Blood Lure, Nevada Barr, G P Putnam's Sons, 2001, 320 pp
The day I got home from our trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park, I opened Nevada Barr's ninth book in her National Park mystery series. In a way, it helped me preserve the wonder of being in wild spaces away from the madness of civilization.
Blood Lure take place in Glacier National Park in Montana, my favorite park of them all. Of course the madness of civilization does manage to invade the parks along with the humans who visit them. Another madness defies Anna Pigeon, the park ranger whose detective skills feature in these books. Grizzly bears!
Anna was sent to Glacier for training in the study of bears. She trains with Joan Rand, an experienced bear researcher and a much more trusting soul than Anna.
While they are in the back country performing research activities, a grizzly attacks their campsite. The teenage boy working as an assistant to Joan goes missing and a camper who turns out to be the boy's stepmother is found dead of a broken neck with the flesh of her face cut away.
Anna is called upon by the Chief Ranger to help with the investigation. As usual, she is the most competent and must solve what appears to be a family psychological puzzle as well as find the guilty bear.
I think this is my favorite so far, but I may have said that about her last book. Anna is almost supernatural in her daring and life threatening investigation. Or does the strange young man she encounters have special powers? Or is it the bear?
Great bloodcurdling read!
i've heard that Ms. Barr writes exciting books but i'm more comfortable with uncurdled blood haha... still, it's nice to know the name of park ranger authors in case i'm ever stuck in an elevator with a grizzly (who knows: pretty strange things happening nowadays...)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the most entertaining comment I have had here in a while!
DeleteSounds like another great read. I'm glad you are enjoying this series.
ReplyDeleteSufficiently intriguing. Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteI've read all of her books, been a devoted fan through the years, and I know I read this one even though I find it hard to remember the details now. They all sort of blend together after a while. But I know I loved it because I've loved them all!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to be following in your footsteps!
DeleteYeah I'd like to read this one for the bear parts & Glacier scenery. We live a few hours away. Blood Lure sounds like just the thing for a quick pace read.
ReplyDeleteI looked up your city on a map of Canada and you are close for sure. I imagine you have visited the park. Barr's books are definitely quick paced.
DeleteThis sounds both interesting and different. I assume that the best was framed:)
ReplyDeleteI find every one of her books different, due in part to the locations.
DeleteThis sounds like a great read for this time of the year! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, it was!!
DeleteThis one sounds like a perfect read for this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteIt is and I find all of Nevada Barr's books good for any time of year!
DeleteGreat review! One of my next projects is to FINALLY start this series
ReplyDeleteI just know you will love it!
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