Set in Maine in 1888, Emerson's fourth and final mystery in her Diana Spaulding series (Deadlier Than the Pen
, etc.) offers plenty of intrigue, eccentric characters and well-researched history. Diana's fiancé, Dr. Ben Northcote, has crossed Penobscot Bay to Keep Island, home of wealthy boyhood pal Graham Somener, to care for three men assisting on an archeological dig who've been poisoned. When Diana fails to hear from Ben, she becomes alarmed and follows him to the island, which she's warned is “a dangerous place.” There, while observing an excavation headed by archeologist Serena Dunbar, Diana and Ben witness a suspicious accidental death. Graham and Serena, in apparent romantic cahoots, want to hush it up to avoid publicity, and the sheriff is happy to comply. Suspecting fraud, murder and old-fashioned gold-digging, Diana and Ben investigate leads that unveil professional jealousy, revenge and more murder. Newcomers will find this period cozy works just as well as a stand-alone. (Apr.)
