Touch of Terror

Investigator Casey Farrel goes undercover to solve a series of murders neara resort town in northern Arizona. Ritual aspects of the crimes suggest cultlinks. Casey poses as a movie scout to explore the area and meet townresidents despite concerns of her detective boyfriend about the operation'sdangers. When she infiltrates the cult, she learns that for most members,the group promises self-enlightenment and recreational sex. However, themysterious, masked leader uses the cult as a cover for more deadly andlucrative purposes. To solve the case Casey must also travel to Los Angeles,overcoming unhappy memories of her past. Casey's conflict with her boss, herromance with a detective are standard mystery fare and Casey's ties torelatives of her Hopi mother seem perfunctory. The Southwest setting isevoked more fully by writers such as Tony Hillerman and Judith Van Gieson.An undemanding, quick read for mystery buffs who like straightforward,fast-moving plots and for those who enjoyed earlier books about Farrell.