Reviewed by Jack Quick for Readers’ Favorite
“The Last Dance” by Lonna Enox: When the husband of Sorrel Janes is brutally murdered, Houston police suspect the crime may be related to Janes’s high-profile position as crime reporter for a Houston television station. A story on gangs had yielded more than the usual number of threats which in hindsight should have been taken more seriously. They recommend that she should leave the area, at least until they can get a better handle on the situation. Fortunately, Sorrel has property in Saddle Gap, a quiet little town in southwestern New Mexico. Her aunt had willed Sorrel a combination home and gift shop, which seems the ideal solution for her. She can pursue her hobby of photography and run the now dormant gift shop started by her aunt. Within a few days of her arrival in Saddle Gap, Sorrel and Flash the wonder cat are involved in not one, but two murders and an inquisitive detective Chris Reed seems determined to solve the murders as well as Sorrel’s secrets.
I was quite surprised and pleased that the skill of Ms. Enox kept me fully engaged throughout the book. Overall the style reminded me of early Marcia Muller. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone enjoying contemporary mysteries. Janes is certainly a usual character and worth following in subsequent outings. I look forward to more from Lonna Enox.

Needless to say, even if we do not win the competition, this is a very nice review.