Golden Eagle Press (Paperback), ISBN: 1-891940-05-8
The Tempe Crabtree mystery series continues in Unequally Yoked, and am I ever glad to meet this protagonist again! In her first appearance, Tempe -- part Yanduchi Indian, newly married to a Christian pastor and deputy-in-residence in Bear Creek, a small community in the Sierra Mountains -- captivated me and made me an adoring fan.

Tempe's heritage and her husband's calling collide in Unequally Yoked, the second book in the series, but Tempe cannot give way to her husband's religious objections. She must involve herself with her tribe's shaman in order to find and bring to justice the person or persons who kidnapped a little girl.

The toddler vanished in the night, though her family tent still harbored her older brother and sister. The girl's mother and her mother's boyfriend slumbered in the car. The boyfriend's rap sheet lists child abuse, among other things. The mother's rap sheet records convictions for drugs. The little girl's father, a member of Tempe's tribe, fought for custody and lost.

Tempe's new husband disapproves strongly -- strongly enough to jeopardize their marriage -- when the Bear Creek deputy decides to take part in a shamanistic ceremony that consults spirits. The pastor considers it a danger to to Tempe's soul, but Tempe knows she must do whatever she can to find the child's abductor. And if that means finding out more about her Native American heritage, she will do it despite the consequences.

Dedicated and all too human, Tempe battles to do her job, save her marriage, even when these goals seem mutually exclusive.

As a reader, I find this series totally absorbing. Far from a wonder woman, Tempe continues to do what she has to do despite her flaws -- a fact that in no way detracts from the excellent mystery plot. I can't recommend this series highly enough -- and I am already anxious to read the next book.

Patricia Lucas White

Patricia Lucas White's latest historical novel, To Last a Lifetime, was an Eppie finalist for 2003. To Last a Lifetime and two of her fantasy romances, the Sapphire Award-winning A Wizard Scorned and The Godmother Sanction, can be ordered through Hard Shell Word Factory. Her recent contemporary, PS, I've Taken a Lover, is available from Lionhearted Books.

Click here to share your views.