Graves, Ashna, Death Pans Out
March, 2007
288 pages, Poisoned Pen Press, $24.95 (1-59058-373-6)

Jeneva “Neva” Leopold, a journalist, is severely depressed after undergoing a double mastectomy. She retreats to the abandoned cabin of her Uncle Matthew in the desert of Eastern Oregon. Using exercise, simple living, and isolation to combat her depression, she begins to heal. She avoids the locals until they begin to intrude on her quiet life. Skipper Dooley, an artifact hunter, camps near her cabin and rancher Darla Steadman takes her riding. As she learns about life in the harsh desert region, she raises questions about her uncle: Why did he disappear years before, and why had he and her mother stopped speaking before that? The murder of a young miner sends her on a quest for more information. As she investigates, she encounters the eccentric inhabitants of the area and learns that the locals are sure that she is searching for her uncle’s hidden stash of gold. Fascinating characters, evocative descriptions of a relatively unknown area, and a first-rate plot make this an outstanding debut. This is a definitely a series to watch. - - Barbara Bibel