Cactus Heart

Jon Talton
Poisoned Pen Press (2007)
ISBN 1590583531
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/07)

David Mapstone used to be a history professor, now he is a Deputy Sheriff in the Phoenix area. After accidentally discovering the bones of two young brothers who had been kidnapped during the Depression era, Mapstone starts investigating their deaths. The boys appear to be Andrew and Woodrow Yarnell, grandsons of a cattle baron. They had been kidnapped and held for ransom, but their bodies were never discovered. The suspected kidnapper, Jack Talbott, had been executed and a woman believed to be his accomplice, still remained incarcerated. Prior to his execution, Talbott insisted that the boy’s uncle was involved. DNA evidence leads to further intrigue in this mystery. Things just don’t add up like they should.

A murder and an attempted murder of Yarnell family members lead Mapstone to wonder if these attacks are related to the investigation of the kidnappings. As he is investigating this case, he is also dealing with his own relationship issues. A much younger lover appears to be exiting from his life, while a beautiful but mysterious new woman is entering. He also has his boss moving into his home while he is sorting out his own relationship issues.

Author Jon Talton has written an excellent mystery. I love how he ties the past into the present. There are also some unexpected twists in the story. Not everybody is who they seem to be. “Cactus Heart” is a prequel to his David Mapstone mysteries. I enjoyed this story so much that I look forward to reading his other novels. I highly recommend this novel to mystery fans. It would also be a great one for a readers group.

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