Molten Mud Murder: An Alexa Glock Mystery

In Johnson’s promising, if flawed, debut, American Alexa Glock, who specializes in odontology, has just finished a fellowship at Auckland University —“teeth were what had brought her to New Zealand’’—and wants to stay in the country she now loves. When a body is found half submerged in a thermal mud pool where temperatures can reach above 200 °C, Alexa hopes to help the police. She instinctively knows that teeth will be the best way to identify the remains and gains a spot on the team led by Det. Insp. Bruce Horne, who eventually realizes Alexa’s knowledge is invaluable. The dead man turns out to be Paul Koppel, a realtor and councilman whose policies and development plans were at odds with the Maori, for whom “boiling the head of an enemy is the ultimate revenge.” Koppel may also have trespassed on their sacred land. Johnson provides a fascinating view of New Zealand and insights into the Maori culture, but her characters, especially the underdeveloped Alexa, are still a work in progress. That said, armchair travelers will have fun. Agent: Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary. (Sept.)