Murder Canyon

Joan Blacher
Zumaya Publications (2002)    
ISBN 1894869648
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (6/06)


Eight years ago, Ardis Jensen quit her job as a forensic psychologist with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Office, devoting her time instead to the students at Clarion University as a counselor.  Ardis is happy to be away from the grim memories of her previous career, but when a body is found at the bottom of Casquez Canyon, missing a head and hands, unhappy recollections resurface.  Could the body be that of a Clarion University student?  Due to her ties to both forensic psychology and the counseling department at the university, Ardis is summoned by the police to help solve the gruesome murder mystery.  Fortunately for Ardis, the eerie memories that emerge make solving the crime quickly, finding the killer, and returning Clarion to a safe and happy town, a goal of utmost importance.  But could one of her patients be the killer?

 “Murder Canyon” is a good mystery the reader can get involved in, right along with Ardis.  Once the victim is identified, Ardis does her best to leave no clue untouched, but it becomes difficult to distinguish a friend from a killer.  And to spook her even more, Ardis’ husband Jim, must go out of the country on business, leaving Ardis alone in their empty house.  Of course, Ardis still has the neighbors to keep her company, but after witnessing some peculiar behavior, Ardis becomes frightened and questions who she can trust.  Her daily walk around the neighborhood that Ardis has always enjoyed now becomes a stroll of fear.

To get away from the stress of solving the mystery and to preserve her marriage, Ardis takes a short trip to go visit husband Jim who is still away at Cambridge.  It is here where a surprising clue is found which could help solve the mystery at the canyon.  But why has seemingly happy news been kept quiet, and how does it all fit together?  Being involved with the mystery also evokes unhappy childhood memories for Ardis, and she vows to forgive her mother for all the resentment she has held onto for so long, if ever given the chance to see her mother again. 

If you enjoy a good whodunit, you should enjoy “Murder Canyon”.  I found the setting of a small college town, where neighbors know neighbors, gave the story a hometown comforting touch.  Just like any good mystery, clues are discovered, researched, and then the puzzle pieces slowly come together.  Of course, we are thrown off track a few times, but that is what a good mystery does.

Author, Joan Blacher is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice for the past sixteen years and a former professor.  Blacher uses her knowledge of psychotherapy and teens in a most intelligent and entertaining way while writing her book.  I recommend “Murder Canyon” to mystery lovers of all ages.

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