Book Review: Stolen Blue

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

Stolen Blue Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Judith Van Gieson
Class/Genre: Mystery Amateur Sleuth Woman Main Character Senior Sleuths
Series: Claire Reynier # 1
Signet, Apr 2000, $5.99, 256 pp.

Librarian Claire Reynier heads up the Collection Department for Southwest research at the University of New Mexico. Her children are gown and left the nest and her divorce is final from her philandering spouse. Claire feels free not having to answer to anyone. Claire accepts an invitation from her former mentor Burke Lowell to come to his ranch alongside the Blue River to pick up his valuable collection that he is donating to the university. Claire witnesses Burke sign his will that leaves the ranch to Mariah Geraty, whom he recognizes as his long lost daughter. While Claire goes to sleep, an ailing Burke goes outside in the freezing weather to die.

As the executor of Burke’s will, Claire fights with his other children to defend what he wanted done. They feel Mariah coerced their father onto his action and refuse to believe that she is his child. Someone steals one of the books from Burke’s collection. Claire soon realizes that book, "The History of the Blue", has also been filched from every other known location in the area. Claire feels the will and the thefts connect so she begins investigating, not realizing the danger that will soon surface.

STOLEN BLUE is a beguiling mystery filled with fascinating and likable characters. Judith Van Gieson has created an admirable protagonist who at the crossroads of her life thrives on her new independence. The audience will want to know what happens to Claire in future installments of this charming series. Readers will obtain a genuine feel for the Southwest, especially the beauty of the land and the strength of the people who live there. Ms. Van Gieson proves she is a powerful storyteller with this interesting mystery.

Harriet Klausner

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