A Natural Death

In this complex and enjoyable novel, Private Investigator Fran Kirk works for, among others, Sunset Insurance Company. They carry insurance on Hickory Farms, an organic farm in New York. There has been a report that a farm employee by the name of Ben Grasse has been found dead with his body impaled on a pitchfork. Sunset wants the case investigated and if was an accident they will have to pay the claim. But, if they are lucky and it is murder, they don't.Fran investigates and it quickly becomes obvious that it was murder. Fran begins to uncover a host of suspects and even though Sunset says she is done, she stays involved on the edges thanks to being hired for a related problem. Slowly, she uncovers a mound of family secrets involving greed and betrayal and as other incidents begin to happen finds herself in the path of a killer. With so many suspects, the hard part is narrowing the group down and figuring out who can be trusted and who is the killer.Extremely well written, this novel is multi layered with complex realistic characters and an intriguing premise. The plot and storyline are also complex with plenty of twists and turns as well as a couple of shocking surpises. This is not a lightweight mystery but one that is complex, full of interesting characters, and plenty of action. Simply put, a very good read and not easily put down.

Fran Kirk is a very real character! Her internal monologue is hilarious and entertaining -- and true-to-life. She's flawed just like the rest of us, and has her weaknesse, but she's a great heroine. The mystery is entertaining and difficult to solve. I kept flipping pages to the end so I could find out whodunit! A fine mystery for reading in the easy chair on the weekend. Definitely deserved its Shamus Award nomination! Highly recommended!