In less than a moment, unexplained intentions, then murder, upend life in Posadas County, New MexicoPosadas County, sitting along New Mexico’s southern border, has enjoyed a surge in visitors, jobs, and prosperity since rancher Miles Waddell used much of his inherited half billion to create an internationally renowned astronomy complex atop Torrance Mesa. Passion, not profit, drives Waddell. Yet … Yet benefits include a narrow gauge train linking the village of Posadas to NightZone. It’s a boon to employees and for nature lovers, hikers, and birders as well as star gazers.A ripple of unease is felt across the county with the arrival of developer—no, speculator—Kyle Thompson. Why did he and his wife quietly purchase a large scrubby acreage to the north of NightZone? Any light pollution would jeopardize Waddell’s success. “Lights are like cancer cells. One comes, others follow.”Unease grows with a drive-by shoot-up at the Posadas Register, its 25 shots wounding a reporter and the paper’s editor. Sheriff Bob Torrez and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman see a connection to NightZone…and worse, a connection with Torrez’s own nephew. Why?And then murder strikes…
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I’ve read all 24 of Steven Havill’s Posadas County Mysteries series and am amazed at how Havill can keep the creative plots and tension-filled plots coming. His books placed in a fictitious New Mexico county and are authentic and realistic. If you like reading suspense novels, with interesting, fleshed out characters in a southwestern setting, you’ll love this series.
If you’ve never read the Steve havill las posadas books, you’re missing a real treat. They are all wonderful. You will love the characters and the feel of the boot heel of New Mexico
A new couple have arrived in Posadas County to visit the land they purchased adjacent to NightZone. There is worry that development plans could adversely affect NightZone, the people who visit and the money they spend. While speculation continues, a drive by shooting occurs at the Posadas Register. Sheriff Bob Torrez and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman are puzzled as to who would shoot at the local newspaper office. Meanwhile Estelle’s famous son is visiting with plans to make his permanent residence in the village and former sheriff Bill Gastner is enjoying his search for the history of a gun he found years ago in the desert. Life is already hectic in Posadas…then there is a murder. Another complex mystery in Posadas County. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
LESS THAN A MOMENT by Steven F. Havill is the fourteenth book in the Posadas County mystery series. It is also my second book by this author in the series. It worked well as a standalone novel, but reading more of the series would provide more background information and show how the characters have grown over time.
The book is set in New Mexico in a southern county that has seen growth and prosperity since Mile Waddell built an astronomy complex on top of Torrance Mesa. It not only caters to stargazers, but also to hikers, birders, nature lovers, and its employees. Unease escalates when a developer buys land adjoining the Waddell’s land. Light pollution would threaten Waddle’s NightZone complex. The sheriff’s department gets actively involved when a drive-by shooting occurs at the local newspaper office followed by a suspicious death.
The main character in this novel is Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman, but there is a large array of supporting characters with their own idiosyncrasies. The characters felt real and three-dimensional. The relationships between the characters seemed believable and not contrived. This is a steadily-paced police procedural, not a thriller. The prose is vividly descriptive and readable. The plot is appealing, perfectly-paced, absorbing, and entertaining. There are numerous twists and turns leading to an ending that was somewhat sad, but definitely thought-provoking.
Overall, this was a well-written police procedural that explores various aspects of business, police procedures, family, friendship, and much more. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Steven F. Havill for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.