The Llama of Death: A Gunn Zoo Mystery

Zookeeper Theodora “Teddy” Bentley’s human relationships prove more taxing than her animal ones in Webb’s amusing third Gunn Zoo mystery (after 2010’s The Koala of Death). Teddy’s employer, Central California matron Aster Edwina Gunn, is responsible for sending her to the Gunn Landing Renaissance Faire to offer rides on Alejandro the llama. It’s hardly Aster’s fault, however, when Alejandro’s enclosure at the Faire provides the site for the murder by arrow of Victor Emerson, mail order minister and wedding chapel proprietor. The incompetent Deputy Elvin Dade, as acting sheriff, quickly muddies the case by arresting Caroline Piper Bentley Hufgraff O’Brien Petersen, Teddy’s oft-married mother. While the Faire’s colorful characters provide grist for Teddy’s investigation, her fugitive embezzler father makes an unexpected appearance. Animal lore and human foibles spiced with a hint of evil test Teddy’s patience and crime solving in this appealing cozy. (Jan.)