it lies in the surfeit of technical terminology, though more scientifically inclined readers may consider this a virtue. Agent, Deborah Schneider.
(May 7)
