Stranger: A Death Valley Mystery

Melissa M. Garcia
iUniverse (2010)
ISBN 9781450236911
Reviewed by Marissa Libbit for Reader Views (12/10)

 

“Stranger” by Melissa M. Garcia is the fictional story of Ric and Alex Delgado, a brother and sister duo who manage a motel in “the middle of nowhere.”  Escaping their former lives they settle where there is likely to be no trouble, but a dead body interrupts their new quiet life.  A stranger’s death is just the type of crime that never happens in this small town, and everyone has a theory. 

Detective Stellar and his team of officers work to solve the murder while Alex and Ric have their own ideas.  Crossing paths with each other, additional lives are put in jeopardy. 

“Stranger” is a good book.  I really enjoyed reading it.  The murder isn’t too intense.  There aren’t too many characters.  There isn’t too much intrigue with twists and turns.  However, the characters are well-crafted and likable.  Alex is a tough, damaged young woman, but she’s smart, and I found myself rooting for her even as a suspect.  Ric is the protective older brother, and as is often true in real life, they both underestimate each other.  Detective Stellar plays a pivotal role as the small town police officer whose personal life interferes with the investigation. 

The plot contained in “Stranger” is enough to keep the reader guessing until the end.  I wanted to read to the end, and I cared about the characters.   I hope Ms. Garcia will continue to write as her stories are engaging and entertaining.

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