M. E. Maki

Caitlyn is a graphic designer with a successful business in Washington, DC, but she travels to a small town in the Catskills when her cousin Todd is murdered. Todd is a nice high school boy, popular and a good athlete with an interest in the environment. Caitlyn wants to help with the investigation, especially after she meets Ethan, the Sheriff. She has a boyfriend, but it doesn't seem very serious and part of the book explores her deciding on their relationship. Ethan has his own entanglements that no one suspects.
Together they investigate Todd's murder which becomes increasingly complicated with all sorts of environment issues such as fracking and a plethora of suspects. I don't want to give too much away, but this is a rip-snorting ride of a mystery with a lot of twists before it is solved. I especially liked the neighbor farming family who came from the South and are mixed up with herbal folklore, but there are a lot of great characters. I hope to meet them all again in the next book.
I heartily recommend this book and enjoyed it immensely.… (meer)