Book Review: The Return of the Spanish Lady

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Return of the Spanish Lady     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Val Davis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Medical
Series: Nicolette Scott # 4
Dunne, Mar 2001, $22.95, 320 pp.

The E-Group, a powerful pharmaceutical company, offers to fund an expedition to the Aleutians to try to recover a shot down Japanese World War II plane, The Val. The National Air and Space Museum and its patrons would benefit if the Aichi D 3A 1 aircraft has survived weathering and can be recovered. The Smithsonian assigns Assistant Curator archeologist Nicolette Scott, known for her knowledge of airplanes, to represent them on the expedition.

Unbeknownst to Nicolette and her superiors, the E-Group has a more sinister agenda then recovering an old plane. Nick and other individuals on the trek are their expendable ticket to gain entrance to a natural wildlife range with an endangered species population residing there.

THE RETURN OF THE SPANISH LADY is a very good medical thriller with clever twists, but the publisher gives away the key plot on the back cover, ruining much of the suspense. Nick is an intriguing archeologist and much of the support cast such as the WW II vet Wes Erickson, the Smithsonian staff, and a Hammersmith grizzly bear seem genuine. The villains appear too amoral to be real, but move the tale forward. Still, avoid the back cover, wear warm layers of clothing and enjoy a fun thriller filled with excitement.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner