Wildcrafters

Yes, the wild life and rough weather of the Olympus peninsula, are described terrifically here, along with the shady manipulations of some "herbal" drug specialists. What a fwwl for the flora and fauna this author has! A nice mystery too, even if a little obvious by the author's clear sympathies. Some nice characterizations, too..But the story did drag a bit, and the soap opera was thankfully kept under wraps. All in all, a nice effort, particularly for an Easterner not familiar with this Washington State locale.

Wildcrafters marks the third appearance for Skye Kathleen Moody's Venus Diamond, Fish and Wildlife agent, who postpones her honeymoon with new husband, Richard Winters, in order to search for a kidnapped Native American baby. Venus discovers a relationship between the kidnapping and the slaughter and mutilation of the Roosevelt Elk. Moody has done her research thoroughly and has produced an exciting mystery with interesting, well-developed characters, and a careful weaving of several subplots dealing with issues between modern society and the fragile environoment. This is another excellent novel in the Venus Diamond series set in the Pacific Northwest.

The disappearance of the Nighteagle baby forces Fish and Wildlife Services Special Agent Venus Diamond and her husband, environmental expert Richard Winter, to delay their honeymoon. Her boss asks Venus to head up the search in Washington's Bogachiel National Wildlife Preserve because no one knows the area any better. Elk poaching and the gathering of illegal plants by wildcrafters in the same area where the child vanished also worries the federal agency. Evidence surfaces that someone is snatching environmentally protected plants. Apparently, the plants are mixed with human growth hormones and keratin from the hooves of elks in order to make an elixir reported to be a fountain of youth. As Venus, with Richard's help, search for the infant, they place themselves in danger from individuals who plan to keep their lucrative business going even if it means eliminating the threat of Federal interference. WILDCRAFTERS is a superb Pacific Northwest mystery that demonstrates Skye Kathleen Moody's skills in tying together several subplots into a brilliant novel. The witty Venus is clearly a 24 carat diamond of a character. Her support cast, especially her new spouse, augments her impudent personality while moving forward the tale. Anyone who wants a true taste of Washington state needs to try this novel and the previous two Diamond books (BLUE POPPY and RAIN DANCE) for a whimsical, entertaining treat with an environmental messagetied to the story.Harriet Klausner

The disappearance of the Nighteagle baby forces Fish and Wildlife Services Special Agent Venus Diamond and her husband, environmental expert Richard Winter, to delay their honeymoon. Her boss asks Venus to head up the search in Washington's Bogachiel National Wildlife Preserve because no one knows the area any better. Elk poaching and the gathering of illegal plants by wildcrafters in the same area where the child vanished also worries the federal agency. Evidence surfaces that someone is snatching environmentally protected plants. Apparently, the plants are mixed with human growth hormones and keratin from the hooves of elks in order to make an elixir reported to be a fountain of youth. As Venus, with Richard's help search for the infant, they place themselves in danger from individuals who plan to keep their lucrative business going even if it means eliminating the threat of Federal interference. WILDCRAFTERS is a superb Pacific Northwest mystery that demonstrates Skye Kathleen Moody's skills in tying together several subplots into a brilliant novel. The witty Venus is clearly a 24 carat diamond of a character. Her support cast, especially her new spouse, augments her impudent personality while moving forward the tale. Anyone who wants a true taste of Washington state needs to try this novel and the previous two Diamond books (BLUE POPPY and RAIN DANCE) for a whimsical, entertaining treat with an environmental messagetied to the story.