Wild Penance.

Ault, Sandi. -- Library Journal, 02/02/2010

Berkley Prime Crime. Feb. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-425-23232-3. $24.95. M

In her fourth Southwestern adventure (after Wild Sorrow, Wild Inferno, and Wild Indigo), Bureau of Land Management agent Jamaica Wild sets out to piece together a fascinating puzzle that revolves around a secret religious sect society known as the Los Penitentes, but her research turns into a hunt for a killer when she sees a body on a cross tossed off a bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge. Neither medicine woman Momma Anna, her spiritual teacher, nor Father Medina can shed light on the crucified victim. Verdict Ault’s love of the outdoors and her respect for American Indian culture are evident in her vivid descriptions of the culture, people, and northern New Mexico landscape. Nevada Barr fans and mystery aficionados still mourning the late Tony Hillerman will snap this one up as well as other titles in the Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning series. Enthusiastically recommended. —Melody Ballard, Pima Cty. P.L., AZ