Death of a Saint Maker

I enjoy reading Texana Jones mysteries to learn about the area, land & people. I have to wonder if the bobcat in this book was supposed to be named Phoebe and not Phobe. It bothered me.

This book opened both my and my husbands' eyes to the haunting beauties and chilling problems facing border dwellers in the Chihuahua desert regions and made us long to visit. Ms Martins' vivid description of Texana and her husband Clay (not to mention Phobe the bob cat) held our attention throughout the book. I did not find the build up slow, the trip to Sanchez's ranch and its contrast with the simple church where the body was found just painted the vast differences to be found in the area. The fact that a pit bull was suspected of being the Saint makers killer was unusual but animals sometimes are what humans teach them to be. Texana's generosity and curiosity lead her into danger (again) and she finds out that things are not always what they seem even for a Saint maker. The denouement was exciting, in all, a thoroughly good read.

Allana Martin's novels realistically capture the Rio Grande borderlands of the Big Bend. She has developed several of her characters through her series, so reading more than one work provides the reader with more character depth. Martin paints her heroine in realistic tones, revealing both good and questionable elements of her personality. Texana becomes embroiled in events that reach into diverse pieces of border culture--religious, folk, superstitous, cynical, and ordinary. The deadly influence of the great disparities between the two sides of the border that produce the drug lords, smuggling, and illegal trade in endangered species of this story are grounded in realities that those who live near Presidio know only too well. The local color in these novels runs true. This particular one is a fine example of Martin's style. If you enjoy it, read her others. If not, best stay away.

La Frontera is a region of the Chihuahuan Desert that straddles the border between Texas and Mexico, a place where Texana Jones runs a trading post. Texana heads south of the border to attend a special ceremony dedicated to the restoration of a century plus old chapel. When the doors are barred, Texana and the other guests break the lock and enter the chapel only to find the venerated Saint Maker dead. A vicious dog, dripping blood, races past everyone. Most attendees feel that the victim was killed by a mad dog, but Texana feels that the old woodcarver's death was more complex than a simple pit bull attack. Texana and her spouse visit Ghee Sanchez, a wealthy rancher, whose collection of work from the recent murder victim surprises Texana. Later, a DEA agent pleads with Texana to help them find evidence that Ghee is smuggling drugs. As other incidents closer to home occur, Texana begins to wonder if the sacred Saint Maker was involved in less saintly actions such as working with Ghee on smuggling drugs. As she gets closer to the truth, Texana better stay on red alert because there are powerful individuals who want everything kept quiet. DEATH OF A SAINT MAKER is an insightful who-done-it that brings to life the customs, problems, and lifestyle of the people living on the Texas-Mexico border. Though not for everyone, the slow moving story line adds to the region's ambiance and the characters provide a genuine touch to the novel. Allana Martin skillfully pays homage to the Southwest with her latest Texana Jones mystery (see DEATH OF A HEALING WOMAN for an equally slow-paced but discerning who-done-it). Harriet Klausner